InternationalStudent Handbook 2016/17

Meet and Greet ServiceAbout this Handbook 4Important Dates 4

AT THE UNIVERSITY 5-11English Language 6

Study Methods 6-8

Support Services 9-11

LIVING IN THE UK 13-29Banking 14British Culture 15Cheltenham and Gloucester 16Clothing 17Cost of Living 17Council Tax 18Culture Shock 18Driving 19Electricity 20Getting Around 20-21Healthcare 22Laws 23Post Offices 24Safety 24Shopping 25-26Telephone and Internet 27Television Licence 28Weather 28Working during your Studies 29

KEY CONTACTS / USEFUL WEBSITES 31-34Key Contacts 32Useful Websites 32-34

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It provides lots of useful information about the university and life in the UK. You should read it carefully and bring it with you when you travel.

Please note that when we use the term ‘international students’ in this handbook, we are referring to all non-UK students. Where procedures are different for European Union (EU) students, European Economic Area (EEA) students and non-EEA students, this is made clear in the text.

We hope that this handbook gives you all of the information you need. If you require any further advice or assistance please contact the Helpzone Advisers at helpzonepark@glos.ac.uk, or by calling +44 (0)1242 714556.

The information in this handbook was as accurate as possible at the time of publishing but there may have been changes since. For the most up-to-date information (in particular with regard to visas and immigration), please refer to our pre-arrival webpages at www.glos.ac.uk/study/international/pages/ pre-arrival.aspx

About thisHandbook

ImportantDates

This handbook has been written for international students starting degree programmes at the University of Gloucestershire in the academic year 2016/17.

International Welcome: 11 September – 17 September 2016 Academic Induction: 19 September – 23 September 2016Autumn Term: 26 September – 16 December 2016Spring Term: 9 January – 7 April 2017 Summer Term: 24 April – 16 June 2017 UK National Holidays*: 25 December 2016 (Christmas Day) 26 December 2016 (Boxing Day) 27 December 2016 (Christmas Day substitute) 01 January 2017 (New Year’s Day) 02 January 2017 (New Year's Day substitute) 14 April 2017 (Good Friday) 17 April 2017 (Easter Monday) 1 May 2017 (Early May Bank Holiday) 29 May 2017 (Spring Bank Holiday) 28 August 2017 (Summer Bank Holiday)

*The university will be closed on these days and staff will not be available.

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Tutorials: These are meetings between a tutor and an individual student, or small groups of students. Here, your progress can be evaluated and you can raise any personal academic issues you may have. Each student is allocated a specific academic tutor at the start of the course.

Practical Work: Most courses have a practical element, for example, with laboratory work or field trips away from the university, allowing you to develop your skills in this area. You may need to present your findings, or discuss the results in a small group.

Group Work: You may be asked to undertake some pieces of work jointly with other students, which may either lead to joint or separate assessment. Group work is designed to encourage team-working skills and to enable students to develop ideas and learn from each other.

Independent Study: Independent learning is a very important part of your higher education, not only at the University of Gloucestershire but across the UK. You are required to read, research and revise extensively outside of your lectures, seminars and tutorials if you are to be successful. Your tutors will help and advise you with this. The university also offers various Study Skills courses to help students develop these skills – for further information on these, see www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/student-achievement.aspx

Modules: Your study programme is divided into modules, or units, covering particular topics. Each module carries a certain number of credits, or CAT points, and you will need a certain number of CAT points each year to progress. Certain modules will be a compulsory requirement for your course but you may also have some flexibility to choose particular modules that you may be interested in, even if it is not directly related to your main programme of study.

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english LanguageIf you want to develop your academic English during your course, our INTO University of Gloucestershire centre offers English Language modules throughout the academic year for international students who would like extra language support. These modules help develop your writing for your course as well as your listening, reading and speaking skills. You receive academic credit for the modules. You can take these modules if your level of English is suitable and if your course allows.

If you are interested in taking any of these modules, please speak to your Personal Tutor or email the Helpzone Advisers at helpzonepark@glos.ac.uk

Study MethodsWhile you are studying at the university you will experience different methods of teaching and learning. Some of these may be familiar to you, while others will be a new experience. The main methods are:

Lectures: These are large classes, sometimes holding over 100 students, taking place in a large teaching room or lecture hall. The lecturer talks about a subject and the students take notes in a more formal situation.

Seminars: These are smaller classes where a tutor and students discuss a particular topic. The discussion could be about points from a previous lecture or about a completely new subject which students will have to prepare for in their own time. Seminars are usually intended to encourage debate about an issue; students are expected to take part in discussions and make active contributions.

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Support ServicesStudent Helpzone

There is a Student Helpzone on each campus where all students, home and international, can go

to receive advice, support and assistance on any issue that they may be facing. The staff are available to answer your queries and find solutions to your problems. For academic advice, help with personal and welfare issues, information about any of the university’s other services, or to find the answer to any other query you may have, please drop in to any Helpzone.

You can contact the Helpzones by telephoning +44 (0)1242 714444 or by emailing one of the Helpzones: helpzonepark@glos.ac.uk or helpzoneoxstalls@glos.ac.uk or helpzonefch@glos.ac.uk

Please note that the Helpzones cannot give visa and immigration advice.

Immigration Compliance TeamThe Immigration Compliance Team provides specialist visa support and guidance for all international students at the university. The team is located in Cornerways on Park Campus and comprises the Immigration Compliance Co-ordinator, Visa and Immigration Officer and Immigration Compliance Administrator. Free and confidential advice can be given on the following: visa extensions, registering with the police, attendance monitoring and complying with the conditions of your visa.

You can talk to the team during term time and vacations:•by phone Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, tel +44 (0)1242 714443•by phone appointment Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm•by email: compliance@glos.ac.uk

Chaplaincy and FaithsThe Chaplaincy Team offers pastoral care and support to students of all religions and also those of no faith background. A weekly pattern of services and events is held throughout the academic year. They can help you find a local place of worship and have a team of Community Faith Representatives (from all the major world faiths) who are available for students to contact. There are multi-faith prayer rooms located on each campus. They have a number of events especially for international students and are developing a network of local families who can provide meals, friendship and hospitality for students from overseas. For more information about the Chaplaincy visit www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/faith-and-religion.aspx or email chaplaincy@glos.ac.uk

Counselling ServiceThe Counselling Service is a free, confidential service available to undergraduate and postgraduate students who require it. Students can discuss any matter affecting them with a professional counsellor in complete confidence and privacy. This service aims to support you in coping with the feelings you are experiencing, the situation you are facing, or the difficulties you have and helps you to focus on doing something constructive to help yourself. Visit www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/counselling.aspx

Wellbeing ServiceOur Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisers are available to speak to regarding any concerns about your mental health and the impact it may be having upon your academic studies. If you are facing mental health issues that may affect your ability to study then the advisers may be able to help.

For further information about this service please visit: www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/metal-health-and-wellbeing.aspx

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Sandwich/Placement Year: Over the years the university has developed some very strong links with industry and this has enabled us to offer some excellent year-out placement options, called a Sandwich Year, to its students. These take place between students’ second and third years of study. This year in employment is an excellent way to gain paid work experience. All students are free to apply for a placement through the Placements Office. For some courses the Sandwich Year is compulsory.

Assessment: Each module has an agreed type of assessment. There are two main types of assessment: coursework and examinations. Coursework normally involves essays, projects and presentations, carried out by the individual student or by a group of students, over the course of the semester. Examinations normally take place at specific times at the end of semester two. For more detailed information regarding your modules and assessments, please use the resources pages below.

For undergraduate study: www.glos.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate

For postgraduate study: www.glos.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate

The Module Descriptors will tell you the weighting of elements of assessment within a module, for example 60% coursework, 40% examination. When you arrive at the university you will be issued with a Student Handbook, which provides further important information about the modular scheme.

Preparing for Study in the UK If you would like to prepare yourself for academic study in the UK before you come, a great resource is www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk This website helps you to find out what UK academic life is like and what kind of academic skills you will need for effective study here. There are interactive examples and activities on a range of topics including Listening to Lectures, Your Relationship with your Tutors, and Preparing for Coursework and Exams. There is also a section giving the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). The website has been specially designed for international students and the activities can also help you improve your academic English.

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DegreePlusFrom the moment you start your course, you'll be carving out Your Future Plan.

DegreePlus will help you get where you want to go by providing support, information and opportunities.

Your personal DegreePlus portal and expert DegreePlus Team will be here to help throughout your studies.

Whatever Your Future Plan may be, you'll have plenty of opportunities to gain work experience, develop your skills and manage your career.

They can help with:•exploringcareerideas•placements•internships•volunteering•paidwork•careermanagement•graduatejobs

They provide:•one-to-oneadviceandguidance•careersandemployabilityinformation•workshops•eventstomeetemployersandfind opportunities•theDegreePlusAwardscheme

DegreePlus has an office on every campus. You do not need to make an appointment, just drop-in and see them. Your DegreePlus Portal is a fabulous portal where you can find opportunities, book on events, make an appointment, browse information resources and ask us about your career and employability on-line.

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Disability, Dyslexia and Learning Support ServiceThe Disability, Dyslexia and Learning Support Service is a confidential, one-to-one support service that provides support for any student with a disability, ongoing medical condition or specific learning difficulty. The team can provide advice on the university’s assessment regulations for disabled students, disability access, recommendations on learning aids and enabling technology and links with outside agencies concerned with disability issues. You can make an appointment to meet with one of the Disability Advisers via the Student Helpzone on any campus and can find further information about the service at www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/disability-and-dyslexia.aspx

Students’ Union All full-time students enrolled at the University of Gloucestershire automatically become a member of the Students’ Union (SU). The Students’ Union is a charity run by students for students,

which is there to support you and help you enjoy student life. There are dozens of clubs and societies to join covering sports, social and other activities. In addition, the SU holds events throughout the year and has a Job Shop offering student-friendly employment, lots of volunteering opportunities, plus a Radio Station (Tone) and newspaper (Space) run by students. The SU will also help you if you have any problems whilst at university. Once you have enrolled at the university, you can buy a National Union of Students (NUS) Extra Card, which will give you discounts on a range of items such as books, clothes, sports equipment, CDs, travel and more. For further information about the Students’ Union and the NUS Extra Card visit: www.yourstudentsunion.com or www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra

LibrariesAll students who are enrolled at the University of Gloucestershire are entitled to use the university libraries, located on each campus. Each library provides books, journals, electronic resources and expert staff to support the subjects taught on each campus. To use the facilities, you will need a university student ID card which you will be issued with during the university enrolment process. The libraries open 8.30am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday with Library Staff and then from 7.00pm to 12.00am (midnight) Monday to Friday without Library Staff. The libraries are open 11.00am to 4.00pm at the weekend. Access to ICT resources (computers, printers, photocopiers etc) is also provided 24 hours per day in certain areas. Full details of the services available through the libraries can be found on the library webpage: www.glos.ac.uk/life/resources/pages/libraries.aspx

Student Achievement TeamThe Student Achievement Team can help all students develop the skills required for their academic course throughout their time at university. For students for whom English is not their first language, we offer some language classes and one-to-one appointments with a tutor to help you develop your language skills and academic writing. You can get help through online resources, one-to-one appointments and workshops. Students can book an appointment using their DegreePlus Portal. You can find more information about the service at www.glos.ac.uk/life/support/pages/ student-achievement.aspx

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British cultureEvery culture has its own social codes and the UK is no exception. Moving to a culture you are unfamiliar with can be challenging so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to adjust and settle in. Here is a basic list of British customs to help you start orientating before you arrive.

•Many British people use terms of endearment at the end of their sentences, like ‘love’, ‘darling’ or ‘sweetheart’. These are generally meant as expressions of friendliness and should be interpreted positively.

•Greetings between friends are often accompanied by a kiss on the cheek (normally between opposite genders), though this is by no means compulsory.

•Pubs and bars are very popular social spaces for UK students, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

•The British sense of humour is traditionally based on sarcasm and irony, which can make it difficult to understand whether someone is joking or being serious. This may take some time to get used to.

•British people generally have a reputation for being punctual (‘on time’). In academic and business life, this is especially important: you should always be on time for classes, lectures, and meetings with academic and administrative staff.

•British people are generally known for their good manners and politeness. If you do not understand or have not heard something properly it is perfectly acceptable to ask for it to be repeated. A polite, and very common, way of asking for something to be repeated is to say ‘pardon?’, which should generate a helpful response.

•Many British people can be modest and reserved, which can show sometimes in an unwillingness to complain about something directly.

•Queuing, or standing in line, is incredibly common in UK culture. Jumping a queue is considered to be very rude.

•Finally, in keeping with a national stereotype, British people really do enjoy a cup of tea to relax and wind down. It is customary to offer a cup of tea any time you have a guest in your home.

These are just some of the cultural codes and quirks you may come across but you will of course discover many more while you are here. If you are at all uncertain about a social behaviour, it is generally advisable to act with caution and ask, since most people will be more than willing to help you.

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BankingIf you are on a course of six months or more, you will be eligible to open a UK bank account, and should do so as soon as possible after arriving in the UK. In order to open an account you will usually need your passport and a letter from the university confirming that you are a current student (and also giving your local address and your home address).

Please be aware that you are unlikely to be eligible for credit facilities (including student accounts and credit cards) from a UK bank account unless you have been a resident in the UK for a period of two years. If you wish to have credit facilities, you should therefore apply for a credit card in your home country and bring this with you. Please be aware that some accounts are only available for a monthly charge, so you should consider carefully which ba nk account you choose to open.

To the right is a list of the major banks operating in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Staff in these branches have experience is dealing with international students and are experienced at dealing with the complexities of overseas banking. Opening hours will vary from bank to bank, but branches are generally open from 9.30am to 5.00pm on weekdays, and 9.30am to 12.00 noon on Saturdays.

Major BanksBarclays128 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1EG18 Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2DHwww.barclays.co.uk

HSBC2 The Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1LSThe Cross, 1 Northgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2APwww.hsbc.co.uk

Lloyds Bank130 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1EW 19 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1NUwww.lloydsbank.com

NatWest118 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1EG 21 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1NHwww.natwest.com

Santander116 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1EG6-8 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NLwww.santander.co.uk

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clothingThe UK has a multicultural population and you will find that many people choose to wear clothes that are traditional within their communities. At the same time, a great many people choose to wear clothes that express their individuality and character. In general, students at the university tend to dress very casually, with jeans, T-shirts and jumpers being very common.

If you are coming from a country with a much warmer climate, the cooler temperatures in the UK may come as a bit of a shock. For this reason it is a good idea to pack at least a few items of clothing that are suitable for cooler weather. If you find once you are here that you need further items to stay warm, then do not worry as there are plenty of shops where you can buy cheap clothes. To keep warm in winter it is recommended that you have the following items: a warm, waterproof coat; hat; scarf, pair of gloves; and strong, waterproof shoes.

For going to pubs, cafes and restaurants, people usually dress informally, though some bars and nightclubs may not allow jeans or trainers to be worn.

You may be invited to attend a formal event (sometimes called a ‘black-tie’ event) while you are here, such as an end-of-term ball. For these events, male students would usually wear either a suit or dinner jacket and trousers, plus a tie or bow tie. Female students would normally wear a dress. You do not need to bring these formal clothes with you as they can be hired from specialist shops in the town centre, with a student discount often being available.

cost of LivingIt is difficult to estimate your living costs when you are in the UK as this will largely depend on your lifestyle. Once you have paid your tuition fees, we expect living costs for the academic year (excluding holidays) to be in the range £6,500 to £7,500. This includes accommodation, heating, lighting, food, clothing and daily travel. It does not include travel to/from your country. You will also need to purchase your own course textbooks and stationery, and you should allow around £250 per year for this, depending on the course. A useful website providing advice on managing your money is: www.studentcalculator.org.uk

The table to the right gives some examples of approximate prices of products in the UK, though please be aware that prices vary depending on the precise shop and brand.

Item Approximate priceLoaf of bread £1.20 One kg of rice £1.90 Pint of milk £0.50500g butter £1.00500g cheese £4.00 Six large eggs £1.50500g minced beef £2.50T-shirt, shirts, sweaters £10.00 – £20.00Jeans, trousers and skirts £20.00 – £50.00Heavy coat £30.00 – £100.00Shoes, trainers £30.00Shampoo bottle £2.00Tube of toothpaste £1.50Duvet/quilt £20.00Bed sheets £10.00Restaurant meal £10.00+Cinema ticket £7.00Pint of beer/drink in a bar £3.00Haircut £15.00+Small electrical goods (kettle, iron, hairdryer) £10.00Laptop £350.00+CDs £5.00+

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cheltenham and GloucesterCheltenham is an attractive and prosperous town, located less than 100 miles from London. Its central location allows for easy access to other major towns and cities and areas of interest. The population of Cheltenham is approximately 110,000. Most of the town centre lies within a conservation area of outstanding national importance and the town thrives with excellent shops, nightclubs, concerts, theatres and cinemas. Cheltenham has also become well-known for its festivals such as the Jazz, Science, Music and Literature Festivals, as well as the world-famous Gold Cup horse racing festival. For more information on these, see www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Gloucester, a city of similar size to Cheltenham, is located about ten miles away. It is a city of historical significance, with Roman-era foundations and Victorian docklands, all crowned by the impressive Gloucester Cathedral. The city boasts a number of social and leisure facilities, with many historical areas restored to create a major tourist and commercial centre. Gloucester Rugby Club is one of the leading sides in European rugby.

Once you have settled into your course and your new environment, you may wish to take time out to visit places of interest, of which there are many in and around Gloucestershire and the surrounding area. For Cheltenham and Gloucester’s main tourist information websites visit: www.visitcheltenham.com and www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk

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DrivingBefore you can drive in the UK you must have: • a valid driving licence• an appropriate insurance policy• a valid ‘tax disc’• a vehicle registration certificate• an MOT certificate (if the car is more than

three years old)

Your Driving LicenceIf you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and hold a valid driving licence from your own country you may be permitted to drive for up to 12 months from the date you last entered the UK. In order to continue driving beyond this point, you must take a UK driving test and obtain a full British driving licence. To be eligible to take a driving test, you must have been resident in the UK for a minimum of six months. Application forms for a driving licence can be obtained from any UK Post Office. Please contact your campus Helpzone for further advice.

Please note that if your driving licence has been issued by any of the following countries, you can exchange it for a UK licence without having to take a UK driving test: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

Insurance PolicyYou must have insurance to drive a car in the UK. There are three levels of cover available from insurance companies:• Comprehensive (the fullest cover) • Third Party, Fire and Theft• Third Party only (the minimum cover required)

If you intend to borrow a friend’s car, it is important to check that they have an insurance policy which allows you to drive it. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that he or she is insured to drive the vehicle.

Paying Vehicle TaxYou must ensure that you pay Vehicle Tax for your car before you drive it. This can be either done online by visiting www.gov.uk/browse/driving/car-tax-discs or this can be done by completing the relevant application form from the Post Office, and paying the required fee.

Registering a Car in the UKIf you buy a brand new car in the UK, the dealer will ordinarily arrange for the car to be registered for you. Once you receive your Registration Document/Certificate, it is important that you check the details are correct. If the dealer does not register the car for you, make sure that they provide you with the relevant paperwork so that you can apply yourself. If you buy a used (or ‘second-hand’) car, the procedure for registering the vehicle will depend on what documentation is available from the seller. Since buying a used car can be complicated, we strongly recommend that you consult a Helpzone Adviser before paying any money over to the seller.

MOT CertificateAll cars over three years old must be tested annually for roadworthiness. The test is known as an MOT and can be carried out by most garages. If your car passes the test, the garage will issue you with an MOT Certificate.

Warning: it is a criminal offence to drive without valid insurance, road tax, or a valid driving licence. The penalty for doing this may be a fine, a ban from driving, or even imprisonment. Traffic offences can also affect future immigration applications. If you are considering driving in the UK, it is therefore important that you understand all the legal requirements described in this section. If you are uncertain about any of these requirements, please speak to a Helpzone Adviser.

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council taxCouncil tax is a tax that funds local services (such as rubbish collection). If you will be living in private rented accommodation along with other full-time students you will be exempt from paying this tax. The Helpzone can issue you with a council tax exemption letter as evidence that you are not required to pay.

If you will be living with your adult spouse and he/she has a ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition or a prohibition on employment on his/her visa sticker, then you will also not be required to pay Council Tax. The council will probably wish to see your spouse’s passport before they are willing to apply the discount.

Please be aware that exemptions from Council Tax only apply while you are registered as a full-time student and end when you complete your studies. If you have any doubts about your eligibility for an exemption, please speak to a Helpzone Adviser.

culture ShockLeaving home to study in a new country can be a stressful experience. Even if you have planned and prepared carefully for your studies, you may still be surprised by the extent of the differences between your home country and the UK. The impact of moving from a familiar culture to one you are unfamiliar with is called ‘culture shock’. Culture shock can affect anyone and is quite normal.

To help minimise the effects of culture shock, you might want to try the following:• attend the International Welcome• keep in touch with home• engage in the Buddy Scheme• bring familiar things with you such as

photographs• find a local supplier of familiar food (see

section on Shopping)• get involved with activities run by the

university and external organisations so that you meet new people and make friends

• take regular exercise• get in touch with members of your faith group

through the university chaplaincy service• speak to one of the Helpzone Advisers or

anyone you feel comfortable with.

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Bringing a Car to CheltenhamCar parking facilities at the university are extremely limited. If you have been allocated a room in Halls of Residence then you are not allowed to park on-campus. If you are not in Halls of Residence and find it absolutely necessary to travel by car to the university and to use the car parking facilities at the university, then you will be required to purchase a car parking permit or else to pay the daily rate. Students who live off-campus do not normally bring a car to the university as there are good transport links within the town and to other locations within the county. If you do bring a car with you then you will need to ensure that you adhere to the UK laws in relation to owning and driving a car whilst in the UK, in particular with regard to your driving licence and the car’s insurance, road tax, registration and MOT certificate (see page 19).

Discount Travel CardsTwo types of discount cards are available to students intending to travel regularly by coach or train. The Young Person’s Coachcard is available to buy for any full-time student. With this card you may get up to a 30% discount on National Express Coach fares for one year. The 16-25 Railcard is available to buy for any full-time student. With this card you receive one-third off rail fares throughout the UK for one year. For further information see www.nationalexpress.com/waystosave/ young-persons-coachcard.aspx for coach cards and www.16-25railcard.co.ukfor rail cards.

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electricityElectrical sockets in the UK have three rectangular holes for three rectangular plug prongs. The mains voltage is 240v and the frequency is 50Hz. If you come from a country which operates on a different voltage, you should ensure that all your electrical appliances are equipped with the appropriate adaptor. Alternatively, there are many electrical stores where you can buy various items (hairdryer, kettle etc.) at reasonable prices. If you are staying in Halls of Residence, please bear in mind there may be restrictions as to what electrical appliances you are permitted to bring with you.

Getting AroundUniversity and Local Bus ServicesAn inter-campus bus (94U) operates during term time and is a great way of getting to and from campuses and Halls of Residence, not to mention into the centre of Cheltenham or Gloucester. During the holidays the same bus operates on a more limited basis between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Single journeys on this bus cost just £1.30 on the production of a valid student ID card. You can also purchase a special pass (known as a ‘Unirider’ ticket), which saves money and gives you unlimited travel for the duration of the ticket. Your student ID card also provides discounted access to many other bus services operating in Gloucestershire.

BicyclesSome students use a bicycle to get around the towns. There are a number of bicycle racks on each campus and you will need your own lock to attach your bike to a rack. For details speak to a Helpzone Adviser. We strongly advise all cyclists to be aware of the rules of the road, to stay visible and to wear a helmet.

TaxisTaxis can usually come at short notice and take you where you need to go. For local journeys the taxis will normally charge according to the meter; you do not need to pay more than is shown. For longer journeys, such as to the airport, the driver may agree a fixed fare beforehand and may ask for payment or part payment. As a courtesy to the drivers please remember to cancel any taxi you have requested if you no longer need it.

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LawsThe laws in the UK may be different from those in your home country. This especially applies to the use of tobacco, alcohol and self-defence sprays.

•You must not carry drugs with you of any kind (unless prescribed by a doctor), or use any illegal drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, LSD or amphetamines.

•It is illegal to carry any sort of weapon including knives, self-defence CS gas sprays, guns or stun guns.

•You must be 18 or over to buy tobacco and alcohol.

•Never buy property that you think might be stolen, no matter how tempting the bargain.

•It is an offence to falsely report the theft of property.

•All sexual acts are a criminal offence if at least one of the people involved, male or female, is under 16.

If you break any UK laws, there is a danger that you will be arrested, questioned and potentially charged with an offence by the UK police. Generally, if you find yourself involved with the police, you should be co-operative.

In the unlikely event that you are actually arrested, you should telephone the Helpzone for help and support.

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HealthcareMedical TreatmentIf you are an EEA national, you will be entitled to free treatment on the UK's National Health Service (NHS) from the start of your stay. This includes free visits to the local doctor, free treatment in hospital, and paying a standard cost for prescriptions (medicine which your doctor says you need).

You should register with a doctor as soon as possible after arrival, even if you do not feel ill, as this will ensure you are able to see the doctor quickly at any point if you need to. If you are living in Cheltenham we recommend registering with the university Medical Centre at Park campus. If you are living in Gloucester we recommend you register with the Cheltenham Road Surgery next to the Oxstalls campus. To register with a doctor’s surgery you will need: your passport, evidence that you are a student (eg your student card) and proof of your UK address. We will be registering students with doctors during the International Welcome.

If your course of study is under six months long you are only entitled to limited free NHS treatment. Emergency treatment given in an NHS Accident and Emergency department is free but once you are admitted onto a ward or given a follow-up appointment, charges will apply. For all other treatment (including doctor’s appointments) you will have to pay as a private patient. It is therefore very important that you take out medical insurance for the duration of your stay.

Dental TreatmentThere is a charge for all dental treatment in the UK, including emergency treatment. To register with a dentist you will need an NHS number which will be supplied to you when you register with a doctor. Please see a Helpzone Adviser for more information on this.

Eye CareEye care is provided by opticians who work in High Street shops. You will have to pay a minimum charge for an eye test on the NHS (around £20) unless you are under 19 and in full-time study. If the test shows you need glasses or contact lenses, you will be given a prescription. The cost of glasses and/or contact lenses varies considerably from one optician to another.

Pharmacists (Chemists)Pharmacists are a good source of advice, information and medicine for minor illnesses and medical problems. Pharmacists are located in most High Streets and communities. Many supermarkets also have a pharmacist. When the doctor prescribes you any medicine you will normally need to buy it at a local pharmacy.

Common ColdsColds are a very common occurrence, with most adults being infected at least two or three times each year, and children as many as eight times each year. Symptoms generally last for three to seven days and may include a dry, scratchy sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, hoarse voice, blocked nose, cough, mild headache, mild fever and tiredness. In most cases, you will not need to seek medical attention for a cold, though over-the-counter medicines from the pharmacy may help to relieve some of the symptoms.

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ShoppingShops in the UK are generally open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, as well as 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday. Some shops are open longer. You will be able to find all the things you will need during your stay in Cheltenham and Gloucester’s shops.

SupermarketsMost supermarkets open earlier and close later than other shops and are also open on Sundays, with some supermarkets open 24 hours a day (apart from Sundays). Supermarkets focus on selling all types of food and drink but many also sell a wide range of other items such as clothes, electrical goods, CD/DVDs, furniture, homeware, stationery and so on. They usually stock a range of items throughout the store which are cheaper ‘own labelled’, non-branded items. The larger supermarkets which are part of a chain tend to be cheaper than stores located in local neighbourhoods. Below is a sample of some of the larger supermarkets:

AsdaHatherley Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 6PNBruton Way, Gloucester, GL1 1DSwww.asda.com

Co-operative Food192 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7NEwww.midcounties.coop

LidlGrosvenor Terrace, Cheltenham, GL52 2SAEastern Avenue, Gloucester, GL4 4LPwww.lidl.co.uk

MorrisonsCaernarvon Road, Cheltenham, GL51 3BWHeron Way, Abbeydale, Gloucester, GL4 4FFwww.morrisons.co.uk

Sainsbury’sTewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9RR63-69 Northgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2AGwww.sainsburys.co.uk

Tesco233 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3HJSt Oswald’s Road, Gloucester, GL1 2SGwww.tesco.com

WaitroseHoneybourne Way, Cheltenham, GL50 3QWwww.waitrose.com

Other Stores•Petrol stations: Many petrol stations sell a

range of food, confectionery and newspapers. Some are open 24 hours a day.

•Charity shops: A number of charity shops in Cheltenham and Gloucester sell second-hand clothes, furniture, kitchen equipment and other items, which are usually low in price.

•Open Air Fruit and Vegetable Market: An open-air market takes place every Thursday in Henrietta Street car park, Cheltenham, from 9.00am to 2.00pm.

• Farmers’ Markets: A Farmers’ Market takes place on the Promenade in Cheltenham every other Friday, and at The Cross and Southgate Street in Gloucester every Thursday. A farmers’ market is a venue for local farmers and people making food with local ingredients to sell their produce to local people.

Bed linen, utensils, kitchen and other itemsThe following shops sell homeware items at quite competitive prices. Before purchasing, it may be advisable to look around to compare prices, or to look at their websites for price comparisons and any special offers.

Argos91-97 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1DP44-50 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1QNwww.argos.co.uk

British Home Stores30 Regent Arcade, Cheltenham, GL50 1EW27-39 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1YUwww.bhs.co.uk

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Post officesPost Offices are generally open from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some larger Post Offices are also open on Saturdays. The exact opening hours often depend on the size and location of the branch. As well as all postal/mailing services, Post Offices offer a wide range of other services such as insurance, driving licensing, currency exchange, passport photo booths and so on. Post is sent around the UK as either first class or second class post. First class normally delivers the next working day. Second class aims to deliver your letter by the third working day after posting, including Saturday. Costs depend on size, weight and destination.

You can buy various stamps in order to send mail from a postbox so that you do not need to go to the Post Office. If you are posting important documents such as your passport or certificates or you need to guarantee that the document will arrive the next day, then you are advised to post them by Special or Registered delivery. This service costs more – normally around £5 – but the recipient is required to sign for the post so the delivery is guaranteed. To find your nearest Post Office visit www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder There are many Post Offices located in and around Cheltenham and Gloucester. See below for the main ones. For further information on the services and products offered by the Post Office visit www.postoffice.co.uk

The addresses of the main Post Offices in Cheltenham and Gloucester are:•192-194 High Street (Inside WH Smith),

Cheltenham GL50 1EP•Kings Square, Gloucester GL1 1AD

There is also a Post Office on Bath Road, close to the Park campus:•170-172 Bath Road, Cheltenham GL53 7NF

SafetyCheltenham and Gloucester are generally regarded as safe places to live and study. However, it is sensible to be aware of security and to take basic precautions.

•Do not walk alone at night in isolated areas. If you are going home late, walk in a group or take a taxi.

•Do not accept lifts from strangers.•Do not carry large amounts of money, and

be aware that there may be pickpockets (particularly in busy or crowded situations).

•If you have a bicycle, always lock it securely.•Carry a mobile phone, if you have one, but

don’t use it in public unless you have to.•Make sure that you have adequate insurance

for your personal possessions.

In the unlikely event that you experience an emergency situation where you feel your life is threatened, the police should be called (from any telephone or mobile) on 999.

If you are the victim of any other crime then you should call 101 to be put through to the local police station of that area. Or you can go in person to the police station to report it.

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telephone and InternetFor international calls you will need to dial 00 + country code + the area/city code (leaving out the first 0) then the number. For country codes and area codes, visit www.thephonebook.bt.com Payphones are situated in public places. Most public phones accept coins of 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and phone cards (UK and International) of £5, £10 and £20. Phonecards can be purchased in Post Offices and newsagents. A number of cheap-rate call providers are available which allow students to use various access codes, allowing you to phone international numbers at a much cheaper rate than normal. Visit www.telesavers.co.uk for calling rates for one such provider. Students are also recommended to use internet-based tools such as Skype to make free calls to other users around the world. Your campus Helpzone can advise you further.

Many students choose to use their own mobile phones or buy a mobile phone after they arrive in the UK. There are two main ways to buy a mobile in the UK; either through a contract (also known as ‘pay monthly’) or through ‘pay-as-you-go’. Pay monthly phones offer more favourable calling rates, normally including some limited free calling time to most UK numbers, and the handsets are often free. However, by signing the contract you will be committed to paying a minimum amount every month for the duration of the contract (usually 12, 18 or 24 months), even if you don’t use your phone or lose it. Contracts cannot generally be cancelled. Most students choose pay-as-you-go phones, which are more expensive but involve no monthly commitment – you only pay for the calls you make.

To use pay-as-you-go phones you need to buy top-up cards, giving you the amount you pay for in phone credit. The Park Helpzone has free pay-as-you-go SIM cards for students that offer cheap rates for international calls. Top-up cards are widely available in many shops. There are various tariffs, network providers and phone shops available; take care to choose one which suits you and your needs.

All students have free access to the internet through the libraries located on each campus. Students living in university Halls of Residence have access to an internet point in their rooms 24 hours a day. If you live in private sector accommodation and you want internet access in your home then you may have to pay a connection and monthly subscription charge, depending on the service you choose.

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Dunelm MillCentrum Retail Park Unit 1A, Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9FD Westgate Retail Park, Westgate, Gloucester, GL1 2TFwww.dunelm-mill.com

MatalanSwindon Road, Cheltenham, GL50 4DFQuedgeley District Centre, Gloucester, GL2 4PFwww.matalan.co.uk

The RangeTewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, GL51 9AAwww.therange.co.uk

Wilkinson255 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3HA78-84 Northgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1SLwww.wilkinsonplus.com

Speciality food stores in Cheltenham and GloucesterMost supermarkets have sections selling food from other countries. However, the following stores specialise in international foods:

East & West Foods449 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3HX

Katyusha84 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2NZ

Oriental Foodstore308 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JF

Polish Delikateski310 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JF

Pinoy Oriental Food110 Barton Street, Gloucester, GL1 4DZ

Ranee Supermarket322 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3JF

Taoyuan Mini China Town311 High Street, Cheltenham, GL50 3HW

Wing Yip Superstore375 Nechells Park Road, Nechells, Birmingham, B7 5NT

Food and Catering ServicesAll students are encouraged to prepare food for themselves where possible. It is generally cheaper and healthier to do so. All students, on- and -off-campus, have access to cooking facilities where they live. The university offers catering facilities on all campuses for students to buy hot and cold foods, snacks and drinks. There is a wide range of outlets in both Cheltenham and Gloucester offering all kinds of different food, from ‘fast food’ to expensive restaurants. Many offer a delivery service. You may need to make a reservation for some restaurants. Use www.yell.com to search for different types of food outlets in your area.

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Working during your studiesMany students undertake part-time work whilst studying at the university. However, it is advisable to ensure that any work commitments do not get in the way of your study, especially during term time.

European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss StudentsIf you are a national of Croatia, you need to obtain permission from the Home Office in order to work in the UK. For further details please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk If you are a national of any other EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need to apply for permission to work, and there are no restrictions on the type of employment or the number of hours you can do.

Non-EEA StudentsYour visa will tell you whether you can work part-time during your studies or whether work is prohibited. If the visa states ‘Work (and any changes) must be authorised’ or ‘Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State’, then you are allowed to work, with certain restrictions. As a full-time student you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacations. If your passport states ‘No Work’ or ‘Work Prohibited’, then you are not allowed to do any work, paid or unpaid. Please be aware that voluntary work can count in your allocation of hours. Please check with a Helpzone Adviser for more details on this.

National Insurance NumberOnce you have found work in the UK, you need to apply for a National Insurance number. Getting a National Insurance number is very straight forward:

1. Phone the Jobcentre Plus on 0345 600 0643 (lines are open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday)

2. Jobcentre Plus will either send you an application form by post or ask you to attend an “Evidence of Identity” interview in Cheltenham or Gloucester.

3. Within six weeks of submitting the application or attending interview, your National Insurance number card will be posted to your home address. You need to give this number to your employer straight away.

Pleasenote:it is not essential to have a National Insurance number before commencing work. If you supply an employer with your date of birth and your gender, this should enable them to employ you.

How Much Will You Be Paid?Levels of pay vary around the country and for different types of work. However, an employer must pay all their workers at least the minimum amount set out in UK law. This is called the National Minimum Wage. Please see www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Come PreparedIf you know you will want to find some sort of work when you come to the UK, it may be worth bringing with you personal references/work references to accompany any job applications. This may help to quicken the application process and improve your chances of finding work. It is also worth bringing original education certificates as these may be asked for at interview.

Applying for JobsFor most jobs you are required to complete a job application form and/or to send in your CV (Curriculum Vitae), a two-page document you write yourself briefly explaining your education and work experience to date. You may also be asked to attend an interview. The DegreePlus Careers Team can help you to write your CV.

JobshopA ‘Jobshop’ is located within the Students’ Union at the university, where you can find and view details of various job vacancies appropriate for students. For more information visit www.yourstudentsunion.com/thejobshop or telephone 01242 714360.

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television LicenceStudents must be covered by a television licence to watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown on television (TV). This applies whether you are using a laptop, mobile phone or any other device that receives television programmes – all require a TV licence. The current cost of a colour TV licence is £145.50. Payment can be made in full or in instalments by direct debit.

If you live in university managed accommodation and have a TV in your study bedroom, then you are required by law to buy a TV licence.

If you live in a shared house and there is a joint tenancy agreement for the whole house, you will need just one licence. If you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room, you will need your own licence.

TV licence detector vans are able to establish which addresses do not have a TV licence. The penalty for not having a licence can be prosecution in court and/or a fine of up to £1,000.

To purchase a TV licence and find out more information please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1

WeatherThe UK climate is variable and changes from day to day. Weather is generally cool with frequent cloud and rain but settled spells of weather occur in all seasons. The frequent changes of weather affect all parts of the country in very much the same way and there are no great differences from one part of the country to another. Winter (approximately November to March) often brings cold, wet, windy and sometimes snowy weather. The average temperature during this period in Gloucestershire is around 6°C. It is important to keep warm and make use of coats, hats and scarves. It gets dark quite early in the autumn and winter months. Summer months in Gloucestershire are often sunny and pleasantly warm with some periods of rain. Days are much longer with the average temperature for the summer months being around 20°C.

For up-to-date information please see www.bbc.co.uk/weather where you can type in the location of any town or city to see current and forecast temperatures and conditions.

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Currency Converter For up-to-date information of exchange rates for all major currencies. www.xe.com

DirectgovLots of useful safety advice and tips regarding crime prevention.www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/index.htm

Endsleigh InsuranceOne UK-based company that offers insurance to international students. Telephone: +44 (0)800 028 3571 www.endsleigh.co.uk

Highway CodeAdvice on traffic laws and regulations in the UK.www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/highwaycode/index.htm

Home OfficeGovernment body offering information on immigration regulations and work entitlements. Includes application forms and legislation.Telephone: +44 (0)870 606 7766 Email: UKBApublicenquiries@ukba.gsi.gov.uk www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)Provides information on the main English Language Test required by the university, including test centre locations around the world. www.ielts.org

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustProvides a wide range of services at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospitalswww.gloshospitals.org.uk

Cheltenham General HospitalSandford Road, Cheltenham GL53 7ANTelephone: +44 (0)8454 222222

Gloucestershire Royal HospitalGreat Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3NNTelephone: +44 (0)8454 222222

Gloucestershire PoliceFor comprehensive information and advice on security and crime prevention.Telephone: +44 (0)1452 728199www.gloucestershire.police.uk

National Union of Students (NUS)The website for the National Union of Students.www.nus.org.uk

Road SafetyFor advice and guidelines on road safety in the UK for all users. http://think.direct.gov.uk

SamaritansThe Samaritans provide confidential support to individuals in emotional distress.Telephone: +44(0)845 790 9090 (available 24 hrs)www.samaritans.org.uk

Tourist InformationFor information on places to visit in the UK, places to stay, what’s on and more.www.visitbritain.com Cheltenham Tourist Information Telephone: +44 (0)1242 522878 Email: info@cheltenham.gov.uk www.visitcheltenham.com Gloucester Tourist information Telephone: +44 (0)1452 396572Email: tourism@gloucester.gov.ukwww.the cityofgloucester.co.uk/visitor-information/tourist-information-centre

Train travelwww.nationalrail.co.uk www.thetrainline.com

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key contactsAccommodation TeamTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714544Email: accommodation@glos.ac.uk www.glos.ac.uk/life/accommodation/pages/accommodation.aspx

International Development CentreTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714300Email: intoffice@glos.ac.uk

Main University NumberTelephone: +44 (0)844 801 0001 From this number you can be put through to any university number/department within the university.

Main Campus SwitchboardsPark: +44 (0)1242 714700 Francis Close Hall: +44 (0)1242 714551 Oxstalls: +44 (0)1242 715200

Immigration and Compliance TeamTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714879 Fax: +44 (0)1242 714200Email: visas@glos.ac.uk www.glos.ac.uk/study/international/ pages/pre-arrival.aspx

Tuition Fee AdministratorTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714222 Fax: +44 (0)1242 714469 Email: intfeesadmin@glos.ac.uk

Medical Centre (Park Campus)Telephone: +44 (0)1242 714400 (out of hours: +44 (0)1242 580644) www.underwoodsurgery.co.uk

Park HelpzoneTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714556Emergency Telephone: 07500 571783 (for problems at immigration control on Sunday 11 September 2016)Fax: +44 (0)1242 714200 Email: helpzonepark@glos.ac.uk www.glos.ac.uk/international

Francis Close Hall HelpzoneTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714444 ext 1Email: helpzonefch@glos.ac.uk

Oxstalls HelpzoneTelephone: +44 (0)1242 714444 ext 2Email: helpzoneoxstalls@glos.ac.uk

Useful websitesAirport InformationFor information on the main London airports. www.baa.comwww.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/travel-to-london/airport

British CouncilThe UK’s international cultural relations body, and publisher of lots of useful documents for international students.www.britishcouncil.org

British Insurance Brokers’ AssociationInformation about insurance and insurance providers in the UK.www.biba.org.uk

Careers AdviceThe UK’s official graduate careers website. www.prospects.ac.uk

Childcare Advice and ServicesFor information and links to all kinds of local childcare services. www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Childcare/index.htm

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)The CAB service helps people resolve money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice.www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Coach travelwww.nationalexpress.com www.megabus.com

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TV LicensingFor information on whether you need a TV Licence and how to buy one. www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/students-aud1

UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)Offers advice and comprehensive guidance notes on all aspects of being an international student in the UK. Telephone advice line for international students: +44 (0)207 1079922 (open Mon – Fri, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, UK time). Full list of UKCISA information sheets: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/information_sheets.php www.ukcisa.org.uk

Yellow Pages Internet/Telephone DirectoryFor finding local services, businesses, entertainments and other telephone numbers.www.yell.com

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HelpzoneUniversity of GloucestershirePark CampusThe ParkCheltenhamGL50 2RH

Tel: +44 (0)1242 714556Fax: +44 (0)1242 714200Email: helpzonepark@glos.ac.ukwww.glos.ac.uk/study/international 793505/16