International & EU Students Joining Instructions

JANUARY 2013

Contents

Arrival/Meet and Greet 3/4

Term dates 4

Checklist pre-arrival 5

Useful contact numbers 6

Transport and arrival 7

Airport transfers 8

Social events 9

The Film Place 9

Sports programme 10

Health and Welfare 11/12

Useful advice 13/14

Methods of payment 15

Credit card payment 16

Banking facilities 17

ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION DAY THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2013

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL & EU STUDENTS STARTING IN JANUARY 2013. ARRIVAL DAY THURSDAY 17 JANUARY.

The University looks forward to welcoming you to Buckingham for the start of your academic programme in January. The following information is provided in order to help you to plan your arrival.

ARRIVAL DAY You are expected to arrive at the University on Thursday 17 January 2013 for registration. If you have booked and paid £1,150 towards your accommodation, your keys will be available for collection at registration.

REGISTRATION You will be required to register formally in order to become a student of the University. Registration will take place in Chandos Road Building – check our campus map at http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/campusmaps to help you find your way around the University.

Your registration time is as follows:

09:00 – 16.00

Please make every effort to arrive during the requested time slot

Please look at the Reminder Checklist on page 5 for details of what to bring with you. Unless these requirements are fulfilled it may not be possible for you to register. At registration you will be photographed for your student ID card.

ACCOMMODATION For all information regarding accommodation please refer to our website at: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/accommodation/livingon/howtoapply .

If you have any questions please contact them on Tel: +44 (0)1280 820351, Fax: +44 (0)1280 820259, Email: [email protected]. Please note that rooms will not be available for occupation before the 17 January.

MEET AND GREET/INDUCTION A programme of Induction events, including a New Students’ Welcome Reception will be organised. More details will be posted on our website nearer the time.

FREE CHOICE COURSES (undergraduate students only) You may have the opportunity to select a free choice option to study in your first two terms. If so you will be asked to select your free choice shortly after registration. Please look at our Website for further information: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/handbook

MONEY Please remember to bring enough UK currency with you to cover your expenses for the first few days of term. It is not advisable to carry large quantities of cash and we recommend that you open a local bank account as soon as possible. More information on this is included in the finance information on page 18. Local banks are within easy walking distance of the University and are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays.

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LATE ARRIVAL We aim to offer the best possible service to our students. Arrival after Thursday 17 January 2013 is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and with the permission of your academic department. If you have reason to think that your arrival might be delayed, please contact the Admissions Office well in advance so that special arrangements can be made. Places cannot be held open beyond the first day of term unless permission has been obtained in advance. Tuition and accommodation fees are charged from the beginning of term and no reductions are available because of late arrival. If you have reserved a room but are unable to register on 17 January you must also inform our Accommodation Office of your arrival date.

CONTACT WITH THE UNIVERSITY If you require any further information before arrival please contact:

The Enquiries Team University of Buckingham Hunter Street Buckingham MK18 1EG Telephone: +44 (0)1280 820313 Fax: +44 (0)1280 820251 Email: [email protected]

TERM DATES

2013 WINTER Mon 21 Jan to Fri 22 Mar SPRING Mon 08 Apr to Fri 21 Jun SUMMER Mon 15 Jul to Fri 13 Sep AUTUMN Mon 30 Sep to Fri 13 Dec

2014 WINTER Mon 20 Jan to Fri 21 Mar SPRING Mon 07 Apr to Fri 20 Jun SUMMER Mon 14 Jul to Fri 12 Sep AUTUMN Mon 29 Sep to Fri 12 Dec

ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION DAY THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2013

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CHECKLIST PRIOR TO ARRIVAL – ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION DAY THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2013

STAGE I : PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST OF THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE SENT TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE PRIOR TO REGISTRATION: (i) Your original examination certificates [or certified copies] and references including your English Language certificate (ii) Acceptance Statement (iii) First term’s tuition fees and Bond (see www.buckingham.ac.uk/admissions/fees

IMPORTANT You will only be able to register if the above documents and payment have been received. If in doubt please check with the Admissions Office.

ACCOMMODATION For all information regarding accommodation please refer to our website at: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/accommodation/livingon/howtoapply .

If you have any questions please contact them on Tel: +44 (0)1280 820351, Fax: +44 (0)1280 820259, Email: [email protected]. Please note that rooms will not be available for occupation before the 17 January.

VISAS If you need one, remember to apply in plenty of time for your student visa. You can only register if you have the appropriate Tier 4 student visa. Delays in obtaining your visa can prevent you from starting your course. If you experience any difficulties during the visa application process, please contact the Admissions Office immediately. Useful information appears on our Website.

www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/visas or at: www.ukvisas.gov.uk

STAGE II : AT REGISTRATION

CHECKLIST OF THINGS YOU WILL NEED: One of: • Passport (non UK applicants) showing the appropriate visa • EU identity card (EU citizens other than UK) Plus items (i) - (iii) in Stage I above If we have not seen your original academic certificates, transcripts, references and your English Language certificate, we will need to see these at registration.

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USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

If you have any questions prior to arriving at the University of Buckingham, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Admissions Assistants: Business Lyn Hartin Tel: +44 (0)1280 820236 Email: [email protected]

Economics & International Studies Jaci Garbe Tel: +44 (0)1280 820369 Email: [email protected]

English Nancy Zulu Tel: +44 (0)1280 820156 Email: [email protected]

Postgraduate Humanities Teena Warnakulasuriya Tel: +44 (0)1280 820116 Email: [email protected]

Law Tricia Brooks Tel: +44 (0)1280 828321/828344 Email: [email protected]

Science Claire Jopson Tel: +44 (0)1280 828204 Email: [email protected]

The Accommodation Office - Accommodation Office Tel: +44 (0)1280 820398/820351 Email: [email protected]

The Finance Office - Student Fees Office Tel: +44 (0)1280 820250 Email: [email protected]

Student Welfare – Welfare Adviser Tracy Smith Learning Support/Disability Adviser Lionel Weston Tel: +44 (0)1280 820200 Email: [email protected]

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TRANSPORT AND ARRIVAL

• STUDENTS ARRIVING BY THEIR OWN TRANSPORT:-

Registration is at our Chandos Road Building, please see our website: http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/life/campusmaps

• STUDENTS ARRIVING BY AIR/TRAIN:-

o Additional information can be found via UK Railways: o http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

• STUDENTS ARRIVING AT HEATHROW - TRAVEL BY TRAIN

o Make your way to for a train to , the nearest train station to the University. The journey takes about fifty minutes. underground trains leave from every 9 minutes on the Line [maps of the underground system are displayed prominently at the station] , changing at onto the to Euston. At Euston follow the signs for Euston Railway Station . Take a ‘’ or ‘Virgin’ train to Milton Keynes .

• STUDENTS ARRIVING AT LONDON GATWICK - TRAVEL BY TRAIN

o There is a train service from Gatwick to , then Watford to Milton Keynes at certain times of the day, or… o Make your way to Euston Railway Station for a train to Milton Keynes , the nearest train station to the University. You will need to make your way from Gatwick to London Victoria by train. Trains leave from Gatwick approximately every 30 minutes. From London Victoria take the London Transport Underground train to Euston via the Victoria Line . At Euston , follow the signs for Euston Railway Station . Take a ‘London Midland’ or ‘Virgin’ train to Milton Keynes .

o Taxis from Milton Keynes to Buckingham cost between £15 to £25 or the X5 Bus service runs every 30 minutes. If you will be arriving on the X5 please telephone the Enquiries Department, in advance, on +44 (0)1280 820313 so that we can arrange to meet you and bring you to the campus.

• STUDENTS ARRIVING AT LONDON HEATHROW or GATWICK - TRAVEL BY COACH

o National Express Coaches [Telephone No: +44 (0)8717 818181] operate a regular service from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to . The fare is approximately £20.00.

• STUDENTS TRAVELLING FROM OXFORD TO BUCKINGHAM

o The X5 bus service runs every 30 minutes during the day, Monday to Saturday, and hourly on Sunday. This service is available from Gloucester Green Bus Station in Oxford. The X5 service runs to Cambridge, and stops in Buckingham. If you will be arriving on the X5 please telephone the Enquiries Department, in advance, on +44 (0)1280 820313 so that we can arrange to meet you and bring you to the campus.

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS

From London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and International to Buckingham.

If you would prefer to travel by taxi from the airport to Buckingham, below are details of a local firm offering competitive fares which compare very favourably with the prices airport taxis would charge. Carlton Car Service Unit 1, The Stocks Cosgrove Milton Keynes MK19 7JD United Kingdom Tel: + 44 (0)1908 307030 Email: [email protected] Website: www.carltoncarservice.co.uk

Birmingham Int’l - £76 London Gatwick - £110 London Heathrow terminals 1,2,3 - £80 London Heathrow terminal 4,5 - £85 London Luton - £50 Stansted - £90

Please note: the above prices are subject to change, depending on fluctuating fuel costs.

A nominal car park charge may be incurred when meeting flights. Also, if you are held up, [immigration etc] be prepared to be charged extra for this. You should agree the price with Carlton Car Service.

If you wish to take advantage of this service please complete the form below and send it to the company at least 7 days before your journey, preferably with a bankers draft to cover cost. It might also help if you could advise how much luggage you will have. If you use this company, the driver will display a ‘University of Buckingham’ board.

UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM STUDENT

Full name: .…………………………………………………………………. Flight number: ..…………………………………………………………………. Date of Departure: ..…………………………………………………………………. Airport of Departure: ..…………………………………………………………………. Date of Arrival: ..…………………………………………………………………. Airport of Arrival: ..…………………………………………………………………. Scheduled arrival time: ..………………………………………………………………….

DO NOT SEND THIS FORM TO THE UNIVERSITY – SEND IT DIRECT TO CARLTON CAR SERVICE.

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SOCIAL EVENTS

When you arrive at Buckingham the Students Union will make sure that you are made to feel welcome.

The various Clubs and Societies hold events every week throughout the year.

Elections for the Students Union Executive committee are held during the Winter and Summer terms. The Committee consists of nine students; any full time student may stand for election. The Students Union Committee oversees the many different Clubs and Societies and is the representative body for all students.

During the Winter Term (January - March) the University Graduation Ceremonies and Graduation Ball take place. The ball is open to all students and over 700 guests party into the small hours. All students and staff are invited to attend, it is the only black tie event at the university so please do remember to bring your tuxedo or ball gown with you.

During the Summer Term the annual Duck Race is held on the river. Students and staff decorate toy ducks and race them down the river, and prizes are given to the winners. The event is usually followed by a barbeque. During this term the Students Union also holds the annual RAG (Raising And Giving) Week. Events are planned for every day of the week, the aim being to raise as much money as possible for charity.

Spring and Autumn Terms are exam terms and events are usually held for the first part of the term only. On the last day of the Autumn Term the ‘End of Year and Christmas Party’ is held. This is a great opportunity for students and staff to say farewell to those who may be finishing their time at Buckingham.

If you wish to know any more about social events at the University see http://www.buckingham.ac.uk/studentlife/thingstodo

THE FILM PLACE The Film Place is Buckingham's new cinema. We are providing students and local people with not only a cinema but also a great social place to meet. We have a 180-seat theatre and have already installed a 4m wide quality screen and a surround sound audio system! Now we are working on further improvements to the facilities so that we can provide our customers with an even more enjoyable experience. Further information regarding listings information can be found at: http://www.thefilmplace.org.uk/

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Health & Fitness Centre The Health & Fitness Centre located on the top floor of the Tanlaw Mill has an extensive range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment and is open from 6.00am to 10.30pm, 7 days a week. Membership is £50 per year, available from the Sports Officer.

University of Buckingham Football Club The football team play in the North Bucks & District Football League Division 2. Weekly coaching sessions are held with a UEFA “B” qualified coach. Matches are played on Saturday afternoons.

University of Buckingham Shotokan Karate Club The club trains on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7.00 pm to 8.00pm during term time. Club instructor is Sensei Bob Rhodes 7 th Dan. The club is affiliated to the Karate Union of Great Britain.

University of Buckingham Running Club Club sessions are held on Tuesday evenings departing from outside the Tanlaw Mill at 6.45pm. Sessions are lead by Professor Bob Watt.

Self Directed Sports Activities Badminton, Basketball, Football, Squash, Tennis, Table Tennis

Classes Ashtanga Yoga, Fencing, Golf, Horse Riding, Kick Boxing, Pilates, Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, Zumba

Tel: +44(0) 1280 820342 Email: [email protected]

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HEALTH and WELFARE

All full-time students are required to register with a local Doctor. The University medical advisors are North End Surgery, in Buckingham.

• EU students

Most visitors from EU countries have some entitlements to use the NHS. The precise entitlement varies according to their status (Are they a worker, a pensioner, spouse, child or casual visitor?). The Family Health Service Association [FHSA] will regard them as being entitled to NHS treatment, except in cases where the visitor has come to this country specifically to try to obtain free treatment. This treatment will only be free when it is deemed urgent.

Patients from EU countries who have come to this country specifically for treatment should have written approval from their insurance institution to obtain their treatment here and should be able to produce their E111. Normally they should have made prior arrangements for the treatment. GP’s should make EU patients aware of their entitlements.

• International Students

All students who intend to study continuously for a minimum of six months, proving continuity and being “settled” here, are eligible to medical care from the NHS. The student must be registered with a General Practitioner to be eligible for NHS treatment. These regulations also apply to members of their family who must also show that they have a purpose for residing in this country for a minimum of six months, such as continuous study or employment. If the member of family who comes to England does not register with a General Practitioner and has not been resident for six months, he or she is not entitled to free health care.

For registered patients there is always a fee for prescriptions. That fee is laid down by the Department of Health and is subject to change, usually annually. Contraception is free.

The exception to all of the above is ante-natal care. This is at the discretion of the hospital attended. Should the patient be pregnant on arrival in this country, ante- natal care usually does entail a fee.

If a student, or a member of his or her family, comes to England specifically to obtain treatment, they will be charged as private patients. Patients are advised to enquire at the hospital about their detailed entitlements and liabilities. Please make sure that you fully understand.

With countries where we have a reciprocal agreement, NHS treatment will be provided where the need for treatment arises during the visit and it would be unreasonable to delay treatment until the visitor’s intended return home. NHS treatment therefore will not be delivered unless the treatment is deemed urgent.

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For information about countries that have reciprocal agreements with this country, please contact the Department of Student Welfare.

You may: • Telephone: +44 (0)1280 820200 (Mobile +44 (0)7976032219) • E-mail: [email protected]

DISABILITIES/DYSLEXIA

Most students who have a disability or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia will have informed the University during the admissions process of their needs. However if for whatever reason you have not, it is important to contact the Learning Support Adviser, who is part of the Student Support team, as soon as possible after your arrival. It may be that your disability or learning difficulty is mild, but it is useful to know what additional support is available such as additional arrangements for exams or additional study support sessions. Where possible information will be treated in confidence and the student is in control of what information is passed on to other agencies within the university.

To make an appointment with the Learning Support Adviser you may:

• Telephone: +44 (0)1280 820200 • Email: [email protected]

ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION DAY THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2013

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Useful Advice:

• International students may find coming to a new country daunting. But we are always here to help you. Here are a few tips about your journey to the UK.

− Before you arrive use the internet and discover as much as you can about living in England and familiarise yourself with our customs – for example we can get married at 16 years of age, drive a car at 17 years of age (with a valid driving licence and insurance) but we can’t drink until we are 18.

− Always carry copies of your travel documents and your passport’s data page – keep them separately from the originals.

− Don’t bring any valuables with you – if you would be upset to lose it, leave it at home.

− Do not carry large amounts of cash with you; bring just enough to cover your needs for the journey. Use a credit card to pay for hotels and train tickets.

− Never leave your luggage unattended and always make sure it is well labelled.

− Make sure you have travel and property/contents insurance

• Driving in the UK (International Students) − To be able to drive a motor vehicle in the UK you will need to produce the following documentation: − A full driving licence. This should permit the holder to drive legally in the UK without the need for a further driving test. − A valid Certificate of Insurance to a minimum of Third Party cover. − A current road fund licence [tax disc]. − A Ministry of Transport [MOT] Certificate of Roadworthiness [where applicable] − If you do plan to buy a car in the UK please be aware that you will need all of the above. − If you wish to look at any further information with respect to driving in the UK as an international student then please take a look at the following information: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/driving.php

• Property Marking

Don’t just think of doing it. As soon as you can after you arrive at Buckingham use a UV pen – available from the Student Union Office at the University – to write your name and University ID number on your valuables. You won’t be able to see it in normal light and it won’t damage your property, but if it is stolen and then recovered it will be identified as yours. Remember to record the make, model and serial number of any equipment to aid identification should it be necessary.

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• Contents Insurance

− It costs £900 to replace all the stuff stolen after an average burglary. Insurance is always much cheaper

− Students often own plenty of items attractive to thieves – take a look around you. A selection of just 10 CDS can add up to £200.

− Contents insurance policies provide the cover you need, taking into account your lifestyle and the fact your accommodation may be empty in the holidays, and would allow you to replace what’s stolen if you are unlucky.

− Ask your parents if their contents insurance covers your property – sometimes it’s cheaper to add it on to their policy if that’s possible.

− Shop around for the best price. If your bank balance can’t take it, think about only insuring your most expensive or irreplaceable items like your laptop or mobile phone individually.

− Try to take your best things home with you in the holidays.

The University of Buckingham is a safe rural campus, but even here you should take care.

• Be Aware:

Laptops : If your laptop is stolen, how many weeks of hard work will go with it? Save yourself grief and cost by doing what you can to protect what’s yours… Laptops are mobile, but don’t carry yours around with you unless you have to. If you do need to take it with you, disguise it in a rucksack so people won’t know you have one. Never leave it on show in your room or car – nothing will secure it. Back up your work regularly and keep the discs separately from the laptop.

Mobile phones : Register your phone with your network operator - this makes it useless to anyone else if it is stolen. Record the number found behind the battery. These days it’s as easy to cancel a mobile phone as it is to cancel a credit card. The moment your phone is lost or stolen report it on 08701 123 123. Remember: If you make a call in a public place keep an eye on who is around you.

Cars: Believe it or not, most cars are stolen because they are left unlocked! Never leave the keys in the ignition, for example when paying for fuel. Hide keys and car documents at home. Get a car alarm, steering lock or immobiliser and use it! Always park in well lit areas where possible. Never leave anything in sight – even an old coat. Secure the sound system.

Bicycles: Use a sturdy lock; chains are okay but can be cut. Remove any extras like lights, etc. Mark your bike frame with the postcode of the University and your ID number.

TV & Music systems: Make sure that you don’t leave your TV, music system, personal CD, etc on show in your room or car. Make sure you have identified them with a UV pen (available from the Students Union Office). Make a note of the makes and serial numbers and keep in a safe place. If they are stolen it will be more likely you will get them back!

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THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM Notes on methods of payment

Payment by direct transfer For speed of clearance and simplicity we prefer payments to be made by direct transfer to the University's bank account, details of which are as follows:

Bank Sort Code : 60 - 04 - 09 Bank Particulars : NatWest Bank plc Name of Account : The University of Buckingham Account Number : 85521248 Swift Number : NWBKGB2L (Optional-international transfers only) IBAN Number : GB21NWBK60040985521248

To assist us in crediting the correct account, the student's family name and application number (in that order) should be the reference entered in “payment details (information for the beneficiary)” or equivalent.

Online payment New students can now pay via our Online Payment Portal: http://extranet.buckingham.ac.uk/opp/

Payment by cheque or banker’s draft (UK banks only) We are also pleased to accept cheques or drafts drawn on a UK bank and made out in favour of "The University of Buckingham". You can bring such payments in person to the Student Fees Office between 9.30am and 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays. Or you can send them by post to: Student Fees Office The University of Buckingham Hunter Street Buckingham MK18 1EG UK

Please note students paying by personal cheque need to make payment at least five working days before they intend to register to allow time for the payment to clear the banking system. Personal cheques cannot be accepted at Registration.

Payment by cash For reasons of security of students and staff, and of insurance, the Student Fees Office does not accept payment in cash. If the funds for your fees are held in cash, you are asked to pay the money directly into our account, as described above.

International students should be aware that persons bringing more than £10,000 in cash into the UK are required by law to provide documentation demonstrating its legitimate origin, failing which the money is normally impounded by the customs authorities. For more information please visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/arriving_in_uk.php#money

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Credit card or debit card We are also pleased to accept Visa and MasterCard; and debit cards from any UK bank. Please send the information below completed in capital letters to the Student Fees Office by mail to:

Student Fees Office The University of Buckingham Hunter Street Buckingham MK18 1EG United Kingdom

Or by fax to +44 (0)1280 820344

It can also be scanned (a signature is required) and attached to an email to: [email protected] )

Full name of student: ______

Date of entry to University: ______

Card number: ______Issue number :______(shown on certain debit cards)

Other number: ______Expiry Date: ______(shown on certain debit cards, e.g. Switch number)

Amount to be debited: £ ______

Payee: The University of Buckingham

Card holder’s name and card statement address :______

______

______

______

Postcode (essential for all UK addresses) :

Cardholder’s signature: ______

Card Security Code ( essential ): This is the last three digits of the number on the reverse of the card, near to the signature strip.

If you need to contact the Fees Office in connection with the method of payment, please Email: [email protected] or Telephone: +44 (0)1280 820250.

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International students opening bank accounts British banks have special procedures for International Students, details can be found at: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/bank_account.php Essentially banks are required by law to see identification to prove: • Who you are • Your UK address • Your student status • The dates of your course. The account type the banks will generally open for you does not provide a chequebook or overdraft facility but does allow payment by electronic transfer, standing order or cash withdrawal. Some banks also offer debit cards such as Solo, which are a convenient method of paying university fees (generally free of bank charges).

Opening a bank account after registration As an example, the University's bankers, National Westminster, have confirmed their procedure as follows. You will need to show them: 1. A letter from the University confirming: • Your UK address, whether in a hall of residence or privately arranged • Your course title • The duration of your course • Your date of birth 2. Your passport. If you require a visa to live in the UK, its validity should end no earlier than the end date of your course. Other banks have generally similar procedures, sometimes also wishing to record your permanent address overseas, which isn’t usually a problem. However, students should be aware that some banks also require the University to confirm that it has corresponded with that address, which can be a problem if the application was made from elsewhere. Opening a bank account before registration Generally this isn’t possible , because the University will not be able to provide the confirmation letter referred to above. The only exception is if you meet the conditions for opening an offshore account with a UK bank. For example, National Westminster maintains offshore accounts at its Isle of Man branch. If you are interested in this option, please contact the student fees office. They will be pleased to pass your request to the local manager who will then contact you. Tel: +44 (0)1280 820250 Fax: +44 (0)1280 820344 Email: [email protected]

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