Welcome to Plymouth University!
This guide is designed to International support new international students in their first few weeks can act as your Student reference guide in the months to come. We carefully update the information each year and try to include as many Handbook suggestions from current students as possible. A printed version of the first section of the handbook is available from ISAS in the International Student Gateway. The International Student Advisory Team We hope you find it useful!
Your arrival and Contents reference guide If a word is underlined you can click on it for more 2011/2012 information. Some links will take you to external websites. Getting Started: Your first few weeks Accommodation Registering with the police For EEA/Swiss students only Opening a bank account Registering with the doctor For overseas students only University enrolment Tier 4 Student Visas WW For September Welcome Culture Shock 2011 Weeks arrivals only Getting Started: Essentials Contents continued INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
University Life University term dates 2011/2012 International Student Advisory Service Immigration Frequently Asked Questions Getting UPSU: University of Plymouth Students’ Union Trips Out excursions Clubs and Societies started: English Language Support Services for students Computing Your first Student Handbook Plagiarism Life in Plymouth few weeks Leisure Time Exploring Plymouth Exploring the South West British culture Places to practise your faith Information for families Keeping you and your belongings safe Racial harassment Part-time jobs Useful information Useful contacts PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Accommodation are often cheaper. fixed-term contracts for Police visa or change your address. Student Accommodation between 40 and 51 weeks are Registration Office offered for most properties. Remember: Open your bank Mary Newman Building These are legally binding and If you are required to register account and complete your University Allocated you will be liable for the rent with the Police, a statement enrolment document scanning Accommodation even if you leave before the will be printed on your visa. before you register with the end of the agreement. You will need to visit the WW If you have police. confirmed sharing a student house Charles Cross Police Station.
2011 means sharing responsibility allocated You will need to bring: accommodation you can for cleaning, putting rubbish out for collection and paying your passport Opening a Bank move into your room from 2 passport-sized photos 10th/11th September 2011 but rent and bills on time. Account When viewing private £34 (cash only) please check your agreement university offer To open an account, all banks first. accommodation; letter/student card will require: ask the landlord lots of ques- Choosing University tions as you look around. Your statement will say that A valid passport or national Approved Accommodation read any contract carefully you must register within 7 identity card and The Accommodation Office before you sign. Let us check days of your arrival however A university bank letter for will give you; it first if you like. police staff advise students students pre-enrolment from 1) a list of available discuss the length of contract. to open a bank account and ISAS, Roland Levinsky accommodation and contacts If you are not studying for the complete course enrolment Building. You will need proof 2) a map of the area full academic year, ask the first because your passport of your local address in the 3) further advice and help landlord if they can agree to a will be taken from you whilst form of a tenancy contract when choosing private shorter contract. the registration certificate is when requesting this letter or accommodation; you must pay a damage de- prepared. A university bank letter for
all properties on the posit of around £300 to be re- You will be asked to return to enrolled student from Registry database have been turned at the end of the con- Charles Cross Police Station Services which you can inspected for safety and tract subject to the condi- in person after two weeks to request online (overseas suitability. tion of the property. collect your passport and students) or from your Faculty you should never sign an Support Office (EU students) find out how much the bills certificate of registration. agreement or make a cost and how to pay them. ISAS can provide a list of local financial commitment for a It is an important document Letting Agents banks for you to choose from. property without having seen and should be kept safe. It is Details of letting agents are it first. valid for the duration of your Please note that the bank available via our web pages. if you are prepared to live stay but must be renewed account opening process may further from the campus or Www.plymouth.ac.uk/ every time you extend your take 3 to 4 weeks in total. take a smaller room, rents accommodation PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Registering with Register with the University 3: Visa holders doc- WW University Medical ument scanning the doctor 2011 Centre on the 16th Enrolment All universities are of September 2011 now required by Using UK Health Services 1: Online pre-enrolment at the Early Arrivals Fair. UKBA to keep a copy of your You may have already All full time overseas You will be able to register passport and UK visa. You students on a course enrolled online before will be given a receipt to take with a female or male doctor arriving in the UK but, if not, of 6 months or more of your choice. The Medical to your university enrolment are entitled to free you can also complete it in with your faculty to confirm Centre also has a nurse who Room 102, Babbage medical treatment through the is able to give advice on a you have had your passport National Health Service. Building. Your computing and visa scanned. Doc- variety of health issues. The account will be set up during Centre is open Monday to ument scanning will take All EU students on a online pre-enrolment. place in the International Friday. course of 6 months Staff will be on site Student Gateway, Roland Meningitis WW or more are entitled 2011 to assist 9am to Levinsky Building between to free NHS medical It is recommended that 5pm, from the 10am and 4pm, Monday to treatment. Students on anyone aged under 25 should 12th September 2011. Friday. courses of less than 6 months be given the conjugate Meningitis C vaccination. 2: Tuition fee payment 4: Module enrolment should use their European It is your responsibility to You may have to attend this Health Insurance Card to Contact the medical centre for advice. pay your tuition fees before session to select any prove their entitlement where enrolment. You can pay optional modules. Check necessary. MMR them in the Finance Office, your faculty induction University Medical Centre It is recommended that ground floor, Isaac Foot programme for the date and The university has its own students check that they are Building. Failure to pay any time. adequately vaccinated medical centre situated in subsequent fee instalments 5: University registration Endsleigh House. It is against Measles, Mumps and will result in your Rubella. Contact the medical You must attend this important that you register deregistration from the session to fully enrol on your with a doctor at either the centre for advice. university. This means you centre for advice. course and to collect your university medical centre or at will not be permitted to university id card. If you are a general practice near where Dentists continue with your course an overseas student visa you are living as soon as Both NHS and private and if you are a Tier 4 holder you must present possible. dentists are available in student visa holder the your document scanning Plymouth as well as university will have to report receipt. Check your faculty For more information visit: emergency dental care. Visit you to the UKBA. induction programme for the www.umcplymouth.co.uk the ISAS web pages for more date and time. information. PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Tier 4 study at the institution that Culture Shock issued you with the CAS Student Visas that you used for your visa When coming to study and The diagram below shows application. Any changes live in a different the ups and downs of your Extending your student visa must be reported to the environment for a length of emotional state. Many under Tier 4 UKBA. time, you will probably students new to the If you will need to extend your study on the course that was experience some form of university experience this, visa to continue or complete detailed on the CAS used culture shock. This is a but it is useful to be aware of your course you must; for your application. Any normal reaction to change. how you feel and what you attend a visa information changes must be reported to If you think about it, you will can do about it. session to receive an the UKBA. be experiencing: The International Student application pack and full attend your course and a different climate Advisory Service has instructions. swipe in with your ID card different expectations experienced advisers who apply for a CAS when required at the different foods are available for you to talk www.plymouth.ac.uk/isas International Student different rules with, in confidence, to provide any original Gateway. maybe a different discuss your issues and qualifications listed on your tell your faculty about any language share strategies to deal with CAS statement unavoidable absences. and more the situation. Remember, provide original evidence of This may impact upon you you are not alone, we have your finances in the form of not withdraw from, suspend or defer your course unless and how you feel about your all experienced culture shock bank statements or an situation and yourself. at different times in our lives! official sponsorship letter you intend to return home or make a visa application for a submit your application to International Student new institution. Any Advisory Service at least two withdrawals, suspension or You may experience this weeks before your current deferrals must be reported student visa expires. to the UKBA. Home Country UK attend a biometric ID card only work up to 20 hours per Home Country work during term time and appointment. INDEPENDENCE full time during specified HONEYMOON STAGE HONEYMOON STAGE STAGE university holidays. ETC Complying with your Tier 4 AUTONOMY STAGE REINTEGRATION student visa STAGE As a Tier 4 student visa hold- Failure to comply with the REINTEGRATION er you must comply with the above will result in the STAGE conditions of your visa. This university making a DISINTEGRATION means you must; STAGE report about you to the DISINTEGRATION UK Border Agency. STAGE PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK Getting Started: Essentials Getting Started: Essentials continued Banks For good value household items such as bedding, (sheets, Banks are usually open between 9.00 and 17.00, Monday to duvets, pillows), toiletries, stationery and kitchen equipment Saturday. Even when closed, most banks have an ATM try: facility which allows you to take cash out from a machine. Wilkinsons Armada Centre, City Centre HSBC 4 Old Town Street / 65 Mutley Plain Poundland Royal Parade, City Centre
Barclays 140 Armada Way / 48 Mutley Plain Eating Out Lloyds TSB 8 Royal Parade / 53 Mutley Plain University cafes Most are open 9am to 4pm during term time and have re- NatWest 12-16 Old Town Street duced opening during holidays. Santander 161 Armada Way Bank Café Loafers Sandwich Bar Shopping Cookworthy Café Pilgrims Café Shops are usually open Monday to Saturday, 9.00 to 17.30 and Sunday from 11.00 to 16.00. Smaller shops may not open Enterprise Café Southside Café on a Sunday. Supermarkets are usually open until around Francis Drake Café Portland Café 22.00 most evenings. Isaacs Students’ Union Café Local food shops and supermarkets Co-operative Regent Street & Mutley Plain Library Café The Zone Iceland (frozen food) Mayflower Street (City Centre) Sainsbury's Armada Centre (City Centre) Local restaurants, cafes and takeaways Somerfield Mutley Plain There are also lots of different options for eating out in Spar (24 hour) North Hill Plymouth to suit all budgets and tastes. A few examples are Students’ Union shop open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday listed below. Ask other students for more ideas.
Tesco Express Cobourg St (City Centre) & Mutley Plain Al Basha (Middle Eastern) 51 Regent Street Tesco Metro New George St (City Centre) Eastern Eye (Indian) 57 Notte Street
Markets Ibby's (sandwiches) 81 North Road East (near JSV) Plymouth Pannier Market Cornwall Street Jakes (fast food/takeaway) 5 Regent Street Lorenzos (Spanish tapas) 26 Derry’s Cross International/specialist foods Mutley Spice (Indian) 58 Mutley Plain Continental Food Centre 148 Cornwall St (City Centre) Perillas (fish and chips) 1A Ford Park Rd, Mutley Plain Sultan Delicatessan 41 Mutley Plain Positano (Italian) 36 Mayflower Street Worldwide Foods 138 Cornwall St (City Centre) The Souk (Moroccan) 6 Harbour Avenue, Sutton KW Foods 5 Brunswick Rd, PL4 0NP Harbour, near the Barbican
Household goods PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
2011 / 2012 Term Dates
Start End Autumn Term 26/09/11 16/12/11
Spring Term 9/01/12 30/03/12
Summer Term 23/04/12 25/05/12
International Student Advisory Service International Student Information and Advice Advisors We specialise in giving Pat Blower, Sarah Amador, confidential advice to new and Emma Jordan current students at Plymouth The named International University.
Student Advisors are the only We offer the following approved staff at Plymouth immigration services: University that can offer immigration advice to Tier 4 student visas students. Visa extension application tutorials International Student University Visa extension application Administrators and document checking Emma Morgan service Nina George Dedicated postal service for Life International Student students (Student Batch Receptionist Scheme) Sarah Dunstall Dedicated premium service for students (Cardiff Public Immigration advice Enquiry Office) and services Advice on rejections and regulated by the refusals Immigration Services Commissioner PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
International Student Advisory Service Student Immigration FAQs continued frequently asked questions
Tier 1 (Post Study Work) online information guides I think I have been given the wrong end (ending April 2012) and latest news and updates date on my Tier 4 entry clearance visa... Visa application tutorials for international students at Make an appointment with an advisor to see if Weekly drop in session www.plymouth.ac.uk/isas you are eligible for the Entry Clearance e-guidance at Correction Scheme that can amend your visa General Immigration expiry date, free of charge. Student visitor visas [email protected] My Tier 4 student visa is expiring... Entry clearance correction Join one of our visa tutorials where you can scheme We aim to respond to most get an application form and advice on the documents you will Visas for dependants email queries by the next working day. need. Visas for visiting family and friends regular e-newsletters sent My Tier 4 student visa is for another institution... directly to your student inbox Visitor visas for students You will need to make a new Tier 4 visa application before you with relevant news and can enrol on your course. Make an appointment with an advisor Tier 2 (Sponsored worker) events. to discuss how you can do this. Visas for Europe Tier 4 work regulations I’m thinking of changing course, not enrolling this year, EU/EEA work regulations withdrawing/suspending my course... Police registration Make an appointment with an advisor to discuss how any International Advice changes to your course of study will affect your immigration sta- We also offer information and Appointments tus in the UK. advice on the following: I’m thinking of inviting my family to stay with me in the UK... Culture shock Available Monday to Friday Check our web pages or drop in to see us about applying for de- Money 10.00 - 12.00 pendant visas or visitor visas for your family. Council tax 14.00 - 14.00 Visit the International Student Gateway, Monday to Friday, 9am General academic queries to 5pm to make an appointment Health Make your appointment at [email protected] Living in the UK international.advice www.plymouth.ac.uk/isas Personal Issues @plymouth.ac.uk We provide: information desk, attendance or drop in to Immigration advice and services scanning and document International Student regulated by the Immigration enrolment point, International Gateway, Services Commissioner. Student Gateway, Roland Roland Levinsky Building Levinsky Building INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
transforming lives through experience TRIPS OUT! excursions and activities www.upsu.com UPSU TRIPS OUT! arranges excursions to local and not so Student Parliament Societies local place of interest. All UPSU’s main democratic body Run by students for students, students will have the chance where 50 elected student providing the opportunity to de- to explore places of historical representatives discuss velop skills, meet people and interest, cities, world heritage student issues and make big enhance employability. Over sites and places of natural union-wide decisions. Student 100 societies to choose from beauty at a low cost with all Parliament is the centre of including Trips Out! travel arrangements made for student thinking on campus. Volunteering you. Dartmoor and Princetown You can get elected to National award-winning To join the TRIPS OUT! represent students and help volunteer department providing society and to book your place ensure UPSU is run for high quality experiences to on the trips you are interested students, by students. over 1400 students. A free in visit The Hive in the UPSU Advice Centre society for all to join! Students’ Union.
Free, professional and [email protected] Join TRIPS OUT! on confidential advice and WW Events and Entertainment 2011 the 16th of support. Independent from the Live music, international September 2011 at university and staffed by highly nights, quizzes, world sports, the Early Arrivals Fair. qualified advisors drop in (1st food festivals and much floor) or telephone (01752 more. Annual campaign Family members are welcome 588373) weeks including One World on excursions! Stonehenge [email protected] Week and Green Week. If you Sports want to organise a night in the Sport at UPSU is a great way SU, email ISAS offers a £10 Trips to make new friends, learn new [email protected] Out Voucher to be used towards payment on an skills and display your talents so whether you see yourself as NUS card excursion for every new a footballer or a golfer then Great discounts in lots of overseas (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) shops nationally and online! student. UPSU sports are for you! Joining a sports team can Collect yours in the international Local Beach really give your university life a student gateway! boost. PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Clubs & Services for students
Societies Careers Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Postgrad Society Gateway, Roland Levinsky 1 Kirkby Place Meet with other postgraduate Job Shop: part-time work, Supporting students of all faiths. students socially and join trips careers guidance, CV writing, employability centre Disability Assist and events for you and your family. Counselling Gateway, Roland Levinsky [email protected] 4 Portland Mews Assistance for students with dis- For confidential appointments abilities/dyslexia and other spe- Chinese Students & to discuss personal and cial learning difficulties Scholars Association emotional difficulties Celebrate Chinese festivals Student Funding Learning Development Room 1, Issac Foot and meet people from all over Gateway, Roland Levinsky China. Building To improve your skills in Information for EU To find out more email : essay writing, presentations, [email protected] students regarding tuition fee reading and note taking loans and student financial
Plymouth Societies support South Asian Society The South Asian Society was Computing founded in the year 2003. The English On campus there are school information, support main aim of this society is to Language dedicated computing open services, email, the internet, create a cultural, social and access areas with networked online databases and e-journals, mutual support network for Support PCs available to students on and personal work files are all Devon and Cornwall’s Available to all international a first-come basis. All PCs accessible through the increasingly large South Asian offer a wide variety of general web-based student and community. students on full-time courses Friendly tutors and specialist software postgraduate portals. running on Windows XP. https://student.plymouth.ac.uk Free weekly classes Learning materials, faculty/ Email support Personal one to one Student Computing Enquiry Desk sessions Visit: Library Open Access, Ground Floor, Monday to Friday, www.plymouth.ac.uk/elc 08.30 -17.00 Call: (01752) 588900 Email: [email protected] INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
The International Student Handbook Series In term 2 ISAS co-ordinates a The online student handbook is special series of events, your essential guide to the Life lectures and tutorials to assist Plymouth University academic international students in system. preparing for your future. The It includes the University rules series will cover many and regulations and it is your in different aspects including responsibility to read and careers, employability, understand the regulations. If immigration, personal skills you require further guidance or and much more. Look out for clarification, contact ISAS. The Plymouth the international Series rules and regulations include announcements from January the procedures for all aspects to see how you can get of academic life including involved. making complaints, academic appeals, re-sit exams, Plagiarism resubmitting coursework, repeating modules and Plagiarism is the copying of submitting extenuating someone else’s ideas/ words circumstances. and using them as your own Plymouth University Rules and work. Using someone’s Regulations words without adequate references, copying and pasting text from the internet and sharing written work with other students are all examples of plagiarism. The university now uses advanced software to search students’ work for plagiarism. All cases will be dealt with according to the student disciplinary procedure. PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
even fishing trips at sea! Leisure Time Theatre Royal, Royal Parade: Exploring for musicals and nationally tour- Mount Edgcumbe Plymouth This beautiful house and garden Eating out ing plays and productions. is just across the water from There is a wide range of cafes Barbican Theatre: For local Tourist Information Plymouth but easy to get to via and restaurants in Plymouth plays, drama, dance and work- For maps and leaflets: the Cremyll Ferry from Admirals to cater for all tastes and shops. Plymouth Mayflower, Hard, Stonehouse. budgets. Many pubs also Barbican (01752) 306330 serve food and often have Sports The Hoe special deals. The University has its own gym For great sea views visit the Pubs, Bars and Clubs and squash courts on the Hoe. With views over Mount Going out to a pub and then Plymouth campus. UPSU also Edgcumbe and Plymouth on to a club is a popular past runs many sports clubs so Sound and the chance to take time for many people and in check with them to see if there a trip up the lighthouse, or a Plymouth there are many to is team or club to suit your whirl on the wheel, it is a choose from. Some places interest. There are also several great place to start your are more student friendly leisure centres in Plymouth familiarisation with Plymouth. than others and may offer which offer facilities such as The Barbican special discounts or drinks swimming, ice skating, badmin- This historic marina area of promotions. Most pubs and ton, squash and aerobic clas- Plymouth is a popular place bars also serve hot and non- ses. for tourists, students and lo- alcoholic drinks. cals. It is from here that the Mayflower Centre, and Central Pilgrims set off on their jour- Cinemas and Theatres Park Pool, Central Park ney to found America in 1620. Most cinemas and theatres Now it is a bustling place with offer a student discount. Pavillions, Millbay Road cafes, bars and shops to en-
Reel, Derry’s Cross: for block- joy. busters and mainstream films. Boat Cruises How about viewing Plymouth Plymouth Arts Centre, Looe from the sea? Join one of the Street: for alternative and many boat cruises that leave international films. from Mayflower Steps and Vue, Barbican Leisure Park: Phoenix Wharf on the Bar- for blockbusters and main- bican. Choose from a tour of stream films. the Naval Dockyard, a trip over to the village of Cawsands, Mount Batten or PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Exploring the indeed the UK’s most well Places to Practise your Faith known landscapes. With South West spectacular moorland vistas, Britain is multi-cultural and weekday during term time, and Beaches charming villages and most of the world's major offer a quiet room for prayer, There are many lovely beaches wooded valleys it is a religions are practiced here reflection, meditation or just a in Devon and Cornwall and lots magnificent place to explore with absolute freedom of place to think. There is also an are easy to reach by public and it is no wonder that it has worship. Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Islamic Prayer Room located in transport. been the inspiration of many are open 10am till 4pm every our premises. Newquay artists and writers including Local Faith Centre Address in Plymouth Contact Newquay is the surfers’ para- Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Number dise of the UK. Catch a train there and learn to surf or spend www.traveline.org.uk gives Buddhist Ashoka Centre, 23 01752 the day on the beach. you simple travel options for Prince Maurice Road, 224137 Dartmoor where you want to visit. Lipson Dartmoor is one of Devon’s and Chinese Cultural 6 Headland Park, North 01752 British Culture Development Centre Hill 266866
Queuing-Some say that standing in queues is a favourite British Orthodox Church Central Road, West Hoe 01752 past-time! Queue etiquette can be complicated so try to ob- 215503 serve what others are doing and follow them.
Punctuality-Timetables for lectures, tutorials and meetings with Jewish Synagogue Chambers 01752 tutors are very tightly scheduled and it is important not to arrive Catherine Street 263162 late. Some lecturers may refuse you entry to a class if you do.
Pub-British pubs are not only a place for drinking but for meet- Plymouth Islamic 19 Greenbank Avenue 0845 ing friends and eating out too. However some people can be Educational Trust St Judes 3105392 surprised at how much alcohol British people drink. Pubs are (PIETy) nearly always self-service; you must order your own drinks at www.pietyuk.org/home.php the bar.
Greetings-When a British person greets you with “Alright?” they Islamic Islamic Centre, North 01752 mean “Hello”! You can answer back with “Alright?” too! Road East 662330
Weather Talk-British people like to talk about the weather. It is usually a way to start a brief conversation between strangers but Plymouth Centre for 3A Watts Road, 01752 you will find that many meetings start with a chat about the Faiths and Cultural St Judes 254438 weather (especially if the weather is bad!). Diversity INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Keeping you and multi-racial but unfortunately, Information for Families there are individuals and your belongings minority groups who are Accommodation provide you with information safe racially prejudiced. Racial The Student Accommodation about schools in Plymouth and verbal abuse, harassment or Office has introduced the admissions procedures you Although Plymouth and the violence is against the law measures to try and make will need to follow to register university are considered and should be immediately finding a suitable home for your children in a school. safe places we recommend reported. There are several you and your family as Whether your child attends that you follow the safety ways to report an incident: straightforward as possible. Primary or Secondary school advice below: If you are in danger you They can talk you through the will depend on their age. The Keep your room locked should telephone 999. process including how to pay website deposits and rent in advance, www.plymouthparentpartnershi whenever you are out. You can telephone the Take out insurance for Diversity Team at Charles signing contracts and guaran- p.org.uk tor information. offers useful guidance for your personal belongings. Cross Police Station on choosing a school for you child. Do not leave your property 08705 777444 Nursery and Childcare
unattended anywhere. You can go to any Police Plymouth University has its Dependants If you own a bike, buy a Station in person. own “Freshlings Nursery” on EEA Students good quality lock. You can visit campus which looks after The partner/child of an www.report-it.org.uk children between the ages 0- Avoid walking alone at EEA student is free to You can visit ISAS, 5 for staff and students. night especially in the live and work in the UK. Roland Levinsky Building Demand is high and places Union Street and North Hill It is likely that partners will be You can visit UPSU advice, are limited, so it is advisable areas and in isolated liable to pay council tax (if they Student’s Union. to book your place as soon as places. are not a full-time student). Be cautious of strangers You can complete a Racist possible. Contact Barbara MacPherson, Child Care who seem overfriendly/ Incident Report Form, Non EEA Students drunk or behaving available on the Student Manager for further details. A list of other registered pro- The spouse, civil partner strangely. Portal (anonymously or viders is available through the or child of a non EEA If you are unsure about a named to request feedback student is likely to require a de- situation or person, ask and support) Plymouth Children’s Infor- mation Service on 0800 783 pendant visa to be able to live someone you trust. in the UK with the student. De- To be able to offer you the 4259 pendants of non EEA stu- Racial support you need and to Schools dents are usually exempt from Harassment tackle racism directly we The Plymouth City Council the payment of council tax. encourage you to report any Website: Britain is multi-cultural and incident, however minor. www.plymouth.gov.uk will PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Part-time jobs amount and type of work you Useful information Access to purchase DVDs, can take. You can look at your memory sticks etc.
Many students take on a visa to find out if you have Council Tax Parking Fines part time job whilst studying permission to work or not. Council Tax is a fee payable Plymouth has many controlled although it is often not easy Students with a work to local authorities for public parking zones, especially in to find a suitable position. It restriction must follow these services. Full-time students the city centre and around the is not advisable that you conditions; are, in most cases, entitled to university. This means that rely on getting a job to fund You can work up to 20 a 100% exemption. If you parking is only permitted with a your studies. Full-time hours a week during term receive a bill requesting that council permit or a parking degree courses are time time and full-time during hol- you pay council tax please ticket from a pay & display consuming and demanding idays and when doing a request a letter of exemption machine. You can be fined for and taking on a job could work placement year from your faculty. not having the right ticket. jeopardise your academic approved by the University. www.plymouth.gov.uk Driving success. You can work 10 hours a Laws and regulations for Postal Services EEA Students week if you are on a driving and owning a car in Post Offices are usually open All EEA nationals foundation course. the UK are strict. Take a look on weekdays from 9.00-17.30. are free to take on our web pages for more The main Plymouth Post Office employment without having You must not engage in business, self-employment information. can be found at St Andrews to seek any kind of or the provision of services Cross and there is a smaller permission to work. HOST as a professional sports Would you like to visit a British shop on Mutley Plain. However if you are a nation- www.royalmail.com person or entertainer. home for one day, a weekend al of Bulgaria or Romania you may have to register for You must not pursue a or for a few days over Rubbish & Recycling an Accession Worker Card. career by filling a permanent Christmas or Easter? Would If you are living in private Further details about the full-time vacancy. you like to meet British people accommodation you will be Scheme are available at: and make new friends? Visit expected to organise your own www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.u National Insurance Numbers our website for more rubbish. Council collections are k/workingintheuk You do not need a NI number information on how HOST can once a week. You must ensure to apply for a job and get paid. offer you this chance. that your refuse is not placed Non-EEA Students However many employers Insurance out for collection until 6pm the Most students insist that you have one. Once For student belongings, travel evening before collection and studying on a course you are looking for a job you and medical insurance try no later than 6.30am on the of more than 6 months are can make an appointment for www.endsleigh.co.uk scheduled day otherwise you allowed to do some work National Insurance Interview can be fined. If you have a by telephoning 0845 6000643. IT Vending Machine whilst in the UK. There are Available in Babbage Open green bin/box/bag then you can certain restrictions on the recycle some items. PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDEN T HANDBOOK
Smoking Ban will normally only require one UKCISA Smoking is banned in all en- per household. ISAS operates according to closed public spaces. You www.tvlicensing.co.uk the UKCISA / AISA Code of can be fined for not following Transport Ethics. UKCISA is an organi- the regulations. Bus The bus companies in sation that provides advice www.smokefreeengland.co.uk Plymouth are First Western and guidance for international Storage and Shipping National and Plymouth City Bus. students studying in the UK. There are several companies First Western National has an It has a useful website with in Plymouth that offer secure office at Bretonside Bus Station regularly summer storage for students. (01752) 402060. Timetables for updated guidance sheets and Take a look at some local Plymouth City Bus are available has an advice line especially suggestions on our website. from their office in Debenhams for student queries. For international shipping on Royal Parade (3rd Floor) www.ukcisa.org.uk services try Tudor Freight. (0845 077 2223). Discount Tel: 020 7107 9922
Telephoning season tickets are available for (Monday-Friday 13.00-16.00) To stay in touch with home full-time students. and friends you can use: Train The main train station in Useful Contact Telephone Numbers International Phone Cards Plymouth can be found just off
Use on public or private North Road East, only a short Vue Cinema 08712 240240 walk from the university. You L phones, can be bought in E Reel Cinema (01752) 225553 University Wines, North Hill can obtain train timetables from; I and other shops. www.nationalrail.co.uk Plymouth Arts Centre (01752) 206114 S Mobile Phones Full-time students are eligible U Theatre Royal (01752) 267222 Pay-as-you-go or contract. for a Young Persons Railcard, R Check contracts carefully which will get you 1/3 off most Barbican Theatre (01752) 267131 tickets prices. E before signing. Mayflower Sports Centre (01752) 564564 www.skype.com Coach National Express run & Free international calls coaches all over the UK. A Central Park Pool 0870 3000010 through the internet, available Young Persons Coachcard T Pavillions Leisure Centre 0845 1461460 in Babbage Open Access. offers savings of around 30% R Headset needed. and are available to full-time Tourist Information (01752) 306330 A students. Coaches depart from Television Licences V Plymouth City Council (01752) 668000 Bretonside Bus Station. You If you are in halls you will E can purchase tickets and First Devon and Cornwall Buses 0845 6001420 require a TV licence if you L discount cards online at own a television. If you are in Plymouth Citybus (01752) 264217 private accommodation you www.nationalexpress.co.uk National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance) 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone) H
E University Security (01752) 233210 L Charles Cross Police Station 08452 777444 P NHS Direct (medical advice) 0845 4647
Samaritans 24hr Counselling Service 08457 909090
UKCISA Student Advice Line 0207 1079922
International Student Advisory Service (01752) 587740
Medical Centre (01752) 222341 Student Counselling (01752) 587701 U
N Chaplaincy (01752) 587760 I English Language Support (01752) 585500 V International Student Advisory Service E Student Accommodation Office (01752) 588644 R Freshlings Nursery (01752) 588550 Plymouth University S I Learning Development (01752) 587750 Visit: T International Student Gateway Careers and Employability (01752) 587456 Y Roland Levinsky Building
BLIS (01752) 585697 University of Plymouth Drake Circus Student Funding (01752) 587680 Plymouth Disability Assist (01752) 587662 PL4 8AA Student Computer Enquiries (01752) 588900 Call: 01752 578840 Students’ Union (01752) 588350 Email: Students’ Union Advice (01752) 588373 [email protected] Gym and Squash Courts (01752) 588510 Web: www.plymouth.ac.uk/isas