The University PowerPoint Template · Key dates: Arrival • Meet and Greet Scheme / Manchester...

Pre-Departure Briefing

Preparing for Sheffield September 2013

28/06/2013 © The University of Sheffield

Today’s Aim • Key dates

What will happen when?

• Preparations before you travel to Sheffield - Before you leave home

- Visas

• Travel to Sheffield

• Your first weeks in Sheffield - Meet and Greet Scheme - Residential Orientation Programme - Intro Week

• Accommodation / Finances

• Practical Tips / What to bring with you

• Questions?

Brochures you will be receiving soon….


Key dates

What to expect and when

Key dates: Arrival • Meet and Greet Scheme / Manchester Airport Pick-Up

Sunday 15th – Sunday 22 September

• Arrive on 15th/16th September for residential orientation

• Residential Orientation Programme for International Students Monday 16 – Saturday 21 September

• All other arrivals 21st – 22nd September

• Intro Week Monday 23 – Saturday 28 September

• Students are expected to arrive by Sunday 29 September at the latest!

• University accommodation contract holders – Arrive by 22 September!

• Academic teaching begins on 30th September


Key dates: during the year • Two semesters in one academic year

• Semester I: 30/09/13 – 08/02/14

• Semester II: 10/02/14 – 14/06/14

• Followed by dissertation for PGR and PGT students

Total study period: 9 months for UG and 12 months for PGT students

• Separated by vacations (Christmas, Easter)

• Christmas vacation 4 weeks (21 Dec 2013 – 20 Jan 2014)

• Easter Vacation 3 weeks (5 April 2014 – 28 April 2014)

• No formal teaching in vacations, some facilities open

• University closed during Christmas & New Year


Preparing to come to Sheffield

What to bring…..and what to leave behind

Before you leave home • Have you met the conditions of your offer?

• Have you accepted your offer ?

• Have you paid your deposit ?

• Have you obtained your CAS number?

• Have you obtained ATAS* clearance (if required) ?

• Have you received your Pre-Arrival Pack ?

• Email Information pack - Information for New International Students 2012-13

* Academic Technology Approval Scheme


Checklist before you leave • Ensure you have all the documentation you need from the University

• Arrange accommodation

• Obtain study visa for the UK

• Health/immunisations

• Insurance for the journey

• Travel arrangements

• Book Meet & Greet service


Visas

Where to get advice How the University can help

28/06/2013 © The University of Sheffield / Department of Marketing and Communications

Visas • You must obtain a study visa to come to the UK

• University provides a CAS statement

• Show financial documentation as well as previous Educational qualifications

• Paying deposit will help greatly

• Seek local advice if required (West Africa Regional Officer and other local representatives like Agents can help)

• University can help (though not the International Office)

• For visa amendments while in Sheffield help is available from the University and the Students’ Union

• - The University employs a special visa officer

Immigration Preparation • Please read the checklists on page 2 of the “Essential Guide To Getting Here”

carefully

• Courses less than 6 months in length - you can apply for a Student Visitor Visa (see http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/visiting/student/documents/ and page 7 of the “Essential Guide” for more information)

• Courses more than 6 months – you can apply for a Tier 4 Student visa:

• Before applying for your visa:

Ensure you are applying no more than three months but no less than one month before your course starts.

Apply for ATAS clearance as soon as possible if it applies to you (see page 9 of the “Essential Guide”)

Find out if you can apply for visas to bring any dependants you have (spouse or children) to the UK (see page 13 of the “Essential Guide”

Find out how to apply for your Entry Clearance visa (see page 12 of the “Essential Guide”)

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/visiting/student/documents/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visasimmigration/visiting/student/documents/

Applying for your visa Have you got your CAS number?

Do you need to be screened for TB? (see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendixt

Are the academic certificates listed on your CAS in English or Welsh. If not, do you have an acceptable translation? (see page 11 of the “Essential Guide”)

Does the proof of funding that you are providing with your visa application meet the Tier 4 requirements? (see pages 9,10 & 11 of the “Essential Guide”)

Have you obtained ATAS clearance?

Do you have the other required documents? (see page 11 of the “Essential Guide”)

If your visa is Refused...

Contact the University at [email protected] for advice on what to do next (see page 13 of the “Essential Guide”)


Before travelling to the UK Before travelling to the UK

Ensure you have an entry clearance visa to come to the UK

Have you got your full visa entitlement (see page 7 of the “Essential Guide” for what to do if not) If you have your visa but you are no longer coming to Sheffield

You can only register at the University of Sheffield if you applied for your visa using a CAS from this University. If you wish to attend another institution, you will need to apply for a new visa for that institution.

You will need to inform the University if you are not going to register (see pages 7 & 8 of the “Essential Guide”)

When you get to the UK

You must attend lectures and seminars regularly (see page 8 of the “Essential Guide”)

Your visa will state the hours of weekly employment you are able to work during term time. Do not come to the UK relying on paid employment for funding (see page 12 of the “Essential Guide”)


Travel to Sheffield.

Please fly to Manchester Airport



Travel to Sheffield Manchester Arrivals

• Meet and Greet Scheme (Sunday 15 – Sunday 22 September) (£20)

• Direct National Express coach from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (~£10.90)

• Direct train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (75 minutes ~ £20-£25.80)

London Heathrow Arrivals

• Direct coach to Sheffield - National Express Airlink coach service from airport - www.nationalexpress.com - £25/30 – 5/6 hours

• Travel to Sheffield by train

Take “tube” to Kings Cross -St Pancras Railway Station and then take train from St Pancras to Sheffield or

• Take National Express coach from Victoria coach station


Travel to Sheffield

• For those that arrive with Meet and Greet in Sheffield they will be dropped off at the University campus

• Please note that the Meet and Greet scheme does not include accommodation

• For those that arrive by coach/train in Sheffield

• Take a taxi – approx £7 to University

Your First Weeks in Sheffield.


Meet & Greet scheme

Meet & Greet scheme

• From Manchester Airport to Sheffield

• 15 – 22 September inclusive

• Buses operate from 08:00 – 18:00 each day

• Bookable online from mid-June 2013

• £20 for students & £25 for family and friends

• http://onlineshop.shef.ac.uk


International Orientation Programme

Supporting you from the start

Residential orientation • Week long residential programme for new international students

• 16 – 21 September 2013

• Chance to adjust to new environment

• Varied programme of activities

• Bookable online from mid-June 2013

• £145/£175 includes accommodation and some meals. – PAYABLE IN ADVANCE


Intro Week

• Non-residential welcome

• 23rd – 29th September 2013 in Sheffield

• Introductory events for academic and non-academic departments and

services

• Registration with the university and your department

• Departmental expectations of students

• Freshers Week & the Student Union

• Important to be in Sheffield at this time


Accommodation

Your home from home

Student Accommodation


Three types of student accommodation available:

University owned accommodation (booked via university) - Private bedrooms with en-suite rooms/shared facilities

- Catering facilities

Managed Partnership accommodation (booked via university) - City and Central Campus Halls of Residence

Private sector accommodation (booked privately without university help) - Privately owned Halls of Residence or student houses

Accommodation Guarantee UNDERGRADUATE

• Need to have selected Sheffield as CF/UF by 6th July

• Apply for accommodation by 31st August and complete form correctly, as soon as you have selected us as your Firm Choice.

• We will not allocate a room until offer is UA and student has Visa.

POSTGRADUATE

• Accept conditional/unconditional offer by 6th August

• Apply for accommodation and return your confirmation slip by 11th August

The University will begin allocating accommodation in mid-July and will continue through August and September (for all students)


Accommodation Guarantee

• Check Accommodation website: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation (Choose ‘Prospective Students’ and then the ‘International Students’ link on left.)

• Apply online: Check above webpage for link.

• Can’t apply online? You can download paper forms from the above website as well

• Haven’t applied or forgot to apply? Check out the PropertywithUS office in Students’ Union for private sector options


Accommodation Deposit • After making your application, you will receive instructions via email

• A deposit of £150 is required to reserve your accommodation.

• Pay up to 7 days after receipt of your accommodation contract by:

- Credit card by phone or online

- Bank transfer

• The deposit is returned when you leave your room at the end of your contract.

• Collect keys and move into your accommodation on either 21st or 22nd September.

• If it is not possible to arrive by the 21st-22nd you MUST contact the Accommodation Office

• Any problems or missed your flight? If we don’t hear from you, your room will be given to someone else and you lose your deposit.


Payment

• Rent is paid in 3 instalments.

• 42 week contract; 1st instalment 1st October 2013

2nd 22nd January 2014 and the

3rd 30th April 2014


Private Sector Accommodation 2 Types of private sector student accommodation

Halls of Residence (managed and owned by private developers)

• All city centre based (0.5 miles from campus)

• Configuration same as University Halls of Residence

• All Self-Catering, no meals included

• Cluster of flats shared with approx 3-11 other students

• Single or mixed gender accommodation (as requested by you)

• Rent includes water, electricity but NOT contents insurance and internet.

Student Houses (managed and owned by a private landlord/landlady)

• Based around the city, most notably the areas of Crookes and, Upperthorpe and Broomhill


Private Sector Student Accommodation • Good range and plenty of private accommodation available in Sheffield

• Contract with private landlord or lettings agency

• Monthly rent plus bills (electricity, water, gas), phone/internet and contents insurance.

• You have no say in who you live with unless you apply as a group

• Help available from the University via the Students’ Union PropertywithUS office

• Private sector accommodation cannot be organised in advance of your arrival in Sheffield.

• NEVER sign a contract or agree a deal before you arrive in Sheffield

www.accommodationforstudents.com/sheffield (Overview of privately owned student accommodation)


Temporary Accommodation For parents, relatives and friends

• There are guest houses, B&B & hotels that your parents, relatives, and friends can stay at if they arrive with you in Sheffield: www.yorkshiresouth.com/stay

• You must arrange temporary accommodation if you have no other arrangements BEFORE you come to Sheffield

• The University has a limited number of B&B rooms the week before the beginning of the term: http://onlineshop.shef.ac.uk - this can only be used by students (no family, relatives, or friends).



Finances

Fees

Living expenses

Work during your studies

Living Expenses

UNDERGRADUATE

9 months = £7,200

POSTGRADUATE

12 months = £9,800

Dependants = £450 each per calendar month

This covers all expenditure apart from tuition fees

• Accommodation, books, food, local/UK travel, socialising


Tuition Fees: payment options • Fees are listed on your CAS information

• Part or full payment before visa application Overseas students should pay a deposit as high as possible before they apply for their visa (£1,000 for PG students), this will help with your visa application.

• You can pay your tuition fees in 2 or 4 instalments.

• Remainder of first instalment (50% or 25% of tuition fees, depending on instalment plan, minus deposit already paid) is payable during registration.

• Four instalments payable on: 01 Oct 2013 - 01 Dec 2013 - 01 Feb 2014 - 01 Apr 2014


Tuition Fees: method of payment

• All payments can be made by:

- Credit card

- Bank transfer

- Bank draft

- Through sponsor (we can invoice the sponsor) (complete Financial Guarantee Form)

• Payments are usually accepted in British Pound Sterling.

• Euro or Dollar payments are subject to the day to day GBP conversion rates

• University bank details in pre-arrival guides



• Can be done at most high street banks (HSBC, Natwest, Yorkshire Bank, Lloyds-TSB, Coop, Halifax, Barclays, RBS)

• Opening an account can take several weeks

- Current Account / Student Account

- Cash Debit Card

• To open an account you need

- International Passport

- (Bank statements from home)

- Proof of address

- Proof of student status (certifying letter or letter issued by SSiD after registration or to students during Residential Orientation Programme.

Opening a Bank Account

Part-time work

• International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies

• We recommend no more than 10-12 hours paid employment per week

• Visit Student Union Job shop / Job Agencies

• University provides support to bring you into contact with potential employers, e.g. Graduate Recruitment Fairs and support from Careers Service is available throughout your studies and beyond.


What to Bring

The essentials you need to bring to Sheffield

Essentials for hand luggage • All original documentation and letters from the University

• Accommodation confirmation letter (if you have one)

• Medical certificates / Chest X-ray/ TB certificate/ Visa documents

• All your original mark sheets, transcripts and certificates

• Welcome pack

• Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or bank draft.

• Cash and/or travellers cheques for first few days

• Your passport

• Valuables, medicines


What to bring with you • Personal possessions (e.g. a family photo)

• Contact email addresses/telephone numbers

• Warm clothing

• Prescriptions for medication/glasses

• Good pair of shoes

• Nigerian traditional costume for festivals and international events that will be arranged throughout the year.

• Laptop (if you have one) & adapter

• £200 - £250 to cover personal expenses in your first few weeks after arrival (please bring small denominations)

• A happy positive attitude and some patience during the first weeks

- local food items - (non commercial quantity).


Electricity • UK Mains Voltage is 230V

• Ensure you obtain an adaptor if you bring any electrical equipment.

• Most electrical equipment has a transformer (i.e. laptop power supplies) that can cope with 110-240V but please check.


What to leave behind….

• Remember….airlines charge for excess baggage!

• Books for studies

• Some foodstuffs cannot be imported (Meat, fish, chicken etc)

• Cooking equipment (pots and pans, cooking oil, plates..etc)

• Bedding



When you arrive

Practical tips on what to do when you arrive


When you arrive • Remember to call home immediately after you’ve arrived in Sheffield !

(UK data protection legislation prevents us from informing relatives about your whereabouts)

• In front of luggage belt 1 at Manchester Airport is a machine that issues calling cards (get hold of some pound coins)

• Consider ordering a pre-paid international calling card or bring your mobile

You will be able to use a UK sim in your mobile.

Lebara, Lycamobile and others.

International Students in Sheffield

An international community

International students in Sheffield

• International Students Committee and national student societies will have stalls during Intro Week

• Organises Intro Fiesta

• Social events throughout the year including World Food Festival and World Week

28/06/2013


Student Ambassadors


Nigerian

Students


Nigerian students in Sheffield

• Nigerian Student Society/African Caribbean Student Society

(Both have a stall at the Societies Bazaar during Intro Week)

• The Nigerian Students are a very active group

• Nigerian Students organise social events throughout the year

• There are regular showing of Nollywood films in student Union cinema

• Nigerian Students Forum take part in annual Nottinghill carnival and other celebrations

‘Welcome to Sheffield’ more videos at

www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/enquiry/videos



And Finally …


Climate • The temperature in Sheffield can during summer be as high as 37 degrees Celsius (June to August) and below freezing, though usually not so cold, in the winter months (November to March) • You can expect snow at some stage during winter

• You will have to get used to the UK weather but in the end you’ll probably learn to appreciate it


Any questions? • Carefully read the information contained in your Pre-departure guide

Please visit - http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/international

• Visit the Ask Sheffield website for general questions http://www.shef.ac.uk/asksheffield

• Contact the Nigeria Team:

Miss Tomi Lasebikan

[email protected]

Nigeria Ambassador

Michael /Chineze/Chizo - [email protected]

• FAQ: www.sheffield.ac.uk/asksheffield

See you soon in Sheffield

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