Introduction 1

Welcome

Congratulations on receiving an We hope that you have a safe offer of a place at Queen Margaret journey to Edinburgh and enjoy University (QMU). your time with us.

Please familiarise yourself with the following pages and check the QMU website and social media feeds for important information about preparing to #STEP intoQMU.

If you would like to join our QMU International Facebook page, please find us at www.facebook.com/QMUInternatio nal.

Queen Margaret University

Queen Margaret University (QMU) has a total student population of over 5,000 students. Around 50% of our students are from outside the UK, from over 90 countries.

Our small size ensures that QMU has a friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community, allowing our students to settle in quickly and easily access a

network of support services

We are confident you will have a positive experience with us.

You can find more information about the University on our website: www.qmu.ac.uk

Scotland

Scotland makes up the northern There is something for everyone in part of the UK and has a Scotland – historic buildings and population of over 5 million people. castles, tourist attractions, events Although Scotland is part of the and festivals, outdoor activities UK, it has its own devolved such as golf and hill-walking. parliament, as well as having distinct education and legal For further information on Scotland systems. visit www.visitscotland.com.

Introduction 1

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city International Festival, the and is located in the south-east of Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the the country. Edinburgh is Edinburgh International Film frequently voted as one of the Festival, the Edinburgh most beautiful cities in Europe and International Book Festival and the one of the best places to live in the Hogmanay Street Party on Princes UK. Street.

The city has a population of Edinburgh is compact and very around 500,000, of whom around easy to get around on foot or by 10% are students studying in it’s using the excellent public transport four universities and colleges. system. The city has excellent road, rail and air transport links As one of the most picturesque making it easily accessible from all cities in the world, Edinburgh major cities in the UK and beyond boasts an amazing mix of galleries and allowing you to explore other and museums, restaurants and parts of Scotland and the UK. bars, and parks and gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, For further information on Edinburgh combines the medieval Edinburgh visit Old Town and the Georgian New www.visitscotland.com/destination Town. The city is also host to s-maps/edinburgh-lothians/. several arts and cultural festivals throughout the year. The most famous of these events are the Edinburgh Fringe, the Edinburgh

Climate

Edinburgh has very unpredictable sunshine, although days might weather, with sunny summer start out misty. Winters are long conditions sometimes rapidly and damp with many frosty days. changing into damp, showery December, January and February conditions and vice versa. are the rainiest months. Snow in Summers are generally fine, with winter is infrequent.

mild temperatures and bright

Sept

May Aug

Nov

Dec

Feb Mar Jun

Jan Apr

Oct

Jul

Average Daily Temperature (centigrade) Min

1 1 2 4 6 9 11 11 9 7 4 2

Max

6 6 8 11 14 17 18 18 16 12 9 7

Average Monthly Rainfall (mm)

57 39 39 39 54 47 83 77 57 65 62 57

Average Monthly Sunshine (hours per day)

2 3 4 5 6 6 5 4 4 3 2 1 Introduction 2

Visa & Immigration

Immigration Immigration Health Surcharge You will need to check if you An immigration health surcharge require a visa to study in the UK will be required to be paid by non- www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa. EEA nationals who apply to come to the UK to study for more than 6 Student Visa System months. This means that health For full details on the complete surcharge payers will be able to immigration policy, you should visit access the National Health Service the UK Visa & Immigration website in the same way as a permanent at: www.gov.uk/browse/visas- resident, i.e. they will receive NHS immigration/study-visas. care generally free of charge but In order to obtain a student visa for may be charged for services a a course at Queen Margaret permanent resident would also pay University you must be in receipt of for, such as dental treatment. The an Unconditional Firm Offer, and health surcharge is payable in full have paid a deposit towards your at the time of the immigration tuition fees at QMU or provided application. The amount charged evidence of sponsorship. You will be calculated based on the must then request a Confirmation amount of time a migrant would be of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) permitted to stay in the UK. from the Admissions Office. After Further information about the you have satisfied these immigration health surcharge can requirements QMU will issue you be found on with a CAS which you will be able www.gov.uk/healthcare- to use to complete your Visa immigration-application/overview. Application.

Information and Guidance on Credibility Interviews obtaining your student visa, paying As part of the application process your deposit etc. is available on you may be required to attend an our website at: interview to confirm your reasons www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/ for choosing the UK, the QMU and international-students/visas-and- your course, how you intend to immigration/. fund your studies in the UK and also how this fits into your career Visa Problems aspirations. Pre Whilst the University will do all that it can to check the likelihood of a successful visa application, an Biometric Residence Permits offer of a place at the University and an issuing of a CAS does not You will receive a vignette in your guarantee the issue of a Student passport which will last for 30-90

Visa. Responsibility for valid days. Within 10 days of arrival in - the UK you will be required to go student “Leave to Remain” in the Arrival UK lies with the student at all to a designated Post Office in times. order to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Local Assistance However, if you are unable to All countries have a British attend your designated Post Embassy/British High Commission Office within 30 days you will not and most also have a local British be penalised for this, and should Council Office who can provide collect your BRP as soon as you help or advice. Check your local are able to. Upon receipt of your phone directory to locate them or BRP you should scan both sides visit the British Council website and email this to

www.britishcouncil.org. [email protected].

Accommodation

Queen Margaret University offers Personal contents insurance is on campus accommodation in our also provided as part of the lease. student halls of residence. What you will need to provide There are 800 single bedrooms, in Single or double sheets, pillow, self-contained flats for three to six pillowcases, towels, a duvet and students. Each flat has a shared duvet cover, cutlery, crockery, pots kitchen/living area. You are and pans. recommended to apply in advance as availability cannot be Emergency bedding packs are guaranteed. available on loan for a couple of nights. These are limited in We are unable to provide number and can be obtained on accommodation for couples or arrival at the University. families. Alternatively, you may prefer to Students should apply for purchase some of these items accommodation online via our locally on arrival. Accommodation system www.qmu.ac.uk/campus-life/ Student Residences accommodation/applying-for- Students can see a video of the accommodation/. QMU Accommodation as well as Once your application has been the online application form from processed you will be sent an offer the website of accommodation which you www.qmu.ac.uk/campus- should accept and make a £250 life/accommodation/. prepayment to confirm your place. When to arrive Please note that once you sign the Accommodation will advise on the accommodation lease, it is legally arrival period once your place in binding for 38 or 50 weeks. One accommodation is confirmed, and semester study abroad/exchange you should liaise with students who sign an Accommodation Services about accommodation lease are liable for your arrival so that they know the duration of the semester. when to expect you.

What is provided? Those who wish to arrive earlier to Each en-suite single bedroom is carry out a 14 day self-isolation equipped with a bed, wardrobe, can do so at no extra cost, and desk, chest of drawers, shelves should contact Accommodation and chair and has en-suite Services to arrange this. facilities consisting of a toilet, shower and sink. Each bedroom You can contact the has a WIFI internet connection. Accommodation team directly with The kitchen contains a fridge, any questions: freezer, electric cooker, [email protected]. microwave, an electric kettle and an electric toaster. Irons and Arrival ironing boards are provided and

- shared amongst groups of students as are brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners. Each living area (open plan to the Kitchen) is equipped with a dining table and

chairs. Pre 4

External Accommodation For external accommodation, there You can find information about are many things that you should searching for accommodation off be aware of including location, campus in our handy guide deposits and agency fees. Student https://www.qmu.ac.uk/media/678 Pad www.studentpad.co.uk 8/private-sector-accommodation- provides excellent advice and hints guide.pdf. Accommodation can on dealing with landlords, also be found via the following contracts, etc. links: Student Pad www.studentpad.co.uk UNITE www.unite-students.com ESPC www.espc.co.uk City Lets www.citylets.co.uk Letting Web www.lettingweb.com

What to bring

Think about what type of clothing to study in the UK. You may not you will need to help you cope with realise that there are strict rules the changeable weather in governing the import of these Scotland. Several thin layers of products into European. clothes are often more effective Information about the products you against the cold than one thick can and cannot bring with you can jumper or jacket. We recommend be found on the DEFRA website that you pack some long-sleeved www.gov.uk/personal-food-plant- jerseys or pullovers and a warm and-animal-product-imports winter jacket. Sturdy footwear and thick socks will keep your feet Personal Insurance warm in late autumn and winter. A It is a good idea to take out hat, scarf and gloves are also insurance for your personal recommended. Don’t worry if these belongings especially if staying off- might not be readily available in campus. A number of companies your home country, as there are offer inexpensive cover. Search on Pre many shops in Edinburgh where the internet for ‘Student Personal you can buy these at reasonably Insurance’. cheap prices.

International students often like to bring food and plant products from

home with them when they come - Arrival

Further Advice Visit the UKCISA website www.ukcisa.org.uk as it is an excellent source of advice for international students, and includes many useful information pages.

When to Arrive

Induction for many students takes advance to ensure a place will be place week beginning 7 available for you. September. Admissions will have sent you an email to inform you of your exact start date. For more information about the induction programme please visit www.qmu.ac.uk/current-students/ current-students-general- information/induction-for-new- students/.

You may wish to plan your travel so that you have a few days of rest to get over jet lag and get used to your new surroundings before the Student Induction, or plan in time to carry out a 14 day self-isolation. If you do intend to arrive earlier than your lease begins please contact accommodation in

Arriving in the UK

Clearing Immigration Offer Letter You will need to bring the following We would also recommend you documents with you when bring a copy of your offer travelling to the UK: documents sent to you by our Admissions Team. Passport A valid passport is required. Check that your passport is valid for a minimum of one year after you enter the UK. If in doubt get a new passport.

Visa or Entry Clearance See information on Page 3 on how to obtain a visa/entry clearance.

From Edinburgh Airport

Taxi City Cab’s taxi’s are queued up on The easiest way to travel from the ground floor of the multi-storey Edinburgh Airport to the University car park outside the main exit. is to take a taxi. Taxis run on a Follow the signs for ‘taxis’. meter, and this journey would cost approximately £35-40. Alternatively, you can book a taxi

in advance. The two black cab Getting to Edinburgh to Getting 6

companies in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Bus Station Central Taxis www.taxis- St Andrews Square Bus Station is edinburgh.co.uk/services/airport/ Edinburgh’s main bus terminus. and City Cabs www.citycabs.co.uk/ From here you can either get a taxi services/airport-transfer/ to the University (fare approximately £25 and journey Both companies offer larger taxis time 20-30 minutes) or walk the and are good if you have a lot of short distance to Edinburgh luggage. The taxi companies are Waverley Train Station and take perfectly safe and secure, and in the short train ride to Musselburgh response to Covid-19 are cleaning and the University. Whilst there are down between passengers and also a number of bus services to there is a screen in place between the University from the city centre driver and passenger. these would not be suitable when travelling with a lot of luggage.

Airport Bus Getting University the to A regular Airport Bus service to the Glasgow Airport city centre is available from outside Upon arrival at Glasgow Airport the main terminal building. The please follow signs for cost is £4.50 and the journey time Buses/Coaches and proceed to to Waverley Bridge (opposite Stance 1. From here board the Waverley Train Station) is 25 Number 500 bus service to minutes www.lothianbuses.com/ Glasgow Queen Street Railway our-services/airport-buses/. Station then onward train station to Glasgow Queen Street Railway From Waverley Bridge you can Station then onward to Edinburgh either take a taxi to the University Waverley. (fare approximately £25 and journey time 20-30 minutes) or Wear a Face Mask take a train from Edinburgh It is mandatory to wear a face Waverley Station to Musselburgh. mask on public transport in Scotland, and the taxi companies Tram will also request that you wear a A regular tram service to the city face mask. centre is available from outside the main terminal building. The cost is £6.50 and the journey time to St Andrew’s Square (near Waverley Train Station) is 30 minutes https://edinburghtrams.com/.

From St Andrew’s Square you can either take a taxi to the University (fare approximately £25 and journey time 20-30 minutes) or take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Musselburgh.

From Edinburgh Waverley Train Station An hourly train service runs between Edinburgh Waverley and Musselburgh (the nearest station to the University). Taking a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Musselburgh will take under 10 minutes and there are regular trains during the day and a single fare will cost around £2.90. The University Campus is a 2 minute

walk from Musselburgh station.

Police Registration

Due to Covid-19 outbreak, and in Any changes to this position will be line with government advice about communicated via the Police social distancing, all nationality Scotland website registrations are temporarily www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/ suspended until further notice. It is overseas-visitor-registration- not known at this time when registering-with-the-police. normal service is expected to resume.

If you are required to register with the police as part of your visa conditions, please do not worry, this decision has been taken in conjunction with the Home Office and is deemed as a reasonable excuse for failing to register within the seven days stated in legislation.

Matriculation All students are required to an email to explain what is formally register with QMU and required of you. Upon receipt of sign a declaration that they agree your documents your student card to abide by the University’s will be sent to you. regulations, including the payment of fees and other tuition costs. This If you have any queries regarding registration process is referred to matriculation please contact as matriculation. Student Records at [email protected]. You should matriculate online in advance of arriving at www.qmu.ac.uk/current-students/ current-students-general- information/matriculation-and- enrolment/. You will require your student number to log-in, which can be found on your offer letter. Once you have matriculated, you will be able to access student services such as email and the internet. An email will be sent from Registry prompting new students to complete the process. Please do not attempt to complete the matriculation process before you have received the email.

If you are required to show immigration documents to the

International Office you will be sent After you arrive you After 8

Tuition Fees Details of fees for the academic provide written evidence of who year 2020/21 are available on the will be sponsoring their studies QMU website www.qmu.ac.uk/ and what exactly will be paid by study-here/fees-and-funding/. the sponsor.

The Finance Office will issue you Regardless of how you decide to with an invoice for your tuition fees pay your tuition fees it is essential for that year after you have that you arrange a payment matriculated. These are due to be method with the Finance Office paid, in full, 21 days after the within 21 days of your arrival at invoice date, however an QMU. A full copy of our Student instalment option is available as Debt Recovery Procedures can be described in this section found on our website.

One Single Payment: Students can pay their tuition fees in full on or before arrival. For tuition fees over £9,000, where the student is self-funding and the fee is settled in full prior to 31 October or within 7 days from the date of invoice, whichever is the later a 5% discount will be applied. The discount will be calculated at 5% of the net fee payable (i.e. after any scholarship).

Instalments: You can choose to you After arrive pay these by instalments by Direct Debit. You must hold a UK Bank Account to operate this system. Instalments start in October and run through to May the following year (8 payments). No other form of instalment plan is accepted.

You must complete a Direct Debit Mandate, which you will find on the QMU Portal as soon as you have your UK bank account details. Please note that if you miss one instalment, the Finance Office will automatically request the remaining outstanding balance.

Credit Card Payments: You can pay your Fees, in full, by credit card or debit card at the Finance Office. You should check prior to payment whether you will be charged by your bank for using your card abroad and what this charge will be.

Sponsored students should

International Induction Events

All International Students on a Tier Booking is essential as places are 4 Student visa are required to limited. Please email attend the International Student [email protected]. Induction. There will be a face-to- face session on Wednesday, 9 Walking Tour of Edinburgh September at 4.00pm in the Halle Lecture Theatre on Level 3. Join a QMU alumnus and local tour guide for an introduction to 900 If you are unable to join the face-to years of Edinburgh’s history and -face session due to being heritage. From kilts and kings to overseas or completing a 14 day castles and volcanoes, get up-close self-isolation, we will also run two and personal with the historic Old sessions online on Thursday, 10 Town, and explore highlights and hidden gems along the narrow lanes September as follows: and alleys of the medieval city.  9.15am –10.15am—https:// eu.bbcollab.com/ We have arranged two tours: guest/00273609213c415382 Saturday, 12 September at c6fe045d3a0f3e 1.00pm-3.00pm Saturday, 26 September at  4.00pm-5.00pm—https:// 1.00pm-3.00pm. eu.bbcollab.com/ guest/040cc629f2464f16845 Places are limited and booking is 57a2d05e38f6a essential. To book your place please email If you are an EU student who [email protected]. would like to know more about the EU Settlement Scheme there will be an online session for you on Visit to the Botanic Gardens Friday, 11 September as follows: Meet local resident Sylvia Mason on  9.15am-10.15am—https:// Sunday, 4 October and she will lead eu.bbcollab.com/guest/ you on a trip to visit Edinburgh’s e49783e0ff06452c8ed84287 Royal Botanic Garden. fb793c4d Students not living on campus can be met in the city centre by prior All times above are British agreement. Please inform Sylvia Summer Time (BST). where you plan to meet the group (University or city centre). Walking Tour of Musselburgh You are invited to join the local Places are limited and booking is residents Geoff and Sylvia Mason mandatory. To book your place on a walking tour of Musselburgh please email on Monday, 7 September or [email protected] Monday, 21 September at 5.30pm.

Further Advice

Make sure you visit the UKCISA website www.ukcisa.org.uk as it is an excellent source of information and advice for international

students. After you arrive you After 10

Studying at QMU

Term Dates available from the Learning A full calendar of the Academic Resource Centre. Year is provided on our website www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the- Remember, if you are struggling university/quality/committees- with your studies you must seek regulations-policies-and- advice from academic staff rather procedures/academic-calendar/. than wait for them to approach you. Teaching and Learning Methods During your studies at QMU, it is Further information about study possible that methods of teaching methods used in the UK is and learning will differ from what provided on the UKCISA website you are used to. For more www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information-- information on how teaching and Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/ learning will look this semester Studying-in-the-UK-how-does-it- please visit our website differ-from-home. www.qmu.ac.uk/coronavirus/ applicants/teaching-and-learning/. Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) Your Personal Academic Tutor is Lectures the member of staff who will be Traditional teaching, where a your guide and mentor for lecturer speaks on a particular academic issues throughout your subject to many students. time at QMU. Your PAT will:

 A friendly and helpful first StudyingQMU at Tutorials point of contact within the This is where you meet your tutor institution with a small group of students.  Be a sourec of advice and Here you will be expected to guidance on all matters demonstrate an understanding of relating to academic the topic and contribute to progress discussions.  Act as a link with other academic staff Independent Study  Be aware of the broader You are expected to do a fair network of support services amount of independent study at QMU and advise you as either on your own or in small appropriate groups. To be able to contribute in class and to write assignments you are expected to read about your subject. Reading lists are provided as guidance.

Assessment Assessment is carried out through examinations and course work. Do not put work off to the last minute as pressure soon mounts.

Plagiarism is a very serious matter in the UK. You should NEVER copy someone else’s work or even repeat it in different words without stating where you found the information and who it came from.

Guides about referencing are

English Language and Study Skills Support

Free English language support is The Effective Learning Service can available from the Effective be contacted at Learning Service, which is based [email protected]. in the Learning Resource Centre. The Effective Learning Service provides support for all students wishing to develop their English language skills. The Effective Learning Service can also help with study skills.

For information on the support available and how to make an appointment with one of the team visit www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/ student-services/effective-learning- service-els/.

Student Services Student Services acknowledge the diversity of students’ backgrounds and experiences , and have established a range of support services designed to meet students needs and requirements.

There is a team of specialists in the areas of careers and student employment, disability advice, counselling and well-being, financial advice, transition and pre- entry guidance, and a medical service linked with Riverside Medical Practice in Musselburgh for those students living on campus.

Services are confidential and free. Further information about student services can be found on www.qmu.ac.uk/study-here/

student-services. Support at QMU at Support 12

International Office

The International Office team are usually include a familiarisation available to help answer any tour of Edinburgh, a Christmas questions you have, particularly if lunch and other activities you have any enquiries about throughout the year. immigration and extending your If you have any questions visa. We offer information and throughout the year you can also advice on a range of topics and email the team at can also provide you with [email protected]. supporting letters for extending your visa, inviting a family member to visit you, and for visiting another country.

Once at the University, we operate surgery hours, usually on a Monday afternoon (3.00pm- 5.00pm) online by drop in basis, Wednesday afternoon (12.00noon- 1.00pm) in person by appointment only, and Friday morning 10.00am- 12.00noon online by drop in basis. At the start of each week you will be emailed the links for online drop in, and these will also be published on the day on our QMU International Facebook group.

The International Office organise a QMU at Support number of social events for international students. These

Visa Extensions It is normally only possible to It is advisable to make a note in extend your visa if you have failed your diary of the date your visa an element of your course or expires. experienced illness which has delayed your studies. If you need to extend your visa, you will need to complete an online application under the Tier 4 (General) category, and obtain a new Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the International Office stating that you are a registered student.

You can apply online or attend an interview in person in Glasgow. You should aim to organise your visa extension within three months

of your visa expiring.

Culture Shock

Leaving home to study in a foreign by email or make a few extra country can be a very exciting phone calls or video chats experience but it can also be quite home stressful. Often students are  Make friends with other surprised by the effect that international students, as travelling to another country can often they will understand have on them. However, it is what you are going through important to realise that many of  Join some societies, or get your reactions are perfectly involved with your local normal, regardless of where you community as this is a way are from or what you are studying. of keeping yourself busy and Culture Shock can be caused by a also getting to know other number of things: Scottish students who can in turn help you to understand  The shock of a new the culture better environment  Speak to someone from the  Different study methods International Office, the  Constantly meeting new Wellbeing Adviser or the people Student Counsellor  Being separated from your  Ultimately, look after yourself loved ones and the people and remember that culture shock is a perfectly natural

who you would usually turn to for advice reaction to life in a new  The climate of your new environment. home  The food  Being submerged in a foreign language  Social customs that challenge what you have always accepted as ‘normal’.

It is important to recognise the symptoms of culture shock and look after yourself. It is perfectly normal, and to be expected, that you may feel homesick and you may be surprised when it hits you. You may have difficulty sleeping, or alternatively want to sleep all the time; you may get headaches or be over anxious. Often your concentration span is affected, and your emotions may fluctuate more than normal.

Remember that there are support networks in place to help you through any difficult times. Here is some basic advice:  Maintain a healthy balanced diet  Take light exercise  Keep in touch with your

friends and family at home Living in Scotland in Living 14

Finance

Currency www.santander.co.uk Notes: £100, £50, £20, £10, £5, www.bankofscotland.co.uk and £1 www.tsb.co.uk Coins: £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, www.rbs.co.uk 2p, and 1p There are also more banks in the In Scotland, three different banks centre of town. Banks are usually can issue bank notes: the Bank of open from 9.00am until 5pm, Scotland, the Royal Bank of Monday to Friday, with the Scotland and the Clydesdale exception of bank holidays., and Bank. In England, only the Bank of some banks will also open on a England issues bank notes. If Saturday, although often on visiting England, it is reduced hours. recommended that you take English bank notes. It is essential that you open a bank account as soon as you arrive in Before you leave home, you may the UK. If you bring a banker’s want to get a bank draft in your draft in Pounds Sterling (£GBP) own name in Pounds Sterling with you, you can open an account (£GBP) so that you can safely at a convenient bank. The draft bring a large amount of money should take between seven to ten with you. Please ensure that the

days to clear. Scotland in Living draft is drawn on a UK bank as this speeds up transactions and The bank will ask you to provide ensures that commission photo identification, confirmation payments are dealt with locally in that you are a student at QMU and your own country. Once you arrive your postal address. Therefore, at the University, you can then once you have chosen a bank, go open up your own bank account to the School Office in the and deposit the bank draft. Do not University and they will prepare a bring personal cheques as many letter confirming your student banks will not accept them. status and your postal address. Please make sure you give at In addition, bring some travellers least 48 hours notice! We can cheques in Pounds Sterling as a only issue one bank letter per small working reserve, enough for student. two weeks (about £250 - more if you are seeking accommodation ATM outside of the University halls of There is an ATM located opposite residence, as you will have to pay Main Reception of the University. a deposit). MasterCard and Visa You should be able to withdraw credit cards are widely accepted. cash from most UK banks free of charge. Also bring with you about £250 in UK bank notes. This will cover your taxi fare and allow you money for food etc until your bank account becomes operational (normally about two weeks).

Opening a Bank Account ATMs will accept Visa, MasterCard, and most other cards. There are a number of banks nearby in Musselburgh where you

can open an account including:

Employment

Most international students studying for longer than six months do not require a work permit to work part-time. International students studying full-time are allowed to work in the UK for up to 20 hours per week as long as the work meets certain conditions:  Students must not work for more than 20 hours a week during term time, except where a work placement is to be undertaken as a necessary part of the course of study as agreed by the education institution.  Your BRP must not say “prohibition on taking employment.”  Students cannot engage in business, self-employment, the provision of services, or take work as a professional entertainer or sports person.  Students should not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

Further details about the regulations on employment can be found at www.ukcisa.org.uk/ Information--Advice/Working/Tier-4 -work.

Students on short term Study Abroad or Exchange programmes from countries which do not require a UK entry visa, will need to obtain a Tier 4 Student Visa if wanting to work part time while studying. If you are a Study Abroad or Exchange student please contact [email protected] for further guidance.

If you decide to work you will need to get a National Insurance Number. You can find more information about obtaining a National Insurance Number on www.gov.uk/apply-national-

insurance-number. Living in Scotland in Living 16

Healthcare

All Tier 4 Students who have paid It is advisable to register with a the Immigration Health Surcharge doctor once you are settled in your as part of the visa application accommodation. If you are living process are entitled to free on campus you can register with medical advice and hospital our local GP by picking up a form treatment under the National at our Student Services reception Health Service in Scotland. The desk. cost of dental care, and eye tests are not covered by the NHS. Student medical services are delivered in partnership with: If you are an EU/EEA student you should have an EHIC card from The Riverside Practice your home country, and you are Esk Medical Centre advised to take out comprehensive Ladywell Way sickness insurance to be able to Musselburgh access NHS services. EH21 6AB

0131 665 2267

Local Services Scotland in Living

Shops through to large chain stores. There are a number of shops within walking distance of the Many shops, bars and University and on close-by public entertainment venues offer a transport links, including discount to full time students . You supermarkets Tesco, Asda, Lidl will have to show your student and Aldi. These shops sell many card in order to claim any homeware items together with discounts that are on offer. food, toiletries and clothing.

There is a retail park close to the Post Office University called Fort Kinnaird There are Post Offices available in www.fortkinnaird.com which offers the following locations close to the a range of high street stores such University: as Boots and Marks & Spencer, as well as a cinema and restaurants. 105 High Street There is a wider variety of shops in Musselburgh Edinburgh’s city centre ranging from small independent shops EH21 7DA

Stay with a family You may also wish to take part is a have an interest in your home home-stay weekend visit. Through country. Further details about this HOST UK you will be introduced to scheme can be found at http:// a family who have an interest in eiluk.org/host. meeting international and European students or maybe even

Getting around Edinburgh and beyond

As a student, you can apply for rail Train and bus discount cards which will Scotrail: provide you with money off www.scotrail.co.uk standard fares. LNER (East coast mainline): www.lner.co.uk There are two main bus Avanti (West coast mainline): companies that operate throughout www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk Edinburgh: Lothian Buses and First Bus. To find out more about You can also use Trainline to book the various bus routes you can tickets across the UK visit their websites: www.lothianbuses.co.uk and www.thetrainline.com www.firstedinburgh.co.uk Alternatively, visit Waverley Station There are two buses that run from on Princes Street for further Edinburgh city centre to Queen information. You can purchase a Margaret University: Lothian No. young persons/student railcard 30 and No. 45. The 30 bus runs that lasts for one year and gives approximately every 10 minutes, you up to a 1/3 off all rail travel. with a journey time of 20-30

minutes. Sunday service tends to Air

be every 30 minutes. The 45 runs Edinburgh is well serviced by a a little less frequently. number of airlines, including budget airlines such as easyJet It is possible to travel between ww.easyjet.co.uk and Ryanair Edinburgh and QMU by train in www.ryanair.co.uk. Have a look at under 10 minutes. Timetables can their websites for details of special be found on the Scotrail website offers. www.scotrail.co.uk. Remember to check if you require Edinburgh is extremely accessible a visa for your chosen destination by road, rail and air. if you decide to travel outside the UK – even within Europe. Don’t leave this until the last minute! Bus

National Express: Car www.nationalexpress.com Please note that there is no on- Scottish Citylink: campus parking for students in www.citylink.co.uk University accommodation who Megabus: wish to bring their own cars. This is www.megabus.com in accordance with the University’s Green Travel Plan. Exceptions can You can purchase student be made for students with mobility discount cards, which will offer you impairments. up to 30% discount on fares (visit

their websites for further details). The main bus station is in St Travel Accommodation Andrews Square, behind Princes You may wish to become a Street. member of the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) which gives you access to budget accommodation across the country.

Living in Scotland in Living 18

Students’ Union & Sports Students Union or 7-a-side football As a student at QMU, you are  Sports hall automatically a member of the  Exercise studio Students’ Union. The Union is a safe social space for all students Students must complete an to relax, socialise, volunteer, induction before being allowed to receive advice and participate in use the fitness suite facilities. extra curricular activities. There is a £20 joining fee and thereafter a membership fee of The Students' Union Officers and £9.00 per month which must be staff can be found in the first floor paid from a UK bank account, or offices. They are there to help with an annual fee of £96. Further all your needs and enquiries information about the sports during your time at University - pop facilities can be found on along to see them! www.qmu.ac.uk/sports.

The Students' Union Welfare Point There are many sporting events is also on the first floor: and activities that take place within [email protected]. The Help Edinburgh and Musselburgh, Zone is also the place to go if you including: wish to campaign, to get free sexual health and safer sex materials, and general information. Football Football is one of Scotland’s most You can also get involved in popular spectator sports. There Student Parliament and various are two professional teams that sports clubs and societies where play in Edinburgh: Hibernian you can voice your opinions and www.hibs.co.uk and Heart gain valuable new skills - contact of Midlothian www.heartsfc.co.uk. [email protected] for more information. Golf Golfers regard Scotland as the The bar and café have a pool table home of golf. East Lothian alone and a games machine, an internet has 20 golf courses. Further

area where students can use their information can be found on Life Student laptops and a partitioned area that www.golfeastlothian.com. can be used for private/alcohol- free events. Rugby There is a local rugby team in Come along to see us in your Musselburgh and it is also possible Students' Union and check out our to watch rugby at the national notice boards for more information. stadium, Murrayfield. Further or visit www.qmusu.org.uk. information about the local and national team can be found on the Sports Scottish Rugby website There is a sports centre on www.scottishrugby.org. campus, offering a range of facilities. We provide a safe, friendly environment so you can enjoy your chosen sport to the full. The staff endeavour to provide you with a high quality service and are happy to assist with any questions. Our facilities include:  Fitness suite

 Astroturf suitable for 5-a-side