Student Handbook
Welcome to IQ Consultancy!
We are very happy that you are joining the family of IQ Consultancy students.
Going to study in another country is always very exciting but it also can be overwhelming and even a bit scary. As your guardians we are here to help you make the most of your time in the UK, adapt easily to your new school life and make your school experience enjoyable, successful and rewarding.
This Handbook tells you all that you need to know before arriving in the UK, so please read it carefully. We are always happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Content
Key information and contacts IQ Consultancy’s role as your Guardian and the role of the host family The responsibilities of a student Arrival in the UK Living in the UK Personal safety and the care of valuables Living with a host family Homesickness. Symptoms and how to cope with it Health. What to do in a medical emergency Child Safeguarding Parental authority Links to useful websites
1 Key information and contacts
Kasha Handcock
Director and Guardian
Phone/Whatsapp: +44(0)782 444 9540
Email: [email protected]
Olga Koshkina
Guardian
Phone/Whatsapp: +44(0)752 284 8026
Email: [email protected]
IQ Consultancy LTD
Telephone/Whatsapp: +44(0) 782444 9540
Emergency Telephone/Whatsapp: +44 (0) 752 284 8026 (24 hours/7 days a week)
Email: [email protected]
Emergency Numbers in the UK
999 (or 112) — Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance (Emergency. Free)
101 — Police (Non-Emergency. Free)
111 — National Health Service (Non-Emergency. Free)
2 IQ Consultancy’s role as your Guardian and the role of the host family
To have a guardian living in the UK is a school and visa requirement for all students whose families live overseas.
You are at school, the school takes full responsibility for your welfare and academic progress. However there are times when the school must be able to hand over these responsibilities to a properly appointed guardian. For example, exeat weekends, half terms, medical emergencies, suspensions and expulsions.
Either the Director of IQ Consultancy LTD Kasha Handcock or Guardian Olga Koshkina act as the guardian to all students registered with our company.
Your guardian will:
● act on behalf of your parents (in loco parentis) in situations where they are unable to do so due to distance or timing;
● look after your welfare in the UK when the school is closed;
● be available for you anytime, particularly if you are worried or homesick, have personal problems, need some advice or support;
● provide a host family for you to stay with during half term and exeat weekends when the school is closed or if you are suspended/asked to leave school;
● make travel arrangement such as airport transfers or taxi to and from the host family;
● help in medical emergency;
● help you in an emergency such as if you have a problem or get into trouble at school or have problems with immigration or documents (for example, lost or stolen passports or BRP cards).
Depending on the terms of your Guardianship package your guardian may:
● attend school parents’ meetings;
3 ● visit you at school;
● provide your parents with academic and pastoral updates regarding your progress and welfare at school;
● help you with things you may need — school uniform, sports equipment, pocket money, mobile phone, UK mobile SIM card, etc.
When schools are closed for half-terms and exeat weekends you will stay with a host family.
IQ Consultancy LTD has a number of host families, all of them meet the requirements set out by British Council/English UK, and inspected at least once a year to ensure high standards are maintained. We will match you as closely as possible to the family in terms of their experience, interests, and location. All our host families are given guidelines and training how to host international students, but if you have any concerns whilst you are staying with a host family, please let us know immediately.
While staying with a host family, you will gain insight into the British way of life as hosts are encouraged to include you in family life and to arrange different activities, in return you are expected to respect your host family and their way of life.
During your stay with a host family, IQ Consultancy LTD remains your guardian so you should contact Kasha or Olga if you need to make any changes to the original arrangement or if you have any concerns.
You must provide your current mobile number and email to IQ Consultancy LTD and let us know of any change to your contact details as soon as they are in place.
4 The responsibilities of a student
IQ Consultancy LTD expects all of their students to be polite and courteous when staying with a host family or at school. Students are also expected to respect and follow rules which will be introduced by their school and host family.
School rules, in general, include the following:
● English only.
● Being punctual.
● Eating and drinking is not allowed in class.
● Mobile phones should be turned off in class.
● Good attendance: having poor attendance may result in expulsion or jeopardise your next visa application.
Every host family has their own house rules which can include the following:
● When you should take a shower.
● If you can use the kitchen.
● If you can eat in your room.
● If you can use the internet.
● You are not allowed to have friends in.
You need to go through rules carefully when given.
You should also follow the rules set out in our Student Behaviour Code of Conduct. You will receive a copy of the Student Behaviour Code of Conduct within your Welcome Pack.
5 Arrival in the UK
Student Visas
You will need a visa to study in the UK. The most common visa is the Child Student Visa. When you arrive in the UK for the frst time you will have your passport with a visa vignette that will expire usually within 30 days, and your visa decision letter.
BRP Cards
If you are going to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need a biometric residence permit (BRP). Your visa decision letter will tell you if you need to collect a BRP card and where you can collect it from. You must collect it before your vignette expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later. Your school should be able to help you with this.
Registering with the Police
Some international students will need to register their stay with the police. You must do this in the frst week of your arrival in the UK. The stamp in your passport will tell you if you need to register or not. If you are not sure, please ask the school.
Arriving at the Airport
If IQ Consultancy LTD arranges an airport transfer for you, our designated driver will meet you at the arrivals hall and will be holding a sign so you can fnd them easily. You will be given their name and phone number in advance so that you can call them. You must have a mobile phone, fully charged and suitable for use in the UK (enabling international roaming), have suffcient credit to make an emergency call. Do not leave the airport alone, until you have found the driver. If you have trouble fnding them, please call your guardian.
6 Living in the UK
The United Kingdom is made up of four countries, which are united under one monarch and government.
These countries are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each country has a distinct culture and feel of its own.
While England, Wales, and Scotland are joined on the same island, Northern Ireland is separate; it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland.
Manners and Customs
1. British people are very polite and say “please” and “thank you” rather frequently so make sure you do the same.
2. British people are often heard to say “Sorry!”. This word is used if people accidentally bump into each other or make a mistake. Often people say it even if they were not to blame (for example, a person bumped into them whilst walking in the street).
3. When you meet someone for the frst time, they will usually shake your hand. Due to the coronavirus, greetings have changed, and handshakes are not currently being used.
4. British people are generally punctual so make sure you always arrive on time.
5. British people love queues! When waiting their turn, for example in a shop, bank or for public transport, people form a line one behind the other so that they are served in turn. It is considered rude to push in.
6. It is considered polite to wait for all people at the table to have their meals in front of them before you start to eat.
7. Knives and forks are used to eat the vast majority of main courses, although some British families may use other cutlery to suit the cuisine.
8. Knives and forks are placed together to indicate that the diner has fnished.
7 9. Diners usually wait until everyone is fnished before leaving the table.
Culture shock
Culture shock is common among international students arriving in the UK for the frst time. You will notice differences between the way things are done and what you are used to at home. These include almost all aspects of life.
For more information about British culture, please visit this page.
Weather
British weather is very changeable. You should bring clothes to suit different weather conditions. For a weather forecast or more information about the climate, visit this site.
Student cards
You can receive discounts as a student. For example:
Young Persons Railcard for travel on trains.
Oyster Zip Card for travel around London.
International Student Identity Card for student discounts.
Phones
IQ Consultancy LTD can help you to buy a “Pay as you Go” mobile SIM card or phone.
Electrical Appliances
In England the power plugs and sockets are of type G so you need to use an adapter if your appliances have a European plug. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Overseas phone chargers and laptop power devices pose a signifcant fre risk so if possible, purchase UK versions.
8 Personal safety and the care of valuables
Safety and Security Advice
Always put your safety frst.
Make sure your phone always has battery and credit.
Make sure you have the contact details of your guardian, your school houseparent and/or your host family stored on your phone and written elsewhere.
Road Safety and Street Awareness
Road crossing can be confusing at frst as British people drive on the opposite side of the road from most other countries. Only cross at crossings and look both ways. Look for all vehicles, including bicycles. Wait for the traffc to stop — you can press the button on the traffc lights and wait for the green man. Never cross behind a vehicle that is reversing, showing white reversing lights or sounding a warning.
Travel in a group whenever possible. Walk on well-lit roads and ignore people who are rude or abusive. If you think you are being followed, go into a shop or where there are other people or phone a friend, telling them where you are and why you are worried. If you need some help, approach people directly, or call out to them, don’t shout ‘help’, say what is happening and what help you need.
Belongings and Valuables
You do not have to carry your passport or ID card with you in the UK.
Try not to carry more money than you will need, and keep some money in a different pocket/place to use in an emergency.
Theft of mobile phones (especially the latest models) is quite common; therefore, pay attention to people around you when using your phone in a public place.
9 Pickpockets and bag snatchers
Pickpockets (people who take things from your pocket or bag) can be in popular tourist areas and crowded places.
Make sure your bag is always closed and never carry your wallet or purse in a bag on your back.
Do not leave your bag on the foor or over the back of a chair in cafes or restaurants. If someone tries to take your bag by force, just give it or throw it down on the ground. If possible, empty the contents onto the foor and tell them to take what they want. Never fght over your possessions; they can be replaced.
Keep a copy of your address book and your bank card numbers at home. If your bag is stolen, you must report it to the police. There is a possibility that your bag will be found and the police can then return it to you.
10 Living with a host family
Meals
For breakfast, you should get toast and cereal, and perhaps a cooked breakfast on occasion. If you are late getting out of bed, you may miss breakfast!
Lunch is normally light, perhaps soup, jacket potato, salad, sandwiches, cheese on toast and fruit or yoghurt.
Dinner is the main meal, it is generally between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., and it should include fsh, chicken or red meat, with vegetables and a dessert. If there are things you like /dislike to eat, please tell your host and they will try and provide accordingly, but remember the food will be very different to home.
If you are hungry, please don’t help yourself — ask the host family.
Your family may be very interested in your own country’s food — offer to cook!
Your Room
You will be provided with a single or twin room (one or two beds). Clean bedding and a towel are provided.
The room will have some storage facility, a desk and adequate lighting for working. Sometimes host families provide a table in another room (like the Dining Room) for working instead of the bedroom.
Make your bed and keep your room tidy, especially on your departure. Report any damage to the host and apologise for it.
11 Shower and Bathroom
You will probably need to share the bathroom with your host family and they will tell you the most convenient time for you to use the bathroom and shower in the mornings and evenings.
Laundry
Hosts can help you with any washing you may have. Ask your host if they would mind doing the washing for you (or offer to do it yourself).
Phone
Please use your mobile phone to make calls when you are staying with your host family. If you need to use the host’s phone, you must ask for permission frst.
Remember to be courteous when using your phone at the host family or in public places — do not speak too loudly or call someone late at night.
Internet access and host computers
Most families have a wireless broadband connection, and many are happy for you to use this for reasonable access to the Internet from a laptop computer (such as social networking). Please do not use the family’s Internet connection to download or stream songs, TV shows, games, or movies.
You should not expect to use the host family’s own computer. Host families may have flters on their internet and may use parental controls to prevent access of inappropriate sites.
For the information about curfews/bedtimes, staying elsewhere overnight and English laws please read our Student Behaviour Code of Conduct.
12 Homesickness. Symptoms and how to cope with it
Homesickness is a feeling of stress caused by separation from people and places that you know, it occurs most frequently at the start of the academic year and in the weeks following the Christmas holidays. Fortunately, it is usually a short-term issue, most students' symptoms fade after their third week at school.
Symptoms of homesickness may include:
● not sleeping well and having headaches;
● feeling angry, nauseous, nervous or sad;
● feeling isolated, lonely or withdrawn;
● feeling overwhelmed, insecure, anxious or panicky;
● a lack of appetite or concentration.
How to cope with homesickness
● Realise homesickness is a normal feeling and allow time to get used to your new home environment.
● Don’t be afraid to share how you feel with friends, your guardian or with staff at the school. Talking about your feelings always helps.
● Post pictures from home and have a few things that remind you of home around your room. Schedule specifc times for video calls with your family.
● Keep busy. Get involved in campus activities.
● Keep active. Get lots of fresh air and exercise.
13 Health. What to do in a medical emergency
There will be a School Doctor and Nurse in the school who will look after your health. When you arrive in the UK, your school will register you with a GP.
When you stay with your host family, they will look after you if you are unwell or have an accident. If the illness is more serious and/or you need to go to hospital, the school/host family will contact IQ Consultancy LTD and we will liaise with your parents and school on the most appropriate course of action.
Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when you are seriously ill or injured and your life is at risk.
Child Safeguarding
It is very important to us that you feel happy and safe in the UK. If at any time you think that anyone: a teacher, a host family member or another student is treating you inappropriately you should contact your guardian. We will always help and support you, and promise to deal with your concerns without delay. We work together with schools, host families and outside agencies to make sure that your needs are met and that you’re not at risk of harm.
In the UK we have very strict laws on Safeguarding and keeping children and young people safe. IQ Consultancy has policies (which you can read on our website) about Safeguarding, Anti-radicalisation, Bullying and E-Safety. This Student Handbook also contains information about each of these topics.
Bullying / cyberbullying
Bullying is repeated over time behaviour that hurts a student or group physically or emotionally and is often motivated by prejudice against particular groups, for example, on grounds of race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
It can be seen in different ways such as: physical assault, teasing, making threats, name calling or cyberbullying — bullying via mobile phone or online (for example, email or social networks).
14 If you See/Hear/Know/Are someone being bullied you should follow the below steps:
1. Remember that you are not to blame, and you should not feel bad or guilty for telling someone that you trust.
2. Tell your guardian, housemistress/master, teacher, parents. We are here to help and support you and it is very important that you trust us. Please do not feel worried, ashamed or scared to speak with us about your concerns.
3. You can also phone Childline: 0800 111 which is 24 hour support for children and young people.
Anti-Radicalisation
IQ Consultancy, your school and host families work together to keep you safe from extreme views or radicalisation. If you have any questions about anti-radicalisation please speak with your guardian or read our Anti-radicalisation Policy.
Parental authority
Schools frequently need a parent or guardian to sign for parental permission for you to participate in school activities and excursions. IQ Consultancy LTD will forward these to your parents for approval if the cost is over £ 20, and / or if the activity is strenuous or potentially dangerous. Otherwise, your guardian will sign, unless your parents have indicated otherwise.
15 Links to useful websites
Offcial Tourist Offce site with information about the UK.
Advice for international students.
BBC News in the UK and around the world.
Information for students coming to study in Britain.
A useful site for safety in the UK.
Information about visa requirements.
Information about British culture.
For free legal advice you can go to a Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
59 Devons Road, London, United Kingdom, E3 3DW, London, UK
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