PRE-ARRIVAL HANDBOOK INTERNATIONAL, EXCHANGE AND STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS

Transcription

1 PRE-ARRIVAL HANDBOOK INTERNATIONAL, EXCHANGE AND STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS

2 Welcome by the International Office of Inverness College UHI At Inverness College UHI, we understand that whilst coming to the UK and finding your way in a new environment can be exciting and enjoyable, it can sometimes also be a bit confusing. For this reason, we have put together this pre-arrival handbook with important information we hope you find useful. It is designed to help you prepare for studying and living in Inverness and Scotland. We recommend you take this pre-arrival handbook with you when you travel to the UK as it contains information you may need during your journey and when you get here. When referring to international students in this guide we talk about all non-uk students. However, some information may be different for European Economic Area and Swiss students (EEA) and students outside of the European Economic Area (non-eea) and this will be made clear in the text. Please contact the international office if you require this booklet in an alternative format, for example a large print version. We have included checklists to help you prepare for your journey and settle in to Inverness as well as an outline about useful events you may wish or need to attend. There is a contact list at the back of the guide if you need further advice. Have a safe journey a warm welcome awaits you at Inverness College UHI. Inverness Edinburgh

3 After you have read this guide you might want further information related to international students. We provide web links in the handbook for you to browse should you want to find out more about relevant matters. WEB LINKS: UK Council for International Student Affairs: British Council: /eumd-immigration.htm Acknowledgements: the University is grateful to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) for their advice and information. This handbook is intended for personal/non-commercial use. The information is given in good faith and has been carefully checked. Disclaimer: Whilst we try to ensure the accuracy of the information and advice given, the requirements relating to visas are complex and change frequently. You should therefore check the requirements which apply to you on the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration Agency website. The International Office of Inverness College UHI cannot therefore accept responsibility for any inaccuracy or error in its information or advice. Inverness College UHI accepts no legal responsibility for its accuracy. The information given is meant for guidance only and cannot cover every eventuality. For individual queries, please contact the International Office.

4 Contents Key information and dates for your diary... 2 Social and cultural programme Section 1: Before you leave home Immigration advice... 6 University tuition fees Essentials for life in the Scottish Highlands and what to arrange before you leave home Section 2: Your arrival Your arrival at the British border Section 3: After your arrival in Inverness College life, studying, socialising and getting about Student support Checklists Checklist for my hand luggage Checklist for my journey Checklist for onward journey Checklist for your place of study (Inverness College UHI) Checklist for studying Checklist for settling in USEFUL WEB LINKS Contact details... 39

5 Key information and dates for your diary Semester dates The dates provided here are for guidance only. Students should contact their Personal Academic Tutor to confirm the dates. Semester/Level of course All Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma courses All undergraduate degree courses Induction Week commencing 1 September 2014 Semester 1 Monday 8 September Friday 23 January 2015 Monday 8 September Friday 19 December 2014 Semester 2 Monday 26 January Friday Monday 26 January June 2015 Friday 15 May 2015 You can download information on exams, reading weeks and exam board schedules from UHI website Welcome and orientation programme for international students When you accept a place on a course with Inverness College UHI you will be automatically registered for a welcome and orientation day for international students. This is a great opportunity to meet with other international students and ask questions you may have. Date and place Event Location Saturday 6 September Friday 6 February Welcome and Orientation Programme (for students starting in September 2014) Welcome and Orientation Programme (for students starting in January 2015) Inverness College Midmills building Crown Avenue, Inverness, IV2 3NG Room E10 Inverness College Midmills building Crown Avenue, Inverness, IV2 3NG Room E10 Student holidays 2014/2015 Monday 13 October 2014 Friday 17 October 2014 (Reading week no classes) Monday 22 December 2014 Friday 2 January 2015 (Christmas break College closed) Monday 30 March 2015 Friday 10 April

6 Social and cultural programme International Office prepare a social and cultural programme for any student to find out about local history, environment and culture. Trips and events include Moray Firth explorer with visits to sandy dunes and sandy beaches, Inverness explorer with visits to the wellknown Culloden battlefield and neolithic circle of stone Clava Cairns, Whisky explorer with a visit to a Black Rock Gorge, Dolphin spotting adventure and St. Andrews Ceilidh and many many more. Do not miss the international student Christmas lunch! The details will be supplied by . Some of the events are free of charge and some you ll have to pay for. If there is a charge, it does not include: your personal expenses, lunches, entrance fees, insurance. Places are limited for each trip and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and must be booked and paid with the international office. The events will run subject to numbers. It is advised to bring a packed lunch and enough to drink. 3

7 Section 1: Before you leave home Contents: Immigration advice... 6 Do I need a visa?... 6 European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss Nationals... 6 Nationals from other countries... 6 Applying for a General Student Visa (Tier 4)... 8 Extension of current student visa Extension of permission to stay in the UK University tuition fees EEA and Swiss nationals Study for qualification Study for credits Nationals from other countries Scholarships and grants Essentials for life in the Scottish Highlands and what to arrange before you leave home What clothing and other items should I bring? Please see the important and helpful checklist on what to pack in your hand luggage. 13 Use of electrical equipment Money for living in Inverness Medical insurance Accommodation Your journey after crossing the UK border, transferring to another flight, and catching a bus or train Prepare for your study in the United Kingdom

8 Figure 1: Visa requirement and tuition fees assessment 5

9 Immigration advice Do I need a visa? Please refer to Figure 1 (page 6) to check whether you need to obtain a visa for entering into the UK. European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss Nationals If you are an EEA or Swiss national then you do not need permission to enter the UK or to study in the UK. Nationals from other countries If you already have immigration permission to come to (or remain in) the UK in a non-study related category this might allow you to study. However, as some immigration categories prohibit study, you should seek advice from international.office.ic@uhi.ac.uk. WEB LINKS: Check if you are an EEA national on the UKCISA website: g.uk/international- Students/Preparing-- planning/eea-and- Swiss-students/ If you have already been accepted onto a course of study (issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) there are two types of visa for studying in the UK: Student Visitor visas and General Student (Tier 4 student) visas. If you are coming to the UK to study for a maximum of six months (or 11 months if you will be studying English language), you may be able to enter as a 'Student Visitor'. For some nationalities ( non-visa nationals ) who come to the UK as a Student Visitor, it is not compulsory to obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK as long as your course is less than six months long. However, if you choose to come as a Student Visitor you will be much more restricted in relation to work than if you come as a Tier 4 student. You will not be allowed to do any work or work placement (even if it is part of a course or unpaid work). You will also not be allowed to apply to extend your stay in the UK. You will be required to have enough money to support yourself whilst in UK. 6

10 If the Student Visitor route is not appropriate for you then you must obtain entry clearance as a Tier 4 student before travelling to the UK, regardless of your nationality outside the EEA. 7

11 Applying for a General Student Visa (Tier 4) You must apply for a Tier 4 General Student Visa before travelling to the UK. You need 40 points under the new Points Based System for a Tier 4 student visa. Points What you get points for Proof and Documents needed 30 - Your unconditional offer letter which contains your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from Inverness College UHI (IC UHI). - the original documents used to get your place at university (e.g. previous qualifications) that are listed on the CAS letter. - IC UHI Tier 4 Sponsor Licence Number which is contained in the CAS letter. 10 You must have enough money to cover course fees and monthly living costs - Bank statement or sponsor letter confirming that you have enough money to cover your first academic year s course fees and monthly living costs for up to nine months. If you have applied after 1 st July 2014, this amount will increase from 800 to 820 per month up to a maximum of 7380 (i.e. 9 months). Note: You must be able to prove that the money you need has been in your account for at least 28 days before you submit your application. The certificate of deposit (your bank statement) must have been issued within 31 days of the date of application. Any money already paid to the College for fees and/or up to 1000 of accommodation payments can be subtracted from this amount. Application form to apply for a general student visa (Tier 4) To apply for this, you will be required to use Form Tier 4 (General). The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration Agency (UKVI) frequently amend the rules relating to visas. The information in this prearrival guide is correct at the time of going to design but please check the UKVI webpage for any recent changes. WEB LINKS: UKVI details of all immigration categories: /uk-visas-and-immigration UKVI advice about student visas: You must apply online for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. UK Council for International Student Affairs 8

12 The duties of a student on a General Student Visa Students holding a General Student Visa (Tier 4) are required by law to fulfill certain criteria and have specific duties: You must study full-time and are allowed to work up to hours per week during term-time depending on the course level (full-time during college holiday periods). You must attend classes on a regular basis, progress academically and adhere to the College absence procedure if you are unable to attend. You must attend weekly meetings with appointed Inverness College UHI staff for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) attendance monitoring purposes. These will happen outside of timetabled classes. You must inform the appointed Inverness College UHI staff if you are unable to attend the weekly meeting prior to the scheduled appointment. You must sign a UKVI attendance monitoring agreement. You must also inform the UKVI and the College of any changes to your circumstances (e.g. change of address, telephone number, change of name change of course etc). Ensure your passport and visa / Biometric Residence Permit card have been scanned by the college at enrolment and immediately every time you renew your passport and/or visa. Inform the college immediately if your visa status changes from a Tier 4 (General) Student to any other visa category. Inform the college immediately if you no longer require a student visa to study in the UK because you have acquired EEA nationality or Indefinite Leave to Remain. If applicable, register with the police and update your Police Registration Certificate with any changes. Attend all required lectures and tutorials, and hand in all required course work. Bear in mind that a change to your student status will impact on your visa, and possibly, your work entitlement. Leave the UK if you interrupt your studies or withdraw from Inverness College UHI unless another institution sponsors you. Inverness College UHI also has specific duties in relation to students on Student Visas that they are required by law to fulfill: Keep copies of passports and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) where applicable; Keep contact details up to date (and keep a record of any changes of address); Report to the UKVIBA when international students holding a Tier 4 Student Visa: Do not enrol within the enrolment period; Inverness College UHI appointed staff have to meet with all international students on a weekly basis outside their timetabled classes.enrol but do not attend and miss 10 expected contacts, lectures or classes; Discontinue their studies (including suspensions of study); Make significant changes to their circumstances (such as the successful completion of a course where this is earlier than expected); Break the conditions of their permission to stay e.g. working illegally. WEB LINKS: UKVI change ofbiometric Resident Permit: /transfer-visa 9

13 If you have a question, need further information or your circumstances change, you should contact the international office (contact details are at the back of this publication). It is important that students on Student Visas register with the international office, enrol promptly, attend classes on a regular basis and keep both the UKVI and Inverness College UHI informed of any changes. If you change your contact details you must update/report changes to the UKVIand the Inverness College UHI International Office. If you are in the United Kingdom under a Tier 4 visa and your current grant of leave was made by means of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you must make an application for a new BRP, using the form for no time limit (NTL) or an application for transfer of condition (TOC). Visa application refusals If you are applying in your home country and your visa application is refused, the British Embassy should give you a refusal notice, which will show why the application was refused and whether you have a right to an administrative review. If you are applying for a visa extension from the UK and your application is refused, it may be possible to appeal. If your visa is refused, you must tell Inverness College UHI about this. You can either decide to withdraw from the course or ask us to hold your place until the next start date of the same course. If you withdraw due to a visa refusal, you can ask us to return your fees (we will deduct a 100 administrative fee). If you defer until the following year, we would hold your fees until you start your course. We are only able to refund fees if a visa application is refused and we are sent the original refusal letter (not a photocopy). Extension of current student visa If you are already in the UK on a Student Visa and want to extend this visa, please contact the Inverness College UHI International Office. It is important that you renew your visa before your previous one runs out. Extension of permission to stay in the UK Once you have started your course at Inverness College UHI with the relevant Tier 4 visa, it might become necessary to apply to extend your visa (or your leave to remain in the UK). Please check your passport to make sure you know when your permission to remain runs out. You must apply for an extension before your last permission runs out. The UKVI charge for this application. You can contact the Inverness College UHI International Office for advice. WEB LINKS: United KingdomVisas and Immigration government/organis ations/uk-visas-andimmigration 10

14 University tuition fees If you are not sure which fees category applies to you, or if you feel your fees status has been wrongly assessed, please contact the Inverness College UHI International Office EEA and Swiss nationals Study for qualification If you have been assessed as having Home Fees status and have received an unconditional offer (either from UCAS on behalf of the College or from the College admissions team directly) for a course, then you have been officially accepted on the course. All undergraduate and some postgraduate courses also attract UK government funding (financial support). The International Office can tell you if your course is designated in this way. You will have to apply for funding by contacting the relevant UK government office. WEB LINKS: UKCISA overview of the fees regulations: student/fees_stude nt_support.php WEB LINKS: Student Awards Agency for Scotland: If you are not sure if you (or a member of your family) might be an EU/EEA migrant worker (home student) in the UK, contact the International Office, since this is relevant to the type and amount of financial support you can have from the UK government. Study for credits Erasmus If you are coming to Inverness College UHI on an Erasmus exchange programme, please remain in contact with your home country programme co-ordinator or sponsor to make sure that you are making all the necessary arrangements for your time of study. The tuition fees to Inverness College UHI will be waived. Free mover If you are coming to the UK as a free mover and you have been assessed as having Home fees status you will have to self-fund your studies. Nationals from other countries If you have been assessed as having International Fees status and have received an unconditional offer for a course from the Inverness College UHI admissions team, then your fees must be paid by you or your sponsor before you are issued with the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter. Refer to the offer letter if you are not sure how much you will be charged. If you have been accepted on an exchange programme, your fees will be waived. If you have been accepted on a study abroad programme then your fees must be paid by you or your home institution. Please refer to your offer letter. 11

15 University tuition fees (continued) Scholarships and grants It is not easy to find scholarships, especially for undergraduate study, and there is a lot of competition for funds. You are advised to contact the education department in your own country first, as they may have details of scholarship opportunities for students who want to study abroad. The British Council also holds information about funding and the cost of living in the UK. Inverness College UHI offer scholarships and you are advised to check your eligibility with the International Office. WEB LINKS: Inverness College UHI: c.uk/studying-atic/international/visa-feesand-scholarships#tab2 UKCISA information: /source_funding.php Postgraduate Research Students: British Council: Talent Scotland: com/students.aspx 12

16 Essentials for life in the Scottish Highlands and what to arrange before you leave home What clothing and other items should I bring? When you are packing for your move to the UK there are some important things to bring with you. You should bring warm and waterproof clothes, and good walking shoes. The weather can be quite warm (20 degrees Celsius) but you could be surprised by cold spells (-5 degrees Celsius). It is therefore important to bring clothes which you can wear in layers. It may be cheaper and easier to buy warm winter clothing in the UK, rather than in your home country. It is worth bringing items of your national dress to wear at social events, and photographs of your family and home may be of comfort to you while you settle in to your new surroundings. These may be of interest to new friends who may like to learn about your culture. You may also want to bring a laptop, tablet computer and/or smartphone which can help you stay in touch, meet new friends and help with your course work. Please see the important and helpful checklist on what to pack in your hand luggage. You should have enough warm clothing for your flight and subsequent journey. Several layers of lightweight clothes are better than a single shirt or dress. Money for your journey You should have approximately in cash (in British Pounds Sterling) on arrival in the UK. Do not carry any more, as it may get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to bring any other money in the form of travellers cheques (it is cheaper to exchange them if they are in Pounds Sterling, not US Dollars or any other currency). These can be cashed at airports, Bureau de Change offices, travel agents and banks. A credit or debit card can also be used in many places. If you are planning to transfer extra money to a British bank you should arrange this before you leave your home country. Check whether you need permission to transfer money to the UK and whether your government has restrictions on the amount of money you can take out of your country. Opening a bank account in the UK can take a few weeks. Use of electrical equipment In the UK, electrical appliances run on 240 volts, 50 Hz AC. If you want to bring electrical equipment, please check to make sure that it is compatible. If you need an adapter, it is best to buy it before you leave home. If you buy some electrical appliances once you have arrived in the UK, then you will not need an adapter to run them. 13

17 Money for living in Inverness You are likely to need around 150 per week for living costs including rent and food whilst studying in the UK. The list below provides estimates on the most likely expenditure you are likely to experience. How much you actually spend will depend on your needs and personal lifestyle. The international student calculator (see web link) can give you more information on living costs and on how to plan and manage your money for your studies in the UK. You can also look at some of the UK supermarket websites to get an idea of how much basic, everyday items cost. Books 5-30 Cinema ticket 5-8 CDs 5-25 Food (if not included in the accommodation payment) Hotel room (B&B) per week per night Accommodation 85 or 115 per week with a host family per week if renting accommodation privately Phone card 5, 10 or 20 Restaurant meal WEB LINKS: International Student Calculator: or.org.uk/ Tesco: Morrisons: Aldi: Lidl: Asda: Co-operative: Marks and Spencer: Theatre ticket Medical insurance The UK s National Health Service (NHS) provides care for anyone who is resident in the UK including routine treatments to major surgery. If you are on a full-time course lasting six months or more you can get treatment from the National Health Service from the beginning of your stay. You will not have to pay for hospital treatment, but you may have to pay for some dental treatment and a standard charge for medicines prescribed by a doctor, depending on your income. 14

18 All non-uk European Economic Area (EEA) nationals need to be in possession of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The British Embassy or High Commission can tell you if your country has a reciprocal health agreement, so please check. Insurance company Endsleigh (see web link below) has produced an insurance policy specifically designed for international students. It is advised to consider purchasing both possessions insurance to protect belongings, and medical insurance to protect yourself. Important: Even if you can be treated by the NHS for most health needs, the NHS does not cover all risks, so you are advised to still consider taking out medical insurance. Some of the risks not covered by the NHS include: if you fall sick and want to be transported home for treatment or want a family member to stay in the UK to look after you; and if you fall sick and are unable to complete your course and you want your fees to be refunded. These circumstances are not extensive and students should investigate and take out the right level and type of medical insurance according to their own personal circumstances. You can either buy medical insurance from a company in your own country or one in the UK, but please take out the insurance before you leave home. WEB LINKS: Endsleigh insurance company gh.co.uk/travel/pag es/internationalstudentinsurance.aspx NHS Scotland: org/ Accommodation It is essential that you feel happy and comfortable wherever you are living as this will affect your ability to study and enjoy your time in the Highlands. You should remember that accommodation in the UK might be different from what you are used to and it might take a little time for you to adjust. The College run a host family scheme and you can be placed with a host family who will provide accommodation and meals if requested. If you want to apply for accommodation with a host family please complete the host family application form. Please note that host families are allocated according to individual s preferences where possible and on a first come, first served basis. Be aware that host families may not be able to allow you to check in if you arrive late at night and that you may be required to arrange additional accommodation for the first night in Inverness. A host family might be able to pick you up on your arrival to Inverness; help you learn about the local area; introduce you to their friends; meet new people and the local community; and help you to settle into a local lifestyle. After you settle in, you can decide to look for other accommodation if you prefer to have a private flat or house. 15

19 Your journey after crossing the UK border, transferring to another flight, and catching a bus or train The United Kingdom is well serviced with international and domestic airports, railways and bus services so explore your travel options. Make sure your travel agent books your ticket through to the final destination which is Inverness. It is best to have your whole journey organised from your home to the final destination before you set off. Be aware that British public transport does not usually run during the night, so if you arrive late, you may have to stay a night elsewhere in a hotel, hostel or bed and breakfast. If you need to stay overnight in a different city, have it arranged before you set off on your journey. Under no circumstances should you accept an offer of accommodation from a stranger! WEB LINKS: Airlines and flight booking resources to Inverness: Highlands and Islands Airports Easyjet Flybe Skyscanner You can transfer onto a connecting flight to Inverness airport from most major international airports in the UK including London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and others. You can also transfer to Inverness by road. Inverness College UHI can arrange a taxi transfer for you from one of the airports listed below. Some transfers are quite expensive because of the location of Inverness College UHI within Scotland. You will have to pay for this transfer. Using public transport is much cheaper and is quite convenient. However, if you want a taxi waiting for you at the airport contact the International Office. If you are applying for a host family, please fill in the relevant part on the form. In other circumstances contact the International Office for a taxi transfer only form. Edinburgh Inverness Hours Glasow Inverness hours Aberdeen Inverness hours Inverness Airport city mins London Gatwick Airport London Heathrow Airport (there are no direct flights to Inverness from Heathrow. A transfer to Gatwick or Luton is necessary) Bus: Megabus (cheap bus tickets) City link National Express Train: National Rail East Coast Scotrail (telephone ), Virgin trains General UK Travel information 16

20 Alternatively, you can arrange to travel to Inverness by bus or train. The bus and railway tickets are reasonably priced if booked in advance and there are extensive networks. You can book your tickets online using your credit or debit card (you may need to create an account with these companies online to be able to book your tickets). The train tickets can be collected at automatic machines or at the ticket office at the railway station using the payment card used for making the booking online. Bus tickets should be printed out at the time of booking. Please remember that the ticket is only valid at times as specified on the tickets. This means that if you have a ticket departing at 14.25, you must get this connection. You will need to allow enough time for your transfer from the airport to the bus or railway station. If you feel you need more advice on travelling to Inverness contact the International Office. The International Office can advise you what the best airport is to fly to, where to stay overnight if necessary and/or how to continue with your onward journey to your destination. But please be aware that you will have to arrange and pay for all parts of your journey yourself. Prepare for your study in the United Kingdom Prepare for Success (see web link below) is an interactive web learning tool for international students who are getting ready to come to the UK for study in further or higher education. It contains learning resources which are activity based to help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study. As well as preparing you for what to expect during your studies, the activities provide scope for English language improvement*. The learning resources can be used in any order by clicking on a title. Alternatively, you can use them through the 'study pathways' page if you would like to search by skill or topic. There is a demonstration to watch if you would like more information on how to use the activities, and an interactive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page where you can find simple answers to questions about study in the UK. There is also a separate, special page of interactive questions and answers for international students planning to study in Further Education colleges in the UK. To see it, select FE on the menu bar. * Prepare for Success is intended primarily for international students whose first language is not English. WEB LINKS: Prepare for success: orsuccess.org.uk/ 17

21 Section 2: Your arrival Contents: Your arrival at the British border Immigration control EEA and Swiss Nationals Nationals from outside the EEA After immigration control Your onward journey Your first day in Inverness Registration with Police Guidance and advice on your arrival Contacting family

22 Your arrival at the British border Immigration control EEA and Swiss Nationals When you arrive in the UK, you will first pass through immigration control. The Immigration Officer will check your passport. EEA passports will not be stamped. Nationals from outside the EEA The Immigration Officer will check your passport and the sticker you were given when applying for permission to enter the country or will stamp your passport with the amount of time ( leave ) you can stay in the UK. The Immigration Officer can ask you questions to assess whether: there has been such a change in your circumstances since leave was granted, that the leave should be cancelled; the leave was obtained as a result of false information given by you, or as a result of your failure to disclose material facts; there are medical grounds for cancelling the leave; it would be conducive to the public good to cancel the leave; the leave should be cancelled on the grounds that your purpose in arriving in the UK is different from the purpose specified in the entry clearance; you can speak English at the level specified in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) if the CAS was assigned on or after 21 April 2011; you have enrolled on the course for which you were granted leave, if the course has already started; you have withdrawn from or been excluded from the course for which you were granted leave. You might also be asked whether you have enough money to cover the cost of your stay and where you will be studying. If you are refused entry, or given a very short period of temporary admission, you should get help immediately from your sponsor, the International Office at Inverness College UHI, or the Relocation Advisory Service. For contact information see the list at the back of this handbook. After immigration control After immigration control, you will be able to collect your luggage. If an item does not appear, go to the lost baggage desk in the baggage reclaim area. If your luggage was lost by the airline, it will be searched for and transported to your address in the UK free of charge, 19

23 so make sure you can give a UK address. You may use the Inverness College UHI address for this, but remember to let the International Office know. Next, you pass through customs control. There are three channels to choose from: BLUE - For European Economic Area (EEA) nationals (with nothing to declare). GREEN - If you have nothing to declare (no more than the permitted duty-free or tax-free allowances). RED - If you have goods to declare (over the permitted duty free or tax free allowance). Your onward journey Once you have collected your luggage, check your travel itinerary. If you are not sure how to continue with your journey, approach the tourist information desk at the airport. Ask for advice regarding your journey, for example, how to get to a bus or railway station, where to get a taxi, a bus, or train, or ask for a plan of the city/town you are in and mark where you need to go and how you plan to get there. Before boarding your onward bus/train ask the ground staff and/or driver again if this is the correct bus to board to get to Inverness or interim destination if your journey involves multiple modes of transport. 20

24 Arrival in Inverness Your first day in Inverness First of all, you will want to find your accommodation, so that you can settle in. Please make sure that you know where to go and at what time you can arrive, so that someone at your accommodation is expecting you. Registration with Police The stamp/sticker which the Immigration Officer puts in your passport when you enter the UK will show whether or not you have to register with the police. If you do, you must register within 7 days of your arrival to the UK. The International Office will direct you to the correct Police Station. It is necessary to make an appointment before attending to ensure that the appropriate officer will be there. You can also telephone to make an appointment. At present there is a charge for registration and you will be given a police registration certificate. If any of your details change (such as address or visa) during your time in the UK, you must have your certificate updated. If you have to register with the police, take the following with you: Registration fee (please bring the exact amount) Two identical passport photographs Your passport and your Biometric residence permit if you have one A letter from the College confirming you are student. Guidance and advice on your arrival As a student from outside the UK undertaking further education, an undergraduate or postgraduate course, you are invited to attend the international welcome and orientation day. You will automatically be registered for this event when you are given an unconditional offer to study on any of our programmes. This is an event where you will be given an opportunity to meet other international students and find out more about studying, living and working in Inverness. Finding out about language support, if needed, and helping you achieve your best throughout your course is also covered. Please allow all day for this event and contact the International Office if you cannot attend. 21

25 If you are an international student you must visit international office as you will be required to complete the international student registration with the College. You should bring the following documents with you: Passport Current UK visa (if applicable) The original qualification documents (if applicable) The original Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate (ATAS). (Please check at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office link below if you are required to apply for this certificate.) Evidence that you paid the tuition fee for your course (if applicable). If you have a General Student visa (Tier 4) you will be required to read and sign the International Student Agreement on UK Boarder Agency (UKBA) reporting obligations specifying your responsibilities and filling in a student contact details form. You will be issued with a Confirmation of International Student Registration which you must bring to your student enrolment. You are also advised to visit international office if you are Erasmus students as you will be required by your home institution to have relevant paperwork completed. You should bring the following documents with you: Passport (or a valid EEA identity card) Any forms which you need to be completed by host institution If you arrive after the official welcome and orientation day, please visit the International Office as soon as possible. Further details of your academic induction will be arranged by the academic department and information will be sent out to you. The academic staff normally send out details of where and when to meet, but if you are not sure, please go to the main reception and ask for directions. As part of your academic induction, you must formally enrol on your programme of study. Please note that you will not be able to enrol until you receive an authorised international student registration form from the International Office. All students enrolled on full-time courses including exchange students will receive a student card, which can be used to prove that you are a student in the UK. The student card is also your library and photocopying card. This card can also give you discounts on various items/services. You can also purchase additional student cards such as an International Student Identification Card or the National Union of Scotland card. Contacting family There are a limited number of telephones available on campus that students can use to inform their family about their safe arrival but students cannot be contacted on campus. At the WEB LINKS: Student International Identity Card: National Union of Students Card: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: demic-technologyapproval-scheme 22

26 welcome and orientation day you will be provided with access to computers. If you want to phone your family using internet based media, ensure that you bring a headset (headphones and microphone). Many students now buy mobile phones (cell phones) so that they can be contacted easily. Receiving calls on a UK mobile phone does not cost the receiving person anything, but making calls from a mobile is still quite expensive. If you are planning to bring a mobile phone with you, please find out if it can be used in the UK and, if so, about the charges your phone company may make for international roaming. Another option for making inexpensive calls is to use Skype on a computer, laptop or mobile telephone with connection to the internet or in the places providing WiFi access either for free or for a small fee. There are many mobile phone companies available in the UK. WEB LINKS: Three: Vodafone: Orange: T-mobile: Tesco: O2: Skype: 23

27 Section 3: After your arrival in Inverness Contents: College life, studying, socialising and getting about Location of Inverness College UHI Location of Inverness College UHI campuses Culture shock and adapting to a new environment British weather Access to the internet Food shopping Health care Opening a bank account Religious needs Transport in Inverness Taxi services Driving in the UK Your free time Employment EU/EEA nationals Students from all other countries Working after your studies Travelling around the UK and in Europe Other parts of Scotland Other parts of the Highlands International travel Student support Counselling Personal Academic Tutor (Studies Advisor) Disability or an additional learning requirement English language support Study skills support Do you have any further questions?

28 College life, studying, socialising and getting about Location of Inverness College UHI Inverness College UHI is situated in the city of Inverness, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It is a vast and diverse area with some of the most outstanding natural beauty in the British Isles. It covers an area amounting to half the land mass of Scotland and offers a spectrum of landscapes from high mountains and challenging peaks to rolling hills, golden beaches and lush green islands. And of course, with Loch Ness nearby, it is the supposed home of the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Location of Inverness College UHI campuses The College has three main campuses including Longman, Midmills, and the Scottish School of Forestry in Balloch on the outskirts of Inverness. Both Longman and Midmills campuses are within easy walking distance of the train and bus station and of the city centre. The Scottish School of Forestry is located in the nearby village of Balloch and is accessible by public bus service, a regularly operating college minibus or on a bicycle. Culture shock and adapting to a new environment The University of the Highlands and Islands is recognised for its teaching and learning qualities and is comparable to other larger institutions. However, the total number of students is small when compared with large city universities. It combines excellent academic facilities with a friendly, personal approach. You will find that with a little effort and openness with others you will soon be integrating well and making friends with other students. The College has a relatively small student population so you will find a warm and welcoming community. This can make it easier to mix with other students, as you will be in smaller classes where everyone knows each other. Often students are surprised by the effect that travelling to another country can have on them. However, it is important to realise that many of your reactions are perfectly normal, regardless of where you are from or where you are studying. Culture shock can be prompted by a number of things. It is important to recognise the symptoms of this and look after yourself. It is perfectly normal and to be expected that you may feel homesick. You may have difficulty sleeping, or alternatively sleep all the time or you may get headaches or be over anxious. Often your concentration span is affected, and your emotions may be more up and down than normal. 25

29 Remember that there are college and community support networks in place to help you through any difficult times. Here is some basic advice: Maintain a healthy balanced diet. Take light exercise. Keep in touch with your friends and family at home by , on Facebook, via Skype or make a few extra phone calls. Make friends with other international students, as often they will understand what you are going through. Join some societies, or get involved with your local community as this is a way of keeping yourself busy and also getting to know other Scottish students who can in turn help you to understand the culture better. Contact the Inverness College UHI International Office for advice and help Ultimately, look after yourself and remember that culture shock is a perfectly natural reaction to life in a new environment. British weather The weather in Scotland is rather unpredictable. It can rain on any day of the year, so you will need a waterproof coat, good shoes and possibly an umbrella. Of course, there are also many sunny days too! The temperature does often drop below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter months but can rise above 25 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer. However, the dampness can make it seem colder in the winter and humid in the summer. The warmest months are May, June, and July, the coldest usually December, January and February. You might find it cheaper to buy some types of clothing after you have arrived in the UK, but if you arrive in the colder months (September to April), make sure you have a coat and jumper with you. WEB LINKS: Meteorological Office: ice.gov.uk/ British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) weather: ather Access to the internet Each student, once enrolled, has free access to internet and facilities in the Open Access areas of the College. If you are staying with a host family, you will have access to the internet at the place of your stay. Food shopping There are many shops in Inverness where you can shop for food. There are supermarkets located in the city centre such as Co-operative, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, and Tesco as well as small stores such as Ashers bakery, Harry Gow bakery, a few butchers and fishmongers, and other convenience stores. 26

30 Health care Being a full-time student in Scotland, you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. On your arrival you will get a list of local health centres that you can register with. Remember to bring information prepared and issued by your doctor before your arrival if you have any pre-existing health problems or take regular medication that you will need during your stay (for example epilepsy, diabetes etc). To receive any kind of treatment through the National Health Service (NHS), you must be registered with a doctor which is sometimes called a GP or General Practitioner. It is best to arrange this as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK, once you have a permanent address, as it may delay your treatment if you need to see a doctor and you are not registered. See section about Medical Insurance on page 18 for more information. Opening a bank account You should be able to open a basic bank account with a number of British banks. Money can then be transferred to your UK account from your home country. You will need a letter of introduction from the International Office. Religious needs Inverness College UHI is a place where you will find people of most faiths but there are also those who have no faith. We try in many ways to meet your particular needs in all areas of life, including religious faith. We have links with most local faith communities and are happy to guide you to where you may feel most comfortable. Transport in Inverness Inverness city and its surrounding areas are well serviced by the public transport network. A local bus company offers a special bus pass for university students. You can only buy a UNIrider bus pass online. It is offered for different zones so ensure you get the right one to get you safely home. The UNIrider ticket is only valid with a current student identity (ID) card, and ID must be shown to the driver along with your ticket when boarding the bus. Inverness is a bicycle friendly city, so if you fancy getting a bike, that is definitely the cheapest and most enjoyable way to get around. You can buy cheaper bikes from the local charity New Start Highland. You should wear a helmet, appropriate cycling clothes and have appropriate lights. You should also make sure you lock your bike when you leave it somewhere outside. If you want to meet people enthusiastic about cycling why not visit the charity café called Velocity? WEB LINKS: Stagecoach buses: hbus.com/inverness- Unirider.aspx New Start Highland: ghland.org/how-canwe-help/bike-repairs-asales.html Velocity café place: k/ 27

31 Taxi services If you are returning late at night, it is advisable to call a taxi. Taxis are reasonably priced. A journey within Inverness is likely to cost Travelling to the next town may cost around 20. If you share a taxi, you can divide the price between passengers. Driving in the UK If you already hold a driving license, you may be permitted to drive in the UK. You have to make sure that you meet all the legal requirements such as having a valid license, paying road tax and having relevant motor insurance. If you do not have a driving license you may learn to drive in the UK. Information online can give you more ideas about what you need to do. Your free time We encourage all our students to become involved in extracurricular and free time activities. This allows you to spend time with other people and reduces the risk of feeling isolated and homesick. It will also help you mix with other students and start making friends. WEB LINKS: Driving in the UK UKCISA: g.uk/student/info_sh eets/driving.php Driver and vehicle licensing agency: k/dvla/ The Longman Campus has a gym that students can use after completing an induction with a staff member. You will have to pay 10 which is refundable if you visit the gym ten times during the semester. During term-time, the Students Association offers social events. You should regularly visit your student website to see what s on. Students can also socialise in the canteens and dining areas. On other evenings, you can use your time to study in the library; meet up with friends; visit one of the sports centres in town; or go to the theatre or cinema. You may also decide to join an evening class to learn a new skill or do some voluntary work. The local library is always a good source of information about local activities and clubs, as is the tourist information centre in town. You will not normally have any classes at weekends. The International Office prepare a social and cultural programme and you can register for any trips which you would like to take part in. You will be provided with details of these trips at the welcome and orientation day. You will also be free to make your own arrangements to visit local tourist attractions or travel around the country or simply go for a walk. You can either return to your accommodation each night or you could book yourself into a Bed and Breakfast or hostel or hotel in one of the places you visit. If you are staying with friends or reside with a family, please make sure you tell them if you are staying away overnight. It is polite and the people who you are staying with will not be worried about you. It is also often better to plan a trip together with other WEB LINKS: Inverness College UHI Students Association: uk students and your friends so you can share the costs and experiences of adventure activities. 28