pre-departure guide 2009
DESCRIPTION
CRIC, Cambridge Ruskin International College, Pre-departure Guide, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 2009TRANSCRIPT
Pre-departure Guide2009
CambridgeUnited Kingdom
Cambridge Ruskin International College
an Associate College of
1. Preparing to leave home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Entry clearance or visa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Travel arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Important documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Additional information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Arriving in the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Customs and quarantine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How to get to CRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Heathrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gatwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
By taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Where to go when you arrive in Cambridge . . . . . . . 8
Useful facilities in Cambridge city centre . . . . . . . . 9
Who needs to register with the Police? . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Living in the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Things to see and do in the Cambridge area . . . . . . . . 10
Parks and green spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sport and leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Museums and galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bars, restaurants and entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Things to see and do in London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Travelling in London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Travelling around Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Average temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Food/shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Public transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Travelling by coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Contents
CRICCambridge, United Kingdom
Cambridge Ruskin International College
Coslett Building (Cos 416)
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0) 1223 695703
Fax +44 (0) 1223 698763
Email [email protected]
Web www.cric-cambridge.co.uk
Travelling by train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
National Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Council Tax Exemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Personal safety: roads, cycling and walking . . . . . . . . 14
Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Medical treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Hospitals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Do I need medical insurance? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Dealing with emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Living in the UK as a Minor (under 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
British customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4. Financial Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Payment of tuition fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Bank transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Personal, company or bankers cheque . . . . . . . . . . . ..20
Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Travellers’ cheques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Credit Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Debit or switch card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cost of living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Typical basic living costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5. Getting Started at CRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Orientation and enrolment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CRIC offi ce hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Services and facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1
Introduction
Congratulations on being offered a place to study at Cambridge Ruskin International College
(CRIC) in association with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Our staff are looking forward to
helping you with all the important aspects of living and studying in the UK. Please take time to
look through this Pre-Departure Guide before departing for the UK. The information it contains is
designed to help you prepare for travelling, living and studying in the UK. Please don’t hesitate to
contact us if you need further information before you depart.
For further information and assistance with your:
Airport pick-up •
Arrival•
Accommodation•
please contact: Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of Support Services
For further information or clarification about your:
Letter of admission •
Acceptance of admission form•
Visa support documents•
Confirmation of admission•
please contact: Ms Kerry Thompson, Admission Manager
We wish you a very safe journey to the UK and look forward
to welcoming you to CRIC. The CRIC emergency phone
number is 07976 266432 (Andrew Richards) and can
be used if you are arriving outside office hours and
experience any difficulty.
Pre-departure Guide
Services
2
Entry clearance or visa
When planning your studies abroad you should
investigate which type of entry clearance you
require for the UK. If you are already registered
with an agent you should ensure that you
seek advice from him/her regarding your visa.
CRIC’s chosen in-country agents are expert
at obtaining visas for international students
– follow their advice to the letter and in good
time. The entry clearance given to people
who are entering the UK to study is called a
Student Visa. The notes below are intended
for guidance only. For complete information
on the requirements that apply in your country
please check with your local British Embassy
(see http://www.fco.gov.uk follow links for
‘about us’ and then ‘UK Embassies Overseas’)
or with your local CRIC representative. For
UK Government information on general
requirements for visa applications, application
forms and official guidelines, see http://www.
ukvisas.gov.uk.
You can also seek advice from the Education
Counselling Service at your local branch of
the British Council. Check to see if there is an
office near you at http://www.britishcouncil.
org/home-contact-worldwide.htm.
If you intend to request advice from your
nearest consulate, please note that some
consulates do not provide a visa service
and require you to contact the main British
Embassy in your country. The British Embassy
can advise you regarding their local entry
clearance system and the cost of the
application process. Certain embassies will
send you the application forms and guidance
booklet by post, while others will require you
to collect them in person. Some embassies
require you to bring in your completed
application form in person so that they can
check your application form and supporting
documents before submitting them for a
decision; while others will accept applications
by post and give decisions by post. It is
common for embassies to have very long
waiting lists for student visa interviews or
to take a long time to process applications,
especially at busy periods in the year. You
should make sure you have all the information
you need about the visa application process so
that when you receive your letter of offer and
visa support documentation from CRIC, you
can apply for your visa without delay.
Check with your local British Embassy so that
you can make sure that you have sufficient
time to obtain your student visa before your
intended date of travel to the UK. If you are
unable to obtain your student visa in time for
the start of your intake semester, you might
need to consider deferring your offer to the
following semester. If you find yourself in this
situation contact the CRIC office for advice.
When completing your visa application
form (or before your visa interview) please
contact your agent, if you have one, and
remember the following:
The entry clearance officer will ask you
to demonstrate:
Proof of full-time student status – i.e. that •
you will be a full-time student at CRIC on a
degree pathway leading to a degree from
the Anglia Ruskin University. You should
show the entry clearance officer your
CRIC confirmation of admission letter and
support documents. We will have couriered
Preparing to Leave Home
3
these to you or your agent after you have
paid your deposit. These confirm receipt
of your payment of fees and contain all the
information the visa officer needs about your
offer and your acceptance of this offer.
Appropriate qualifications - that you have •
the appropriate qualifications to undertake
the programme you will be studying. You
should produce evidence of your current
qualifications. These should be in the form
of original certificates and documents, as
photocopies will not be accepted.
Knowledge of the programme - that •
you have an in-depth knowledge of the
programme you intend to study, including
the subjects you will be studying, and
be able to provide reasons why you wish
to study in the UK rather than your own
country. Make sure you have read and
understand our prospectus and website.
Sufficient English language ability - that you •
have English language skills appropriate
for the level of course you will be studying.
If you have taken an IELTS test or a similar
English Language qualification, please
ensure you have the original documentation
to prove this. If you have taken the Navitas
English Language test, please ensure that
you have a copy of one of our informal
certificates, which explains to the visa
officer that you have been tested and that
your performance on the test has been
assessed by us. If you have taken the
Navitas test and do not have a copy of this
documentation, please contact CRIC.
Ability to pay fees - i.e. that you have •
the financial resources to afford the
course you are registered for. In order to
receive your visa support documents and
confirmation of admission letter from us,
you will need to pay a minimum of one
semester’s tuition fees. We will only refund
these fees if you do not obtain your visa
to study in the UK. Please refer to the
CRIC refund policy in the brochure. It is
important that the visa officer is aware
that you have paid your tuition fees and, in
addition to your Confirmation of Admission
letter, it is also advisable to have a receipt
confirming your payment of these fees.
The entry clearance officer will ask you for •
information about where you will be living
while you are studying in the UK.
If you are going to stay in on-campus •
accommodation and have booked and
paid a deposit for your accommodation,
you should provide the documents
relating to these arrangements. If you
require accommodation at CRIC and
have not booked, please contact Mr
4
Andrew Richards at andrew.richards@
anglia.ac.uk as soon as possible.
If you are going to stay with friends or •
relatives you should provide documents
from them confirming that you will be
doing this. These should confirm that the
person you will be staying with legally own/
rents the property, has enough space to
accommodate you legally, and has given you
express permission to live with him/her for
the duration of your studies.
If you have arranged private rented •
accommodation you should provide the
contract for the property and evidence that
you have paid a deposit or rent in advance.
The entry clearance officer will require you to
provide evidence that you have enough money
to cover your tuition and living expenses.
Students wishing to enter the UK with spouse
or partner will have to provide evidence
that they have sufficient money to support
themselves and their dependants for the
duration of their studies. You should be able
to provide a bank statement showing that you
have sufficient funds for the whole duration of
your studies. These should be on an original
bank letterhead, as print-outs from ATMs or
internet banking sites will not be accepted.
If you are being sponsored by your parents •
you will need to provide a letter from them
stating how much money you will be given
and how often, together with a letter from
the bank or bank statement showing that
they have these funds available. You will also
need a letter from their employer or company
accounts (if self-employed) showing that
their income will be sufficient to continue
supporting you throughout your studies.
If a company or charity is sponsoring •
you, you should provide a letter from the
organisation confirming how much money
they will give, how often and for how long.
If they are only paying your tuition fees
you will still have to provide evidence that
you have sufficient savings of your own
or other funding for living expenses. The
entry clearance officer may ask for more
information, such as company accounts or
publicity material on companies or charities
that are not well known.
If you will be taking a student loan from •
a bank or another source you should
provide evidence that your loan has been
approved. International students may
work part time, up to a maximum of 20
hours per week, whilst they are studying
in the UK, but projected earnings from
such employment cannot be used as
proof of sufficient resources to pay
tuition fees and living expenses.
If you receive a student visa which is valid •
for more than one year, your spouse or
partner may be given permission to work
in the UK whilst you are studying, but
projected earnings for such employment in
the UK cannot be used as proof of sufficient
resources to support both of you.
Having insufficient financial resources or failing
to provide details about sponsors may result
in your student visa application being rejected.
You should make sure that you are aware of the
total amount of money you will need to fund
your studies in the UK. You should be able to
demonstrate that you already have sufficient
money or explain to the entry clearance officer
how you are going to obtain this money. An
estimated cost of study is clearly listed in your
Confirmation of Admission letter. Please refer
to this as guidelines to the resources you need
to prove are available to you.
5
The entry clearance officer will need to ensure
that you intend leaving the UK on completion
of your studies. In order to satisfy this criterion,
you should note the following:
You should be able to show that there are •
job opportunities in your country in the
fields you are studying.
You should be able to show that you have •
personal ties in your home country, which
will increase the likelihood that you will
return home at the end of your studies.
It can sometimes be difficult for students •
to obtain both a student visa and a
dependent’s visa for their spouse or partner
as entry clearance officers may be wary that
you do not intend to return home, but intend
to settle in the UK at the end of your studies.
Importantly, the information above serves
only as a guide and is not necessarily
exhaustive. The entry clearance officer may
ask you to provide additional information and/
or documentation. If you have an agent it is
very important that you liaise closely with
him/her at this time to ensure that you have
the best possible chance to being granted a
student visa.
You will also need a biometric ID card which
includes electronic scans of your fingerprints
and full-face digital photograph. Your visa will
not be processed until this information has
been collected. For more information, see
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/
biometricvisa/.
In addition, students from some countries
may have to provide proof of vaccinations,
chest x-ray and/or a health certificate. Some
students may also have to undergo a medical
check before they can enter the UK. You should
check with the British Embassy whether you
will have to provide evidence of your medical
history either when you apply for your student
visa or upon entry to the UK.
Travel Arrangements
Many students travel to and from the UK at
the beginning and end of each semester, and
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 CRIC.
Orientation is held on the Wednesday before
the commencement of each semester, and it
is very important that all new students attend.
You should try to arrive in the UK three to
five days prior to Orientation to allow time to
settle in, arrange accommodation and become
familiar with the campus, local transport and
surrounding areas.
Students who arrive in the UK late and miss
Orientation may find it more difficult to adjust
and will have fewer options with regard to
subject choice and timetable selection.
Students who cannot arrive by the first day
of teaching will miss valuable introductions
to their modules/programmes and they
must contact CRIC to seek permission for
late arrival. If permission is granted, it is on
the understanding that it is the student’s
responsibility to catch up on any academic
work that may have been missed.
Please ensure that you contact us with
your flight details as soon as your flight is
booked. Please contact the Manager of
Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards, at
[email protected] if you have
any travel-related concerns.
Important documents
You should bring the following documents
with you to the UK as they will be required
throughout various stages of your stay:
A valid passport and student visa •
Four passport sized photographs*•
Your initial letter of admission and support •
documents from CRIC
Certified copies or originals of your •
academic transcripts (including evidence
of English proficiency)
Personal Identification (e.g. driver’s licence, •
birth certificate, etc.)
Any medical prescriptions/certificates/•
history/reports
Full details of your accommodation in the UK•
Evidence of funds – personal or family •
resources, confirmation of sponsorship
Proof of your address in your home country • ntryry
Contact numbers for any family/friends in •
the UK
Contact details of family/friends in the •
event of an emergency
*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). Photographs can be obtained in the UK, but
may be more expensive than in your home country.
Additional Information
Student dress codes in the UK are normally
casual. The general rule is to wear something
in which you feel comfortable. Most students
wear jeans and trainers to lectures. It is
important to ensure that what you wear is not
potentially offensive to the people you will
encounter (your lecturers or fellow students,
for example) in the UK.
The temperature can rise to 30 degrees Celsius
in the summer, so you will need light clothing
such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, hat,
swimwear, sandals. In the winter it can drop
to below zero degrees Celsius, so you will also
need warmer clothing such as jeans, jumpers/
sweaters, thick jackets, raincoat, long socks,
gloves, scarves, winter shoes. You can pick
up most of these things relatively cheaply in
Cambridge, but you may wish to bring some
personal items (basic toiletries - toothbrush,
soap, towel, etc.) so that you do not need to go
shopping when you arrive. We also advise that
you bring a spare pair of spectacles or contact
lenses and a current optical prescription, as
these items are expensive in the UK.
The electricity supply in the UK has a much
higher voltage that some countries outside
Europe. Before packing any electrical
appliances, please check that they are
compatible with the UK electricity supply,
and buy adapters where necessary.
6
7
Customs and quarantine
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:
Valid passport •
Valid visa or entry certificate •
Evidence of funding – personal or family •
resources, confirmation of sponsorship
The letter from CRIC confirming your place •
of study as a full-time student
Recent medical report including x-ray results •
(check with the British Embassy in your
country if this applies to you). You may be
asked for additional information regarding
your proposed studies in the UK.
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. To assist the
immigration officials keep all your documents
available and be prepared to wait patiently.
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 your flights
and, if staying in private accommodation,
a UK address and telephone number.
We can then ensure that your arrival
into the UK is as smooth as possible.
How to get to CRIC
If you require an airport pick-up, please contact
the Manager of Support Services, Mr. Andrew
Richards, on [email protected]
as soon as possible. If you will be making your
own way to CRIC, please let us know, and use
the information below for guidance. There
are transport operators who will try to take
advantage of you, so be sure to understand the
system before you arrive.
By Public Transport, travelling from:
Heathrow Airport
At the airport’s central bus station you can get
a National Express bus (787) that takes you
to Parkside bus station in Cambridge which
is approximately a five minute walk from the
University’s main campus. You should ask the
driver to make sure you are on the correct
bus. If you wish to travel by train you will need
to take the London Underground (Tube) from
Heathrow to London King Cross station. From
there you can take the train to Cambridge. There
are regular trains to Cambridge form London.
From the train station take you will need to take
a short taxi journey to the University’s main
campus. The total cost of this is approximately
£28.00. The approximate traveling time,
excluding waiting for tube or trains, is two hours.
Gatwick Airport
At the airport’s central bus station you can get
a National Express bus (717) that will take you
to Parkside bus station in Cambridge which
is approximately a five minute walk from the
University’s main campus. You should ask the
driver to make sure you are on the correct bus.
Arriving in the UK
8
By taxi
There will be plenty of taxis outside of the
airport’s terminal. Please ensure you have
the full address of the University or your off-
campus accommodation and the emergency
mobile number - 07976 266432 - in case the
driver gets lost. A taxi from Heathrow should
cost around £100 if you have not booked
in advance. The campus of Anglia Ruskin
University at which CRIC is based can be found
on East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, and the
CRIC office is in the Coslett Building, on the
fourth floor.
A map of Cambridge, showing the location
of Anglia Ruskin University, and a map of the
Cambridge campus, to help you locate CRIC,
can be found on http://www.anglia.ac.uk/
ruskin/en/home/about/findus.html.
Where to go when you arrive in
Cambridge
If you are arriving during office hours (Monday
– Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm) ask to be taken
to Anglia Ruskin University. On arriving at the
campus please report to Reception where they
will contact CRIC and a member of CRIC staff
will come and meet you.
If you are travelling outside office hours and
staying off-campus, please make sure we
know when your flight will arrive and are aware
of your accommodation address. If you are
travelling outside office hours and staying
on-campus, please make sure to inform us well
in advance of your expected time of arrival. We
will then ask the Halls of Residence Manager
to leave your keys with the security office
9
which is staffed 24-hours a day. Please ask
your taxi driver to drive you to the Anglia Ruskin
University Campus. The taxi should drop you at
the main entrance where the security guard is
based. The security guard will be expecting you
and will help you to your room.
Useful facilities in Cambridge
City Centre
Cambridge city centre has a huge array of
independent shops and boutiques side by side
with all the high street shops that you would
expect to see in the UK; all of the major high
street banks and building societies (including
branches of HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest);
the brand new Grand Arcade shopping
centre (www.grandarcade.co.uk); numerous
restaurants, bars and public houses; dentists,
several doctors surgeries; and Cambridge
Market, which is open seven days a week.
The Grafton Centre houses a cinema, shops,
restaurants and bars, and is a five minute walk
from Anglia Ruskin University campus (turn
left out of the Main Campus entrance and walk
along East Road, The Grafton Centre is on the
left). See www.graftoncentre.co.uk for
more information.
Numerous supermarkets, such as ASDA and
Sainsbury’s, all within ten minutes walking
distance, as well as speciality shops such as a
Halal butchers on Mill Road five minutes walk
from Anglia Ruskin University campus).
Who needs to register with the police?
Certain nationalities 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; ‘Please register with
the Police within seven days’. Students from
the following countries will need to register
with the local Police:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil,
China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran,
Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan,
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.
As part of the Orientation programme we will
arrange for the police to come in to CRIC to
register you. As long as you make sure you
attend this session you will not need to worry
about finding the police station. If you are
unable to attend this session, 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 and
nothing to worry about. Generally the Police
in the UK have a reputation for being very kind
and helpful.
10
Things to see and do in the
Cambridge area
CRIC students have the advantage of studying
in one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic
cities. Regarded as a jewel in England’s crown,
Cambridge is a compact, cosmopolitan city
with a vast number of places to visit and
things to do.
Parks and Green Spaces
Cambridge is a green city. The fen landscape
flows into the centre along the river Cam, with
cows grazing within sight of Kings College
Chapel. You can picnic under the trees along
The Backs and admire the stunning displays
of flowering bulbs in spring, or spend time in
beautifully kept College grounds. The public
parks and commons provide a paradise for
lovers of sports with numerous football pitches,
cricket greens and tennis courts.
Sport and Leisure
There are numerous sports and leisure facilities
to keep fitness fanatics entertained indefinitely.
Cambridge is a city of cyclists and bikes can
be bought or hired for exploring the city and
beyond. Visit the longest outdoor swimming
pool in the country at Jesus Green, ride the
water flumes at Parkside Pools or enjoy a
game of tennis at one of the public outdoor
courts. Cambridge is also home to no less than
two football teams. Cambridge United, who
play in the Blue Square Premier Division, and
Cambridge City, who play in the Blue Square
South Division. There are also a number of
health & fitness centres available to students in
Cambridge, including one on the ARU campus.
Museums and Galleries
Museums and Art Galleries are plentiful in
Cambridge. On the same day you could marvel
at ancient Egyptian relics in the Fitzwilliam
Museum (which has been described as ‘the
finest small museum in Europe’), visit the North
and South Poles at the Scott Polar Institute,
take a look at the original specimens that
Darwin collected on his famous trip on The
Beagle at the Museum of Zoology and take
in some modern art at Kettle’s Yard - and all
within walking distance of each other.
Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment
The selection of bars, restaurants and
entertainment venues in Cambridge is endless,
with something for even the most discerning
palates. A massive selection of world cuisine,
with restaurants ranging from Michelin Star
quality to fast food, bars ranging from the
classic British pubs to stylish Moroccan
nightclubs, no less than four prestigious
theatres in the city, three multi-screen
cinemas, three large concert halls for classical
and rock music and any number of smaller
venues for drama, dance, comedy and music
of all kinds.
Shopping
Cambridge is a shopper’s paradise with a
huge array of shops. There are two brand new
shopping centres, full of designer goodies, to
explore as well as the traditional bustling stalls
of the outdoor markets. The Market Square is
home to the Cambridge Market which has had
stalls trading since the Saxon times. During
the week you can find everything from books,
Living in the UK
11
clothes and bric-a-brac to fresh fruit and
vegetables. On Sunday there is a flourishing
farmer’s market selling local organic produce.
Things to see and do in London
In addition to all of the above, Cambridge is
only a forty-five minute train journey from the
UK’s capital city, London. The CRIC staff have
made some suggestions, below, of some of our
favourite things to see and do in London:
The British Museum (free entry) •
www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk
Buckingham Palace – •
www.royal.gov.uk
Hampton Court Palace •
www.hrp.org.uk
Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens / Regent’s •
Park (free entry)
The National Gallery •
www.nationalgallery.org.uk
St Paul’s Cathedral (free entry)•
www.stpauls.co.uk
Tate Gallery •
www.tate.org.uk
The Tower of London •
www.hrp.org.uk
Victoria and Albert Museum (free entry) •
www.vam.ac.uk
Westminster Abbey (free entry)•
www.westminster-abbey.org
A Night at the Theatre in London’s West End •
www.londontheatre.co.uk
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre •
www.shakespeares-globe.org
The Royal Albert Hall •
www.royalalberthall.com
Kew Gardens •
www.rbgkew.org.uk
National Portrait Gallery (free entry)•
www.npg.org.uk
Portobello Road Market (free entry) •
www.portobelloroad.co.uk
The London Eye •
www.londoneye.com
Watch a Premier League British football •
game at one of the popular stadiums in
London - Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham
Hotspur, West Ham, Charlton Athletic, or
Fulham www.premierleague.com
Travelling in London
Central London is forty-five minutes from
Cambridge train station. The fastest and
easiest option is to travel from Cambridge
station on the fast train to Kings Cross and
to get off at either Kings Cross or Finsbury
Park. Both of these stations have London
Underground connections. You can, for
example, take the Piccadilly Line (WEST
BOUND) to Leicester Square (for an evening
out) or the Victoria Line (SOUTH BOUND) to
Oxford Circus (for a day of shopping) from
12
either Kings Cross or Finsbury Park. Finsbury
Park is a smaller station and may be easier
to navigate on your first trip. Train times from
Cambridge to Finsbury Park or Kings Cross
can be found on www.nationalrail.co.uk. If
you are prepared to use off-peak trains and
pre-book your journeys, you can travel between
Cambridge and London for as little as £6.00.
We normally recommend that if you have never
been to London, you should travel down and
back during the daytime for your first visit.
Thereafter, if you plan to go to London during
the evening, you should normally try to travel
with a friend, rather than by yourself, especially
if you plan to travel back late at night. Please
also ensure that you have checked return train
times when planning your journey, as trains
are much less frequent late at night and the
London Underground service normally finishes
at about 11.30pm. Transport for London offer a
journey planner service (www.tfl.gov.uk) which
is also available on mobile phone.
CRIC’s Manager of Support Services, Mr
Andrew Richards, knows London well and will
be more than happy to give you more specific
help or advice concerning travelling to London.
Travelling around Europe
For students based in the UK, travelling
around Europe is relatively cheap and easy,
with flights to mainland Europe as cheap as
£20.00 return on some of the ‘no-frills’ airlines.
Check out Ryan Air www.ryanair.co.uk, EasyJet
www.easyjet.com, BMI www.bmibaby.com
to see how affordable flights can be. Many
nationalities in the UK don’t need to get a visa
before going on holiday in Europe but if you do
we’ll assist you with the documentation. It’s
normally fairly easy to get these visas.
Some recommendations from the CRIC staff:
Lech and Kitzbuhel, Austria – some of the •
choicest downhill skiing in the World in the
western reaches of the Alps
Vienna, Austria – a city famous for •
Beethoven, Freud and Klimt
Paris, France – home of the famous tower, •
the Arc de Triomphe, cafes, bistros and
haute couture
St Tropez – very fashionable haunt of the •
rich and famous
The Greek Islands – quiet, peaceful, great •
swimming and fantastic food
The Acropolis, Athens, Greece – the •
most important ancient monument in
the western world
Rome, Italy – great for a weekend •
Florence - the heart of the Renaissance •
Venice – Magical home of the gondola, •
totally different to any city you’ll have seen
before – no roads and no cars!
The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao and the •
Museu Picasso, Barcelona, Spain
Count Dracula’s Castle, Bran, Transylvania, •
Romania
Icebreaker’s cruise, Kemi, Lapland, Finland •
The Ice Hotel, Sweden •
Amsterdam - Home of the famous •
Amsterdam canal system and the Ann
Franck Museum
13
The Weather
The climate in the UK is moderate – summers are
warm and winters are cool and mild. Contrary
to international assumptions the weather is not
always wet and cold in the UK! You can find out
more detailed information on the weather in
Cambridge today by visiting the BBC weather
centre website – www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Average Temperatures
Summer 21°C – 12°C
Autumn 14°C – 7°C
Winter 8°C – 3°C
Spring 13°C – 5°C
Food/shopping
With the UK being such a cosmopolitan society,
it is very easy to find shops and restaurants
catering for a wide spectrum of nationalities.
Supermarkets stock a range of cuisines,
including Chinese, Indian, Greek, Lebanese,
West Indian, African, Italian, French and, of
course, British. You should also be able to buy
familiar products from your home country in
specialist grocery stores located in Cambridge,
as well as from the many markets based in and
around the city. Haala food is readily avaiable on
Mill Road, 150m from the CRIC/ARU campus/
Tipping in the UK is not compulsory but is
common practice if you receive good service.
Note: it is against the law to drink alcohol or to be drunk in
a public place. If you are under 18 years of age you are not
permitted to purchase or consume alcohol. Drinking on
public transport is expressly prohibited.
Public transport
The public transport system in the UK consists
of the over-rail, ferries, buses as well as the
famous underground trains in London. The
cost of public transport depends on the type
of ticket you buy and the amount of time and
distance that is to be travelled. Stagecoach
offers a network of frequent and reliable buses,
and these provide excellent access to all parts
of Cambridge. Many different types of tickets
are available, including the City Megarider. This
provides unlimited travel on all ‘Citi’ buses for
seven days. For quick and easy access from
the city centre to the railway station look out
for the Citi 1 or Citi 3 bus.
Travelling by coach
Timetables and further information is available
from www.nationalexpress.com. As a student
you can also apply for a coach card that will
give you up to 30% off your coach ticket.
Travelling by train
If you are under the age of 26 and planning
on using the train regularly it would be a good
idea to apply for a young person’s railcard. The
card will cost you around £20.00 and will give
you 33% off the cost of your train ticket. You
can get further information and apply online
at www.railcard.co.uk. Students who are over
the age of 26 can also obtain this railcard but
cannot apply online. They will need to get CRIC
to certify on the application form that you are
a full time student. A copy of the application
form can be downloaded from the same
website as stated above.
14
Employment
International students are allowed to work a
maximum of twenty hours per week under the
terms of their student visa during the semester.
Students should not rely on part time jobs to
fund living expenses or pay tuition fees. Any
income earned from part time jobs should
be seen only as a supplement to established
sources of funding. ARU has a very active
Employment Bureau which can assist you in
finding part-time work, and help ensure that
employers do not take advantage of you.
National Insurance
Everyone who works in the UK must pay
National Insurance (NI) contributions. If you
have a part-time job offer or can provide
evidence that you are actively seeking work
you can apply for a NI number. Please contact
Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of Support
Services, for further information on how to
apply for an NI number once you arrive at CRIC.
Council Tax Exemption
Council tax is a charge levied by the local
city council to people living in the area.
These taxes cover services such as local
emergency services and refuse removal.
Under normal circumstances full-time
students are exempt from the council tax.
There are certain exceptions, however;
for example, sharing a house with a non-
student could render a student liable for
council tax. For further information contact
the Manager of Support Services.
Personal safety: roads,
cycling and walking
Although Cambridge is a relatively safe town
you should still take all the necessary steps to
ensure your own personal safety at all times.
IMPORTANT: Please remember you are in a different
country and the road rules are not always the same
as in your own country.
Walking: Always use the pavement if it is
available, if there isn’t a pavement then it is
safest to walk on the right hand side of the
road so that you can see any traffic coming
towards you. In the UK, vehicles are driven on
the left-hand side of the road and pedestrians
are not automatically given right of way. When
crossing the road always use a designated
crossing and be extra careful, looking both
ways before stepping out into the road. If you
are walking when it is dark then make sure you
wear something bright that will help drivers
and cyclists to see you. Do not walk in isolated
places or dark alleyways if you can avoid it,
especially at night. Try to keep to well lit public
places and walk with friends wherever possible.
Cycling: Cambridge is a cycle-friendly city.
Bicycles and equipment can be purchased
or hired from one of the many cycle shops in
Cambridge (many within five minutes walk of
CRIC). Make sure that your bicycle is in good
15
working order. You must have working lights
on your bicycle – a white one at the front
and a red one at the back. It is an offence to
cycle at night without lights. Lights can be
purchased from any cycling shop at very little
cost. Do not ride on the pavement – unless it
is a designated cycle path. These are usually
indicated by a blue sign with a bicycle on it.
There may also be marking on the pavement
showing a bicycle. Do not ride with traffic
coming towards you – if you are riding on the
road make sure that you follow the flow of
the traffic cycling on the left hand side. Wear
a cycle helmet – this will protect you if you
have an accident. These can be purchased
from most cycle shops. Make yourself as
visible as possible when cycling by wearing
reflective and fluorescent clothing. For further
information on cycling please refer to
www.highwaycode.gov.uk/cyclists.htm.
Accommodation
CRIC offers on-campus accommodation for
your first semester in clean well maintained
halls of residence. Accommodation fees
include all utilities bills, up to a reasonable
threshold.
CRIC has a range of options for
accommodation with both on-campus and
off-campus lodgings available. The on-
campus Halls of Residence are situated
within a quick walking distance of the
CRIC building. We recommend that all
new students base themselves here, as
it gives them the opportunity to meet
fellow classmates as well as being located
close to all University facilities. Most
rooms in Halls of Residence have en-suite
bathroom facilities, internet points and
access to laundry facilities in each hall.
Our off-campus Halls of Residence
accommodation is based at Sedley Court
which is approximately twenty minutes walk or
five minutes cycle ride from the Anglia Ruskin
University campus. All rooms off-campus have
en-suite bathroom facilities, broadband internet
access (at an additional cost), TV aerial socket
and individual post boxes (located in the lobby).
CRIC also has a number of privately
owned houses based in close proximity
to the Anglia Ruskin Campus. Please
contact Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of
Support Services, for further information
regarding this accommodation.
CRIC does not provide accommodation for
married couples. However, we will assist
students who have a need for private
accommodation as best we can. CRIC students
must reserve their accommodation prior to
departing for the UK. An accommodation form
can be found at the back of this booklet, along
16
with your visa support documentation and
confirmation of admission, or obtained from our
local representative. This must be filled in and
sent back to CRIC together with the deposit, as
soon as possible, to secure a place.
Deposit - Students in CRIC accommodation
have to pay £800.00 at the start of their
accommodation contract. In order to secure
a place in CRIC accommodation, this must be
paid in advance.
Upon receipt of the accommodation fee you
will be allocated your chosen accommodation,
subject to availability. Housing is allocated
on a ‘first come first served’ basis so early
booking and payment is advised to avoid
disappointment.
If you have any questions regarding CRIC
accommodation please contact Mr Andrew
Richards at [email protected].
Healthcare
The National Health Service (NHS) in
the UK
The NHS is the UK’s state health service and
provides treatment for UK residents through
a wide range of healthcare services. Certain
services are free while others require payment.
Providing your course of study is for six
months or longer you will qualify for NHS
treatment from the beginning of your stay, on
the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily
resident in the UK. You are entitled to free
treatment in NHS hospitals and you may
register as a patient with a General Practitioner
(GP) – see below. When you attend hospital
or register with a GP, you should take a
form of identification (passport) as well as
evidence that you are in the UK as a student
(for example, your student visa). You should
also provide evidence of your address and
confirmation from your institution that you
are enrolled on, or have recently completed,
a course of study, and its length. If you have
to give up your studies temporarily, and you
are refused free health treatment, contact the
Manager of Support Services for information
about how you might be able to challenge this.
What will the NHS provide for you at no cost?
Consulting a GP and most other GP services •
(e.g. visiting a clinic)
Treatment in a hospital (both emergency and •
non emergency treatment)
You may need to pay for:
Medicines prescribed by your GP •
Some GP services (e.g. vaccinations for •
travel, getting a sickness certificate)- ask
your GP for details of costs
Dental treatment •
Optical treatment •
Medical Treatment
All new students are required to register with a
general practitioner (GP) on arrival at CRIC. The
NHS provides medical treatment through three
main routes:
General Practitioner’s (GP’s) Surgery or
Health Centre
UK residents register with a health centre or
GP’s surgery, which is usually the first point
of contact for medical treatment. GPs are
doctors who are trained and experienced
in diagnosing a wide range of health issues.
Most illnesses and other problems can be
treated by the GP and if you do need to
see a specialist, the GP will refer you to an
appropriate hospital department (see below).
17
As well as consultations with a GP, most health
centres and GPs’ surgeries provide a range
of community health services (for example;
vaccinations, women’s health clinics, services
for parents of young children).
There are several GPs’ surgeries based within
walking distance from the Anglia Ruskin
University main campus, all of which welcome
students to register, but Anglia Ruskin
University has its own on-campus NHS clinic
with both walk-in and appointment-based
services. CRIC students, providing that they
are studying for more than six months, are able
to register at the medical centre by completing
a simple medical form which can be found in
the Orientation arrival pack you will receive on
arrival at CRIC. The GP surgery is located in
the Mumford Building on campus and opens
at 9.00am. For appointments or further details
on this service, you can phone +44 (0) 1223
363271 (ext 2251).
Hospitals
If your GP refers you to hospital for treatment,
you will usually be given an appointment
to see a specialist doctor. Depending on
the medical problem, you may be treated
as an in-patient (where you are admitted
to a ward and stay there overnight or
longer) or as an out-patient (where you
visit the hospital for an appointment).
If you think you need to see a specialist you
should approach your GP first and ask her or
him to refer you.
Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Departments
Some (but not all) hospitals have Accident
and Emergency (A & E) departments. These
departments are open 24 hours a day and deal
with patients needing emergency treatment.
The closest A & E is located about two miles
from the Anglia Ruskin University Campus
(Addenbrooke’s Hosptial). You should use A &
E departments only for emergency treatment
for serious illness or injury. In England, Wales
and parts of Scotland, you can contact NHS
Direct by telephone if you are not sure whether
you should go to hospital. NHS Direct is open
24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can offer an
interpreting service. The telephone number for
NHS Direct is 0845 46 47.
Do I need medical insurance?
If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment,
you should certainly ensure you have adequate
medical insurance to cover medical costs
should you fall ill, and the additional possible
costs resulting from illness. These can be
substantial, and include:
Lost fees if you are unable to complete •
your course
Costs of returning home if a relative is ill •
Costs of a relative visiting you in the UK if •
you fall ill
Cost of returning to your home country •
for treatment
Even if you are entitled to free NHS treatment
whilst in the UK, you should consider taking
out insurance which covers the above costs
which could be incurred if you or your family
are unfortunate enough to become ill or have
an accident. Moreover, even if you are covered
by the NHS for medical treatment, you may
find that there are long waiting times for some
services. An insurance policy which gives you
access to private medical care could give you
much quicker access to the treatment you
need. If you have medical insurance in your
home country, check whether you can extend it
18
to cover your stay in the UK, as well as looking
at options available from UK insurers. Endsleigh
Insurance, in association with UKCOSA, has
produced a special health insurance policy for
international students and their spouses and
dependants in the UK. Details of the policy can
be found on the Endsleigh website,
www.endsleigh.co.uk.
Dealing with emergencies
Emergency services: dial 999
If you are in need of urgent medical assistance
(for example, because of an accident) you will
need to telephone 999. The call is free. An
operator will ask you which emergency service
you need (Fire, Police or Ambulance). Be
ready to tell the emergency services what has
happened and where you are. If someone is
injured and needs to go to hospital, ambulance
staff will arrive and take the person to an
Accident and Emergency department. If you
need urgent treatment, but you are well enough
to travel, you can also make your own way to
an Accident and Emergency department or ask
a friend to take you. Most GPs also run an ‘on-
call’ service, so that you can contact a doctor
24 hours a day. Your GP will give you details
when you register.
Living in the UK as a minor
(Students under 18 years of age)
A proportion of CRIC students may be under
the age of 18 when starting their time at the
College. If you are under the age of 18 you are
legally considered a minor in the UK and, as
such, you will need to appoint a guardian for
the duration of your time at CRIC. This may
be your parent or legal guardian if they reside
in the UK, but if your parent or legal guardian
does not reside in the UK one will need to
be appointed. A list of accredited agencies
that can assist you with this can be found on
www.aegisuk.net. If you are under the age of
18 at the time of enrolment, you are required
to inform the College of any/all disabilities
or intermittent/ongoing medical conditions.
These should be reported well in advance of
your arrival to the Manager of Support Services,
Mr. Andrew Richards on andrew.richards@
anglia.ac.uk. (Even those over the age of 18
are required to supply this information, but
this is a strict legal requirement for those
under 18.) Furthermore, as a minor, you will
be subject to UK law in relation to matters
such as purchasing alcohol, giving consent
and holding office. For example, minors may
not purchase or consume alcohol. These laws
will be explained to you during Orientation.
Any questions you have before then can be
directed to Mr Andrew Richards.
British customs
The major difference between living in the UK
and your home country is in social customs
and behaviour. Some of these customs may
seem strange when you first arrive. To assist
you, listed below are examples of what would
normally be seen as acceptable in the UK:
Equality for all citizens - men, women and •
people from all levels of wealth, authority,
ability and occupation are seen as equal in
British society.
Punctuality - always be on time for •
appointments or let people know if you will
be late. You should also expect other people
to be on time for you!
Tidiness in the community – all rubbish •
should be disposed of in a bin, or carried with
you until you find a bin. Anybody dropping
litter may be prosecuted and fined in the UK.
19
Waiting your turn in a queue – it is •
considered impolite to push ahead of
someone who is in the queue before you.
Informality when addressing others – •
first names are used relatively early in a
relationship. A general rule to follow, if you
are meeting a person for the first time who is
considerably older than you is to use a title
such as Mr, Ms, Mrs, Dr or Professor until
you are invited to use the person’s given
name. It is acceptable to ask a person what
they would like you to call them.
Knocking on someone’s door before opening •
it. Always wait for the person to answer
before entering.
Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ where •
appropriate is highly regarded.
It is common to see people using a •
handkerchief or tissue to blow their nose.
It is not acceptable to sniff or spit. If you
need to clear your throat use a handkerchief
or tissue. Personal hygiene and cleanliness
are generally highly valued in the UK.
You can not normally get ahead by raising •
your voice. If you disagree strongly with
anything that has been said or done, you
should express your point of view strongly
and calmly, but try not to shout as this is
generally frowned upon.
It is not acceptable to interrupt while •
someone else is talking. However once
they have finished their point, it is perfectly
reasonable to say that you do not agree and
to explain why – even if you are disagreeing
with one of your professors. As long as you
can back up your point of view intelligently,
this will be seen as a positive contribution to
the discussion.
All of the above come under what the British •
refer to as ‘manners’. Manners are held in
high regard in the UK and their observance
will serve you well.
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20
Payment of tuition fees
The tuition fees you will be required to pay and
the programme of study you have been offered
a place on are outlined in the letter of offer you
have received. To guarantee your place on the
programme of study you must pay fifty percent
(half) of the tuition fees, either directly to CRIC
or through our local representative. If you are
applying to CRIC through a CRIC overseas
representative they will advise you with regard to
making payments to CRIC. If you are applying
direct to the college you can arrange to pay your
fees to CRIC by any of the following methods:
Bank transfer
You can transfer your fees direct from your
bank to CRIC’s bank account. This is a safe
and secure way of transferring your money to
the UK. In order to facilitate a smooth transfer
of funds, you should:
tell the bank that you wish to pay in sterling •
(GB pounds)
tell the bank the exact amount you wish •
to pay
provide your bank with the College’s bank •
details, which are as follows:
Bank name: Citibank London
Account number: 11972472
Bank Sort Code: 8 50 08
IBAN Number: GB79CITI18500811972472
SWIFT Code: CITIGB2L (Citibank London)
Please make sure that the bank uses your
CRIC Student ID as the reference for the
transfer (this can be found on your letter
of offer and will be in a format similar
to ABCDC83)
You should ensure that the bank gives you a
document confirming the transfer of funds to
CRIC, and bring this with you when you travel
to the UK. This document may also be useful
in securing your student visa. You should show
this document to the CRIC Manager of Support
Services when you register for your programme.
Personal, company or banker’s cheque
You can pay your tuition fees by International
Banker’s Draft made out in sterling to CRIC
Limited. You should send the cheque to the
CRIC office:
CRIC Ltd
Coslett Building (Cos 415)
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT
United Kingdom
Currency
Cash
You should make sure you bring a small
amount of cash with you for your day-to-day
expenses until you have registered at CRIC
and opened a bank account. We recommend
£200 in small denominations (£5, £10 and £20
notes), as change can be a problem in some of
the smaller independent stores.
Financial Matters
21
We do not advise carrying a large amount of
cash when you travel to the UK. Whatever
amount of cash you bring with you, make sure:
You bring sterling (GB pounds). In the UK •
you will not be able to use dollars or any
other currency to pay for things. If you do
bring other currencies to the UK, you will
need to change them into sterling when you
arrive, and you will be charged for this.
You should ensure that you keep the cash •
on your person when travelling. Use a
body belt or similar, and do not under any
circumstances place money in your
hold baggage.
If you have a large amount of cash you •
should contact the CRIC office. We will
advise you on how to open a bank account.
In the UK you will not normally be able
to open a bank account until you have
registered with the College as a student and
arranged permanent accommodation.
Please note that the college cannot take
responsibility for cash lost by students. It is
your responsibility to keep it safe. This is why
we recommend that you do not bring large
amounts of cash with you.
Travellers’ cheques
Travellers’ cheques are a good alternative to
carrying cash as they can be converted into
cash as you need it. Unlike a personal cheque,
you do not need to have a UK bank account in
order to use them. If you lose them or they are
stolen you can apply to have them replaced.
You should normally try to get sterling-based
travellers’ cheques as these are the easiest
to cash; if you bring dollar-based travellers
cheques most banks and exchange bureaux
will impose a charge for converting dollars to
sterling. Sterling travellers cheques can be
used to pay for purchases in larger shops in
major towns and cities, but not all local shops
will accept them. When travelling make sure
you keep details of your traveller’s cheques and
your passport separate from the cheques.
Credit card
The College can accept payment for tuition
fees and accommodation charges via most
major credit cards. Make sure that your
credit limit is sufficient to allow you to make
this payment. Check with your bank or credit
provider before you leave home. You should
also make sure that you give someone at home
authority to pay money into your credit card
account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish to
make a payment to the College by credit card
before you leave home, you should contact the
Support Services Manager at CRIC on: +44
1223 695702 or [email protected].
Please not that CRIC are unable to take credit
card payments over the telephone.
Debit or switch card
If you have a debit card (Maestro, Visa or
Cirrus) you can use it to pay your tuition fees
and accommodation charges. Make sure
you have sufficient money in your account to
allow you to make this payment. You should
also make sure that you give someone at
home authority to pay money into your bank
account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish
to make a payment to the college by debit card
you should contact the Manager of Support
Services at CRIC on telephone: +44 1223
695702 or [email protected].
22
Cost of living
The cost of living varies from one part of the
UK to another. Generally it is more expensive
to live in London and cheaper elsewhere.
The estimated cost of supporting yourself
financially in Cambridge is outlined below.
Typical basic living costs
As a student at CRIC you should estimate your
average living costs, apart from tuition fees, to
be in the region of £800.00 per month. This
covers accommodation, food, travel, books
and entertainment costs. As a guide, a couple
living together adds 50 percent to the cost of a
person living on their own. For each child living
with you add 25 percent of the cost of a person
living on their own. These costs are estimates,
and actual costs will depend on your personal
tastes and preferences.
It is unlikely that you will be able to secure
sponsorship for your studies once you have
arrived in the UK, so you must make sure that
you have made suitable financial arrangements
before you leave home.
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If your family is giving you the money for
your studies you must discuss with them the
implications of their commitment to pay for
you to live and study in the UK. You must
think about the things that may affect their
income and cause difficulties in the future. You
and your family must ensure that all are fully
aware of the consequences of being unable
to continue funding your studies. You should
think about what alternatives you would have if
an economic downturn or currency fluctuations
affect your country and your family, and plan
your strategy accordingly.
If you find you have financial difficulties once
you have started your studies you may be
advised to halt your studies if it is established
that you do not have sufficient financial
resources. If you are no longer able to attend
the college to study because of financial
problems you will be advised to leave the UK
until your finances can be sorted out. Under
the terms of UK Immigration legislation you
are not permitted to remain in the UK if you
are not studying. Problems with financial
arrangements are one of the most common
reasons for international students failing to
complete their degree programme. It is vital
to get your financial situation organised before
you come to the UK.
23
Orientation and enrolment
The CRIC Orientation Programme is always
held on the Wednesday before semester
commences. (The date and time of your
Orientation is on your letter of offer.)
Attendance is compulsory. The Orientation
covers matters relating to your study at CRIC
such as enrolment, facilities, procedures and
support services.
Please bring your passport and letter of
offer with you to Orientation and enrolment.
At Orientation you will be issued with an
Orientation Pack containing the CRIC Student
Handbook, course and unit information,
booklists and other important information.
Enrolment will take place following the
Orientation session. At CRIC enrolment
and unit selection is completed through
the myCRIC student portal via the website.
You will be required to complete your
personal details, such as address, visa
details, etc. before going on to select the
units you will study in that semester.
CRIC office hours
CRIC is open Monday – Friday, from
8.30am – 5.00pm. The office is closed on
Saturday and Sunday.
The emergency mobile, to contact staff
outside of office hours, in an emergency,
is: 07976 266432
Services and facilities
At CRIC we offer a range of services and
facilities to meet your personal as well as
academic needs. As a CRIC student, you have
access to facilities and services provided by
CRIC and Anglia Ruskin University. Services
include: English and study support, student
counselling and accommodation services.
Facilities include: library, bookshop, cafeteria,
recreation, sports and computer facilities.
Information about services and facilities is
provided at Orientation.
We look forward to welcoming you. We will
do our best to make your time at CRIC as
enjoyable and productive as possible, and we
would like your preparations for joining us to
be exciting and trouble-free. If you have any
questions leading up to your departure, please
do not hesitate to contact the Manager of
Support Services, Mr. Andrew Richards, on
Getting Started at CRIC
In Conclusion
Cambridge Ruskin International College
Coslett Building (Cos 415)
Anglia Ruskin University
East Road
Cambridge CB1 1PT
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0) 1223 695700
Fax +44 (0) 1223 698763
Email [email protected]
www.anglia.ac.uk/cric
The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of publication,
however, Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC) reserves the right
to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice. Printed September 2008.
Selected photographs in this publication are
Copyright © Paul Foley/Lightmoods 2008
This brochure is provided free of charge.
Part of the Navitas Group