INTERNATIONAL PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE Practical advice on preparing for life at the of

2019/20

Contents

Welcome 4 Shopping 17 Your Money 17 Pre-Arrival Checklist 5 Your Living Costs 18 Transportation 18 Travelling from the Airport to Central 6 Finance and Funding 20 Immigration and Visas 7 UK Government Postgraduate Loans Your Responsibilities as a Tier 4 student 7 (EU Students Only) 20 Applying for a Student Visa 8 Scholarships & Other Awards 20 Immigration Health Surcharge 8 US Loans 20 Biometric Information 8 Low Risk Nationals 8 Obtaining Your Tier 4 Visa and Student Support 22 Collecting Your BRP card 8 Schengen Visas 9 Disability Support 22 Students with Dependants 9 Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Support 22 Working During Your Studies 9 Financial Support 22 European Economic Area and International Student Support 22 Swiss Nationals 10 Housing Support 22 National Insurance Number 10 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 22 Health and Wellbeing Support 22 Chaplains and Religious and Representatives 22 Your Arrival 12 Student Support Office 23 Accommodation 12 Student Counselling Service 23 Collecting Your BRP Card 12 Refering Concerns about others 23 Your Registration 13 Drop-In Sessions 23 Your Tuition Fees 13 Registering with the Police 13 International Welcome 13 Contacts and Useful Links 25 Opening a Bank Account 13 Register with a Doctor (GP) 14 Healthcare for EU students 14 Dental Treatment 14 Prescriptions 14

Living in the UK 16

Culture Shock 16 Clothes and Climate 16 Mobile Phones 16 Insurance 16 Protect Your Belongings 16 Council Tax 17 Television Licence 17

3 Welcome

We hope you find this guide helpful as you prepare for your time at the Royal College of Art. The diversity and breadth of the student body at the College creates a global institution, and a rich and stimulating community of artists and designers practising at the highest level. Coming to the UK can involve finding out about and organising a number of different things, and it’s easy to overlook something important. This guide provides accessible and practical guidance to the essential things you’ll need to consider. Contact us if you need help at any stage. We hope you can come to the orientation events at the end of September and look forward to seeing you then. Best wishes, The Student Support Team

4 Pre-arrival Checklist

Before you leave home: □□ Accept your offer □□ Pay your deposit □□ Make sure your passport is up to date □□ Get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). A CAS is issued to you three months before your programme start date □□ Apply for your Visa (make sure you meet the UKVI requirements) □□ Book your accommodation □□ Have enough funds for your living costs □□ Book your flights

Remember to bring: □□ Your correct visa □□ All documents (including electronic), kept in your hand luggage for verification upon arrival in the UK. These will include: −− Details of accommodation −− TB certificate (if applicable) −− Original qualifications □□ Medical records of any pre-existing conditions (if applicable make sure they are translated in English) □□ Approximately £500–1,000 (cash, pre-paid currency card or credit card), as you will not have a bank account in the UK until you have registered with the College

5 Travelling from the Airport Coaches from the Airports to Central London Several coach companies run regular services Heathrow Airport from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airport to Victoria. Journey times range from 40 Tube: The Piccadilly line runs a regular minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. service from Heathrow to a number of central destinations across London, including South www.nationalexpress.com and Kings Cross St Pancras. The www.terravision.eu tube is much cheaper than the Heathrow www.easybus.co.uk Express or the Heathrow Connect. Uber or Taxis www.tfl.gov.uk You may prefer to take a Taxi or Uber from Heathrow Express: Runs every 15 minutes Heathrow Airport. Please also note that Black directly to Paddington Station. Journey time Cabs can be very expensive so ask how much is 15 minutes. it would cost to your destination before you get in. Comparing quotes and booking minicabs or www.heathrowexpress.com taxis online will often be quicker and cheaper Gatwick Airport than by telephone. Gatwick Express: Runs every 15 minutes www.minicabit.com directly to Victoria Station. Journey time is 30 minutes. www.gatwickexpress.com Stansted Airport Stansted Express: Runs every 15 minutes to Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale. Journey time is 35 minutes to Tottenham Hale and 46 minutes to Liverpool Street. www.stanstedexpress.com

6 Immigration and Visas

Most international students will need a General Additional required documents (originals only) student visa (Tier 4) to study in the UK. You −− Passport (valid for at least 6 months after should prepare your application three months the date of your departure) in advance. −− 1 recent passport photograph Applying for a Tier 4 −− Application fee of £348 Student Visa −− Immigration Health Surcharge fee (IHS) To receive a Tier 4 visa, you will need to score 40 points as follows: −− Financial evidence: nank statements or a scholarship letter (from an official sponsor −− 30 points for your Confirmation of e.g. government, or an official loan letter, Acceptance for Studies numbers (CAS) e.g. educational loan) −− 10 points for your maintenance – you must −− Your academic qualifications, including show financial evidence to cover your English language requirements (as detailed tuition fees and living costs. on your CAS) Living costs are calculated for visa purposes as −− TB Certificate: Students from many being £1,265 per month. If your programme is countries are required to have a TB 12 months or longer, then you need to evidence test as part of their visa requirements nine months of living costs, which is £11,385. See www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa The money must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days. The financial −− Certified English translations of documents evidence must be dated not more than 31 Please note: When you reach the Visa4UK days before the date of the visa application screen Biometric Residence Permit Collection, being made. If you are using your parent’s the RCA does not have an ACL code. Please bank account, please make sure you have provide the postcode; SW7 2EU. The nearest written permission to confirm you can use their collection point will be at Kensington Post account. You will also need to supply a birth Office, which is close to the Kensington certificate or household register as evidence. campus. If accepted on your programme, the RCA will be your Tier 4 sponsor and has a duty to maintain your student record and keep copies of your passport and visa. These will be taken at your registration. The RCA must inform the UK Visas and Immigration if you fail to enrol, withdraw, take leave of absence or fail to attend tutorials or classes.

7 Obtaining your Tier 4 Visa and Your Responsibilities as a Tier Collecting your BRP Card When 4 Student You Arrive As a Tier 4 student, you have certain Once your application is approved, you will be responsibilities while you are studying at the granted a 30-day entry clearance vignette as RCA. Failure to follow the rules may put your a sticker in your passport and letter from the immigration status at risk and your visa may Home Office, which will state where to collect be cancelled, meaning you will have to return your Biometric Residence Card (BRP). to your home country and you will be unable to complete your course at the RCA. A summary It is important that you check your BRP card of your responsibilities are below. for any errors and report this at the Student Support Office who will help you get the BRP −− Enrol on your course within 21 days of your card corrected. programme start date Immigration Health Surcharge −− Present your passport and BRP card at your college registration (IHS) −− Attend all scheduled department activities As part of the Tier 4 visa application you will including lectures, tutorials, workshops, need to pay an IHS which will entitle you to supervisions and exams receive free health care under the National Health Service (NHS). The charge is £300 for −− Register with the police (if applicable) or each year of the visa and £75 for any additional update your visa and contact details months totalling less than six months. If you are −− Make sure that your contact details are up applying from inside the UK, you will also need to date and you have provided them to the to pay the IHS. RCA Biometric Information −− Apply for your visa extensions in plenty of time before your current visa expires As part of the visa application process, you will need to have your fingerprints scanned and have −− If you get your new visa or passport you a digital photograph taken. This is usually done must take it to the Registry Office so we can at the visa application centre, when you submit update your records your application. −− Once you get your new visa or passport you Students with Dependants must take it to Registry so they can update your records Full information on which Tier 4 (General) students can have family with them in the UK −− Do not work more than 20 hours a week as their dependants, as well as who is classified during term time as a dependant and financial requirements, can −− Do not do any freelance work be found at: www.ukcisa.org.uk/information- −− Your work permissions are stated on your advice/visasand-immigration/dependants BRP card For more information please contact Student Support or email: [email protected] It is very important for you to think carefully about both the benefits and difficulties of bringing your family with you to the . If you do wish to bring your family with you during your studies, you must plan carefully.

8 Low Risk Nationals The processing time for Schengen Visa application can take 15 working days or more. Nationals of some countries do not need to We recommend you apply for a schengen visa provide evidence of their qualifications or their at least 4 weeks before your trip. (The earliest money when they apply for a Tier 4 visa. UKVI you can file a visa application is three months calls this the ‘differentiation agreements’ for before you start your planned trip) ‘low risk students’. This means you are required to provide fewer evidential documents when Please note: We recommend you do not travel submitting your application. However please outside the UK during term-time without note that the Home Office may request to see written authorisation from the College as you these documents at a later point, so you must could be in breach of your visa conditions. ensure that you have original copies available. Please make sure you have a letter fropm the college stating you have permission to travel Failure to provide original versions of during term time. documents when requested may result in your application being rejected. You can find out if Working During Your Studies you are a ‘Low Risk’ national on the government During term time, students on a Tier 4 visa can website: www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration- work for a maximum of 20 hours per week and rules/immigration-rules-appendix-h-tier-4- any numbers of hours during your vacation documentary-requirements. time. Schengen Visas How to calculate a working week If you are not a European Economic Area −− UKVI’s definition of ‘a week’ in terms of national and want to travel to , you working under Tier 4 is ‘a period of 7 days may be required to apply for a Schengen visa beginning with a Monday’. before you travel. The Schengen Visa Scheme is a scheme that allows those wishing to −− This means that you must ensure that in visit certain countries within the European any week beginning Monday and ending Economic Area (EEA) (and Switzerland) to Sunday you do not work more than your travel between these countries using only one permitted limit. You cannot balance your visa. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, hours over the course of a month and work Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, more in one week and then less for another France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, week. You must calculate your total hours , Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, on a weekly basis. Luxembourg, , The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. If you are intending on travelling to these countries, please come to the Student Support Office to collect full details on how to apply for a Schengen visa.

9 What is Term Time? This would include the following: −− Please check the defined vacation periods −− setting up a business as a sole trader or for your particular course and make sure under a partnership arrangement and that that you are clear when you have holidays business is either trading or establishing a and when term time is trading presence; −− Term time is any period when you are −− being employed by a company in which required to do academic work such as you hold shares of 10% or more (including attend classes, workshops, studio time and where the shares are held in a trust for you) tutorials; prepare for exams; do coursework; − working for a company where you also hold write essays, a dissertation or thesis − a statutory role, such as a director Vacation Time −− Freelance or consultancy work. −− Postgraduate students on a two-year This is not an exhaustive list but provides MA programme have a vacation period examples of the types of circumstance in at Christmas and Easter and Summer which you will be considered to be engaged in Students on 15-month MA programmes business activity. have a vacation during Easter and Christmas only It is important to understand that the home office take breach of immigration rules very − PhD students can only work 20 hours a − seriously and a breach of these conditions can week and any vacation must be authorised result in you being reported to the Home Office by your supervisor in writing and your Tier 4 visa being cancelled and a ban You can also work full time during the additional from returning to the UK for a duration of time. periods before and after your course start and end dates. This is confirmed by the Home European Economic Area and Office guidance for employers:www.gov.uk/ Swiss Nationals government/publications/preventing- EEA nationals are able to seek employment illegal-working-frequently-asked-questions without any restrictions. If you need any further advice about hours and types of work allowed during your studies National Insurance Number please contact: [email protected] If you are an international or EEA student and What Kind of Work Can You Do? want to work in the UK you will need to apply for a National Insurance (NI) Number. You can do most kinds of work. However, there are some kinds of work you must not do: A National Insurance Number is a unique personal reference number for all your tax/ −− self-employment (including freelance) and employment affairs. engage in business activity* You do not need to have a NI Number before −− work as a professional sportsperson starting work, but you must obtain one when including as a sports coach you get a job. You can apply for a NI Number by −− entertainer phone by calling : 0800 141 2075 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. −− a permanent full-time job During the telephone call you can expect to be − doctor or dentist in training, unless you are − asked for your personal details, such as name, on the foundation programme. date of birth, nationality and UK residential *You cannot be self-employed or engage in address, as well as the date you arrived in the business activity. You will be considered in UK. If you have a UK visa, have this with you engaging in business activity, where you are when you call as you may be asked for details. working for a business in a capacity other than an employee, in which you have a financial or other significant beneficial interest.

10 11 Your Arrival

Accommodation We cooperate with Housing Services (ULHS), and as a RCA To find good accommodation, we highly student you are entitled to use the services recommend you visit different locations in provided by ULHS. They provide a database London. It is important that you view the room, of available accommodation. You will need to flat or house you are renting from a potential register with the ULHS in order to access this landlord or agent before you pay any money service. ULHS have a contract checking service to ensure that the accommodation offer is and a legal advice team. Advertisers must first genuine. It is also very important you read the agree to a code of conduct before listing a accommodation contract thoroughly before property on the database. you sign and move in. You can find details of www.housing.london.ac.uk private providers on our website: www.rca.ac.uk/studying-at-the-rca/ Collecting Your BRP card support/living-london If you are entering the UK on a visa you are Advice and tips required to collect your Biometric Residence −− When renting privately, international and Permit (BRP) from the Post Office selected EU students are usually required to pay six on your Tier 4 application within 10 days of months’ rent upfront as a deposit entering the UK. The BRP holds the Tier 4 visa for the duration of your studies at the RCA and −− If you require short stay accommodation you will need to carry this with your passport when you first arrive hostels provide a much whenever you travel. You’ll need this card before cheaper alternative to hotels you enrol on your course and, if required, to −− When renting privately, always make sure register with the police. A BRP is a card (the that your deposit is entered into a Tenancy size of a bank card) that contains your personal Deposit Protection Scheme information; details of your unique physical characteristics that can be used to identify Be aware of scams. If something looks too good −− immigration status and any conditions of your to be true it probably is! You should never be stay. asked to pay a deposit just to see a property Failure to collect the BRP within the 10-day − Be careful of sub-lets. Always make sure that − period could result in you having to pay a fine you will be named on the tenancy agreement. or having your Tier 4 visa cancelled. You’ll also If you are not named on the tenancy need to collect your BRP before your enrolment agreement this will affect your legal rights date, as you’ll need it to enrol at the RCA.

12 Your Registration In order to do this, you will need to visit the Overseas Visitors Records Office at the Registration is the process by which you following address: confirm your place as a student of the College. It includes: Overseas Visitors Records Office 323 Borough High Street − Checking of identification documents − London SE1 1JL and visas You should present the following documents at − Checking of previous qualifications − the time of registration with the police: − Completing and signing the Registration Form − −− A valid passport and BRP card − Signing up for your email account. − −− Two passport-sized photographs of yourself − Receipt of your student ID card/ security pass − −− A letter of acceptance from the College or −− Acceptance of the terms and conditions your College Card of study −− A fee of £34 Once you are registered you become a student of the College. You must then complete −− Proof of UK address e.g. offer letter, enrolment, which involves payment of your accommodation contract or utility bill. tuition fee and confirmation of your access If you change your address you must report rights in respect of IT, the Library and other this to the Police within 7 days. For more College facilities. You may then commence your information is available on the following programme. website: www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police/ Your Tuition Fees where-to-register The tuition fee amount is stated on your CAS letter. Fees may be paid in advance of the International Welcome start of term using debit or credit cards (the In order to welcome incoming international and College does not accept Diners Club cards) EU students, the Student Support team host via the secure payment service WorldPay, events at the beginning of the academic year. by direct bank transfer or cheque (Sterling This year the events will take place the week of cheques drawn on an UK bank account only). 16 September 2019. There will be formal and On Registration days, students may pay by informal events that aim to introduce students debit or credit card. As an international student one half of the fee is payable at Registration to living in London and studying at the RCA, (for first-year students the deposit will count alongside providing social opportunities to towards the first instalment) plus one payment meet fellow students and staff. Full details of by any payment method at the start of the orientation will be available on the Student term in January. This option is not available Support website in early August. to Graduate Diploma students. Further www.rca.ac.uk/international-orientation information on tuition fees can be found at: Opening a Bank Account www.rca.ac.uk/tuition-fees All international students should be eligible Registering with the Police for a basic bank account. This type of account Some students may be required to register allows for basic services such as payment in with the police within seven days of arriving and out of the account. It also allows for the in the UK. This will be stamped in your 30 day use of ATMs or cash machines. We suggest visa. You can find a list of countries that require that you bring cash, a travel moneycard police registration on the following website: of £500 –1000 or a credit card so that you www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/ can meet everyday expenses until your bank immigration-rules-appendix-2-police- account becomes active. Remember if you are registration. going to deposit funds into a UK bank account, it can take time to clear before you withdraw the money: 4 to 5 working days for UK cheques and often 28 days or more if converting to another currency.

13 To open an account, you will generally need to Healthcare for EU students provide the following documents: If you are an EEA national, you should obtain −− Passport, BRP card European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) −− Evidence of your overseas address (utility or comprehensive health insurance before bill or bank statements) coming to the UK to show you are eligible for free hospital treatment. Visit the European −− A bank letter from the RCA. You can request Commission’s website for more information this on the RCA Intranet. Visit: on the EHIC at: ec.europa.eu/social. intranet.rca.ac.uk/letter-request- formproof-student-status-request-form Dental Treatment −− Proof of your UK address (tenancy Students are also advised to register with a agreement, utility bill or letter from the dentist and can get help with finding an NHS RCA) dentist on the NHS website at nhs.uk. Yo u will be able to find the nearest dentist in your Education UK has a specific section on its local area. There is a charge for all dental website about international student bank treatments in the UK but it is less expensive accounts visit: to be treated through the NHS than as a www.bba.org.uk/publication/leaflets/ private patient. Some dentists will be unable international-students to take you on the NHS and offer to put you Register with a Doctor (GP) on a waiting list. To avoid additional costs, we recommend you visit a dentist in your home It is recommended that you register with country before your arrival to the UK. a GP (doctor) within the first two weeks of registering as a student at the RCA. To find Prescriptions your nearest GP you will need to visit the NHS If a doctor prescribes you medication, they (National Health Service) website and enter may write a prescription for you. You will need your postcode: www.nhs.uk/service-search to take the prescription to a pharmacy or a Bring your passport, BRP card and proof large supermarket with a pharmacy counter that you are a student at the RCA with you and pay a standard charge. The prescription to register. You can request a certificate of authorises a pharmacist to give you a attendance on the ‘Letter Request’ page on particular medicine. the RCA intranet. You will not be able to make You can inform Student Support of a disability an appointment to see a doctor until you or specific learning difficulty by contacting register. the Disability Adviser at student-support@ Do not leave registering with a GP until you rca.ac.uk. This is entirely your decision, but are ill! For minor health concerns consult your the benefit of informing us early are that we local pharmacist instead of your GP. can aim to have support in place for when you start your course.

14

Living in the UK

Culture Shock Tips to help with culture shock: While usually temporary, culture shock is common among international students arriving −− Keep in touch with home in the UK. You will notice differences between −− Have familiar things around you the way things are done and what you are used −− Attend the Welcome Week to at home. These include the way people dress, orientation speak and behave, teaching and learning styles, food – potentially all aspects of life. You may −− Eat a healthy and balanced diet and not experience culture shock initially but, after take regular exercise a short time as you start to settle in the UK, −− Make friends with other the differences may start to frustrate you and international students, whether you may feel confused and isolated. You may from your own culture or from experience homesickness, sleep loss, appetite others, as they will understand what loss, lack of concentration and fatigue. These you’re feeling and, if possible, make feelings are natural and temporary and everyone, friends with the local students so including home students, will probably be going you can learn more about each through a similar experience, so you are not other’s culture alone! −− Find activities which will give you a Clothes and Climate common interest with UK students The weather can be unpredictable, even within e.g. sports, music or volunteering a single day, so it is best to be prepared with −− Come to the Student Support suitable clothing. The rain doesn’t come all in one Office. We are here to listen and season – it can come at any time of year, and on help you have a great student any day. You might experience beautiful sunshine, experience blustering winds and drizzling rain – all in one −− Link with a faith community afternoon! −− Explore the Students’ Union and Mobile Phones its societies. There may be an It may take a couple of days to sort out a mobile opportunity to learn a new sport or phone, so you are advised to travel with an activity or continue an interest from unlocked mobile phone. Alternatively, take time home to look at what is available and try more than one −− Don’t be afraid to ask for help retail outlet. The same deal may be cheaper with another store. Check online price comparison sites −− Find someone to talk to who such as: uswitch.com or moneysupermarket.com will listen uncritically and with for the best deals. Be wary of getting into a deal understanding, rather than isolating before you’ve considered all the pros and cons. yourself. The Student Support team are here if you want to talk.

16 Council Tax Protect Your Belongings Council Tax was introduced in Britain in 1993 Unfortunately, students may sometimes and is the means by which people pay for experience problems such as losing property local services. Full-time students are generally or having it stolen. That’s why it’s wise to think exempt if they are living with other students. about purchasing appropriate insurance. −− If you are living with your spouse who is Television licence prevented by the terms of his/her leave to enter or remain in the UK from taking paid If you have a TV you’ll need to pay for a employment or from claiming benefits, television licence, which currently costs then you will not be charged Council Tax. £154.50 (the fine for using a television without a licence is £1,000). Students living in a −− If your spouse is a British or EEA national, house where one television is shared by all of they will be liable to pay Council Tax. the residents may purchase a single licence −− Students in the writing-up period of their together. You can buy a television licence from programme will be exempt from paying a Post Office or online. For further details or to Council Tax if they can provide evidence buy a licence online visit: tvlicensing.co.uk. from the College that they are studying for more than 21 hours per week and for a Food Shopping period of more than 24 weeks. Supermarket prices in the UK can vary. Some sell more basic, cheaper brands −− A Proof of Student Status letter is required in a limited range (e.g. Tesco, Sainsburys, from the RCA to confirm that as a student Aldi, Lidl), and others are more luxury and you are registered on a full-time course. tend to be more expensive (e.g. Waitrose, Registry can provide you with Certificates Marks & Spencer, Wholefoods). Small local of Attendance and verification of student shops are usually more expensive than status for various purposes. supermarkets. Street markets selling fruit Please note: The Registry usually requires five and vegetables are often cheaper than working days for all requests. Pre-sessional shops. The website MySupermarket (www. students who study for less than 24 weeks will mysupermarket.co.uk) helps you find the need to pay Council Tax until their academic best deals on products from across four major course begins. supermarkets. Insurance Your Money You are advised to take out comprehensive Before you arrive in the UK make sure you travel insurance for the duration of time in the have made arrangements for enough money UK. This insurance should cover medical costs to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. (including repatriation in case you need to be Please do not expect a part-time job to cover flown home), personal liability cost and cover these costs. We advise international students for lost and stolen possessions. to budget for additional costs. It is likely you

17 Living Costs Living costs are calculated for visa purposes as being £1,265 per month. Per year (52 weeks) Average costs per week

Rent £10,920 £210 Food £2,600 £50 Household goods £475Your Living £9 Bills £520 £10 Personal Items* £1,500Costs £28.85 Leisure Items** £1,300 £25 Travel*** £1237.60 £28.80 Course Materials £2,700 £52 Total Costs £21,252.60 £413.65

A table of estimated costs for the average student during one ** Leisure items include hobbies, sport, entertainment academic year. Please note, your costs will differ depending on subscriptions, social and cultural activities. your situation and budget. *** Travel can vary according to where your accommodation is * Personal items include clothing, mobile phone bills, medical located. expenses, toiletries and other small personal items. would need additional costs to cover materials Cycling in London: Many students choose and field trips. An international student to cycle in London instead of using public calculator is available online to help you transport. Not only is this a good way to keep calculate your cost of living. You can find this travel costs low, but it also provides a great information on: opportunity to explore different parts of international.studentcalculator.org London. There are a number of cycling shops across the city where you can buy reasonably Transportion priced bikes, and a number of London markets London is divided into six zones. The RCA is have second-hand bike stalls where you may be in Zone 1, in the centre of London. Look at the able to find a bargain. underground map showing the different zones Although London is becoming an increasingly and for information regarding all methods of cycle-friendly city, it is important that you take transport in London check the Transport for adequate safety measures. If you intend to London (TfL) website at: tfl.gov.uk cycle in London, you are strongly advised to 7 day weekly travelcard fares with student visit the Transport for London website, which discount (i.e. combined tube/bus ticket): provide information on cycling safety and safer cycle routes across London: Zones 1–2 £24.50 tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycling-in-london. Zones 1–3 £28.80 Zones 1–4 £35.30 Many of our students cycle to College and Zones 1–5 £41.90 there is the Santander Cycle scheme you may Zones 1–6 £44.90 wish to use. Discounted travel: If you have a 16–25/ Student Discounts. There are many ways 26–30 Railcard, you can add the discount to to save money in the UK as a student. The your 18+ Student Oyster photocard to get a National Union of Students (NUS) Extra card 34% discount on off-peak pay-as-you-go fares entitles you to many discounts across the UK. and off-peak daily caps on Tube, DLR, London Visit: cards.nusextra.co.uk Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) services in London. Visit the Student Oyster gives you discounts across 130 countries. The photocard section on the TFL website for Student Beans and Unidays website collates more details of how to apply and the Student current discounts and short term special offers Union Office at the College if you need more for students. assistance.

18 ‘ The RCA is a truly international organisation with over 60% of our students coming from outside the UK and 30% from beyond the EU.’

19 Finance & Funding

It is very difficult to secure significant number and are usually of small amounts. They funding from the within the UK if you are an should not be relied upon to help cover the cost international (non-European Economic Area/ of studying in the UK. If you require funding, Swiss) student and most scholarship and you are strongly advised to contact the British funding bodies will not consider students who Council in your home country for information have already begun their studies on scholarships and awards. The British Council often have scholarships that you can apply for UK Government Postgraduate and can also direct you to other organisations Loans (EU Students only) within your home country that provide financial This year the UK Government have launched a support. new loan scheme to help students with the cost The RCA also has access to the ‘Alternative of studying for a Master’s degree. The eligibility Guide to Postgraduate Funding’ that lists over criteria for EU students are very broad, so the 300 charities and trusts that provide small majority of EU students should qualify. If an amounts of funding to students. You can access applicant does not already have a Master’s the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding qualification and has lived within the EU for online at: the last three years, then they should meet www.postgraduate-funding.com/gateway the criteria required to access this funding. You will need to enter your RCA or personal The loans are up to £10,906 per course and email address and the RCA is Pin 1201. repayments are linked to a percentage of earnings over £21,000 per year. You can find US Loans more information on the rules and application process via the Student Loan Company The RCA is designated as an eligible website: institution for American students to apply for a guaranteed student loan under the Direct www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate- study Loan programme. The RCA’s School Code is Please note that if you do successfully apply for 00942300 or G09423. For more information a Government Loan the funds will arrive in three about the loans available to you, please visit instalments per year, with the first due to arrive the US Education Student Aid website between 7–14 days after you have registered for (www.studentaid.ed.gov) and the Direct Loan your programme. website (www.direct.ed.gov), or contact Scholarships & Other Awards [email protected] If you apply for a US loan, you will not receive The RCA has a list of scholarship schemes your payments until at least two weeks after on the Financial Help section of our website; the date on the loan letter. Please ensure that please note that many of these schemes will you make alternative arrangements for funding have been concluded by early May, as the for this important period. You are also strongly assessment process is often tied in to the advised not to rely on this money for paying programme application process. You can find a housing deposit, as most landlords/letting more information at: agents will require the deposit prior to you www.rca.ac.uk/financial-help moving in and will not accept an assurance of There are a very limited number of awards the loan being received for this purpose. that students can apply for throughout the academic year; however, these are few in

20 White City Campus

Jay Mews, Kensington Dyson Building,

21 Student Support

The Student Support Office offers advice and Housing Support support to all RCA students. If there is something Providing assistance finding accommodation, troubling you, or hindering you from focusing dealing with landlords or agencies, advice on on your studies, please come and talk to us. tenancy agreements. Disability Support English for Academic Purposes We offer advice and practical support for (EAP) disabled students, those with a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), sensory impairment, Supporting students with their English for long-term health condition or mental Academic Purposes needs while at the RCA. health condition. Making contact with the E: [email protected] Disability Adviser to talk about your specific requirements before you enrol at the College Health and Wellbeing Support will make for an easier transition into student Providing help and support with your wellbeing. life. All discussions remain strictly confidential Services include student counselling, NHS until you provide consent to share your Service information, yoga, pilates, massage and information with relevant members of the wider meditation. College community. Shaalinie Sivalingham, Disability Adviser Chaplains and Religious E: [email protected] Representatives Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Support The Chaplaincy offers faith-based welfare and pastoral support to students. The Chaplain is Offer a screening service and advice regarding also available to offer help with projects related learning support at the RCA. to faith, bereavement, ritual or spirituality, Qona Rankin, Dyslexia Coordinator places of worship and access to Muslim, Jewish E: [email protected] and multi-faith prayer rooms nearby. Contact the Chaplain for information about Imperial Financial Support College London student faith societies, which RCA students are welcome to join. Advice on sources of funding, money management and debt advice, help with any www.imperial.ac.uk/chaplaincy postgraduate loan applications, advice about Council Tax and other finance issues. Student Counselling Service The Counselling Service offers consultations International Student Support and short–term counselling (up to 6 sessions) We offer advice and support in all areas to all students at the College. There is no charge including immigration issues, Schengen visas, for this service. The service is confidential, and living and working in the UK as well as guidance works in accordance with the BACP professional with welfare issues to ensure you settle in well ethical codes of practice. The service is based to your new life here. on the first floor of the Frayling Building or the basement in the Stevens Building. You will need Monica Kumwenda: International & Funding your RCA security pass to access the building. Student Adviser E: [email protected] Appointments are offered as soon as possible, usually within 2 weeks. Once offered a time please confirm your appointment.

22 To make an appointment email: Drop-in Sessions [email protected] and they will Our drop-in sessions allow you to speak to a respond to you within three working days. Student Adviser on the day. These sessions Student Support Office are 20 minutes long and focus on helping you find solutions to the issues that are Occasionally there’ll be times when things affecting you. You don’t need to make an go wrong. Student Support offer confidential appointment, just attend between these help and practical support at any point. times: We aim to be flexible and responsive and provide a welcoming place to come and talk Monday – Friday, 2–4pm (term time) things through. If you have any concerns Basement, Stevens Building (Kensington) of your own do come and see us or get in Bookable appointments are available touch. We have a confidential space, so do outside of the drop-in time by contacting us ask if you need to talk in private. in advance, and we also respond to emails Referring Concerns About and telephone calls between 10–5pm Monday to Friday. You can contact us by Others emailing: [email protected] or If you have any concerns regarding the call us on +44 (0)20 7590 4140. welfare of another student, you can get in touch with the team to discuss. You do not have to give the student’s name – so you can check out your concerns in confidence. If you feel that someone is at risk do get in touch, so we can advise and explore ways forward.

23 24 Contacts and useful Links

Student Support Office Useful Government Websites T: +44 (0)207 590 4140 For information on leave to remain in the UK, E: [email protected] including application forms: www.rca.ac.uk/studying-at-the-rca/ homeoffice.gov.uk support/student-support Schools and Nurserys Student Counselling Service www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-place E: [email protected] Useful EU/EAA websites Chaplains and Religious Representatives europa.eu/european-union/life-business_en T: +44 (0)20 7594 9600 E: [email protected] National Health Survice (NHS) nhs.uk Finance Office Transport for London and National Rail T: +44 (0)207 590 4158 nationalrail.co.uk Student Union For information about the London Underground [email protected] E: (Tube), visit: T: +44 (0)207 590 4211 tfl.gov.uk www.rcasu.org.uk twitter.com/RCAStudentUnion Learning activities to prepare you for study in the UK facebook.com/rcastudentunion This contains learning resources which are IT Services activity-based to help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and T: +44 (0) 207 590 4200 the skills needed for effective study. As well as E: [email protected] preparing you for what to expect during your Admissions Office studies, the activities provide scope for English language improvement. T: +44 (0) 207 590 4444 E: [email protected] www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk

University of London Housing Service housing.london.ac.uk

The British Council For information about British Council activities and a list of offices worldwide, please visit britishcouncil.org. British Council Safety First: britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ safety-first.pdf

25 External Support Services National Domestic Violence Helpline Emergency Services T: 0808 2000 247 Around crime or personal safety, including the www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk fire service you should call 999. Citizens Advice Bureau: For non-urgent contact call 101 or visit: This is an organisation that provides free, www.met.police.uk impartial, and confidential advice and guidance on a wide range of practical matters, including The United Kingdom Council for consumer rights, housing law, employment International Student Affairs (UKCISA) disputes and debt. UKCISA offers information and advice to www.citizensadvice.org.uk international students who are studying or considering studying in the UK. Their website Shelter offers information on a wide range of issues of interest to international students, and can be Housing and homelessness charity. This found at ukcisa.org.uk charitable organisation have a very useful website with fact sheets on a range of common Student helpline: +44 (0)207 107 9922 housing issues, from landlord disputes to (Monday–Friday, 1–4pm) maintenance issues. Nightline www.shelter.org.uk

A confidential listening, support and practical Dean Street Clinic information service for students You can talk to them about anything – big or small This is an NHS provided sexual health centre – in complete confidence. All volunteers are where you can get tested, receive advice and students themselves, who have undergone information, and get any follow up care that is extensive training and who understand that necessary. You can always speak to your GP or university life isn’t always plain sailing. the non-emergency 111 service regarding sexual health, but this is another option. Open Hours: 6pm to 8am every night of term. www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/hiv-sexual- T: 0207 631 0101 health/clinics/56-dean-street Instant messaging available Drugs Support E: [email protected] FRANK helps you find out everything you might Skype Chat: nightline.chat want to know about drugs (and some stuff you Skype Phone: londonnightline don’t). For friendly, confidential advice, talk to FRANK. Text: +44 (0)7717 989900 www.talktofrank.com/drugs Mind Alcohol Support This is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting people struggling with their If you are struggling with alcohol yourself, mental health. They provide lots of practical having access to the right help and advice information and information on where to seek can make the world of difference. The service help. Alcohol Concern tries to inform you as much as possible and gives you all the advice www.mind.org.uk you need to tackle alcohol-related problems. Whether that’s working out exactly how much The Samaritans you’re drinking, the impact it’s having on your This is a charity that provides confidential body or which local services can help you, you’ll telephone support to anyone in distress. find everything you need to know here. T: +44 (0)8457 909090 www.alcoholconcern.org.uk www.samaritans.org

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