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International Student

Pre-arrival Guide2011/12

www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport

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Contents

About this guide ................................................1

Before you leave home .....................................2

Arriving in the UK ............................................16

Life at the University of York ..........................20

UK life .............................................................28

Pre-arrival checklist .......................................32

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www.york.ac.uk/international

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About this guideThis guide contains information to help you plan for your arrivalinto the UK and the University of York. In addition to this we havealso prepared a booklet, the International Student Handbook, whichgives detailed information on services and facilities available withinthe University, life and culture in the UK, and other useful advice for

international students.The International Student Handbook will be distributedduring orientation and is also available at www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr. You may find it helpful to download a copy andread it before arrival, as it does contain important information toprepare you for living in York.

When referring to international students in this guide we are

including all non-UK students. Where information may be differentfor students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEAstudents, this will be made clear in the text.

If you require this booklet in an alternative format please contactLouise Saunderson on +44 (0)1904 324144 or by email [email protected].

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beFoRe You LeAVe hoMeImmigration arrangements

If you are a studentfrom outside the EEA(European EconomicArea) or Switzerland, you

must obtain a visa forvisa nationals, or entryclearance if you are anon-visa national. To findout whether you are avisa national or a non-visanational visit the UK Visas

website at www.kva.v.k.If you are from the EEA

or Switzerland you donot need a visa or entryclearance to enter the UK.For a list of EEA countries

please see the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs)website at www.kca.r.k/n/a.pp.

How to make an entry clearance or visa application

You will need to make an application at your nearest British Embassy,High Commission or Consular Office (British diplomatic post) whichissues visas or entry clearance. There is a list of all British diplomaticposts on the UK Visas website: www.kva.v.k.

The application procedures are often different for each post, so

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do check details of how to make your application and the averageprocessing time. It may take much longer to issue visas duringpeak periods. Please dont forget to factor in the time it will take toprovide biometric data (photographs and fingerprints). For furtherinformation about this, please visit www.kva.v.k/n/wapply/mrcva.

Check if TB (tuberculosis) screening programmes operate in yourcountry or a neighbouring country and, if applicable, take intoaccount the time this will add to your visa application process.Further information on TB screening can be found at www.kva.v.k/n/wapply/crnn.

Student visa applicants must complete a VAF9 application formplus PBS Appendix 8, if applying for the student Tier 4 (General) visa

from outside the UK. Forms are available to download from Britishdiplomatic post websites and from the UK Visas website. The fee tomake a student entry clearance application from outside the UK iscurrently 255. For information on applying, including sample VAF 9and Appendix 8 forms to help you fill them in correctly, please visitthe University Immigration Advice Service (IAS) website atwww.yrk.ac.k/mmran.

You will need to submit the following original documents with yourstudent visa application:

Your passport

A passport-sized photograph

A CAS number issued by the University. This replaces paper visa

letters which the UK Border Agency no longer accepts, and is anelectronic number which you insert on your application form. A CAScan be requested on e:Vision when you accept an unconditional offer

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to a course. See the section on online enrolment (page 6) for furtherdetails. Please note that if your visa is refused, you must apply for anew CAS.

Evidence that you can support yourself financially. For example,bank statements in your name or a sponsorship letter, which showthat you have sufficient funds to pay for your first year of tuition feesplus 5400 living expenses. Further maintenance is required for anydependants (family members) who are accompanying you to the UK.If you have an official financial sponsor, such as your government,then you need to provide a letter from them which confirms howmuch (in sterling) they are sponsoring you for, what the sponsorshipmoney is expected to cover, and for how long. Please note thatwhere the application form refers to your Tier 4 sponsor, it means

the University rather than your financial sponsor. If English is not your first language, evidence of your Englishlanguage ability.

Evidence of any previous educational qualifications which arementioned in your CAS statement.

If your proposed programme of study requires approval under the

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) you will need to supplyan ATAS certificate. To find out if you require an ATAS certificate andhow to apply for one, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Officewebsite at www.fc.v.k/aa. It can take four to six weeks toreceive an ATAS certificate, so do allow time for this.

Always provide original supporting documents; these must be written

in English or be accompanied by a certified translation. The translationmust comply with the requirements set out in the Tier 4 (General)policy guidance. Details of this, plus further information on supporting

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documents, are available on the University Immigration Advice Service(IAS) website at www.yrk.ac.k/mmran. Please go to the pageon Immigration procedures for entry into the UK as a student, thenDocuments you will need in support of your application.

If you are coming to York to undertake a pre-sessional Englishlanguage course followed by an undergraduate or graduateprogramme, you should submit your conditional degree offer letter

with your visa application.If family members are accompanying you, the form required isVAF10. Each dependant must fill in a separate application. A sampleVAF10 form, plus further application information, is available on theUniversity Immigration Advice Service website at www.yrk.ac.k/mmran. Go to Staying in the UK, then the section on Dependantsof students. Please note that dependants may only accompany you

to the UK if you are studying a postgraduate course of 12 months orlonger.

EEA nationalsEEA nationals do not need to obtain a visa to come to the UK but willneed to present the following documents at a port of entry:

A passport or national identity card

A letter from the University showing you have been made anunconditional offer and you have accepted a place on the course

Evidence that you can support yourself financially, such as bankstatements for at least the last three months or proof of sponsorship.

EEA nationals may find it useful to apply for a Registration Certificate

as a student once they arrive in the UK. The Registration Certificateconfirms they are exercising a right of residence under EU law. Althoughthe Certificate is optional it may be a good idea to have one because:

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i. it will be useful if you are joined at a later stage by dependantswho are not themselves EEA nationals;

ii. it provides evidence of your status for the purpose of applyingfor benefits;

iii. it may become useful at some stage in providing evidence of lengthof residence in the UK.

Further informationThe University of York Immigration Advice Service (IAS) has usefulinformation on applying for visas at www.yrk.ac.k/mmran.

UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) offers guidanceand answers to frequently asked questions at www.kca.r.k.

Online enrolmentEach academic year students are required to enrol with the University.You will be invited to enrol from August 2011 if your offer is

unconditional (ie you have met all the entry requirements for yourcourse). You will be sent an email which will contain instructions onhow to log into e:Vision (p://vn.yrk.ac.k) and enrol online.E:Vision is the Universitys student record system. This email will be

sent to the address you provided when you applied to the University.All students must enrol by 5pm on Friday 14 October 2011 or a lateenrolment fee of 50 will be charged.

After you have enrolled you will also be able to access other optionsin e:Vision including uploading your photograph to be used for yourUniversity Card, applying for University accommodation and setting uppayments for your tuition fees.

If you are a Tier 4 visa holder, as part of your enrolment process youare required to report with your passport and visa to Room W/N/024in Wentworth College. This service is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm

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Monday to Friday, from Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October.If you have queries about enrolment please email Registry Servicesat [email protected] for further assistance. Alternatively, once youarrive at the University, visit Registry Services located in the StudentAdministration Building, Vanbrugh Walkway near Market Square,for support.

AccommodationApplications are made online. The application system is a first-come,first-served process. You will only be able to select a College and roomtype from those available at the time you apply.

unrraa n holding an unconditional offer will beinvited by email to complete an online accommodation applicationfrom 1 August 2011. i vry mpran a uCAs a yr m mal

ar rcr accraly. This email account must be one that youcheck regularly and that will still be active in August (for example, not ahigh school account).

If you have a specific requirement for a particular type of roomor location for reasons relating to a medical condition, disability orother circumstances, you must complete and return the Submissionof Evidence form as soon as possible, enclosing supporting evidence

from an appropriate professional (for example, a doctor or medicalconsultant).

All undergraduate students who...

are new (not previously a student at the University of York)

do not require couple or family accommodation

are full time

accept York as their firm or insurance choice by 26 July 2011

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accept an unconditional offer apply for accommodation online by 26 August 2011

... are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation.

Praa n living outside the UK/EEA and paying overseastuition fee rates are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation

on the following conditions: Your unconditional offer for study at the University has been accepted

Your application for accommodation has been received onlineno later than 12 August 2011. Applications for accommodationreceived after 12 August are not guaranteed an offer of Universityaccommodation.

Postgraduate students beginning their course at York in the Springor Summer Term should contact Accommodation Services as thereare often rooms available during the year but we cannot guaranteeUniversity accommodation.

Due to the high demand for University accommodation, it is notpossible to offer University accommodation to UK or EEA postgraduate

students. Accommodation Services provides assistance to studentslooking for private sector accommodation, including a Meet aHousemate event in September. Please see www.yrk.ac.k/accmman for further information.

Accommodation offers and acceptancesAn offer of University accommodation will be sent by email to your

University address within seven days of your online application.You must make an online payment of 200 and accept your offerof accommodation within three days or the offer will expire. Please

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check your email regularly after making your application and informAccommodation Services if you anticipate difficulty in accepting anoffer within three days.

If you have difficulties paying online, please check the Financewebsite www.yrk.ac.k/paymn/n/lp.m for furtherinformation or contact Accommodation Services (details below).

BeddingStudents are required to provide and launder their own bed linen, pillows,duvet sets, sheets, blankets and towels. Non UK students may purchase abedding pack when applying for accommodation. A bedding set containsa duvet and duvet cover, a pillow and pillow slip, two bed sheets and abath towel, and costs 28. All bedding is suitable for a single bed.

Where to go when you arrive on campusArrival information, including when and where to collect your room keyplus other information about your accommodation, will be available onthe accommodation website.

Please note, your room will only be available from the date shown inyour offer of accommodation. Please do not arrive earlier than this

date as you may have to stay in a hotel which can be expensive.

If you do not receive an email from Accommodation Services beforeyou leave your home country to travel to York, you m contact theoffice before you arrive in York.

The Accommodation Services reception desk is located on theground floor of the Information Centre and is open Monday to Friday.

Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursdaywhen they are 10.00am to 5.00pm.We strongly advise all students to arrive at the University campus

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during the daytime (10.00am to 5.00pm) when there will be manymembers of staff available to help you. However, if you have absolutelyno choice but to arrive outside of these hours, you must check theAccommodation Services website for key collection arrangementsafter office hours, pcally f yr unvry accmman ffcamp. If you have difficulty on arrival, all on-campus Collegeshave a red phone outside their reception area. Please use this phone to

request assistance. You must have your offer letter with you to showthe member of staff when requesting your keys.

Accommodation ServicesInformation CentreMarket Squaretlpn: +44 (0)1904 32 2165

Fax: +44 (0)1904 32 4030emal: [email protected]: www.yrk.ac.k/accmman

Preparing to bring money to the UK

If you are travelling into the UK from any country outside the

European Union, and have more than 10,000 euros in cash, bankersdrafts or travellers cheques, you will be required to declare theamount upon arrival to UK customs control.

The University strongly advises students n to carry large sums ofcash because it is the least safe method of transferring money intothe UK. There are no secure facilities at the University for students

to store cash.

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About 300 should be enough to pay for your immediate expensessuch as travel from the airport to the University of York, some food/sundries for your journey and an overnight stay in an airport hotelif necessary. It is advisable to check if your country places limits onthe amount of cash you can transfer to the UK so that you can planpayments for tuition, accommodation and maintenance accordingly.Representatives from local banks will be available to advise on student

accounts during orientation (see pages 2425) but accounts do usuallytake at least one or two weeks to be fully opened for use.

Preparing to pay tuition by the due dates

Tuition and accommodation fees must either be paid y nr y an ffcal pnr. Nvr v any mny an an r any

r prn nl y ar ally cran y can r.t unvry f Yrk n ffr f cn, vryca f anyn nfrm y a y wll an a cn fpayn n yr alf.

University scholarships are awarded in advance of the start of theacademic year and scholarship winners will have been notified well

before the start of term.NeVeR respond to any person, email or internet advert offering tosecure a fee discount or scholarship for you. Adverts offering feediscounts and scholarships are n nn. Please report any suchoffers to Louise Saunderson, International Student Support Co-ordinator, email: [email protected].

The University normally requires payment of tuition fees in full at thestart of the academic year. As a concession, the University allows

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students to pay in three instalments providing they pay 50 per cent,25 per cent and 25 per cent. You may transfer the money electronically,pay by debit card or credit card, or use a bankers draft or cheque.

To transfer money to the University electronically you need to quotethe following information:

University account name: University of York

Bank: HSBC Bank PLC13 Parliament StreetYork YO1 8XS

University account number: 20898201

University account sort code: 40-47-31

Bank identification code: MIDLGB2109Y

IBAN number: GB37MIDL 404731 20898201

Swift code: MIDLGB22

You will also need to:

Provide your full name

Provide your University of York student number

State whether the payment is for tuition fees, accommodation fees,both tuition and accommodation or for another purpose.

Electronic payments from abroad must be made in Pounds Sterling ().

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The University accepts debit and credit card payments using Switch,Visa or MasterCard. You can pay online at www.yrk.ac.k/paymn/nx.m.

To pay fees in person using a cheque, bankers draft, debit card orcredit card, visit the Finance Office located next to the InformationCentre, Market Square. Cheques and bankers drafts should be madepayable to the University of York.

The University does not accept standing letters of credit from overseasbanks or third parties as payment for tuition or accommodation fees.For tuition fee queries please contact:

Finance OfficeInformation Centre, Market Squaretlpn: +44(0) 1904 32 2120

emal: [email protected] to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm

British Council pre-departure briefingsIn some countries the British Council arrange pre-departure briefingsfor students preparing to study in the UK. You and your parents/family

are able to attend briefings, have your questions answered and meetother students who are also preparing to travel to the UK.For more information contact your local British Council office or visit

www.rcncl.r/mprparrrfn.m.

English language tests

Students for whom English is not the first language will need toconsider booking an IELTS or equivalent English language test. In somecountries the British Council test centres may close during August, so

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English language tests need to be booked well in advance.For further information about pre-sessional English languageprogrammes at the University of York contact the Centre for EnglishLanguage Teaching (CELT).

Centre for English Language Teachingtlpn: +44 (0) 1904 32 2480

Fax: +44 (0) 1904 32 2481emal: [email protected]: www.yrk.ac.k/cl

Insurance for belongings and healthcareStudents are advised to insure belongings against loss, theft or

accidental damage as these are n covered by University insurance.It is recommended that students insure all their belongings, preferablyfr ravlln uK,although you can insure your property onceyou have arrived in York.

Students who are studying courses of less than six months in lengthdo not qualify for free healthcare. It is therefore recommended that youtake out medical insurance before arriving in the UK.

Endsleigh is an insurance company endorsed by UKCISA (UK Councilfor International Student Affairs) and the National Union of Students(NUS). They offer insurance tailored to international students, see:www.nl.c.k/.

Medical immunisation (vaccination)

In addition to any specific immunisation requirements for yourprogramme of study (you will have been informed of those requirements

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in your admissions letter), you should check with your doctor to ensureyou have been fully immunised against the following diseases:

Diphtheria

Tetanus

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) Polio

Meningitis C

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Tuberculosis (BCG)

If you are not immunised against all of the above illnesses pleasearrange to receive vaccinations fr coming to the UK.

Please bring with you a copy of your medical records (with an Englishtranslation if the record is not written in English) and, if you have one, aTuberculosis chest x-ray report (but not the x-ray itself). Students willneed to provide the dates they were immunised to the medical practice

they register with in the UK.

MedicationIf you are bringing any prescribed medication, carry a letter from yourdoctor in your hand luggage explaining what the medication is. Theletter should be translated into English.

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ARRiViNg iN the uKMost students fly into the UK althoughsome may arrive by sea ferry fromEurope or via the Channel Tunnel.

Many transatlantic flights arriveinto one of the main London airports,

of which Heathrow is the largest andbusiest. London has four principalinternational airports: Heathrow,Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Thereare also regional airports such asNewcastle, Manchester and LeedsBradford, which are nearer to York. To

arrive at one of the regional airports itmight be necessary to transfer in Europe.All London airports have overland or Underground (Tube) train

connections into central London. You will need to take a trainfrom London Kings Cross railway station to York. There are trainconnections direct to York from Newcastle and Manchester airports,while Leeds Bradford is a short bus journey then train ride to York.

Please see www.yrk.ac.k/n/ppr/nrnanal fordetailed instructions and approximate costs for travelling to York fromone of the airports listed above. Free airport collection by coach to Yorkwill be provided on 5 October for students who book in advance. Pleasesee the section on Travelling to York (page 18) for further information.

Clearing immigration

There are usually two queues as you approach immigration control.One is for British and EEA travellers, and the second is for all otherpassport holders.

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You should carry your University of York offer letter and/or UCASconfirmation slip, University of York accommodation confirmationemail, IELTS (or equivalent) certificates, plus any relevant medicalcertificates showing recent vaccinations, in your hand luggage. If aUK immigration officer asks you questions about the purpose of your

journey to the UK you should show him/her these documents.

Collecting luggageAfter clearing immigration control proceed to the luggage collectionhall. To identify the correct baggage carousel look for the TV screendisplaying your flight number and departure point.

If any of your luggage items do not appear, find a representative ofthe airline you travelled with and complete a lost baggage form.

Customs controlAfter collecting your luggage you will need to pass through customscontrol. If you have brought in goods which are over the allowancepermitted you must go through the red channel and pay the duty. Clearinformation on what can be brought into the UK without paying anyexcess is on the HM Revenue and Customs website: www.mrc.v.k/cm/arrvn/nx.m. If your journey was from within the

EU and you have nothing to declare go through the blue exit. If youtravelled from outside the EU and you have nothing to declare use thegreen exit.

If you arrive at one of the channel ferry ports you will also have topass through customs control. If you arrive by the Channel Tunnelcustoms control will either take place in France or on the train.

Any traveller carrying more than 10,000 euros in cash when entering

or leaving the EU (European Union) is required to declare the amountupon arrival to UK customs control. For this purpose cash means notesand coins, travellers cheques and bankers drafts in any currency.

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There are also strict rules on bringing food and plant produce intothe UK. Please see the Defra (Department for Environment, Food andRural Affairs) website (go to the Food and farming section) for furtherinformation: www.fra.v.k.

While travelling remember:

Unattended luggage is considered a security threat keep luggage

with you at all times Never look after luggage/parcels for strangers or allow strangers tolook after your belongings

Never carry an item through airport customs for someone else

Do not accompany people you have only just met to places you donot know

Keep money and valuable belongings such as laptops and MP3players out of sight

If you need to use a taxi, take one from an official taxi rank (usuallylocated near the entrance/exit of airports and railway stations).These taxis are licensed and insured to carry paying passengers.

Travelling to York

We strongly advise all students to arrive at the University campusduring the daytime (10.00am to 5.00pm) when there will be manymembers of staff available to help.

If you are likely to arrive on campus after 5.00pm (local time), it isrecommended that you reserve a room at a UK airport hotel for yourarrival in the evening and travel to the University the following day.

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Please book a hotel room fr parn frm yr m cnry.The following websites may be useful for booking a room:

www.lamn.cm www.xpa.cm

York is too far from most airports to take a taxi directly to theUniversity campus. Leeds Bradford airport is the only exception, andthis will still cost a lot of money. For this reason it is sensible to take

public transport.Detailed instructions about how to travel by public transport from anumber of different airports to York can be found at www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr.

To get to the University campus from York train station, take thenumber 4 or 44 bus which stops directly outside the station (do notcross the main road). A single ticket costs 1.502.00. You will either

need to pay the driver as you get on the bus, or take a seat and pay aconductor. Please make sure you have the correct fare; change canbe given but only in small amounts. Ask for a ticket to the Universitycampus. Alternatively, take a licensed taxi from outside the railwaystation. If the driver does not know where on the campus your collegeis located, ask him or her to take you to the Information Centre atMarket Square. A taxi from the railway station will cost approximately

710. It is usual to give the driver a small tip.If you are travelling to the University on 1 and 2 October, a meetand greet service will be provided at Manchester and Leeds Bradfordairports, and York train station. Please see the section on AirportCollection (page 23) for more information.

A coach service will be provided for students arriving at LeedsBradford and Manchester airports on 5 October provided you have

booked a seat in advance. There will also be a free bus service tocampus from York train station from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Please seepage 23for more details.

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University family accommodation is available for a limited numberof students. Expect to pay 450475 per month for a double roomsuitable for a couple. Properties with 24 bedrooms cost from around550700 per month including most bills.

Many students with families will live in the private rented sector.Expect to pay from 600950 per calendar month for a 23 bedroomproperty not including bills. It can be difficult finding furnished houses

and flats in York. Although many will include white goods such as acooker and fridge, as well as carpets and curtains, you may also haveto buy beds, sofas, wardrobes, a chest of drawers, table and chairs.Please note that there are strict rules on the number of people whichlandlords can allow to share a house. It is expected that only oneperson may use a single bedroom, and no more than two people canshare a double-sized bedroom.

Childcare for pre-school children, and school-age children duringschool holidays and before and after school, may also be required.The University has a small nursery but as places are very limited moststudents with children must use other childcare facilities. Expect topay from 120200 per week for nursery care, 610 for aplaygroup session and 80105 per week for a school club duringthe holidays. For more information see the York Childcare website at

www.yrk.r.kFor further information on family members, including where to find

local schools, please refer to the International Student Handbook atwww.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr

International student supportThere are a number of support services available to international students:

College welfare teams

Cultural societies

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Disability Services Emotional and psychological support (through the Open Door Team)

English language courses

Graduate Students Association (GSA)

Immigration Advice Service

International Students Association (ISA)

International Student Support Co-ordinator

Religious and spiritual support

Student Financial Support Unit

Other facilities include:

Accommodation Service

Careers Service

IT Services

Health Centre

York University Students Union (YUSU)Further information on these can be found in the International StudentHandbook at www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr.

Orientation to University life and study

Orientation is a free programme of talks and events aimed at helping allnew international students acquire an understanding of University life,UK study skills and British culture. It is also a good opportunity to meet

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existing international and UK students, and to make friends with othernew international students. The programme includes presentations,social activities, tours of the campus and city, and the opportunityto meet with bank representatives and other relevant organisations.Students are expected to attend.

Airport collection

To arrive in time for orientation, students may book a place on oneof our coaches from Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports onWednesday 5 October at no charge. t fnal cac wll lav a3.30pm an y m allw a mnmm f 90 mn fr clarnmmran cnrl an racn cac. You will be able to bookyour free place once you have enrolled with the University (you shouldreceive emailed instructions for doing so by the end of August). On

enrolling, you will be able to access University software, e:Vision,where you will find instructions for booking a place on a coach. tfnal a fr kn a plac 21 spmr.

If you are unable to arrive at the airports in time for the final coaches,please consider taking a flight the day before and staying in a nearbyhotel. Alternatively, visit the International Support web pages andfollow the detailed directions for travelling from all the major airports

to York railway station. Please see the section on Travelling to York on(pages 18-19)for more details.If you travel to York railway station on 5 October and arrive between

10.00am and 6.00pm there will be a free bus service to campus,provided by the University. There is no need to book a place on thisservice.

For students arriving on 1 and 2 October, there will be a Meet and

Greet Service provided at Manchester and Leeds Bradford airportsand York railway station between 10.00am and 6.00pm. You will beexpected to travel on public transport and to pay your own fare but

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student helpers will assist you in finding the correct train or bus.You are advised not to bring more than two suitcases and one pieceof hand luggage. Clothing, cooking utensils and kitchen equipmentsuch as rice cookers and kettles can be bought cheaply once in York,and the Colleges and Students Union sell many inexpensive second-hand items at the beginning of term.

Information can also be found in the Airport collection section at

www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr.

Programme outlineBelow is a summary of the orientation programme. Full programmescan be obtained; please see Further information on the facing page.All talks will take place in Central Hall and members of the WelcomeTeam will be available in the Welcome Lounge in Vanbrugh College (on

the ground floor) if you require assistance.Undergraduate students - Thursday 6 October

TIME PLACE EVENT

9.30am Central Hall Presentations on college life, StudentSupport and English Language courses.

1.15pm Various locations Campus tour, shopping trip, informationfair including bank representatives and

passport and visa presentation.6.00pm Free buffet meal Roger

Kirk CentreFree buffet meal for undergraduates.

7.00pm V/045 and EDGE Film night and quiz.

Postgraduate students - Friday 7 October

TIME PLACE EVENT

9.00am Central Hall The Vice-Chancellors Welcome topostgraduates and presentations on StudentSupport and English Language courses.

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Programme continues for undergraduates and postgraduates Friday 7 OctoberTIME PLACE EVENT

11.45am Central Hall Presentation on academic integrity andreferencing.

12.30pm Central Hall Lunch break followed by talks on UKacademic and classroom culture, thecareers service and life in a differentculture.

6.00pm Roger Kirk Centre Free buffet meal for undergraduates.

7.00pm Var lcan gam n an lv mc n.

Saturday 8 October

TIME PLACE EVENT

11.00am Central Hall Presentations by the Students Union,

International Students Association andNorth Yorkshire Police.

1.00pm Var lcan Big picnic, campus tour and city of Yorkprize winning photo tour.

Further informationFor detailed timetables, please visit the International Student Support

website at www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr. Timetables will alsobe available from the Welcome Lounge at Vanbrugh College and atyour College reception. Postgraduate events organised by the GraduateStudents Association begin on Saturday 1 October and run throughoutthe week. These are included on the timetables available from theInternational Support website (see link above).

For those students arriving in the Spring Term (January) orientationwill take place on 10 January 2012 and timetables will be sent by emailnearer the time.

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Passport and visa presentationAll students studying in the UK on a Tier 4 (General) visa are nowrequired by law to present their passport details page and student visato the University so that we can copy them for our records. If a studentdoes not provide these documents, we are obliged to report him/her tothe UK Border Agency and this may lead to deportation.

To make collecting this data as convenient as possible for all

students, Registry Services will be scanning passports and visas in twoweekly sessions at the beginning of October. These will take place asfollows:

Monday 3 to Friday 7 October9.00am to 5.00pm Wentworth College Reading Room

Monday 10 to Friday 14 October9.00am to 5.00pm Wentworth College Reading Room

During the orientation programme, Welcome Team helpers will beavailable to show students to the correct room. Any students whomiss these sessions, including those arriving in the Spring Term,must take their passport and visa to Registry Services in the Student

Administration building on Market Square.

Private accommodationMany students choose to live in private accommodation, eitherbecause they are unable to book University accommodation, orbecause they are able to find houses/apartments with differentfacilities to those in University accommodation. Second and third year

students usually live in private rented accommodation.If you are a new student looking for private rented accommodation,allow yourself sufficient time to find a suitable house/apartment

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and pre-book guest house accommodation in York before arrivingso you have somewhere to stay. To search for guest house andhotel accommodation in York please visit www.vyrk.r/accmman/.

How to find private accommodationThe University Accommodation Service can provide a list of letting

agents and private sector vacancies. Properties advertised by theAccommodation Service comply with a code of best practice whichmeans the property should meet specified standards. Please be awarethat the University does not inspect each private sector property. Forfurther details please visit www.yrk.ac.k/amn/accm/nx.m.

Pla n: y l nvr n a cnrac fr a prpry yav n n. onc a cnrac a n n, y av nr a

nn lal armn an cm lal pay rn fr ranf cnracal pr. Prva rn accmman l nly fn nc y ar n uK.

For further information please refer to the International StudentHandbook at www.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr.

Storage and shipping

Students are unable to ship their belongings to the University inadvance of their arrival at York because there is no storage space oncampus. You are advised to make sure your belongings arrive after youhave checked into your accommodation if you are unable to bring allyour personal items with you in your luggage.

Storage firms will be able to receive your belongings if you choose tosend them in advance.

For further information on local storage facilities and shippingcompanies, please refer to the International Student Handbook atwww.yrk.ac.k/nrnanalppr.

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uK LiFeFor general information onstudent life in the city of Yorkplease visit the Higher Yorkwebsite and go to the Wantingto study in York section,

followed by Students York:www.ryrk.r

Climate and seasonsThe weather in York, like the rest of the UK, is unpredictable and it isalways useful to carry an umbrella in your bag.

From October it will probably be cool (813 degrees C). From

November until about February the weather will be colder with daytimetemperatures at or close to 0 degrees, although subzero temperaturesof minus 8 or lower may also be reached. It may snow in York once ortwice a year, with snow sometimes lasting for a fortnight or more.

Spring arrives in March/April when temperatures warm up a littleand are similar to those in October. From June to August it can be quitewarm with temperatures around 23 degrees C, sometimes higher, but

it can still rain. Annual rainfall in York is around 600mm. You may findBritain is rather more grey and damp than you are used to.In winter it gets light at about 8.00am and dark again by about

4.00pm. In the summer it gets light at about 4.00am and will not befully dark until about 10.00pm.

Clothing

The UK is a very multicultural country and people often choose to wearclothes that are traditional to their particular culture. This is especiallytrue in cities such as Bradford, Leicester, Birmingham or London, where

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there are large international communities. In addition, some peoplechoose to express their individuality through the clothes they wear.In general, students on campus tend to dress very casually. It is

common for students to wear jeans, t-shirts and jumpers.If you come from a country with a much warmer climate than the

UK, it may take a while to get used to our cooler temperatures. Thereare plenty of shops selling cheap clothes in York and in some shops you

may even benefit from a student discount if you show a University/NUS(National Union of Students) card. There are also a number of charityshops in York where second-hand clothes can be purchased cheaply.

To keep warm in winter it is advisable to have: a hat; scarf; pair ofgloves; socks; a warm, waterproof coat; strong, waterproof shoes; andseveral thinner t-shirts/jumpers (a few thinner layers will keep youwarmer than one thick item of clothing).

For going to restaurants, cafes and pubs people usually dressinformally. However, some bars and most nightclubs do not allow jeansor trainers to be worn on the premises.

You may be invited to attend a black tie or formal evening eventsuch as an end of term ball. For these events male students usuallywear either a dinner jacket or suit jacket and trousers, and a tie or bowtie. Female students would normally wear a dress or an alternative

evening outfit. National costume may also be worn.You do not have to spend lots of money on clothes you only wearonce or twice. In addition to shops offering student discounts, it is alsopossible to hire formal wear for special events this can be more cost-effective. It is also worth asking flatmates if they have any suitableclothes that you could borrow.

Cost of living in YorkBelow are some approximate guides to cost of living for a year. Obviouslythese will vary greatly according to your own individual circumstances.

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Estimated living costs for an undergraduate first year living on campus inUniversity accommodation

EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR OF39 WEEKS

University rent 85.82118.02 33474603

Food, travel and other costs 114.46 4464

Total 200.28232.48 78119067

Costs for an undergraduate first year living off campus in private accommodation

EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 52 WEEKS

Rent 6075 31203900

Food, travel & other costs 133.82 6959

Total 193.82208.82 10,07910,859

Costs for a postgraduate living on campus in University accommodationEXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 51 WEEKS

Rent 118.02 6019


Total 230.96 11,791

Costs for a postgraduate living off campus in private accommodationEXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 52 WEEKS

Rent 70 3640


Total 203.83 10,599

For a detailed breakdown of living costs, please see the sample budgets

in the Budgeting advice section of the Student Financial Support Unitweb pages on:www.yrk.ac.k/n/nanmny/fnancalppr/

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Emergency proceduresIn the event of an emergency, you can call 999 or 112. You will beasked which emergency service(s) you require (police, ambulance, firebrigade or coastguard).

Please note that in the UK the police are usually friendly and helpful.They are rarely armed, and they are not linked to the armed forces ormilitary.

Money mattersBritish currency is sterling. Sterling is made up of pounds () and pence(p). There are 100 pence to one pound.

COINS

1 penny 1p copper

2 pence 2p copper5 pnc 5p lvr

10 pnc 10p lvr

20 pnc 20p lvr

50 pnc 50p lvr

100 pnc 1 l

200 pnc 2 l an lvr

The notes used are 5, 10, 20 and 50.

BankingA bank account will usually take approximately 1014 days to open,and it is rarely possible to open an account before arrival in the UK. It is

essential that you bring enough cash or travellers cheques to cover livingexpenses before you have access to your bank account. Please see page10on Preparing to bring money to the UK for more information.

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PRe-ARRiVAL CheCKListhav y:

Confirmed whether you need a visa or entry clearance to enter theUK? page 2

Booked your accommodation and made the advance payment?pages 79

Checked whether there are restrictions on the amount of moneyyou can take out of your country? page 10

Obtained enough money to live on for a week or more while youopen a bank account? page 11

Checked restrictions on goods which can be brought into the UK?page 17

Booked a seat on the coach from the airport on the 5 October if youwish to use this service? page 23Or, planned your journey from theUK airport to York? page 18

Packed in your hand luggage your passport, confirmation ofacceptance letter, original documents such as qualification

certificates, accommodation confirmation email and money?page 17

Arranged to bring any medication you need, accompanied by adoctors letter of explanation? pages 15

Obtained any relevant medical records, including vaccinationcertificates? page 1415

Arranged travel insurance for your property? page 14

Arranged medical insurance if studying in the UK for less than sixmonths? page 14

Budgeted for any family members accompanying you? Page 2021

Made enquiries for school and nursery places if bringing children?Page 2021

Checked the International Student Handbook at www.yrk.

ac.k/nrnanalppr for further information, includingwhere to buy international food, local shopping facilities, banking,healthcare, employment regulations and student societies?

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Pre Arrival 2011 12

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