YOUR GUIDE to the , 1st of September 2020

Dear Future Phoenix,

We are delighted at the prospect that you will be joining us as a student in 2021!

This is an exciting time in your life, and you now you have a big decision to make. We know it can be overwhelming, and that’s why we have taken the time to detail the roadmap to your future at East London, where you will be gaining a truly global education at one of the top, modern in the United Kingdom.

We pride ourselves on providing an environment in which students like yourself can think beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplines, embrace diverse and innovative learning approaches, and benefit from programmes that match academic excellence with industry experience.

You will be joining a diverse class of students that are from over 120 countries around the world with various backgrounds. These students have selected East London for its reputation as a that offers a transformational student experience that transcends international borders.

East London is a place that will give you the keys to not only explore your academic interests but will also challenge you to think and live in one of the most dynamic settings in the world.

We want to help you make a smooth transition across the pond, so if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.

We hope to meet you soon on campus!

With warm best wishes, felicia izaguirre w.

Felicia Werner Senior Regional Manager External Relations Directorate International Student Recruitment University of East London TABLE OF contents

4 Meet the Americas Team

5 Key Information

7 Admission

8 Cost of Attendance

11 Undergraduate Fees

12 Postgraduate Fees

13 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's

19 Federal Aid Checklist

21 Pre-departure Checklist

23 Dual Delivery

24 Housing

25 Arrival

Docklands campus Library International Office eb 1.03 | Docklands Campus, University Way | London e16 2rd united kingdom MEET THE Americas Teamat the university of east london

I am the Senior Regional Manager for North American recruitment, but I am also a Canadian UEL alum myself. I did my undergrad at UT Austin, then decided to set sails for the UK to pursue my MBA. I fell in love with London through my time at UEL and I couldn't get over how diverse and relentless this city was. My experience was further enriched by the fact that I was also a sports scholar on our excellent athletics programme, as a competitive rower.

Even if you if you're just thinking about studying abroad, it doesn't hurt to ask questions – trust me, I did! If you know you want to study abroad, why wait to start your journey? My dedicated team is here to guide you each step of the way. We have all studied Felicia Werner internationally, so we know that it's a massive step to take. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us during the admissions and Senior Regional Manager arrival process!

I am the Americas Recruitment Manager here at East London. I have worked with students pursuing their education overseas for quite a few years now and I myself have followed suit, so I know it’s completely natural to have many questions about your future and next steps. My team works within International Student Recruitment, and we work closely with International Admissions. We will be working closely with you up until you arrive at East London!

I completed my bachelors at Portsmouth University and UC Berkeley, followed by a masters in my home city of Surrey, England. Choosing to move to California was quite a big decision to make but doing so has taught me to be fearless in pursuit of my dreams. Now, I’m happy to say that I’ve lived in a variety of places including Annabelle Molina Berkeley, London, Australia, Spain and Ireland. Americas Recruitment Manager

I am the International Recruitment Officer for North America, and an American alum from California and Florida. I received a first-class honours degree in Clinical and Community Psychology.

Making the decision to study across the pond truly was a leap a faith, but it wasn’t long before I fell in love with London! It’s the most diverse and cosmopolitan place I’ve ever lived. Although I miss home, taking myself out of my comfort zone gave me invaluable life skills, innumerable opportunities to see the world and that edge that makes a fresh-grad super attractive to employers. I look forward to seeing where your East London adventure takes you – I bet it will be an exciting one! Caitlyn Banania International Recruitment Officer 4 KEY INFORMATION

D E A D L I N E S A N D K E Y D A T E S

Deadline to submit missing Friday 23rd July 23 2021 documents:

N Deadline to pay the tuition deposit or receive a visa loan letter (if Friday 30th July 2021 using FAFSA):

Deadline to pay the housing Friday 30th July 2021 deposit:

Semester start date: Monday 27th September 2021 O

K E Y C O N T A C T S

Americas - International Office [email protected]

D Financial Aid Office [email protected]

[email protected]

T Residential Life Team (housing enquiries)

International Student Advice Team [email protected] (visa enquiries)

High Performance Team (Athletics) [email protected] N S

W H A T I S A N I M M I G R A T I O N H E A L T H S U R C H A R G E ?

Those applying for a Tier 4 student visa will be required to pay IHS on top

A of their visa application fee. O

The immigration health surcharge entitles Tier 4 students to access free healthcare in the UK in the same way as a British citizen. This includes free doctors appointments, free emergency medical assistance such as ambulances and ER, free healthcare centres and hospital care, such as surgery and aftercare. This does not include the cost of vision, dental or prescription medication. E L

5 W H A T D O E S M Y O F F E R M E A N ?

Here in the UK there are two types of offers you can receive from a university: Conditional or Unconditional.

Conditional Offer A conditional offer means that you’ve been accepted onto your course of study, however you need to provide additional documents in order for your offer to progress to an unconditional one. The conditions on your offer can include: for undergraduates: an official copy of your final transcript, graduation diploma, official SAT/ACT/AP score reports, a copy of your passport photo page, etc. For postgraduates: an official copy of your transcript, degree certificate and passport

N photo page.

Unconditional Offer A unconditional offer means that you’ve met all the academic requirements needed to start on your chosen course!

Note that for most seniors you can remain at the Conditional Offer Holder stage until the end of June when you graduate.

If you are ever unsure of what you need to send in, please email us to O find out - [email protected]

P A Y M E N T S P R I O R T O A R R I V A L Attending East London is more-cost effective compared to US schools,

D however there are some upfront costs we want you to be prepared for. Most of these are one-time costs, that you will be factouring in when requesting the correct loans amounts through FAFSA. T

However, your loan will not be accessible until you complete enrolment and open a British bank account. Until then, you will need to cover these costs and any living expenses out-of pocket, which means, now would be a good time to start saving up! N

S Tuition deposit (if not using FAFSA) for: Undergraduates £4,000 Postgraduates £3,000

Housing deposit (should you choose to live on £750 campus)

Tier 4 Student Visa fees for: A O Undergraduates Between £1,548-£1,948 Postgraduates £748

Flight to London Approx. £300 - £1,000 E L

6 ADMISSION

O U R A P P L I C A T I O N I S F R E E UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY F O R A L L S T U D E N T S . REQUIREMENTS

P O S T G R A D U A T E S M A Y A P P L Y D I R E C T L Y High School Diploma T H R O U G H O U R W E B S I T E . Official High School Transcript confirming a 3.0 GPA Valid passport U N D E R G R A D U A T E S M A Y A P P L Y T H R O U G H And one of the following: C O M M O N A P P . 1070 SAT Score 23 ACT Score 3 AP Exams with a score of 3 or above

-

These are standard entry requirements. Please note, some programmes require an additional supplement, such as an interview, portfolio, e-audition, etc.

POSTGRADUATE We use a sliding scale for undergraduate admission. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS If you do not meet these exact requirements, ask us about foundation year. Bachelors degree certificate Official transcript confirming 2.5 GPA Valid passport

- HOW DO I SUBMIT MY

These are standard entry requirements. QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER Please note, some programmes require DOCUMENTS? an additional supplement, such as an interview or academic reference. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to receive a decision on your application. You will be We do not use a sliding scale for postgraduate admission. emailed the outcome of your application. Should your application be successful, you will be give access to the UEL Applicant Portal.

All documents must be uploaded to SCHOLARSHIPS the applicant portal. We cannot accept documents via email.

We offer scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate offer holders. Applications for the International Scholarship open in the Spring. Scholarship amounts range between £1,000 - £4,000 depending on the programme.

7 COST OF ATTENDANCE

why THE university of east london stacks up cheaper vs. american colleges

EAST LONDON VS. UNITED STATES

EAST LONDON: $17,000 TUITION US Colleges: per year: FREE BOOKS $27,357 - $43,139 per year included for entire degree and $5,360 for books for the full degree Total cost for entire degree: $51,000 - or Total cost for entire $73,500 (with housing) degree: $114,788 - $177,916

HOUSING ON-CAMPUS EAST LONDON: Starting US Colleges: $10,000 + at $7,500 per year: per year: shared room & private room with private shared bathroom with bathroom and shower 8-10 people & no kitchen. It & fully equipped kitchen. is usually compulsory for the It's not compulsory to live first two years to live on on campus at any point. campus.

MEALS/BOARD EAST LONDON: $2,750 US Colleges: $6,000 per cost of food per year: Meal plans are not year: Meal plans are compulsory. You are compulsory and you do not provided with a kitchen in have access to a kitchen. your dorm, to cook budget You should also factour in friendly meals. On campus the cost of off-campus dining is also available. dining. 8 HEALTHCARE

EAST LONDON: $525 per US Colleges: $$$ year: Your student visa Even if you have private entitles you to free healthcare, your US college healthcare in the UK may ask you to subscribe to incl.: ambulance, surgery, additional on-campus visits to the doctors office health services. You will still and includes heavily pay an excess on top for subsidised dental care. care you seek either way.

TRANSPORT EAST US LONDON: $2,500 (flights Colleges: $9,122 (car) per + public transport) year: Most U.S. cities per year: London is require a car to get well-connected by public around, which is more transportation incl. expensive than the cost of subways, trains, buses and a flight to London, visa and DLR, which is used by a year's worth of travel on everyone. our transport combined. FREE APPLICATION EAST LONDON: FREE Application US Colleges: $43 - $150 Apply directly through our Most colleges have an website or through application fee and Common App. We admit the average wait time to on a rolling basis, so you hear back is 6-8 weeks. can expect a decision in 2- 4 weeks. Deadlines: Generally the Deadline to apply for Fall end of December with no 2021: July 2021 rolling admission

9 SHORTER DEGREE EAST LONDON: 3 year US Colleges: 4+ year degree: Save a year's degree with impacted worth of tuition fees & majors. start earning a salary. Spend an extra year or Go straight to your major more studying as general and graduate with Honours education is required. and a fully accredited This means an extra year degree (accepted of tuition fees, worldwide). No general books & compulsory education classes required. general education classes.

FAFSA AND GI BILL EAST LONDON: We accept your FAFSA loans and VA/Military benefits

Fund your degree in London with Federal Student Loans or Sallie Mae. We also accept military benefits, if you have served in the armed forces or are/child of a veteran. They will cover almost everything from living expenses to tuition and flights.

CHEAP TRAVELS ACROSS EUROPE

EAST LONDON: Travel Europe on USA: Domestic flights can cost over weekends with flights starting at $20: $100 and take 1-5 hours to get to. Europe is only 1-2 hours away, perfect International flights are even more for a cheeky weekend getaway. Paris expensive so opportunity to travel is a two-hour train journey from during breaks is more limited as a Central London. student. 10 Undergraduate Fees

The costs below detail an estimation of expenses for your first academic year of study across academic and general expenses. These costs are estimates only based on an assumed exchange rate of 1.31 and actual costs will vary according to lifestyle.

University of East London Expenses Tuition: $16,650 Accommodation: $7,500

Total: $24,150

General Expenses Living Expenses: $6,800 Transport: $700 Course Supplies: $1,000 Visa Fees & Health Surcharge: $2,025 for a 3-year degree or $2,550 for a 4-year degree (IHS £400 per year; £348 application fee) Flights to the U.S. (2 return trips per year): $2,000

Undergraduate Total: $36,675 – $37,200

Out of the following costs above, the following costs below will need to be paid prior to receiving your FAFSA, please bear this in mind when allocating funds for your studies.

Up-front Costs Visa Fees & Health Surcharge: $2,025 - $2,550 Flight to London (Return): $1,000 (Prices vary significantly based on location and date they can be as little as $300 for a one-way flight and as much as $1,000 for a return flight). Accommodation Deposit: $1,000 (Should you choose to live on campus).

Cost of Attendance

All of the expenditure figures are based on a full-time undergraduate student attending for a 37-week academic year. Your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle choices and where you live.

11 Postgraduate Fees

The costs below detail an estimation of expenses for your first academic year of study across academic and general expenses. These costs are estimates only based on an assumed exchange rate of 1.31 and actual costs will vary according to lifestyle.

University of East London Expenses Tuition: $18,250 Accommodation: $11,750

Total: $30,000

General Expenses Living Expenses: $9,000 Transport: $1,200 Course Supplies: $1,000 Visa Fees & Health Surcharge: $2,000 (HS: £400 – 1 year plus 2 years extra allowance plus £348 visa fees) Flights to the U.S. (2 return trips per year): $2,000

Postgraduate Total: $45,200

Out of the following costs above, the following costs below will need to be paid prior to receiving your FAFSA, please bear this in mind when allocating funds for your studies.

Up-front Costs Visa Fees & Health Surcharge: $2,000 Flight to London (Return): $1,000 (Prices vary significantly based on location and date they can be as little as $300 for a one-way flight and as much as $1,000 for a return flight). Accommodation Deposit: $1,000 (Should you choose to live on campus).

Cost of Attendance

All of the expenditure figures are based on a full-time postgraduate student attending for one 52-week academic year. Your actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle choices and where you live. The standard duration of a taught postgraduate course at UEL is approximately 16 months, so you may wish to factor in additional living costs for the extended period.

12 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Undergraduates

Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most about Federal Aid and Private Loans. If you have any specific questions relating to Veteran’s Affairs funding or any other form of international funding please email us directly at [email protected]

What is UEL’s School Code? UEL’s school code is G30450. You will need this when making your FAFSA application.

Do I need to pay a tuition deposit? You are not required to pay a tuition deposit as long as you have sufficient Federal and/or Private loans in place to cover the full tuition fee.

How do I work out my expenses for studying in the UK? We will provide you with a Cost of Attendance file as part of the loan application process. This breaks down your maximum study related expenses into different categories:

Tuition Fees, Accommodation, General Living Expenses, Books and Supplies, Computer Equipment, TransportationFlights to USA, Visa Fees, and Immigration Health Surcharge.

For each category, we set a maximum amount in GBP (£) that we deem as reasonable to cover one academic year. This amount depends on your course level (undergraduate/postgraduate) and year of study. You should use these amounts as a guide but, in most cases, your actual expenses will be lower than the maximum amount. The ‘Additional Information’ document which accompanies the Cost of Attendance file explains how we have calculated each expense and set the corresponding upper limit.

How do I work out my Direct/Private loan entitlement for studying in the UK? The Cost of Attendance file shows your loan entitlement for each type of Direct Loan in USD ($). Each loan type has different origination fees, interest rates and repayment conditions so please review these before deciding on which loans you wish to borrow. With this in mind, you may find that it is most favourable to use your Subsidised and/or Unsubsidised loan entitlement first and top this up with a PLUS loan if necessary. You may also look into taking out a Private Loan in addition to, or instead of, Direct Loans. You would not be expected to borrow up to your full entitlement, we would advise you only need to take out sufficient loans to cover your expenses in the UK for the academic year.

Can I use PELL Grants or work/study schemes to cover my costs in the UK? No – as a foreign school, UEL are only authorised to participate in the Direct Loan Program (Direct Subsidised, Unsubsidised and PLUS loans). This means that we are unable to accept any other US Government funding that you may be eligible for if studying in the US (such as Pell Grants). We do not offer a Work Study scheme but UEL do offer scholarships. All our scholarships require an application – for further information regarding scholarships we offer please email [email protected]

13 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Undergraduates

How do I apply for my loans? Your loan entitlement will likely be made up of Direct Subsidized and a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, as well as PLUS loans. Please see the FAFSA Checklist on page

What role to my parents play in the FAFSA process? FAFSA will determine whether you are a dependent or independent student as part of the application process. If you are deemed to be a dependent undergraduate student, the Federal Government is likely to lend you a maximum of $5,500 in Subsidised and/or Unsubsidised loans for the first year of your undergraduate degree. This amount increases as you progress on your course, however it will not be enough to cover your full cost of attendance. For this reason, it is imperative for most students to also request their parents to apply for a Parent PLUS loan, to make up the rest of the amount needed in FAFSA loans, if they are not using savings or private loans. Please note that independent undergraduate students do not qualify for PLUS loans.

What is the maximum I can borrow in PLUS loans, as a parent? The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow will be the cost of attendance at the University of East London minus any other financial assistance your dependent receives. The cost of attendance is determined by the International Funding Advisor at the University of East London.

Do I have to make payments on my loan while my dependent is still enrolled in school? If you request a deferment, you will not need to make payments while your dependent child is enrolled at least full-time and for an additional six months after your child graduates or leaves school. We will require you to submit your request for a Parent PLUS loan at StudentLoans.gov, you will have the option of requesting a deferment as part of the loan request process. You can also contact your loan servicer to request a deferment. If you do not request a deferment, you will be expected to begin making payments after the loan is fully disbursed (paid out).

During any period when you are not required to make payments, interest will accrue on your loan. You may choose to pay the accrued interest or allow the interest to be capitalized (added to your loan principal balance) when you have to start making payments. Your loan servicer will notify you when your first payment is due.

Can I still receive a Parent PLUS loan if I have an adverse credit history? A credit check will be performed during the application process. If you have an adverse credit history, your Parent PLUS application could be declined initially, but you may still receive a Parent PLUS loan through one of these two options: 14 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Undergraduates

1.Obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. An endorser is someone who agrees to repay the parent PLUS loan if you do not repay it. The endorser cannot be the dependent on whose behalf you are borrowing. 2.Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history.

With either option 1 or option 2, you also must complete credit counselling for parent PLUS loan borrowers on the StudentLoans.gov website.

What additional steps must I take to receive my Parent PLUS loan? If you are eligible for a parent PLUS loan, you will be required to sign a Direct PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN), agreeing to the terms of the loan.

If you’re taking out a Parent PLUS loans for more than one dependent, you will need to sign a separate Direct PLUS Loan MPNs for the loans you receive for each dependent.

When will my Direct/Private loan funds be paid to me? Once your loans are approved, we will send you a Loan Confirmation letter which advises when your loan funds are due to be disbursed from the U.S. We normally plan two disbursements per academic year – September and January. You can use the Loan Confirmation letter as proof of funds as part of the visa/immigration process, if necessary.

Please note that the disbursement date is the date we request your funds from the U.S., it is not the date that the funds will be cleared in your bank account. This is because we are required to exchange your funds into British Pounds Sterling and deduct tuition (50% at each disbursement) before passing any remaining funds on to you. It will take up to 10 working days from the disbursement date for the funds to be cleared to your bank account.

We therefore advise students to bring enough funds with them to cover the initial expenses that you will incur prior to receiving the first loan instalment.

Can I receive any of my Direct/Private loan funds in advance of arriving in the UK? We are unable to disburse any of your loan funds before you arrive in the UK and complete your university enrolment in person. This means that you will need to pay any deposits or up-front expenses (such as accommodation deposits or visa fees) out of your own funds. We do include these on your Cost of Attendance form so that you can reimburse yourself using loan funds, if you so wish.

15 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Undergraduates

Can I apply for my loans once I have arrived in the UK? All U.S. citizens, without UK or European citizenship will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK. For proof of funding purposes, it is advisable not to apply for your visa until you have received the loan award letter confirming your loan and disbursement amounts and dates.

We strongly advise that you submit all of your loan application documents to us at [email protected] no later than July, to ensure that your funding is in place before your arrival in the UK. In exceptional circumstances, we can process your loans retrospectively, but we cannot be held responsible for any subsequent consequences of you not applying for your loans on time.

Do you deduct my school fees from my loans automatically? Once we disburse your funds, they will be transferred to the UEL bank account. We then deduct your tuition fees (50% for each disbursement – September and January) and pay any remaining amount from each disbursement in to your UK bank account. It is your responsibility to pay for your remaining expenses such as accommodation and day-to-day living costs out of this amount. We do not deduct your rent automatically if you are living in UEL accommodation so you will need to arrange payment with the Residential Services team directly.

What exchange rate is used? Your loans are arranged in USD ($) however they are transferred into our local currency (GBP - £) as part of the disbursement process. Our banking service provides us with an exchange rate on the day that funds are processed. This means we are unable to give you an exact conversion amount in advance. The exchange rate used on the First Year Undergraduate document is an estimate, designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to borrow comparable amounts.

Can you transfer my loan funds to my US bank Account? No – we require you to set up a UK bank account. This is because the loan funds are exchanged in to GBP (£) as part of the payment process. If we were to transfer them back to an international bank account they would incur additional charges at the detriment to your loan amount.

16 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Undergraduates

How do I set up a UK Bank Account? You will need to collect and present your Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) to the Hub in order to receive a Student Status Letter (SSL), which you'll need in order to open a bank account.

We do not recommend any specific banks so it is up to you to decide which bank you would like to open an account with. However, we do advise you to open an account with a bank that does not charge you any international student fees, such as NatWest. Some banks will allow you to begin the process of setting up an account while you are in your home country, but you will need to arrange an in-person appointment with your chosen bank before the account is activated. Request your SSL prior to attending your bank appointment.

We will endeavour to process your loans as outlined on your Loan Confirmation Letter, however we need to have your bank account details on file before we can disburse your loans. Opening a bank account can be a long winded process so please ensure that you have sufficient funds with you to cover your initial expenses in the UK. We will provide more information on how to send us your bank account details as part of the enrolment process.

Feel free to reach out to Caitlyn directly and she will be more than happy to share her insight on banks in the UK.

In order to file my taxes, I require a 1098-T form, can you provide this for me? UEL are an eligible educational institution for US tax purposes, which means that American students (or the student’s parents or guardian, if the student is still dependent) who have paid their fees in cash or via Federal/private loans may qualify for the ‘tuition and fees tax deduction’ or education related tax credits.

Universities in America would normally provide you with a 1098-T Tax Form. However we are unable to provide a 1098-T form because we are classed as a foreign school, and therefore do not deduct or pay US taxes or have a US Tax Identification Number. We can still provide you with the foreign school equivalent of the 1098-T document, which is the closest to 1098-T form which we can issue and is fully accepted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can request a Tax Certificate by emailing us at [email protected]. Remember to tell us which tax year you require the certificate for (i.e. 2019).

Please note that students whose qualified tuition and related expenses are covered solely by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are not eligible to receive tax relief on these costs. This is because payments you receive for education, training, or subsistence under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are tax free. 17 Federal Aid and Private Loan FAQ's for Postgraduates

In addition to the FAQ's listed on pages 13-17, below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most about Federal Aid and Private Loans, with regards to our postgraduate students. If you have any specific questions relating to Veteran’s Affairs funding or any other form of international funding please email us directly at [email protected]

How do I apply for my loans? Your loan entitlement will likely be made up of a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, as well as PLUS loans. You will be eligible to take out up to $20,500 in Direct Unsubsidized loans. Please see the FAFSA Checklist enclosed in this pack for steps on how to apply for loans.

What is the maximum I can borrow for a Graduate Plus loans? The maximum PLUS loan amount you can borrow will be the cost of attendance at the University of East London minus any other financial assistance you receive. The cost of attendance is determined by the Financial Aid Officer at the University of East London.

Do I have to make payments on my loan while I’m enrolled in school? If you request a deferment, you will not need to make payments while you are enrolled at least full-time and for an additional six months after you graduate or leave school. We will require you to submit your request for a Graduate PLUS loan at StudentLoans.gov, you will have the option to request a deferment as part of the loan request process. You can also contact your loan servicer to request a deferment. If you choose not to request a deferment, you will be expected to begin making payments after the loan is fully disbursed (paid out).

During any period when you are not required to make payments, interest will accrue on your loan. You may choose to pay the accrued interest or allow the interest to be capitalized (added to your loan principal balance) when you have to start making payments. Your loan servicer will notify you when your first payment is due.

Can I still receive a Graduate PLUS loan if I have an adverse credit history? A credit check will be performed during the application process. If you have an adverse credit history, your Graduate PLUS application could initially be declined, but you may still receive a Graduate PLUS loan through one of these two options:

1.Obtaining an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. An endorser is someone who agrees to repay the Graduate PLUS loan if you do not repay it. 2.Documenting to the satisfaction of the U.S. Department of Education that there are extenuating circumstances relating to your adverse credit history.

With either option 1 or option 2, you also must complete credit counselling for Graduate PLUS loan borrowers on the StudentLoans.gov website. 18 FEDERAL AID CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to keep track of what steps you have completed as part of the FAFSA process. On the back you will find your next steps, which explain how the Financial Aid Officer will disburse your funds to you once you arrive at the University of East London.

COMPLETE FAFSA The first step is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the FAFSA Website. The University of East London's school code is G30450 (or 03045000). EMAIL A COPY OF YOUR STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR)

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will be able to download your SAR. Please do so and email us a copy so that we can send you additional paperwork to complete - [email protected]

REVIEW YOUR COST OF ATTENDANCE FILE

We will review your SAR and subsequently email you a Cost of Attendance file. This will break down your maximum costs of living and studying in the UK for the academic year and display your entitlement to Direct Loans. CONFIRM YOUR LOAN AMOUNTS Once you have decided on how much you wish to borrow, complete the follow-up Federal Aid Application Form and email it to [email protected]

19 NEXT STEPS

LOAN ORIGINATION Upon receipt of your Federal Aid Application Form, we will review the document and check that you have completed the relevant MPN and Entrance Counselling Receipt. We will then originate (process) your loans and send a loan award letter to the address on your application form, which you can use as proof of your funding (if required).

CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE FOR STUDIES (CAS LETTER)

Once you have satisfied your academic conditions, accepted your offer and had your loans signed off, The University of East London will issue you with a CAS letter, which will allow you to start your visa application. DISBURSEMENT Your loan funds will be disbursed in line with the dates on your visa loan letter, as long as you are fully enrolled and have set-up a UK bank account.

FINISHING YOUR STUDIES

Students are required to complete an exit interview prior to finishing their studies.

When you reach your final year of study, your exit Counselling should be carried out at www.studentloans.gov

20 PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Use this checklist to keep track of what steps you've completed in your application journey, and what steps you should be working on next. Be sure to put it on the fridge or stick it in your room!

SUBMIT APPLICATION Submit an application and receive an offer to study at the University of East London. TAKE THE SAT, ACT OR 3 AP EXAMS Take one of these tests unless you are applying for a masters degree or for foundation year.

APPLY FOR FAFSA OR CANADIAN PROVINCIAL AID Apply for FAFSA (using our school code G30450) or CPA unless you plan to self-finance your degree. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID PASSPORT If you do not own a passport, we recommend applying as early as possible as this can take several weeks to receive. Your current passport needs to be valid for an additional 9 months from the semester start date. SUBMIT FOUR DOCUMENTS FOR FAFSA LOANS You must submit the MPN, Counsellor receipt, FAFSA for UEL application and the Cost of Attendance spreadsheet to transfer your loans to East London. UPLOAD OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTS

Upload the documents listed on your offer letter to the applicant portal. Once everything is uploaded, let us know so your unconditional offer (UCO) can be issued. 21 CONTINUED Use this checklist to keep track of your steps in the visa application process.

RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE FOR STUDIES LETTER (CAS) International Admissions start issuing these letters in June. You will need to have completed the steps previously mentioned to be issued this letter.

SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A TIER 4 STUDENT VISA You will need a Tier 4 Student Visa to live in the UK and study at the University of East London for the duration of your degree. You'll need to submit an application on the UKVI website, pay your visa application fee and IHS. Once you do so, you'll be prompted to book a biometric appointment. ATTEND YOUR BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENT This will consist of submitting a photograph and your fingerprints to UKVI. Once you complete this step, you'll need to send your passport to UKVI in New . Yes, that's right - everyone has to do it!

RECEIVE YOUR VISA AND BOOK YOUR FLIGHT! One step closer to London!

22 WELCOME TO THE NEW WORLD OF CAREERS-1ST LEARNING FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE

DUAL DELIVERY What is it?

In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of- Benefits for you: the-art campuses and flex between online delivery as if This 'best of both worlds' approach puts you in you were there in person. control of your student life

A personalised learning experience

PREPARE, PLAN, PRACTICE & Meet and make friends for life, face-to-face on INTERACT: be challenged, campus and online, from day one discover and explore new concepts and ideas, and above all be supported to achieve the Connect and engage wherever you are and knowledge, confidence and career enjoy more tutor time of your choice. Outstanding careers and wellbeing support, Be part of a new breed of learners, both online and face-to-face get involved and be part of the future. Enhanced IT and technical support with scholarships geared to help you online

For further details, visit us at uel.ac.uk 23 Housing

Our private waterfront accommodation, your East London home.

The University of East All rooms are private and ensuite, meaning you'll London is one of the few get your own room, bathroom and shower. You'll universities in London with just share the kitchen, between 3-5 other on-campus housing. students! All you need to do to reserve your room is pay the upfront £750 housing deposit.

For more information visit [email protected] https://www.uel.ac.uk/accommodation/roomtypes

24 A R R I V A L

Destination. L O N D O N

B E F O R E Y O U R F L I G H T .

Get excited!

Be sure to book your flight once you have your visa, unless you are a British or EU Passport holder. Keep us updated in the last few days ahead of your flight and be sure to keep a copy of your boarding pass as you may need it for enrolment. E: [email protected]

A F T E R Y O U R F L I G H T .

Welcome to your new life!

Once you're able to, you'll need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), it acts as your actual visa once the vignette in your passport expires. After that, London is officially yours! Head up to the Shard to take in London's magnificent views or take the Emirates cable car for a cheeky Nando's at the O2 Arena! 25