Student visas
UK Students
Most countries will probably require you to have a visa to permit you to enter. Make sure you apply for your visa well before you travel as foreign embassies vary in how long they take to approve applications. There are British embassies all over the world that can help you find important information for your holiday or short break. To find a British embassy, see the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/find-an-embassy/.
International Students
The UK border agency has differing rules for visa applications, depending on your nationality and student status (if you're studying at university in the UK.) The official British Government website for visa services http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ will help you through the process and has an easy to use system to ascertain whether you will need to apply for a UK visa. You may require an additional visa depending on the purpose of your visit. The reason for your visit, your nationality and current country of residence will all affect the type of visa needed and how long it may take to be approved.