PRE-DEPARTURE TALK 2020€¦ · BEFORE DEPARTURE LANDING IN LONDON 02 What you can expect WHEN YOU...
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PRE-DEPARTURE TALK 2020 UCL Singapore Society
Transcript of PRE-DEPARTURE TALK 2020€¦ · BEFORE DEPARTURE LANDING IN LONDON 02 What you can expect WHEN YOU...
PRE-DEPARTURE TALK 2020
UCL Singapore Society
A little about UCL and us
OVERVIEW OF UCL AND UCLSS01
TAB
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NTS
Settling in
BEFORE DEPARTURE LANDING IN LONDON02
What you can expect
WHEN YOU ARRIVE03
What you can expect
LIFE IN LONDON05
What we have lined up for you
UCLSS EVENTS06
OUR PARTNERS07
Updates we have on COVID-19
COVID-19 MEASURES04
OUR ALUMNI08
Supporting the UCLSS Community
OVERVIEW OF UCL AND UCLSSYour Home away from Home
01
Not only is UCL great academically,
OVE
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LSS
Disruptive thinking has also been UCL’s status quo since 1826.
● 1st in England to welcome students of any religion or social background.
● 1st in England to welcome women to university education.
● 1st in England to teach English, German, Chemistry, Engineering.
● A brave and progressive approach that has continued to this day.
● 1st in England to have a fully open access university press.
GREAT ACADEMICALLYEXTREMELY INCLUSIVE
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LSS VERY INTERNATIONAL
36.6
45.7UK17.7
Other international
Rest of EU
UCL Undergraduates: Domicile by Region (2019-2020)
OVE
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W O
F U
CL
AND
UC
LSS ...we love postgrads too!
40.9 45.6
13.5
Postgraduate Taught
Postgraduate Research
UCL Student Numbers by level of study
Undergraduate
President
UC
LSS
EXCO
202
0/20
21
BHASKAR HARISH SAIVice-President
XUAN BOHDirector of Finance
I-ZAC LEESecretary
REBECCA RAJA KUMAR
Sponsorship DirectorMICHAEL SIA
Director of CommunicationsSHERYL TAN
Director of EngagementsAUGUSTINE LEONG
Creative DirectorTAN JEN YANG
Sports DirectorAQIL FADLI
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LSS UCLSS Event Calendar
1 PDT (SG)
2 Warwick Summer Games (SG)
3 Orientation (SG)
4 KILU Social (SG)
JUL-SEP
SEP
1 Welcome Back
2 UCLU Freshers’ Week
3 UCLSS IKEA trip
OCT JAN-FEB 2021
1 UCLSS Musical Trip
2 Halloween Boat Party
1 Chinese New Year Dinner
2 AGM
1 Nottingham Winter Games
2 Ski Trip
3 Christmas Party
NOV-DEC MAR
1 Easter Ball
2 UCLSS Play
3 Sporting Friendlies
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main social channels
www.facebook.com/groups/uclsingaporesociety
www.uclss.co.uk
@uclsingsoc
www.facebook.com/groups/uclssfreshers2020/2020/2021
freshers group!
BEFORE DEPARTUREGet excited!
02
The Kiasu Guide01
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Visa Matters02
The BRP03
Banking and Finance04
Insurance05
Packing Guide06
Flights07
Mentoring Programme08
OUTLINE
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Part 2 (Pre-Departure &
Life in London)
Part 1Accommodation
The Kiasu Guide
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RE How useful is the UCLSS Guide?
11.2
16.2
33.8
18.820
Amazing
Wonderful
Excellent
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Very Excellent
Legend
Visa Mattersthe online applicationB
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Visa Matters
Tier-4 (General) Student
£348 to apply for Visa + £300 per year for
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Book an appointment to
submit documents at VFS
IHS: based on length of study- to be paid for in SGD
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CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from UCL
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Visa appointment letter03
Current and previous passports04
Education transcripts05
Financial evidence06
VISA MATTERS: Preparing for the Appointment
BE KIASU! BRING ORIGINAL AND COPIES
Things they usually ask for:
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They take your photo! Look presentable: make
sure your forehead is visible.
Collection from VFS again (free) or mailed to
your house ($20);
Sms Alert ($3): Optional
SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS CHECKING OF FORMS PHOTO-TAKING VISA COLLECTION
VISA MATTERS: The Appointment
You are REQUIRED to pick up a BRP ID card upon arrival into the UK.
You can arrange for your BRP to be delivered to either your UK address or a post office. If you choose the latter, you will have 10 DAYS from arrival in the UK to pick it up.*
What to bring for collection:
● Your passport● Your UKVI decision letter which accompanied your
travel visa● Your UCL student number● Confirmation of your BRP collection appointment
*Owing to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, students from Singapore will be required to self-isolate in your place of stay for the first 14 days after arrival. Collect it IMMEDIATELY after those 14 days are complete.
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RE The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
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IN SINGAPORE
Book an appointment with VFS online.Note that it is currently not possible for BRPs to be delivered to the UCL campus. Do not use UCL’S ACL code in your visa application.
Attend appointment with necessary documents.Bring: online visa form, CAS number from UCL, visa appointment letter, current and previous passports, education transcripts & financial evidence
Collect BRP from post office within 10 days
from your arrival in the UK.
Bring: passport, UKVI decision letter which
accompanied your ttravel visa, UCL student
number & confirmation of your BRP
collection appointment
IN LONDON
BRP Application and Collection Process
Providing your London address is necessary if you are arranging for your BRP to be delivered there.
Useful link:https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/documents-you-must-provide
“Do we have to provide our London accommodation address when applying for
a student visa?”
FAQs
Usually, you will receive your decision within 15 working days.
You can also choose priority (5 working days) or super priority (within 1 working day) to fast-track your student visa approval, but this will cost more $!
“How long does it take for your student visa to be approved?”
FAQs
Your Tier 4 entry visa will be valid for 90 days due to COVID-19. Make sure you intend to fly within 90 days of receiving your visa.
“When should I apply for my Tier 4 Visa?”
FAQs
Yes you can! While UCL encourages students to travel where possible, a flexible approach extends for Term 1. You will qualify for a student visa if you study at home for Term 1. Make sure to enter the UK before 6 April 2021.
Useful Links:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/coronavirus/faqs-schools-and-prospective-studentshttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents#outside-UK
“Can I stay in Singapore and study online if I want to study from Singapore?”
FAQs
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Expected monthly expenditure: £1200-1400 (including accommodation fees)
Which bank should you choose?
Barclays Bank
Documents to bring for your appointment:
● Passport● Statement of student
status (UCL)● Proof of UK residency
(from accommodation)● BRP
Banking & Finance
UK Local Bank
HSBC Bank
● Competitive conversion rates
● Strong UK presence
SG Local Bank
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IN SINGAPORE
Seek advice from your bank if it has branches in UK & SG.
You might be able to start the process before going to London.
Enrol with UCL.Update your term-time address on Portico.
Request for documents from UCL and your hall/accommodation.Request for a statement of student status from UCL’s Student Enquiries Centre. Request for a letter from your hall confirming your address after checking in. You will need to decide on a bank before requesting for a letter.
Book an appointment with the bank.Bring: passport, valid visa, BRP, UCL student ID card, proof of address in the UK & home country, statement of student status & bank letter
IN LONDON
Setting Up a Bank Account
● Partnership with AIG - sign up with UCLSS for a 10% discount! (details on coverage at the end)
● 24-hour worldwide emergency coverage
● Personal belongings coverage
● Two-way hospital and compassionate visits
● Many more optional benefits!
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RE Insurance: AIG Student Assist
● Sign up with UCLSS for a 20% discount! (details on coverage at the end)
● Coverage for just <$2/day
● Protection against key life risks
● Up to $1,000,000 sum assured
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Necessities For Comfort Situational
● Personal medication
● Glasses/contact lenses + spares
● Cold weather clothing
● Tech + relevant accessories
● Retainers
● Asian foodstuff (non-perishable/long shelf life items)
● Stationery
● Pillows/bolsters
● Photographs/reminders of home
● Rice cooker/kettle
● Cookware
● Tableware/cutlery
● Home furnishings
● Bedding set
Packing Guide
Don’t worry too much! Most of what you may need can be bought in London :)
● ISOP (International Student Orientation Programme) will be online this year
● Orientation Week starts on 28th Sept
● Fly out around 14th Sept if the 14-day quarantine still applies
● Student halls should already be available to freshers
● Book your flights early!
● SQ/BA/Emirates are great options [think luggage space, (in)direct flights, price]
*For UCL-managed halls and student houses, if you wish to move in early, you can log in to the UCL Accommodation Online Portal to submit an Early Arrival Request.
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RE Flights
If the 14-day quarantine has been lifted by September, plan to arrive in London 4-7 days in advance, depending on your preferences.
Give yourself enough time to unpack, settle in and get over the jet lag!
If the quarantine is still in place, 2 weeks should be more than sufficient for you to settle in. Early arrival is available from 7 September onwards.
“How many days in advance should we travel to London (before term starts)?”
FAQs
Usually around early August, so check your emails regularly, as you only have about 5 days to accept your place.
Only 1 offer is made, so it’s a take it or leave it deal.
For late applicants, expect to hear back around mid to late August. You are advised to come up with a back-up plan in the unfortunate (but rare) event that you are not offered a place in student accommodations.
“When will I know about my London accommodation status?”
FAQs
If the 14-day quarantine is still in place, you can either get a full bedding set from your hall (free for Intercollegiate Halls, £24 otherwise) or bring your own. The bedding pack provided by student accommodations might not be of the best quality, but we encourage you to order it so that you can save on luggage space. If necessary, you can always buy your own set after quarantine.
If you are bringing your own bedding set, please bring pillows, pillowcases, bedsheets, a duvet and duvet covers.
“How should I go about moving into my accommodation?”
FAQs
Check out your room space before buying any furniture/appliances. Check with the warden on approved appliances (e.g. mini fridge size).
Less expensive places to shop:● Primark (home section is more bedding-related)● Argos and Robert Dyas (appliances)● Flying Tiger (bath-related/hangars/cups etc.)
More expensive places:● John Lewis
“How should I go about moving into my accommodation?”
FAQs
We would not recommend parents to fly to London with students- it would mean a 14-day quarantine period in London and once again in SG.
In line with social distancing guidelines, visitors will not be allowed into halls.
However, parents may be able to book a room at the hall (usually Intercollegiate Halls).
“Can parents stay in the student hall for a few days?”
FAQs
● Accommodation is guaranteed if you are arriving late in term 1, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective-students/undergraduates
● If you accept an offer of UCL accommodation and will be arriving at a later date within Term 1, you must submit a ‘Late Arrival Notification’ on the accommodation portal.
● You will be charged from your contract start date.
“Is accommodation guaranteed if I arrive late in Term 1?”
FAQs
● You are required to cancel your current application for accommodation if you only plan on moving over in Term 2.
● You will have to re-apply for Term 2 and 3 sessions from 28 September onwards.
● UCL cannot guarantee accommodation for this period.
“Is accommodation guaranteed if I am only moving over in Term 2?”
FAQs
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RE UCLSS Mentoring Programme
WHAT IT IS
A new initiative designed to link freshers up with seniors studying the same course. Mentors and mentees would have around 5 meetups over the course of term 1.
.
AIMS:
● To ensure that freshers are supported over the course of their first term in relation to mental and physical well-being, careers, academics and life at UCL in London
● To enable freshers to make friends outside of their year level
● To facilitate the handing down of knowledge and tips from year to year
.
Sign up by filling in this form!: https://forms.gle/VATbjvhDtGzN1x7w7
WHEN YOU ARRIVEThe fun officially begins
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● Remember to provide your journey and contact details within 48 hours before your departure from Singapore to the UK!https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
● E-register with the MFA at https://tinyurl.com/mfa-e-register so you can receive information regarding travel restrictions.
Before you arrive
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CAB
● Cab (£45-70)
● Uber/Ola/Bolt/Kapten - Depends on demand, generally cheaper than cabs, tend to have discounts available.
● Get referral codes from your OGLs! (good reason to come for orientation)
● Piccadilly Line (~1h to Central London) about £9
● Heathrow Express (buy in advance if you want to, 15min to Paddington Station)
● Watch out for tube stations without full lift access
● Watch out for night tube timings and closures/delays
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Getting to Central London
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Coming from Gatwick?
● Gatwick Express/National Express (30min to Victoria Tube station, ~£18)/Airport Bus then take the tube.
Some good apps to download:
Getting to Central London
Registration for GP - based on place of residence
UCL Health Centre - Ridgmount Practice
Possible to register online https://www.gowerplacepractice.nhs.uk/
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Bring evidence of vaccinations
Some student halls will have a day where they conduct registration in the lobby (eg Garden Halls)
Medical
If living away from main campus see list of local doctors on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/
Register with the NHS:
You are automatically covered by the NHS as part of your Tier 4 visa (you paid for it, so use it!).
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IN SINGAPORE
Pay immigration health surcharge (done through online visa application)
Tier 4 students coming into the UK for 6 months or longer will be required to pay £300 per year for the duration of the visa granted.Dependents are also required to pay the surcharge
Register with a doctor as soon as possible within your arrival in the UK
This will be the doctor you will go to should you need basic medical attention
It is advisable to register with Ridgmount Practice, UCL’s partner health clinic as it is near the campus and most of the university housing.
IN LONDON
MedicalThe National Healthcare Service (NHS) is the UK’s state healthcare system.The immigration health surcharge entitles Tier 4 students to access NHS care in the UK at no additional cost in the same way as a UK permanent resident.
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● Check your email for invitation to do Pre-enrolment several weeks before your course begins
● You’ll be asked to verify and upload your personal particulars
● You’ll set up your UCL email and Moodle login accounts
● Upload a nice photo for your UCL ID card; but more importantly, follow the guidelines!
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/new-students/pre-enrolment
UCL Pre-Enrolment
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● To be confirmed by UCL, tentative date 21th September 2020, Monday
● ISOP is not compulsory but can serve as a useful introduction to life in UK
● ‘We Are All Global’ talks - help you make your transition to life in the UK
● Social events by UCL Students’ Union, school tours
● A chance to meet and befriend other international UCL students outside of your course
● Will take place virtually
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/international-students/international-student-orientation-programme
International Student Orientation Programme (ISOP)
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● To be confirmed by UCL, tentative date Sunday 20th September 2020 - Sunday 4th October 2020
● Enrolment Appointment for students who will be able to make it to the main campus
● Introductory lectures by your department starting from the official term start date - 28th September
● Timetable varies across departments
● Welcome events by student halls
● Freshers’ Fair: Find a club or society, date and details to be confirmed by UCLU
Freshers’ Week!
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UCLU: What’s On
● Events calendar maintained by the student union
● Clubs, societies, interest groups, etc will have their event details listed
● Currently all face-to-face activities have been suspended
● Stay up-to-date at http://studentsunionucl.org/whats-on
COVID-19 Measures"We need to learn the lessons that are being shown from this virus," Dr. Michael J. Ryan, WHO Informal Advisory Group.
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● Current UCL Guidance (as of 13th July) is that teaching will mostly take place online
● UCL’s main campus at Bloomsbury will still be open - access to some facilities like libraries
● Until further notice, the UK government has imposed a 14-day quarantine on all visitors coming into the UK
● A “flexible” approach for term 1, means that you won’t be penalized by travel restrictions to the UK and alternative arrangements will be put in place
● Safety measures are being put in place on campus and in university accommodations
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/coronavirus/faqs-schools-and-prospective-students
Covid-19 Measures
Check the Freshers’ Facebook group and our website for updates!
Life in London“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. For there is in London all that life can afford.” - Samuel Johnson
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A ton of aesthetic independent coffee shops around
West End Musicals under £40! With amazing seats as well.
MVP
SO many free museums around London!
Pancake day!
Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park
Seasonal festivities! And quirky celebrations :)
Halloween!
UCLSS EventsWhat we have lined up for you!
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UC
LSS
Even
ts
● Held online from 22nd to 23rd August
● OGLs will facilitate ice-breaking activities
● More details will be broadcast at a later date
● OGLings strongly encouraged to attend as seniors will be able to give advice and answer queries in person
Orientation Camp
UC
LSS
Even
ts
● Costumed boat party at the end of October
● Come with your friends for a night of chilling spooks and fun games
● Tickets are usually ~£20
Halloween Boat Party
UC
LSS
Even
ts
● Usually held in a fancy venue in the heart of London
● This year’s Easter Ball was cancelled due to Covid-19
● Formal event - dress to impress
● A good time to catch up with friends just before the Exam mugging season starts
● Tickets usually priced around £20
UCLSS Easter Ball
UC
LSS
Even
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● Held in late Feb/March
● Production crew and cast plan and stage their very own drama production
● Join the crew and be an actor or help out backstage
● Support your friends from the audience
● Tickets usually around £7
UCLSS Drama Production
UC
LSS
Even
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● Duke-NUS Medical School presentation
● Combined Socials with other societies
● KILU
● Talks organised by SGN
UCLSS Gatherings and Events
Our Partners
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HSB
C P
rese
ntat
ion
AIG
Pre
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atio
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Our Alumni
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MSc Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice | ‘18
Reach out at [email protected]!ALU
MN
I PRE
SEN
TATI
ON
Cassandra Neo
LLB Law | ‘17
ALU
MN
I PRE
SEN
TATI
ON
Apoorva Gupta
FEED
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Thank you HSBC!
Q&A
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