Campus Life Team Caledonian University Cowcaddens Road Glasgow G4 0BA

Contact Student Events Team E: [email protected]

Join our Officia Group: groups/ janwelcome2021 Connect: InternationalWelcomeGCUGCUStudentsLife

www Visit: gcu.ac.uk/ students/ studentlife/ events

Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474. © Glasgow Caledonian University 2020, 08/ 20. International Student Welcome Programme

January 2021 3

Hello and welcome

Hello and welcome from the Student Engagement and Events Team at Glasgow Caledonian University. We are delighted you have chosen to study at GCU and join our international University. This is an exciting time as you take the next step towards your future.

We host the International Welcome Programme to support you Meet Jessica in making this big step. The programme includes social events, Jessica is our Student Events Coordinator and they are opportunities to meet students and staff, and essential responsible for delivering our International Welcome information. Programme, as well as Freshers' Week and other on-campus student events. As you begin your studies, you may find that joining a new university and moving to a new city or country can be a challenging experience. We are here to help you throughout this time. Remember, other students are going through similar experiences to you so invite your new friends along to events and activities as well.

We wish you every success in your studies at GCU and hope the experience is rewarding, successful and most of all, fun.

We look forward to meeting you during the programme and getting to know you during your journey at GCU.

http:// condense.it/ vyf6 Read on to discover our Welcome Programme . . . 4 Checklist Before you arrive After you arrive Confirm the country you are traveling from , term time address and arrival date by emailing [email protected] Contact family and friends to let them know you have arrived Apply for your student visa safely Get travel insurance Keep up to date with COVID-19 guidance at by visiting your Safe Return to Campus webpages Arrange student accommodation Check the website to confirm whether self Register with a doctor/ GP quarantine is required on arrival in the UK from your original country of travel Register with the Police (if required to) Do not travel if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms or have been advised to self-isolate and email GCU Open a UK Bank Account [email protected] Register for your arrival pick up at: https:// bit.ly/ 2Vk6ddc Arrange insurance for your possessions Apply for a National Insurance Number to allow you to work Complete our compulsory COVID-19 module to familiarise yourself with Scottish Government COVID 19 guidelines and part-time GCU health and safety procedures Ensure you are aware of your student visa and working Check the latest travel information. You must prepare by conditions, Contact; [email protected] for clarification reading NHS travel guidance, the Travel Health Pro website and the Safer Air guidance Find vacancies and work experience opportunities careerhub.gcu.ac.uk/ students Join our official facebook group: facebook.com/groups/ WelcomeJan20/ Visit New2GCUon gcu.ac.uk/ new2gcu IMPORTANT: If you are required to self-quarantine, Register for our International Welcome Week activities: please read the information on page 16. You may not studenteventsgcu.eventbrite.com be able to complete some of the above activities until Register online following the joining instructions sent from our after the end of your 14 day quarantine period and we Registry team. will provide you with guidance on this Prepare for Scottish weather i.e.waterproof clothing and footwear Ensure your hand luggage includes your essentials and visa documents i.e. copies of your passport, visa, CAS, maintenance evidence and locator form Prepare method of transferring funds to a UK bank account in your name Contact Student Events Team for advice in preparing to come to Glasgow: [email protected] Pack a laptop or device which can connect to WiFi

Bring a mobile phone which will work in the UK. It maybe be cheaper for you to buy a pre-paid UK SIM card. Using a foreign SIM in the UK can increase the cost of calls/ messages.You may also not be able to access the NHS out -of -hours (111) helpline from a foreign SIM. Remember to wear a face covering on flights within the UK and for arrival into the UK 5

Arriving in Glasgow Free taxi pick up service

Make your arrival in Glasgow as stress-free as possible and sign up to our airport taxi service.

We offer a free Airport Meet and Greet Taxi Service for Cost international and EU students arriving at Glasgow International Free Airport in January 2021. Sign up for our taxi service at:https:// bit.ly/ 2Vk6ddc This service is available to new International and EU students studying on full time programmes at GCU. Public Transport The registration process is simple, sign up via the registration For students not eligible to use our meet and greet service, form online and provide the details of your country of origin, there is a shuttle bus that that runs from the airport to the bus arrival time, flight number, programme of study, as well as station in the city - please make sure you have money to cover select a drop-off point in . the fare (approx £7.50). You may need to provide proof of student status (offer letter) in order to obtain a student rate. When you arrive at , you will need to report to The bus station in the city centre is directly across the road the Taxi Information Desk (located next to Domestic Arrivals), from The University. Please remember to follow the latest sign in with an adviser at the desk and you will then be directed Scottish Government guidelines on using public transport. to a taxi.

Location Glasgow International Airport, International and Domestic Arrivals.

Programme Dates The service will operate from the 21st of December 2020 until the 31st of January 2021

6 Support for international students Visa Immigration Support and Advice (VISA)

The VISA Team specialises in visa and immigration advice within the University. If you have any enquiries regarding your visa status, please contact the team directly. All visa and immigration advice can only be given by qualified staff within VISA at the University.

Confidential Support and Advice Helpful Guides Contact us They offer advice and guidance on The team have publications For visa enquiries and appointment processing visas, visa conditions, police to guide and assist you through the requests, please contact the team at registration and more. They check and process of applying for your visa to study [email protected]. You can visit our website process visa applications, providing at GCU. Look out for their Visa and for more information at gcu.ac.uk/ personalised checklists, assisting with Immigration Student Journey guide and internationalstudent completing online application forms and series of Online Visa Application Guides. sending your in-country applications to All their literature is available on their Check out the VISA Team on social the Home Office. For students applying website. media outside the UK, they offer support via email checking online applications and gcuvisa documents provided over email. For any personal issues they also offer support gcuvisa and guidance. All communication is confidential and free of charge. gcuvisa.eventbrite.co.uk

Meeting an Advisor Our VISA Advisors are professional UKCISA pre-arrival info: ukcisa.org.uk/ immigration specialists committed to studentnews/ 995Internationalstudents delivering reliable advice and guidance -of-2017-18-your-journey-starts-now on GCU student and dependent visa and immigration matters. As a new international student we There are many ways to contact the Team understand you may have some including by appointment, email or phone questions about your visa and how the call. You can reach the team on visa application may be impacted by the [email protected] or by visiting Coronavirus. Please visit our Coronavirus gcu.ac.uk/ visa . to book a drop in advice for international students appointment via the online booking form. webpages.

8 Getting to GCU

It is very easy to get to GCU. The city has two train stations ? and Glasgow Queen Street Station ? these are both within walking distance of the University (uphill walk from Glasgow Central Station). We also have two airports ? Glasgow International Airport (closest to Glasgow) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. You can visit the New2GCU website for maps and travel information on getting to the University and Glasgow City.

Glasgow We are here University and colleges Bus station A Glasgow Caledonian University B City of Glasgow College C City of Glasgow College

National and regional travel Train stations D Central Station E Queen Street Station

Bus station F

Local and regional travel Train stations G Argyle Street H Charing Cross I

Subway stations J Cowcaddens K L St Enoch

6 9 International Welcome Events Welcome address to new Welcome Night @ The Students' International students Association Monday 18th Janaury 2021 Monday the 18th January 2021 The Universities Deputy Vice Chancellor Our Full Time Officers will be hosting an James Miller will provide a virtual interactive quiz as well as telling you informal welcome to GCU. in addition to everything you need to know about this key information form the Students? GCU's Students? Association and the Association, Student Services, Student services they offer. This is a virtual event, Wellbeing, VISA, Security, Student further information can be found on the Events team will be presented. This is a eventbrite page when registering. virtual event, further information can be found on the eventbrite page when Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm registering. Cost: Free Register here: studenteventsgcu. Time: 9:30am - 11:00am eventbrite.com Cost: Free Register here: studenteventsgcu. eventbrite.com

10 Careers Support for International Students

Careers Support for International Students Work Experience opportunities Arriving to study at GCU is an exciting time for you. Career We know that you may want to gain work experience while you planning is so important, no matter what stage of your studies are here so be sure to check out the opportunities that we have you are at or where in the world you want to work. The careers on CareerHub@GCU gcu.ac.uk/ careers/ careersconnect This team can support you while you are here and help you to plan will include internships, part-time and on campus opportunities for a brighter future. as well as graduate positions.

Our careers advisers are professionally qualified and we have Our new online Careers Handbook: careers partners working alongside programme leaders in each https:/ / spark.adobe.com/ page/ g7sHb4eWgrlDF/ has School. Workshops and presentations may be delivered as part expert advice on Making Applications & Applying for Jobs as of your programme or through a series of opt-in sessions. well as really helpful information on job hunting and interview Details about careers events and activities are regularly posted skills. By undertaking work experience, you will be able to gain on our website and on our social media gcu.ac.uk/ careers/ the essential skills which employers value. aboutus/ socialmedia Career Appointments, Clinics and Drop-Ins Opportunities for students and graduates You have a choice of either a 45 minute appointment or a 15 We can help you to: minute clinic appointment with your School careers adviser and - Explore internships, part-time or voluntary work while you it?s easy to book an appointment with our online appointment study or during the vacation periods service. gcu.ac.uk/ careers/ aboutus/ appointmentsservices - Find out about graduate opportunities and provide job search Drop in sessions are also held in the Careers Centre at lunch advice and support for the UK and global markets times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from weeks 2 ? 8 so please - Understand the UK recruitment and application process just drop by if you have a quick question to ask.

GCU Careers gcu.ac.uk/ careers website is a key source of The Common Good Award information and opportunities. As an international student you Common Good Award gcu.ac.uk/ commongoodaward is a may be planning to return to your home country after finishing personal development and skills award that is open to all your studies, so be sure to check out our Global Careers students. Getting involved in this award scheme will help you to section. gcu.ac.uk/ careers/ studentsgraduates/ provide valuable evidence of the skills, experience and globalcareers Common Good Attributes you have been gaining through paid or voluntary work, giving you a competitive edge in the jobs market.

For details on how to contact the Career Team, check out gcu.ac.uk/ careers

18 11 Student Wellbeing Service

Student Wellbeing Service Disability Wellbeing and Mental Health To get the most from your time at the At Glasgow Caledonian University we The Disability Team provides advice, university it is important that you are are committed to ensuring our students information and services to disabled happy and healthy. However, it is not have the best possible experience during students and applicants. Each year, uncommon to feel sad and lonely when their time here. The Student Wellbeing around 10% of all GCU students disclose you are away from your home, friends team provides a free and confidential a disability. This includes students with and family especially if this is the first advice and support service to all long term medical conditions, sensory time you have experienced living students. We offer a friendly face and a impairment, mental ill-health, physical independently. listening ear in a safe and impairments, specific learning non-judgmental environment. Our aim is disabilities (for example dyslexia) and students on the autism spectrum. In the UK it is not unusual to go and talk to support you through your time at to a professional counsellor for help if University and help you to achieve your We seek to promote a learning you are struggling emotionally or academic success. environment that reduces the impact of psychologically. disability so that you are able to fully Please note due to current guidance the participate in university life. We want to reassure you that the Wellbeing Service is not operating on Student Wellbeing Team is able to offer campus, and is accessible online. Please contact us if you have any queries support to you. All of our counsellors relating to your own needs, or if you and advisers are qualified and The wellbeing service offers a weekly want to know more about GCU?s newsletter, and an online module. If you experienced in working with need support, please contact us at: approach to supporting disabled. international students and understand some of the cultural issues that students Disability Team: [email protected] Wellbeing Team Email: experience.The Student Wellbeing [email protected] Service will be running a number of different workshops and groups across the academic year to support your wellbeing. These will include anxiety management, recovery, mindfulness and more. For more information, please visit:

https:// www.gcu.ac.uk/ student/ support/ wellbeing/ groupsworkshopsandevents/

For Information gcu.ac.uk/ disability gcu.ac.uk/ studentwellbeing sign-up to our newsletter: http:// bit.ly/ GCUWellbeingNewsletter

Events schedule 2020 12

Tlearn the Lingo ! A beginners guide to Around : Myths and the Scottish accent Legends Tuesday 19th January 2021 Thursday 21st January 2021 The Scottish accent can be difficult to understand. In this interactive workshop, we?ll teach you some basic words and Scotland is steeped in history with phrases to get you started, as well as myths and stories passed from exposing you to the famous Glasgow generation to generation. This year we humor as well as giving you advice about have been unable to take you so some living in the city. This is a virtual event, of our favourite spots so we are taking the tours on line. Join us on further information can be found on the guided virtual tour of our home eventbrite page when registering. country, courtesy of the Keltic ginger Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm as we share some of these stories with you.Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Cost: Free Register here: studenteventsgcu. Cost: Free eventbrite.com Register here: studenteventsgcu. eventbrite.com

When applying for a back account in Scotland you will need additional information this year. Check with the bank you are planning on setting up an account with beforehand, to ensure your setup goes as smoothly as possible.

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Lost/ Stolen Passport, VISA (BRP) or Accommodation Opening a UK bank account Police Registration Certificate We strongly advise you to arrange We advise you to open a bank account in These are all important documents. We accommodation before you arrive in the the UK. If you have to extend or apply for advise you to not carry your documents UK. It can be difficult to source a visa, it is an advantage to have an with you unless absolutely necessary. If accommodation once here. Please contact account in the UK. You will require you lose any of these documents, please our Accommodation Office for advice: identify information to open an account. contact the VISA Team as soon as [email protected] Should you be required to self quarantine, possible to assist you with reporting the you will be unable to open a bank loss/ theft to the Police and the Home Healthcare account until your quarantining is Office and obtaining replacement You must register with a doctor (also completed. We therefore recommend documents. known as a GP) while studying in the UK. you have another means in place to pay You can visit a doctor for all general for things on arrival. There are various Contact details medical problems. As a full-time Tier 4 accounts available which you can transfer You must update the University if there student, you and your dependents are money from an account in your home are any changes to your Visa Information entitled to free essential NHS care and country to which provide a card that can and Contact Details. this includes a doctor and Hospital be used in the UK, An example of this is treatment. Everyone is entitled to Monzo, You should check your student email on a emergency medical care. https:// monzo.com/ i/current-account regular basis and respond to requests promptly. We have close links with other medical In order to make visa requirements services such as dentist, opticians and easier, we advise you set up to receive It is a responsibility of your visa status to family planning clinics. If you would like monthly bank statements and also ensure your Police Registration any information on these services, please register for online banking. Certificate is accurate and up-to-date. If contact [email protected] you change your place of study, course, address or visa status, you must inform the police immediately. You are not required to register during self-isolation. Please contact the VISA team [email protected]. for further information on this.

14 Important! Key Information Student visa permitted is considered a serious You will require an appointment to obtain Most of you will be joining GCU on a immigration offence. For the purposes of a new or replacement Police Registration Tier 4 Student visa. As stated on your work, UKVI define a week as a ?period of Certificate (PRC). If you have any visa there are conditions of your 7 days starting on a Monday and ending changes to your personal information and immigration status ? it is vital that you on a Sunday?. circumstances, such as, your address, adhere to these. You will be given visa, course and study details while in the information regarding the conditions of As a Tier 4 Student, you are responsible UK, you must notify the police of this and your student visa during the welcome for ensuring you work within your have your PRC updated. You do not programme. If you have any questions permitted hours. A student cannot work require an appointment to update your regarding your visa status and conditions multiple contracts across the university, certificate. on your visa in the UK please contact or externally, that exceeds the permitted VISA immediately by emailing 10 or 20 hours per week across all For more information, please see [email protected] contracts. The VISA Team can clarify gov.uk/ register-with-the-police this, simply bring your visa documents to and contact the VISA Team if you have If you need to extend your student visa, it one of their drop-in sessions. any questions. is essential to contact VISA Team 90 days before your visa expires in order to National Insurance Number (NINo) Enrollment and Attendance Monitoring prepare for your visa extension. The VISA In order to work in the UK, you will be International Students are required to Team will advise you on the required required to obtain a National Insurance provide your passport and visa (BRP) documents, assist you with completing Number and provide this to your when collecting your student card. the online form and process (check and employer. See for details. The VISA submit) applications to the Home Office. Team can advise you on the processing of It is important that you attend all You must submit your visa application to applying for a NINo. lectures, seminars, tutorials, assessments VISA Team no later than 3 weeks before and submit coursework as required. You your visa expires. You should check your visa/ BRP to must inform your department of any ensure that you have been issued the temporary absence. Additionally, It is your responsibility to ensure you correct working conditions i.e. hours of students with a visa to study in the UK, have valid leave to study within the UK work permitted. If they are incorrect, the must attend Checkpoints and re-present and at Glasgow Caledonian University VISA Team can assist you with amending your passport and visa documents. and that you do not breach any this. If you are unsure, please attend a Failure to attend classes or checkpoint conditions of your visa. VISA drop-in session for clarification. could result in students being reported to the Home Office. Working in the UK Registering with the police Your working conditions will be stated on If you are required to register with the Re-registration your visa ? if you require clarification on police, this will be stated on your 30-day It is your responsibility to ensure you your working allowance, please contact vignette or your visa decision letter. You re-register with the university as VISA Team. You must not undertake paid are not required to do this while required. work during term time for more than the self-isolating, please contact the VISA permission stated on your visa i.e. 10 or team for further information on this, 20 hours per week. Please be aware that [email protected] working more hours than you are

Events schedule 2020 159

Free things to do in Glasgow

Glasgow is bustling city with many things to do and see. Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a botanicalgarden located in It has a wide range of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and the West End of Glasgow, Scotland. It features several museums, which are now open. However it is advisable glasshouses, the most notable of which is the Kibble to call ahead of visiting bars, restaurants or cafes as most Palace. The Gardens has a wide variety of temperate and now require advanced bookings. tropical flora,a herb garden, a chronological bed with plants arranged according to their introduction to Scotland, the UK's national collection of tree fern, and a The world rose garden officially opened in 2003 by Princess Tomohito of Mikasa. Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there's Admission: Free Entry everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Opening times: Grounds 7 am- dusk (all year) 30 Great Western Rd,Glasgow G12 0UE Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow's rich shipbuilding history,explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with our interactive fire engine.

Admission: Free Entry Monday to Saturday: 10am ? 5.00pm Sunday: 11.00am ? 5.00pm Riverside Museum, Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS

The Lighthouse Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, is a visitor centre, exhibition space and events venue situated in the heart of Glasgow, just off the Style Mile. The Lighthouse acts as a beacon for the creative industries in Scotland and promotes design and architecture through a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events

Admission: Free Entry Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10.30am ? 5.00pm Sunday: 12.00pm ? 5.00pm 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, Scotland G1 3NU Who should self quarantine

10 Events schedule 2020 16 Important! Self Quarantine Information

The Scottish Government has specified that students traveling from certain Most supermarkets and takeaways countries quarantine on arrival in the UK. within Glasgow deliver, we recommend Information on the quarantine period you utilise these services while self and a list of countries is available on the quarantining . We have detailed some Scottish Government website. Please helpful links below which can support note that you will also need to complete you with this. a locator form 48 hours prior to arrival in Tesco the UK. Sainsburys Quarantine support, such as food packages, will be put in place for Asda students staying within Caledonian Court. For students staying outwith Deliveroo Caledonian Court , we will remain in regular contact with you by phone and Just Eat endeavour to provide support should this be required. Our dedicted Campus Security team are also available 24/ 7 should any emergencies occur. Information on how to order food and shopping online is detailed opposite.

To enable us to support you through this quarantine period please email, [email protected] detailing your original country of travel, the date you will be arriving on Scotland and your UK address.

It is likely that all students entering the country will be required to take a COVID-19 test, we will contact you with details on how to arrange this, should it be required.

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Sport and recreation Fashion and shopping - Visit one of the city?s 13 free museums GCU has a vibrant sports scene, much of Glasgow has been rated the best place to - Experience one of Europe?s richest art it focused on the Arc, the on-campus shop in the UK outside London?s West collections in the city?s many galleries health and fitness centre. The Arc has End, so it is ideal for students with a - Watch a sporting event at Hampden two sports halls and three gyms and is passion for fashion. Glasgow?s ?Style Park Stadium home to 35 sports clubs and the base for Mile? showcases designer labels and - Enjoy a famous band at one of the activities organised by the Students? high-street brands, and there is also a city?s music venues Association ? from badminton and great range of independent and vintage - Admire the elegant ?Glasgow style? basketball to riding, swimming, martial shops, cementing the city?s growing architecture across the city centre arts, hockey and football. Please be global profile as a leading retail, cultural - Visit one of the dear green place?s 90 aware that due to the situation with and style centre. stunning green spaces, more per head COVID19, the Faith & Belief Centre will than any other European city remain closed for the remainder of 2020. Things to do in Glasgow - Join one of the many walking tours As soon as it safe to do so the centre will - Go shopping! Glasgow is the second offered around the city reopen. largest retail centre in the UK glasgowstylemileshoppingfestival. com

18 Your New Home From Home Coming to university is a chance to discover new interests and make new friends ? and there will be plenty of opportunities to do both on and off campus. Glasgow is home to over 130,000 students, so whether you?re a local or new to the city you?ll be in great company.

People make Glasgow! rail and coach connections make it easy Glasgow?s a great place to live ? and it?s to explore Scotland?s stunning just small enough that you?ll feel at home countryside and cities, the rest of the UK right away. It?s bursting with cafés, or even Europe. museums and galleries, bars and clubs, world-class sports facilities, shopping Scenic Scotland and theaters. There?s definitely With a beautiful landscape filled with something for everyone, and you?ll find mountains, hills, lochs and rivers, plenty of student discounts and offers. Scotland is the perfect place for getting outside. You?ll never be short of things to A compact city that?s easy to explore do when you?re not studying. from GCU?s city-centre campus, Glasgow boasts world-famous architecture and peoplemakeglasgow.com plenty of green spaces. Plus, our great air, visitscotland.com

Dates for your diary 2020 19 Medical and Dental Registration Registering at a Doctors Surgery Woodside Dental Practice

Due to COVID 19 restrictions surgery We have worked with Woodside Dental registration will not take place on practice for a number of years now campus this year. However you can still unfortunately due to COVID 19 register via their web pages below. registration will not take place on campus this year. You can still find out all Should you require any medication, we the information you need on their web recommend you bring at least two weeks pages below and register with them at a later date . supply , as you may not be able to access this instantly woodsidedentalpractice.com www.drleslieandpartners.com

Telephone: 0141 201 5560

Out of hours: 111

?Gary 20 is just the most charismatic storyteller in the universe?

Gary was a ? A tour with begin my great way to experience? study abroad

a funny person ? Gary is such story teller. and a fantastic with the beautiful Coupled it can Scottish landscape better!? hardly get any Gary (The Keltic Ginger) has sadly had to Cancel all tours due to the ongoing issues in Scotland with the COVID-19 outbreak. However he will be hosting Talk the Talk a beginner?s guide to the Scottish accent work shop thought-out welcome. We would highly recommend you come along to these events as Gary is very knowable in all things Scotland and will definitely be able to give you some advice on making the most of your time in our home country.