Pre-departure guide

Transcription

1 Pre-departure guide

2 Pre-departure guide Welcome Body text Dear student Welcome to INTO Scotland at Glasgow Caledonian University. We are delighted that you have chosen us for your future study plans and we promise you will enjoy your educational journey with us. INTO Scotland is home to students from different cultures and nationalities around the world. This diverse environment will be ideal for you to make new friends while learning and studying in a very positive place. We pride ourselves in being a friendly and welcoming centre. Our INTO Scotland staff are experienced in dealing with international students and will always be there for you if you need any help or guidance throughout your time with us. As the time is getting closer we are excited to meet and welcome you at INTO Scotland. I would like to encourage you to always come and see me if you have any enquiries. As you are starting a new phase of your life, moving to a different country and studying in a UK university, I would strongly advise you to read the attached pre-departure guide. We have designed this guide to provide you with important information regarding your arrival in the UK and your life as a student. Please read it carefully and make sure you have understood the information included in this guide. We wish you a safe flight and will be looking forward to meeting you soon. Brenda McMahon Centre Director Start dates All students should plan to arrive two days prior to your programme start date please ensure you arrive on time! 2

3 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Meet the INTO Scotland team Tony Gilroy Amanda Brooks Lisa Freckleton Kristen Nichol Student Support Manager Head of Student Services Student Services and Student Services Coordinator and Systems Welfare Coordinator Monica Smith Ibrahim Alkhader Katya Zharova Lilly Hou Student Services Coordinator Arabic Language Advisor Russian Language Advisor Chinese Language Advisor Robert Graham Lorna Campbell Craig McKellar Marie Martin Head of Marketing Marketing and Finance Officer Student Services Coordinator and Sales Communications Coordinator Contents Welcome 2 Meet the INTO Scotland team 3 Before you leave 4 Before you arrive in the UK 5 Arrival at the airport 6 Arriving at INTO Scotland 7 Airport collection form 8 Money 10 Orientation programme 11 Registering for your course 12 Making the most of your first week 14 Social programme 15 Health and safety 16 Key contacts, useful numbers and websites 17 Maps 18

4 Pre-departure guide Before you leave Checklist before you leave home Please make sure you have completed everything on this checklist before you leave home. As soon as possible: 1. Have you paid full fees for your tuition, accommodation and insurance (if applicable)? 2. Have you returned your Arrival Details Form to 3. Do you require an INTO airport taxi transfer? If so, please complete Section 3 of the Arrival Details Form and the Credit Card form. 4. Have you booked your accommodation? 5. Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months? 6. Have you applied for and received your visa for sponsor licence J5TNG1750? One or two weeks before you leave for the UK: 7. Have you organised cash and pound sterling traveller s cheques to bring with you? 8. Do you know your airline s luggage allowance and have you packed accordingly? What to bring with you: 9. Have you packed all relevant original documentation or certified copies including your: INTO Offer Letter INTO CAS statement if required IELTS certificate or original English Language test result Any other original documents/transcripts listed in your Offer Letter/CAS Statement, for example your high school certificate or home university certificates including translations (if originals are not in English). You will need these to register and enrol on your course and to extend your visa in the UK when you need to Passport and Visa/Identity card 2 passport photographs Bank statement (no more than 1 month old showing the required funds for 28 days) as evidence to show the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in the UK 10. Have you got your documents for medical registration? Immunisation History Book UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Visa Tuberculosis Screening Certificate (if you have one) 11. Have you put the emergency telephone numbers into your mobile phone (to be put into your hand luggage)? 12. Do you have: Photographs from home? Waterproof coat and shoes? Addresses, phone numbers and addresses of friends and family? 4

5 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Before you arrive in the UK Applying for a UK student visa Most international students from outside the European Union who wish to take a full-time course in the UK must apply for a visa prior to leaving their home country. You can check your status on the following website: immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1/ If you are a visa national you can apply for a Student Visitor Visa for courses of six months or less; an Extended Student Visitor Visa for English language courses only for courses of between 6 11 months; a Tier 4 (General) Student visa for English language courses at or above B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) the UK Border agency have assessed this as equivalent to an IELTS score of 4.0 with no less than 4.0 in each sub-skill; or a Tier 4 (General) Student visa for courses at Level 3 or above on the National Qualifications framework (NQF) at an institution which is a Highly Trusted Sponsor. How will the Points Based System (PBS) affect my entry clearance/student visa application? If you are a visa national and you apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is an electronic number we will provide for you. Applying for your Tier 4 (General) Student visa to come to the UK When you apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa you must include a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. We will send your CAS details when you confirm your unconditional offer of a place to study and pay your deposit/full fees. Your CAS will not be sent more than six months before the start of your course. The CAS number will be included in a letter called a CAS Statement. This will also include important information needed for your visa application. You can only apply for your visa three months or less before the start of your course. The start date is published on your CAS Statement. If you plan to arrive on a different date you must let us know. This is very important as we must inform the UK Border Agency (UKBA) if you do not arrive on time. If you change your mind and want to study at another institution, you have to tell us before you come to the UK so we can cancel your CAS with UKBA, and you can re-apply for your visa with a CAS from a different sponsor. Changes to your student registration status We must tell the UK Border Agency about any students who have an entry clearance visa issued under PBS rules who fail to arrive for the start of a course, withdraw from a course, defer or suspend their studies, or fail to attend for significant periods of time. Meeting immigration staff at the airport When you arrive at a UK airport, you should be prepared to answer some questions about yourself, including where you will be staying and what you intend to do during your time in the UK. You may be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the airport doctor, which might include an X-ray. The health check will take place in a separate room. Afterwards, you will need to return to Immigration Control. Please note that if you have already studied in the UK and are changing your education provider, you will need to apply for a visa for your new course with us. This could take up to 40 days. It is a criminal offence to start a course with a different educational provider before you have applied for your new visa from the Home Office. We will not be able to register you on the course unless you have a valid visa. To find out more: We advise that you check these websites regularly for up to date and accurate information. UK Border Agency: British Embassy/High Commission advice on where you can apply for a visa: wheretoapply UKCISA (Council for International Student Affairs) Advice for international students: 5

6 Pre-departure guide Arrival at the airport Planning your journey We would recommend that you travel by air direct to Glasgow through any of the airports serving the city. Once you have booked and confirmed your flight details, you must inform us of your travel and arrival plans. All students must complete the Arrival Details Form, which can be found on pages 8 and 9 of this guide, and return it by fax or . Arriving in Scotland by air There are two airports serving Glasgow: Glasgow International Airport (13 km from the city), which is the city s most convenient airport to get to and from Europe and the rest of the world; and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (46 km from the city). Edinburgh Airport is approximately one hour from Glasgow. GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tel: +44 (0) By bus: several services leave from the terminal forecourt and terminate at Buchanan Street Bus Station, just next to Glasgow Caledonian University. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes and there are frequent services on offer from the following companies. Airlink 747 runs from (Bus Stop 3), Service 905 runs (Bus Stop 2), The Glasgow Flyer (service 500) runs 24 hours a day (Bus Stop 1). See for more information. Fares range from GLASGOW PRESTWICK AIRPORT Tel: +44 (0) By train from Prestwick Airport you can take a train straight to Glasgow Central Station. Tickets to Central Station can be bought at the desk in the airport, and there are signs to point you in the direction of the correct platform. All flight passengers are entitled to a 50% discount off the price of a rail ticket simply show your flight details when you are buying your ticket. Time: around 50 minutes. Cost: between 5 and 10. By bus: service number X77 runs outside of train service hours. Time: Between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Cost: Approximately 8. EDINBURGH AIRPORT Tel: +44 (0) The easiest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow is by taxi, although it is cheaper to travel by bus into Edinburgh city centre (there are several services which depart from outside the UK Arrivals doors on the terminal forecourt), then travel to Glasgow by bus or train. The journey should take from 1 2 hours. See for detailed journey information. 6

7 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Arriving at INTO Scotland INTO Scotland Airport Transfer Service (Meet and Greet) We look forward to arranging your airport collection. This service can be arranged from Glasgow International Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Edinburgh Airport. Payment for the transfer service must be made at least seven working days in advance as per the charges below: Glasgow International Airport 45 Glasgow Prestwick Airport 85 Edinburgh Airport 125 If you have booked an airport transfer, you should pass through Immigration and Baggage Reclaim into the Arrivals Hall. Our Meet & Greet representative will be carrying a name card for you. The taxi driver will have your address details and will know your destination but have it ready with you as well. If you have any problems with the airport transfer service, please contact us on the INTO Scotland Arrival Number (+44 (0) ) or phone Glasgow Taxis (+44 (0) ). We strongly recommend that you arrive at INTO Scotland on the weekend before your orientation programme begins. This will allow us to give you the warmest of welcomes and ensure that you move directly into your accommodation. If you have not reserved an airport collection or are living in private accommodation you still need to confirm your arrival by calling us on our arrival number (+44 (0) ), and by completing your arrival details form. Please check your welcome information upon arrival which gives details on where to go on the first day of your course which will be the INTO Centre. You should report to the INTO Centre at 9am. All students will take an English Language Test during induction week and need to achieve the required grade to progress to their chosen course. It is important that you attend all induction activities which commence at 9am on the first day of the course. Failure to do so may result in you being unable to register on time for your course. 7

8 Pre-departure guide Arrival details form All students must complete this arrival details form and return one week before your course start date by to or fax to +44 (0) / +44 (0) Section 1 (compulsory) Personal details Family name (surname) Other/given names (first name) address Mobile phone number INTO number (please refer to offer letter) Section 2 (compulsory) Arrival details into the UK and confirmation of accommodation Country flight departs from Date of arrival in Scotland Arrival Airport Flight number Time of arrival in Scotland (am/pm) Terminal Name of airline If you are organising your own transfer from the airport: Arrival date at INTO Scotland: Accommodation/Centre Arrival time at INTO Scotland (am/pm): Accommodation/Centre Any special requirements Please make sure that you book a flight which arrives on the weekend before your course start date. If on arrival you require a taxi to meet you and will be staying in a hotel or other accommodation not arranged by INTO then please provide the address Section 3 (optional) Airport transfer booking If you would like a taxi to meet you at your UK arrival airport and take you to your accommodation please tick one of the following boxes and complete the credit card section below 45 Glasgow International Airport 85 Glasgow Prestwick Airport 125 Edinburgh Airport I do not require an airport transfer 8

9 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Section 4 If you will be under 18 on arrival and do not require INTO to meet you at the airport and arrange a transfer then the following section must be completed Name of person meeting the student: Address of person meeting the student: Mobile telephone number: Name of parent: Signature of parent: Date: Credit card form Payments over 50 by credit card are subject to a 2% surcharge and debit cards to a 1 surcharge. This will be taken from the card in addition to the amount stated in section 3 of this form. CREDIT CARD DETAILS To enable fees to be debited from your credit card, please complete the details below. VISA CREDIT MASTERCARD DEBIT If DEBIT, please specify type: Please note, the University will only accept transactions using the following cards: Mastercard, Visa, Solo, Maestro, Electron or Visa debit. Credit/debit card number Card start date / (mm/yy) Card expiry date / (mm/yy) Issue number Security code This is the last three digits of the code found on the back of your card. Cardholder name Billing address Please return this form by to admissions.finance@into.uk.com or fax to +44 (0) / +44 (0)

10 Pre-departure guide Money Currency Currency across the UK is the pound sterling ( GBP). One pound is divided into one hundred pence (100p). Notes are issued to the value of 50, 20, 10, and 5 and coins to the value of 2, 1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. Please note that 50 notes are very uncommon and should be avoided as they can often be the target of counterfeiters. In addition to Bank of England Sterling notes, the major banks in Northern Ireland and Scotland are entitled to issue their own sterling notes, so it may take some time to get used to all these different types of paper money! We do not advise carrying large sums of cash with you on arrival. We recommend that you bring enough money with you to cover the first couple of weeks after your arrival no more than 250 in cash for your immediate needs should suffice. It is safer to bring large sums of money in travellers cheques, which can be cashed in banks, post offices and airports but often there is a minimum commission charge. Please avoid carrying large sums of cash or keeping large amounts in your room for safety reasons. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the UK, MasterCard (Access) and Visa credit cards being the most common. Diner s Club and American Express are less so. You can withdraw cash from a cashpoint machine (also known as an ATM ) if you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that card. You may want to inform your current bank that you are going to the UK and to ask if you can use your card here. Bank accounts If you are going to be here for longer than six months, we strongly recommended you open a UK bank account, as soon as possible, after arriving in the UK. UK banks are open 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturday mornings. If you bring a banker s draft in sterling with you (payable to yourself) or arrange for it to be sent, then you can open an account at a bank after you have registered on your course. It may also be useful to bring a letter from your bank at home (or some other documentation) to confirm your credit status. We will provide you with further information and support on opening accounts during your induction week. In order to open a bank account you will need the following: your passport proof you are a student we will issue you with an official bank letter after registration proof of address. For further advice on opening bank accounts in the UK, you can visit: Living costs It is estimated that a single student will need approximately a month to meet their basic living expenses. This is just an indication and will alter depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. It is important to plan and budget your finances for living in the UK; it s not just your course fees you need to think about. If you want help with planning and budgeting your finances, the following international student website may be useful: index.asp 10

11 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Orientation programme Induction programme At the start of your course you will receive a full induction (providing you arrive the weekend before the start date of the course). This will vary in length according to which course you will be studying and it is a great opportunity to meet staff and students and find out more about the University and local area. You should attend all sessions. The induction programme will usually include: welcome talks information sessions with INTO Student Services, the Students Union, security staff an English language placement test social activities a city orientation tour of Glasgow a campus tour. Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Welcome from Head of Student Services and Centre Director 9.50 Welcome from Speaking Tests (students Given Appointments on Monday) Student Association presentation and Tour Finance Checks Academic / English Programme International Information Mop Up Manager Session Campus Tours Health and Safety Presentation Attendance Presentation Break Break Registration Session Student Support Services presentation Social Programme Presentation Normal Classes as per Timetable Question and Answer Session Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch English Language Testing (IUPT and Writing) University Registration Orientation week is very useful. There is an introduction to all the teachers, the classes and the opportunity to meet and greet other students. We were given Information about the Centre and the essential information about your chosen course. The Student Services Staff provide you with the necessary information to ensure your study is as best quality as it can be. Eronjha Adderley McIntosh The Bahamas The following is an example time table for the September and January orientation programme. Glasgow City Bus Tour Normal Classes as per Timetable Normal Classes as per Timetable Normal Classes as per Timetable Glasgow City Walking Tour Social Event to be confirmed Students starting programmes not in September and January will enjoy a shorter orientation programme

12 Pre-departure guide Registering for your course English language testing You must come to the INTO Scotland centre to register for your course at 9am on the first working day after your arrival. You will be met at the reception desk by a member of our reception team who will direct you to the induction room where you will be welcomed by members of the INTO Scotland team. You will be required to bring the following documentation on the first day to allow you to register: Passport and Visa (Tier 4, sponsor licence number: J5TNG1750). Fees (if not already paid). IELTS or other relevant evidence of English proficiency. Original qualification certificates relevant to the course you have applied for. Up to date address for home country and next of kin details. Contact details for your residence in the UK, including mobile telephone number. During induction you will have a welcome talk from The Head of Student Services, the relevant programme manager and the Centre Director. The rest of the week s timetable will also be explained by the Induction Coordinator, which will include the registration process and the English verification tests. You will have already provided evidence of your English language qualifications and we will give you an online test so that we can verify your ability. Once you are fully registered on your course you will be able to collect your username and password which will allow you to register with the University and your student ID card. This will also give you access to University computers essential for accessing Blackboard where all programme handouts will be uploaded. All students will be given a GCU account. Police registration Some nationalities are required to complete police registration within seven days of arrival (please check your Visa conditions to see if this applies to you). The INTO Scotland Office require a copy of the police registration certificate. GP registration All students must register with a GP. INTO Scotland will assist students wishing to register with Woodside Health Centre. Embassy registration ALL INTO Scotland students MUST register with the embassy of their home country after arrival in the UK. Very important Any change to personal details (phone number, address etc.) Must be reported to into scotland (forms are kept at reception). 12

13 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) On the first day at INTO Scotland and the University, the staff showed us around the city of Glasgow; they will show you the direction of the banks, shops, post office and police station and help you to open a bank account. The team at INTO Scotland also gives new students welcome packs that contain information about the university, the city and everything else you need to know about living and studying in Glasgow. If you have any problems and questions about the city or the classes, the Students Services team at INTO Scotland is always there to give you some good advice and help the students work out the problem. Yolanda Guo China 13

14 Pre-departure guide Making the most of your first week On arrival we will provide you with a free SIM card to use in the UK which also has one free international call on it, so you can call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. This will give you cheap rates to phone internationally and will be much cheaper than your current SIM card or any other UK network providers. Alternatively, you can always download Skype, a free computer programme that allows you to use your computer like a phone and place international calls for free to other Skype users. Depending on your computer web cameras are also supported. Please remember that when you arrive in the UK you will have travelled a long way from home and although this will be an exciting time, please do remember that your family and friends may worry about you. Remember to contact them and let them know that you are safe! Other things to remember: attend ALL your classes and tutorials always be on time be prepared for your classes care for others feelings and cultures feel free to ask questions whenever you need to join social events and sports clubs. There are lots to choose from so ask the INTO staff keep your accommodation clean and tidy overcome problems by sharing them with your friends, teachers and INTO staff practise English as much as you can and in as many places as you can your academic progress and your behaviour will always be monitored. 14

15 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Social programme A number of events will be organised during your stay with INTO Scotland. We hope that by attending these, you will become a little more familiar with the local area, and will have the opportunity to make friends and practise speaking English in social situations. There will be many occasions when you can mix socially with both staff and other students. We will attempt to give you a flavour of the kinds of things British people do in their spare time. Regular features are football, basketball, trips to the cinema and international lunches. We also have a social events suggestion box and welcome ideas for days out from our current students. As well as our own social programme our International Student Service department offers a range of events and activities, all of which are displayed on our social programme notice board in the main reception area. Attractions we have previously run at INTO Scotland include trips to: Pollock Country Park Glasgow s West End Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park Edinburgh Castle Loch Lomond Stirling Castle Lanark and New Lanark Whisky Distillers trips to the Glasgow transport museum. Some attractions also include an entrance fee and you will be required to bring or buy lunch. Always take waterproof and warm clothes, and strong shoes if you want to walk long distances. 15

16 Pre-departure guide Health and safety Deciding to study overseas can be an exciting yet daunting opportunity. To ensure that you can make the most of this experience, once your arrive in the UK our dedicated student support teams will help you settle in to student life. During your induction programme they will deliver safety talks, as well as provide you with information about services available to support international students. In the case of an emergency you can always contact a member of the team by calling +44 (0) Before you travel to the UK It is always advisable to have a health check before you leave your home country. In some cases, when you arrive in the UK you may be asked to produce health certificates detailing your vaccinations. For example, if you are coming from a tuberculosis (TB) high-risk area, a chest x-ray report may be required. It s a good idea to carry these documents in your hand luggage in case you need to show them UK immigration. For more information visit If you are undergoing any medical treatment, we advise you to bring your current prescriptions and a doctor s report (translated into English). Similarly if you wear glasses consider bringing a spare pair with you, or if you wear contact lenses bring a sufficient supply to use while you are in the UK or a prescription (translated into English) to ensure you can secure a ready supply. Health services in the UK If you are coming to the UK as a full-time student on a course lasting six months or more, you will be eligible for free or subsidised treatment in the UK under the National Health Service (NHS). This means that you can see a doctor or go to hospital for free. You only have to pay for prescription medicines, which is currently 7.40 per item. All you have to do when you arrive in the UK is register with a local doctor. Full details of how to register at the nearest medical centre will be given to you during your induction programme. Private Health Insurance Full travel, medical and health insurance is mandatory for all INTO Scotland students. Unless proof of suitable alternative cover is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees. Personal Safety The UK is a safe place to study and live in. You can make your time here as an international student even safer by using common sense. For practical tips on how keep safe during your studies please visit where you can download a copy of First Steps pre-departure publication. Safety in your accommodation To ensure a safe living environment, students living in INTO University residences must keep to all of the rules and regulations. Within the accommodation we have also appointed a number of Students Wardens to ensure your well-being and provide you with an alternative source of support. Safety in Centre Safety in the INTO Centre is everyone s responsibility. If you see anything that is a cause of concern, please report it to the reception desk and we will ensure that it is dealt with immediately. Please note that smoking is not permitted in any public place in the UK and so you cannot smoke in the INTO Centre. Useful websites British Council UKCISA NHS Direct Glasgow Caledonian University glasgow/safety.html

17 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) Key contacts, useful numbers and websites IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Please make sure that you put these numbers in your phone: INTO Scotland +44 (0) Website: Facebook: CaledonianUniversity Twitter: twitter.com/intoscotland INTO TV: INTO Emergency number +44 (0) Out of office hours for emergency use only Emergencies 999 If you need the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance Service in an emergency, the telephone number to call is 999. If you are unfortunate enough to experience crime, have been involved in an attack or threatened, you should report it to the police and INTO. Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) +44 (0) If you have any problems at Immigration Control, please call this number for free advice. Glasgow taxi firm Glasgow Taxi s +44 (0) Local contacts A guide to what s on in Glasgow: Food, entertainment and lifestyle promotions: Travelling around Scotland: Useful websites Visa information: UKBA: Studying in the UK and excellent advice on budgeting: UKCISA advice for International Students: UK living and culture: UK weather: International Student Calculator: National Health Service: Transport for London (underground/tube, buses, etc): 17

18 Pre-departure guide Maps University buildings 1 INTO Scotland Centre, John Smith s Bookshop and Real Learning Café 2 Arc Health and Fitness Facility 3 Students Association 4 Govan Mbeki Health Building 5 Teaching and International Student Support Service 6 Saltire Centre learning resources 7 The Refectory 8 University accommodation 8 18

19 In case of emergency call INTO Scotland on +44 (0) A B Glasgow Caledonian University INTO Scotland National and regional travel: Train stations C Central Station D Queen Street Station Bus station E Buchanan Bus Station Local regional travel: Train stations F Charing Cross G Anderston H Argyle Street Local travel: Subway stations I Cowcaddens J Buchanan Street K St Enoch 19

20 INTO Scotland Glasgow Caledonian University Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, G4 0BA Scotland, United Kingdom T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) E: INTO Scotland LLP, May All content published in this document is believed accurate at time of publication. INTO reserves the right to alter details of all aspects of its operation without notice. INTO University Partnerships Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, registered number Registered office: 102 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EZ Scotland education provider sponsor number J5TNG1750