EC Manchester Pre-Arrival to First Day

Home Schools Learn English in the UK EC Manchester Pre-Arrival to First Day

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?

If you have booked an EC airport transfer, on arrival at Manchester Airport please turn on your phone and your driver will be ready to contact you either by phone or message. Your driver will direct you to the place to meet outside the arrivals lounge. Should you have any delays or cancellations on your journey, our driver will be monitoring your flight to ensure they are ready to greet you at the correct time.
If you have problems and cannot contact your driver then please call the EC emergency number on +44 (0) 7474 460908 (from the information desk or a mobile phone).

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

Please ask at the information desk for them to direct you telling them “I have a transfer booked with my school, could you please do a call out for my driver”. If you still have problems then please call the taxi emergency number – +44 (0) 7799693566. (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). I am an EC Manchester student. 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) 7799693566 (from the information desk or a mobile phone). (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?

Transport for Greater Manchester (https://tfgm.com/) runs daily service on buses, trains, and trams between the airport, city centre and surrounding towns between 6:00am and midnight. Please click the link for information on prices. Black taxis are also available from outside the airport.

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?

You can take the train or tram to Piccadilly Station.

What time should I arrive?

9:00 am.

What should I bring with me?

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

Passport and visa

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?

In case of bad weather, public transport strikes etc, please check the EC Manchester 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:

Orientation talk
A speaking assessment
Welcome activity

Your first day will end at around 16:00

What will my timetable be?

You will receive your timetable on your first day.

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 Manchester

17-21 Boulton House, Chorlton Street,

Manchester, M1 3HY, UK

See Inside

Phone number: +44 (0) 161 233 1000

Emergency number:

(For use outside of office hours only. Call or WhatsApp)
+44 (0) 7474460908

Airport Transfer Emergencies: +44 (0) 7799693566

Opening Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Office hours

08:30 – 18:00

Closed

08:30 – 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