Cambridge Pre-Arrival to First Day

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Get Ready for Your EC Experience

Essential Information to Prepare for Your Journey

Pre-Arrival

MyEC

What is MyEC?

MyEC is a personalised study tool and powerful learning companion throughout your EC journey. It also offers information about your EC centre, accommodation and about living in your chosen destination.

Your Online Placement Test

To help us place you in the right level when you start studying with us, you must complete your Online Placement test before you arrive at school.
If you do not complete this test before your first day, you may miss some of the first day activities and/or class time as this test must be completed before you start class.
The Online Placement Test focuses on Reading, Writing and Use of English (Grammar and Vocabulary) and consists of 66 questions.
Your speaking level will be assessed on your first day in school
For the instructions on how to complete your Online Placement Test, please go to Preparing for your Arrival

When can I access MyEC?

You will have access to MyEC as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Start by logging in here: https://signin.ecenglish.com/student

What else must I do on MyEC before my arrival?

Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home
Complete your Important Personal Details Form
Complete yout Needs Analysis Form
Complete your placement test
Fill in the pre-arrival survey

Arrival

Arrival at Airport

I want an EC airport transfer, can I arrive at any time?

If you have booked accommodation with EC you must arrive at the airport between 08:00 and 20:00. Late/early arrivals may be asked to book alternative accommodation

What information do I need to give to book an airport transfer?

Please provide your flight number, arrival time, terminal and airport of origin – minimum 2 week in advance.

Who will I meet at the airport?

You will meet an EC transportation representative holding sign with the EC logo and your name. They will be waiting for you at Arrivals.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?

If after 10 minutes you cannot see the EC representative, just call +44 (0)7342037743 (from the information desk or a mobile phone). (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456). I cannot find my EC representative. I am at the information desk.)

What should I do if I have missed my flight or my flight is delayed?

You should notify EC by calling +44 (0)7342037743 (from the information desk or a mobile phone) to rearrange your transfer time and avoid additional cost. (Useful phrase to use: My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456) and my flight has been changed. My new flight number is (1234) arriving at (time).

What should I do if I haven’t booked an EC transfer?

National Express and National Rail can be booked directly at the airport. You can ask the dedicated desks, the Information Desk or directly online: National Rail https://www.nationalrail.co.uk and National Express https://www.nationalexpress.com/en – please click the links for information on prices.

Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation?

Your homestay will give you a warm and personal welcome. All our hosts are fully briefed on how to make you feel comfortable and prepared for your first day of lessons.

First Sunday Activities

What should I do on the Sunday before school starts?

You will have the option of participating in activities arranged by EC. This is an opportunity to meet other new EC students, relax and be introduced to your new city together. With an EC staff member on hand, you can also ask any questions you may have. We will notify you of the Sunday activity schedule around 2 weeks before you start school.

Learn more about our Orange Carpet Experience

Your First Day at School

How can I find my way to school?

You can find this information on your EC Accommodation Profile, or feel free to ask your hosts or residence staff.

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation?

The school is located on Guildhall Place in the centre of town. You can take any bus to the city centre and then walk across the Grand Arcade (4 minutes) to the school.

What time should I arrive?

8:30am.

What should I bring with me?

It’s important to bring these with you on your first day:

Passport and visa
Your credit card to pay for any outstanding fees
Financial Guarantee Letter if you are sponsored by the government
Your own notebook and pens

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?

In case of bad weather, public transport strikes etc, please check the EC Cambridge Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.

What can I expect on my first day?

You’ll experience the best possible welcome into the EC family on your first day. Enjoy undivided staff attention in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Here’s what your first day will include:

Detailed schedule of the day
Orientation talk
A speaking assessment
‘How We Learn’ – session on how you’ll succeed with EC, including our teaching styles and methods

What will my timetable be?

You will receive your timetable at school at 10:30am

Public holidays

What happens on public holidays?

Schools do not open on public holidays, so if Monday is a public holiday, your first day at the school will be on Tuesday.
2025 Public holidays on a weekday: 01 Jan, 10 Feb, 19 Mar, 31 Mar, 18 Apr, 01 May, 15 Aug, 08 Sep, 08 Dec, 25 Dec and 26 Dec01 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec.

Centre Information

EC Cambridge

3 Guildhall Chambers, Guildhall Place,

Cambridge CB2 3AE, UK

See Inside

Phone number: +44 (0)1223 464364

Emergency number:

(For use outside of office hours only)
+44 (0)7342037743

Opening Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

08:30 – 18:00

Closed

8:30 – 18:00

Map

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

This is a sample timetable, times may change and are not guaranteed.

Sample Timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 – 10:30	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 12:15	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A
12:15 – 13:00	Lunch Break
13:00 – 14:30	Special Focus Classes
14:30 – 14:45	Break
14:45 – 16:15	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B
16:15 – 16:30	Break
16:30 – 18:00	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B	Core Class A	Core Class B
After school	Language activities & social events/ free time/ study time