International College Wales PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE 2013/14 Swansea, United Kingdom

University Programmes INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14 1

FINDING A OVERVIEW PLACE TO LIVE in Swansea, United Kingdom

Contents

Swansea: the city by the sea...... 2 Campus map...... 4 Swansea as a place to live...... 5 Financial matters...... 6 Living in Swansea...... 7 Entry clearance and visa guide...... 8 Preparing to leave home...... 10 Arriving in the UK...... 11 Getting started at ICWS...... 12 Useful information...... 13 Important things to do...... 14 Travel checklist...... 15

Welcome

Congratulations on your offer of a this guide — it contains a lot of important place at ICWS at Swansea University! information and guidance — and the better prepared you are, the easier We are delighted that you have chosen you will find it to settle into ICWS, your Swansea to pursue your further education. studies and life in Swansea. Of course, We are sure that you will have a fantastic we have a dedicated team of support time studying as part of the ICWS services staff to help you at every stage, community in this city by the sea. so if you need any assistance with This brief guide covers all aspects of anything please don’t hesitate to ask. what you should do to best prepare for We look forward to welcoming you to your studies and life here in Swansea. ICWS and Swansea very soon. Please do take the time to read through The ICWS Team 2 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Swansea: the city by the sea

Swansea is a famous historical city and a popular tourist destination. It is one of Britain’s most vibrant and exciting cities and is truly multicultural, hosting Arabic, African, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai communities.

Where is Swansea? would expect from a modern European city. Swansea Situated between the coast in the south Its beautiful seaside location makes it a and the stunning green hills in the north, favoured destination for tourists. Swansea is the ideal location to see From the campus you can travel along the Swansea’s climate Britain’s beaches and countryside at their seafront to the modern marina and the city The climate in South Wales is temperate best. It is also a superb centre for shopping centre, or to the vibrant coastal village of and in the summer regularly reaches 20–25 and dining. . Some of the best sporting degrees Celsius. This is ideal weather for facilities in Wales are just two or three Swansea is conveniently located near the beach, which is just across the road minutes away from the campus and most the , which links it directly from the campus. Winters are colder, with accommodation is within easy reach. with London and , just snow sometimes falling on the hills to Regular bus services run to Swansea a three-hour drive or train journey away. the north of the city. However, Swansea’s University Student Village and to popular It has excellent direct rail links to London seaside location usually protects the city student areas such as Uplands, the Marina, and other major UK cities. With itself from the coldest British weather. International Airport just 45 minutes away, Brynmill and Mumbles. budget airlines make it quick and easy to Swansea is a very affordable city in which to visit other European countries. live and study. You will need to budget for a As Wales’ second largest city, Swansea minimum of £800 per month to cover your boasts the impressive infrastructure you living expenses while studying in the UK. 3 SWANSEA

FAST FACTS

Population 230,000 County Swansea Currency UK Sterling (£) Time zone UTC/GMT Electricity 230V Language English 4 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Campus map

M A P 4 Swa nse a U nive r sity Ca m pus K e y

Buildings 3 Hispanic Studies Visitors C ar Park (Pay and Display) 4 History 1 Finance Building 3 Italian 2 Singleton Abbey 21.2 Staff C ar Parks 14 Law 21 2.1 Singleton Abbey, Stable Block 8.3 Mathematics 21.3 3 Keir Hardie Building P Bus Stops 3 Media and Communication Studies 4 James Callaghan Building 12, 33 Medicine 5 LawLibrary Singleton Hospital 27 11.2 Physics 14 20 Taxis 6 Mosque 36 Bus, Cycle & 4 Politics and International Relations Pedestrian Access 7 Libraryand Information Centre 11.2 Psychology Public Telephones P 8.1 FaradayBuilding 11.2 Social Policy/ Work To Sports Village P (pedestrian access) 25 8.2 FaradayTower 11.2, 11.3 Sports Science 11.3 26 C atering Facilities 16 8.3 TalbotBuilding 4 War and Society 11.2 9 Wallace Building 33 Baby C hanging Facilities 9.4 Margam Building Services / Facilities P 19.2 19.1 11.1 G lyndwˆ r Building 2.1 Academic Registry 11.2 Vivian Tower 2 Admissions O ffice 15 13 22 11.3 Sports Science Motion Laboratory 2 Alumni O ffice 12 G rove Building 32 ArtG allery 13 G rove Building Extension 18 32 Bank 14 Richard Price Building 17, 18, 32 Bars 11.1 30 Singleton Park 15 AmyDillwyn Building P 23 32 Bookshop 12 16 Haldane Building 17, 18, 32 Cash Points 17 Fulton House 17 Catering O ffice P 18 Union House 9.4 17 7 Careers and Employability 19.2 EnergyCentre 2 Central Administration 24 Digital Technium 17 ChaplaincyCentre 9 31 Taliesin Annexe 17 Conference O ffice 24 P 32 Taliesin Arts Centre 30 Crèche / Nursery 32.1 EgyptCentre 31 23 Dental Surgery 33 Institute of Life Science 1 3.1 Disability/Special 34 Llˆyr Building Requirements O ffice 36 Institute of Life Science 2 / Centre for 34 13 DisabilityO ffice - Assessment 32 NanoHealth and Training Centre 40 Porters’ Traffic Control Lodge 17 Discovery- StudentVolunteering 32.1 32.1 EgyptCentre StudentResidences 18 Estates Department 3 8.2 3.1 19.1 Kilvey 1 Finance Department 20 Preseli 2 Human Resources 8.1 21 Cefn Bryn 2.1 International DevelopmentO ffice 21.2, 21.3 3.1 International Student 22 Penmaen AdvisoryService 23 Horton 5 LawLibrary P 4 25 O xwich 7 Libraryand Information Centre 7 5 26 Langland 2 Marketing 27 Caswell 3 Media Resources To 17 Health Centre and Sports Porters’ Traffic 2.1 Academic Areas 3.1 MoneyAdvice & SupportO ffice Mumbles Control Lodge 8.3 6 Mosque V 11.1 AdultContinuing Education illage 40 6 2 1 P 4 American Studies 22 O ccupational Health & / 34 AquaCulture Emergency Centre P1 9, 9.4, 11.2 Biological Sciences 17 PostO ffice 16 Business 2.1 Postgraduate O ffice 11.2 Childhood Studies 17 Refectory 3 Classics, AncientHistory& Egyptology 8.2 DepartmentofResearchandInnovation 8.1, 8.2 Computer Science 22 ResidentialServices 17, 18 Shops Main Traffic 11.2 Criminology Entrance P Control 3 Cymraeg/Welsh 13 Staff DevelopmentUnit Barriers Abbey Meadow 14 Economics 23 StudentCounselling Service 8.1, 8.2 Engineering 3.1 StudentSupportServices 3 English 18 Students’ Union 3 French 32 Theatre (Taliesin) P 9 G eography 15 Transcription Centre 3 G erman 17 Travel Shop 11.1 Health Science 23 Wellbeing Services

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o u o CentrCeity P Swa nsea U niver sity Singleton Pa r k , Swa nsea , SA2 8PP r G o f n

+ 44 (0)1792 205678 info@ swa nsea .a c.uk www.swa nsea .a c.uk I e h T

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, the publishers cannot accept y Singleton Park b

responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with, or arising out of the publication of this information. d e n

Published by the Marketing Department, Swansea University. C opyright February 2012. g i s e D

Key

Buildings 12 Grove Building Student residences 1 Finance Building 13 Grove Building Extension 19.1 Kilvey 2 Singleton Abbey 14 Richard Price Building 20 Preseli 2.1 Singleton Abbey, Stable Block 15 Amy Dillwyn Building 21 Cefn Bryn 3 Keir Hardie Building 16 Haldane Building 21.2, 21.3 Rhossili 4 James Callaghan Building 17 Fulton House 22 Penmaen 5 Law Library 18 Union House 23 Horton 6 Mosque 19.2 Energy Centre 25 Oxwich 7 Library & Information Centre 24 Digital Technium 26 Langland 8.1 Faraday Building 31 Taliesin Annexe 27 Caswell 8.2 Faraday Tower 32 Taliesin Arts Centre 8.3 Talbot Building 32.1 Egypt Centre 9 Wallace Building 33 Institute of Life Science 1 ^ 9.4 Margam Building 34 Llyr Building 11.1 Glyndwr Building 36 Institute of Life Science 2/Centre 11.2 Vivian Tower for NanoHealth 11.3 Sports Science Motion Laboratory 40 Porters’ Traffic Control Lodge 5 OVERVIEW Swansea as a place to live

Useful facilities in The Gower and coastline together in Swansea. However, if you want Swansea’s beaches are famous for their to venture further out and explore places such as Gower or Cardiff (the capital of Swansea is a thriving city centre, with a large beauty, and it has over 32 miles of coast. Wales) the transport links are excellent. indoor shopping centre (‘The Quadrant’) Gower was named as an Area of Outstanding You can purchase tickets in advance or on along with many more streets, such as Oxford Natural Beauty, and on sunny days you can the day from the bus station and the train Street and High Street, lined with shops usually find students on one of the many station, and you can purchase a ‘day and cafes. The main area for restaurants beaches, either studying, playing or just ticket’, which means you can travel as and bars is Wind Street, that contains many topping up their tan. Most students make much as you want and catch as many local places full of Welsh history, such as their way down to the coast using buses as you like for the whole day. the 300 year old No Sign Wine Bar, mixed Swansea’s public transport system. in with international brand restaurants, There are also many taxi services in so you really are spoilt for choice here. Public transport Swansea that can help you get to and from where you need to go. Swansea also has two cinemas, multiple around Swansea theatres (including one based on the Most of the facilities that you will need university campus), a bowling alley, are within a 30-minute walking distance of various museums, many live music the university as everything is quite close venues and a large indoor market selling a vast host of local produce, including meats, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables as well and clothes and local crafts. The main leisure centre, ‘The LC’, is very popular with students, and boasts a large gym, swimming pool, spa and lots of exercise classes. Great for the keep-fit enthusiast. Swansea has a large range of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, water-skiing, kite surfing, hiking and cycling. Swansea University has many societies and sports clubs that support these interests, so join one of their groups to make friends who share your enthusiasm.

Swansea University’s facilities The university’s campus plays host to a Lloyds TSB bank, an Egypt centre gallery and museum, a bookstore, a theatre, a cinema, a sports village and many food outlets. It also has a Travel Shop, which is a great facility available to students. It runs regular trips around the UK, so you can explore historic cities such as Bath on your days off, and also runs weekends–away trips if you fancy getting out of Swansea for a few days.

Students’ Union The university has its own Students’ Union building, which has a bar and coffee house, a nightclub, a shop and many different societies and sports teams that you can join. The sports teams range from football, to archery to Ultimate Frisbee — and everything in between! There are also many societies on campus, ranging from subject-based to cultural-based to interest-based. As a member of ICWS you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union so you can join as many societies as you like. 6 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Financial matters

Opening a bank account Summary of cover and key benefits Cancellation or curtailment charges & (12 months) course fees Swansea University came out on top of a recent survey about how easy it is for • Any circumstances known prior to International students to open a bank account. Navitas Covers booking the trip that could reasonably We have a branch of Lloyds TSB based on Insurance up to: be expected to give rise to a claim. campus, and once you have enrolled with us we can produce a bank letter within 24-48 Cancellation or £5,000 Emergency medical and other expenses curtailment charges hours of receiving your enrolment confirmation. • Treatment or surgery which, in the opinion Emergency medical expenses £2,000,000 of the medical practitioner in attendance, Most banks have a branch within Swansea can wait until your return home. City Centre, and we have good relationships Emergency dental treatment £500 • Medication, which prior to departure is with them, so our bank letter is accepted as Funeral costs abroad £5,000 proof of your residency and student status. known to be required. Baggage £2,000 Employment Single article limit £300 Baggage & personal money, passport and documents There are many employment opportunities Valuables total limit £350 open to you as an international student. In • Valuables left unattended at any time most cases, international students can work Personal money, passport £3000 unless in a safety deposit box or in your & documents between 10 and 20 hours part-time whilst locked accommodation. they are completing their studies, and with Cash limit £100 • Baggage contained in an unattended motor vehicle between 9.00pm and a bar, a nightclub, a library, a bookstore, a Other money & documents £100 museum and numerous food and drink outlets limit 9.00am or between 9.00am and 9.00pm on campus there are lots of places where you unless it is in a locked boot or covered could find work. As a city, Swansea employs Passport £500 from view in a locked car. many students in a variety of its workplaces, Personal liability £1,000,000 • Personal money or your passport left and the majority of employers are very Personal accident £30,000 unattended at any time unless in a hotel flexible around your work limits. safe, safety deposit box or in your Missed departure £250 locked accommodation. Insurance Overseas legal expenses £10,000 The CAS will be issued upon the confirmation It is compulsory that all Navitas students in & assistance of agreement of the insurance charge the UK, including those on ICWS courses, Course fees £12,000 and terms and conditions accordingly, or have adequate insurance cover. Navitas has receipt of documents showing that the Premium (cost) £300 introduced Navinsure (provided by Endsleigh, student has arranged their own insurance. endsleigh.co.uk/travelagency) to address N.B. all premiums shown are inclusive of the insurance needs of our students. Insurance Premium Tax at the current rate. Currency There will be an additional fee of £300 for Key benefits: Navinsure insurance. If you would like our Cash insurance, please ensure that you add £300 • Cover for over 90 sports and activities You should make sure that you bring a to any deposit payment you are making. are included as standard under this small amount of cash with you for your Please see below for further details of policy and full details are available day-to-day expenses until to have registered Navinsure benefits and the cover provided. within your policy document. with ICWS and set up your bank account. • Cover is only applicable during: direct We recommend £200 in small denominations Please note that you may choose to source trips to and from your home country at (£5, £10 and £20 notes), be careful as most your own insurance provision. Students who the beginning and end of each academic stores will not accept £50 notes. Do not choose to arrange their own insurance term, outside the UK if the trip is carry a large amount of cash with you when should send the name of their insurance required as part of your study course you travel, and ensure that any money you company, the policy number and the or for leisure trips within Europe for a bring with you is kept in your hand luggage company contact details before we issue period not exceeding 21 days in total. and with you at all times. you with a CAS. Bring sterling (GB pounds) with you as you The Navitas Insurance policy provides Principal exclusions cannot use any other form of currency in the insurance cover for: General UK. You can change other currency into • cancellation charges sterling, but you will be charged for this. • The first £50 of each and every claim • emergency medical expenses per incident claimed for by each Please note that ICWS does not take any • personal belongings insured person except for claims responsibility for any cash lost by students. • personal accident under personal liability, personal • legal expenses accident and legal expenses. • personal liability • course fees 7 OVERVIEW

Travellers’ cheques Credit card UK debit card These are a good alternative to carrying ICWS can accept payment for course fees If you have a UK debit card then you can cash as they can be converted into cash if and accommodation charges using credit use that to pay for your course fees and you need them, and unlike a personal card, although there is a 3% charge for this. accommodation charges (there is no charge cheque you do not need a UK bank account Ensure that your credit limit is sufficient to for this service, however international debit to use them. If you lose them then you can allow you to make this payment, and check cards have a 3% charge). You can use most apply to have them replaced. It is best to with your bank or credit provider before you debit cards in many local shops in Swansea have sterling-based travellers’ cheques as leave home. You should also then make sure and the UK. Ensure you have enough money these are the easiest to cash in the UK, and that you give someone at home authority to in your account before you make the you may be charged for converting pay money into your credit card account payment, and make sure that you give travellers’ cheques based in other whilst you are in the UK. someone at home the authority to pay currencies over to sterling. When travelling, money into your bank account while you are do make sure that you keep your travellers’ here in the UK. The International Student cheques and your passport separate. Calculator will help you manage your money, visit international.studentcalculator.org.

Living in Swansea

Accommodation in Swansea Shared student accommodation Individual student apartments ICWS currently offers three main types Many students like to live in a shared Many of our students choose to live in of accommodation, for more information house with other students, often in the the beautiful , ideally please read below. Brynmill or Uplands areas, which are only located next to the city centre, and an a ten-minute walk from the university. In idyllic coastal walk to the university. These Llys Glas this type of accommodation you will have flats are usually one or two bedrooms, your own private bedroom, but kitchen, and rent varies considerably depending Llys Glas is a beautiful Victorian building living and bathroom facilities will be shared. on how many bedrooms or bathrooms that has been refurbished and now houses Bills are not usually included in this rent, you require. As with shared student 80 ICWS students in modern en-suite but they are not normally that expensive, housing, rent does not usually cover bills. bedrooms in medium, large and extra large and are divided between all residents. For further information, please email sizes. It is superbly located right in the city For further information, please email [email protected]. centre so you are close to all facilities. [email protected]. Each room comes equipped with a bed, If you wish to live in any of the above desk, bookshelf, wardrobe and drawers, forms of accommodation, please visit lamp, curtains, pin board, carpets and our website and fill in the relevant heater. There are shared kitchen and living accommodation booking forms at facilities, and all bills are included in the icws.navitas.com/accommodation. rent too, so you don’t have to worry about paying for electricity or the internet. Please note that smoking is prohibited anywhere within the Llys Glas building. 8 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Entry clearance and visa guide

Please be aware of the new UK VISA How is the score calculated? be the original documents, as photocopies regulations for Points-Based System You will score 30 points for a CAS will not be accepted. If the documents are for Students (Tier 4). Statement from an approved education not in English, you must get them translated by a qualified, professional translator. For the most accurate and up-to-date provider, and 10 points if you can show you information please refer to the Home Office have sufficient finances to cover you, your website, homeoffice.gov.uk and UK Council course fees and monthly living expenses for Knowledge of the course for International Students Affairs website, nine months. You must have an in-depth knowledge of ukcisa.org.uk. Make sure to: the course you will be studying, including • check that you meet all of the What will I be asked to provide? subjects you will be taking and you must requirements before you apply Proof of full-time student status be able to provide reasons why you are (CAS Statement) choosing to study in the UK rather than • provide evidence in the exact format in your own country. required by the Home Office and Once you have accepted your offer here outlined in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance, at ICWS and paid your deposit, you will Sufficient English available from the Home Office website receive a CAS Statement (Confirmation of language ability • complete all sections of the application Acceptance of Study Statement). Your CAS forms fully and accurately Statement will include your personal details, You must have the English language skills appropriate for the level of course you will • allow plenty of time to make along with the name of the institution where you will be studying, the course you be studying. If you are required to show your application and to start evidence of your English language skills (for gathering documents will be studying, the level of qualification you will get when you complete the course example an IELTS or similar certificate), it If you do not meet all of the requirements (ie. BSc, MA) and the start and expected end will be stated on your CAS. You must submit it is likely that your visa will be refused, date of your course. original certificate with your visa application. so it’s worth taking extra time and care over your application. Appropriate qualifications Ability to pay all fees The Entry Clearance Officer will ask you In order to receive your CAS Statement, you Do I need a visa? to prove that you have the appropriate must pay us one (1) semester’s course fees, In order to travel and study in the UK qualifications to undertake the pathway and you must have proof that you can for longer than six months, you must you will be studying. Ensure you can provide afford to pay all the fees and living costs apply for a Tier 4 General visa. You must evidence of your qualifications that you you will incur whilst you are in the UK. pass a points-based assessment and used to gain admission on to your course. Ensure you have proof of payment with you. score 40 points to get your visa. These will be stated on your CAS and must ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 9

Proof of finance How much money do I need? Medical history You must be able to provide evidence Check if you need any vaccinations before For ICWS, for a nine month course: that you have enough money to cover you enter the UK, if you do — you may be you whilst you are here. You must have an • course fees asked to provide evidence that you have official bank statement that demonstrates • £800 for each calendar had these. you can meet all of these costs. The funds month of the course must be in an account in your name. Accommodation You can also show funds in your parents’ More than nine months: The Entry Clearance Officer may also bank accounts but you will need to show • course fees for whole year ask you about your UK accommodation a birth certificate and a letter from them arrangements. Ensure you have the as well. If you have a financial sponsor • £7,200 to cover living expenses documents to prove where you are (government, embassy or international Contact an International Student Adviser living, whether it is in College managed organisation), please have a letter from at [email protected] if you have any accommodation (ie. Llys Glas) or in them confirming that they will cover all specific questions about your visa privately rented accommodation. of your fees and living costs, so that you application. Information about applying for meet the financial requirements. It is very a visa available from swan.ac.uk/isas/ important that your financial statements immigration/applying-for-a-visa. meet the requirements outlined in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance (available from the UK Border Agency website). 10 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Preparing to leave home

First things first, your important documents. • personal identification (ie. driver’s The passport-sized photographs should be Please ensure that you bring: licence, birth certificate) standard UK passport sized, with white or • a valid passport • any medical prescriptions/certificates/ grey-coloured background, and show your whole head and shoulders. These can be • a valid visa history/reports obtained in the UK but they are likely to be • full details of your UK accommodation • your initial Offer Letter more expensive than in your own country. • your Offer Letter • evidence of funds (ie. bank statements, sponsorship letter) • your CAS What to pack • proof of address in your home country • your completed ICWS acceptance form Students in the UK generally dress casually. • contact numbers for friends/family in The general rule is just wear whatever you • certified copies or originals of your the UK feel comfortable in, although it is important academic transcripts (including to ensure that whatever you wear is not evidence of English proficiency) • details of who to contact in an emergency offensive to anyone (student or staff) you • four passport-sized photographs will meet in the UK. Swansea can enjoy a ‘four seasons in a day’ climate, so ensure you bring a variety of clothing suitable for warm and cold weather. A thick warm waterproof coat is highly recommended for the colder months, and although the summer months are generally warmer, we do advise a light waterproof jacket for all year round.

Key essentials In terms of bedding for when you arrive, you can buy a bedding pack from ICWS, including a fitted sheet, pillow, pillow case, duvet and duvet cover, all for £20. If you are in Llys Glas, we can even have it waiting for you in reception for when you arrive. Although there are plenty of shops in Swansea, we do recommend bringing some personal items with you so that you do not have to go shopping as soon as you arrive. For instance, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap etc, and any medical items you require, such as glasses or contact lenses.

Electrical items The UK electricity supply has a much higher voltage than some countries outside Europe, so do ensure that any electrical products you are bringing will be compatible. The electrical voltage in the UK is generally 240 volts/50 Hz and 10 volts for bathroom (typically shaver) plug sockets.

Phoning home Phoning home can be expensive, so ensure you look into the cheapest ways to contact your friends and family before you leave. Skype can be a very useful tool, it is a free internet-based service that will allow you to video-call other Skype users across the world. Make sure you have a way of contacting your family and friends so that you can tell them that you have arrived safely in the UK. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 11

Arriving in the UK

Students arriving in the UK will have to undergo a number When you arrive in Swansea of formalities before they can enter. You will need to pass If you are using our meet and greet service then our driver will take you straight to through immigration controls and customs. your accommodation. If not, then there is a great public transport system that will get you to where you are staying. You should ensure that you have the goods you may bring into the UK, please go following available in your hand luggage to hmrc.gov.uk/nav/index.htm, click the If you are staying at Llys Glas please when you arrive in the UK: link for ‘Travelling to the UK’ — on that page provide us with an estimated time of arrival, • valid passport you will see links to ‘Going through as that way we can ensure someone is Customs’ and ‘Banned & Restricted Goods’. there to greet you. You can get a taxi from • valid visa or entry certificate Swansea bus station, costing around £5, or It is essential that we know when you are • proof of residency if you are arriving into the train station then arriving and where you intend to stay in the • evidence of funding (personal or family you can walk to the building. UK. Please contact us with your flight resources/confirmation of details as soon as you book them, and, if To walk, exit the train station from the sponsorship) you are staying in private accommodation, station forecourt, with the Grand Hotel on • your letter from ICWS confirming your proof of a UK address and telephone your left and the station on your right, place of study as a full-time student number. We also need a mobile number for cross at the traffic lights into Alexander • recent medical reports including x-rays you so that we can contact you when you Road, walk along a short distance crossing (if they apply to you) first arrive, to ensure that your arrival is as over Orchard Place — Llys Glas is the tall smooth as possible. building on the left hand corner opposite You may be asked for additional information the Glynn Vivian Gallery. It will take you regarding your proposed studies in the UK. How to get to Swansea five minutes — even with luggage. Immigration procedures at British airports ICWS provide a ‘meet and greet’ service If you are staying in a private flat or in a can be stringent and may result in at the airport, where we can collect you shared student house, it is best to take considerable delay at the end of your flight, from Heathrow airport and take you a taxi directly to your accommodation so especially during peak traffic periods (at directly to your accommodation. We highly that you don’t end up getting lost — there the start of term and at UK holiday periods). recommend this service, as this is the is plenty of time to explore the city when To assist the immigration officials, keep all easiest and safest option for students you are all settled in. of your documents available and be arriving in the UK for the first time. The prepared to wait patiently. service costs a very reasonable £200 Police registration There may also be a check of your baggage (a reduced fee for ICWS students, it is usually £240 and even more again if you You will need to register with the police at the Customs and Quarantine desk to if you are from the following countries: ensure that you comply with import book it on the day). Contact arrivals@ restrictions and are not carrying any icws.swansea.ac.uk for more information Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, banned items. For information on what regarding booking this service. Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen. There will also be a line on your visa which will confirm this. Please note that these are subject to change and an updated list can be found on the Home Office website.

Travelling to ICWS by taxi: the address is ICWS, 2nd Floor, Margam Building, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP.

bus: when you go to the local bus station, if you go to the information desk then they will be able to tell you which bus to catch. If you are coming from Llys Glas, there is a bus stop for the number 4 bus (a purple bus), which will bring you directly onto campus. 12 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Getting started at ICWS

Orientation and enrolment You must bring all of the following with you by credit card or international debit We request that all students attend ICWS to enrolment: card— no charge applies for UK debit orientation and enrolment. The ICWS • current passport card transactions) orientation programme is held in the week • current UK visa • accommodation evidence — original before teaching commences (the date and tenancy agreement or letter from your • two passport sized photographs time of your orientation will be on your Offer landlord or letting agent clearly stating Letter). Orientation covers essential matters • original documents of your previous your tenancy dates relating to your study at ICWS such as qualifications that you used to apply for enrolment, facilities, procedures and support the course — originals only, photocopies services, as well as the opportunity to go on will not be accepted You cannot attend classes until a tour of the area. It is also a great chance to • If you have changed your name since enrolment is completed and all start making friends. the passport/visa was issued, we will fees paid. need to see the original documents to At orientation you will be given a welcome prove this change. pack containing your course and college information as well as other important • ICWS Offer Letter or copy of ICWS visa ICWS office hours: information. Please do take the time to support letter Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm read this and keep it for future reference. • proof of payment of fees; or credit/debit The office is closed on Saturday and card if you have not yet paid your fees in Sunday, and on all national bank holidays. total (note: there is a 3% charge for paying ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 13

Useful information

Swansea dialling code Prepare for Success Life in Swansea International: +44 (0)1792 prepareforsuccess.org.uk swansea.gov.uk From within the UK: 01792 UKCISA Information sheets Swansea University Students’ Union Important websites ukcisa.org.uk swansea-union.co.uk British Council — Living in the UK ICWS educationuk.org icws.navitas.com Student budget calculator Swansea University studentcalculator.org.uk swansea.ac.uk

Important notes: Dates Notes Accommodation From a week before enrolment A deposit of £800 is required to secure a room with us at ICWS. Orientation See Offer Letter Attendance is compulsory, you will enrol and get your timetable. Accommodation fees At enrolment All fees must be paid by the end of this week. Course fees for next semester Due end of week nine If fees are late then fines will be incurred. Exams See student portal and Ensure you leave enough time between end of exam period and notice boards your flight home. Accommodation finishes Dependent on contract Llys Glas must be vacated by 12 noon on your final day, and damage deposit will be refunded within 3 weeks of the key being returned.

Arrivals Accommodation Admissions To let us know what date and time you are To book your place in ICWS managed If you would like more information planning to arrive in Swansea, to find out accommodation (Llys Glas Halls of concerning your Confirmation of about our airport pick up service or to get Residence) or for help finding private Acceptance of Study (CAS) statement, your information about how to get from the accommodation in Swansea please contact offer letter or study plan, please contact: airport to Swansea, please contact [email protected] • Agnes George (Admissions Manager) [email protected]. Our 24/7 emergency contact number is on [email protected], or +44 (0)7780 686 891. This number is for • Unhan Lovitt (Admissions Officer) on use in emergencies, such as if your flight is [email protected] significantly delayed or you have difficulties We wish you a safe and pleasant journey, during your arrival. You may wish to store and look forward to welcoming you to ICWS. this number in your mobile phone now, and it may be helpful to keep a copy of this number with your passport for when you are travelling. 14 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14

Important things to do

Have you paid full fees for your tuition and accommodation reservation fee?

Have you applied for — and received — your visa?

Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months?

Have you booked your flight? (Remember that September and January in particular are very busy times of the year and flights get full very early.)

Have you informed ICWS of your arrival date/time? If not please do so as soon as possible, via [email protected].

Do you require airport pick-up service? We strongly advise this for a smooth start to your life in the UK! Arrange this via [email protected] (giving us at least 24 working hours notice).

If you are making your own way to Swansea, have you checked out the train/bus options?

Have you advised ICWS of your accommodation requirements? You can do this via [email protected].

Have you organised cash and pounds sterling travellers’ cheques to bring with you? ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 15

Travel checklist

Have you packed your passport including new student visa?

Have you packed all relevant original documentation, including: • ICWS Offer Letter • original English Language test result • original high school or home university certificates — and any other original documents/transcripts listed in your ICWS CAS. Remember that you cannot enrol at ICWS without these original documents and the immigration officer at the airport may ask to see them. • bank statements (for at least 28 days, certified and stamped by the bank) showing evidence of sufficient bank funds, to show the Immigration Officer at your landing UK airport, if requested

Have you got your documents for medical registration? Including: • immunisation history book/evidence • UK Foreign Commonwealth Office Visa Tuberculosis Screening Certificate (if you have one)

Have you put the ICWS emergency contact number (+44 (0) 7780 686 891) into your mobile phone (if it will work in the UK) and do you have it written down on paper in your hand luggage also?

Do you have all your own personal emergency contact details, (such as parent/guardian’s phone number, email and address) stored safely for reference?

Have you remembered to bring the 4 passport sized photos that you will need to enrol?

Do you have: • thick, waterproof coat, clothing and shoes? • Adaptor for UK electricity sockets or UK-ready electronic appliances?

Have you agreed with your family how and when you will let them know that you have arrived safely in the UK and then in Swansea? By phone? By email? When? As soon as you arrive at the airport? Or when you get to Swansea? It’s a good idea to agree this now so that your family do not worry about you.

And finally… Are you ready for an exciting new adventure at ICWS in Swansea? We look forward to meeting you very soon. All at ICWS 16 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14 Education for your world Creating opportunities for success Navitas provides you with the education you needs. We’ve become one of the most trusted • Career advancement programmes need, to get where you want to be in life. From providers of education and training in the world. • Student recruitment English language skills and courses to help you • Internship programs Navitas offers to students, professionals enter university, to training for the workplace, • Migrant settlement services Navitas colleges and campuses in 28 countries and migrants from around the world, the will support you every step of the way. following opportunities: We also offer customised workplace training for companies, and a range of training • English language training With over 100 Navitas and SAE Institution and settlement services for the Australian • High school studies locations across the globe, and over 55,000 government. Wherever you are, and wherever international students currently studying • University preparation and programmes you want to be, the knowledge and resources with us, we understand the world’s learning • Post-secondary education for creative of our staff around the world will ensure media technology your success.

Aberdeen Edinburgh Glasgow Oxford Cambridge Swansea London Plymouth Portsmouth Lowell Boston

Netherlands Sweden Belgium Vancouver Germany Dartmouth France Winnipeg New Austria Hampshire Switzerland Slovenia Greece San Massachusetts Spain Turkey Francisco Kentucky New York Italy Nashville Jordan Los Angeles Atlanta Kuwait Miami India Mexico Dubai Thailand

Colombo Malaysia

Nairobi Singapore

Jakarta Darwin Cairns

Brisbane Gold Coast South Africa Perth Newcastle Byron Bay Adelaide Sydney Auckland Geelong Melbourne Members and affiliates of Navitas: Australia Canada Africa • ACAP (Australian College of • FIC — Simon Fraser University, Vancouver • SAE Institute, South Africa Applied Psychology) • ICM — the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg • AUSI — Edith Cowan University, Kenya • ACN — La Trobe University, Sydney • ATTC (Australian TESOL Training Centre) United Kingdom Asia • CELUSA (Centre for English Language • BCUIC — Birmingham City University • ACBT — Edith Cowan University, Sri Lanka in the University of South Australia) • CRIC — Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge • Curtin Singapore (The Singapore • Curtin College — Curtin University, Perth • EIC — Edinburgh Napier University Campus of Curtin University) • Curtin University Sydney • HIC — University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield • MIBT Indonesia — Deakin University • Cytech Intersearch • ICP — University of Portsmouth • SAE Institutions — India, Indonesia, • Eynesbury — The University of Adelaide • ICRGU — Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand/Qantm and University of South Australia • ICWS — Swansea University College — Singapore • Hawthorn-Melbourne • LIBT — Brunel University, London • La Trobe Melbourne — La Trobe University • PUIC — Plymouth University Europe • MIBT — Deakin University, Melbourne • SAE Institutions/Qantm College • SAE Institutions/Qantm Colleges — • MQC — Macquarie University, Sydney Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, • Navitas English (formerly ACE/ACL) United States of America Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, • Navitas Health Skills Australia • Navitas at UMass Boston — Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey • NCPS (Navitas College of Public Safety) University of Massachusetts Boston • Navitas Professional • Navitas at UMass Dartmouth — Middle East • NIC — The University of Newcastle University of Massachusetts Dartmouth • SAE Institutions — Jordan and Kuwait • PIBT — Edith Cowan University, Perth • Navitas at UMass Lowell — • QIBT — Griffith University, University of Massachusetts Lowell New Zealand Brisbane and the Gold Coast • Navitas at WKU — • SAE Institute, Auckland • SAE Institutions/Qantm Colleges Western Kentucky University (WKU) • SAIBT — University of South • Navitas at UNH — Central America Australia, Adelaide University of New Hampshire • SAE Institute, Mexico • SIBT — Macquarie University, Sydney • SAE Institutions

Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT) and Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology Indonesia (MIBT-I) are affiliated organisations and are not owned by Navitas Limited. NAVITAS USA: These schools are authorized under federal law to enrol non-immigrant alien students. University Pathway Programs are not available to students from the People’s Republic of China, for any University of Massachusetts campus where Navitas conducts these programs. Registered Company names and CRICOS provider codes: SAE Institute Pty Ltd 00312F (NSW), 02431E (WA), 02047B (VIC), 03204G (QLD), Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd trading as La Trobe Melbourne 03312D; La Trobe University 00115M (VIC), Australian Campus Network Pty Limited; La Trobe University 02218K (NSW); Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd 02042G; Curtin University 00301J (WA), Colleges of Business and Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd trading as Curtin Sydney; Curtin University 02637B (NSW); Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd trading as Eynesbury 00561M; The University of Adelaide 00123M; Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01590J; Deakin University 00113B; Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01312J; Edith Cowan University 00279B; Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01737F; Griffith University 00233E; South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 02193C; University of South Australia 00121B; Sydney Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01576G; Macquarie University 00002J; IBT Sydney Pty Ltd trading as Macquarie City Campus; Newcastle International College 03293B; The University of Newcastle 00109J. Navitas English: Courses in NT will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Pty Ltd ACN 003 916 701) CRICOS provider code: 02783C (NT). Courses in NSW, QLD and WA will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Services Pty Ltd ACN 002 069 730) CRICOS provider codes: 00289M (NSW), 00711B (QLD), 02252G (WA), with the exception of the Certificate IV in TESOL course which will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Pty Ltd, ACN 003 916 701) CRICOS provider codes: 00031D (NSW) and 03106K (QLD). Centre for English Language in the University of South Australia 02193C; Hawthorn-Melbourne (Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd, ACN 124 204 171) CRICOS provider code: 02931G; Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd trading as the Australian College of Applied Psychology 01328A (NSW), 02565B (QLD), 02829E (VIC). ICM CRA BN: 81210 5146; FIC CRA BN: 81210 5146. Company Numbers: Birmingham City International College Ltd trading as Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) 07445570; CRIC 06407773; EIC 06822392; ICP 06770123; ICWS 6412162; HIBT Ltd trading as HIC 5163612; LIBT 5171106; Plymouth Devon International College Ltd trading as Plymouth University International College (PUIC) 06822402; ICRGU 07154254. Navitas Limited ABN 69 109 613 309

NAVMIBC_INSIDE BACK COVER_UKVersion.indd 1 12/10/12 4:24 PM Part of the Navitas Group

Education for your world

International College Wales Swansea Singleton Park Margam Building Swansea University Swansea SA2 8PP United Kingdom T +44 (0)1792 602888 F +44 (0)1792 602889 E [email protected] facebook.com/ICWSuk Company Number 6009965; Registered in England and Wales. The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. However, International College Wales Swansea (ICWS) reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice.

Selected photographs in this publication are: Copyright © Paul Foley/ Lightmoods 2013. This brochure is provided free of charge.

Published July 2013. ICWS1048_0713_AW

swansea.ac.uk/icws navitas.com