International Students Guide 2019/20 EXETER AND CORNWALL CAMPUSES Contents
Checklists 3 Welcome 4 How to use this guide 5 Your offer 6 Visas and immigration 7 Your finances and fees 10 Accommodation 16 Students with families 21 Healthcare and medical insurance 24 Studying at the University of Exeter 27 What to pack 30 Travelling to Exeter and Cornwall 32 Your first week 37 Student support and facilities 40 Living in the UK 45 Maps 48 Useful contacts 53
2 BACK TO CONTENTS International students checklist
These checklists are a starting point for your planning.
You may want to add to it as you read this guide. Some parts will not be relevant to you, for example if you are an EU student you will not require a student visa.
Preparing to Before you leave When you arrive come to University at the University of Exeter
Make sure you have a valid Pay your tuition fee deposit Tell your family you have passport (if applicable) arrived Satisfy conditions of offer Pay your accommodation fee Collect your room key (if applicable) deposit (if applicable) Collect your Welcome Pack Respond to CAS email Activate your IT account (Freshers’ Week) (if applicable) Complete online registration Attend International Student Obtain Visa (if applicable) (EU citizens only) Clearance and collect your BRP (if necessary) Apply for accommodation Apply for your UniCard Collect your UniCard Book place on airport Register with a Health Centre collection service Complete online registration (Freshers’ Week only) Download the iExeter app (if necessary) Check if you need medical Prepare your documents Attend International Welcome screening or vaccinations for International Student Programme (or late arrivals Clearance meeting) Check if you need an ATAS certificate Buy currency to use while you Attend your academic open a bank account induction Arrange travel insurance Print our accommodation Complete Police registration Plan your budget information for your hand (if necessary) luggage Read emails from the Open a UK bank account University Complete Erasmus, Exchange Research International and Study Abroad paperwork Welcome Programme (if necessary) Find out about the Global Chums mentoring scheme
3 BACK TO CONTENTS Welcome to the University of Exeter
Dear Student,
Many congratulations on gaining a place at the University of Exeter. We are proud to welcome students, staff and visitors from around the world and we are looking forward to welcoming you here soon.
The University is based in the South West of England. We have two wonderful locations in the ancient city of Exeter. Our largest campus, Streatham, is a national botanic garden and a thriving education and research hub. St Luke’s, a traditional quad campus, is home to our College of Medicine and Health, Sport and Health Sciences and our Graduate School of Education. In Cornwall, our Penryn campus has a range of science, humanities and social science programmes, and is known globally for its research and courses in environment and sustainability, mining engineering and geology. We also have two clinical sites at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals.
We employ around 4,600 staff and offer the extensive facilities you’d expect to find in an outstanding Russell Group university. The University is known for its friendly and cosmopolitan atmosphere and by studying with us and enjoying the incredible opportunities we provide, your time here will help to set you on the path for success. We offer excellent graduate prospects, ranking 13th in the UK by the Times Good University Guide on this measure and our graduates earn more than the UK average across many of our subjects. We have many high profile alumni, indeed we can count Harry Potter author JK Rowling as one of them!
You are joining a vibrant community of over 23,000 students, including 6,000 non-UK students from 130 different countries. We celebrate our diversity and pride ourselves on excellent student experiences and academic excellence. We hold a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework for the quality of our education and are ranked third in the Russell Group of universities for student experience. Exeter was named The Times and The Sunday Times Sports University of the Year 2015-16. The University was also voted the Sunday Times University of the Year 2012/13.
We are ranked amongst the UK’s top universities in the Higher Education league tables produced by the Times and the Sunday Times and amongst the world’s top 200 universities in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings. In the latter, we count amongst the top 100 institutions in the world for our provision in programmes such as Geography, Psychology, Theology, History, English and Archaeology. We are 35th in the world in the Leiden ranking for the quality and impact of our research. As a result of our pioneering research in Diabetes we have been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
Exeter is a special place to study. This guide has been written to help you prepare and make the most of your time here. It is designed to answer practical questions about living and studying at our campuses before you arrive. There is a lot of information but please do read it carefully. If you have further questions please contact any of the people listed in this brochure.
I wish you a safe journey and we look forward to supporting you as you become one of our exceptional students.
Professor Janice Kay CBE Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor
4 BACK TO CONTENTS How to use this guide
Coming to study in another country is an exciting experience and we know you will have many questions. This handbook has been written with you in mind and we hope that the information it contains helps you to answer some of those questions and plan for your studies in the UK.
You should read the entire guide as much of the information will be relevant to you. Some information is relevant to all our campuses, some is campus specific and will be noted as such. We recommend that you print the guide and keep it in your hand luggage, along with information about your accommodation, when Birmingham you travel to the UK. You will then have all the instructions on arrival and useful telephone numbers will be easily accessible. Cardiff London We also strongly recommend that you make contact with Bristol EXETER your local British Council office while you are preparing to come Streatham Campus St Luke’s Campus to the UK. Take a look at the British Council’s website Truro www.educationuk.org It will provide you with very useful FALMOUTH information and give you an exciting taste of life in the UK! Penryn Campus
Any questions? If you have a serious problem Feedback when you arrive, outside UK office If, after reading the information, you If you would like to give feedback hours, please contact the University still have questions or would like on this guide you can do so by emergency telephone number clarification on any aspects please emailing us at Exeter campuses +44 (0)1392 723999. If you arrive contact any of the people listed in email [email protected] in Cornwall, please contact the guide and they will be pleased +44 (0)1326 255875. Cornwall campuses email to help. If you have more general [email protected] questions and are not sure who to We look forward to meeting you ask please contact the International at the beginning of your stay at the Student Support Office: University of Exeter. Exeter campuses email [email protected] Cornwall campuses email [email protected]
5 BACK TO CONTENTS Your offer
If your offer is have not achieved the exact grades to present original documentation for ‘unconditional’ stated within your offer. any qualifications listed on your CAS, Your offer letter may also ask for an along with your visa and passport at This means that we do not require English language score. If you need International Student Clearance on any further evidence from you (prior to improve your English level before arrival at the university. You will not to arrival at university) to prove that meeting the conditions of your offer, be permitted to complete university you meet the admission requirements. you may wish to consider a Summer online registration until you have If you have not done so, you will Pre-Sessional English course at INTO done so. If your documents are not need to formally accept your offer of University of Exeter. in English, you must also supply a a place. If you are an undergraduate, certified translation. Students studying you can do this on your UCAS track. You can accept your offer of a place on a Short Term Study visa will also You can accept your offer by logging before it becomes unconditional. need to present their passport and onto the Applicant Gateway, details If you are an undergraduate, you visa before they are able to register. of how to do this will have been should inform UCAS of your decision. If you are unsure of requirements, confirmed in your original offer email. If you are a postgraduate, you can please contact your home university accept your offer by logging onto the If you require a visa to study, international office or email Applicant Gateway, details of how to [email protected] you will need to present do this will have been confirmed in original documentation for any your original offer email. qualifications listed on your CAS, Pre-departure along with your visa and passport You will need to present original briefings at International Student Clearance, documentation for any qualifications We organise a number of social media when you first arrive at the University listed on your CAS, along with offer holder groups and pre-departure of Exeter, as you will not be your visa or entry clearance form briefings for international offer holders permitted to register until you have and passport at International Student which provide an opportunity to done so. If you are an EU passport Clearance, when you first arrive at interact with other applicants and/ holder and do not require a visa to the University of Exeter (you will not or current students and resolve any study, we will not need to see your be permitted to register until you final queries. Invitations to join such passport or documentation prior to have done so). activities are emailed to relevant offer online registration. If you are unsure If your documents are not in English, holders. In addition the British Council please contact the Admissions Office. you must also supply a certified coordinates pre-departure briefing translation. If your documents are not in English, sessions for students coming to the you must also supply a certified If you are a UK. These sessions are open to translation. applicants holding offers from any year/semester UK institution. You should contact If your offer is Study Abroad, your nearest British Council office ‘conditional’ International for further information: This means that the you have not yet www.britishcouncil.org.uk met all the terms of your conditional Exchange or offer. If you are an undergraduate, Erasmus student During the summer, we will send you you can view the conditions of your If you have met the requirements various pre-arrival emails. offer on UCAS Track. If you are a for the study abroad/ exchange Please make sure you read them and postgraduate, your offer email will programme then you will be sent check your junk email folder to ensure state the conditions of your offer. The an official acceptance email. This they haven’t automatically gone there offer may be conditional on an exam means that we do not require any – they are full of useful information you have yet to take or for which further evidence from you (prior to to help you prepare for study and life you are awaiting a result. If this is the arrival at university) to prove that you at Exeter, as well as vital information case, you should send a copy of your meet the admission requirements. about your programme during transcript to the Admissions Office as If you require a Tier 4 (General) Freshers’ Week or January Orientation. soon as you receive it, even if you Student visa to study, you will need
6 BACK TO CONTENTS Visas and immigration
7 BACK TO CONTENTS Visas and immigration
Checklist General advice Advice and assistance on Passport UK immigration Check you have a valid passport Please ensure that you have a valid Before you arrive and while you are passport – if you need a new one studying with us, specialist advice Satisfy conditions of offer or if your current passport needs on complex immigration matters (if applicable) to be renewed, do this as soon as is available from the International possible because the process can Student Support Office (ISSO). Read International Student Email ISSO at [email protected] Support Tier 4 website take several months. You must have at least one page which is blank on or [email protected] Receive your CAS, check both sides in your passport and we If you experience any immigration it is correct recommend that your passport be problems please contact us Gather necessary supporting valid for at least six months after you immediately. documents arrive in the UK. ISSO provides immigration advice Apply for visa UK immigration and services to prospective students, current students and The UK immigration rules affecting recent graduates, as well as to their everyone coming to live and spouses and other dependent family study in the UK are available on members. the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website www.gov.uk/ The designated advisers in ISSO check-uk-visa. You can also get are the only staff at the University relevant information from the British who are authorised to provide Embassy, equivalent in your country immigration advice. They are or their partner agency. regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner All students who are non-EEA which guarantees the competence nationals and who will be studying of advisers and ensures the in the UK for more than six quality of the advice or assistance months will need to apply for a provided. Further details about the Tier 4 (General) Student ‘entry Office of the Immigration Services clearance’ visa. Commissioner are available at www.oisc.gov.uk
8 BACK TO CONTENTS Visas and immigration
EEA and Swiss students All other Tier 4 (General) - Courses At the time of writing (January international lasting more than 6 months 2019), the information below is Most students who are non-EEA correct but there is constant students nationals and coming to study in the change in this area. Short Term Study - Courses UK for more than six months will lasting less than six months need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Up to date information and advice Some students on courses of less student visa. If you have any other is at www.exeter.ac.uk/eu than six months may wish to apply type of visa it is very important that for a short-term student visa. This you make sure that this will allow Britain is due to leave the UK on is a maximum six month visa and you to study in the UK. If you 29 March 2019. If you are an EEA it cannot be extended from within are unsure please contact or Swiss national and have been the UK. Working is prohibited but [email protected] accepted onto a course of study students can study part-time or at a in 2019/20, you should be able to low level. Students on a course of Passengers arriving in the UK enter the UK and begin your course less than six months cannot bring without a visa will be refused without a problem, but you may dependants to the UK with them. permission to enter. need to apply for an immigration status once you’re here. This category is only suitable for ATAS certain study abroad students or Some postgraduate courses in Depending on the rules that have those on short-term English courses scientific areas require students been agreed with the EU, you who do not wish to continue their to hold an ATAS certificate. If this will either need to apply for studies past six months. We strongly applies to you it will say so on your pre-settled/settled status in the UK discourage any other students who offer letter. A paragraph describing under the EU Settlement Scheme qualify for the Tier 4 (General) your research should be included which will allow you to stay in the student visa from applying for a in your offer letter and you will UK indefinitely, or you will need to short-term student visa. Students on need this exact paragraph when apply for a Temporary Visa to cover courses of less than 6 months can submitting your ATAS application your next 3 years in the UK. apply for the Tier 4 (General) visa instead if they wish to work during Your EEA or Swiss national family their studies. members will be able to apply for permission to stay in the same way, and in most circumstances your non-EEA family members will be able to do so as well.
You should check www.exeter. ac.uk/eu for up to date information and you can contact ISSO at [email protected] for advice.
9 BACK TO CONTENTS Your finances and fees
10 BACK TO CONTENTS Your finances and fees
Checklist Bank accounts It can take up to two weeks to open a bank account. You should There is no limit on the amount therefore make sure that you bring of money you can bring with you Exchange currency needed enough money to cover your into Britain, but you may need the expenses for the first few weeks in approval of exchange control in the UK. You might consider bringing Make a budget plan your own country. Start preparing travellers cheques, a cash card or well in advance by asking advice credit card with you. Please do not Pay tuition fee deposit from your bank at home. If you are carry large amounts of cash with (if applicable) carrying 10,000 (or equivalent € you or keep large amounts of cash currency) in cash to the UK and Decide method of payment in your room. and pay tuition fees you are travelling from outside the European Union you must To open an account in the UK you Decide how to pay your complete a cash declaration form. will need: accommodation fees More information is available from the HMRC C9011 form at • an application form from your Open a bank account www.hmrc.gov.uk preferred bank; • your passport; There are different types of bank accounts available in the UK. Most • confirmation that you are a full- students choose a current account. time student. Print a bank letter This is the basic account which from the iExeter Student Record you use for day-to-day purchases tab once you have registered and deposits. This type of account online or from the Penryn Info normally comes with a cash card, Point in the Peter Lanyon Building with which you can take money at the Penryn Campus. from cashpoints (ATMs) up to a daily maximum limit. Cashpoints are • proof of your address in the UK. usually accessible 24-hours a day This may be confirmed by the and located on the exterior walls University if you have University of banks and in some shops. Some accommodation or by a formal cash machines charge a fee but they tenancy agreement if you are in will tell you this before completing private accommodation. the transaction. It is not always possible for students on short courses or Opening a bank account exchange programmes to open Some worldwide banks allow you bank accounts. If you have difficulty to open up a UK bank account please contact [email protected] from abroad, but many students or [email protected] wait until they get to the UK to open an account so they can see Once you have successfully opened which is the best deal for them. a UK bank account, please ensure We recommend that you open a you provide the account details via bank account as soon as you get to the student online portal ‘iExeter’ the UK. There is one major bank i.exeter.ac.uk represented on the Streatham Campus and all major banks are represented in Exeter, Falmouth and Truro town centres.
11 BACK TO CONTENTS University fees and charges
Tuition and accommodation fees – due dates
Term Tuition Fees Accommodation Fees
Autumn (Term 1) 50% due 7 October 2019* The amount stated in your accommodation contract due 7 October 2019 Spring (Term 2) 50% due 13 January 2020* The amount stated in your accommodation contract due 13 January 2020 Summer (Term 3) N/A The amount stated in your accommodation contract due 4 May 2020
* If the assessed contribution to tuition fees is less than £500 and/or modular, the full amount is payable.
12 BACK TO CONTENTS University fees and charges
• Tuition fees are chargeable for the How to pay • You will also need to complete academic period required by the your Master Promissory Note There are various payment methods programme, with annual amounts (MPN). If you are also taking a available, for more information please charged for each academic year of Direct Plus loan you will need refer to the following web page the programme unless otherwise to complete a Plus Master www.exeter.ac.uk/students/finance/ stated. It is to be expected that promissory note and complete howtopay tuition fees will rise by a modest a credit check. Please visit amount (but no more than 5%) Other funding/ www.studentloans.gov/ each year, for the duration of mydirectloan/index.action study. This is to take into account sponsorship • Please also complete and inflationary pressures. For details of University funding return the Direct Loan student schemes please see our Funding information and email it to • Tuition fees can be found at database: www.exeter.ac.uk/ www.exeter.ac.uk/students/ [email protected]. funding/prospective If you finance/studentfees/tuitionfees are awarded a university-funded • Our school code (also known • If you are sponsored by an scholarship this will be deducted as the OPE ID) is G009442. embassy or government, please from the fees when we issue ensure you provide the Accounts your Confirmation of Acceptance • All information on financial aid Receivable Team with a financial of Studies. You may also want to for US students can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/students/ guarantee. Please email a scanned research scholarships from your finance/studentfunding/ copy to [email protected] or own Ministry of Education, from internationalstudents/usstudents provide it during registration. the appropriate inter-university organisation, or from the British • You must also make sure your Council in your home country. sponsor pays by the due date or you will be liable for late fees. If Financial aid for your sponsor fails to pay, you will be responsible for any fees due. US students • The University of Exeter • University accommodation charges participates in the William D will vary according to the type of Ford Direct Loan Program. The accommodation and duration of Direct Loan consists of both the your contract. See www.exeter. Stafford and Plus loan and can ac.uk/accommodation for further provide funding up to your cost information. of attendance. • We recommend that single • You will need to complete your unaccompanied students allow at Free Application for Federal least £800 per month for essential Student Aid (FAFSA). This can living expenses (accommodation, be submitted and completed at food, books, etc). www.fafsa.ed.gov. Please email [email protected] once this has been completed.
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13 BACK TO CONTENTS BudgetingBUDGETING for FORlife in LIFE the IN UK THE UK
Living in Exeter or Falmouth is comparable to living in any Basic goods Approximate costs in £ other major UK town or city and your cost of living will depend a Loaf of white bread £1.00 great deal on your lifestyle. It is estimated that a single student living 1 litre of semi-skimmed milk £0.75-£1.00 in Exeter or Cornwall will need approximately £1,015 a month to 6 medium eggs £1.50 meet basic living expenses such as accommodation costs, food, books, Margarine (500g) £1.00-£1.80 equipment and other necessities. Cheese (250g) £1.99 The information below should help you begin to plan your finances Cooking oil (1 ltr) £1.60 for living in the UK. Another easy way to understand whether you Pasta – uncooked spaghetti (500g) £1.00 have budgeted enough is to visit the international student calculator Rice (1kg) £1.50 www.studentcalculator.org.uk/ international Noodles (300g) £1.40 How much do Drinks things cost? If you do not live in catered halls, Cola (2ltr) £1.50-£1.98 the cost of food based on a western-style breakfast, light midday Coffee – instant (100g) £2.50 meal and hot evening meal is likely to be £45 – £55 per week. There Tea bags (80 bags) £2.00 are many outlets for buying food on campus and a hot meal ranges Mineral water (2ltr) £0.84 from £4.00 – £7.00. Food prices are very different depending on where you shop Food from overseas Heating and lighting and what products you buy. British shops and larger If you choose to live in private Supermarkets often have ‘own- supermarkets stock a wide range rented accommodation, the cost label’ brands which are cheaper of products including food imported of heating may not be included in than more recognised brands. from other countries and food your rent. If you are not used to You could also explore local meeting religious requirements, cold or damp weather, you may markets or bulk buying. for example, Halal. There are also need to keep the heating on for many local ethnic stores where you eight months of the year and this can find food you are used to eating may add significantly to your bills. at home. Please note, however; Allow a minimum of £500 for prices are often much higher than the year. Heating and lighting is at home. included in the cost of University accommodation.
14 BACK TO CONTENTS Budgeting for life in the UK
Books and Other costs Travel equipment To cover such items as laundrette Travelling around the UK can be The cost of books varies for and dry-cleaning, personal hygiene expensive if you don’t plan ahead. different courses and continues items and household articles, you There are student discount cards to rise; the average figure for will need approximately £360 for you can buy for national rail and one year is £460. the year. bus networks and these are worth purchasing in if you will use these You are strongly advised to check Entertainment services. For example, a single rail with your college if there are any You will also need some money ticket bought on the day of travel extra costs anticipated. Second- to follow interests beyond your from Exeter to London could cost hand books can be bought on academic studies. Even the most £50, but if you book in advance and campus and from outlets run by dedicated students need time to with a student card it could cost the Students’ Guild and similar relax and unwind! Here is an idea around £30. Megabus and National schemes run at the Penryn Campus. of how much it might cost yo u: Express offer cheaper alternatives. Low cost airline carriers operate There are many public computers from Exeter, Bristol and Newquay available to use on campus, but Costs £ airports and are worth considering most students choose to bring their if you are looking for a closer own personal computer. If you are Daily newspaper £0.80-£2.00 alternative to Heathrow. not in University accommodation you may be charged extra for Paperback books £7.00+ Useful reference websites: internet connection in your room. International student calculator: Magazine £2.50+ www.studentcalculator.org.uk Warm clothing The price of clothes varies Cup of coffee £1.40-£3.00 International Food prices: enormously and how much you www.tesco.com/pricecheck Cup of tea £1.00+ spend will depend on your budget. Books: Shops such as Primark, TK Maxx, Non-alcoholic drink £1.20+ www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk H&M and some large supermarkets www.amazon.co.uk have very inexpensive clothing Glass of wine £3.50+ lines. The average figure for warm UK weather: clothes, for one year, is £500. www.bbc.co.uk/weather Pack of cigarettes (20) £8.00+ Please see our ‘what to pack’ section for more information. UK living and culture: Cinema ticket £8+ www.britishcouncil.org Visa fees Should you need to renew your The cost of an evening out will vary. visa whilst you are in the UK, you There are a wide range of places will have to include the application and prices in Exeter, Falmouth fee (currently £475 and £475 per and their surrounding areas and dependant – more if you go to the many offer a student discount. For Home Office in person). You and example, if you go clubbing at the any dependants will also have to weekend expect to pay between attend a biometrics appointment. £5 – £10 for entry, or pay £8 for an inexpensive lunch.
15 BACK TO CONTENTS Accommodation
16 BACK TO CONTENTS Accommodation at Exeter campuses
Checklist What We aim to offer, as best as we accommodation can, single sex flats as well as Check if you are eligible for accommodation living with students University accommodation can I apply for? who have a quieter lifestyle. Applications open • Undergraduate students can apply There is a useful list of answers to 8 April 2019 for catered halls or self-catered frequently asked questions at accommodation (Exeter only). www.exeter.ac.uk/ Guarantee deadline accommodation/applying/faq 31 July 2019 • International postgraduate students can apply for self-catered Check what is available Self-catered in your room accommodation. • Study Abroad and Exchange accommodation students can apply for self-catered There is a variety of self-catered accommodation at Exeter, if you accommodation including en-suite, are studying for a full year starting standard and self-contained studio Accommodation in September. rooms. guarantee: Exeter • If you are only in Exeter for Flats and houses are shared campuses one semester please visit between three and twelve students, With over 5,900 bed spaces the accommodation website who have their own study bedroom at Exeter, we are able to offer for further information. and share communal facilities accommodation in University www.exeter.ac.uk/ (bathroom/shower and toilet owned/approved/managed accommodation/students/ facilities depend on whether the accommodation to many of our prospectivestudents/ room is ensuite or not). Each flat students. We have a wide range erasmusexchange has a kitchen which contains: cooker of accommodation styles, standards with oven, hob and grill, microwave and budgets, designed to suit the • You are defined as an oven, refrigerator and freezer, and different needs on and off campus, ‘international’ student if you some have a communal dining area of the diverse student community pay international fees (see your or lounge. The study bedrooms at both undergraduate and academic offer). vary in size and are furnished with a postgraduate level. • Take a look at the accommodation bed, wardrobe, bookshelves, desk website www.exeter.ac.uk/ and chair and lamp or fixed lighting. If you apply by 31 July, we guarantee You can find more details of facilities to offer you accommodation, as accommodation where you will find comprehensive descriptions in our residences at www.exeter. long as you have firmly accepted ac.uk/accommodation/residences our offer of a place on a degree of our residences, photo galleries, programme at the University of location maps, sample contracts Alternatively, studio rooms provide Exeter and you are in your first year and current prices. an open-plan living space with en- of study. Virtual tours around the majority of suite facilities and a small kitchenette, our residences can be seen at so that all your requirements are Applications for 2019-20 will open self-contained in your room. from 8 April 2019 and we will www.exeter.ac.uk/virtualtours prioritise applications received by 31 Our residences offer • All rooms have high speed July. For further information please accommodation to both home and internet from which this is check our webpage: international students allowing you included in the weekly rent. You www.exeter.ac.uk/ to live in a multicultural setting. will need to bring your own accommodation/legal/deposit bedding (duvet, sheets, pillow etc) and kitchen items like pots and cooking utensils.
17 BACK TO CONTENTS Accommodation at our Exeter campuses
Self-catered accommodation is let for What to bring Upon receipt of your application 40, 42, 44 or 51 weeks per year and you will receive a confirmation What is available in your flat or room you will be expected to pay for your email. An accommodation offer varies from residence to residence. accommodation for the full period as and instructions of how to pay the Please check at www.exeter. stated in your contract. deposit will be sent from late April ac.uk/accommodation/students/ onwards. The Accommodation prospectivestudents/arrivals what Catered halls Office will not be able to confirm will be provided. Catered halls are only available your exact room or address until to undergraduate students. They Terms of contract your arrival in September. are located on Streatham Campus Fees are inclusive of all utilities (heating, and there are standard or ensuite Private sector water etc), personal effects insurance rooms available. and WiFi. accommodation A meal plan is included in the rent A number of students, especially Full details will be included in your and it offers 16 meals compromising: those with families, prefer to live online accommodation contract. breakfast and an evening meal in private rented accommodation per week, Monday to Friday; and Accommodation fees are broken close to the University. Please note continental breakfast, brunch and down into three terms: Autumn, that this can take time to arrange an evening meal on Saturday and Spring and Summer. Fees are due on and it may be difficult to find a Sunday. the first Monday of each term and a suitable place directly from overseas. late fee will be applied automatically Landlords often require references Catered accommodation is let for 32 if they are not paid on time. If you and a substantial deposit. weeks – based around our term dates prefer, you can pay for all your and you will be expected to vacate You can view further information accommodation in one payment at the your room over the Christmas and on renting private accommodation at beginning of the academic year. Easter period. www.exeter.ac.uk/accommodation/ You will be expected to honour your privatehousing/housingoptions Students with a contract for the full period as stated. or take a look at our private disability Your only right to cancel is explained accommodation search portal in our cancellation policy. (www. ‘Studentpad’ to see what’s available. We are committed to promoting exeter.ac.uk/accommodation/ equality of opportunity and have The Guild Advice Team in The Forum students/prospectivestudents/ adapted rooms in most of our offers a private accommodation termsandconditions) residences. contract-checking service. We strongly If you fail to notify us within the five encourage anyone moving into private If you have special accommodation day period you can only terminate accommodation to take advantage of requirements should specify these the accommodation agreement in this before signing a contract. when you making your online accordance with the procedure set out application. The Accommodation Please note that the University will not in the accommodation agreement. Office will take this into consideration be involved in the vetting of private when allocating your room. accommodation and contracts are Application process signed at the student’s own risk. Our dedicated AccessAbility team If you are a postgraduate student will be happy to discuss your you can apply for accommodation requirements, in order to find or after you have firmly accepted adapt accommodation that will your academic offer at Exeter be suitable for you. and after your tuition deposit has been processed. To be guaranteed accommodation, you must apply by 31 July 2019.
18 BACK TO CONTENTS Accommodation at our Cornwall campuses
Accommodation Halls are accessed via secure entry Room types systems and there is CCTV in En-suite: Rooms are single guarantee: Cornwall operation at most sites. Support is occupancy with double or single bed, available 24/7, either via the Site campuses desk and en-suite shower and toilet Office and Accommodation Office We are able to guarantee an offer of facilities. There is access to shared during normal working hours, accommodation in university owned, kitchen/dining facilities and some or, overnight, there is an out-of- managed or approved residences residences have a communal lounge hours support team who visit each as long as applications are received area with sofas. between 8 April and 31 July 2019. residence through regular patrols; You will need to have accepted an they can also be contacted by phone. Shared rooms: We have two types of shared room available in Glasney offer to study with the University of Utility bills are included within some Student Village; both are en-suite Exeter in order to apply for halls. of our halls. In other residences, bills and are a lower cost alternative to Accommodation is available to the within a given quota are covered single occupancy rooms. Our shared below students: and you’ll need to ‘top up’ if you go accommodation is not en-suite. • International undergraduate over this. Support is provided by and postgraduate students Site Managers to make you aware of • Our studybed rooms entering into year one your electricity usage. accommodate two students offering two single beds, which Internet is provided free of charge • Incoming study abroad or rotate into a large desk area; and in some halls there is the option Erasmus students based at there is no need to clear the to pay extra for increased provision. the Penryn Campus for a desk before rotating back to single semester or the full a bed. There are additional academic year Increased Options shelves/cupboards and In addition to the options mentioned, wardrobes in these rooms. Our Accommodation we are also offering the opportunity Studybed rooms can also be Our accommodation at Glasney to apply for other university owned, allocated as single occupancy. Student Village and The Sidings is managed, or approved halls in located on, or just a short walk, Penryn and Falmouth. These options • Providing a cheaper option, we from the Penryn Campus. They are predominantly allocated to also have a number of shared are divided into self-catered flats, Falmouth University students but rooms with bunk beds. There is each with between four-to- seven are also available to University of extra storage available under the bedrooms. The communal kitchen/ Exeter students. These options bed and the desk provides space dining areas are fully fitted and offer a more diverse range of for two students. furnished to include a dining table, housing to choose from, including *Numbers are limited. chairs and television, as well as studio accommodation. Price range fridge/freezers, a microwave, toaster varies depending on the room and kettle. type (ensuite, studio, standard and unique converted warehouse All our halls include self-catering accommodation), as well as the size facilities, but if you prefer to have of the room. Further information can your meals prepared, we offer a be found in the “Halls of Residence” catered package at Glasney Student section on our website www.fxplus. Village. ac.uk/live. If you don’t want the full catered package, you can buy food vouchers or pay as you go.
19 BACK TO CONTENTS Accommodation at our Penryn Campus
Studio: Each studio apartment is Private sector self-contained with en-suite and kitchenette. accommodation If you decide not to live on campus, Accessible rooms: We have a the Penryn Campus Accommodation number of rooms that are suitable Office provide support in finding for students with a range of private rented accommodation disabilities; please discuss individual off-campus, and manage an online needs with the Accommodation accommodation list of local rooms Office. and properties. We also organise annual house-hunting sessions and Contracts and costs: accommodation fairs during the Self-catered – single occupancy; spring and summer. 40 weeks approx. £5,800-£7,900 Local rents are typically £80 - £100 Self-catered – shared occupancy; per week for a room in shared 40 weeks approx. £3,500-£4,500 accommodation, excluding utility Catered - £7,280 - £7,500 bills. For all accommodation enquiries in Applications Cornwall, please contact the Penryn Applications submitted by the Campus Accommodation Office: deadline of 31 July 2019 are prioritised; however, we are Tel: +44 (0)1326 253639 Email: not able to guarantee that you [email protected] will be allocated your preferred Details of the accommodation in accommodation. During periods Cornwall can be found at either of high demand, we enter into www.exeter.ac.uk/accommodation/ agreements with approved cornwallcampuses/students or accommodation providers in the www.fxplus.ac.uk/live local area in order to increase the availability of university owned, managed or approved accommodation. If your preferred choice is not available, we will offer you an alternative from our accommodation options.
20 BACK TO CONTENTS Students with families
21 BACK TO CONTENTS Students with families
Childcare for Parents and carers who are You might need to contact the local interested in putting their child on a authority for where you live to pre-school children waiting list can contact: nursery@ apply for a school place as you will If your children are young, you will fxplus.ac.uk or call: +44 (0)1326 be applying outside of the standard probably have to look after them 370408. admissions time. yourselves as domestic help is hard For Devon see www.devon.gov.uk/ to find and is very expensive. Schools index/learningschools/admissions_ There are private day nurseries If your children are between five and transfers which take children under school 16 years old, the Local Education For Cornwall see www.cornwall. age but many have waiting lists Authority (LEA) has a duty to provide and the costs are high. The Devon a place for them in a local school. gov.uk/education-and-learning/ Information on Services for Children schools-and-colleges/school- You can apply for a school place admissions website has details of playgroups, before coming to the UK, and you nurseries, childminders and out of are encouraged to do so, but any school clubs. decision will not be made until See www.devon.gov.uk/disc you have evidence of a right of and use the search facility. abode either through nationality or a valid visa. Click here for more For information on childcare information on Devon LEA and services in Cornwall visit applications. www.cornwallfisdirectory.org.uk and follow the links to the South Schools terms in the UK start at the West. beginning of September. You may be arriving later than that. The LEA will The University Family still provide you with a school place. Centre On the Streatham Campus in Exeter Some schools may have a school the centre is run by qualified staff uniform; others may have a liberal and takes children from six weeks dress code. Discipline is maintained to five years of age. You should through an agreed behaviour code apply well in advance as demand within the individual school and is very high and places are limited. there is no corporal punishment in state schools. To help your child Email: [email protected] settle into the school, it would Tel: +44 (0)1392 264416 be helpful if you brought a recent www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/stafflife/ teacher’s report and some samples childcare/family of work. You might also like to bring some reading books in your Penryn Campus Nursery language and a dual dictionary On the Penryn Campus, our new 54 (eg Korean/English) suitable for place purpose-built ‘Little Wonders your child to use in school. Please Nursery’ caters for children be aware that schools in the South between 0 to 5 years in three age West have few specially trained group rooms: 0 to 2 year olds, 2 language assistants. to 3 year olds and 3 to 5 year olds. Each room has access to a secure, large, outdoor eco-friendly play and learning area. Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm.
22 BACK TO CONTENTS Students with families
Accommodation for Language classes for To find out more information on the classes please visit: families and couples spouses, partners www.exeter.ac.uk/newstudents/ Places are limited in University- and families supportandservices/ studentswithfamilies or contact: owned accommodation for We offer free language classes for [email protected]. students with partners and/or with partners of students registered at Students based in Cornwall visit: children. A high proportion of new the University. The aims of the http://languages.fxplus.ac.uk students who are accompanied classes are both educational and with others have to seek private social: with the emphasis placed There are other free English accommodation, which may take on developing fluency in spoken classes in Exeter and Cornwall. The more time to find. In this instance English and acquiring the language International Student Support Office the University cannot guarantee skills necessary for day-to-day living can give you details. accommodation or accept any in the UK. The classes also act as responsibility for housing couples, a social focus and are a means of Activities students with families or single meeting other families, sharing parent families. experiences and providing support. There is lots to do in Devon and Teaching is informal and very Cornwall for families. The following We would suggest that if you have websites are full of information: not secured accommodation before flexible, depending on the needs departure, that you come alone and ability levels of the groups. www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/ search.php?county=Devon first and your partner or family Two classes per week take place follow once you have found suitable during term time in our INTO www.netmums.com/southdevon accommodation. Centre. Exeter Library Please be aware that if you Falmouth Library accept a single room in University accommodation you will have to make payments for the entire contract period even if would like to move out to find suitable family accommodation outside of the University later. Similarly, students who leave private accommodation early may find themselves responsible for full payment until the end of their contract. The Guild Advice Unit and FXU Advice Unit can check your private accommodation contract before you sign it. Please refer to the section entitled ‘Private Sector accommodation’ in the accommodation section of this handbook.
23 BACK TO CONTENTS Healthcare and Medical Insurance
24 BACK TO CONTENTS Healthcare and medical insurance
Checklist On the Streatham campus in Exeter Studying in the UK there is a specialist GP surgery for less than six Have medical examination and for students called the Student vaccinations (if applicable) Health Centre. Please visit www. months: exeterstudenthealthcentre.co.uk If you are studying in the UK for Register with a health centre so for information about services at the between three and six months you you can obtain an NHS number Student Health Centre.To register and access medical care can still register at a GP surgery please use the online registration to access GP healthcare and Book an appointment at the service at www.campusdoctor. emergency treatments but you may health centre if you have an co.uk/exeter before your arrival need to pay if you require some existing medical condition or in the UK. hospital treatments such as seeing take medication. a specialist. Some countries have If you are based on the St Lukes a reciprocal arrangement with the Arrange medical insurance if campus you may prefer to register studying in the UK for less than UK to cover urgent treatments that 6 months. at the Heavitree Health Centre cannot wait until you return home – www.theheavitreepractice.co.uk for information please see Students based in Cornwall should www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/ Registering for NHS register at The Penryn Surgery nhs-services/visiting-or-moving- medical care www.penrynsurgery.co.uk to-england/how-to-access-nhs- If you are on a course lasting for If you have a medical condition services-in-england EEA or Swiss six months or more you, and or are taking regular medication national students should bring an dependant members of your family, it is important that you book an EHIC (European Health Insurance) can access full health care under the appointment at a GP surgery Card from your own national health National Health Service (NHS). You when you have registered. If you authority. will be required to pay a ‘Health are taking regular medication you If you are in the UK for less than Charge’ to enable access to NHS should ensure you bring sufficient three months you cannot register Healthcare when you apply for a supplies to last for your period of with a GP surgery for an NHS Tier 4 or PBS Dependant Visa. The stay in the UK – some medications number. You can still be seen in an amount will vary depending on are not available in the UK or emergency situation as a temporary the length of your stay in the UK. cannot be funded by the NHS. patient at a GP surgery, NHS Once you have paid this charge, Make sure you bring information Walk in Centre or Accident and most healthcare will be free but from your home doctor about any Emergency Department. you will still pay for prescriptions pre-existing health conditions and for medicines (currently £8.80 per medication you are taking as you item) optician and dental services. may be questioned on your arrival Prescriptions are issued by a doctor in the UK and it is important this is and the medicines are dispensed at available in case of an emergency. a pharmacy. To be able to access NHS healthcare you must register with a General Practitioner (GP – doctor) at a GP surgery. Once registered you will be allocated an NHS number which you will need to receive any NHS healthcare.
25 BACK TO CONTENTS HealthcareHealthcare andand medicalmedical insuranceinsurance
Comprehensive If you have had a serious medical Opticians illness or operation, a brief doctor’s Eye tests are available at opticians, private medical letter in English summarising your which can be found in the High medical history will help the insurance Street. You will have to pay a charge Health Centre to provide the Comprehensive private medical of around £25 for an eye test. You best medical care. insurance is essential if you are here will need to pay for lenses and for less than six months and are not frames which can cost from £40 from a country with a reciprocal Tuberculosis to over £350. agreement. You need to arrange screening this before you leave your home TB screening is required if you Useful reference country. Private medical treatment are from a country with a high websites: in the UK is expensive. prevalence of tuberculosis; please National Health Service: see https://www.gov.uk/ www.nhs.uk Medical history tb-test-visa. If you are from a If you have any pre-existing medical relevant country please print out Further information on staying condition it would help if you let the form, complete it, checking healthy in the UK is available at the Student Health Centre know with your doctor if necessary, and www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information- before you arrive. You can email bring the form with you to hand in -Advice/Studying--living-in-the- [email protected] or with your medical registration form. UK/Health-and-healthcare write to the address on the website Further information on the NHS is (stating on which campus you will available at www.nhs.uk be studying). We can then prepare for any care you may need whilst Dentists here or check that we can get the If you are eligible for NHS same or equivalent medicines here. treatment you will be eligible for This information would be treated treatment from a dentist accepting with confidence and would not be NHS patients. disclosed to the University or any Please note that dentists accepting other party without your consent. It new patients are extremely limited would not affect your application or – hence the need for private entry to your course. insurance. If you are taking any medication There are charges for NHS dentist please bring enough with you for services based on a percentage the first few weeks at University and cost up to a maximum of take the containers/packets to your approximately £219. first doctor’s appointment. We can usually obtain the same, equivalent or near equivalent medication but there may be some exceptions.
26 BACK TO CONTENTS Studying at the University of Exeter
27 BACK TO CONTENTS Studying at the University of Exeter
Preparing to study Term dates 2019-20 You may not have studied in the UK before. Although you will Freshers’ Week Monday 16 – Sunday 22 September have to satisfy certain academic requirements to receive an offer Term 1 Monday 23 September – Friday 13 December we would recommend that you do some pre-arrival research Term 2 Monday 6 January – Friday 27 March into UK study methods too. There is an excellent web resource Exam Week 6 –12 January www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk with interactive modules to give Term 2 Orientation 13 January 2020 you an insight into study in the UK. Your College may also send you Term 3 Monday 27 April – Friday 12 June some discipline specific preparatory materials before arrival. Study Abroad, International Exchange Study methods and Erasmus students While you are studying at the University of Exeter, you will Freshers’ Week Monday 16 – Sunday 22 September 2019 experience several different methods of teaching and learning. Semester 1 Monday 23 September – Saturday 11 January 2020 You will be trained to read widely around a topic and research it Semester Two Monday 13 January – Friday 12 June 2020 thoroughly, to reflect on the ideas you have encountered and to analyse and describe them. You may be familiar with some or all of the learning activities described below, Seminars and Small group work each of which serves a valuable tutorials Most courses provide opportunities purpose. Seminars and tutorials are discussion for students to work in a small group groups with your tutor and a on a task assigned by the tutor. Lectures group of students. The discussion Group work can be valuable and enjoyable. You will learn from each Lectures are the most traditional could be about a previous lecture other and improve your skills. form of teaching. They allow or a specific topic. Sometimes lecturers to teach a large number each student is asked to prepare a Workshop, of students (up to 400). Even if short presentation for discussion. notes are provided you should Seminars and tutorials are more laboratory, field listen carefully and make your own informal than lectures but you or studio sessions notes of the important points. You are expected to prepare for the If you are going to study a subject may also be directed to online discussion topic and to participate with a practical element some of resources associated with the in that discussion. This is your your time will be spent in workshop, lecture. opportunity to ask questions and laboratory, field or studio sessions to improve your presentation where you can develop your skills skills. Always tell the tutor if and expertise through practical work. there is something you have not understood. Afterwards you may have to write up the results and maybe give a presentation on them.
28 BACK TO CONTENTS Studying at the University of Exeter
Computer work Assessment Academic Skills Almost all subjects will require some All of the following may constitute Development form of computer work as part of assessment: examinations, course Study skills support is provided by the course. You will be required to work, assignments, projects, the Academic Skills and Student type your assignments or maybe presentations or essays. It is Engagement Team (ASSET) on undertake computer analysis of your responsibility to check the Exeter-based campuses http:// data. If you have problems with requirements for each form of ex.ac.uk/academicskills or ASK: using a computer to complete assessment at the University of Academic Skills at the Penryn your work you should contact your Exeter. campus https://ask.fxplus.ac.uk personal tutor, IT support or the AccessAbility Office. Plagiarism Problems with your Plagiarism means copying work studies (taught Personal and from another student, or using, in academic tutors your work, text or ideas from a students) If you are worried about your All taught students are allocated publication or any other source, progress on your course, or any a Personal Academic Tutor. They without referencing it correctly. aspect of your study, speak to the will meet with you in one-to- Please note that the University has lecturer concerned. one meetings, and sometimes a very strict definition of plagiarism in group tutorials as well. For all and the penalties are severe. If you have a personal situation that undergraduates, individual meetings Further information will be given to is affecting your studies, arrange to will take place on at least five you by your College at orientation. meet with your Personal/Academic occasions per year; for postgraduate Tutor or the ISSO who can help you taught students, meetings with English Language find the best source of support. It is Personal Academic Tutors will take Support very important that you tell someone place at least three times. The There is free English Language as soon as possible rather than wait. purpose of the meetings is for you Support available across all our Tell your College if you are sick and to discuss your transition, academic campuses. cannot attend lectures or seminars. progress and ambitions, plus you Your College will have information At the Exeter campuses, students can seek advice and guidance on their website about who to can access the credit and non about the range of support services contact to report sickness absences. available to you. credit rated Insessional English Programme including workshops Insessional English Independent study in English for academic purposes, language support British higher education places a writing tutorials and independent large emphasis on independent study. General English classes cover The Insessional English Programme study. On all courses you will be speaking practice, British culture and provides support for international expected to study extensively on intercultural communications. students, including workshops in English for academic purposes, your own. You will be asked to Full information can be read widely on a subject, make one-to-one writing tutorials, and found at: www.exeter. opportunities for independent study. notes, research, write and revise ac.uk/international/into/ outside of formal teaching. There are also general English classes, programmes/insessional which provide an excellent forum for This is especially the case at International students studying in speaking practice and learning about postgraduate level. Advisors and Cornwall will have access to English British culture. supervisors will be ready to help but language throughout their studies Full information can be found at: you will have to plan your learning. via the Languages team. www.exeter.ac.uk/international You will be encouraged to be an /into/programmes/insessional active and independent learner. and at languages.fxplus.ac.uk/ for students based in Cornwall.
29 BACK TO CONTENTS What to pack
30 BACK TO CONTENTS What to pack
Hand luggage Average Average Average Average Total Total checklist Term Temp Temp Temp Temp Rainfall Rainfall (Max °C) (Min °C) (Max °F) (Min °F) (mm) (inches) Passport and visa (if separate) Mar to May 14 5 57 41 176 7 Copy of your Confirmation of (Spring) Acceptance of Studies (CAS) Jun to Aug Some sterling cash/travellers 21 12 70 53 147 6 cheques (Summer)
A copy of this guide Sept to Nov (Autumn / 16 8 61 46 231 9 A jumper and umbrella Fall)
Label your luggage clearly with Dec to Feb full name, University, address 9 3 48 38 230 9 (Winter)
For personal security reasons you are strongly advised not to put You will need some sterling cash We would recommend you bring all of your personal documents (about £250) and either sterling a waterproof coat, umbrella and (passport, money, travellers traveller’s cheques (about £300) waterproof shoes. If you do not cheques, documents, important or access to a credit card when have these items they can be easily addresses and telephone numbers) you arrive for immediate expenses purchased in Exeter, Falmouth or in one bag, wallet or pocket. for you to use until your bank Truro. Keep them on your person and account is set up. Do not carry large in your hand luggage, but keep amounts of cash with you. Dress in Britain, especially at them separate. This will limit University, is mostly informal the possibility of losing ALL your Climate and clothing and casual. You will see many valuable documents at once, should Remember that you will have to students in jeans, jogging trousers your baggage be lost or stolen. carry your luggage yourself at some and training shoes. It will usually You will also need to have them point. Streatham Campus is very be made clear to you, when you to hand in case you are required hilly and only a few residences have are invited, that an occasion may to show them at immigration. You an elevator. Only pack what you demand something more formal or will not be allowed to collect your can carry! smart – if in doubt, just ask. ‘Formal’ main luggage until you have passed clothes for men (dinner suits, etc) through immigration control. The only certainty about the British can be hired. You may want to bring weather is its changeability. Make your national costume to wear on We would recommend you keep sure you carry a jumper in your special occasions. photocopies of all your important hand luggage for when you first documents and contact telephone arrive in the UK. numbers in your main luggage.
31 BACK TO CONTENTS Travelling to Exeter and Cornwall
32 BACK TO CONTENTS Checklist information and either attend a Late Orientation meeting or For further details of UK airports: Consider which airport you contact [email protected] or Heathrow: wish to arrive at [email protected] and www.heathrowairport.com we can arrange a meeting with you Gatwick: Plan onward travel to Exeter to give you a short introduction www.gatwickairport.com or Cornwall to the University. Bristol: www.bristolairport.co.uk Exeter: www.exeter-airport.co.uk Pre-book a seat on the Airport Freshers’ Week Airport Collection Service September Newquay: collection Service: www.newquaycornwallairport.com Heathrow to Exeter Label your luggage clearly This service runs on Saturday 14 What to expect at Print out your key collection and Sunday 15 September 2019. information if in University This service is available for students the airport accommodation and accompanying family members. Seats must be pre booked online. When you arrive in Britain your first stop is Immigration Control We would encourage students The deadline for booking is 12 September, but places are limited for which you will see two different to consider travelling to Exeter signs. One queue is for EEA and and Bristol International Airports and allocation is made on a first-come first-served basis. British passport holders, and one for or Cardiff Airport rather than holders of all other passports. Heathrow. You may need to change www.exeter.ac.uk/international flights at a European airport such as students/newstudents/airport You may need to show the Paris or Amsterdam but the airports collectionservice Immigration Officer all your are smaller, immigration processing Freshers’ Week Airport documents and answer any times shorter and the distance to questions regarding your stay Exeter is shorter. However, we do collection Service to in the UK. realise that flights to Heathrow or Cornwall Gatwick airports are often cheaper. Full details of the Airport Collection The Immigration Officer will usually Service options can be found on put a date stamp in your passport to When to arrive our website from 1 May. Subject to show the date you entered the UK. You will have permission to stay We encourage all new students demand, these options may include until your visa or entry clearance to arrive in time for Freshers’ a collection service from Heathrow expires. It may also be endorsed on Week (Monday 16 - Sunday 22 Airport to Penryn Campus, and a your visa that you need to register September 2019) or January collection service from Newquay with the police within seven days of Orientation 2020 (Monday 13 Airport, a small regional airport arrival – this is routine procedure January 2020). At these orientations in Cornwall which is less than for certain visa nationals who are you will be able to participate an hour’s drive from the Penryn studying in the UK for six months in the International Welcome Campus and has daily flights to and or more. This can be done when Programme and attend your from Heathrow. you reach Exeter or Cornwall. The Academic Induction. To help the Please note places must usually Police will be on campus to facilitate large number of students arriving for be booked in advance, with a Police Registration during Freshers’ Freshers’ Week we run a subsidised closing date for bookings in early Week. If you arrive in the UK Airport collection service (see September. Bookings are offered outside this time see www.exeter. below). If you cannot arrive at these on a first-come first-served basis, so ac.uk/internationalstudents/ times or are a research student be sure to book early visaconditions/policeregistration arriving outside these orientations www.exeter.ac.uk/international for further information on Police please make your way to Exeter students/newstudents/ Registration. or Cornwall using the following airportcollectionservice
33 BACK TO CONTENTS If you have any problems at Heathrow will require a number of We recommend you book a taxi to Passport Control, you should ask changes before you reach campus. take you from the train station to the Immigration Officer to contact Be aware that not every train station your accommodation if you have Estate Patrol at the University on will have lifts to help you move luggage to transport. Taxis usually +44 (0)1392 723999, or the your luggage between platforms, wait outside Exeter St David’s train Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) and luggage storage areas can be station. The local taxi firm is Apple in Hounslow on 0844 887 0111 limited on trains. www.thetrainline. Taxis +44 (0)1392 666666. A taxi (09:30 – 17:30). com to see the quickest route for to Streatham Campus is around £10. If you have booked a place on the your arrival time. Booking a ticket University’s Airport Collection in advance is usually cheaper, but Coach to Exeter check if you can use the ticket on a Service (see p.37), and you Coach travel is usually cheaper encounter any problems with the later service if your arrival into the than train travel, but will take immigration process, let the officer UK is delayed. considerably longer. Please be know that you are being met at the aware that there may be a limit on airport by staff from the University. Students living in Exeter should leave the train at Exeter St Davids. the luggage you can bring with you, After passing through Immigration so please check before you book There are two train stations in Control you will be able to collect your ticket. Exeter has three bus Exeter (St David’s and Central), your luggage from the baggage depots. Please travel to Exeter Bus reclaim area. The next stop is the please take a look at a map to and Coach Station in central Exeter. Customs Hall. If you are not sure decide which station is closest to what you can or cannot bring into your accommodation if you are Tickets will be cheaper if bought the UK, you should check the UK living in private accommodation. ahead of time. Please use the Customs and Excise website at following website to see coach www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs or ask times, routes and to book tickets: Starting at Change at Journey at your local British Embassy/High time www.nationalexpress.com or Commission. There are very strict Heathrow Heathrow 3 hours www.megabus.co.uk. laws regarding the importation of Express foodstuffs and you should consult to London Both National Express and Megabus www.gov.uk/defra to check Paddington stop at Exeter City bus station. personal food imports. If you have London Direct to 3 hours nothing to declare, use the ‘green’ Journey Exeter Starting at Change at time channel. Use ‘red’ if you do have Gatwick Reading 3 hours goods to declare, and ‘blue’ if you Heathrow Heathrow 4.5 hours have already passed through an EEA Bristol Bristol 2.2 hours National Terminal airport and your goods have already Airport Bus Temple- Express 2/3 been cleared. meads Gatwick Heathrow 5.5 hours National Travelling to Estimated ticket cost on the day Express starting at Heathrow (Heathrow Central Direct 5 hours Exeter campuses: Express) £25 Streatham and London Estimated ticket cost on the day Megabus St Lukes starting at London £50 – £130 Bristol Bristol 3.5 hours The following information is for Airport Coach students studying at our Exeter Estimated ticket cost on the day National Station campuses: Streatham and St Lukes. starting at Gatwick £88 – 115 Express Trains to Exeter Estimated ticket cost on the day Estimated ticket cost on the day starting at Bristol Airport (Bus) All trains from Gatwick and starting at Heathrow £28.50 £11 – £58
34 BACK TO CONTENTS Estimated ticket cost on the day which station is closest to your Moor). National Express stops at starting at Gatwick £53 accommodation if you are living in Penryn Bridge and Falmouth town. Estimated ticket cost on the day private accommodation. Students are advised not to get off starting at Central London £12 at Penryn Bridge, as there is no Starting at Change at Journey taxi rank available here. Instead, Estimated ticket cost on the day time students should finish their journey starting at Bristol Airport £17 Heathrow Reading 6.5 hours in Falmouth and either use the U1, and Truro U2 or U3 bus service to the Penryn Independent travel to Gatwick Reading 6.5 hours campus, or taxis are readily available Cornwall campuses: and Truro from The Moor to complete your onward journey. Penryn or Truro Estimated ticket cost on the day The following information is for starting at Heathrow £170 Starting at Change at Journey students studying at our Penryn Estimated ticket cost on the day time Campus, near Falmouth, or for starting at Gatwick £150 Heathrow Plymouth, 8 hours students studying in Truro. Most (National or direct services will stop at Truro before We recommend you book a taxi to Express) service going on to stop at Penryn or take you from the train station to available Falmouth. your accommodation if you have Gatwick Heathrow 9 hours luggage to transport. Taxis usually Trains to Truro, Penryn and (National wait outside Truro train station or Express) Falmouth the staff in the station can provide Central Direct 8 hours you with a taxi number. Students All trains from Gatwick and London arriving at Penryn or any Falmouth Heathrow will require a number of (Megabus) changes before you reach campus. train station should call +44 Be aware that not every train station (0)1326 373007 or +44 (0)1326 Estimated ticket cost on the day will have lifts to help you move your 212141 to book a taxi. Heathrow (National Express) £43 luggage between platforms, and Coach to Penryn and Estimated ticket cost on the day luggage storage areas can be limited Falmouth Gatwick (National Express) £58 on trains. Use www.thetrainline. com to see the quickest route for Coach travel is usually cheaper Estimated ticket cost on the day your arrival time. Booking a ticket than train travel, but will take Central London (Megabus) £22 in advance is usually cheaper, but considerably longer. Please be check if you can use the ticket on a aware that there may be a limit on Coach to Truro later service if your arrival into the the luggage you can bring with you, Coach travel is usually cheaper UK is delayed. so please check before you book than train travel, but will take your ticket. considerably longer. Please be Students living in Truro should aware that there may be a limit on Tickets will be cheaper if bought leave the train at Truro. Students the luggage you can bring with you, ahead of time. Please use the living in Glasney, The Sidings or so please check before you book following website to see coach other Penryn accommodation your ticket. should leave the train at Penryn. times, routes and to book tickets: There are three train stations in www.nationalexpress.com or Tickets will be cheaper if bought Falmouth (Penmere, Falmouth www.megabus.co.uk ahead of time. Please see www. nationalexpress.com to book Town and Falmouth Docks), please Megabus stops directly on Penryn your ticket, check coach routes take a look at a map to decide campus and in Falmouth (The and times.
35 BACK TO CONTENTS Travelling to Exeter and Cornwall
You are strongly recommended By air (Newquay Airport) Arriving at a to complete your journey to your The closest airport to the Penryn Channel port accommodation via taxi. Taxis Campus is Newquay. Several are readily available in Truro city airlines operate flights from If you are arriving at one of the centre, or staff in the bus station European destinations to Newquay Channel ports, please check can provide you with a number to Airport. For more details see www.thetrainline.com for trains call to book one to complete your www.newquaycornwallairport.com to Exeter St David’s or, if you are onward journey. studying at our Penryn Campus, Flybe (see www.flybe.com) to Penryn. (Please note: you may operates flights from London have to change trains during your Starting at Change at Journey time Gatwick (flight time approximately journey.) Heathrow Plymouth, 8 hours 70 minutes). For public transport or direct connections visit www.traveline. If you are bringing your car through service org.uk a Channel port or the Channel available Tunnel, please check www.theaa. Please note that Newquay Airport is com/travelwatch/planner_main. Gatwick Heathrow 9 hours approximately 40 km from Penryn jsp for a route plan and map. and if you are using public transport Estimated ticket cost on the day you will need to take a bus from Please be advised that parking on starting at Heathrow £43 the airport to Newquay and then the campuses is extremely limited Estimated ticket cost on the day another bus to Penryn (typical and could involve a daily fee of £6 starting at Gatwick £58 journey time one hour 30 minutes if you are not eligible for a parking to 2 hours). permit. Please see www.exeter. ac.uk/students/carparking If you choose to get a taxi from Newquay Airport to the Penryn Campus (approximately £70 – £80) you should book your taxi in advance by telephoning +44 (0)1326 373007 or +44 (0)1326 212141.
36 BACK TO CONTENTS Your first week
37 BACK TO CONTENTS Your first week
Checklist Checklist For arrivals during Freshers’ For arrivals outside Week/January Orientation Freshers’ Week/January Tell your family you have Orientation arrived Present passport and visa, original Find out about Global Chums qualifications at International Student mentor Clearance in the Forum (Exeter) or Info at Penryn in the Peter Lanyon Building Research Freshers’ Week/ (Cornwall) and International Welcome Programme. Buy tickets for Collect your Biometric Residents Permit any social events you want to (BRP) attend.
Collect your Biometric Receive your UniCard from the Student Residents Permit (BRP) Services Desk (SID), Forum (Exeter) or Info at Penryn, Peter Lanyon Building Present passport and visa, (Cornwall) original qualifications at International Student Clearance Activate IT account in the Forum (Exeter) or the Exchange Building at the Penryn Campus (Cornwall) Complete online registration Receive/collect your UniCard from the Student Services Centre, Forum (Exeter), or the Attend a Late Orientation meeting Exchange Building at the Penryn Campus Cornwall Arrange payment of tuition fees Activate IT account Arrange payment of accommodation fees Complete online registration Open a bank account Arrange payment of tuition fees Register with doctor/health centre Arrange payment of accommodation fees Register with Police if required by your visa Open a bank account Visit your College hub or Info Point Register with doctor/health centre
Attend College Induction
Register for modules
Register with Police if required by your visa
38 BACK TO CONTENTS Your first week Your first week
Freshers’ Week The International Welcome January Orientation Programme includes the following: 16 – 22 September 2019 13 January 2020 Freshers’ Week is a great • Dedicated Welcome Team for This is a one day condensed version opportunity for all new students international students of Freshers’ Week particularly for to orientate themselves to the • Airport collection service students arriving for Semester 2. It’s University of Exeter way of life. short so that you can get straight The week is packed with academic • Official University Welcome into your studies. There are society induction and social activities for all • Living in the UK presentation: and social activities during the students to join. The International banking, healthcare, English following week for you to try. We Welcome Programme sessions culture also hold a pre-orientation event on are specifically forinternational • Police Registration Friday 10 January 2020 (Streatham students and provide practical Campus) for students arriving information and help to start your • Working in the UK presentation early. Read your pre arrival emails life at the University of Exeter and • Guided tours of campus and for more information on January settle you into your new home as Exeter or Falmouth Orientation. well as social opportunities. You will be able to see your Academic • Guided shopping trips into the Attendance is free but you Induction meetings in your online nearby area must book your place online timetable via iExeter prior to your • Learning success in the UK at www.exeter.ac.uk/ arrival in the UK so do remember presentation internationalstudents/ to download iExeter to your newstudents/whenyouarrive- smartphone. • English language support exeter • Social events, day trips and You will receive lots of information introductions to student societies about Freshers’ Week in the Global Chums Summer pre-arrival emails. Make Details of the Freshers’ Week Mentor Scheme sure you read these carefully to help International Programme will be Our successful Global Chums you plan your week. Double check available at www.exeter.ac.uk/ Mentor Scheme has been in your spam email folder to ensure internationalstudents from June. operation for many years and is they haven’t gone there. When you Freshers’ week social programme available for students arriving at arrive in the UK you will receive will be available from mid August at Exeter and Cornwall in September a Welcome Pack of information www.exeter.ac.uk/newstudents and January. The scheme gives when you collect your University Your academic induction meetings you an opportunity to be matched accommodation keys. If you are not with a second or third year student living in University accommodation, will be available in iExeter from early September. to give advice on living in the UK the pre-arrival emails will tell you and to help you during. You can ask how to collect your Welcome Pack. your mentor anything… what the social scene is like or what it is like to study in the UK! Further information is available from 1 June at www.exeter.ac.uk/ globalchums
39 BACK TO CONTENTS Student support services in Exeter
40 BACK TO CONTENTS Student Services INTO University of Exeter More information on Library provides English Language services, facilities and resources can Centre, The Forum support, preparatory courses be found at http://libguides.exeter. The Student Information Desk, for international students looking ac.uk/gettingstarted in the Student Services Centre, to study at undergraduate and (SSC) is your first port of call for all postgraduate levels as well as a The Students’ Guild is the students’ questions you may have regarding range of classes, workshops and union for everyone studying at the the vast array of Student Services tutorials for students who would like University of Exeter’s Streatham offered by the University. Within the help and support in studying English or St Luke’s campus and exists to SSC you will find: Accommodation, during their degree programme support students throughout their Careers, Chaplaincy, Exams, Fees (the Insessional Programme). see time at university. ‘Led by students, and Funding, Graduation, Health page 33. For further information for students’ all those studying at and Wellbeing, International Student on INTO programmes see www. Exeter are automatically members Support Office, IT Helpdesk and exeter.ac.uk/international/into of the Students’ Guild and it works UniCard. They will be able to print in partnership with students to student letters for you from the You may have concerns about represent the voice of the student University, answer your questions, adjusting to a new learning body. You can find the Students’ and book specific appointments for environment and study techniques. Guild on both Streatham and St the specialist services. Academic Skills Support team Luke’s campuses. offers support with academic skills You can browse frequently asked development through lectures, As a registered charity, the Guild questions at www.exeter.ac.uk/ workshops and peer support invests every penny of its income sid or contact the services and the sessions, and online skills. back into student services and Student Information Desk advisors facilities, working to ensure that at [email protected] Our Library service offers access every student gets the most out of to an outstanding collection of their time at Exeter. Part of Student Immigration online resources, such as e-books Services, International Student and journals, research databases The Students’ Guild is a democratic Support are dedicated to advising and digitised reading lists; all of organisation, supporting students and supporting all non-UK students which are available to access to make decisions and changes across the University. Authorised 24/7, on and off campus. This is in through representation systems by the Office of the Immigration addition to over 1.2 million books which include Student Ideas, Services Commissioner (OISC) they and journals that are available in academic courses and campaign are qualified to provide the most print from our libraries in Exeter groups. The Students’ Guild will current immigration advice covering and Cornwall. The libraries provide help you to share your views and a range of visa types. a range of study spaces to suit your enact real change. needs, including quiet, silent, group Appointments are available Monday The Guild also provides a wide and social learning spaces. Other range of opportunities to join clubs, to Friday and can be booked via flexible study areas such as the [email protected] volunteer in the local area, make Sanctuary and the Loft (Streatham new friends and develop your All discussions are in confidence and Campus) are also available. Useful skills. There are more than 260 no information is given to anyone online information is available in the societies to choose from as well as without your consent. Pre-arrival Library Guide and student media (newspaper, radio Library Induction. If you ever have and television), fundraising activities See www.exeter.ac.uk/ questions, support is available from with Raise and Give (RAG), and internationalstudents the friendly Library Liaison Team. volunteering projects with Exeter Access online support anytime via Student Volunteers (ESV). our collection of LibGuides.
41 BACK TO CONTENTS Student supportsupport servicesservices inin Exeter Exeter
Music can help you to relax and HOST UK arranges for international The Wellbeing Services Team socialise, as well as improve students to spend a day, weekend offer a range of support services your self confidence and your or Christmas in a British home. You and psychological therapies to help concentration. The musical life of can visit a host in any part of the UK students manage with their studies Exeter is dynamic and varied, with and experience more of the British when difficult times occur. The student societies offering everything culture and people. Further details team is made up of mental health from rock bands and musical are available at www.hostuk.org practitioners and psychological theatre to full-size orchestras. For therapists, all of whom can offer The Student Health Centre, more information please see the support tailored to your individual located on Streatham Campus, Students’ Guild’s Music website needs. The Wellbeing Services provides for the healthcare of at www.exeterguild.org/music team can be found at Reed Mews students at the University. It is a Wellbeing Centre (opposite the National Health Service facility and The Students’ Guild Advice Unit Student Health Centre) and we part of a large local medical practice. offers free, independent and offer support to students on both You will need to register on arrival at confidential information and advice the Streatham and St Luke’s campus the University. Please visit on a range of issues affecting www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing students, including housing, money, www.exeter.ac.uk/shc welfare and academic problems. AccessAbility Service and Mental The University is an inclusive The Advice Unit can also support Health Team offer support to community. Harassment, bullying, students bringing their families to students with a range of disabilities, intimidation and discrimination will Exeter. For more information, visit specific learning difficulties (including not be tolerated. If you experience exeterguild.com/advice dyslexia) and long term health or witness any of the above we conditions. We can provide advice, encourage you to report it and get Staying active and healthy is essential guidance, signposting to other the support you might need using that’s why there are so many ways services and face-to-face support our reporting tools: www.exeter. for all students to engage in sport with accessing learning and teaching ac.uk/speakout and physical activity. opportunities in preparation for Living away from home in a new and during academic programmes. The Athletic Union have 50 city (or country) can bring new Staff are qualified professionals and student-led sports clubs which are challenges, so every student living can offer a range of experience and open to all abilities as well as lots in our accommodation in Exeter expertise. All enquiries are dealt with of events throughout the year. The is assigned a Residence Life confidentially and promptly enabling sports facilities are superb including Mentor – a fellow student who Exeter students to benefit from the a 200 station gym at the Sports has experience of university life. support we offer. Park. Fitness classes, swimming, Your Mentor will visit regularly to badminton, tennis, football, cricket, www.exeter.ac.uk/wellbeing answer questions, help with any basketball, table-tennis and much Nightline is a confidential listening problems, and keep you up to more. and information service funded by date with what’s going on around A major aspect of the student the Students’ Guild, run by student campus and in the city. You can sporting experience is the volunteers. They are available every speak to them confidentially about Intramural sports programme, day of term between 20:00 and whatever’s on your mind. And, which supports students playing in 08:00. You can call, Skype, send if you have an urgent worry or friendly sports competitions against them an Instant Message at https:// problem, Residence Life Team other students. Teams can be im.exeter.nightline.ac.uk/webim Leaders are on duty every evening entered from friends, halls, courses or text 07786 209309 if you need to help. www.exeter.ac.uk/ or societies and are a great way to someone to talk to or just fancy residencelifeteam a chat. Nightline also provides stay active and make friends. The support we offer students also www.exeter.ac.uk/sport information, like the number for a takeaway or for university services. extends off campus. Tel: +44 (0)1392 724000 www. exeterguild.org/exeternightline
42 BACK TO CONTENTS The Student Community on site to facilitate a rapid response which can be found in the Old Wardens can be contacted on: when required. In an emergency Library on Streatham campus and [email protected] to you are advised to telephone in the Holnicote building on the St arrange friendly welcome meetings +44 (0)1392 722222 or for all Luke’s campus. We have created a at your premises. The Wardens can non-emergency enquiries telephone guide for Muslim students in Exeter talk through aspects of community +44 (0) 1392 723999. and Penryn available here in English life that you need help with – from and Arabic. explaining the rubbish and recycling Residence Night Patrol staff work rules, to finding out how you can get closely with the Night Estate Patrol They also offer a lovely, involved in local events and activities. Security Team and Residence comfortable lounge for you to Patrollers from 21:15 to 04:00 use – the Chaplaincy Quiet Room Careerzone aims to help you nightly and are on duty during term on Streatham campus, which is a develop the skills and knowledge to time (only). Their role focuses bookable space Monday – Friday secure work or further study after on providing welfare support to 9am – 5pm. you graduate. We can help you students in halls of residence as find part-time work, vacation work well as ensuring safety and security To contact the Chaplains or to find and volunteering opportunities, overnight. links to other Faith communities in either to earn money whilst you Exeter, please visit: www.exeter. are studying or to gain experience Car parking ac.uk/chaplaincy. The Chaplaincy can be contacted on tel: 01392 of a future area of employment. Students who live in the city are We also provide support to find, 725858 at the Chaplaincy Hub not entitled to bring their cars Office. The Chaplaincy can also be and apply for, graduate-level jobs on the campus during weekdays and postgraduate study. There contacted out of hours on 07501 from 8am – 6pm. Car park C is 512855. is a comprehensive programme for visitors to the campus only, but of careers events available to parking is available during evenings Environmental help enhance your personal and and weekends. You are respectfully professional skills, improve your reminded that if you drive a car sustainability at the job hunting techniques and meet on a road you must hold a valid University of Exeter employers on campus. Our driving licence and be covered by The University takes environmental professional careers staff also offer adequate insurance. one-to-one appointments to guide sustainability very seriously and you towards making informed Chaplaincy seeks to promote greater awareness choices about your future career. of environmental sustainability issues The University of Exeter Chaplaincy to students. Students are actively The careers website www. Team serves all members of the encouraged to help make our exeter.ac.uk/careers contains the University - students and staff campus more sustainable through a information you need to make the from all Faith backgrounds and number of projects. The University most of the opportunities available none. The team is made up of environmental sustainability website and to be successful in whatever you 16 Chaplains from many different www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability choose to do after graduating. religions and traditions: Buddhist, contains up-to-date information Baha’i, Christian, Muslim and Jewish which details what the University is Our Estate Patrol Security Team Chaplains. As a Multifaith Chaplaincy doing and what you can do. provides a security presence on Team they are completely impartial, Visit the website today to find out campus 24 hours a day. Our inclusive and non-judgemental how and where to recycle, how uniformed staff are available to and are available to talk with you to travel in an environmentally provide advice and assistance, both confidentially at any time. There are friendly way, how to save energy day and night, to staff, students and three Christian chapels at Exeter and money, and opportunities to campus visitors. Fire alarms and University. The Mary Harris Chapel, get involved and volunteer with the intruder alarms, together with the Roman Catholic Chapel and the St sustainability team. University’s extensive closed circuit Luke’s Chapel. For Muslim students television system are monitored there are prayer rooms available,
43 BACK TO CONTENTS Student support services at in Cornwall
Student support services at Penryn Campus, Cornwall Prior to arrival, students can contact FXU The careers website www.exeter. the Cornwall International Student ac.uk/careers contains the There are a number of clubs and Advisor on info.penryn@exeter. information you need to make the societies in Cornwall including a ac.uk for advice and guidance on most of the opportunities available strong International Society, which a number of issues such as visa to you on campus to develop your provides a network of friends and applications, working during your skills and employability. support, and arrange outings and studies, bringing your family to the events for its members. Other UK, plus general information on societies include sporting, faith or living in Cornwall and the UK. Multi-Faith general interest. A list can be found Chaplaincy on the web pages for FXU (the Once you arrive in Cornwall the In Cornwall, a full-time Chaplain Student Union for students studying staff in the Cornwall Education and Multi-Faith Team are available in Cornwall). www.fxu.org.uk Services Team can provide advice to care for students and staff of any and guidance academic for any faith or no faith. issues you encounter. You can visit Career Zone us in person at the Info at Penryn The Career Zone aims to help you The Chaplain also acts as a link in the Peter Lanyon building or via improve your chances of gaining with representatives of other email [email protected] a great job after you graduate. Faith communities. www.fxplus. The service specialises in helping ac.uk/students/student-support- Student Services provide a range you find part-time work, vacation services/multi-faith-chaplaincy of specialist support services work and volunteering, either to which includes Living Support, help you raise money whilst you International Counselling, Chaplaincy and are studying or to complement a Student Support Accessibility Services. They are future area of study or career. It located on the campus and can offer also supports you with searching In Cornwall you will have access to advice and support, however large and applying for graduate-level a dedicated International Student or small the problem. www.fxplus. jobs and placement opportunities. Adviser who can provide help and ac.uk/students/student-services There are comprehensive training practical advice on a whole range of issues, from immigration and visa ASK: Academic Skills are sessions and events available to help you enhance your personal and queries prior to and during your responsible for running workshops time in Cornwall. and providing one-to-one advice professional skills, improve your job on topics including study skills, hunting skills and meet employers Drop by the Info at Penryn desk in essay writing, and English Language on campus. the Peter Lanyon Building Monday support. There are also evening Professional careers staff will guide to Friday 9am – 5pm, or email: classes in modern foreign languages. you towards making an informed [email protected] https://ask.fxplus.ac.uk choice of career or further study. If you already have an idea of what you’d like to do, they can offer specific information and advice for all areas and interests.
44 BACK TO CONTENTS Living in the UK
45 BACK TO CONTENTS Living in the UK and culture shock
Living in a new culture is exciting but • You may be surprised about the Smoking can also be challenging. Here is some amount of alcohol some students In 2007 England undertook a basic advice about life in the UK. consume. Unfortunately it is part complete smoking ban in public of a student drinking culture. Only • Although simple politeness is places. All University residences and drink to a level you are comfortable always expected, British people are buildings are non-smoking. Make with and not at all if you don’t generally relaxed. They like to hear sure you take notice of non-smoking want to. You should never feel ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ repeatedly! zones in public areas. If you are in pressurised into drinking. People here are very friendly but the company of others it is polite to ask if they mind whether you smoke, can be reserved, especially when • You may wish to tip. About 10 – especially at meal times. talking to strangers. You might 15% for a taxi or in a restaurant is also like to download the British the norm although check a tip has Toilets Council’s ‘Creating Confidence’ not already been added. British toilets are the flushing, pedestal booklet. type. Toilet paper is provided and • Men and women have equal rights • It is not polite to be late in Britain. If should always be flushed away after in the UK. It is illegal to discriminate use. Separate facilities are usually you find you are going to be late or against anyone according to race, available for disabled persons and for if you cannot keep an appointment gender, age, class, sexual orientation nappy/baby changing. try to contact the person you are or disability. going to meet beforehand. Electricity • British attitudes to sex and sexuality • If you are invited to someone’s British electricity works on 230 may be different from those in your volts/50 cycles and most socket take home for a meal it is polite to take own country. You are free to live a small gift (for example, wine, 13 amp square pin fused plugs. Make according to your own personal sure your electrical equipment can be chocolates or flowers), or you could standards, ethics and beliefs and not used safely at this voltage. Adaptors invite them to your home in return. feel pressured to adopt those of any can be purchased in the campus It is considered good manners to of your fellow students. shops, or don’t forget to pack a few in tell your hosts in advance if you your luggage. have special religious or dietary Climate and clothing requirements. See ‘What to pack’ section p.33. Drinking water All British tap water is safe to drink • When you are in a bank, shop or unless it is labelled ‘not for drinking’. waiting for a bus you are expected UK food Do not use water from the hot to queue; stand in line and wait British people enjoy a great variety of food, including dishes from water tap for making hot drinks. You your turn. People can get very should instead boil a kettle or use a angry if you ‘jump the queue’. other countries. Meals in the UK can seem heavy and often rely on microwave. • If you do not drink alcohol, you may meat, potatoes and vegetables. It is be worried if you are invited to go important to maintain a good diet to a pub (public house or bar). Pubs and not rely on fast food. If you are are popular social meeting places unused to cooking, take a look at www.studentcooking.tv where there and sell a range of soft drinks as well are many films of recipes for you to as alcohol. Both men and women try. are welcome. There is no waiter service and you pay for drinks at the bar when you order them.
46 BACK TO CONTENTS Living in the UK and culture shock Living in the UK and culture shock
Driving in the UK • Register any valuable property This is a very normal experience at www.immobilise.com free and most international students find Very few students have cars, and that they soon become accustomed there is limited parking on campus. of charge. to their surroundings. But It is easy to move around Exeter, • Keep your windows and doors sometimes ‘culture shock’ can feel Cornwall and their surrounding shut and locked when you leave like an emotional rollercoaster. areas using public transport. Before your property. buying a car, please consider all the Tips to help with transition: costs involved – petrol, insurance • Don’t leave your valuables on and licence (both compulsory), view. • Remember that culture shock is a normal experience and you’re not MOT (certificate to prove your car • If you have an alarm use it. is roadworthy), tax, repairs, etc. It is alone. Talk to other international your responsibility to research the • Does your house look secure? students who are probably feeling driving laws in the UK and comply. If the answer is no speak to your the same way. If you are caught without a licence, landlord. insurance, MOT and/or tax it can • Bring a few familiar items with you • Don’t make yourself an easy affect your visa status and you will to make your room feel more like target – walk and travel in groups be strictly punished by the police. home. at night and swap telephone Please contact [email protected] • Talk to people in your residence or [email protected] if numbers. and in your classes, even if you you are thinking of buying a car • Be aware of your surroundings or bringing one to campus. are nervous. Most people will be • Stick to well-lit streets and avoid friendly and you will feel more Bicycles shortcuts after dark. confident. Cycling is a healthy, cheap and • Use cash machines during • Get plenty of rest, eat well and convenient way to travel to and the day or get cash-back in a exercise. from our campuses. You can buy supermarket. Never write down a low cost second-hand bike from your PIN number. • Join student clubs and societies a series of events organised by the where you can enjoy socialising • If you are concerned about a Sustainability Team, who also sell with British and international situation or feel unsafe go into the discounted cycle lights and locks. students with the same interests. There are plenty of cycle parking nearest shop and ask the assistant facilities on the campuses, to lock for help. • If you are finding the transition your bike and students can take particularly difficult talk to your advantage of free cycle safety check- Culture shock Personal Tutor, Residence Life ups at monthly Dr Bike events. A Many international students Team, Chaplain, Wellbeing range of safe cycling information is experience culture shock when Services or ISSO. These people available on the cycling web pages they arrive in the UK. The language, are trained listeners! (www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability/ clothes, food and behaviour may travel/bike). seem strange compared to what • Contact ISSO sid@exeter. you are used to at home. The ac.uk or info.penryn@exeter. Staying safe rules of academic and social life ac.uk for an appointment and a Exeter and Cornwall are relatively may be quite different from what chat. safe places but by taking on board you expected. You may have some simple crime prevention thought you knew a lot about We are always willing to listen and advice you can help to prevent Britain before you came but now help in any way we can. becoming a victim of crime. find it hard to settle.
47 BACK TO CONTENTS Maps
48 BACK TO CONTENTS RD NE TO DS A 18 GL RD&E (HEAVITREE)
RD&E (WONFORD)
Maps
The Streatham and St Luke’s campuses are located within a 15-minute walk of the city centre or a 5-minute bus journey.
49 BACK TO CONTENTS Streatham Campus
88
Car Park C Visitors Only
89
STOCKER ROAD entrance vehicle access to Car Parks A, B, D, Business School and Innovation Centre
The department locations are correct as of February 2015 Devonshire House 2 6G Mary Harris Memorial RESIDENCES Estate Services Centre 89 6C Chapel 10 7F Birks Grange Village 66 5B Exeter Northcott Theatre 13 5F Newman 18 5F Bonhay House 53 11C Family Centre 59 5E Northcote House 12 6F Clydesdale Court 64 5C Forum 3 6G Old Library 7 8G Clydesdale Rise 65 4C Geoffrey Pope 20 5F Peter Chalk Centre 17 5F Cook Mews 69 4A Great Hall 1 6G Physics 21 4F Duryard 72 2B Harrison 23 4H Queen’s 11 7F Garden Hill House 27 3J Hatherly 6 7G Redcot 56 7D Holland Hall 62 4D STREATHAM CAMPUS Henry Wellcome Reed Hall 14 6E Holland Hall Studios 62 4D Building for Biocatalysis 19 5F Reed Mews Wellbeing Centre 15 5E King Edward Court 68 5A Hope Hall 41 7K Roborough 8 8F King Edward Studios 67 5B ACADEMIC, ADMINISTRATION Innovation Centre 25 4I Russell Seal Fitness Centre 88 4E Lafrowda 43 7J AND SOCIAL BUILDINGS Institute of Arab and Sir Christopher Ondaatje Lafrowda Cottage 44 8J Islamic Studies 16 5E Devon Cricket Centre 77 3E Llewellyn Mews 70 4A Alexander 47 10E INTO International Sir Henry Wellcome Lopes Hall 34 6K Amory 29 5H Study Centre 83 6H Building for Mood Mardon Hall 58 5E Bill Douglas Cinema Kay Building 24 4H Disorders Research 82 8F Moberly 71 3B Museum 7 8G Kay House Duryard 85 1A Sports Park 60 4E Nash Grove 57 5D Business School Knightley 55 8E St David’s Retail Services 52 11B Northfield 75 9C Building:One 84 6I Lafrowda House 33 6J Streatham Court 31 6H Pennsylvania Court 36 6L Byrne House 37 7K 50 BACK TO CONTENTS Laver 22 4G Streatham Farm 5 6H Ransom Pickard 35 6L Catholic Chaplaincy 74 3A Lazenby 38 7L Student Health Centre 86 6E Rowe House 45 7J Clayden 54 8D Library 4 6H Tennis Centre 61 4E St David’s 51 12B Clydesdale House 63 5D Living Systems 87 5F Thornlea 48 10D St German’s 42 7K Cornwall House 32 6I t e mp ete Summer University Reception 1 6G Cornwall House Washington Singer 9 8E Swimming Pool 80 7I Xfi 30 5I Streatham Campus
Academic/social buildings Institute of Arab and 16 5E Tennis Centre 61 4E Islamic Studies Alexander 47 10E Thornlea 48 10D Arab and Islamic Studies Drama Drama INTO International 83 5G Amory 29 5H Study Centre University Reception 1 6G Classics and Ancient History Washington Singer 9 8E Geography Laver 22 4G History Archaeology Psychology International Relations Library 4 6H Xfi 30 5I Law University of Exeter Philosophy Living Systems 87 5F Business School Politics Sociology (to be completed 2016) Residences Theology Mary Harris 10 7F Birks Grange 66 5B Bill Douglas Cinema 7 8G Memorial Chapel Bonhay House 53 11C Museum Newman 18 5F Clydesdale Court 64 5C Business School 84 6I Lecture Theatres Cook Mews 69 4A Building:One Northcote House 12 6F University of Exeter Duryard 72 2B Old Library 7 8G Business School Holland Hall 62 4D Catholic Chaplaincy 74 3A Research Commons King Edward Court 68 5A Peter Chalk Centre 17 5F Cornwall House 32 6I King Edward Studios 67 5B Physics 21 4F Music Lafrowda 43 7J Cornwall House 80 7I Physics Swimming Pool Radiography Llewellyn Mews 70 4A Queen’s 11 7F Devonshire House 2 6G Lopes Hall 34 6K English Mardon Hall 58 5E Exeter Northcott 13 5F Film Studies Theatre Foreign Language Centre Nash Grove 57 5D Modern Languages Northfield 75 9C Family Centre 59 5E Reed Hall 14 6E Pennsylvania Court 36 6L Forum 3 6G Reed Mews 15 5E Ransom Pickard 35 6L Alumni Auditorium Wellbeing Centre Costa Coffee Rowe House 45 7J Exploration Labs Roborough 8 8F St David’s 51 12B Forum Library Drama Retail, Banking and Catering Services St German’s 42 7K Seminar Rooms Sir Christopher 77 3E Student Services Centre Ondaatje Devon Students’ Guild Information Point Cricket Centre Geoffrey Pope 20 5F Sports Park 60 4E Biosciences Streatham Court 31 6H Great Hall 1 6G University of Exeter Harrison 23 4H Business School Accounting Computer Science Business and Management Engineering Economics Mathematical Sciences Student Health 86 6E Hatherly 6 7G Centre Biosciences
51 BACK TO CONTENTS St Luke’s and Penryn campuses
St Luke’s Campus ENTRANCE RD&E Heavitree Streatham Campus, Academic/social buildings city centre, train stations and public car parks HEAVITREE ROAD Baring Court 5 Children’s Health and Exercise 2 1 Research Centre Graduate School of Education 4 Rowancroft Chapel 2 3 5 Tennis Cross Keys 3 Volleyball (Summer only) Holnicote 4
11 6 16 Support Services 7 10 Library 6 Medical School Building 8 8 North Cloisters 1 9 Graduate School of Education Richards 9 Sport and Health Sciences
COLLEGE AVENUE Smeall 10 University of Exeter Medical School South Cloisters 11 MAGDALEN ROAD RILD/RD&E Graduate School of Education ENTRANCE Wonford Sports Centre 7
Steps
* SID Penryn Campus, Cornwall Indoor swimming pool To Falmouth
Pool bicycles for staff to hireCottages Disabled ramp access and farmhouse ermit holders and isitors only Baby changing facilities Academic/social buildings 11 The Exchange 1
Pedestrian and cycle access Daphne du Maurier Building 2
from Penryn and Penryn Station 9 Environment and Sustainability 5 2 2 A39 Institute (ESI) 3 3 8 1 7 4 10 Science and Engineering Research 6 A394 Support Facility (SERSF) 4 Treliever To Penryn roundabout Station A394 Peter Lanyon Building 5 Tremough House and The Annexe 9
TRELIEVER ROAD ENTRANCE TRELIEVER ROAD To Truro Self-catered residences
Glasney Student Village 6
Academic, Administration Bus stops and Social Buildings Residences Food and drink
Footpath Information point
Cycle parking Student Information Desk The Penryn Campus is located within a 20-minute Parking Indoor swimming pool walk from Penryn or a 5-minute bus journey.
No entry The department locations are correct as of February 2015
52 BACK TO CONTENTS Useful contacts
The University General information: www.exeter.ac.uk +44 (0)1392 661000 Emergency contact: Exeter (Estate Patrol Campus Security) +44 (0)1392 722222 Cornwall +44 (0)1326 255875 International Recruitment Team: www.exeter.ac.uk/international University accommodation: www.exeter.ac.uk/accommodation +44 (0)1392 723999 Penryn campus accommodation: www.fxplus.ac.uk/accommodation +44 (0)1326 253639 Academic Colleges: www.exeter.ac.uk/departments University virtual tours: www.exeter.ac.uk/virtualtours
Visa and pre-arrival information Visa/entry to the UK: www.gov.uk/visas-immigration The British Council Worldwide: www.britishcouncil.org UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA): www.ukcisa.org.uk
Travel London airports: www.airwise.com/airports/uk/index.html Train services: www.thetrainline.com National coach services: www.nationalexpress.com
Local information Exeter: www.exeter.gov.uk www.thisisexeter.co.uk Devon: www.visitdevon.co.uk Cornwall: www.cornwall.gov.uk www.visitcornwall.com Britain: www.visitbritain.com
www.exeter.ac.uk/internationalstudents 2019ESE045