Pre Departure Info

United Kingdom

Pre-Departure Information

During the briefings we will provide you with lots of useful advice, tips and information to help you prepare for your travel to and stay in UK.
The briefings are informal receptions, with a presentation followed by refreshments, and family and friends are very welcome to attend and learn more about your new life in UK.
The briefings also allow you the chance to meet other students from India who are going to study in UK.
As the student preparing to leave home and join a university / college in UK, there will be many things to think about.

The following notes may remind you of something you had forgotten about.
What to carry: Documents

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• Your passport, with visa.
• All your academic certificates and mark sheets.
• IELTS or TOEFL score card (originals and a photocopy).
• Offer and acceptance letters.
• Proof of your finances and funding.
• All documents and information that the university has sent you.
• Several passport-size photographs.
• Travel and health insurance or medical notes.
• Your driving license.

Student is suggested to keep directions to accommodation or the university, and emergency contact numbers, in your hand luggage.
It is also suggested to take a photocopy of all your important documents and leave originals with a friend or relative for safekeeping.

What to carry: Medical Report

If the student is under any medication then carry a letter (translated into English) from doctor explaining what the medicine is and what it is for, just in case you are stopped at customs on entering the UK. Similarly, if the student is undergoing any long-term medical treatment then also bring a letter from your doctor, counselor, or hospital specialist. This letter can be shown to the relevant UK specialist if further medication is needed.

What to carry: Money

You may bring as much money as you like, in any form, into the UK. You can also transfer money to the UK by bank draft, international money order or telegraphic transfer.Please do not bring large amounts of cash. It is safer to bring your money in travelers? cheques that can be cashed in banks, post offices and airports. A debit card carrying the Maestro or Cirrus logos is useful as you can use these cards to get money from cash dispensers (?holes in the wall?) each day within your limit. They are found almost everywhere, including airports.

You will also need to make sure you are able to pay your university tuition fees and your university accommodation at registration. You may wish, therefore, to also bring separate banker?s drafts made out for the correct amounts. Methods of payment include: banker?s draft that can be drawn in sterling at a UK bank; sterling travelers? cheques; cheque from a cheque book of a UK bank; Visa, Access, MasterCard credit cards; Euros, Dollars, sterling cash.
It is a visa requirement that you have enough money to pay for all of your expenses without needing to work part-time. The university does not have any funding available for international students who do not have enough money for the whole of their studies.

What to bring: Check-in Luggage

Many airlines have a restrictive weight or size allowance. So try to carry important and required things.

Registering on your programme

‘Joining Instructions’ gives dates for registration and explains what happens at registration. If you have not received this, please contact the International Office before or on arrival as this date is when students register with the university and attend their programme induction (orientation). As part of the registration process, you will need to produce original academic certificates.

Opening a UK Bank Account

When you arrive in UK you will need to open a bank account. For this you may need:

• your passport
• a letter confirming that you are studying at U K University
• proof of your address in the UK and overseas
• a letter from your sponsor confirming your funding
• any other documents requested by the bank.

We suggest that before you leave home, consider these steps:

• bring a reference from the manager of your or your family?s bank;
• bring separate bankers drafts for the tuition fees and accommodation costs;
• open an Internet account with your own bank;
• open an overseas account of a bank that has worldwide branches.

The University will help you by producing a Bank Letter once you have registered, which confirms that you are a registered student. This will include your term-time and home addresses.

Cultural Customs in the UK

One of the advantages of studying outside your own country is the exposure to different cultures.

You may find that the British are rather reserved and may not start a conversation (especially in larger cities) as easily as people may do in other countries. This is not necessarily unfriendliness; but is equally reserved with each other. They respect the privacy of others and it is politeness that stops the British from initiating conversation, but they can be warm and friendly, and you will find this so on campus. Saying “Hello” or “Hi” first should get an equally friendly response.

“Please”, “Thank You” and “Sorry” are among the most common words in the English language. It is a good idea to use them when eating, shopping, addressing strangers and on public transport. We always say: “Can we have a glass of water, please? – and ?thank you? when we get it ? whereas in many countries it is usual just to say, ?Water?.
In the UK, it is normal when meeting someone, especially for the first time, to shake hands. This is acceptable for both men and women. Unlike other European countries, it is not usual to embrace or kiss unless with family or friends, but even that is changing.

Going Out

One popular British pastime is going to the pub, which may be open between 11.00 and 23.00 (this varies – some pubs are open 24 hours). You do not need to drink alcohol; soft drinks and coffee are also served. Indeed, coffee shops are now big business.

Most restaurants have a license to sell alcohol with food, even in family restaurants where children of all ages are welcome. Nightclubs have extended licenses. Drinking alcohol is an accepted way of life and you will find student social life can be based around the bar. But please, never accept an alcoholic drink if you don’t want to. If you prefer not to visit places that sell alcohol, make this clear to your friends. There are usually alternative places where you can meet.

Queuing

Queuing is when we form a line when buying a ticket, for example, the idea being that those who arrive first are served first. We queue for almost anything, and we advise you to take your place in the queue and not push your way to the front. This may well annoy other people, and you are likely to be asked to get to the back of the queue.

The Role of Women

Women in European countries have been fighting for equality for the last century. Some cultures treat women differently from men, whereas here they believe in equality. Discrimination against anyone on the grounds of gender is illegal. This means that women are entitled to equal respect and status with men in all aspects of life. It is therefore not unusual for women to go out on their own and to meet together in public places, such as caf?s and bars, for business and social reasons.

Equal Opportunities

Sexual equality is not the only equality in Britain. UK is committed to promote Equal Opportunities for all in its dealings with students, staff, applicants and the public. The aim of this policy is ensure that no one receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexuality, disability or political beliefs.

If anyone feels that one of these policies has been broken, there is a student grievance procedure. If a student breaks the code of conduct, which includes the Equal Opportunities statement, they could be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Insurance

It is advisable to insure any of such equipment, like a laptop computer, mobile phone or MP3 player. We also advise you to buy insurance to cover your personal possessions and any medical expenses that might not be covered under the British National Health Service. One insurance company that specialises in insurance for students is End sleigh.