PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE SPRING 2015
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
1
to Birmingham City, United Kingdom
Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Birmingham: a great place to live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Student services and key contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Entry clearance and visa guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Preparing to leave home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Travelling to the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Getting to Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 BCUIC accommodation services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Getting started at BCUIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Important dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Living in Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Important websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Welcome We are absolutely delighted that you have chosen to pursue your studies here with us at BCUIC and Birmingham City University. We are sure that once you have settled in you will grow to love this university and city as much as we do. Choosing to study in a different country is one of the most important decisions you will make and requires a significant amount of planning and preparation. Our team are committed to ensuring that all your needs are met throughout your studies with us and, as
such, we have prepared this document to assist you when starting out on your studies in the United Kingdom. This guide has been designed to help you prepare for this exciting new academic journey. As always, our team are available to assist you where possible and we encourage you to contact us for any queries you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham and wish you every success in your studies with us. The BCUIC Team
OVERVIEW
PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE
2
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Birmingham: a great place to live Birmingham is the second–largest city in the United Kingdom with an area of 80 square miles and a population of over a million people, including more than 73,000 students. It is a vibrant, multicultural city where people enjoy living, studying, working and playing. Birmingham
Where is Birmingham? Birmingham is located in the centre of the West Midlands region of England. The city is at the centre of England and at the hub of its transport network, making it a great base from which to explore the UK and mainland Europe. London is only one and a half hours away by train. Birmingham Airport, just 30 minutes by taxi from the Bournville campus, offers direct flights to the USA, North Africa, Dubai and European destinations with connections worldwide via Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Istanbul.
Things to do
If you want to see the sights of the city without walking everywhere, a very reliable and enjoyable red bus tour operates at weekends. They even offer student discounts on the ticket price (birminghamtours.co.uk/bus-tours.html) and since your ticket lasts all day you can hop on and off to explore whenever you want. Here are just some of the many things to do and see in and around Birmingham: • Did you know Birmingham has the country’s oldest working cinema? Watch your favourite films in style at The Electric (theelectric.co.uk) — it’s over 100 years old!
• Take a ride on the canal boats at Gas Street and Brindley Place. • Watch a football match — Birmingham is home to three top football teams: Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. • Wander around art galleries such as Ikon and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. • Visit the Jewellery Quarter for some of the most innovative jewellery in Europe.
Birmingham is a European centre for retail, commerce and culture, with a proud heritage and modern outlook. The city offers excellent entertainment for all tastes, with a range of leading theatres, museums, art galleries and music venues. It is also home to one of Europe’s largest city centre shopping malls, The Bullring, with over 160 shops including Selfridges, Apple and Top Shop.
• If you’re a history buff then why not hop onto the train one stop from Bournville to Kings Norton where Birmingham’s largest collection of Tudor and Medieval buildings can be found (saintnicolasplace.co.uk).
As one of the main cities in the UK, Birmingham is not short on things to do, and most things cost very little or no money! Did you know Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice? There is no better way to explore the city’s industrial heritage than by water, see visitbirmingham.com, but with plenty to see and do on dry land you don’t need to get wet!
• Visit Cadbury World and live out all of your chocoholic dreams.
• Visit the Thinktank science museum at Millennium Point and be amazed and educated.
• Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in nearby Stratford–upon–Avon.
• Relax in one of Birmingham’s many parks.
• Also only one stop on the train from BCUIC, but in Selly Oak, is the BBC Drama Village where some of your favourite TV programmes are produced.
• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beautiful plant life at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. • Shop till you drop in the Bullring and The Mailbox. • Check out the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall.
• Enjoy London’s West End shows when they come to Birmingham’s theatres. • Go wild at Alton Towers theme park. • Gaze at the aquatic life at the Sealife Centre. • Enjoy a world–famous balti.
During orientation week there will be events and outings so please contact your Student Services Team at
[email protected] if you have any special requests.
3
BIRMINGHAM
4
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Student services and key contacts The BCUIC Student Services team is here to help with any query you have (no matter how large or small) and have plenty of knowledge and experience at their disposal. It’s important to the team that students don’t feel worried or apprehensive about any aspect of beginning their studies, so we try to do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible. You will often find that whatever is on your mind can be resolved for you with minimal fuss. So if you have any problems, please ask. In order to ensure that your queries are handled correctly and by the appropriate people, we would ask that you direct your questions according to the following guidelines:
For further information or clarification regarding your:
For further information and assistance with:
• CAS Statement
• Arrival planning • Airport meet and greet service • Accommodation please contact the BCUIC Student Services team: E
[email protected] T +44(0) 121 331 5791
• Offer letter • Acceptance of Offer Form please contact the Admission Office: E
[email protected] For all additional enquiries, please contact our Marketing team at
[email protected]
Entry clearance and visa guide UK visa regulations: Points–Based System for Students (Tier 4)
• the name and address of any partner institution (if you are studying at another institution as part of this course)
This information is for guidance only. Please refer to the UKVI website (gov.uk/visas-immigration) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• the name and address of any overseas higher education institution (if the time you spend in the United Kingdom studying is part of an overseas higher education course)
Do I need a visa?
Course
To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a student you must pass a points–based assessment and score 40 points to get a visa. As part of the visa application process, a number of students will be required to attend a credibility interview at the UK Visa and Immigration Office in the country from which they are applying for a visa. This is part of the application process so if you are chosen to attend an interview, you should not be concerned. You can find more information about credibility interviews by visiting study.navitas.com/NVTUKUK-Announcement-Credibility-InterviewNov-2013.html
• the course title
How is the score calculated?
You will score 30 points for a CAS Statement from an approved education provider and 10 points if you can show you have enough finances to cover your course fees and monthly living expenses for up to nine months (known as maintenance). What is a CAS Statement?
A CAS Statement includes information about you, your sponsor, the course, and your finances. It should include: Route
This should say ‘general student’ or ‘adult student’ You (the student)
• your name (as shown on your passport, if applicable) • your nationality • your passport or travel document number (optional) Approved education provider (also known as ‘sponsor’)
• the education provider’s licence number • the education provider’s address (if different from the letterhead) • the education provider’s contact details (if different from the letterhead)
• the academic level of course or qualification you will get when you complete the course (the National Qualifications Framework level or the type of qualification, for example, a bachelor’s degree). If you will be studying an English language course, the level of the course should be the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, for example, CEFR level B2 • the start date (the date you start your main studies, or the date you start an induction or course to prepare you for study if you have an unconditional offer to do your main course) • the latest date you can join the course (optional) • the expected end date • the number of hours per week (optional if studying a full-time degree course that leads to a United Kingdom recognised bachelor or postgraduate degree, or an overseas higher education course equivalent to a United Kingdom higher education course) • the address of your main place of study, if different to the approved education provider’s main address • the address of any organisation offering you a work placement, if known and applicable Evidence used to obtain the offer
A list of evidence that the approved education provider used to assess your academic ability to finish the course, which may include: • the level or type of your existing qualifications (if applicable) • the qualification awarding body and/or institution (if applicable) • confirmation that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate is needed (if applicable).
If you are applying to continue or complete the course of study for which you currently have permission to stay, and your approved education provider has used your progress to date to assess your suitability to continue this course, the education provider must explain this on the CAS statement. Money (also known as maintenance)
• course fees for the first year, or the length of the course • course fees that you have paid so far (if applicable) • accommodation fees that you have paid so far (if applicable) Proof of finance
For further information about the documentation which you need to provide to prove availability of funds, visit the UKVI website.
How do I apply? You will need to fill in the application form, pay your fee and include: • a current passport or travel document • a CAS Statement from a licensed sponsor • documents to show you have the right finances (maintenance) available • documents used by your sponsors when they accepted you onto the course. UK Visas and Immigration will also need to record your biometric details if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
5
6
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Preparing to leave home Important documents You should bring the following documents with you to the UK as they will be required throughout various stages of your stay. • A valid passport and student visa • At least four passport sized photographs* • Your unconditional Offer of Admission • Your CAS Statement • Your Acceptance of Admission Form (completed)
be a good idea to bring some personal items (basic toiletries: toothbrush, soap, towel, etc.) so that you do not need to go shopping as soon as you arrive. If you are struggling to get your suitcase within the luggage limits or forget anything, much of what you may need can be bought in Birmingham. If you need glasses or contact lenses, we also advise that you bring a spare pair and a current optical prescription, as these items are expensive in the UK.
• Certified originals of your academic transcripts (including evidence of English proficiency)
Currency
• Personal identification (e.g. driver’s licence, birth certificate, etc)
You should make sure you bring a small amount of cash with you for your day–to–day expenses until you have registered at BCUIC and opened a bank account. We recommend £200 in small denominations (£5, £10 and £20 notes), as change can be a problem in some of the smaller stores. Please note if you have not previously booked accommodation, you will need money available for a deposit. DO NOT carry a large amount of cash when you travel to the UK.
• Any medical prescriptions/certificates/ history/reports • Full details and evidence of your accommodation in the UK, for example a tenancy agreement • Evidence of funds — a letter confirming personal or family resources, or confirmation of sponsorship • Proof of your address in your home country • Contact numbers for any family/friend in the UK • Contact details of family/friends in the event of an emergency • If you are under 18, your guardian details. The guardian must be resident in the UK and appointed by your parent.
Packing your things Student dress codes in the UK are casual. The general rule is to wear something in which you feel comfortable. Most students wear jeans and trainers to lectures. Medium weight clothing such as sweatshirts are appropriate throughout the year but t-shirts are more useful for the summer. Warmer clothing and footwear including rainwear is needed for winter. It is recommended that you have a light waterproof jacket for all year. Summers can be quite warm but it is advisable to have warmer clothing just in case, as the UK does not have a tropical climate. You can enjoy all the benefits of one of the fashion capitals of the world. It may
Cash
Please note that BCUIC cannot take responsibility for cash lost by students. It is your responsibility to keep it safe. This is why we recommend that you do not bring large amounts of cash with you. Travellers’ cheques
Travellers’ cheques are a good alternative to carrying cash as they can be converted into cash when you need it. Unlike a personal cheque, you do not need to have a UK bank account in order to use them. If you lose them or they are stolen you can apply to have them replaced. You should normally try to get sterling (GBP) travellers’ cheques as these are the easiest to cash. If you bring travellers’ cheques in any other currency most banks and the bureau de change will impose a charge for converting them to GBP. GBP travellers’ cheques may be used to pay for purchases in larger shops in major towns and cities, but not all shops will accept them. When travelling make sure you keep details of your travellers’ cheques and your passport separate.
Whatever amount of cash you bring with you, make sure: • you bring Sterling (GBP). In the UK you will not be able to use US Dollars or any other currency to pay for things. If you do bring other currencies to the UK, you will need to change them into GBP when you arrive and you will be charged for this • you keep the cash on your person when travelling. Use a body belt or similar to carry cash and other valuables and do not under any circumstances place money in your hold baggage. When you arrive at your accommodation secure the cash in your room and make sure your room is locked when you are out • you contact the BCUIC office if you have a large amount of cash. We cannot store it for you but will advise you on how to open a bank account. In the UK you will not normally be able to open a bank account until you have registered with BCUIC as a student and have arranged permanent accommodation.
* It is useful to bring a number of small (passport sized) full face photographs, as these are often required for various cards (such as student rail cards) and for police registration (if required); they must be standard UK passport size, with white or pale grey coloured background, and include the whole head and shoulders. Photographs can be obtained in the UK, but may be more expensive than in your home country.
Travelling to the UK Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, therefore flights can be heavily oversubscribed at these times. It is advisable to make a flight booking as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment with BCUIC. Students who have chosen not to use BCUIC’s accommodation service and who wish to organise private accommodation will need to arrive three to five days in advance to arrange accommodation, because there is no allocated time during registration for this process. BCUIC staff will be on hand to help with any problems during this time. If your accommodation is not arranged in advance please expect to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast for three to five days while the accommodation is arranged. This will be at your own cost. Students who arrive in the UK late and miss registration will find it more difficult to adjust and will miss out on vital information about studying and living in Birmingham. If students do not arrive by the first day of teaching, they must contact BCUIC as soon as possible as they may miss valuable introductions to their modules/programmes.
Please ensure that you contact us with your flight details as soon as your flight is booked. Please contact the Student Services Office on +44 (0)121 331 5791 or email
[email protected].
Changes to your student registration status BCUIC must inform UK Visas and Immigration of any students who have an entry clearance Visa under the Points Based System (PBS) rules and fail to arrive for the start of their course, are withdrawn from the course, defer or suspend their studies or fail to attend for significant periods of time. Further information regarding the student visa Points Based System can be found on the following websites. We advise that you check the websites regularly for up–to– date information.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
gov.uk/visas-immigration British Embassy/ High commission
ukvisas.gov.uk UKCISA (Council for International student affairs)
ukcisa.org.uk
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 also be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by an airport doctor, which may include an X–ray. Afterwards you will be required to return to immigration control. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all relevant details of your studies and accommodation before departing for the UK. If you are unsure of any aspect of your offer or accommodation information, please contact your education agent or BCUIC staff.
DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL
7
8
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Getting to Birmingham BCUIC airport meet and greet service For those students arriving at Birmingham International Airport, we can offer a meet and greet service costing £40. This money must be paid to the college before departure for the UK. Please quote your BCUIC ID number and ‘meet and greet service’ as a reference. This service offers a professional and warm welcome at your arrival gate. This involves a taxi pick up service to take you from Birmingham International Airport to your accommodation. If you want to make use of this service you will need to provide the Student Services team with your full flight details in advance, by completing and returning the arrival details form to
[email protected]. There are direct coaches from the airport to Birmingham Coach Station, or from the airport there is a short train journey to
Birmingham New Street Station. It is then possible to travel to BCUIC in Bournville easily and quickly either by local bus or train. You should expect to pay around £5 for your journey from the airport on public transport, however it is advisable to book in advance and then carry a small amount of cash for any ticket changes. The closest train station to BCUIC is Bournville (nationalrail.co.uk/ stations/brv/details.html) and the nearest bus stop is on Linden Road. You can book your coach ticket at nationalexpress.com, or your train ticket at thetrainline.com. Once in the UK you will need to inform the Student Services team of your arrival time at Bournville, please phone the Student Support team on +44 (0)121 331 5791. If you are under 18 when you arrive in the UK, the meet and greet service is compulsory unless your parents can provide evidence
to our Admissions Office that a suitable arrangement has been made for your collection at the airport in the UK. Further information regarding timetables and fares for transport in Birmingham can be found at networkwestmidlands.com. The Student Services team look forward to meeting you and to supporting you throughout your studies. Student Support offers a range of services designed to meet the specific needs of international students. When you first arrive at the college, we will help you to settle into student life in Birmingham, and will remain your first point of contact for any non-academic issues, ranging from registering with the doctor to opening a bank account. No matter how large or small your problem may seem, there is always someone available to help and offer advice.
BCUIC accommodation services Choosing a place to live while you attend BCUIC may be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city.
Where are your properties?
We have properties in all locations throughout Birmingham.
This is why BCUIC and the Students’ Union have teamed up to guide you through the task of finding safe, secure and affordable accommodation with landlords who have a good understanding of what their responsibilities are.
House shares
What type of properties are they?
Probably the most popular way for students to live. This is where a number of students get together and form a group of, perhaps, four or five people and rent a domestic house or flat.
Where to live?
This provides a more independent way of living and there are opportunities to live much closer to campus. Selly Oak, which is within a couple of miles of the Bournville campus, has a huge student community.
Our accredited landlords offer a range of different properties. If you are an individual then we can help you to find a room in one of the purpose built student blocks located in and around the city centre. Many offer en–suite facilities, apartments and studios. Alternatively, for a more cost effective approach, we can find you a room in a ‘house share’ with other students.
Birmingham offers a huge range of different types of properties. Whether you would like to live in a studio apartment or share a house with a group of friends, or perhaps you would prefer your own en-suite bedroom. Whatever your preferences, your Students’ Union, which will be an integral part of your student experience while you are here, will help you find the most suitable home for you to live in within your budget. Here are a few of the categories, you can find full details at bcusu.com/homes/bcuic, which will give you more information on each of the recommended properties.
Halls of residence (privately operated) A very popular first year choice for students, especially if you are unfamiliar with Birmingham. It not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy the ‘student experience’ living with a number of other students, but it is also a safe and comfortable environment. If you are staying for a second or third year, the halls of residence will allow you to familiarise yourself with your surroundings so that for your second year you can make a more informed decision on where to live. Often, but not always, the rooms have en– suites and you’ll normally share a kitchen and living room with between four and seven other students. A great way to make friends. Halls are a more secure environment since they usually have a 24 hour reception on site and are always on hand if you have any queries. There are no halls of residence in the immediate vicinity of BCUIC’s Bournville campus, however Birmingham boasts one of the best transportation networks in Europe. Bournville train station is very close to campus and many major bus routes stop nearby. Some halls even provide transportation to and from campus, so distance is not an issue. Typically, halls can range from around £70 per week to £120 per week including all your heating, lighting, water and internet.
Rents will differ considerably and will reflect the quality and facilities on offer and will range from around £60 per week to over £90 per week. These prices are without utility bills so you’ll need to add around £15 to £20 per week to cover these. House shares are generally lower in price than halls of residence, but you normally share a bathroom, lounge and kitchen with the other housemates in the house. Don’t worry if you do not know any other students to share with at this stage. We will help introduce you to other students via social media so that once you have formed a group, we can search for the most suitable property for you.
En-suite rooms and studio apartments If you would rather your own bathroom, most halls of residence will offer en–suite rooms (see above). Occasionally house share properties have en–suite rooms, but it’s not very common. If you prefer this option, we can give you a list of available rooms in various locations. Studios allow you total independence where you do not share any facilities with other students. Each room has its own bathroom, kitchen, bed and living area.
What do I do next? The Students’ Union will be in touch with you with a questionnaire, however if you would like more information in the meantime, please email
[email protected] or call on +44 121 202 4697 between 9.30am and 4.00pm (local time) Monday to Friday.
Frequently asked questions How do I get in touch with you?
Either telephone us on +44 121 202 4697 or email us at
[email protected]. Please visit our website, bcusu.com/homes.
By forming a group with a number of your friends you open up even more opportunities. We have properties with between two and eight bedrooms in all areas of the city. What is an average rent?
The average for a house of four or more people in a ‘house share’ would cost around £60 to £90 per person per week. Any more or less than this price would indicate a better/worse location and/or the condition of the property or the size of your bedroom. Student blocks/halls tend to be a little more expensive (£70 to £135 per person per week) but do offer a number of advantages such as en–suites, security and all–inclusive bills. How much will my utility bills cost?
Very few landlords will include the utility bills. Many students share these costs equally amongst the people living in the property. Roughly you would expect to pay around £15 to £20 per week per person depending on how many are in your house. Do I pay council tax?
No. Students obtain 100 percent discount for council tax Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not always, but it is normal to pay a deposit. Ensure your deposit is protected with either the DPS or TDS. It’s a legal requirement and there are heavy fines for a landlord who does not comply with this legislation. Would I expect to pay any agency fees?
Birmingham Student Homes do not charge tenants any fees. However other High Street letting agents do charge so you need to ask in advance whether there are any administration fees.
ARRIVING IN BIRMINGHAM
9
10
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Getting started at BCUIC Registration and enrolment Attendance at registration is compulsory. Registration covers essential matters relating to your study at BCUIC such as enrolment, facilities, procedures and support services, as well as the opportunity to undertake a tour of the area. It is also a great chance to start making friends. At registration you will be issued with an orientation pack containing your course and unit information, booklists and Student Handbook, as well as other important information.
Late arrivals who do not attend the registration session must let BCUIC Student Services know, so we can arrange for you to attend an alternative session. Please contact
[email protected]. What you will need for enrolment: • Current passport and current visa for the UK • Two passport sized photographs • Original documents of your previous qualifications that you have used to apply for this course (e.g. IELTS certificate, school diploma or certificate, references, etc). These must be originals and photocopies will not be accepted. If you have changed your
name since the passport or visa was issued, we will need to see the original documents to prove this change. • BCUIC Letter of Offer or copy of Birmingham City University CAS Statement • Proof of payment of fees • £34 to register with the Police (if applicable) BCUIC office hours
BCUIC is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, and all national holidays.
Important dates Undergraduate and postgraduate students
Semester description Start of enrolment
End of enrolment week
Start of classes
End of semester
Undergraduate intake
26 January
30 January
2 February
8 May
2 semester Pre–master’s
26 January
30 January
2 February
17 April
1 semester Pre–master’s
9 March
13 March
16 March
29 May
Pre–Sessional students
Semester description
Enrolment and teaching starts
End of semester
6 week Pre–sessional English
30 March
8 May
10 week Pre–sessional English
2 March
8 May
Living in Birmingham Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and has all of the facilities you will ever need for a productive and enjoyable UK study experience (it is also has the second largest student population in the UK). Birmingham is served by superb transport facilities, including light rail, an extensive bus network (networkwestmidlands.com) and its own international airport (birminghamairport.co.uk). Birmingham is a truly multicultural city with a huge international community. So, if you are looking for your favourite food from home, chances are you’ll find it here (visitbirmingham.com). Did you know Birmingham is the only English city outside London to have three Michelin starred restaurants? There is also the famous Balti Triangle and the Chinese Quarter in the city centre, so whatever your tastes you’ll be spoilt for choice. Famous food brands to have originated in the city include Cadbury chocolate, Typhoo tea, HP sauce and Bird’s custard. Birmingham is recognised as one of the sporting hubs of the UK with two Premiership teams, Aston Villa (avfc.co.uk) and West Bromwich Albion (wba.co.uk), Edgbaston cricket grounds and the N.E.C Arena (thenec.co.uk). Birmingham has even hosted the USA and Jamaican Olympic teams for London 2012.
Birmingham is well known for its shopping with all major high street brands in and around The Bullring (bullring.co.uk), designer labels in The Mailbox (mailboxlife.com) and the world-famous Jewellery Quarter (jewelleryquarter.net). Look out for student shopping events and offers throughout the year – all you need is your Birmingham City University student ID card for discounts and special offers (twitter.com/Bullring). You’ll never be short of something to do in the city, whether with a large or small group of friends, day or night, summer or winter (twitter.com/visit_bham and facebook. com/VisitBham).
The weather The climate in England is moderate. Summers are warm and winters are cool and mild. You can find out more detailed information on the weather in Birmingham by visiting the BBC Weather Centre website, news.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Public transport The public transport system in the UK consists of the over-ground rail, ferries and buses as well as the famous underground trains in London. The cost of public transport depends on the type of ticket you buy and the distance that is to be travelled. If you are aged 16 to 25 or are a full–time student over 25 years of age, and planning on using the train regularly, you may apply for a young person’s railcard. The card will cost you £30 for one year, or £70 for three years and can save you a third on fares throughout Great Britain. You can get further information online at 16–25railcard.co.uk.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
11
12
BCUIC Pre-departure Guide SPRING 2015
Important information Opening a bank account BCUIC will provide information to help you open a UK bank account. Please note you will need to have provided proof of your UK address before you can apply for a UK bank account. Setting up a bank account will take up to three weeks after arrival so please ensure you have adequate funds to support yourself in the interim.
National Insurance Everyone who works in the UK must pay National Insurance (NI) contributions. If you have a part-time job offer or can provide evidence that you are actively seeking work you can apply for a NI number. Please contact Student Support for further information on how to apply for an NI number once you arrive at BCUIC.
Navitas colleges are committed to looking after its students and providing them with world-class levels of service and support. As part of this commitment, it is now compulsory for all students to have insurance before they begin their studies with us. As safety and welfare is our priority, we have designed a comprehensive insurance policy in partnership with Endsleigh, Europe’s leading student insurer, specifically for Navitas students. To name just a few of the benefits, this policy will provide students with cover for emergency medical/dental treatment, cancellation of the course in the event of accident/illness, recreational travel within EU and repatriation to a student’s home country if they are seriously ill or injured.
More information can be found within your offer letter pack or contact Student Services by email at
[email protected]. Employment
The majority of international students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week under the terms of their student visa during the semester (check the conditions of your visa). At vacation times you can work full-time. Information for students on working in the UK can be found at ukcisa.org.uk. Students should not rely on part–time jobs to fund living expenses or pay tuition fees. Any income earned from part time jobs should be seen only as a supplement to established sources of funding.
Important websites Prepare for Success
Student budget calculator
prepareforsuccess.org.uk
studentcalculator.org.uk
UKCISA information sheets
BCUIC
ukcisa.org.uk
bcu.ac.uk/bcuic
British Council – Living in the UK website
Birmingham City University
educationuk.org
bcu.ac.uk
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
13
Education for your world
Birmingham City University International College Bournville Campus Linden Road, Birmingham B30 1JX United Kingdom T +44 (0)121 331 5791 E
[email protected] facebook.com/bcuicstudents Birmingham City International College Ltd trading as Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) Company Number: 07445570; Registered in England and Wales. The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of publication. However, Birmingham City University International College reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice. This guide is provided free of charge. Printed December 2014 BCUIC3400_1214_AW
bcu.ac.uk/bcuic navitas.com
