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InternationalPre-arrival Guide


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Welcome

International Student Centre

Congratulations on being oered a place at Staordshire University! Welook orward to welcoming you to England and hope you have a happyand successul time here. This booklet will provide useul inormation asyou make your preparations to come to the United Kingdom.

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What our students say

My course has a dedicated team of

lecturers and up-to-date equipment.

I believe that IT plays a major role of

our daily lives. In our generation today,

we rely most on the internet and Web

development plays a major part.

I chose Staffordshire University because

it has a really good reputation in

degrees in Computing with really high

job prospects.

It has taught me to be independent and

to be a hard worker and the university

helps me to develop my full potential.

Phillip Estoesta,BSc(Hons) Web Development


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International Student Support

The International Student Centre (ISC) is part o Staordshire UniversitysStudent Oce and provides a wide range o support or internationalstudents, including English language teaching, academic and cultural supportas well as specialist immigration advice.

The Centre is staed with a team o highly qualied, very riendly andexperienced English language teachers and International Student Advisors.Many o our members o sta have extensive experience o working overseas.We aim to make your study and lie in Staordshire University enjoyable andmemorable.

Please eel ree to contact us i you have any questions about:

pre-arrival inormation

travelling advice and meet and greet service

immigration advice

lie in the UK

social events

workshops or international students

supporting your subject study to enable your successul adaptation toBritish Higher Education

English Language support.

For urther inormation, please check the International Student Centre website:www.stas.ac.uk/isc

There is more inormation or new students at: www.stas.ac.uk/newstudentHere you will nd Faculty activities to prepare you beore you arrive in the UK,so take a look. The website is updated requently, please take time to check it.

When you arrive at the University, you will receive a welcome pack whichcontains lots o useul advice and inormation to help you during your studiesat Staordshire University.

You will also have access to a book o contact details called A2Z4U which isavailable to view at: www.stas.ac.uk/a2z4u.

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Contents

Pre-arrival preparation (Important checklist) 7

Immigration advice 8

Extending your student visa 9

Working during your studies 10

Money Matters 11

Restrictions What not to bring 12

Arriving in the UK 13

Meet and Greet 14-15

What to bring with you (checklist) 16

Saety and security whilst travelling 17

Arriving at the airport 18

Immigration problems 19

What i my luggage is delayed? 20

Where should I go when I arrive on campus? 21

Mobile phones 22

Living in the UK 23

Accommodation 24-27

The Weather 28

Cost o living 29-33

Culture shock 34-35

Key contacts 36-37

Maps 38-41


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Pre-arrival preparation

Important checklist

check your passport i it is close to expiring you should nd out howto renew it or apply or a new passport

organise your nances think about how you will pay tuition ees andliving expenses

apply or entry clearance (visa) i required

book fights (ater you have received your visa)

buy travel insurance

arrange how you will get to the University

ensure you are clear which campus you are studying at(Stoke or Staord)

book a seat on the Meet and Greet coach (i using this service)

i living on-campus: conrm your accommodation and arrival date/timewith the Accommodation Oce

all students (living both on-campus and o-campus): inorm theAdmissions Oce o your arrival date/timeemail: [email protected]

check with your Government or restrictions on taking money out o thecountry

order Sterling travellers cheques or British currency or the rst ewweeks o term

make sure your luggage weight does not exceed the maximum limit setby your airline

have a set o passport photos taken as these can be useul at the starto term

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Immigration advice

Do I need to get a visa (entry clearance) beore I travel to the UK?

Anyone entering the UK must comply with the UK immigration rules. Studentsrom certain countries have to apply or a visa beore they leave their homecountry. I you need a visa to study in the UK, then you must apply under Tier4 (general student) o the Points-based System. It is important that you rstapply or this beore you leave the country where you live. Processing timesor visa applications vary depending on the country remember that certaintimes o the year can be very busy, so start doing this now.

To nd out whether you need to apply or a visa to study in the UK, you shouldask your nearest British Diplomatic Post or you can nd details on the UKGovernment website, www.ukvisas.gov.uk by clicking on the link Do I Needa UK Visa?

I you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss National, you are ree toenter the UK to study. Updated lists can be accessed rom the Foreign andCommonwealth Oce: www.co.gov.uk/en

Once you are in the UK and i you need to extend your student visa, theInternational Student Advisors in the ISC can help you with this process. Fulldetails on how to do this will be available in your Welcome Bag, which you willreceive upon arrival.

Further inormation about UK immigration rules or students and whatarrangements will need to be made beore travelling to the UK, is providedthrough UKCISA Advice or International Students (Immigration, includingvisas) www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php

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Extending your student visaI you need to extend your student visa in the UK in order to continue yourstudies, you will again apply under Tier 4 o the Points-based System. It isvery important that you can show you have sucient unds available. I you

are using bank statements as evidence, the account must be in your name.The unds need to have been maintained or at least 28 days prior to yourapplication. You will need to have enough money in your account to cover therst year o your ees (or the remaining balance o your tuition ees), plus therequired maintenance unds. You may use more than one bank account andyour account/s can be in the UK and/or overseas i you wish. However, you willneed to provide original bank statements that are no more than one monthold, prior to submitting your Tier 4 application.

The International Student Advisors will be able to help you with the visaextension process and ull details on extending your visa or switching toanother category will be available to you upon arrival.


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Working during your studies

I you are an EEA student you are allowed to work during your studies in theUK without restriction on the number o hours or the type o work that youdo. Many students do nd part-time or vacation work and it is an excellentway o meeting new people, practising English and gaining valuable skills touse in later employment. However, you must not rely on nding a job to orma substantial part o your income. In the current economic climate, it can bedicult to nd work.

For non-EEA students according to the immigration rules, you shouldhave access to sucient unds to pay or your tuition ees, accommodationand living expenses without needing to work in the UK. I you have a Tier 4(general) student visa, you may work up to 20 hours per week (in some cases,up to 10 hours) during term-time and ull-time during University holidayperiods, but you should not take a ull-time permanent job. You can workull-time on a work placement but only i it is part o your course.

I you do need immigration permission to study in the UK, once you receiveyour visa or Identity Card or Foreign Nationals (ICFN), check what it says. Iyou are coming to the UK with student immigration permission and your visa/passport sticker says Work (and any changes) must be authorised or Ableto work as authorised by the Secretary o State, you are allowed to workduring your studies (in accordance with the rules laid down by the UK BorderAgency). You are also allowed to work during your studies i your visa or ICFNsays Restricted Work, part-time, term-time, ull-time vacations or Restrictedwork term-time or Work 20 hrs max in term-time (or in some cases Work10 hrs max in term-time).

I your visa or ICFN says No work, you must not work in the UK. This would

be a breach o your immigration conditions, which is a criminal oence. I yourimmigration permission does not allow you to work, this means that you mustnot undertake paid or unpaid employment, including work placements whichare part o your course. This can include voluntary work.

Full advice on how to nd a part-time job is available rom the UniversityJobShop based within the Careers Centres at both Stoke and Staordcampuses. Please see www.stas.ac.uk/jobshop or urther inormation.

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Money Matters

You will need to pay a proportion o your ees in order to enrol. Beore youcan open a UK bank account you will need to enrol, so make sure you canpay your ees once you arrive. You should consider paying all your tuition eesimmediately you will not have to worry about paying it later and you willalso receive an early payment discount! Expect it to take two to three weeksto open a bank account in the UK so you need to think about how you willsupport yoursel until then. We advise that you bring about 200 to pay orimmediate essentials travel, ood etc.

You should not carry large amounts o cash. It is easy to change money oncein the UK you can nd a Bureau de Change in Post Oces, banks andtravel agencies. However, they are likely to be closed in the evenings and atweekends. Many international credit cards are accepted in UK shops and atcash machines (ATMs). Check with your bank they can advise you i you willbe able to use your card in the UK and how much commission you will becharged. UNIAID and UKCISA have developed an online calculator to helpinternational students plan and manage their money or studies in the UK andthis can be accessed at: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international


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Restrictions What not to bring

What you can and cannot bring to the UK depends on which country youare travelling rom. The UK has strict penalties or bringing in restricted orprohibited items. You must not bring any drugs with you to the UK. The BritishGovernment takes drug smuggling extremely seriously and there are severepenalties or anyone ound with drugs or ound to be importing them. Also,you are not permitted to import items to sell, you cannot bring any weapons,meat, milk, dairy products or other animal goods and it is advisable not tobring any plants. For more details on bringing personal or restricted goods intothe UK see Heathrow Airports guide at www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk.For details o ood and plants that you must not bring to the UK see the DEFRAwebsite www.dera.gov.uk. I you know you have brought any prohibitedgoods, you will have to declare them on arrival at the airport.

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Arriving in the UKMaking your travel arrangements

The closest airports to Staordshire University are Manchester andBirmingham both have good rail and coach links to Stoke-on-Trent andStaord. You may choose to land at a London airport (Heathrow, Gatwickor Stansted). I you do, then you will need to decide how to travel to theUniversity. You can travel by train (which is quicker than by coach but moreexpensive) or coaches (which are slower than rail, but tends to be cheaper).

It is very important to think about the time your fight will arrive in the UK.Many acilities are only open 9.00 - 17.00, Monday - Friday. Trains and coachesare most requent during this time there are very ew trains and coachesduring the night or very early morning.

Remember that we organise a Meet and Greet service rom London

Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, where we will meet you and takeyou to the University this service is FREE!

You should allow at least one hour to go through immigration and retrieveyour bags.

How will you get to the University once you arrive?

The rst thing you should do is to make sure you know which campus youare travelling to. It is always easier to travel straight to the correct campus,as Stoke and Staord are 20 miles apart it is a 40 minute journey by bus totravel between the sites.


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Meet and Greet

The easiest way to travel to the University is to book a seat on the Meet andGreet coaches. This is a FREE service that will pick you up at the airport andtake you to the accommodation blocks in both Stoke and Staord.

Please note that Meet and Greet is only available on certain dates andtimes.

To book, simply return your Meet and Greet orm once we have received it,we will conrm by email that a seat has been booked or you. The Meet andGreet orm can be downloaded rom our website:www.stas.ac.uk/international/international_welcome/#meet

There will be rereshments on the coach and sta will be able to answer anyquestions you might have.

I you arrive outside o this time, then we will not be able to meet you and youwill be responsible or arranging your own way to the University. I you are notgoing to use the Meet and Greet service, you should plan how you will get tothe University beore you travel and you should let us know when you willbe arriving in Stoke or Staord. Please email [email protected] with yourarrival details.

Travelling to Staordshire University on your own

I you do not use the Meet and Greet service, you will be responsible orarranging your own way to the University look at www.nationalrail.co.uk;www.thetrainline.com and www.nationalexpress.co.uk to see what servicesare available.

The table below will provide you with some guidance on the journeytimes and costs to help you in planning your arrival:

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To Stoke To Staord

Train Cost Time Cost Time

London Euston Check 2-3 hours Check 2-3 hours

London Heathrow online 3-5 hours online 3-5 hours

Airport or or

Manchester Airport prices 1-2 hours prices 1-2 hours

Birmingham Airport 1-2 hours 1-2 hours

Coach Cost Time

Heathrow Airport Check 5- 6 hours

Manchester Airport online 2-4 hours Service not available

Birmingham Airport or 2-4 hours

prices

Taxi Cost Time Cost Time

Heathrow Airport 200+ 3-5 hours 200+ 3-5 hours

Manchester Airport 35+ 1-2 hours 55+ 1-2 hours

Birmingham Airport 50+ 1-2 hours 50+ 1-2 hours

Most travel companies will allow you to book tickets in advance (and this issometimes cheaper than buying the tickets on the day). When you purchasetickets online (or rom outside UK), please book by using your credit card, ascheques are not accepted.

Ater booking, you will be issued either with an e-ticket which you must printout and bring with you to show, or, you will have the option to collect yourticket rom the station by using a FastTicket machine when you arrive youmust remember to bring your booking reerence number with you to enableyou to retrieve your tickets.


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What to bring with you

a print out o this book (as it contains important contact inormation andit will help you to nd us)

our name, address and travel notes

money in pounds () and pence (p) also known as sterling

multiple passport-sized photographs or ID cards etc

personal organiser / diary

camera

photos rom home to remind you o riends and amily

clothing

electrical items and UK power converter (240 voltage)

your passport with correct visa or ID card (and photocopies o thesedocuments)

your travel tickets

Medical Card/History:vaccination/x-ray certicates i required (check at the British Council)

any medication you take with a letter rom your Doctor explaining

what it is and why you take it

your oer letter

your previous qualication certicates (originals or certied copies)

conrmation o your accommodation, i booked

pen and paper

your drivers licence (i you plan on driving in the UK)

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Saety and securitywhilst travelling

It is very important that you take special care o your passport and/or identitycard. Make sure you always know where they are. I you discover that yourpassport/identity card is missing, you must report it to the Police immediately.You will then need to contact your Embassy in order to get a new passport.Beore travelling, it is useul to make a photocopy o all the pages in yourpassport (except the blank pages) and keep them in a sae place whiletravelling.

Keep the copies separate rom your passport

Keep your tickets and other travel documents sae

Do not carry large amounts o cash

Clearly label your luggage and keep it with you at all times, British airportshave very strict security and unattended luggage can be taken away orinspection. Always check with the airport a ew days beore travelling to see ithey have put any new security measures in place.


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Arriving at the airport

Immigration Control

Whether you arrive by air or by sea, when you get to the UK, your rst stepis to pass through Immigration Control. The UK oers a warm welcome tointernational students. But, as in all countries, the authorities have to ensurethat everyone who enters the UK has a legitimate reason to be here.

Step-by-step guide

When you enter the terminal building, ollow the signs or Arrivals. These signs

will lead you to the Passport Control area (i you are transerring to anotherfight at the same airport, ollow the signs or Flight Connections instead.Then, at your nal airport, ollow the signs or Arrivals).

As you approach Passport Control, you will see electronic screens indicatingwhere you should queue. There will be two types o queue: one or travellerswith British or EEA (European Economic Area) passports and another or allother passport holders. Make sure you join the correct queue or you couldwaste a lot o time.

At some major airports, arriving passengers are also sorted by fight numberas they enter the immigration control area, so you should have this number tohand. You can nd your fight number on your boarding card and ticket stub.You will also need to know your fight number later, in order to collect yourbaggage, so do keep this inormation with you, even ater you leave the plane.When you reach the ront o the queue, the Immigration Ocer at the deskwill want to see that your documents are in order, so make sure you have them

ready. In particular, you should have ready, your letter o acceptance romStaordshire University and evidence o your unding, such as a sponsorsletter or bank statements. The Immigration Ocer will check that you have anup-to-date passport and i required, a valid visa or entry clearance. You shouldalso be prepared to answer some questions about yoursel, including whereyou will be staying and what you intend to do during your time in the UK.

You may be asked to undergo a brie, routine health check by the airportDoctor, which might include an X-ray. The health check will take place in aseparate room. Aterwards, you will need to return to immigration control.

What should I do i theImmigration Ocer reuses meentry at the UK port or airport?

As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigrationsmoothly. But i you nd you need help or any reason, you should ask theImmigration Ocer i you may telephone the International Student Centre atStaordshire University (01782 294711 or 01785 353818).

I an International Student Advisor is unavailable, call the Immigration AdvisoryService (IAS) or ree advice on telephone number 0207 967 1200 (daytime:Monday to Friday). I it is night-time, leave a message on their emergencyanswer service by telephoning 0207 967 1299. The IAS is a registered charitythat can assist you with your appeal www.iasuk.org

Once you arrive at the University, you can then contact the InternationalStudent Advisor or any additional support you may need.


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What i my luggage is delayed?

Dont Panic!

Go to the helpdesk or luggage enquiries desk and tell the Ocial that yourluggage has not arrived. You will need to give them an address or yourluggage to be delivered to. I you are staying in University accommodation,you should ask or the luggage to be sent to the relevant campus, addressesbelow:

For students staying at the Stoke campus the address is:Residences Oce Stoke

Staordshire UniversityLeek RoadStoke on TrentStaordshireST4 2YJt:+44 (0)1782 294223

For students staying at the Staord campus, the address is:Residences Oce StaordStaordshire UniversityStaord CourtBeaconsideStaordshireST18 0ABt: +44 (0)1785 353592

Make sure you get a reerence number and a telephone number to call ornews about the whereabouts o your luggage. Proceed to the University andinorm accommodation sta that your luggage has not arrived so it can bedelivered to your room when it arrives rom the airport.

I you are staying in private accommodation, then you need to give theaddress where you will be staying. I ater two days you have still not receivedyour luggage, come to the International Student Centre where we will helpyou to call the Airport or an update.

Where should I gowhen I arrive on campus?

For students living on campus:I you intend to live in University Halls o Residence it is very important you haveconrmed with the Accommodation Oce your acceptance o a place in ourHalls, together with your arrival date and approximate arrival time. I you ail todo this, you may nd that your room will not be ready or you when you arrive.

Stoke students please email: [email protected] students please email: [email protected]

Arrangements or key collection are as ollows:

Stoke CampusStudents arriving Monday - Friday (9am - 4.30pm): Go to the AccommodationOce, First Floor, Flaxman Building, College Road, Stoke.

Students arriving out-o-oce hours: ie ater 4.30pm (Monday - Friday) or anytime over the weekend please go to the Residences Oce, Coalport,Leek Road, Stoke.

Please note: I you arrive out-o-oce hours, your key will only be availablerom Residences i you have conrmed your arrival date and time (otherwise youwill have to wait until the next working day to receive your key).

Staord CampusStudents arriving Monday - Friday (9am - 4.30pm): Go to Residences, StaordCourt, Beaconside, Staord.

Students arriving ater 4.30pm (Monday - Friday) or over the weekend: Go toResidences, Staord Court, Beaconside, Staord.

For students living o campus:I you are living o-campus, you must inorm the admissions oce o yourarrival date and time, so they can log this inormation on our system. Pleaseemail [email protected] with these details.

To nd out about your welcome activities and when you need to be on campusor your induction programme, please check regularly our website which willhave the welcome programme or you to download:www.stas.ac.uk/international/international_welcome/#welcome


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Mobile phones

Make sure your mobile (cell phone) is compatible

Make sure that your mobile phone is compatible with the British mobile phonenetwork and i possible, try to get your phone unlocked (this means that itcan be used on any network in the UK) you can then use a British SIM card inyour phone.

When you arrive at the University, we will give you a ree SIM card or yourmobile phone. Many local shops have a wide selection o phones so you canalways buy one when you arrive. Full details about phone networks and calling

home will be included in the International Welcome Pack.

Living in the UK

Legal issues

The Laws in the UK are likely to have some dierences to the laws in your owncountry. Equally, i you travel to another country, they will have dierent lawsagain. Not knowing that something is against the Law is not an excuse orbreaking it. It is very rare or international students to have serious problemswith the Law but just in case, here are some things that you should know:

The Police

The Police have the right to stop and search anyone they believe is behavingin a suspicious way. You should be polite i you are approached by the Police answer any questions they ask truthully and do not try to bribe them.A Police Ocer, who does not wear a uniorm, (plainclothes) should alwaysshow you their identication (ID) i not you can ask to see it. I you arearrested or have witnessed a crime, you will be asked to make a statementto the Police. I this happens, you will tell your story to a Police Ocer, whomay ask many questions in order to make the statement exact. Once this is allwritten down, you will be asked to sign it and say that it is accurate.You must never sign a document i you do not understand it.

Smokeree legislation

On 1 July 2007, England joined the rest o the UK in becoming smokeree.This means that it is illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed (and substantiallyenclosed) public places and workplaces. The University and individuals willhave to pay substantial statutory nes i the new legislation is breached.

Further inormation about the Smokeree Legislation is available at:www.direct.gov.uk/en/HealthAndWellBeing/HealthyLiving/DG_4002727


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Accommodation

You should arrange your UK accommodation beore you travel. Mostinternational students will use Staordshire University Halls o Residencehowever, private accommodation is available as well.

University Halls o Residence

International students are guaranteed a place in University managedaccommodation provided that they have returned a completedAccommodation Application Form to the Accommodation Oce by the1 September 2010. You must also have received and accepted an

unconditional oer o a place on a ull-time course o study, paid the tuitionees deposit (i applicable) and this must be your rst year o study atStaordshire University.

We strongly recommend you have a look at the accommodation website:www.stas.ac.uk/study_here/student_services/accommodation- which willgive you lots o inormation and answer any questions you might have. Youwill also receive a guide in your room called Home...but not alone, which willgive you inormation on where you live, how to get your post and what to do ithere are any problems.

It is very important that you read and ully understand the AccommodationServices Agreement. This is a legal contract and once you have signed itto say you agree, it is very dicult to change your mind aterwards. Theagreement very clearly states the ees, regulations and conditions o livingin University accommodation be aware that it is or 38 weeks, you will notbe allowed to move out o accommodation during this time. I you do, youwill still be responsible or the ees. You can read the licence agreement inthe ollowing languages: English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, German,Hindi, Spanish and Urdu at:www.stas.ac.uk/acilities_management/accommodation/accommodationcontract/accommodationcontract.php

Although you can read the translated documents, you must sign an Englishcopy.


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When you agree to rent a house, you will have to sign a tenancy agreement.This is a legal contract between you and the Landlord (the person who ownsthe property that you wish to rent). The tenancy agreement will usually state,amongst other things, what the rent is and how long you will rent or. Youshould not sign any document i you do not ully understand it you can askor help at the Students Union Advice Centre: www.stasunion.com/adviceIt is useul to make an inventory this is a list o all the items that come in thehouse. You should also make sure you note any damage and tell the Landlord,so that he/she knows it was not made by you.

Council TaxMost properties in England are liable to Council Tax. This is an annual ee topay or rubbish collections, the Police and Fire Service. As a student, you areusually exempt rom paying Council Tax i everybody who rents with you isclassed as a ull-time student (this includes students on placement) or i you

are a student and your husband/wie/child lives with you and has a dependantvisa. You can ask at the Inormation Centre or a letter to conrm that you are astudent (a student status letter). You must then send this to the local council sothat you are not charged any Council Tax.

For urther inormation you can go to:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/ino_sheets/council_tax.php

I you are in University Halls o Residence, you will be exempt rom this chargeand you will not have to pay, or make a claim to stop being charged anyCouncil Tax.

Accommodation starter pack

All students living in University accommodation will receive a starter pack. Thiswill be in your room when you arrive. The pack contains:

quilt, pillow, quilt cover, pillowcase and a bed sheet

(all o which comply with current re retardant regulations)

bath towel and hand towel

chopping board, microwaveable oven dish, slotted spoon, vegetable knie,

rying pan, a saucepan a can-opener and a corkscrew

plate, side plate, bowl, mug, drinking glass, teaspoon, knie ork, spoon,

washing up liquid, scouring pad, dish cloth, tea towel, clothes washing

powder.

Private accommodationStudents in their second year o study may preer to rent a house privately.This is popular or groups o 2-6 students per house. This will usually costbetween 40-60 per person, per week this does not include paying oramenities such as electricity, heating or telephone bills. You will usually haveto pay a deposit, which is around one months rent approx 200, this will bereturned to you when you leave i you have not caused any damage to thehouse and providing your rent and all your bills have been paid.

I you preer to live in the private sector, the Accommodation Oce can helpyou nd sae, secure, aordable accommodation. The University operatesan advice service and Registration Scheme or private sector landlords, inconjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staord Borough Council,which tries to ensure that landlords comply with certain legal standards andother requirements deemed necessary by the University and to provide youwith help beore signing contracts.

Only properties registered with the University are advertised to students bythe University through the Landlord Register and we strongly recommend thatyou only view properties on this list. The list is updated regularly and can beobtained rom the Accommodation Oce orwww.staordshirestudentpad.co.uk

Accommodation advertised by the University, includes shared student housesor fats and rooms in an owners own home, which can be either sel-catered orcatered. I you require accommodation or you and your amily, the Universityhas contacts with local Housing Associations and other landlords who canprovide more suitable accommodation.


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The Weather

I you have a conversation with a Briton, it is almost guaranteed that you willdiscuss the weather at some point. It is a very clichd stereotype but is stilltrue! This is because the British weather is very changeable. It is not unknownto have sun, rain, snow and a thunderstorm all in the course o a single day.The UK has a seasonal calendar, meaning the weather is very dierent in eachseason and knowing something about the weather will help you know whattype o clothing to bring with you.

Spring March, April, MaySummer June, July, August

Autumn September, October, November,Winter December, January, February

Spring is a bright time o year, oten with cool, sunny days, some wind andrain. It can get quite warm towards the end o this season. Summer willusually have temperatures in the mid - high 20s, although recent years havepushed the temperatures to the high 30s. Autumn brings cooler temperaturesand Winter usually brings rosts and snow - expect the temperatures to bebetween -5c and 7c.

This is just a guideline though; there really is no way o knowing what theweather will be like tomorrow. The trick to dressing is to wear layers i it isa warm day, you can take o coats and jumpers to cool down but can putthem on again i it suddenly goes cold. It is advisable to always carry a smallumbrella!

Cost o living

Apart rom the ees or your course itsel, how much will it cost you to live in theUK? As a rough guide, or a nine-month academic year, you should allow (onaverage) 5,400 (or 600 per month). These gures are based on 2009 pricesand include the cost o accommodation, heating, lighting, ood, clothing,books and daily travel or one person or a nine-month academic year.

Here are some typical prices or specic items and services in the UK (seepages 30-31). At discount stores and street markets, you may be able to ndmany o these things or less than the prices given below and it is a good ideato look or special oers and supermarket own brands.

Special reductions are oered or students at many local shops, theatres,cinemas, museums and galleries; and special student ares are available onbuses and trains. Some stores operate loyalty schemes oering a range orewards, rom cashback to money-o vouchers. Ask at your Students Union ordetails.

Entertainment expenses vary a great deal rom student to student. Also,remember that in addition to these entertainment expenses, youll havemonthly expenses such as rent and heat, and occasional expenses such asclothing and textbooks.


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Food shopping

Average item cost based on www.mysupermarket.co.uk/ prices:

Other items (these are average costs oten many o the ollowing items canbe cheaper due to special oers or sales)

Heat and light (i charged separately): 20 - 40 per month, depending on

the season

Personal hygiene items, cosmetics etc: 10 per month

Haircut: 7 - 20

T-shirts, underwear: 5 +

Shirts and tops, lightweight sweaters, lightweight shoes: 25

Jeans and other casual trousers, skirts, lightweight outdoor jackets, heavier

sweaters, heavier shoes: 35

Raincoats and other outerwear, boots: 60

Winter coats: 100

Laundry: 16 - 20 per month

Dry cleaning: 4 or skirt or trousers; 9 or heavy coat

Small electrical appliances eg hairdryer, kettle 20

Second hand Textbooks: 10 - 50 or more; new textbooks will cost more

than this.

Paperback books to read or leisure: 5 - 10; second-hand books as little as

1 or less

Newspapers: 30p - 1.20 per issue

Magazines: 60p - 3

CDs: 5 - 15

Phone card (or use in public telephones): choice o 2, 5, 10 or 20.

Some excellent deals may also be available online.

Restaurant meal: 5 per head minimum; 15 per head average (drinks extra)

Cinema ticket: 5 - 10

Theatre ticket: 10 - 30

Concert ticket: 5 - 30

Swimming pool use: 2.50

Tennis/squash court: 3 - 5 per hour.

Bread 800g 1.28

Oranges each 0.30 - 0.40

Milk 2 pints/1.14ltr 0.85 - 2.00

Bananas each 0.15 - 0.89

Rice 500g 0.68 - 2.50

Coee 100g (instant) 0.49 - 3.50

Chicken per kg 8.00

Tea 80 bags 1.17 - 3.50

Lamb per kg 11.00

Sugar per kg 0.99

Bee per kg 6.00

Cheese 500g 3.00 and upwards

Pork per kg 6.00

Wine 75cl 3.50 - 5+

Onions per kg 0.89

Beer 4 x 500ml 3.50+

Potatoes per kg 1.00+

Soap 125g 0.50

Tomatoes per kg 0.75+

Shampoo 300ml 2.00+

Carrots per kg 1.00+

Razors 4 x disposable 1.00+

Apples each 0.24 and upwards

Toothpaste 100ml 0.57 - 5.50

Eggs x 6 1.00 - 2.00+

Detergent 800g 2.78+


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Insurance

You may want to consider purchasing insurance when you arrive in the UK.I you are moving into accommodation managed by the University, a levelo insurance will be included by Endsleigh as part o the rent, this coversyour possessions (up to 3,500). You can nd urther inormation about whatis covered at: www.cover4students.com/student_insurance/products/contents/campus_blockhalls/staordshire/index.html

I you are staying in private accommodation, you are advised to take out yourown personal insurance cover so that your personal belongings are covered inthe event o loss.

However, it is advised that you check the insurance cover you have careully.

For example, you may want to extend the cover to include protection or yourlaptop outside o your room.

We would also advise that you consider beore you leave home, purchasingtravel insurance to cover your journey to the UK. Most travel insurancepolicies cover problems such as delays, emergency medical treatment andlost or stolen luggage. Oten, you can buy insurance at the same time as yourairline ticket and i not, most airlines will be able to advise you on reputableinsurance companies to use.

Researching bank accounts

I you arrive at the start o the Autumn term, it may take several weeks toopen a bank account and be able to transer unds rom overseas.

The more research you can do prior to your arrival about the bank accountsavailable to you, the easier it will be.

For more inormation on opening a banking account, go to www.bba.org.uk/content/1/c6/01/45/96/International%20Students%20Opening%20a%20UK%20Bank%20Account.pd


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34 35

Culture shock

Travelling to a new country can be a stressul experience. Culture shock is aterm used to describe the impact o moving rom a amiliar culture to onewhich is unamiliar. It can aect anyone and can happen i you travel abroadto work, live or study and even when abroad on holiday. You miss importantpeople in your lie maybe riends, amily and colleagues who would normallygive you support and guidance. You may nd areas o your new lie verydierent to what you are used to, such as the weather or ood.

I your rst language is not English, then it can be tiring to constantly hearand speak in a oreign language. You may nd that people speak to youtoo quickly or with a strong regional accent so you might have dicultyunderstanding them at rst.

These dierences to your home lie and many others will contribute to yoursense o culture shock. Sometimes your health can be aected and you maynd it dicult to concentrate or nd it harder to ocus on your coursework.You may also nd that you become more irritable or tearul.

Although culture shock is normally a temporary phase, it is important to knowthere are things you can do to help so that some o these worrying eectscan be minimised: accepting that this is a normal experience may, in itsel, be

helpul and keeping in touch with home - by phone, letter or email - will help.Have amiliar things around you that have personal meaning such asphotographs and try and nd a supplier o amiliar ood. It is also important toeat a healthy diet and take regular exercise. Try joining one o the StudentsUnion Societies where you can take up a new sport or activity or continuean interest rom home. This will also help you make new riends. Try to ndsomeone to talk to who will listen uncritically and with understanding ratherthan isolating yoursel.

Remember, culture shock is entirely normal, unavoidable and not a sign thatyou cant manage!

Make sure you spend time out o your room. It is very easy to become isolatedwhen you are in a oreign country. Although you might be nervous trying

something new, joining a society or sports club youll soon nd that youdidnt need to worry! Students are generally a very happy bunch o peoplewho are riendly and easy to approach. Telling people youre rom anothercountry will always spark some interest around you. There are lots o thingsto do you just have to nd them. Going to concerts or the theatre or simplymeeting riends or a drink in one o the Students Union venues, can makeyou eel happy and more relaxed. University is not only about studying(although that is very important) its a whole new way o lie to experience.

Further inormation on Culture Shock is available rom:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/ino_sheets/culture_shock.php


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Key contacts

University

I you wish to write to the University, you can use either o these addresses:

Staordshire University Staordshire UniversityCollege Road BeaconsideStoke-on-Trent StaordStaordshire StaordshireST4 2DE ST18 0ADUK UK

Please remember that Staordshire University is split across many campuses,but the two main campuses are in Stoke and Staord.

International Student Centre

The International Student Centre is at both College Road (Stoke) andBeaconside (Staord)

International Student Centre Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294539International Student Advisors Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294711

Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353818ax: +44 (0) 1782 294498email: [email protected]

Other important numbers

Accommodation Ofce Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294219Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353563

Residence Ofce Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294223(out o hours arrival) Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353599

Students Union Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294629Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353311

Inormation Centre Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 295705Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353253

Multi-aith Chaplaincy Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294974Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353382

Counselling Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294977Staord: +44 (0) 1785 353302

University Security (24hr) +44 (0) 1782 294444

More contacts can be ound online at www.stas.ac.uk/a2z4u

Useul external links

Home Oce UK Border Agency:www.ukba.homeofce.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

UK Council or international Student Aairs UKCISA: www.ukcisa.org.uk

Useul inormation sheets:www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/inormation_sheets.phpt: +44 (0) 20 7107 9922 (open rom Monday to Friday 1pm - 4 pm)

British Council: www.britishcouncil.org

Education UK (part o the British Council): www.educationuk.org

Host UK (oers you a chance to visit a host amily in the UK:www.hostuk.org.uk

Prepare or Success: www.prepareorsuccess.org.uk

UNIAID International Student Calculator:www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international


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N

3

2 5

7

8

8

1

1

6

S

9

6 4

2

A5009 to Leekand Macclesfeld

A500/M6 Jct 16

To Hanley

To Hanley

Stoke campus

Finding the Stoke Campus

The coach stop or Stoke-on-Trent is in Hanley. You will need to get anotherbus rom Hanley to the University (bus numbers 24, 23, 23A, 25 rom stands 21and 22). Ask the bus driver which stop to get o at or the University on Col-lege Road (10-15 minutes) or alternatively you can take a taxi (5 minutes).

Stoke train station is within 5-10 minutes walking distance rom the University.You will need to check what part o the University you need to visit rst.

A local taxi company (recommended by the Students Union) is AutoCabsthey can be contacted on +44 (0) 1782 332211

Cadman Building/Cadman YardCustomer Contact CentreThompson LibraryStudent BookshopInormation ServicesArts, Media and Design Activity SpaceThe Courtyard and The PavilionRestaurants and DolcHe Vita Coee Bar

Careers CentreStaordshire Regional Access Centre(SRAC)

Disability Student ServiceStudent RecruitmentAdmissionsSchools and Colleges OfceInternational OfcePersonnelFlaxman BuildingHigher Education ShopFinance DepartmentStudent Inormation Centreand Accommodation Ofce

Faculty o Arts, Media and Design

Key to Buildings Ashley Building Brindley Building Cadman Building Thompson Library Dwight Building/Stoke Creative Village Flaxman Building Fitness Suite Henrion Building Federation House Student Health Service 2 and 3 Winton Square 4 and 5 Winton Square Law Building Mellor Building The University Quarter Project Oce Bush House Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre Leek Road Students Union venue. On campus Police Oce Trent Building/Stoke Business Village Student Accommodation Students Union Building and Ember Lounge Domestic Services Faith House Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Studio One Drama Studio The Perormance Centre

Media CentreLloyds Bank Cash PointLearning ExchangeFilm TheatreMellor BuildingFaculty Recruitment Centre

SciencesSciencesStudents UnionReception and ofcesStudent Advice CentreStudent ShopEmber LoungeEndsleigh Insurance and InVOLveHenrion BuildingArts, Media and DesignAshley CentreBusiness EvolutionGeneral Teaching Rooms and

Lecture TheatresLaw SchoolLaw and Law Library

Brindley BuildingFaculty Recruitment Centre Business School/Law School

BusinessComputingHealthInormation ServicesDolcHe Vita Coee BarTrent BuildingStoke Business VillageFederation HouseEstatesHealth and SaetyStudent Health ServiceNational Westminster Bank (part-time)2-3 Winton SquareVice-Chancellors OfceDean o StudentsAlumniMarketing4-5 Winton SquareChildcare ServiceCounselling Service

Key to Features and Landmarks All-weather Sports Pitch The Pavilion and Courtyard

Restaurants andDolcHe Vita Coee Bar

Bush House Restaurants Co-op/Lloyds TSB Cash Machines Film Theatre Security Lodge Post Room Social Centres9 Staordshire University Nature Reserve

0 Bus Stops

Student Residencies Leek Road HousesRoyal Doulton HallMinton HallAynsley HallSpode HallWedgwood Hall

Coalport Hall/Conerence Oce/Residences/Catering ServicesClarice Cli Court

Approach route to the Stoke campus

38 39


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Finding the Staord Campus

There is no coach stop in Staord. You could get a coach to Stoke-on-Trentand then either a bus (3-5, 40 minutes, www.bakerbus.com/timetable/pd/774.pd or train (3-6, less than 1 hour) or taxi (30, 30 mins) to Staord.

Staord train station is in Staord Town Centre. The University campus is a ewmiles out o Staord town centre. You can get a bus (1-2, 15 mins, 9 Arriva orBaker Bus X1) rom the train station. Alternatively, you could take a taxi (4-6,10 mins) to the University rom Staord town centre. A local taxi company isKaminski Hire - they can be contacted on +44 (0) 1785 603030.

Key to Features and LandmarksAll-weather Sports PitchThe Terrace CaeFood or Thought Restaurant

DolcHe Vita Coee BarSecurity Lodge

Bus Stop

S1 YarletS2Staord Court

Key to BuildingsThe Beacon BuildingStudent Inormation CentreCareers Centre

Student Recruitment Centre (FCET) Faculty o Computing, Engineeringand Technology

Terrace CaeDolcHe Vita Coee BarThe Gallery RestaurantCounselling ServiceDisability Advisory ServiceMulti-Faith ChaplaincyStudent Guidance OfcerStudents Union Facilities:Reception and Union OfcesStudent Shop, Student Advice Centre

Students Union Building Legends and The Lounge

General Teaching and Lecturing RoomsTelevision CentreThe Ruxton Technology CentreDolcHe Vita Coee Bar

The OctagonBusinessComputingInormation Services

General Teaching and Lecture RoomsStudent AccommodationAccommodation ReceptionNelson LibraryHealth CentreChildcare ServiceAston Common RoomOn campus Police Ofce

Sports Centre, including Fitness SuiteStaord Business VillageRecycling CentreBlackheath Lane - ServicesVice-Chancellors OfceFaculty o HealthSales and Student RecruitmentSURFEnterprise and Commercial DevelopmentFood or Thought RestaurantGeneral Teaching and Lecture RoomsCar Parks

A513toM6J14

Staord Town Centre

A518TO UTTOXETER,A50, A51, M1

Stafford campus

Approach route to the Staord campus

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International Student CentreStaffordshire UniversityCollege RoadStoke-on-TrentST4 2DEUnited Kingdom

e: [email protected]: +44(0) 1782 294539f: +44(0) 1782 294498

We look forward to welcoming you!

I you have any questions please contact us.

shire welcum

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