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Produced by IDEA, June 2012. Job ref: 1777

Edinburgh Napier University is a registered Scottish Charity. Reg. No. SCO18373

Your Guide to Napier Saturday 8 September 2012 Saturday 29 September 2012 10am – 1pm & 1pm – 4pm 10am – 1pm Craiglockhart Campus Craiglockhart Campus

Come along to one of our Welcome events this year!

These events provide us with an opportunity to introduce you to Edinburgh Napier University so you can find out about all the support we offer new students. Includes welcome talks, stalls, workshops and much more...

To find out more please visit: www.napier.ac.uk/welcome

The same programme of events will run twice on Saturday 8 September 2012 and once on Saturday 29 September 2012. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Contents

Greetings from Edinburgh 1 Welcome and induction 1 Your new home 1 Some facts and figures about Edinburgh Napier 3 Visa and immigration advice 5 Advice and assistance on UK immigration 7 Arriving in Edinburgh 9 Exploring the UK 13 Our accommodation 15 Route planner 18 Other accommodation in Edinburgh 19 Accommodation costs 21 Student finance 23 When you arrive 31 Matriculation 31 Freshers’ Week and Napier Students’ Association 33 Studying at Edinburgh Napier 35 Online resources 39 Computing resources 43 Welcome to Edinburgh – a student’s view 45 Would you like to improve your English? 57 Studying in the UK for the first time? 59 Study skills 61 Student mentoring 63 Confident Futures 65 Careers 67 Disabilities and specific learning difficulties 69 Advice and guidance 71 Contact us 77 Social networking 79 Greetings from Edinburgh!

Congratulations on your offer to come (including the world’s largest arts and study with us at Edinburgh Napier festival), Edinburgh offers something University in ’s beautiful and for everyone. Clean, compact and historic capital city. safe, Edinburgh tops the list of European cities where people would We are delighted that you have chosen most like to live. It has a diverse, to pursue your studies with us and we multicultural population and its four want to make your time here as happy universities (and around 100,000 and rewarding as possible. students) make Edinburgh a respected place of learning and one of the most This guide will help you to understand student-friendly cities in the UK. what you need to do before you arrive and what to expect during your first Stay for the summer and experience few weeks. It also contains useful the largest arts festival in the world information on a whole range of as Edinburgh becomes home to services on offer from the University, thousands of tourists, performers designed to help you find your way and the internationally renowned and settle in to student life. International Arts festival and Fringe. Your new home has something for We hope you are looking forward everyone and is small enough that to studying with us; we’re certainly you can see the sights, shop till you looking forward to welcoming you drop and experience the nightlife all to Edinburgh Napier University. without catching a bus. You’ll soon see it for yourself; don’t forget Welcome and induction to bring your camera!

Edinburgh Napier University is a lively If you’d like to find out more and contemporary university that before you arrive, check out: prides itself on putting your needs at the heart of everything it does. The List: www.list.co.uk The following information will, we Time Out: www.timeout.com/edinburgh hope, answer many of the questions you might want to ask as you make The Oracle: www.theoracle.co.uk the transition to Edinburgh Napier. Information about Edinburgh from Visit Scotland: www.edinburgh.org Your new home Edinburgh Guide: www.edinburghguide.com If you are new to Edinburgh, you’re in for a treat! Scotland’s inspiring The Official Gateway to Scotland: capital is an exciting place to live www.scotland.org and study. With streets steeped in Edinburgh Inspiring Capital: history and a thriving cultural scene www.edinburgh-inspiringcapital.com

1 2 Some facts and figures

Edinburgh Napier University is Our Craiglockhart Campus also a contemporary institution with has a historically significant past. excellent resources. The Destinations Craiglockhart originally opened of Leavers from Higher Education as a Hydropathic Institute (a facility report 2010 ranked us one of that used water to treat a range of Scotland’s top universities for diseases) in 1880 but was requisitioned graduate employability, providing by the military during the First World you with a solid foundation from War for use as a hospital for the which to launch your career. We treatment of shell-shocked officers. produce confident graduates with high employability by offering It was here in 1917, that the poets industry-relevant courses, flexible Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) and Siegfried learning and an emphasis on Sassoon (1886-1967) met. Within the providing the support you need, walls of Craiglockhart, some of Owen’s right when you need it. and Sassoon’s greatest war poetry was written and their resulting friendship A bit of history was to have a significant and lasting In just four decades, Edinburgh Napier effect on literature, influencing our University has evolved from a technical view of the war. On the medical front, college to a major modern Scottish significant advances were made in the university. Today, Edinburgh Napier treatment of neurasthenia (shell shock) is one of the largest higher education and the development of psychiatry. institutions in Scotland with nearly 18,000 students studying professional Today, the building houses the courses at all levels in three faculties: University’s Business School and is home to the War Poets Collection, • Engineering, Computing a permanent exhibition that allows & Creative Industries visitors to view the collections and • Health, Life & Social Sciences gain an insight into the personal and • The Business School social experiences of war through the words, memories, voices and objects The University is named after that the officers, medical staff and John Napier, a sixteenth century relatives left behind. mathematician and philosopher who was born and lived in Merchiston Tower – now part of our Merchiston Campus.

3 Student numbers UG FT 11,200 (62%) Total = 17,793 2010/11 figures. UG PT 3,727 (21%) UG = Undergraduate PG = Postgraduate Taught PG FT FT = Full-time 1,217 (7%) PT = Part-time Total Taught PG PT 17,793 1,422 (8%) UK & EU students 12,696 (71%) Overseas students 5,097 (29%) Research PG Edinburgh 5,757 FT 111 (1%) Hong Kong 2,428 PRC China 1,137 Research PG India 703 PT 106 (1%)

4 Visa and immigration advice

Preparing to study in another country Bulgarian and Romanian students is an exciting prospect but if you are a If you are a Bulgarian or Romanian non-EU international student, there are citizen we strongly recommend that a number of processes you must go you apply to the Home Office after through. One of the first things to do you arrive in the UK for a student is ensure that you have a valid passport registration certificate using form with the correct entry clearance BR1. The certificate confirms your (commonly known as a visa) allowing right to live in the UK as a student you to travel to the UK to study. and work here on a part-time basis whilst you are studying. Please note Passport that you cannot start part-time work Please ensure that you have a valid without a certificate. passport. If you need to get a new one or if your current passport needs Non-EU international students to be renewed, do this as soon as Non-EU international students must possible as the process can take apply under Tier 4 of the new Points several months. Based System as set out by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). If you have In some countries, passports are any other status, please contact gradually being renewed or updated Admissions & International Support. so that they meet new international standards. The new passports will What is Tier 4? be machine readable and contain Tier 4 is the points based immigration encoded biometric information. route for non-EEA students, which was introduced at the end of March European Students 2009. All students applying to European Economic Area (EEA) come to the UK will be subject citizens (all EU countries, plus to Tier 4 conditions. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) have the right to free The requirements for Tier 4 are movement and residence in the UK. still subject to change at short notice. You must read the latest EEA students do not require a visa; UKBA Tier 4 guidance before however, you will need to show your making an application under Tier 4: passport or ID card in order to gain www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ entry to the UK. studyingintheuk/adult-students/ can-you-apply/

5 Points required for entry clearance/ Personal funds can be visa renewal under Tier 4 demonstrated through: In order to apply for a Tier 4 visa • Instant access bank statements you must have a total of 40 points. in your name (including your name as a joint account holder); You should obtain your 40 points • A letter confirming a loan by providing with your application: in your name; and • A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance • Official financial or of Studies) number issued by government sponsorship. Edinburgh Napier University, which is worth 30 points; and All applicants must sign a declaration • Evidence of appropriate stating that the funds they present maintenance, which is worth in order to meet the maintenance 10 points. requirement, are genuinely available for use in coming to the UK to study. You will need to show that you have enough money to pay for your course Please note that you cannot use fees and for your living expenses shares, bonds, pension funds when you apply for a Tier 4 visa. or savings accounts as proof The amount you need to show of personal funds. depends on your circumstances. The value of overseas funds must Students coming to Edinburgh Napier be converted in to pounds sterling University require £800 per month (GBP) using the online exchange (£7,200 for nine months) plus £600 rate calculator: www.xe.com per month per dependant (£5,400 for nine months) up to a maximum Bank statements from your parents of nine months and evidence that can be used. Please see Tier 4 you have sufficient funds to pay guidance for specific criteria on the remainder of your course fees. the use of parental bank statements: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ These funds must have been available studyingintheuk/adult-students/ in your bank account for the full 28 can-you-apply/ days prior to your application and should not have dropped below the Please note that as your sponsor required level during those 28 days. the University takes responsibility for you coming to the UK to study. The You should be aware of these University is not a financial sponsor. requirements and ensure that your funds are sufficient at the time of application.

6 Advice and assistance on UK immigration

Before you arrive and while you are Police registration studying with us, specialist advice The condition to register with the on immigration issues is available police is given to students of certain from Admissions & International nationalities, who come to the UK for Support. If you experience any more than six months. You can check immigration problems please email: the list of countries whose nationals [email protected] need to register at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ Admissions & International Support policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/ provide immigration advice and immigrationrules/appendix2/ services to prospective students, current students and recent graduates If you are required to register, the as well as to their spouses and condition will always be printed other dependant family members. on the entry clearance sticker or The designated advisors in Admissions residence permit in your passport, & International Support are the only or on your Biometric Residence staff at the University who are Permit if you have one. authorised to provide immigration advice. They are regulated by the You must register with the police Immigration Services Commissioner, within seven days of arriving in which guarantees the competence the UK. When you register, you of advisors and ensures the quality will receive a Police Registration of the advice or assistance provided. Certificate. You need to update Further details about the Immigration the police within seven days if you Services Commissioner are available change address, get an immigration at: www.oisc.gov.uk extension, change college or university, renew your passport, You can also obtain immigration advice get married, or if any of the other from your local British Council office details on your Police Registration or by looking at the website for the Certificate change. British Embassy or High Commission in your country. In some countries, Edinburgh Napier University has appointed local partners/agents and you can also consult them regarding UK immigration problems: www.napier.ac.uk/international

7 8 Arriving in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Airport Welcome Service From outside the UK The Airport Welcome Service will As this is your first port of entry operate shortly before the start into the UK you will go through of each Trimester. immigration and customs control here.

Admissions & International Support Via the Irish Republic at Edinburgh Napier operate a Non-EU international students should Welcome Service with our Edinburgh avoid travelling to the UK via Dublin. Napier Direct colleagues who will be The Irish Republic has a ‘Common at Edinburgh Airport to help you Travel Agreement’ with the UK, arrive safely in Edinburgh and meaning your entry clearance cannot find your accommodation. To take be validated on arrival in Edinburgh advantage of this service, you need to from Dublin. Although you will complete an online application form receive a stamp in your passport at: www.edinburghnapierdirect.co.uk which will be valid for three months, it does not validate your entry For further information please email clearance in full. [email protected] or [email protected] You will not be permitted to Arriving late at night undertake any work until your If you are arriving late at night then stamp has been validated. remember to book a place with our transport company Edinburgh Napier From another UK airport Direct who will take you to your If you arrive from any other airport accommodation. You can only use this in the UK you will have gone through service if you have completed an online immigration already and will only application. If you have not booked need to collect your luggage. accommodation you can try and get accommodation for the night in one of From London the many youth hostels in the city. The You can fly from London to Edinburgh largest youth hostel in Edinburgh is: and there are many cheap airlines offering great deals. Flights take Edinburgh Central Hostel approximately one hour. Buses also Edinburgh leave from Heathrow airport and Scotland Victoria Coach Station in London. United Kingdom These take up to 10 hours and cost EH7 4AL around £30. Tel: +44 (0)131 524 2090 Email: [email protected] Web: www.syha.org.uk

9 10 From Airport security • If you arrive at you It is possible that you may be stopped will need to take two buses to get and asked some additional security to Edinburgh: questions. If there are any problems, •  operates the Glasgow Flyer or if you have any concerns on arrival shuttle bus (service 500) from the regarding your passage through airport to bus immigration/passport control, ask station in . the Immigration Officer to contact It runs approximately every 10 Admissions & International Support minutes and costs approximately by telephone on +44 (0)131 455 2929 £4.50 one-way. The journey takes during office hours around 25 minutes. (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). • From Buchanan Street bus station, Bus travel to Edinburgh you can use the Citylink bus We advise you to take advantage (service 900) to St Andrew Square of our Airport Welcome Service. in Edinburgh city centre. It runs This will make your move to approximately every 15 minutes Edinburgh and your introduction and costs just over £5. The journey to the University much less stressful. takes around 90 minutes. However, if you can’t arrive while the Welcome Service is operating, You can also travel by train from travelling into the city centre is very Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh easy. Make sure you know the full Waverley (city centre) or to Edinburgh address of where you are going to be Haymarket, which is about 10 minutes living and that you have sterling cash from the city centre. (GBP) to pay for your journey. You can also choose to travel by taxi Passport control and whilst this is the most direct way, The Immigration Officer will want it is also the most expensive. to see that your documents are in Alternatively, the airport operates order, that your passport is up-to- Airlink buses which travel regularly date and to check your landing card to the city centre. The bus currently and visa/entry clearance. It is costs £3.50 for a one-way journey important that you have evidence and takes approximately 30 minutes. of financial support, your University You could then take a taxi from offer letter and your accommodation the centre of Edinburgh to your confirmation (if required), ready accommodation. Find out more for inspection. about Airlink at: www.flybybus.com

11 Luggage When packing, make sure you keep Before you leave home, take your the following in your hand luggage: time and pack carefully. Make sure • passport, travel documents your luggage is clearly labelled with and tickets; your name and your address in • warm clothing; Edinburgh and do not pack valuables in your suitcases. If you must bring • British currency (GBP) including valuables with you, carry them in smaller denominations which may your hand luggage. be useful for onward travel; • travel insurance documents; Please check the baggage allowance • list of contents of your main of the airline you will be travelling with luggage (in case your luggage and try to ensure that your luggage gets lost); doesn’t weigh more than the stated • any prescribed medication allowance. If it does, you will be (plus a letter from your doctor charged extra when you check in your explaining what it is); bags at the airport. Please be aware that there are also strict restrictions • address, telephone number and on the amount and size of hand travel instructions to your final luggage that you can carry onto destination; and an airplane and most airlines restrict • documents for immigration this to one piece per passenger. purposes.

If you plan to travel by bus or coach Luggage collection when you arrive in the UK then you Once you have cleared passport need to be very aware of the amount control you will have to collect your of luggage you will be carrying. Only luggage. Baggage collection points take what you can carry on your own. are clearly signposted. You will then Remember, never allow strangers to go through customs. If you have carry your bags and never leave bags nothing to declare then you should unattended, even for a few seconds. choose the green channel. Please be aware that Customs Officers have the right to inspect your luggage.

12 Exploring the UK

Edinburgh has excellent transport links You will be able to join the club during and is well served by trains, buses and your first week at Edinburgh Napier flights connecting you to the rest of the University, or by simply coming to UK and to continental Europe. When Admissions & International Support you are studying at Edinburgh Napier, at Merchiston Campus. Becoming a why not use the holidays to travel and SENIC club member costs £2 for the explore other parts of the UK? year and entitles you to discount rates on all trips. Our trips are extremely Rail: Edinburgh Waverley railway station, popular and you can choose from trips in the city centre, operates regular to the Highlands, Loch Lomond, services to and from most major cities Stirling, St Andrews and more. in the UK. If you are between 16-25, purchase a Young Persons Rail Card, Exploring outside the UK currently £26. This is valid for one year If you have a student visa, you should and entitles you to discounted travel, be aware that it is a multiple entry visa find out more at www.railcard.co.uk which allows you to travel home or visit other countries. You will need to check Coach/bus: The two main coach the visa regulations however, for any operators in Scotland are Scottish other countries you visit as your Citylink and Megabus. Full details student visa only relates to the UK. of routes and timetables are available on their websites at www.citylink.co.uk Schengen Visas and www.megabus.com Within the European Union, 25 countries currently have an Flights: There are many airlines arrangement called the Schengen operating flights which link the main Agreement concerning common border cities in the UK and the rest of Europe. controls. This means if If you plan ahead, you can find you wish to travel to a number of excellent deals with budget airlines European countries during your stay at www.easyjet.com, www.jet2.com, you can apply for one visa which will www.ryanair.com and www.flybe.com allow you entry to all the countries you SENIC (Students at Edinburgh Napier plan to visit. For a list of countries that International Club) participate, please visit: SENIC offers you the chance to enjoy www.schengenvisa.cc social events and tours during your When you apply for a Schengen Visa, time at Edinburgh Napier University. you are expected to have at least three You’ll have the chance to explore parts months left on your UK visa from the of Scotland on guided tours and enjoy date that you leave the Schengen area, some of the beautiful scenery and so plan any visit well in advance. sights, as well as learning some Finding a safe and suitable place to live of the history and . is extremely important, particularly SENIC is for ALL Edinburgh Napier University students on campus. if you are new to Edinburgh.

13 14 Our accommodation

What University accommodation Can I apply for University is available? accommodation? • All Edinburgh Napier University flats • Our flats are allocated to full-time were built in the mid 1990s. We have first year and direct entrant 957 beds in self-catered cluster flats undergraduates. of mainly four, five or six persons. • Specific spaces are available to • We have a limited number of flats postgraduate students; spaces are which are mixed gender. The majority are single gender flats. allocated on a first come, first served basis. Other eligibility rules apply. • All students have their own single study bedroom along with shared • You must have firmly accepted kitchen/living area, shower room an unconditional firm offer from and toilets. Edinburgh Napier University before • All bedrooms (with the exception you can apply for accommodation. of Wrights Houses) have wash hand • You must live outside the basins in the rooms. ‘EH’ postcode. • We have a 200-bed allocation in • You must have obtained entry accommodation, run by a private clearance if you are a non-EU provider called iQ. These spaces are overseas student. in self-catered cluster flats and are all en-suite. These flats are three • If you an international student and years old. require a visa to study in the UK, • All the flats are within 10 to 15 you must send the Accommodation minutes of the city centre. They are Office a copy of your visa by close to local shops, supermarkets, 15 August 2012. Your reserved cinemas and local amenities. They accommodation may be reallocated are all on good bus routes to the if you cannot do so. campuses. • You must be unaccompanied; not • All flats are within walking and bringing any dependants, such as cycling distance of each other. a partner and/or children. Some spaces are available for students For all other questions, to see where with special needs. Please email our accommodation is situated [email protected] or take an online tour please visit www.napier.ac.uk/accommodation to discuss.

15 16 • For full-time, single, first year You will also be given information and and direct entrants starting in advice on finding accommodation in September we will guarantee you the private sector, please refer to our accommodation if we receive your private sector information on our online application and advance website at www.napier.ac.uk/ rent payment by 5pm on Wednesday accommodation 22 August 2012. • If you are starting in January 2013 How do I apply for University there will be limited spaces available accommodation? in our accommodation. Please apply • If you meet all the eligibility criteria online as soon as possible after on the previous page you can apply 1 October 2012 as places are allocated online now at: on a first come, first served basis. www.napier.ac.uk/accommodation. • Applications from care leavers are • You will need your Edinburgh Napier welcome. We will accept applications Number (the eight digit number in the irrespective of where you are enclosed letter) to give you access to currently living. Other eligibility our online application system. rules apply. • You must have your own email • Please be aware that most students address to be able to apply. who come to Edinburgh Napier • You will be asked to pay a £500 University for a semester are NOT advance rent payment eligible to apply for University • You will be asked to send in a accommodation. However, if you Guarantor Form and set up a rent are coming as an exchange payment schedule to allow us or Study Abroad student from to collect the rest of your rent North America, contact payments during the session. [email protected] regarding your accommodation. Once we have accepted your application and we have received If you miss the guarantee date of your pre-payment, you will be sent 22 August, please do still apply as details of where you will be staying, University accommodation may still when and where you can collect the be available. We will also be able to keys, details of the online induction, assist you to find accommodation and a copy of the tenancy agreement in the private sector if our own (you will be required to sign the accommodation is fully allocated. actual tenancy agreement when If you are not eligible to apply, you you collect your keys). can ask to be put on our waiting list.

17 A9 Regent Rd N 0 Queen St s George St Waverley Ravelston Dyke Belford Rd Princes St

Palmerston Pl h Melville St e

Route planner Lothian Rd Cowgat

Castle

Pleasance Water of Leit Morrison St A7 Haymarket Grassmarket A8 Terrace Riego Corstorphine Rd Haymarket Grove St Street Lauriston Pl Morrison

Circus Clerk St Fountainbridge/West Tollcross

e Western Approach Rd Wrights Melville Driv Whitehouse Houses e Gilmore Plac Merchiston Place Sciennes Rd

Gorgie Rd Loan Ave West Polwarth Gdns Terr Bruntsfield Bryson Grange Rd Road Polwarth Napier Rd

Mayfield Rd Strathearn Rd To Sighthill Campus Merchiston n

Terrace A71 Newbattle Terr Grange Loa Spylaw Rd Morningside Colinton Rd Blackford Polwarth Slateford Rd Oswald Rd 42 Colinton Rd Terrace Canaan Lane Ave W Savile

Morningside Rd Morningside W Mains Rd

Myreside Rd Balcarres St

Cluny Gardens Craighouse Drive A70 Morningside

Merchiston Craiglockhart Craighouse Sighthill

West Bryson Road 1.5 miles 2e miles 2 miles 4 miles Colinton Rd Fountainbridge/ 1.5 miles 3.5 miles 3 miles 5.5 miles West Tollcross Greenbank Driv Wrights Houses 1.5 miles 3 miles 2 miles 5.5 miles Craiglockhart RiegoGlenlockhart Street Rd 1.5 miles 3 miles 3 miles 5 miles Morrison Circus 2.5 miles 5 miles 3 miles 4.5 miles Grove Street (iQ) 1.5 miles 3.5 milesA702 3 miles 5.5 miles Braid Hills Driv

Comiston Rd e 0 500m 1km 2618 0 ½mile Other accommodation in Edinburgh

Where do I start? • Devote sufficient time to looking • There are a number of letting for accommodation. Private sector agencies in Edinburgh who can accommodation is plentiful but help you search for suitable there are lots of students from the accommodation, check four universities within the city www.napier.ac.uk/accomodation for looking at the same time. It can be details. There will however, be a fee useful to try and find your flatmates for this service so always find out before you find a flat. Find friends what this is before you ask for help. with similar budgets and start your You can get advice regarding your flat-finding search together. rights and the responsibilities of any • www.edinburghstudentpad.co.uk property agent from the Napier advertises properties and lodgings Students Association, for more traditionally rented out to students. details have a look at their website Here you will also find a section at www.napierstudents.com for students advertising for • Look out for advertisements on flatmates. Please note that we campus or in local newspapers and do not inspect these flats and join our Facebook group called cannot guarantee suitability. ‘Edinburgh Napier Students Flat • Visit Edinburgh before the start Finder,’ which was set up to help of the session to secure put you in touch with other new accommodation. Book into a short– students studying here. Have a look term hostel while you look for and see if you can find some accommodation for the rest of the flatmates before you leave home! session. Information on short-term accommodation including local hostels can be found at www.edinburgh.org

19 • Always view properties before Polwarth. Gorgie and Dalry are also making any commitment and before close to our campuses. Leith is another handing over any money. popular location for our students, and • Make sure that you get receipts for is one of the cheaper areas to rent in. all money and deposits you hand However, it is located on the other over and that everything you agree side of Edinburgh from the University. to is in writing. You can download a very good City Centre map of these areas at: • Always check what is included www.edinburgh.org/traveltips/maps in the property. • Check that the property has the Can I get a short-term lease? appropriate certificates, for example If renting from a letting agency, it is current gas safety certificate likely that you will have to choose if applicable and a HMO licence a six or 12-month long lease. Renting if there are three or more persons from a private owner instead, or in the flat. moving in with other people that • Remember that you will be asked already have a flat, will give you to sign a tenancy agreement which more flexibility to choose how long is a legally binding document. you stay. It is very common for travellers and backpackers to come Where should I live in Edinburgh? to Edinburgh to work for short Some of the areas most popular with periods, so there are many of these Edinburgh Napier students include kinds of arrangements available. Tollcross, Fountainbridge, Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, and

2026 Accommodation costs

How much will it cost? TV licence Most flats cost between £70 and If you have a television you will need £100 per week per person, depending to obtain a TV licence. A colour TV on their size and location. This does licence currently costs £145.50 and not include gas/electricity bills, which is valid for one year. The easiest way are approximately £15 to £20 per to obtain a TV Licence is online at week, per person. Most flats require www.tvlicensing.co.uk You can pay a deposit and one month’s rent in by monthly direct debit. advance. Make sure you obtain a receipt for all financial transactions Inventory from your landlord. It’s a good idea to make a list of the contents of the flat with the owner Utilities before you move in. This may prevent You need to read and record the disputes later. electric and gas meters when you move in and where appropriate, Council Tax register the bills in your name. Students undertaking a course of The easiest way to do this is over the full-time study are normally exempt phone or on the provider’s website. from paying Council Tax. At the start of each term we send notification of Internet all our matriculated students to the Broadband internet is very affordable City of Edinburgh and Fife Councils. and can be obtained from many If you are resident in another council different service providers such area, you may need us to sign as Virgin Media, O2 or BT. an exemption form to prove your student status. Forms are available Bills from individual Councils and Decide with your flatmates whose can be signed by Student & name will go on the bills (gas, Academic Services, please email electricity, internet, TV, etc). We [email protected] recommend that you put the bills in the for more information. name of the person who will leave last. Also, set up a payment system and Single-semester students, who decide how each person is going to pay. are studying at Edinburgh Napier Make sure everybody agrees and that University for less than six months, there are no surprises. Pay the agreed will have to pay Council Tax. Costs deposit and rental payments on time vary depending on the area in which and in the event of genuine difficulties you live but could range from £80 inform the landlord. to £140 a month. If this might apply to you, make sure you know how much the rate of Council Tax is when viewing potential properties. 21 22 Student finance

One of the biggest challenges you’ll Full-time undergraduate students face as a student is managing your domiciled in Scotland (as defined by finances. Before you leave for the UK, the Student Awards Agency for do your research, look at how much Scotland) or in other European Union things cost, think about a budget countries outside the United Kingdom, and come to Edinburgh prepared who do not already have a degree and and aware of the cost of living in who are studying at a publicly funded Scotland’s capital city. institution in Scotland for the first time, are eligible to have the costs Fee status of their annual tuition fees paid by You are advised to ensure that the Scottish Executive through the you know your fee status, as Students Awards Agency for Scotland summarised below, before enrolling (SAAS). You must apply each year to on a programme of study: SAAS for the payment of your tuition • Home/EU fees even if you are not applying for any other means of support. • Isle of Man/Channel Islands • International Students who live in Scotland or the EU should apply online now at Further information and advice www.saas.gov.uk on the definition of status for fee purposes is available from the UK All students Council of International Student If you don’t have confirmation of Affairs at www.ukcisa.org.uk any level of payment of fees by your sponsor (government or other), by Tuition fees the time you matriculate, you’ll be The fee structures for students invoiced for full payment. Also, please studying courses in 2012/13 are note that fees are usually expected available online: to increase annually, normally in line Home/EU students visit with inflation. www.napier.ac.uk/fees International students visit Edinburgh Napier University requires www.napier.ac.uk/internationalfees payment of tuition fees in full prior to or at matriculation. You will have received notification of the amount due in your Tuition Fee Statement letter. Alternatively a payment plan must be set up prior to or at matriculation.

23 24 Postgraduate and part-time students How can I pay? Edinburgh Napier University requires • Online with your debit or credit payment of tuition fees in full prior card, please make a payment at to or at matriculation. You will have www.napier.ac.uk/epay received notification of the amount • Cheques and banker’s drafts (GBP) due in your tuition fee statement letter. should be made payable to ‘Edinburgh Napier University (Fees)’. They should Payment plan options are: have your name; address and • 50 per cent at enrolment and Edinburgh Napier number printed the balance in January; on the reverse and should be sent • Three payments in October, to: Fees Office, Finance Services, January and March; or Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill • Six monthly payments from Campus, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, October to March. EH11 4BN, Scotland, UK. • Bank transfer; please ensure you These can be arranged by Recurring include your full name and your Card Payments – an online facility Edinburgh Napier number. to set up payment plans with debit Our bank details are: or credit card. Name: Royal Bank of Scotland Fee deposits Address: 206 Bruntsfield We require a non-refundable deposit Place, Edinburgh, of £3,500 prior to or at matriculation EH10 4DF where annual fees are in excess Sort code: 83-18-25 of £6,500. Account Number: 00261075 Account Name: Edinburgh Napier Prompt payment discount University Tuition A discount of £150 for full payment Account made 30 days prior to matriculation will be allowed for self-funded If your payment is being sent from students with annual tuition fees outside the United Kingdom but within in excess of £6,500 (with the the European Union you should quote exception of Collaborative Students). the following IBAN reference: GB11 BOS 831825 00261075 BIC BOS GB2L

For further information on the payment of tuition fees and payment methods available, email [email protected]

25 26 Payment by a Sponsor Supplementary Modules Students may arrange to have their If you wish to take any additional fees paid by their employer or other modules over and above your sponsor organisation. Where an standard annual programme approved letter of sponsorship has requirements, additional fees will be been provided the student’s personal charged for each additional module. contribution will be adjusted accordingly. Please provide any Exemptions necessary purchase order numbers If you have been granted any from your sponsor. exemptions, equivalent to 50 per cent or more of your annual The sponsorship letter should be programme, you may be entitled written on headed paper and to a reduction in tuition fees for returned to our Finance Office at: the relevant academic year. Finance Services Edinburgh Napier University Withdrawals Sighthill Campus If you formally withdraw from your Sighthill Court course within the first four weeks Edinburgh of the academic session, you may Scotland be entitled to a refund or reduction United Kingdom in fees. You must complete and EH11 4BN return the relevant withdrawal documentation to your Programme If you are being sponsored for more Leader. Where applicable, the non- than one academic year this refundable deposit will be deducted information will need to be updated at from any overall refund made. the start of each new academic year. Deferrals Are there any other costs If you have paid tuition fees for I should consider? a relevant academic session and then arranged to defer your studies, Reassessments incremental fees will be charged on Annual tuition fees cover matriculation, your return into a future academic assessment and reassessment. session. (If you are a non-EU However, if you are required by international student please check a programme board to repeat/retake the conditions of your visa as it will a module with attendance you will be not normally allow you to defer charged for each repeat module your studies and remain in the UK). undertaken at an appropriate fee rate.

27 What happens if I can’t pay my fees? Student loans, bursaries and fees If you think you may have trouble To be eligible to apply for financial paying your fees please seek support you must meet the residence advice from: conditions as set out in The Students’ Allowances (Scotland) Regulations Student Funding Team 2007. You can find out more by Email: [email protected] visiting www.saas.gov.uk OR Apart from my tuition fee, ISAS (Independent Student Advice how much money will I need? Service) Tel: +44 (0)131 229 8791 We recommend that you bring at Email: [email protected] least £1,000 in travellers’ cheques (GBP) and some cash. You may need Please also notify Edinburgh Napier more than this if you are going to be Finance Services as soon as possible. living in private accommodation where you may need to pay a deposit Debt collection policy as well as rent. The following sanctions will be taken in relation to any debt outstanding You need to ensure you have enough four weeks after the start of the money to cover all your tuition fees academic year: and living expenses. Do this as soon • Students will have access to University as you can as it is virtually impossible facilities and services withdrawn. to make arrangements for financial • Students will be prevented from support once you have left your submitting assessments or from home country. You may wish to order taking end of trimester exams. British currency (travellers’ cheques) to cover your immediate needs on • Students will be formally withdrawn arrival in the UK, including any from the University. customs charges, transport fares • Continuing students will be and emergency expenses. prevented from progressing into their next year of study. Please remember that applicants who • Final year students will not be able owe fees of more than £6,500 must to attend graduation nor receive make a payment of £3,500 to receive their Parchments; course an unconditional offer letter. completion letters will not be issued either, if all monies due to the University remain unpaid by student or their sponsor.

28 Other living costs • Visa extension fee There will obviously be other daily Non-EEA students who need to expenses you will need to consider: extend their Leave to Remain (visa) • Local transport in the UK will have to pay a fee to Bus travel in Edinburgh currently apply. The current charge is £386 costs £1.40 for each journey or you for postal applications or £702 for can buy a ‘Student Ridacard.’ This in person applications. Admissions costs £40 for unlimited travel for & International Support can help four weeks (£36 per month by with your application and advise advance direct debit) and can then on the supporting documentation be renewed. The full fares and you will need. various types of cards are available on the Lothian Buses website at: How do I open a bank account? www.lothianbuses.com It is unwise to bring large amounts of cash with you or to keep cash in your • Police registration certificate accommodation so please open a bank Non-EU international students must account as soon as possible. It should register with the Police shortly after be one of your first priorities when their arrival in the UK. The Police you arrive in the UK as you will need Registration certificate costs a UK bank account if you want to pay approximately £34. your tuition fees by direct debit. • Childcare costs Before you leave home, check with If you have a young family, please your bank in your home country take these costs into account. whether it has a special relationship Visit: www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk with a bank in the UK and whether it • Textbooks and stationery can assist you with opening a UK bank Although core reading texts can account. At some international banks, be borrowed from the University you can open an account in your home library, you should allow £200 – country (or online) and access the £250 per year to cover the cost of account from the UK making it easier buying additional course materials. for funds to be transferred from your • Warm clothing home to the UK. If you come from a country with a warm climate, you should include an additional amount to cover the cost of purchasing warm clothing for the winter months. We recommend £250 for this purpose.

29 If your chosen bank requires proof of cash. You may need more than this you are a student, you can request if you are going to be living in private a Bank Letter from Student & accommodation, where you may need Academic Services at Merchiston to pay a deposit as well as rent, or if Campus. When you visit your you are accompanied by dependants. preferred bank remember to take the following items with you: If you bring a banker’s draft in • your passport; sterling (GBP) with you, payable to yourself, you can open an account • the original, unconditional offer with it. The draft will take letter from the University; approximately five days to clear. • evidence of your home address such Generally, you will not have to pay as a bank statement (translated if any charges for transferring the possible); and funds into a UK bank account, • evidence of your Edinburgh address provided the funds are in sterling (such as a tenancy agreement from (GBP). However, a charge is made a reputable letting agency or a to transfer funds electronically. utility bill). It is sometimes difficult for students to provide adequate If you are a sponsored student and proof of their Edinburgh address, your sponsor has given you a banker’s in which case we recommend you draft or cheque, please note that it ask us for a Bank Letter. will not be possible to obtain cash for either of these in the UK and it will Most banks offer a basic bank have to be paid into a bank account. account in conjunction with a savings account. This means that you will not Visa and Access (MasterCard, have access to any credit facilities. Eurocard) are widely accepted Due to tightened security measures, throughout the UK. They are also it may take several weeks for your a useful means of establishing account to be opened so please a credit rating. ensure you bring enough money to cover your expenses during this time.

We recommend students living in University accommodation bring around £1,000 in the form of traveller’s cheques in UK pounds sterling (GBP) and a small amount

30 When you arrive

Your first week at Edinburgh Napier Starting at University can be both acts as an introduction to your an overwhelming and an exciting course and to the University and is experience. To make things easier an opportunity to get some vital during your first week we recommend (and fun!) tasks completed. that you follow this handy checklist:

q Settle in to your accommodation. q Meet your Programme Leader and fellow students at your Induction Session. q Pick up your Programme Handbook and timetable. q Attend the Welcome workshop Making a successful start or Getting Started (undergraduate) or Goal setting for success (postgraduate), designed for you and your fellow students. q Attend your matriculation session and a 30-minute introduction to the computing and library services (which includes details of how to access your Edinburgh Napier email account). q Pick up your Student Card (at your matriculation session). q Select Option modules if applicable (see page 37). q Familiarise yourself with Edinburgh. q Register with a doctor. q Set up a student bank account (if required). q Get involved with Napier Students’ Association (NSA) Freshers’ Week, especially the Freshers’ Fair and join any NSA clubs or societies that may interest you. Please note, a passport or driver’s licence may be required as proof of age for Freshers’ passes.

Matriculation What is matriculation? Attending matriculation is one of the Matriculation is the formal process priorities during your first week at where you register with Edinburgh Edinburgh Napier, but what is it and Napier University. It includes an why do you need to go? introduction to the computing and library services, to show you how to use the University computer network, library systems and access your email account.

31 What do you need to bring to matriculation? In order to matriculate and officially become an Edinburgh Napier student, you will need to bring: q Your Authority to Matriculate form, signed by your Programme Leader (you will get this at your Induction session) q Proof of who is paying your fees – otherwise you may be expected to pay q Exam certificates – the original copies of your qualifications q This guide and the accompanying letter q Overseas students will also be required to bring their passport and visa stamp.

More information about induction and matriculation can be found on our website: www.napier.ac.uk/welcome

Your Student Card Please email a passport sized photograph in .jpg format along with your Edinburgh Napier number and your name to [email protected] before you arrive. If you do this, you will receive your ID card at your matriculation session. Your ID card is essential for gaining access to university services, so you should carry it with you at all times.

If you have any problems with your STUDENT new Student Card, A Person please email [email protected]

10009999 Expiry: September 2011

1. Your Matriculation 2. Expiry Date – important 3. Your Library number (this is the same to ensure you have access barcode. as your Edinburgh Napier to buildings outside of number, given in any core hours. correspondence you have received from us).

32 Freshers’ Week and Napier Students’ Association

As soon as you matriculate, you will Student executive and representation automatically become a member of NSA is student led by elected Napier Students’ Association (NSA) students, three of them working which looks out for your best full-time for NSA. Any student can interests and supports your needs stand for election to this team and throughout your time at University. all students have the right to vote so it’s easy to get involved. It all starts with Freshers’ Week, which will welcome you to Edinburgh. There are also hundreds of course You’ll get a memorable introduction representatives – students from to student life and opportunities to every year of every course at the meet new people and make new University. NSA will train and friends. Events and entertainment support you if you want to become include parties, club nights, live acts, a representative and you’ll be able the Freshers’ Ball and the legendary to play a key role listening to pub crawl and you’ll get it all on the student needs and passing them cheap. You will also receive your on to the University. Freshers’ Handbook and Student Survival Guide – fantastic sources For more information on the of information on all aspects of NSA and the activities available student life. during Freshers’ Week, visit www.napierstudents.com Sports and societies There are dozens of sports clubs and student societies for you to get involved in at Edinburgh Napier. You can find out all about them from the NSA at the Freshers’ Fair. If your activity isn’t on offer, NSA will provide advice, support and maybe even a little funding to help you get it started.

33 34 Studying at Edinburgh Napier

Campuses The refurbishment includes a new Edinburgh Napier University is a student hub, new reception and multi-campus university. Our main state-of-the-art fully soundproofed campuses are in lively student areas music studios. The NSA will also be at Craiglockhart and Merchiston and based on the Campus for the first time. at Sighthill. They offer some of the most modern teaching and learning The University is aware that this will facilities in Scotland. be a disruptive period for students based at Merchiston and every effort Craiglockhart, Merchiston and our is being made to try to keep noise student accommodation are all within disruption and any diversionary easy walking and cycling distance of routes to a minimum. We appreciate each other. Sighthill Campus is just your understanding and patience a short bus ride away. All our sites whilst we make the changes. are easily accessible by public transport from the city centre too. Sighthill Campus Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN Craiglockhart Campus Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ Our landmark, state-of-the-art Sighthill Campus has been open for Our iconic Craiglockhart Campus is just over a year. Home to the Faculty home to The Business School. Two of Health, Life & Social Sciences, modern lecture theatres, a cyber cafe it provides cutting-edge facilities with its own Starbucks, language labs including a clinical skills suite, and computing facilities sit effortlessly hospital wards, high dependency unit, alongside historic B-listed buildings. forensic laboratory and crime scene room. Sighthill also boasts [EN]GAGE, Merchiston Campus the University’s sports centre, which Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT includes a hall large enough for two basketball courts and a fitness suite Between March and December with the latest exercise equipment. 2012 the University is undertaking some works to improve our For more details and directions Merchiston Campus. to any of our campuses, see www.napier.ac.uk/aboutus/campuses

35 Artist’s impression: Merchiston Campus from Colinton Road

36 The Modular Scheme Study methods All taught undergraduate and Edinburgh Napier uses the following postgraduate programmes are methods of study to deliver your course: modularised at Edinburgh Napier. Lectures; a large class (sometimes This means that all programmes over 100 students) lasting one or two are composed of modules, which hours. The lecturer will give a general are usually delivered and assessed overview of a topic and you will need in a single trimester. to take notes. Seminar; small classes (usually up Modules to 15 students). The tutor will notify Each standard module contributes students of topics in advance, and 20 credits/10 ECTS towards your students will prepare a short degree. Full-time undergraduate presentation for discussion. The aim programmes contain three standard is for students to analyse the topic modules per trimester, eg six standard through debate. Reasoned argument modules in each year of the programme is encouraged; don’t be afraid to speak (6 x 20 credits = 120 credits). An out, to challenge others (including the undergraduate degree with honours tutor!) and contribute your own ideas. comprises 480 credits. A postgraduate Tutorial; a meeting between a tutor degree comprises 180 credits. and an individual student or small group of students. This is an Compulsory, core and option modules opportunity for you to discuss the progress of your work and to tell Compulsory modules are modules the tutor about any problems you which you must take within your are having with a topic or with programme of study; study methods. Practical work; in some courses you Core modules are a group of modules will have practical workshops, eg in from which you will choose one or more; a laboratory, intended to give you Option modules are offered from an practical application of the theories. option pool of modules determined by Independent study; this is an integral your programme of study. Your choices part of our academic culture. It will may include modules relating to your help you develop key skills such as programme of study and/or modules research, critical analysis and problem from other disciplines which are solving, and to develop your own ideas. relevant to you. Written work; this may include essays, a project or a dissertation and assignment questions.

37 How many hours will I spend each trimester. Most modules are week in taught classes? assessed using a range of methods Your timetable at school or college – you’ll get details of these in your tends to be quite full. At Edinburgh module handbooks at the start Napier you may be taking three of each trimester. modules each trimester which might give you as little as six hours of What kind of feedback will formal taught classes each week. I receive on assessments? Your total amount of contact time On pieces of continuous assessment varies with your course, for example, you will receive a mark or a grade students in the Faculty of Health, Life and feedback. This is designed to help and Social Sciences can have a fuller you improve upon your performance timetable because they have to next time around. With written exams attend labs and practical classes. you get a mark only; there is no written feedback. Will I be expected to study in my own time? How many hours What happens if I do not might this involve each week? pass the assessments? Yes, the emphasis here is on For each assignment and exam independent learning, which is where there will be only one resit attempt. you work through course materials Marks for resits are capped at the and do assignments at your own pace pass mark which is 40 per cent. and in your own time. Each module you take is allocated a notional 200 What if I find my course hours of study. Approximately 60 is not for me? of these may be attendance, but the Occasionally people realise that they rest (140 hours) will be self directed have made a wrong choice. Whatever study. You need to develop good time your reasons, the first thing you should management skills! do is talk to someone, such as your Programme Leader, Year Tutor or How will my work be assessed? Personal Development Tutor. We use a range of methods to assess Alternatively, speak to a Student your work. Continuous assessment Adviser who can offer impartial advice, includes everything from conventional guidance and support by emailing essays and reports to pieces of group [email protected] work, presentations, podcasts, design projects, animation projects, portfolios and posters. There are also formal written exams at the end of each

38 Online resources

Throughout your time at Edinburgh • Secure areas for you to store Napier University you will use the files on the University network. computing and library services as • The library system for finding they will be central to your studies. information and using electronic resources. During your first week at the • Your own student records to University you will be given an matriculate in subsequent years, introduction to the library and update your personal records computing services and how to make and see your results. best use of them. We will help you • Teaching and exam timetables. to use the computing and library • Online payments systems confidently so that you can • Napier Students’ Association (NSA), locate the best computer suite or school and departmental websites. library for your studies, how to log on • Powerful search functionality to the University network and how to to search student content held use the email system, virtual learning on University websites. environment and library catalogue. • Communications, including University-wide news and events, You can also take a library tour NSA announcements and to learn more about where to turn school announcements. for additional help and support while • My Site; your personal website you’re studying. which you can customise and upload documents and pictures to, to share Student Portal with your friends. You can create After you matriculate at Edinburgh your own area to collaborate Napier University you will get access on projects, set up surveys and to the Student Portal, your personal discussions and much more. gateway to our online environment. • Links to selected external It offers secure and easy one-step electronic resources. access to all the online resources and systems available to help you with After matriculation you will be able your studies and it is the tool that to log on to any computer inside the lecturers will use to communicate University, click on Internet Explorer with you. The portal can be accessed and use your Napier number to log in remotely wherever you are in the to the Student Portal. world to give you access to: • Our virtual learning environment. • Your personal Edinburgh Napier University email account.

39 40 Nimweb Moodle Nimweb is where all your personal Moodle is the online environment details, as well as your enrolment we use at Edinburgh Napier and assessment information, are University for supporting learning, managed during your time at teaching and assessment. Moodle university. It is accessed via the integrates a number of features Student Portal home page. It is your including access to electronic responsibility to keep your personal resources, communication, details up to date so make sure you assessment and collaborative tools. notify us about any change of name Once you have matriculated you will or address. This is also where we automatically be registered in the publish your module results each Moodle system and enrolled on to the trimester. modules and programmes that use Moodle. You can then access this by Teaching timetable logging in from any computer with Teaching timetables are published an internet connection. three times a year via the Student Portal. The teaching timetable for For more information once you have Trimester 1 is published in May, matriculated, visit the Student Portal. Trimester 2 in November and Trimester 3 in January/February. Please make sure you read the instructions available online explaining how to interpret your timetable correctly.

41 42 Computing resources At Edinburgh Napier University, you Whether on or off campus, wherever can access networked resources and you are in the world, you will always our virtual learning environment have support by email and telephone through the student portal 24/7 from from the central Support Desk. home or anywhere with an internet connection. Within the University Our libraries we provide access to more than 1,750 At university, you need to be an PCs and 150 Apple Macs across our independent learner. It’s important to campuses. Opening hours vary, be organised and plan your studies. however the 500-seat Jack Kilby Computing Centre at Merchiston Learning how to find and use Campus is open 24/7*. different types of information is an integral part of university study. It On campus, we provide access to: can be daunting to visit an academic library for the first time, but library • Face-to-face user support from our staff are here to help you find what Help Desks at the main campuses you need. including over 70 hours per week from the Jack Kilby Computing Centre. The libraries at Craiglockhart, • PCs 24/7* Merchiston and Sighthill have • Microsoft Office applications collections which support the and the internet. subjects taught on each campus. • Specialised software packages, This means that you will find most including: CAD, project of the books you want on your home management, statistics, campus, but you can also use the mathematics, computer library catalogue to request books programming, and many others from other campuses. to support your studies • Mono and colour A4 You will have an online induction and A3 printers. during matriculation, and specialist • Wi-Fi network connections subject librarians offer proactive for your laptop etc. support during your course including • Scanners and other lectures, drop-in sessions, workshops specialist peripherals. and hands-on computer lab sessions. • A laptop hire service from the main campuses. • Convenient vending machines * During trimesters 1 and 2 selling IT essentials. • Special low-priced purchase schemes for software for your own PC.

43 Library Catalogue Use the Library Catalogue to search Standard loans are 28 days, but for the books on your reading list. You some items may only be borrowed can also use the catalogue to renew for shorter periods of time. books online, without having to visit the library: http://nuin.napier.ac.uk Want to find out more? Come in and visit your library. To help you with your study, we have: For more details and a gateway • The textbooks and materials you need to our online resources, see https:// for your modules, including a large studentportal.napier.ac.uk/library collection of e-books and e-journals. • Flexible study spaces, with areas for You can only borrow books and use group study or individual quiet space. online resources after you matriculate, • Online information skills guides but our libraries are open to anyone including subject resource guides, to visit. Before matriculation, you can IN:FORM and Library Basics also find library opening hours and • Email reminders when your books details at http://staff.napier.ac.uk/ are due back, so you can avoid fines. services/library • Self-service borrowing and returns, so you don’t need to queue. • Enquiry services offering you personal assistance – in person, on the telephone or online (email [email protected]).

What our students say:

“The team in the library are approachable and make studying a much better experience.”

“I have never had a negative experience in coming to the library. They are always encouraging, polite, patient and they calm me down.”

“I do most of my study here as I cannot be productive at home.”

44 HULLO!

45 46 Tips and tricks for living here

1. Order groceries online – deliveries are 4. Carry your student card everywhere reasonably priced; at quieter times of – lots of food places and clothing the day it only costs £3! You won’t shops offer a student discount, have to carry heavy bags and they’ll normally ranging from 10-20 per cent. even bring them up the stairs for you. Check store windows for a discount sign but feel free to ask whenever you 2. Buy a Dayticket on the bus – Lothian make a purchase – the answer may be Buses can get you almost anywhere a pleasant surprise. in Edinburgh but if you’re taking more than three buses in a day, 5. Visit Primark – located a Dayticket is cheaper. Bus tickets on Princes Street, here don’t include transfers so this is a great without a Dayticket you’ll have to shop for flat pay for every new bus you board. accessories and clothes 3. Sign up for Groupon – you’ll get daily throughout deals sent to your inbox for a vast the year. array of products and services. Meals out are often on the list and this is a great way to try new places at low cost. Top 10 things to try right away

1. Haggis it in any You can taste this Scottish speciality convenience at almost any pub in the Old Town, shop but but Marie recommends The World’s Marie likes End on the Royal Mile. It’s a quirky eating it with a big little place and they offer a delicious cappuccino at Leaf and Bean Vegetarian Haggis option! coffee shop in Morningside. 2. A Scottish cup of tea 4. Irn Bru, the morning after For Edinburgh’s best tea, visit Loopy In Scotland, this soda actually outsells Lorna’s in the Church Hill Theatre Coke! If you’re feeling the effects building in Morningside. They don’t of last night’s whisky, many Scots fuss around with tea bags – it’s all claim this bright orange drink is the tea leaves here and their scones with ultimate hangover cure. clotted cream are to die for! 5. Deep fried Mars Bar (or the 3. Tablet chocolate bar of your choice) Also known as butter fudge, this These can be purchased at any candy is made from nothing but fish and chip shop but Anna loves condensed milk, butter and sugar Comiston Fry and thinks they – so it’s super sweet! You can find make particularly tasty ones.

47 6. A Ceilidh Triangles and rounds can be bought A typical Scottish folk dancing event. in most grocery stores. Try Millionaire An opportunity to drink AND work off Shortbread (topped with caramel the booze. and chocolate), chocolate covered (white, milk or dark) or the delicious 7. Greggs chocolate chip shortbread, which A British bakery that can be found on often tempts Anna at Starbucks. almost any street corner. A cheap and cheerful chain, they offer lots 10. Sandemans New Edinburgh of tasty, traditional food. Anna Free Walking Tour recommends the fudge donut. A great way to get your bearings and learn lots about your new home. 8. Museums Includes information on the history Edinburgh has loads of museums to of Edinburgh and some of the city’s visit and almost all of them have free greatest myths. There are even some entry. It’s a great way to learn about Harry Potter sites along the way. the city’s culture and past, while filling The tour is completely free but you time before University starts. will be encouraged to tip your guide. 9. Shortbread Marie loved this tour and found it This Scottish biscuit comes in the really helpful when she first arrived. standard, Walkers tin style fingers but can also be found in various shapes and sizes.

48 Things to do in Edinburgh

National Portrait Gallery Ghost Tour So much cooler than it sounds! Filled Although beautiful by day, Edinburgh’s with famous faces from the past and Old Town can be a pretty spooky place present, it offers a fascinating glimpse at night. On one of the many ghost into Scottish society. Set aside a whole tours leaving from the Royal Mile, you day to explore the paintings and can learn about the city’s brutal and photographs and don’t miss the haunting bloody past and get the socks scared Three Oncologists – Marie’s favourite. off you! For an extra dose of fear, pick a tour that takes you down into National Museum the underground vaults! Free and sitting bang in the city centre, the National Museum is equally perfect Rugby Game for a spur-of-the-moment visit or an Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s worth entire day’s outing. Recently renovated, a trip to to catch a it houses exhibitions on Scottish History, rugby game. The camaraderie between the natural world, cultures, design, and fans at an Edinburgh rugby match makes technology. The architecture of the main every game a big party! hall alone makes it worth a visit. Days (and nights!) out

The Royal Oak Sneaky Pete’s A tiny and ancient folk bar just off Down in the spooky Cowgate, this the bridges, this is a favourite among loveable venue hosts local bands as locals. They have the highest quality well as bigger international acts. folk musicians in Edinburgh, seven Marie discovered some of her new nights a week! favourite bands here but be warned; it gets loud. If your hearing is sensitive, The Cameo (particularly the double bill) best bring earplugs! This little independent theatre shows a great range of indie, international, and documentary films, as well as a handful of classics. Check out their double bill on Sundays, followed by a snack in their great café bar. Scottish Storytelling Centre There’s nothing like hearing a professional storyteller deliver a tale; whether its Scottish folklore or a zany sci-fi saga, a night out here is always fascinating. They’ve also got an amazing café – try the soup!

49 Places to eat and drink

Under the Stairs Black Medicine Hidden away below street level, this gem With outlets on Nicolson Street and of a bar dishes up plenty of class without near the Meadows, this funky little a side of pretentiousness. With a menu to establishment makes the best coffee. die for, a good range of beers and ciders The staff are so friendly; it’s easy to on tap and a relaxed and friendly waste hours here. atmosphere, this is Marie’s favourite The Waiting Room place to spend a Sunday afternoon. A fun and friendly bar located close to Black Bo’s Merchiston Campus. They offer a great Scotland is renowned for its beef and range of local beers, including popular game but Edinburgh boasts great veggie Brewdog bottles, and a student discount. places as well. This little restaurant The Tron has such a creative menu; you won’t THE place to go when your student be eating tofu here. A bit expensive, budget is getting tight. Drinks specials but completely worth a splurge! every night, plus the cheapest (but still delicious) pub grub in Edinburgh. The Brass Monkey Popular with students, this unique wee bar has a great ‘indie’ feel. They show a film for free, in a room full of cosy couches and colourful pillows, every afternoon at 3pm! Cloisters Marie would live in this pub if they let her. The perfect mix of old-time charm and modern comforts, this place boasts friendly bar staff, a delicious and ever-changing menu, and cosy seats by the fireplace.

Shops to Visit

Armstrong’s Emporium Out of the Blue With three locations throughout the city, A charming wee gift shop in Morningside, Armstrong’s is a most popular and this store carries artwork, jewellery and comprehensive vintage clothing shop. crafts by local artists, as well as a nice Remarkable retro clothes for men and selection of cards and novelties. women alike make it a great place to find crazy costumes and everyday outfits.

50 Events You Can’t Miss

St Andrew’s Day Hogmanay To celebrate the birth of Scotland’s Scottish New Year’s Eve festivities rival patron saint, several historic attractions those of any other country in the world. In open to the public for fee on November Edinburgh, there’s an astounding torchlight 30, including . Be sure procession on Calton Hill, a party in to get online and book your spot! Princes Street Gardens and on New Year’s Day itself, a newly-established games Burns Night event that locals and tourists alike enjoy. January 25 is not only a celebration of the birth of Scotland’s most popular poet but of Scottish culture itself. All over the country, people enjoy haggis, whisky, Ceilidh dancing and folk music on this magical night. Book ahead as events sell out quickly or better yet host a Burns supper yourself!

Weekend Excursions As fantastic as Edinburgh is, you’ll want to use your time abroad to travel as much as possible! Luckily, the city has convenient and affordable transport links to major cities in the UK and Europe. Here are a few we’ve visited and loved!

Dublin Capital of the Republic of Ireland, this Don’t miss: Viking city is less than a 45-minute • St. Stephen’s Green – a public park flight from Edinburgh. Book ahead with filled with swan ponds, flowers, and Ryanair and you might find a ticket for sculptures depicting important Irish less than £40! Take a city break here figures and events. or use Dublin as a base to explore the • Trinity College – while its main Emerald Isle, but be warned – nights attraction is the ancient Book of Kells out can be expensive. A few pints of (written on a Scottish Isle!) the stately Guinness in the tourist-filled Temple grounds are also worth a visit. Bar district can significantly lighten your wallet. Find a reasonably priced hangout before you start on the stout!

51 Isle of Skye Brilliant and bizarre, this is one of Don’t Miss: Scotland’s most famous islands for • The Old Man of Storr – just 20 good reason. Skye is packed with minutes north of Portree by car, an geological wonders, giving it a mystical, invigorating hike up this rocky hill fairy tale feel, and the people are so offers magnificent views of the sea. colourful and interesting, you’ll never • Faerie Glen – if you don’t believe be bored. Take a CityLink bus to the in fairies, this geological enigma picturesque seaside village of Portree, might just change your mind. Rolling home of Marie’s all time favourite Café hills, twisted trees and stone circles Arriba, and use it as a base to explore. abound. A lovely location for a picnic but don’t leave any litter; strange things happen to those who disrespect this place!

London A short flight or a five-hour train ride Don’t Miss: away, no stay in the UK is complete • Westminster Abbey – just west of the without a trip to the capital. London Houses of Parliament, this gothic is so big and diverse, it can be church is the traditional coronation overwhelming and you’ll need to allow site of Commonwealth monarchs and plenty of time for your visit. You could royal weddings alike. The tomb of stay in London for years and never see Mary, Queen of Scots, is also here and all its historic, cultural, architectural as an honorary Scot, you have to visit! and religious wonders. • Walk the South Bank – if the weather is nice, a few hours beside the river Thames is a great way to soak up local culture and get a glimpse of the Royal National Theatre, the Tate Modern art gallery and the London Eye.

52 Shetland Few students make it as far as If you’re into roughing it, you can even Scotland’s northernmost island but it’s rent a Bod. These former fishermen’s well worth the trip. More influenced huts are now bare-bones camping by Scandinavian culture than Scottish, accommodation for backpackers. the Viking influence can be seen in Bring a warm sleeping bag though as everything from village names to the the peat-fuelled fireplace is the only colourful timber architecture. It’s the heating available! natural environment however that makes Shetland really special. Take a Don’t miss: ferry from Aberdeen to the port city of • Muckle Roe – this island on Shetland’s Lerwick and rent a car to explore the west coast has challenging but island’s dramatic beaches, cliffs, and rewarding hiking paths, a gorgeous mountains. Marie and her friends spent hidden beach and best of all, a pool days unwinding in the wilderness. where Marie spent hours watching seals play. • Shetland Ponies – short, broad and kind of silly looking, this unique breed of ponies is considered quite intelligent and can be found all over the islands.

Glasgow Scotland’s largest city is an hour away Don’t Miss: by train. This industrial metropolis • Glasgow Cathedral – this well- may not have Edinburgh’s beauty and preserved medieval structure is more history but it’s the place for great than 800 years old and looks slightly shopping, theatre and live music. at odds in the heart of a bustling city. Save time to walk the graveyard behind when you visit – it’s delightfully spooky. • Mono – a vegetarian restaurant, independent record store, art gallery and live music venue! A funky local hideout that Marie loves to visit at the end of a day’s shopping.

53 Bristol A one-hour flight on EasyJet takes you Don’t Miss: to this lovely English city. Bristol has • The Pirate Harbour Tour – a great loads of activities for all ages, including opportunity to learn some of the museums and tours. There’s some great local history and secrets in a fun and shopping in the city centre and Clifton unusual way. Suspension Bridge offers fabulous • A Cappella Cafe – this delicious little views of the Avon Gorge. café has very little seating so book ahead, but their pizzas are to die for. Made fresh and to order, it was Anna’s favourite part of the trip.

Further afield Want to explore a little further? Book Resources for savvy travellers: ahead if you want to visit other popular • Scottish Youth Hostel Association – destinations on a student budget: for cheap accommodation • Stockholm – £120 • www.skyscanner.net – • Amsterdam – £70 free flight comparison website • Paris – £90 • www.16-25railcard.co.uk – • Berlin – £115 for train fare discounts • Barcelona – £90

54 Outdoor Adventures

Scotland can be blustery but when the weather’s nice, Edinburgh has so much to do and see outdoors! Whether you prefer hiking, picnicking, history or sport, you’re sure to find a suitable outdoor adventure here. Best of all, these wonderful attractions are completely free!

Arthur’s Seat The Royal Botanic Gardens An Edinburgh must-see! The 251-metre Just north of the New Town, this gem of volcanic mass rises behind The Palace of a park is stuffed full of flora from all over Holyroodhouse and towers over the old the world. While it’s open year-round it town. It’s a tough hike, so wear sensible is unsurprisingly most popular in spring. shoes, but totally worth the effort for Marie loves to visit in autumn though, the views from the top. This is Marie’s when the Scottish Heath Garden is alive favourite spot for a picnic. with colour. You can get here via the 23 or 27 bus towards Trinity – get off at Calton Hill the Gardens’ East Gate on Inverleith Row. The shorter sister of Arthur’s Seat is just as impressive as her sibling – and she’s The Pentland Hills covered in monuments to important Edinburgh is a bustling city, but you Scots! Strolling up the hill from Princes needn’t look far to find miles of peaceful Street you can see The Martyr’s landscape. By taking a 15 bus south Monument, The Nelson Monument, and towards Hillend, you can visit the the infamously incomplete Scottish Pentlands, a range of hills with multiple National Monument, among many others. trails overlooking the city. Tackling these trails makes a great weekend outing if The Meadows you’re looking to escape the hustle and A student paradise in late spring, this is bustle of the city centre or if you want a giant park just south of the city centre. to burn off some of whisky and haggis It’s perfect for a game of footie or a stroll you’ve been devouring! with friends. The Bruntsfield Links area in the park’s southeast corner is one of Scotland’s oldest public golf courses and it’s free. If you fancy playing a round, get started by asking at the Golf Tavern pub: www.golftavern.co.uk

55 56 Would you like to improve your English?

If English is not your first language support classes available if you would and you would like to improve your like to improve aspects of your English level we offer the following options: while studying your degree. The School of Marketing, Tourism & Languages Undergraduate EFL modules offers the following types of tuition On many of our programmes you to registered students: can choose English as a Foreign • Writing Workshops Language as one of the modules • Discussion and Presentation which you study each trimester. Skills Workshops Modules take place during the day • Individual Help Sessions and are usually taught in one three- • Pronunciation Laboratories hour block each week. Enrolment is very simple and you will sit a In these workshops you will practice Placement Test at the beginning writing and get feedback that helps you of each trimester, so we can allocate to improve your knowledge and abilities you to a class at the appropriate to the standards required at university. level. The modules will help you with aspects of your English such as: For more information contact • Essay Writing Dr Nick Pilcher: • Report Writing Tel: +44 (0)131 455 4731 • Debating Email: [email protected] • Negotiation Skills • Role playing Pre-sessional English courses • Research Skills Pre-sessional English courses are • Business and Cultural Issues offered to undergraduate and • Grammar postgraduate students who have • Vocabulary development already got an offer to study at the • Pronunciation University but need to improve their English in order to meet the entry For more information contact requirements for their degree Sheila Shea: programme. It provides an Tel: +44 (0)131 455 4305 introduction to academic culture in Email: [email protected] the UK, focuses on a number of key language points, considers different In-session English for study types of academic assessment, and support classes familiarises our new students with the In addition to the EFL modules there are University. We also visit some local other free-of-charge English language tourist attractions and discuss local 57 culture in the past and present. At the programme. Entry to degree end of the course all students go on programmes is conditional on a day-trip to another part of Scotland. successful completion of the Students are assisted with finding Pre-sessional course and achieving accommodation, setting up bank standard language requirements. accounts and the other practicalities • 12-week pre-sessional for living in the capital city of English course Edinburgh. The courses offered are: This course is for undergraduate • Four week pre-sessional and postgraduate students who English course have already got an offer to study at This course is for international the University but need to improve students who already have an their English in order to meet the unconditional offer to join a degree entry requirements for their degree programme but would like to programme. Entry to degree improve their English and academic programmes is conditional on skills before starting their studies. successful completion of the Pre-Sessional course and achieving • Six week pre-sessional standard language requirements. English course This course is for undergraduate For more information about the and postgraduate students who pre-sessional English courses please have already got an offer to study at contact Dr Yu Xiao: the University but need to improve Tel: +44 (0)131 455 4445 their English in order to meet the Email: [email protected] entry requirements for their degree programme. Entry to degree Other courses programmes is conditional on We have rich experience in running a successful completion of the variety of short courses for international Pre-sessional course and achieving students. In the past few years, we have standard language requirements. offered summer schools of different lengths and levels to Saudi, Russian and • Nine week pre-sessional Chinese students. We are looking to English course expand upon these activities and to This course is for undergraduate explore other opportunities for growth and postgraduate students who into the future. have already got an offer to study at the University but need to improve For more information contact Dr Yu Xiao: their English in order to meet the Tel: +44 (0)131 455 4445 entry requirements for their degree Email: [email protected] 58 Studying in the UK for the first time?

So what is university really like? You’ll probably find that you have It’s challenging but exciting. You’ll much more free time than you were be expected to really stretch yourself expecting with fewer scheduled classes both as a learner and as an individual. during the week. What are you There is less interaction with staff supposed to do with all that extra time? than at universities in your home At university you need to be an country and more emphasis on independent learner; that means independent learning, so it might feel you’re in charge of your studies. a little impersonal at first. This can Organise your spare time in order to be quite hard, especially if you are cover your reading and coursework. starting university in the second or Set aside time in your diary for third year, but you’ll soon find you studying or research and begin those meet others with common interests assignments in good time. and settle into your new environment. Over the summer, you could: At university, each assignment has a • Join www.yougofurther.co.uk the strict deadline for submission and it’s UCAS student network, to connect important to follow instructions about with other students coming to formatting and referencing closely. Edinburgh Napier University. • Follow Edinburgh Napier University Ask for help when you need it on Facebook to see what’s going on. You will experience big classes at • Read up on the course you are about university. At the beginning you to start and what’s involved in the might feel uncertain about asking modules you’ll be taking on the questions. But no-one expects you Edinburgh Napier University website. to know everything! If you’re joining • Take part in the activities on SPICE- year 3 or 4 of an undergraduate International. This is your personal course, you almost certainly will have interactive web resource to introduce some questions. you to Edinburgh Napier University: www.spice-int-undergraduate. Don’t be afraid to make yourself napier.ac.uk known to your tutor or module leader. Tutors will be able to give you more Keep on track! individual advice if you introduce It can be hard to keep your studies yourself to them. Some tutors have on track, particularly if you have times when you can drop into their other commitments, so it’s important office and ask for advice. They are to be organised, and plan your there to help – and it’s important studies from the very start. to be proactive about asking for it.

59 60 Study skills

Even if you’re already a top student, • Giving an oral presentation – at Edinburgh Napier there is always showing you how to plan and something new to learn about deliver an informative, engaging academic skills like essay writing, presentation. We will discuss how critical thinking, or referencing. We to reduce stress, make good use offer academic skills workshops to help of visuals, field questions, and you get the most out of your time here. captivate your audience. • Referencing and plagiarism Academic skills workshops: – looking at how to reference what’s on offer? properly, including how to quote We run a programme of Academic Skills and paraphrase, and how to use Workshops in Trimesters 1 and 2. A the Harvard method to reference typical workshop runs from one to two sources. We also look at what hours in length. They are all full of hints plagiarism is and, crucially, how to and tips on how to improve marks! avoid it. Be wise, don’t plagiarise! • Ready or not: exam preparation A typical trimester will include and revision – preparation is key workshops on: to succeeding in exams! We discuss • Scientific report writing – gain skills revision strategies, what examiners on how to structure and present are looking for, and how to improve scientific research findings in a your exam performance. professional scientific report. • Structuring your essays and reports The workshops are open to everyone – writing your first essay or report and are free of charge. They offer at university can be daunting. In this you practical, useful, and time-tested workshop, learn how to unpack strategies applicable to nearly every a question, structure an answer, aspect of your university study. and include source materials. • Critical analysis for assessments – develop your critical thinking skills including analysing written material, spotting faulty reasoning, and developing a more questioning reading style. • Critical writing – an advanced workshop on writing, full of hints and tips on how to write more critically, use source material in-depth and use evidence to develop logical and well-reasoned arguments.

61 How do I find out more? Full dates and times of the workshops running in each trimester will be available online once you matriculate. Watch out for announcements from [email protected]

Seek out information Actively seek out information you need – this isn’t always easy when you don’t know what you need to know! Read your course information carefully, and make the most of induction week activities. Ask library staff to help you search for information. Discuss study techniques with other students. Being independent doesn’t mean being isolated.

Get ready for University Study www.napier.ac.uk/getready is a website designed specifically for our students to access information about studying at university. Our own students feature strongly, offering useful tips and advice, and sharing their experiences of studying here.

62 Student mentoring

Students often find their first year of All of our mentors are trained studying at university quite challenging, students who have been studying because so much is new. A student with us for over a year. They are mentor can offer friendly, informal students from a wide variety of support and advice to help you get up to backgrounds who understand the speed with life as a university student. challenges you are facing when entering university from school, Our trained student mentors have college or the workplace. Working already experienced university life, with your Student Mentor, you’ll and are able to share their gain confidence in your own abilities experiences with you. Your mentor and adjust more quickly to life can help you: at Edinburgh Napier University. • settle into your course; For more information, please email • set study goals and priorities; [email protected] • tackle the process of writing assignments; or • get ready for presentations and exams.

What our students said:

“My mentor was a great help with all the issues I’ve been concerned about. I feel a lot more confident about things now.”

“I have gained an insight into how to apply myself to university coursework that I would otherwise not have had.”

63 64 Confident Futures

Personal skills for professional When communicating and working development with others, we have workshops Edinburgh Napier is the only university that include: to offer all our students an exciting, • assertiveness; high quality and purposeful • effective communication; and programme of personal development • interacting with and events – Confident Futures. The influencing, others. programme is designed to help you develop your personal skills and When managing yourself, we have attitudes so you can be more workshops that include: confident and successful, both at • know yourself and others; university and beyond. We want you to • manage yourself, manage your time; reach your potential at university, and • building resilience; to become first choice with employers. • make feedback work for you; • dealing with change, or taking Depending on what you’re studying, on challenges; and some Confident Futures workshops • goal setting. may be offered as part of your course, eg before you do your first When working professionally, you group work assignment or before you can select workshops that include: go out on placement. All Edinburgh • creating convincing proposals; Napier students can book onto our • problem-solving; open programme of workshops free • managing conflict; and of charge. Workshops include • networking. opportunities to identify and use a range of skills and tools to help To find out more about Confident you, for example: Futures and see what current students are saying about us, visit: www.napier.ac.uk/confidentfutures

65 66 Careers

Our Careers team is here to support • A Facebook page where all events your professional development are advertised. throughout your journey as an • A part-time job-shop on Twitter. Edinburgh Napier student and for three years after you graduate. In All Careers services run at conjunction with your academic Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill programme, we aim to help to prepare plus our online guidance service, you for the world of work. For all your Ask Careers, is available if you find career-related questions such as how it difficult to get to a campus. to get a part-time job while you’re Find out more by clicking on Careers studying or if you are looking for from the student portal homepage. guidance in working out what to do after your course ends, the Careers Student employment team are happy to help you. We understand that many of our students will want to work during their Careers services that support your studies. It is important that you are development include: aware of the rules concerning • A wide range of skills development employment in the UK and can workshops. manage your time to ensure a healthy • Access to key local and national balance between work and study. employers to discuss your options. • An online Vacancies and Events Tier 4 International students are service where you can browse permitted to work up to 20 hours hundreds of opportunities and per week during each trimester and sign-up to careers events. full-time during vacations unless it • Individual drop-ins and is otherwise stated in your passport. appointments. Please note that we recommend that you work no more than 15 to 20 hours per week during each trimester.

What our students said:

“Thank you for the CV and cover letter help… Application was successful.”

“It has given me loads to think about and ideas of how to make it happen!”

67 You can check UKCISA for Post-study work up-to-date regulations: From April 2012, the Tier 1 Post-Study • Non-EU international undergraduate Work route will be closed to new students may work full-time during applicants. This applies to all students Christmas, Easter and summer who graduate after April 2012. vacation periods. • Non-EU international Masters Instead, students graduating with students may work full-time during a UK degree will be able to apply Christmas and Easter breaks only. for a job with a UK Border Agency They are not permitted to work licensed Tier 2 sponsor. Because the full-time again until they have UK Border Agency is in the process completed their course. of introducing these changes, • PhD students are advised to work please check online for up-to-date no more than 20 hours per week information about this option at: during the period of their studies. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ visas-immigration/working EU accession countries and employment: • Nationals from the following Alternatively please contact the countries, which joined the EU on team by emailing 1 May 2004, should apply through [email protected] the Worker Registration Scheme if they wish to work: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Looking for part-time work? Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia: The Careers team will be running www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ a part-time work mini-fair workingintheuk/eea/wrs on Thursday 4 October 2012 • Bulgarian and Romanian nationals from 10.30am to 2.30pm at should apply for a Registration Craiglockhart Campus. Certificate on form BR1: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ Come along to talk to workingintheuk/eea/bulgariaromania employers about their • All other EU nationals are free to part-time opportunities. work as many hours as they can manage alongside their studies.

68 Disabilities and specific learning difficulties

Disabilities and health conditions Support at Edinburgh Napier in the UK At Edinburgh Napier, we have a Within the UK, there are laws to positive approach to supporting any protect and support anyone defined student advising us of a disability, as having a ‘disability’. For the health condition or learning difficulty purposes of the law, a disability and we have many students in this is defined as ‘a physical or mental position. In some circumstances it impairment’ that has a long term is essential to start planning ahead or substantial adverse effect on the in plenty of time to ensure that any ability to carry out day-to-day support you need can be discussed activities’. This can include: and put in place within the right • Physical and sensory impairments timescale to suit your studies. If (eg problems affecting mobility, you are coming to the University and sight or hearing). have any questions or concerns • Long term health conditions about possible support that you may (including ‘hidden’ health problems need, please contact the Disability & such as heart conditions, diabetes, Inclusion Team as early as possible. epilepsy or mental health difficulties). Any initial discussions will be • Learning difficulties confidential and we will ask for your (such as dyslexia). consent before we share any sensitive information about your ‘Long term’ usually means something needs with other staff. that is likely to last or have an impact for at least a year (or much longer). Members of the Disability & Inclusion Having a ‘substantial and adverse Team can be contacted at any time impact on day to day activities’ means during the year. that it can affect a number of the things you do on a daily basis, eg It is particularly important you get travelling from place to place, in touch with us if you think you may doing physical activities, shopping, need any of the following: communicating with others, dealing • Advice or information about the with information etc. support available.

69 • A discussion or an assessment Fire evacuation and Personal of your individual needs. Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP) • Adjustments to teaching or If you have a disability, long term residential accommodation. health condition or a temporary • Access to specialist technology health condition that is likely to affect or equipment. how quickly and safely you can exit • Information in alternative formats. the University in an emergency, you • Personal assistance. will need a PEEP. For example, you • Special examination arrangements. will need a PEEP if you are a • Help with claiming Disabled wheelchair user or have significant Students’ Allowance. mobility, vision or hearing problems. (You may also need one in other When you get in touch, we will: situations, eg if you are pregnant and • Provide information about the have any related health concerns, support that is available. or if you have a broken limb.) • Discuss your support needs in person, by phone or email. PEEPs will be completed by the • Arrange a visit for you (if required) University’s Fire Safety Officer, to see the accommodation in discussion with you and a (teaching and residential) representative from your School. and other University facilities. The PEEP ensures you have a clearly • Arrange for you to meet relevant explained plan detailing what you staff within the Disability need to do in the event of a fire & Inclusion Team, the Disability or other emergency evacuation. Contact for your academic school, For health and safety reasons, this or Accommodation Officer. must be completed soon after you • Advise you about specialist join the University. assessment, access to funding and equipment. If you think you need a PEEP • Ask you to provide evidence of your and have not been contacted within additional support need or disability. four weeks of joining the University, please raise this with your Head of School.

70 Advice and guidance

Counselling funding and fees, debt and money Our counsellors support students management, housing and tenancies, who have personal issues causing employment and consumer rights, them concern or who are emotionally immigration status and benefits. upset. Counselling is about helping you to understand life better, enabling ISAS advisers can access information you to live a more fulfilling and on almost anything and where satisfying life. It is an ongoing process necessary refer you on to another built on the relationship between agency. Advisers are here to listen, you and your counsellor. It is the help you explore your options, and counsellor’s job to listen to you with help you make an informed decision. complete concentration in a way Where necessary they will write letters that is warm, genuine and on your behalf and/or make telephone non-judgemental. enquiries, and accompany you to meetings and/or formal University You can expect your counsellor hearings with the aim of negotiating to accept what you say, to try and a solution or resolving the problem. understand you and to be honest with you. We also offer various Contact ISAS: self-help techniques. For more Tel: +44 (0)131 229 8791 information please contact Email: [email protected] [email protected] Spirituality, faith & chaplaincy ISAS (Independent Student The University chaplains offer a Advice Service) range of skills and experience gained in the community. They can provide What is ISAS? spiritual direction, advice in matters ISAS is the Independent Student of faith, opportunities for workshop Advice Service. It is a campus-based and prayer, and support in times of general advice service set up to personal crisis. provide Edinburgh Napier students with accurate and up-to-date They can advise and support you in information and support. matters such as bereavement & loss, HIV/AIDS and relationships. Chaplains As soon as you become a matriculated are happy to meet with you to discuss student here you are entitled to use the traditional services of the Church, this free service. Advice is provided such as weddings and baptisms. on a wide range of course related and Contact the Chaplaincy Team to university issues as well a broad range discuss religious services, spiritual of welfare-related issues, such as issues or general support.

71 Please note that you do not need Service treatment without charge, to have a particular faith or belief provided they are registered on a to access help and support. recognised course. However, there is a charge (currently approximately £7) Chaplaincy crisis support for each item of medicine that a University can be a challenging place doctor prescribes. Please be aware for everyone involved. When life gets that you will have to pay for dental to be a bit of a struggle, and you’re treatment and visits to an opticians. not sure which way to turn, our chaplains can offer confidential and Important points: non-judgemental support for as long • Remember to bring with you as you need it. In particular, they can a supply of any regular medication help if you are feeling lonely or you are taking. isolated. Edinburgh Napier chaplains • Please be aware that services are a resource for everybody within provided under the National Health the University – for those who have Service may vary from the healthcare a faith and those who don’t. They system in your own country. simply aim to offer a safe place for care and support. Health insurance All international students in full-time Contact the Chaplains: education in Scotland are eligible for Tel: +44 (0)131 455 2926 National Health Service (NHS) (24-hour helpline) treatment. This includes your spouse, Email: [email protected] registered civil partner and school age children (if still in full-time education). Health and insurance Please note that this only applies while you are studying in the UK. Proof of Registering with a doctor student status must be provided when If you are staying in Edinburgh for registering with a Health Centre (your more than three months, you should unconditional offer letter from the register with a doctor soon after university, proof of ID and proof of your arrival so that you can receive address has to be shown). treatment quickly and easily. Special arrangements for registration at If you are a student from a European doctors practices are made during Economic Area country, you are Week One at the beginning of the also exempt from NHS charges as trimester and you are strongly advised long as you have proof of status to register then. Full-time overseas (eg your passport). students who become ill after arrival in the UK may obtain National Health

72 We recommend that you take out Mail sent to destinations in the UK can private medical insurance to cover be sent either first or second class. the period until registration The cost varies according to the size (matriculation) at the University. of the envelope. First class mail is It may be worth considering an generally delivered the following day; additional policy, especially designed second class can take longer. You can for international students, which covers buy stamps from the post office or your insurance needs comprehensively from a stamp machine and also from including repatriation costs in the many shops including supermarkets event of illness. and newsagents. Mail can be posted at the Post Office or in the red post Full details of the policy offered boxes on the street, which show the by Endsleigh Insurance (‘Insurance collection times on the front. They are for International Students Studying quite common and can be found on in the UK’) are available online: most main streets as well as in some www.endsleigh.co.uk of the larger supermarkets.

Other companies also offer insurance In addition to the ordinary mailing policies for students so do look for service, the Post Office offers a the best package. banking service called Girobank and it is possible to pay some bills (such Personal insurance as telephone, water, gas or electricity) You should take out adequate through the Post Office even if you insurance protection to cover do not have an account with them. personal items – baggage, books, There may be a small charge for this personal computers, etc. Insurance service. You can also buy postal can be arranged on arrival but make orders or overseas money orders sure that your travel insurance to send in the mail. In addition, you continues until you have other can order foreign currency/travellers arrangements in place. cheques (no commission is charged) and transfer money electronically Staying in contact through the Post Office.

Postal services Telephone services Most Post Offices are open from Telephone services are provided 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday through a number of public and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday, companies including British Telecom although some small offices may (BT) and Virgin Media. There are have more limited hours. public payphones available on our campuses and throughout the city. Remember that making telephone calls, particularly long distance, 73 can be expensive. Depending on Transfer costs and reversed charges the telephone company, telephone It is possible to transfer the cost of calls to British numbers are usually a phone call so that the person you cheapest between 6pm and 8am are phoning pays for the call. Dial 155 and at the weekends. for the UK International Operator and ask for a ‘reversed charge call’. The If you’re considering living in the private person you are calling will be asked if sector then you should carefully they accept the charge. This should be consider the options before signing up avoided as it is an expensive option. with a telephone service provider as companies offer different packages. Mobile phones (cellphones) There are 45 million active mobile International direct dialling phones in the UK and you may prefer You can dial direct to over 180 to have one instead of a landline countries from the UK. There may (fixed telephone line) to your be cheap rate periods for direct accommodation. There are several dialled calls to Europe and North different companies and different America but this will depend on the handsets and SIM cards that you can telephone company (usually between buy. You should be very careful about 6pm and 8am every day). making international phone calls from your mobile as costs can be very high. To dial overseas you will need to dial: If you already have a mobile, you may 00 + country code + area code be able to use it quite cheaply in the (minus initial 0 or 9) + local number. UK but you should check with your Country codes and area codes are local service provider before you come listed in telephone directories or to Edinburgh. on the website for International Directory Enquiries at There are two types of mobile phone www.bt.com/international-guide usually available in Britain: • Pay As You Go Phone calls within the UK You pay a fixed rate for the handset All landline numbers in the UK have an and SIM card and then pay for calls area code starting with a 0, and then as you make them. You will need a local number. For local calls within to ‘top-up’ your mobile with extra your own area, you can omit the area money which can be done from code. For example, Edinburgh’s code is most supermarkets, Post Offices +44 (0)131. Omit the +44 (0)131 when and newsagents. This means you calling from a landline inside the area can keep control of your spending but dial it when calling from outside more easily, however call costs can the Edinburgh area. All mobile phone be more expensive. numbers in the UK begin with 07.

74 • Contract phones Public payphones You pay a monthly rental cost, with Dialling instructions can be found on various tariff bonuses (sometimes most public payphones. Standard including free minutes). The handset payphones accept 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 is usually free and the amount you coins and some will allow you to insert spend on your phone is debited a debit or credit card. These calls can from your bank account every be expensive, especially overseas, so month. The contract periods are it is best to get a phone card. usually for a minimum of 12-18 months so it can sometimes be hard Skype for international students to get The cheapest way to stay in touch contract phones. with family and friends at home is via Skype. Skype allows you to make If you want to buy a phone, get advice voice calls over the internet either from independent stockists on the free of charge or direct to landlines best deal for you. There are a number for a small charge. If you don’t of shops in the city centre including already have a Skype account then Carphone Warehouse, The Link and take the time to set up an account Phones4You which are not allied before you go and encourage your to any particular company or tariff. friends and family to do the same. Once you have bought a phone you Please visit: www.skype.com should also register it to prevent fraudulent use. You can do this by Domestic and business listings calling 08701 123 123 or visiting If you want to find local information www.immobilise.com in your area, for example where your nearest optician might be or where Phone cards you can buy parts for your computer Numerous phone cards (produced – you can call a directory enquiries by private companies) are available service. There are a number of in the UK offering cheap phone calls organisations which offer directory to overseas countries. You can get enquiries at different prices. The most some good deals; however, you will popular are BT’s 118 500 (or 188 505 need to consider all options carefully. for International Directory Enquiries), We advise you to use the internet and 118 118 or 118 247. These calls can be search for ‘international phonecards’ expensive however, and you can also using Google or Yahoo. Some local look up similar information on the web shops also stock phone cards. at www.yell.co.uk and www.118500.com

75 76 Contact us

We hope you’ve found this guide useful and that it contains all the information you need. If you’d like more information about your first day or week please let us know by emailing [email protected]. If you have a more specific enquiry, please email one of the following teams directly:

Accommodation (see page 15) Tel: +44 (0) 131 455 3713 Web: www.napier.ac.uk/accommodation

Admissions (see page 31) [email protected] (undergraduate enquiries) [email protected] (postgraduate enquiries)

Careers (see page 67) [email protected]

Confident Futures (see page 65) [email protected]

Counselling (see page 71) [email protected]

Disability & Inclusion (see page 69) [email protected]

Employer Mentoring (see page 67) [email protected]

ID cards (see page 32) [email protected]

77 International Support (see page 71) Tel: +44 (0) 131 455 4701 Email: [email protected] Web: www.napier.ac.uk/international

Napier Students’ Association (see page 33) Tel: +44 (0) 131 229 8791 Web: www.napierstudents.com

Study Abroad (see page 17) [email protected]

Student Funding (see page 23) [email protected]

Student Learning Advisers (see page 35) [email protected]

Student Mentoring (see page 63) [email protected]

Tuition fees (see page 23) [email protected]

Another good source of advice for international students can be found on the UK Council of International Student Affairs website, including information on travelling to the UK and working in the UK during your studies at www.ukcisa.org.uk.

78 Social networking

Although this guide is packed full of info and advice, there’s a lot more to discover online at www.napier.ac.uk

If you want to find out more about Edinburgh Napier University, get to know other prospective students and make new friends before you even arrive, why not check out some of these links:

Catch up with all the latest videos on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/edinburghnapieruni

Follow us on Twitter: @EdinburghNapier Get updates via SMS by texting: ‘follow EdinburghNapier’ to 86444 in the UK.

See Edinburgh Napier for yourself. Check our Flickr photostream: www.flickr.com/photos/napieruniversity

Join us on Facebook for all the latest buzz: www.facebook.com/EdinburghNapierUniversity

79 Saturday 8 September 2012 Saturday 29 September 2012 10am – 1pm & 1pm – 4pm 10am – 1pm Craiglockhart Campus Craiglockhart Campus

Come along to one of our Welcome events this year!

These events provide us with an opportunity to introduce you to Edinburgh Napier University so you can find out about all the support we offer new students. Includes welcome talks, stalls, workshops and much more...

To find out more please visit: www.napier.ac.uk/welcome

The same programme of events will run twice on Saturday 8 September 2012 and once on Saturday 29 September 2012. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Please note that all content was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. Please check online to confirm the most up-to-date information.

This publication is also available online and in alternative formats, such as audio, large print or Braille – please call: 08452 60 60 40, visit: www.napier.ac.uk/welcome or email: [email protected]

Produced by IDEA, June 2012. Job ref: 1777

Edinburgh Napier University is a registered Scottish Charity. Reg. No. SCO18373

Your Guide to Edinburgh Napier