international getting started guide
TRANSCRIPT
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’GETTING STARTEDGUIDE 2016 -17
Welcome to Oxford Brookes University
Includes information about:
n Social eventsn Induction
programmen Opening a bank
account
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The International Student Advice Team warmly welcomes you to Oxford Brookes and we hope you have a fantastic time while you are here. This guide will give you lots of useful information about starting out at Brookes and in the UK. Throughout your time at Brookes, you are always welcome to come and see us in Student Central, John Henry Brookes Building (JHBB) or check our website for information at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/.
WELCOME TO OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY
CONTENTSArriving at Brookes 4-5
Arrivals weekend activities September 2016 6
Induction week workshops September 2016 7
January 2017 8
Checking your visa and registering with the Police 9
Social events and trips 10-11
Global Buddies 12
Shopping and discounts 13
Campus map 14-15
Opening a bank account 16-17
Adapting to life in the UK 18-19
Studying at University 20-21
Support whilst you are here 22-23
Checklist of things to do and people to meet 24
Map of accommodation 25
Headington map 26-27
Photo CompetitionWe are running a photo competition for all Brookes’ international students to showcase your first impression of the UK and life at Brookes through a lens.
Capturing how your unforgettable experience started – what you felt, your first impressions – can be a very special way to pay tribute to your adventure. Feelings, cultural shocks, nice moments, unique places, weird situations, new traditions... be as creative as you like with your camera.
More information and how to apply can be found at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/events/
Closing date: 23rd October 2016
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ARRIVING AT BROOKES
Where possible, please arrive in time to make the most of all our arrivals events at Brookes. These will help you make friends, introduce you to life in Oxford and studying at Brookes. The information for students starting in January can be found at the bottom of this page.
If you have any questions or need any help, please ask at:
The International Student Meeting Point (ISMP), in the InfoZone, John Henry Brookes Building (JHBB), Headington Campus. Meet our International Student Advisers and International Student Helpers and relax with a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.
Open: Sat 17 Sept 09:00 – 17:00 Sun 18 Sept 09:00 – 15:00
Reception for New Students, Reception, JHBB. They will be able to answer any questions you have and tell you where to go if you have missed your enrolment slot.
Open: Sat 17-18 Sept 09:00 – 17:00 Mon 19-23 Sept 08:00 – 18:00
Tier 4 students with a 30 day vignette (sticker) in their passport will need to collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. Your BRP card is your visa. You can collect your card from Student Central in the JHBB.
Open: Sat 17 Sept 16:00 – 18:00 Sun 18 Sept 10:00 – 12noon
From Mon 19 Sept onward Mon – Thurs 08:30 – 18:30 Fri 10:00 – 16:00
Don’t forget to pick up your FREE passport and BRP wallet from us. Please keep your passport and BRP card together. If you lose your BRP card, it can take 8 weeks or more to replace.
All the arrivals activities are on the Headington Campus. Check the maps on pages 14-15.
WiFi Arrivals WiFi is a temporary service to use before you have completed face-to-face enrolment. You will need the password Brookes sent you in an email. For help with Arrivals WiFi please check with your Hall Manager for times and locations. Once you are a student, you can use Eduroam. The IT Service desk will have a helpdesk for any questions in the Forum, Ground Floor, JHBB.
Open:
Weekends 17-18 and 24-25 Sept 10.00-16.00
Mon 19 – Fri 23 Sept 08.30-20.00
Mon 23 – Fri 27 Jan 2017 08.30-20.00
Ask at the Reception for New Students, Reception, JHBB, Headington Campus, if you are not sure where to go.
Getting around with your BROOKESkey pass The BROOKESbus network links all the main University sites, including Halls of Residence.
If you are living in Halls you will receive a temporary BROOKESkey giving you unlimited travel on BROOKESbus during your stay in Halls. You must apply online by midnight on Friday 16 September. If you are unable to do this before you arrive please ask for help at the Reception for New Students, Reception, JHBB (see page 4).
If you want to purchase an annual or semester BROOKESkey, go to the Transport Desk.
The BROOKESkey also allows students to travel on other bus and coach routes at discounted rates.
Find out more For September or January, visit the Transport Desk, ground floor, Lloyd Building, Headington campus (see map on page 14-15). Monday to Friday 10.00-16.00 or email [email protected].
Arrivals weekend transport for events at Headington CampusThe BROOKESbus timetable varies in semester time and vacation time. Time tables are online at http://brookesbus.oxfordbus.co.uk/timetables/, on the screens around campus or in the timetable booklet you can get from Reception for New Students, Reception, JHBB. Make sure you know when the last bus leaves at night.
Starting in JanuaryInternational Student Meeting Point: Mon 23 and Tues 24 Jan 09:30 – 16:30
Reception for New Students: Mon 23 to Fri 27 Jan 09:00 – 17:00
Collecting your BRP: From Mon 23 Jan onwards , Mon – Thurs 08:30 – 18:30, Fri 10:00 – 16:00
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ARRIVALS WEEKEND ACTIVITIES SEPTEMBER 2016
INDUCTION WEEK WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES SEPTEMBER 2016
Come and meet us at the International Student Meeting Point (ISMP). Ask any questions you have, pick up a free map of Oxford, buy tickets for trips (see pages 10-11), meet people, have tea, coffee and biscuits or book onto one of the activities below.
Saturday 17 September
Free shopping tours: from 10.00 to 15.30 (ask at the ISMP for specific times) An International Student Helper will show you around the main shops in the city centre. You will start your tour from the ISMP. You will need your temporary BROOKESbus pass (see page 5) or money (about £3) for the return bus journey.
Free campus tours: from 10.00 to 15.30 (ask at the ISMP for specific times) An International Student Helper will show you around the campus, give you useful information and take you to interesting places. All tours start at the ISMP.
City sightseeing tour: 17.00 – 18.00 Get to know Oxford on an open top bus. You can get free tickets from the ISMP, but places are limited. The bus leaves from BROOKESbus stop B6, off Gipsy Lane, Headington campus.
International students’ pizza and quiz: 18.30 – 20.30 Time to relax and make friends! Join the
International Student Advisers and Student Helpers for a free pizza and quiz (with prizes) in the Terrace restaurant, 1st floor, JHBB. See map, pages 16-17. Make sure you are on time to get a slice of pizza.
Sunday 18 September
Make sure you are back in time from the tours to join your mandatory Introductory Session on Headington Campus.
Free shopping tours: from 10.00 to 15.30 (ask at the ISMP for specific times) See the information from Saturday 17 September. Tour times on Sunday may be different to those on Saturday.
Free campus tours: from 10.00 to 15.30 (ask at the ISMP for specific times) See the information from Saturday 17 September. Tour times on Sunday may be different to those on Saturday.
Coffee, croissants, fun and games: 10.00 – 11.30 Meet the other Iinternational students and make friends in room JHB 203.
Workshops for international students Life as an international student Mon 19 Sept, 12:00 – 13:00 in the Kennedy Lecture Theatre, JHB Fri 23 Sept, 11:00 – 12:00 , Dora Cohen Hall
Mind and spirit: How can the multi-faith chaplaincy support your spiritual life Mon 19 Sept, 11:00 – 12:00, JHB 207 Wed 21 Sept, 11:00 – 12:00 JHB 207
Money and employment for international students Tues 20 Sept, 13:00 – 14:00 in JHB 207
Undergraduate academic English Tues 20 Sept, 11:00 – 12:00 in Willow Building, Room 1, Headington Hill site Wed 21 Sept, 13:00 – 14:00 in Willow Building, Room 1, Headington Hill site
Eating well on a student budget Tues 20 Sept, 11:00 – 12:00, JHB 207 Wed 21 Sept, 13:00 – 14:00, JHB 207
Postgraduate academic English Fri 23 Sept, 10:00 – 11:00, Room JHB 207
Working part-time during your studies Sat 24 Sept, 11:00 – 14:00 in JHB Lecture Theatre, JHB. Workshop and free lunch for all new international and EU students.
Library Induction Tours (JHB) Free, 30-minute tours of the library and our services. Meet at the Library Welcome Desk (Level 1). 19 – 23 Sept 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 26 – 30 Sept 11:15, 12:15, 14:15pm 3 – 7 October 12.15pm
Fairsn Sports fair
Come and join a sports society, Wednesday 21 September, Centre of Sports 10.00 – 16.00
n Freshers fair Find out about the Oxford Brookes Student Union, the societies run and meet businesses wishing to give out free samples, Friday 23 September, JHB Building 10:00 – 16:00.
New students’ websiteFurther information about other events you may be interested in can be found at www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students. This includes campus tours and other workshops for example, study skills.
International Students’ Introductory Sessions All students must attend these sessions. Come to the JHB Lecture Theatre (see map page 14-15), Headington Campus at:
12.30 Undergraduate Degree students
14.00 Postgraduate Degree students
15.00 All Pathways students University English (UE), International Foundation Diploma (IFD), International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law (IFA), International Foundation Business and Technology (IFB), Pre-Masters and 2 year Masters.
16.00 Exchange and Study Abroad (EU and International)
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JANUARY 2017
Times of these events are printed in the ‘Arrivals Week Programme of Events – January 2017’ leaflet. The information was correct at the time of print but could be subject to change.
Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2017Free shopping tours: Check at the ISMP for specific times An International Student Helper will show you around the main shops in the city centre. You will start your tour from the International Student Meeting Point (ISMP). You will need your temporary BROOKESbus pass (see page 5) or money (about £3) for the return bus journey.
Free campus tours: Check at the ISMP for specific times An International Student Helper will show you around the campus, give you useful information and take you to interesting spots. All tours start at the ISMP.
Tuesday 24 January 2017International students’ pizza and quiz: The Terrace Time to relax and make friends! Join the International Student Advisers and Student Helpers for a free pizza and quiz (with prizes) in the Terrace restaurant, 1st floor, JHBB. See map, pages 14-15. Make sure you are on time to get a slice of pizza.
Thursday 26 January 2017You will complete your face to face enrolment and meet your Academic Advisers. You will be given your student card and a new PIP password which you will use to get your timetable.
Check out our social pages for the trips we will be offering and details of a free walking tour of Oxford city centre www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social.
CHECKING YOUR VISA AND REGISTERING WITH THE POLICEWhen you receive your visa, please check the following things:
1. Is your name, nationality and date of birth correct?
2. Is the end date of your visa is correct? If your course is over 12 months long your visa should end 4 months after your course finishes. If your course is between 6 and 12 months you should have 2 months after your course finishes.
3. Do you need to register with the police? This will either be on your visa or your visa letter.
Registering with the Police for the first timeYou will need:n Passportn BRP card if you have onen Attendance Certificate with your local
address on. You can get this from the Student Central counter once you have done your face to face enrolment
n 2 passport photosn £34 exactly in cash
You can go to the Police station in St Aldates to do this. They are open 7 days a week, all day except between 03.00-06.00. In September, the Police will also come onto campus to do this.
Updating your Police Registration CertificateOnce you have received your Police Registration certificate, you will need to update it if you change your name, address, or visa. To do this, take an attendance certificate with your new address or your new BRP card to the Police Station and they will update it.
If you have any questions, talk to an International Student Adviser (see page 22). Find out more in the ISAT leaflet Registering with the police (PDF): tinyurl.com/PoliceRegistration2015
Staying safeOxford is usually a safe place but here are a few tips:- Keep any money and valuables out of sight.- Leave your BRP card in a safe place at home, not in your wallet, it can take up to 8 weeks to replace.- Keep copies of your passport, BRP and bank cards in case you lose them.- Try to walk with someone else when it is dark.- Always book a taxi in advance rather than getting one on the street. One taxi firm is Royal Cars 01865 777 333.- If you feel uncomfortable about something someone has said or done about your race, gender, religion or sexual orientation, you can come and speak to an International Student Adviser.
Wednesday 25 January 2017All students should attend these sessions where possible. Times are printed in the Arrivals Week leaflet or online at www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students.
Welcome Sessions
n Exchange and Study Abroad (EU and International)
n Undergraduate degree students
n All Pathways students University English (UE), International Foundation Diploma (IFD), International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law (IFA), International Foundation Business and Technology (IFB), Pre-Masters and 2 year Masters.
Workshopsn Academic English for postgraduate
students
n Academic English for undergraduate students
n Life as an international student
Find out more…Nightsafe Oxford www.nightsafe-oxford.org.uk has lots more tips about making the most of the many social activities and transport on offer in Oxford city centre.
Brookes Union Safety Bus +44 (0) 7714 445050 www.brookesunion.org.uk/safetybus The Safety Bus is a volunteer run service for students at Brookes to help them to get home safely. You should pay a voluntary donation of £1 when using the service.
They will be in Student Central meeting room 4 FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER AND TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER FROM 09.30-16.00.
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SOCIAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
Stratford & Cotswolds Tour Sunday 25 September, £20 Buy tickets at the International Student Meeting Point
“I loved the Cotswold and Stratford Upon Avon trip! The guide told lots of tales and historical information about the sights, the trips were well paced, informative, and a great price!”
“I thought it was very English landscape. The place in itself was amazing”
“Lovely weather, very nice tour guides, beautiful environment to walk in and take photos”
Oxford Walk Tour January, Arrivals Week Free event, just ask at the International Student Meeting Point
Trip to Isle of Wight Saturday 1 October, £37 Buy your tickets at the online shop from Saturday 24 September.
Trip to Bath January 2017 Buy tickets at the International Student Meeting Point during Arrivals Week
Trip to Brighton Saturday 16 October, £27 Buy your tickets at the online shop from Sunday 2 October
Trip to Stonehenge February 2017 Buy your tickets at the online shop
The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, London Saturday 8 October Buy tickets at the International Student Meeting Point
Oxford Halloween Tour Monday 31 October This event is free, but spaces are limited, to sign up visit: www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/
Languages, Tea, and Scones Date TBC. This event is free, just turn up. Looking for volunteers for this event! Visit our website for more information.
Trip to Cambridge February 2017 Buy your tickets at the online shop
Weekend trip to Cornwall March 2017 Buy your tickets at the International Student Meeting Point during Arrivals Week
SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2
Visit the ISAT website to find out more about the events and where to get your tickets:
www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/
Search for Isat Oxford Brookes on Facebook, @ISATSocial on Twitter, and Brookes_Isatsocial on Instagram.
More activities coming Semester 1: Bath, Stonehenge & Winchester, Christ Church Tour, Wales
Semester 2: Stratford & Cotswolds, Tea Party, Brighton
Global Buddies aims to pair new International students with current students to help you:
➤ Settle into life in the UK
➤ Learn about the services provided by Oxford Brookes
➤ Make new British and international friends
How does it work?When you sign up for the scheme you will be paired with a current student at Oxford Brookes. Your new buddy will show you and other new students around Brookes, and answer questions you have about being a student here.
There will be events throughout the semester for you to attend with your buddy groups. You should also keep in contact, by meeting up to chat or do an activity, by email or on Facebook.
Why should I join?You may find that you suffer from culture shock and homesickness while you are in the UK and so it is important to have a friendly person you can talk to about how you feel. It also makes it easier to meet other students, both British and international, if you attend social events together.
To join, please sign up on the website below or email [email protected] by Monday 12 September.
Global Buddies events The Introductory Meeting Thursday 22 September 2016 Thursday 26 January 2017
All students participating in the scheme must attend the introductory meeting. You will meet your Global Buddies for the first time and there will be some icebreaker activities.
Global Buddies Social Dinner Wednesday 28 September 2016 Date to be confirmed for February 2017
Now that you have settled in, come and relax with your buddies and try some international cuisine.
More events to come…Bowling, Ice skating, Historic pubs tour, Wine tasting, Pub quiz
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Tickets and further details at: www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/global-buddies/
GLOBAL BUDDIES SHOPPING
FoodMost people buy ingredients for cooking at home from a supermarket. You can either go in person or buy online and have it delivered. Popular cheaper supermarkets are Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Iceland. Alternatively Waitrose, the Co-op and Sainsburys may be convenient depending on where you live.
The map on page 26 shows the shops available in Headington. There are also a lot of shops and restaurants on Cowley Road selling food from around the world including halal products. We recommend walking along the Cowley Road from the Cape of Good Hope pub at St Clements to explore these options when you first arrive.
If you are new to cooking for yourself and want some fun tips on cooking and eating healthily, visit www.studentcooking.tv
Household GoodsYou may need to buy things for your room or house. If you are living in a hall of residence, your bedding is not included. You can purchase this from your hall or from shops such as Argos in the city. A popular shopping area for household goods is Temple Cowley (map at http://tinyurl.com/TempleCowley). Wilkinsons or Asda here will sell bedding and most other things you may need for your room. There are also Poundland and the 99p Shop where everything costs £1 or 99pence.
Mobile PhonesYou can use a pay as you go or SIM only card as long as you already have a phone you can use in the UK. Mobile phone companies who have shops in the city will give these free when you top up with credit for your phone eg O2, 3, EE or Vodaphone. Online only companies such as giffgaff can be good value https://www.giffgaff.com/. You can check prices at
www.moneysupermarket.com/mobile-phones/. Or compare different providers at the Carphone Warehouse in Oxford www.carphonewarehouse.com.
Charity ShopsThere are some charity shops in Headington which sell second hand clothes, shoes, furniture and things you might want for your flat or house. These have been donated by people who no longer want them.
You can also find second hand things on www.gumtree.com/oxford www.dailyinfo.co.uk/free uk.freecycle.org/
For a list of shops in Oxford go to www.oxfordcityguide.com/ee2/index.php?/shop/directory/
DiscountsYou can choose to buy a National Union of Student (NUS) Extra card which will give you discount at lots of places eg restaurants, cinema, travel www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/. You can also choose to add on International Student Identity card (ISIC) to also include international discounts www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/international-discounts/.
All students at Brookes are entitled to a BROOKESkey. This is a free travel card. You can use it for discounted tickets to London, Heathrow and Gatwick and £1 trips on local buses if you pay for your bus journeys.
Railcard – if you plan to travel around the UK on the train, you can get discounted train tickets by buying a 16-25 railcard or Two Together railcard www.railcard.co.uk/
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OPENING A UK BANK ACCOUNT
It can take 2 to 3 weeks to open a bank account so make sure you have access to money during this time. You can only open a bank account when you have done your face-to-face enrolment and you have an attendance certificate with your local address on. You can get this from Student Central. We recommend you use the branches in Headington, near the university, as they are used to the documents Brookes provide.
The accounts are similar but talk to the banks and choose the best one for you. If, for example, you receive regular payments from abroad, you might want to pay a monthly fee for the account, but receive free transfers. If you have one payment a year, that might not be so important.
UK banks do not usually allow overdraft loans to international students, and so some banks will send you helpful text warnings if your money is running out.
To open an account, visit the bank (see map on page 26-27) to make an appointment.
Things to Remembern Always tell your bank if you change
your address. If you don’t, your bank statements may get lost or returned to the bank, and they may then close your account.
n Talk to the Students Union for advice on managing your money.
Find out more…International students – Opening a UK bank account www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Living-in-the-UK/Opening-a-bank-account
The International Student Calculator international.studentcalculator.org
The International Student Advice Team (ISAT) If you have any difficulties in opening an account or getting statements for your visa, contact ISAT (see page 22)
Banks in Headington
Bank Account Documents Required to Open Account
For Visa Applications
Santander Oxford Brookes University, Colonnade Building,Headington Campus
International Student Accountn Monthly fee £5n Visa debit cardn Free receipt of online
international transfersn Free to deposit one non
Sterling cheque each month
n Valid passportn Valid visan Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Students on short courses can open accounts
Bank can write letter or print and stamp statements on paper with bank logo in branch
Santander staff are able to discuss which is the best of these two bank account for you
Basic Bank Accountn No monthly feen Bank card for withdrawing
cashn Top up debit card (to make
transactions you need to pre load the card)
n Free receipt of online international transfers
n Valid passportn Valid visan Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Students on short courses can open accounts
Bank can write letter or print and stamp statements on paper with bank logo in branch
Natwest 91 London Road, Headington
Basic Bank Accountn Visa debit cardn No monthly feen Fees for international
transfersn Printed statements posted
once a monthn You will receive a National
Express Youth Card with your bank accounts.
n Valid passportn Valid visan Student cardn Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Course length must be 6 months or more
Can request printed statements which take four working days to arrive orcan print transaction histories in branch
Barclays 105 London Road, Headington
Student Additions Accountn Barclays debit cardn No monthly feen Fee for most transfers from
outside EU
n Valid passportn Valid visan Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Course length must be 6 months or more
Can stamp statements from self-service machine. Ask in bank if full account number needed
Lloyds 87 London Road, Headington
Classic Current Accountn Visa debit cardn No monthly feen Fees for international
transfersn Printed statements posted
quarterly
n Valid passportn Valid visa for at least 30
daysn Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Students on short courses can open accounts
Bank can stamp statements already printed in from internet in branch
HSBC 108 London Road, Headington
Basic Bank Accountn Visa debit cardn No monthly feen Fees for international
transfersn Printed statements posted
quarterly
n Valid passportn Valid visan Brookes attendance
certificate with local address
Course length must be 6 months or more
Bank can print statements in branch but must ask for paper with bank logo
Bank information correct at time of going to print
New Students’ WebsiteYou can find lots more information for New Students at www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students
18 19
ADAPTING TO LIFE IN THE UK
Moving to a new country can be challenging and you are likely to experience highs and lows while you are here. Settling in can take some time and can be tiring as you will be learning new things all the time. Here are some things that can help you make the UK your second home.
Making friends✓ Join our Global Buddies scheme. More
information on this is on page 12.
✓ Come to ISAT international social events. More information on this is on page 10-11.
✓ Meet people with similar interests through Brookes Union clubs and societies www.brookesunion.org.uk/societies
✓ Join Oxford Brookes Echange Student Network (ESN). They run events throughout the semester and all students are welcome brookes.esnuk.org
✓ Join Oxford University’s Union (OUSU) and take part in their activities www.oxford-union.org/joining/oxford_brookes
✓ Meet people from the local community at the International English Club. This is arranged by Brookes Chaplaincy and some activities may be centred around faith www.internationalenglishclub.org.uk
✓ See whether you want to go to any of the Chaplancy events www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/chaplaincy/
✓ Use www.meetup.com/ to find groups and activities in Oxford which you can join. This can be a great way to meet British people.
Social Media You may wish to join some of the Brookes and Oxford groups on Facebook and Twitter:
International Students – Oxford Brookes University
ISAT Oxford Brookes Global Buddies 2016Oxford Brookes UniversityNew in Oxford: Meet new people and learn
EnglishBrookes UnionBrookes SportUnion Safety BusOxford Brookes JobsBBC Oxford
Oxford Brookes Exchanges
Finding things to do in OxfordOxford is a historic city with fantastic museums and architecture. It has theatres, cinemas, clubs and live music venues as well as lovely parks to explore and relax in. There are lots of places to eat and drink with food from around the world. We publish some of these on our website at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social. Find out more at:www.dailyinfo.co.uk www.oxfordcityguide.com www.inoxford.com
Experience UK family lifeYou can spend a weekend in a host family home. This gives you the chance to experience British home life, share your own culture and practice your English. You will just need to pay transport costs to and from the host and spending money. See www.hostuk.org
Being polite in the UK➤ Most people shake hands when they are
first introduced but as you get to know them better they may greet you with a kiss on the cheek or a hug.
➤ Being late is seen as bad manners in the UK. Aim to arrive five minutes early for classes so there is time to sit down before they begin. If you are going to be late for an appointment, let the person you are meeting know. The only time you can be a little late is if you are going to someone’s house for a party or dinner.
➤ You will often hear the words ‘excuse me’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ and it’s good to use them yourself.
➤ People like a lot of space around them so don’t stand too close to them.
➤ Try not to ask personal questions, for example, about age, their salary, religious beliefs or politics until you know them very well.
➤ We queue (stand in a line) for everything here; for buses, to pay in shops, for toilets and sometimes even to enter class. People will be annoyed at you if you do not wait in the queue. If someone is there before you, let them go first. If you forget to queue, just apologise.
➤ The British sense of humour can be ironic and confusing. Don’t worry. As you get to know the people better, you will start understanding the jokes. If you are not sure, just ask.
➤ Some people, clubs and societies meet in pubs (public houses). All pubs serve both alchoholic and non-alcoholic drinks so you don’t need to drink alcohol. It is legal to drink alcohol if you are aged 18 and over in the UK. Alternatively, there are lots of cafés in Oxford and people meet there too.
➤ You don’t generally tip in cafes or pubs unless you receive table service,. If a tip is not included in the bill, people normally give around 10% of the bill.
Look out for #WeAreBrookes #WeAreInternational
20 21
STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY IN THE UK
In the UK students often work independently which may be different to what you might have been used to in your own country. Your Oxford Brookes tutors will expect you to develop a critical approach to your studies, analysing what you read, and offering your own arguments based on the range of things you have read.
Plagiarism, which means presenting someone else’s work as your own, is strictly forbidden and can lead to failing your course. When using information from books, and other sources, write it in your own words or put it in quotation marks and reference the original book or article.
The Upgrade Study Advice Service has a page of referencing resources at https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/upgrade/study-skills/referencing/. If you are struggling with referencing, Upgrade study skills tutors can really help you to understand what is required and why.
A lecture is a large class, sometimes with over 100 students that lasts around one hour. The lecturer will give a general overview of a topic and you will need to take notes. If there is something you don’t understand, make a
note and ask your tutor about it later.
A seminar is a class of up to 15 students. The tutor will give you the topic in advance and you may need to read about it or prepare a short presentation to discuss in the seminar. The aim of the seminar is to analyse the topic through debate. Your tutors will encourage you, so don’t be afraid to speak out and challenge others and offer your own ideas.
Your tutor or Academic Adviser will have a regular office hour where you can go to ask them questions one-to-one. This is an opportunity to discuss how your work is going and any problems you are having with the topic or with studying in general. Independent study will help you learn skills such as research, critical analysis and problem solving, which will help you develop your own ideas and confidence.
Find out morePrepare for Success is a great website with lots of things you can do to prepare for studying in the UK. www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk/
Find out about Upgrade study adviceStudents on courses from foundation to PhD level are welcome to see an Upgrade tutor for advice on study skills, maths or statistics. Upgrade is a friendly, confidential service where you can get advice on a wide range of issues including understanding the task, planning, researching and structuring essays and assignments. Visit www.brookes.ac.uk/students/upgrade/
English language supportThroughout your degree course we provide free English language support to help you make the most of your time here. You can choose from a range of options that focus on the specific language skills you will need to succeed in your studies. Find out more and how to register at www.brookes.ac.uk/international/support/english
Your name while you are in the UKIf your language is written in a different way from English, then you may be confused about how to write your name, so follow these tips:
n Always write your name in the same way (spelling and order) – as it is printed in your passport.
n When you do your face-to-face enrolment, check that your name is in full in the way you want it to appear on your certificate/diploma, and make it clear which name you want us to use as your surname (family name).
n If your country does not use first name and surname, decide in advance which part of your name you will use as your surname and always use it in the same way.
n Do not shorten your name (eg Md instead of Mohammed) and clearly show any accents, apostrophes or hyphens (eg Céline L’Heuvre or Mohammed-Salleh).
Important information for Tier 4 studentswww.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/visas/important-information-for-tier-4-students/
22 23
SUPPORT WHILE YOU ARE HERE
There are lots of staff on campus who are here to help so make the most of them. Ideally, it’s best to seek out help before an issue has become too large so it can be resolved more easily.
International Student Advice Team (ISAT) ISAT offers information and advice on issues such as immigration, employment, financial difficulties and general academic matters. We are a good place to start if you don’t know where to go. During Arrivals Weekend and the Induction and Enrolment week, ISAT will be in the InfoZone (see page 4). After that, we’re in Student Central, JHBB and we have a drop in everyday from 10:00 – 12noon and 13:00 – 15:00.
Student Support Co-ordinators (SSCs)Each faculty has a network of SSCs to support you during your time here so help is never far away. They can help with any problem or issue you may face during your time at University. They want to make sure you get the most out of your experience here at Oxford Brookes and that nothing gets in the way. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/support-services/ssc/
Exchanges & Study Abroad TeamAll exchange and study abroad students should meet the teem for support while you are here.
Religion, belief, & spiritualityThe University Chaplaincy offers support, friendship, hospitality and information, including details of churches, mosques, temples and other faith communities in Oxford. Regular Christian services are held on the Headington and Harcourt HIll campuses. Friday Prayer is said in Headington every Friday. The Chaplains run discussion groups, meditation, and more, and all activities are open to people of all faiths and none.
There are dedicated prayer and quiet rooms on each campus (see map page 14-15). The University has a team of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Chaplains and benefits from good relationships with other local faith communities. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/chaplaincy/
Someone to talk to privatelyThe Counselling Service offers you the opportunity to discuss anything important to you or troubling you in confidence. This could be fear of failure, bereavement, homesickness, relationship problems or depression. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/counselling/
Support for students who have a disabilityIf you have a disability (including a medical or mental health condition), dyslexia or a specific learning difficulty, contact the Student Disability www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/disability/ Dyslexia Service at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/dyslexia-spld/
Financial difficultiesAlthough students are expected to have enough money to pay their fees and support themselves, we know they can sometimes have unexpected problems with money for a variety of reasons. Talk to someone as soon as you can and let the Student Finance Team know if this is going to affect your fee payments.
CareersIf you are looking for work while you are here our careers department can advise you what UK employers are looking for and how to write your CV. ISAT advise whether you are able to work or not depending on your visa. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/careers/.
Brookes’ Union AdviceThe Union can offer advice on a range of issues including finances, housing, studies, or health and wellbeing www.brookesunion.org.uk/advice.
MedicalMost students have access to the National Health Service including seeing General Practitioner doctors (GP) for non emergency appointments or the hospital for emergencies.
To access this, you will need to register with a doctors’ surgery. Brookes has a Medical centre on campus and you can register online before you arrive at www.brookes.ac.uk/student/services/health/centre.html.
If you are being treated for a long-term medical condition make an appointment to see your new doctor once you have registered. Take your home doctor’s name and address, copies of your previous medical records and a list of any of your medicines when you go to the appointment.
DentalDental work is subsidised by the NHS but there is a charge each time you use the service. Studental is in the Colonnade Building in Headington Campus. You do not need to register with the clinic until you go for your first appointment. Find out more at www.studental.co.uk.
Find out moreStudent health www.brookes.ac.uk/student/services/health/
Student wellbeing www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/
24 25
CHECKLISTS
Who are they? What can they help with? Where are they?
Reception for New Students
n Answering any questions during your first few weeks. Make sure you find them if you have missed enrolling with the rest of your course.
17 – 30 September, in Reception, JHBB.
Student Central Team
n Collecting your BRP cardn Enrolling if you haven’t done this
by 18 Septembern Getting an Attendance
Certificate (needed to open a bank account)
Student Central, the Forum, Ground Floor, JHBB
Student Support Coordinators
n Learning to use your Personal Information Portal (PIP)
n Choosing modules and making a full programme
n Adding and deleting modulesn Information on free language
modules
In your faculty. Check with the Student Welcome Team if you’re not sure.
Academic Advisers
n Learning about your programme and what is expected of you. Your PIP page will tell you who your Adviser is.
Your timetable will tell you where and when to meet them. If you have missed this, check with the Student Welcome Team.
Programme Administrators
n Postgraduate students need to see these staff to start their enrolment process.
n Answering any queries you course queries
In your Faculty. Check with the Student Welcome Team if you’re not sure.
Exchanges and Study Abroad Team
n Certificates of Arrival for Erasmus students.
n Questions about life as an Exchange student at Brookes.
n Non-academic enquiries.
International Office, Headington Campus
People to find at Oxford Brookes
Things to do✓ Collect your BRP
✓ Complete your face to face enrolment
✓ Collect your student card
✓ Collect your PIP password and check your timetable
✓ Collect your BrookesBus pass
✓ Open a UK bank account
✓ Register with the Police, if this is a requirement of your visa
✓ Register with a UK doctor
✓ Check the ISAT Social Events and come to as many as you like
✓ Decide if you would like a NUS card for discounts and a Pass card for ID
HEADLEY WAY
SANDFIELD ROAD
LATIMER RO
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MAR
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PULL
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THE SLAD
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GIPSY LANE
MORRELL AVENUE
OLD ROAD
WARNEFORD LANE
BRO
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RO
OSEVELT DRIVE
CRESCENT HALL, PAUL KENT HALL and SLADE PARK
CHENEY LANE
BROOKES SPORTS
JOHN GARNE WAY
TO WHEATLEY
TO HARCOURT HILL
HeadingtonCampus
Headington Road
HeadingtonCampus
Headington Hill
Accommodation close to Headington Campus
CLIVE BOOTH
DORSETHOUSE
CHENEY STUDENT VILLAGE
WARNEFORD HALL
Harcourt HillCampus
HeadingtonCampus Wheatley
Campus
A40Ring Road
A34Ring Road
CarFreeZone
HeadingtonHill
MarstonRoad
Gipsy LaneCityCentre
BusStation
RailStation
A4142Ring Road
A423Ring Road
JRHospital
KEY:
1. Cheney Student Village2. Clive Booth Hall3. Crescent Hall4. Westminster Hall5. Lady Spencer Churchill Hall6. Paul Kent Hall7. Warneford Hall8. Dorset House9. Slade Park
1
3
6
7
8
9
2
4
5
ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO HEADINGTON CAMPUS
ACCOMMODATION ACROSS OXFORD
26 27
TO OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY
(HEADINGTON CAMPUS)
LONDON ROAD
SANDFIELD ROAD
HEADLEY WAY
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HeadingtonCampusHeadington
Road
HeadingtonCampus
Headington Hill
To CityCentre
DA
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H E A D I N G T O N R O A D
GI
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JR Hospital
A40, Ring Road,
LondonHeadington Shops
and Services
HE
AD
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AY
L O N D O N R O A D
HEADINGTON SHOPSFor more information please go to www.headington.org.ukAccommodation
1 DIAL HOUSE
2 RED MULLIONS
3 SANDFIELD HOUSE
4 PICKWICK’S
5 MOUNT PLEASANT
Banks
6 HSBC
7 SANTANDER (also at Headington Campus)
8 BARCLAYS
9 NATWEST
10 LLOYDS
Restaurants and takeaways
11 MIRABAI
12 BRITANNIA INN
13 ROYAL STANDARD
14 CAFÉ NERO
15 GREGGS
16 QUEEN’S BAKERY
17 DONG DONG NOODLE BAR
18 DOMINO’S
19 CAFÉ BONJOUR
20 YUMMY
21 ASIAN MAMA
22 ADRIA PIZZERIA & GELATERIA
Restaurants and takeaways
23 POSH FISH
24 SHANGHAI HOUSE
25 MOJO’S
26 LA CROISSANTERIE
27 JACOBS & FIELD
28 ROSE TREE
29 STARBUCKS
30 JACOBS CHOP HOUSE
31 SUBWAY
32 WHITE HORSE
33 COCO NOIR
Food shops
34 ICELAND
35 THONG HENG ORIENTAL SUPERMARKET
36 CO-OP
37 TESCO EXPRESS
38 SAINSBURY’S LOCAL
39 HEADINGTON FOOD N WINE (KERELA FOODS)
40 EURO FOODS
41 WAITROSE
Household goods
42 ELECTRIC AIDS
43 HEADINGTON HOMEWARES
Charity Shops
44 SOBELL HOUSE
45 OXFAM
46 CANCER RESEARCH
47 BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
48 MARIE CURIE
49 SUE RYDER
50 HELEN AND DOUGLAS HOUSE
51 CANCER RESEARCH
Other
52 HEADINGTON SHARK
53 MAIL BOXES
54 BOOTS (Chemist)
55 POST OFFICE
56 WHSMITH (Newsagent and Western Union)
57 ROBERT STANLEY OPTICIANS
58 GARDINERS OPTICIANS
6442_LECS_08/16
To obtain a large-print copy of (or sections of) this publication, or to enquire about other formats, please call +44 (0) 1865 484848 or email [email protected].
The information in this guide was correct at the time of going to print but check www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat for any changes.
International Student Advice Team (ISAT) Web: www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat Tel: +44 (0) 1865 484681 Email: [email protected]