Pre-Departure Guide 2013

PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE 2013 University Programmes LIBT London IBT Pre-departure Guide 2013 1PREPARING FOR YOUR DEPARTURE to London, United Kingdom Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 London: the world in one city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Student services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Entry clearance and visa guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Preparing to leave home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Arriving in the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Your first weeks in the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Getting started at LIBT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Practical information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Important websites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Welcome acceptance at London IBT Ltd, established in association with Brunel University, London. All staff at LIBT look forward to welcoming you and will assist you with all the important aspects of your time with us. I warmly congratulate you on your in education and understanding the cultural adjustments required when students move to a new country. LIBT Reception is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm. The office is closed on weekends, however if you have an emergency then we have a 24-hour helpline where one of the team will be able to assist. This Pre-Departure Guide for International Students contains important information regarding your arrival in the UK. Please read through this guide before your arrival in the UK as it provides you with some important information. On behalf of the staff of LIBT, I wish you success with your studies, an enjoyable and rewarding time in London and, above all, your move towards your degree qualification <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">and the start of a successful career. </li><li style="flex:1">You may be assured that we are all fully </li></ul>committed to ensuring that your studies with us are successful and I hope you find your time with us an enjoyable one. The staff of LIBT have considerable experience Christine Vincent College Director / Principal LIBT 2LIBT London IBT Pre-departure Guide 2013 London: the world in one city London is one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting cities. As the UK’s capital city it boasts a mix of tradition, unique characteristics, history, modern engineering and a multicultural population. These traits are apparent throughout the city in many historic and famous landmarks such as The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. The city’s diverse range of cultures and numerous attractions have led to it having the third highest number of international visitors in the world. London And in such a culturally diverse city you can be sure to find restaurants to suit every taste. You can also enjoy day trips to see other parts of England, such as the Brighton coast, Windsor Castle or the historical cities of Oxford and Cambridge. As the gateway to Europe, from London you can even travel by train to Paris or Brussels in just two hours. Uxbridge: a charming London community LIBT and Brunel University are located in Uxbridge in west London. Uxbridge is located 30 minutes from Central London by overland train or 50 minutes on the London Underground. Students in Uxbridge therefore have access to the best of both worlds: the dynamic buzz of the capital and the peaceful countryside of nearby Windsor or Oxford. Uxbridge is only four miles from Heathrow, the world’s busiest airport by number of international passengers, so a mini-break to mainland Europe or a trip home are never far away. Career opportunities London is the heart of the UK’s financial, commercial and creative sectors. It is therefore the ideal place for you to gain some professional experience while studying. Thousands of businesses in the London area welcome international students through work placements and internships, and these opportunities which will give you a practical advantage when pursuing your future career. Climate London’s seasons change gradually, with winter from December to February and summer from June to August. Although August is usually the hottest time of the year and temperatures can reach 30°C, the average high is about 24°C and the average low is around 14°C. In recent winters it has been cold enough to snow in London, so it might be a good idea to bring some extra boots, gloves, hats and scarves. Work placements and job opportunities are also widely available with international organisations that are based in or around Uxbridge. Previous Brunel students have gone on to intern and even work for these locally based companies, which include Apple UK, Coca-Cola, Parexel, Xerox, Hasbro and GlaxoSmithKline. The LIBT campus is just a 20 minute walk or short bus ride from the cobblestone streets of Uxbridge town centre. The town is packed with over 300 shops, a multiplex cinema and dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes. If you are looking for something a little more peaceful, you can make your way to one of the waterfront pubs, take a stroll along a canal or visit the nearby Colne Valley regional park. As one of the largest natural parks in London, it includes miles of woods and walkways, as well as lakes, rivers and nature reserves. Approximate daily <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">temperature </li><li style="flex:1">Season </li><li style="flex:1">Period </li></ul>Summer Autumn Winter <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">June to August </li><li style="flex:1">11˚C to 21˚C </li></ul>September to November December to February March to May 6˚C to 18˚C 2˚C to 9˚C 4˚C to 16˚C Things to see and do London is packed full of exciting things to do and places to explore. The city offers something for everyone and for interests as diverse as theatre, shopping, ballet, opera, history and art. World famous Spring attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the National Gallery and Westminster Abbey are amongst many spots of interest for tourists, students and local residents. Shopping is hugely popular within the city and Oxford Street offers a great variety of high street and designer shops including the world renowned store Selfridges. Harrods department store and Hamleys amongst many others can also be found just a few streets away. 3LONDON FASTFACTS Population 7.8 million (Uxbridge: 25,300) County Greater London Currency UK Sterling (£) Time zone UTC/GMT Electricity 230 V Language English 4LIBT London IBT Pre-departure Guide 2013 Student Services Contacts The Student Services team are here to help with any query you have (no matter how large or small) and have plenty of knowledge and experience at their disposal. It’s important to the LIBT Student Services team that students don’t feel worried or apprehensive about any aspect of beginning their studies, so we try to do everything possible to make the transition as smooth as possible. You will often find that whatever is on your mind can be resolved for you with minimal fuss. So if you have any problems, please ask! If you would like any further information and would prefer to speak to somebody face to face then please feel free to contact our support team on: Student Services Office TE +44 (0)1895 265540 <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank">[email protected] </a>Tip Open an email account with Yahoo or Hotmail, make a note of your traveller’s cheque numbers, as well as the emergency contact details for credit cards and send them on an email to yourself. That way, if your traveller’s cheques or credit cards are lost, you have a safe record of the serial numbers and can replace them quickly. 5Entry clearance and visa guide Course • course fees that you have paid so far (if applicable) UK VISA REGULATIONS: Points-Based System for Students (Tier 4) • the course title • accommodation fees that you have paid so far (if applicable) • the academic level of course or qualification you will get when you complete the course (the National Qualifications Framework level or the type of qualification—for example, a bachelor’s degree). If you will be studying an English language course, the level of the course should be the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level—for example, CEFR level B2 This information is for guidance only. Please refer to the UKBA website ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Proof of finance For further information about the documentation which you need to provide to prove availability of funds, visit the UKBA website. Do I need a visa? To be able to travel to the United Kingdom as a student you must pass a points-based assessment and score 40 points to get your visa. How do I apply? You will need to fill in the Application form, pay your fee and include: • the start date (the date you start your main studies, or the date you start an induction or course to prepare you for study if you have an unconditional offer to do your main course) How is the score calculated? You will score 30 points for a CAS Statement from an approved education provider and 10 points if you can show you have enough finances to cover your course fees and monthly living expenses for up to nine months (known as maintenance). • a current passport or travel document • a CAS Statement from a licensed sponsor • the latest date you can join the course (optional) • documents to show you have the right finances (maintenance) available <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">• the expected end date </li><li style="flex:1">• documents used by your sponsors when </li></ul>they accepted you on to the course • the number of hours per week (optional if studying a full-time degree course that leads to a United Kingdom recognised bachelor or postgraduate degree, or an overseas higher education course equivalent to a United Kingdom higher education course) The UK Border Agency will also need to record your biometric details if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. What is a CAS Statement? A CAS Statement includes information about you, your sponsor, the course, and your finances. It should include: Travel arrangements Route Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, therefore flights can be heavily oversubscribed at these times. It is advisable to make a flight booking as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment with LIBT. • the address of your main place of study, if different to the approved education provider’s main address This should say ‘general student’ or ‘adult student’ • the address of any organisation offering you a work placement, if known and applicable You (the student) • your name (as shown on your <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">passport, if applicable) </li><li style="flex:1">Students who have chosen not to use </li></ul>LIBT’s accommodation service and who wish to organise private accommodation will need to arrive three to five days in advance to arrange accommodation, because there is no allocated time during Registration for this process. LIBT staff will be on hand to help with any problems during this time. If your accommodation is not arranged in advance please expect to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast for three to five days while the accommodation is arranged. This will be at your own cost. Students who arrive in the UK late and miss Registration will find it more difficult to adjust and will miss out on vital information about studying and living in London. • your nationality Evidence used to obtain the offer • your passport or travel document number (optional) A list of evidence that the approved education provider used to assess your academic ability to finish the course, which may include: Approved education provider (also known as ‘sponsor’) • the level or type of your existing qualifications (if applicable) • the education provider’s licence number • the qualification awarding body and/or institution (if applicable) • the education provider’s address (if different from the letterhead) • confirmation that an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate is needed (if applicable) • the education provider’s contact details (if different from the letterhead) • the name and address of any partner institution (if you are studying at another institution as part of this course) If you are applying to continue or complete the course of study for which you currently have permission to stay, and your approved education provider has used your progress to date to assess your suitability to continue this course, the education provider must explain this on the CAS statement. If students do not arrive by the first day of teaching, they must contact LIBT as soon as possible as they may miss valuable introductions to their modules/programmes. • the name and address of any overseas higher education institution (if the time you spend in the United Kingdom studying is part of an overseas higher education course) Please ensure that you contact us with your flight details as soon as your flight is booked. Please contact the Student Services Office on +44 (0)1895 265540 or email [email protected]. Money (also known as maintenance) • course fees for the first year, or the length of the course 6LIBT London IBT Pre-departure Guide 2013 Preparing to leave home not have a tropical climate. You can enjoy all the benefits of one of the fashion capitals of the world. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Important documents </li><li style="flex:1">Packing your things </li></ul>You should bring the following documents with you to the UK as they will be required throughout various stages of your stay. Student dress codes in the UK are casual. The general rule is to wear something in which you feel comfortable. Most students wear jeans and trainers to lectures. It may be a good idea to bring some personal items (basic toiletries: toothbrush, soap, towel, etc.) so that you do not need to go shopping as soon as you arrive. If you are struggling to get your suitcase within the luggage limits or forget anything, much of what you may need can be bought in London. • A valid passport and student visa • At least four passport sized photographs* Medium weight clothing such as sweatshirts are appropriate throughout the year but t-shirts are more useful for the summer. Warmer clothing and footwear including rainwear is needed for winter. It is • Your unconditional Offer of Admission • Your CAS Statement • Your Acceptance of Admission Form (completed) recommended that you have a light waterproof jacket for all the year. Summers can be quite warm but it is advisable to have warmer clothing just in case, as the UK does If you need glasses or contact lenses, we also advise that you bring a spare pair and a current optical prescription, as these items are expensive in the UK. • Certified originals of your academic transcripts (including evidence of English proficiency) • Personal identification (eg. driver’s licence, birth certificate, etc) • Any medical prescriptions/certificates/ history/reports • Full details and evidence of your accommodation in the UK, for example a tenancy agreement • Evidence of funds — a letter confirming personal or family resources, or confirmation of sponsorship • Proof of your address in your home country • Contact numbers for any family/friends in the UK • Contact details of family/friends in the event of an emergency • If you are under 18, your guardian details. The guardian must be resident in the UK and appointed by your parent. * It is useful to bring a number of small (passport-sized) full-face photographs, as these are often required for various cards (such as student rail cards) and for police registration (if required); they must be standard UK passport size, with white or pale grey coloured background, and include the whole head and shoulders. Photographs can be obtained in the UK, but may be more expensive than in your home country. 7Arriving in the UK link to ‘Travel’ and on that page you will Customs and quarantine see links to ‘Information for travellers’, ‘How to go through Customs’ and ‘Banned & restricted goods’. Students from all the following countries will need to register with the local police: Students arriving in the UK will have to undergo a number of formalities before they can enter. You will need to pass through immigration controls and customs. You should ensure that you have the following available in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK: It is very important that we know when you are arriving and where you intend to stay in the UK. Please contact us with your flight details as soon as you book them and, if you are staying in private accommodation, details of a UK address and telephone number. We can then ensure that your arrival into the UK is as smooth as possible. A mobile phone number is also needed in case we have to contact you when you first arrive. Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen. • valid passport • valid visa or entry certificate • proof of residency • evidence of funding: personal or family resources, confirmation of sponsorship • the letter from LIBT confirming your place of study as a full-time student Please note these are subject to change and an updated list can be found on the UKBA website. Where to go when you arrive in London • recent medical report (including x-ray results if this applies to you) LIBT offer an airport pickup service that needs to be booked at least three days before you leave. You can easily book this service on the LIBT website by clicking on ‘Arrival’ in the menu. Once you have received confirmation, a trusted driver (with an LIBT placard) will be waiting for you in arrivals to take you to LIBT. • you may be asked for additional information regarding your proposed studies in the UK. As part of your Registration and Enrolment programme you will be told how and where to register. As long as you make sure you attend a registration session you will not need to worry about finding the police station. If you are unable to attend, please inform us when you arrive and we will give you full details about where to go and who to speak to. Please note that this registration is an official requirement for administrative purposes. Immigration procedures at British airports can be stringent and may result in a considerable delay at the end of your flight, especially during peak traffic periods (at the start of term and at UK holiday periods). To assist the immigration officials, keep all your documents available and be prepared to wait patiently. Who needs to register with the police? Certain nationalities of international students are required to register with the UK police on arrival. This is also stated as a condition of some students’ visas and will be clearly indicated in your passport when you receive the student visa with the words ‘Please register with the police within seven days’. There may also be a check of your baggage at the Customs and Quarantine desk to ensure that you comply with import restrictions and are not carrying any banned items. For information on what goods you may bring into the UK, please go to <a href="/goto?url=http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nav/index.htm" target="_blank">hmrc.gov.uk/nav/index.htm, </a>click on the 8LIBT London IBT Pre-departure Guide 2013 Arriving in the UK (continued) West Ruislip station, approximately four By Car Travelling from the airport to the campus miles from the campus has services from London Marylebone and the North (Aylesbury, Banbury & Birmingham). If you are being brought to the University by car at the start of term to take up accommodation, please ensure that you follow instructions given to you with regards to parking on arrival. There are restrictions on allocation of annual vehicle permits. LIBT offer a complimentary Airport Pickup service if requested. You will be met at the Airport Terminal and driven to the campus. Remember you need to pre-book this and give LIBT your full flight details so that we can book it for you. You book this service on our websit<a href="/goto?url=http://www.libt.navitas.com/students/arrival" target="_blank">e: libt.navitas.com/students/arrival </a> From West Ruislip take the U1 bus towards Hillingdon Hospital and alight Cleveland Road (by the pond) and you are right on the campus. Journey time approximately 25 minutes.

Pre-Departure Guide 2013

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