welcome handbook v3

7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3

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Welcome Handbook

2012-2013


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Cardiff College International Welcome Handbook 2012-2013

Welcome to Cardiff College International

We hope that you will find the information in this handbook useful. It

contains important information about getting to Cardiff, living in

Cardiff and websites where you can find out more details, including

the most up-to-date information. Not all parts of this handbook may

apply to you, but there should be some useful information for

everyone.

Before, during and after your studies here, the

International Office can provide you withassistance, information and support.

If you would like any information that isnt in

the handbook please speak to the

International Office team and we will do our

best to help you. You can email us at

[email protected], call us on (0044)

02920 908 004, or visit us on the ground floor of

35 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3UK.

If there is an emergency whilst you are in Cardiff there is also an out of

hours emergency number: 02920 250 251. This number is for

emergencies only, so please do not contact is with general enquiries

or questions about your course as they will not have access to

information about the courses or your application.

We are really happy that you have chosen to study at Cardiff

College International at Cardiff and Vale College. We look forward to

welcoming you here and hope that you enjoy your time studying with

us.

See you soon,

The International Office Team
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Contents

Introduction 2

The International Office Team 4

Visas 5

Travelling to the UK 6

Arriving at a UK Airport 7

Getting to Cardiff 9

Insurance 10

Money 11

Living Costs in Cardiff 12

Accommodation in Cardiff 14

Life in Cardiff 15

Meeting People in Cardiff 17

Working in the UK 19

Laws in the UK 21

Other Information 22


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The International Office Team

Gemma Calbet

International Office Manager

Natalia Mulley

Carol Rowlands

Naquita Hall


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Visas

If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland you do

not need a visa, but if you do need a visa it is very important you understand

what you need to do.

The European Union and European Economic Area countries are: Austria,

Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

If you are not clear on what type of visa you need and the requirements please

speak to the International Office or have a look at the following:

UK Border Agency

For information and regulations about visas:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

www.ukvisas.gov.uk

www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA)

For information and advice about visas:

www.ukcisa.org.uk

You can also contact the UKCISA telephone helpline information on(0044) 020 7107 9922

This helpline is open Monday-Friday 13:00-16:00 very popular so be

prepared to ring several times before you get connected.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

To find out where your nearest visa section is seewww.fco.gov.uk/en/

If you pass through another European airport before arriving in the UK, please

check if you need a visa to do this before leaving your country.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/


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Travelling to the UK

Cardiffs local airports are:

Cardiff International Airport(12 miles west of Cardiff City)

www.tbicardiffairport.com

Bristol International Airport(30 miles southeast of Cardiff City)

www.bristolairport.co.uk

It may be easier for you to fly into one of the London airports.

London is about 150 miles from Cardiff.

Londons airports are:

London City Airport(Central London)

www.londoncityairport.com

London HeathrowAirport(20 miles southwest of London)

www.heathrowairport.com

London Gatwick Airport(35 miles south of London)

www.gatwickairport.com

London Luton Airport(35 miles north of London)www.london-luton.co.uk

London Stansted Airport(45 miles northwest of London)

www.stanstedairport.com

If you fly into London, there is no need for you to travel into London, unless you

have a particular reason for wanting to do so, as you can get to Cardiff directlyfrom the airports (See page 9).
http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/


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Arriving at a UK Airport

When you arrive in the UK you will need to

present your passport. If you are a non-EEA(European Economic Area) or Swiss national

you will also be asked for any supporting

documentation necessary for your visit, such

as:

Passport and Student Visa Proof of admission to the college Evidence of financial support Medical certificate/chest x-ray

Electronic screens will tell you which Passport Control

desk you should use as EEA and Swiss nationals will be

asked to go to separate control points to all other

nationals.

If you have problems with your English then you havethe right to ask for an interpreter.

If you are non-EEA or Swiss national you may be

asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the

airport doctor. This may include an X-ray as part of a

short medical examination. The health check is done

in a separate room so if you are asked to have one,

you have to return to immigration control when it is

done.

If you have problems at passport control and are unable to contact the

International Office at the College, you can seek free advice from:

IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE (IAS)

Website:www.iasuk.org

(0044) 020 7967 1200 (09:30 -13:00)

(0044) 020 8814 1115 (14:0016:45)

(0044) 020 7378 9191 (Helpline)
http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/


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Once you are through the Immigration Control, you can go to the Baggage

Reclaim Area. At each baggage carousel there is an electronic sign displaying

the flight number and the departure airport of the luggage being unloaded

there.

At Heathrow or Gatwick airports blue-uniformed Skycaps porters are available to

help you with your bags. There is a charge of around 9 for up to 5 items for this

service. For more information, you can contact them on (0044) 020 8745 6011 or

access their website:www.skycaps.com

After collecting your luggage, you must proceed through customs. There are 3

channels:

BLUETravellers arriving from another European country

GREENTravellers arriving from outside the EU who have nothing to declare

REDTravellers arriving from outside the EU who have items to declare

You have goods to declare if you are carrying more duty-free or tax-free goods

than you are allowed to bring, or if you are carrying any prohibited goods.

The British Consulate or High Commission in your home country will be able to tell

you about restricted goods and duty-free allowances, or you can refer to HM

Customs & Excise for more information. You will also find information on the

aircraft.

Some students are required toregister with the police when they

arrive in the UK.

If you have this instruction stamped in your passport you must register

with the police within 7 days or arriving in the UK.

Staff at the International Office will be happy to help you arrange this.
http://www.skycaps.com/http://www.skycaps.com/http://www.skycaps.com/http://www.skycaps.com/


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Getting to Cardiff

Travelling from the airports listed on page 6 is quite easy. On each airport website

there is information about how to get to and from the airport. Below we have

given a short summary, but you can look at the websites for each airport for moreinformation or you can plan your journey from the airport to where you are going

to stay in Cardiff on these websites, which give you step-by-step directions for the

journey:

www.transportdirect.info www.traveline-cymru.org.ukor call (0044) 0871 200 22 33

From Cardiff International Airportwww.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airport

Buso Travelling by bus to and from Cardiff Airport is easy and convenient,

with good connections between the airport and Cardiff city centre.

The bus pick up and drop off points are situated in front of the

terminal building. See Cardiff airport website or www.traveline-

cymru.org.ukfor more information about the buses available.

Traino You can get the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport

Station to Cardiff Central. Trains run every hour from Monday to

Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. A shuttle bus service is

available for passengers, which connects with all trains to carry

passengers on the short journey to the airport terminal.

Taxio Checker Cars is the airports official taxi operator and offers a 24

hour service. A taxi booking office is located outside the arrivals hall.

The approximate cost of a taxi from Cardiff Airport to Cardiff Central

is 26 and Checker Cars operate a fixed fare system which is the

same 24 hours a day. Taxis are available on arrival or can be booked

in advance by calling (0044) 01446 711747 or by e-mailing to

[email protected].

Bristol International Airportwww.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airport

London HeathrowAirportwww.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/

London Gatwick Airportwww.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/

London Luton Airportwww.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/

London Stansted Airportwww.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/

From London City Airport

www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransport

If you have difficulty finding the information you need please contact theInternational Office on (0044) 02920 908 004 or [email protected].
http://www.transportdirect.info/http://www.transportdirect.info/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransporthttp://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransportmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransporthttp://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airportmailto:[email protected]://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.transportdirect.info/


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Insurance

Travel

This covers you and your luggage during your journey. Ask about this when you

book your ticket to travel to the UK. Most travel agents and banks should be ableto recommend a policy.

Personal Belongings

This covers valuable items such as jewellery, musical instruments, cameras, CD-

player or iPods while they are with you in the UK. If these items are covered by an

insurance policy at home, check whether they will still be insured while they are

abroad. If not, you should arrange insurance for them once you get to the UK.

Health

This covers you against the cost of sickness or injury while you are in the UK. Youneed to find out whether you will be covered by the UKs National Health Service.

If you are not covered, take out a medical insurance policy before you leave

home and check the excess clauses. Please look at

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php for more

information about the NHS, medical insurance and keeping healthy whilst in the

UK.

The following NHS treatment is free for everyone:

some emergency treatment (but not follow-up treatment)

family planning services diagnosis and treatment of certain communicable diseases compulsory psychiatric treatment

If you are eligible for NHS treatment:

you can register with a local Doctor -also referred to as GeneralPractitioner (GP). Doctors are based in Surgeries or in a Health Centre.

you are also entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals.GPs are often unable to give appointments to people not registered at their

Surgery, except in a real emergency. So get yourself registered when you feelwell and energetic. To register at the Doctors Surgery or Health Centre, you will

need your passport and a letter from the College to confirm student status. The

International Office will give you a list of your nearest surgeries, dentists, hospitals

and help if there are any problems.

All European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family should obtain a

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to the UK. This card

entitles the holder and their family to full NHS treatment.

Visit the European Commission's website for more information on the EHIC at

ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/education/university/health/index_en.htm
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.phphttp://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en#National_information_and_contactshttp://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en#National_information_and_contactshttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php


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Money

Before you leave your country you should think about how you are going to

access & handle your money in the UK. Please note, if you are in the UK for less

than 6 months it can be difficult to open a bank account here.

You must make sure that you have enough money

to cover the cost of your studies throughout your

stay. Be realistic about these costs as living and

studying in the UK is expensive. You will need to

order British currency or travellers cheques and

bring enough money with you to cover your

immediate needs when you arrive, including

customs charges, rail fares and any emergencyexpenses.

It is not a good idea to bring large amounts of

cash with you or to keep cash in your

accommodation so please do open a bank

account as soon as possible.

Please note that it can take several weeks to open a bank account in the UK.

Before you leave home, check with your bank in your home country whether it

has a special relationship with a bank in the UK and if it can assist you with the

process of opening a UK bank account. At some international banks you can

open an account in your home country (or online) and access the account from

the UK making it easier for funds to be transferred from your home to the UK. (For

example,www.hsbc.co.ukandwww.barclays.co.uk)

If you have not already arranged your banking before you arrive in the UK then

you will need to open a bank account once you arrive in Cardiff. Be aware that

if you bring large amounts of money into the UK you may be asked by the bankfor evidence of the source of these funds.

Please remember that it is likely that you will have to pay a deposit for your

accommodation before you move in. This is normally the equivalent of one

months rent, but it can be a great deal more, depending on the type of

accommodation that you are renting so you need to have funds immediately

available to cover this cost.

To find out more about British currency and for further information please go to

www.bankofengland.co.uk
http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/


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Living Costs in Cardiff

Living costs and spending habits will differ considerably according to your

individual lifestyle and expectations. Please remember that you might have extra

expenses when you first arrive in the UK such as temporary accommodation. Ifyou can, it is a good idea to budget to keep 500 a year aside for unexpected

expenses.

The International Student Calculatorwww.studentcalculator.org/international

is an online tool developed by UKCISA with students from 13 different countries. It

enables students to:

Build a lifestyle budget and see how it balances by week, month or over ayear

Understand how they will spend their time as well as their money in the UK Get information on areas like insurance and banking as well as guidance

on the costs of living

Get top tips from other studentsFood

The average weekly shop for 1 person in the UK is around 30, but this can really

depend on what you like to eat. Have a look at www.mysupermarket.co.uk to

compare the cost of different items.

Eating out can be expensive, but most restaurants display menus outside and ontheir websites so you can see the price beforehand and they may also have

special offers on week nights and at lunchtime.

Transport

Currently (July 2012) a bus ticket in Cardiff costs 1.70 one-way and 3.40 for the

day. These can be used on all Cardiff Bus buses. Tickets are bought on the bus

and you must have the exact change (correct money) to buy them. See

www.cardiffbus.comfor more information.

If you are under 25 and are planning on visiting different places whilst in the UK,

you should consider getting a young persons travelcard. The Young Persons

Railcard gives you up to 1/3 off train tickets and you can also buy this railcard

with a discount if you have an NUS extra card (see below) - www.railcard.co.uk.

The Young Persons Coachcard gives you up to 30% off coach travel with

National Express - www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.

There are also travelcards available for those over 60 and for those travelling with

families.
http://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.studentcalculator.org/international


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Bills

If you are renting a private room or a property you may have to pay utility bills

as well as your rent, although sometimes this is included in your rent. Bills you

may have to pay include:

Electricity Gas Water and Sewerage TV Licence Phone line Broadband/Internet TV subscription e.g. Sky Council tax

You should be able to ask whomever you are renting your room or property

from what these bills will roughly cost as this varies from property to property. Ifyou cannot find out this information, please contact the International Office

and we will try to help give you an idea of how much this will be each month.

Council Tax is a system of local taxation, which is collected by local authorities.

It is a tax on the properties in which people live. If you are a full-time student for

more than 24 weeks you may not have to pay Council Tax. But you must also be

aware that if you are living in private accommodation, if just one person in your

household must pay Council Tax, it will make the rest of the residents liable for

payment of the tax. For more information about Council Tax please contact us

or seewww.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdf

Student Discounts

You can find many special offers as a student in the UK. Have a look at

www.studentbeans.com

It is also worth asking if there is a student discount available when you go out for

food, go shopping or visit places around the UK.

For most student discounts your student ID cardfrom the college will be enough, but for some

discounts you will need to have an NUS card. For

more information about NUS cards see

www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra. You will have to

pay a small charge for this card but it will give you

discounts on various places including

www.amazon.co.uk, Easyjet and McDonalds.
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=nus+extra+card&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=503&tbm=isch&tbnid=umViyxvPjNdOtM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ccsushop.co.uk/product/NUS_Extra_Card_NUSExtra&docid=9KMZIrMFXUgCzM&imgurl=http://www.ccsushop.co.uk/pub/files/NUS%20Extra/.thumbnails/1252926286_nus_400_w450_h400.gif&w=400&h=400&ei=X50OUP76OcGh0QWtv4GoDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=752&vpy=159&dur=62&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=146&ty=173&sig=112053538426043876071&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=8&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:8,i:113http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdf


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Accommodation in Cardiff

Choosing the right accommodation for you will go a long way to ensuring that

your time in Cardiff is as enjoyable as possible. You must consider how much

independence you would like and how much you are able to spend each week

on accommodation.

There are several options available

in Cardiff:

Homestay (Cateredaccommodation in a home)

Self-catered accommodationin a home

Student Halls of Residence Private sector accommodation

(suitable for students with

families)

The College can arrange either Homestay or self-catered accommodation in a

home for you and all our providers are inspected regularly by our

Accommodation Officer in line with the British Council code of practice. Bookings

are for a minimum of 1 month.

We cannot arrange halls of residence or private accommodation for you but we

will be happy to give you useful information, which may help you find the right

place for you.

For more information about accommodation please see our websitewww.cci.ac.uk/accommodationor [email protected]

For further information about accommodation in the UK as an international

student please see:

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overview

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_know

www.cardiffdigs.co.uk
http://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodationhttp://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodationmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewmailto:[email protected]://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodation


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Life in Cardiff

Cardiff is a small capital city. We have a wide range of food, sporting, leisure and

shopping facilities and it is easy to get around the city and to other parts of the

UK by public transport.

Food and Drink

There is a good range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs in Cardiff. The best

way to find out about them is to explore but here are a few examples:

AJs A nice and friendly cafe opposite the City Road campus (20 CityRoad, Roath, CF24 3BJ)

Clwb Ifor BachAlso known as Welsh Club. A popular club over multiplefloors.www.clwb.net/eng (11 Womanby Street, CF10 1BR)

MilgiPopular student cafe/bar. Serves a good range of vegetarian foodand delicious cocktails.www.milgilounge.com(213 City Road, CF24 3JD) Red Hot World BuffetA fairly new buffet restaurant in Cardiff which serves

a wide range of food. There should be something for everyone.

www.redhot-worldbuffet.com(3-6 Hills Street, St Davids Centre, CF10 2LE)

The Live Lounge Live music with 4 cover bands playing every dayfollowed by DJs playing classic rock, pop and party music until 4am. Great

place for cheap drinks and late nights. They also serve food until 9pm.

www.thelivelounge.com(9 The Friary, CF10 1BR)

The Pear Tree This place offers great food and drinks in a relaxedatmosphere. You can also find a selection of board games to keep you

entertained!www.peartreecafebar.co.uk(Wellfield Road, Roath, CF24 3PB)

The Potted Pig Opened in 2011, this restaurant has become an extremelypopular place to go for good British food. You must book a table in

advance.www.thepottedpig.com(27 High Street, CF10 1PU)

Y Mochyn DuVoted one of the best pubs in Britain, Y Mochyn Du (TheBlack Pig) is known for its distinctly Welsh atmosphere. ITs a great place to

go for excellent traditional pub grub (food). www.ymochyndu.com

(Sophia Close, CF11 9HW)

Shopping

The main shopping areas are in the city, where you can

find large shopping centres (www.stdavidscardiff.com),

popular chains and small arcades with independent

shops. We also have a large indoor food market and

weekly markets with local products in different parts of

the city (www.riversidemarket.org.uk).
http://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.clwb.net/eng


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Safety

Cardiff is one of the safest cities in the UK but it is always a good idea to be

careful with your belongings to ensure your safety. Always lock your room when

you are leaving and make sure that your window is closed, especially if your

room is on the ground floor. If you have a bicycle, make sure you lock it up when

you leave it outside. Above all, just take the same care that you would use when

you are in your own country and you should be fine. If you have any worries at

all, please contact the International Office.

Culture and Customs

Coming to live and study in a different country can be a culture shock. We hope

you find your time here exciting and enjoyable but you may at first find that you

are more tired than usual. This is partly because you will be concentrating more

whilst you adapt to living in Cardiff and probably focussing on using your English.

Please have a look at this website for some guidance:www.educationuk.org

We all have preconceived ideas about other countries and cultures and we

hope that you enjoy finding out about the reality of living in the UK.

You are probably aware of our more common cultural norms, but we hope that

a reminder of these will be helpful:

It is common to see women in roles of authority and women expect to betreated with the same respect as their male counterparts

It is uncommon in the UK for people to have servants Cleaners, technicians and porters are considered employees rather than

servants Punctuality is importantif a lecture starts at 9am arrive at 8.55am People say please, thank you and sorry a lot and they may think other

people are rude if they do not

Queuing is part of British culture and to queue jump can cause problems People try to keep a personal space around them and may be

uncomfortable when others stand too close

When people answer no to a question then usually no is meant it isnot a starting point for discussion

British people enjoy small talk and their favourite topic of conversationtends to be the weather. People will often start conversations bycommenting on the temperature, the amount of rain that we have had or

the fact that it is unusually sunny.

Culture is so much part of a way of life that it is contained in unspoken rules and

this can be difficult and frustrating. Usually, asking for clarification is the quickest

way to learn about another way of life and also to share information about your

culture. This can prevent misunderstandings from turning into bad feelings.

Everyone in the UK, whatever race, gender, class, religion, disability or sexual

orientation has equal rights under the law. It is illegal to discriminate againstanyone on these bases.
http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.educationuk.org/


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Making Friends in Cardiff

Cardiff is a very friendly city. We hope that whilst you are studying with us you

make friends with the people on your course. There are also many different

places you can meet new people.

If you are allowed to work this can be a great opportunity to meet new people.

Even if you do not need or want to work to make money, you could do voluntary

work in and around Cardiff. Please be aware that you must be allowed to work in

the UK even to do voluntary (unpaid) work. You can find out about voluntary

work in and around Cardiff here:www.volunteercardiff.co.uk

Another good way to meet new people is to do activities you enjoy. Think about

what sports or activities you like to do and try to find a club in Cardiff. See some

of the following examples:

Acting:o Amateur dramatic societies in Wales:www.theatre-

wales.co.uk/amdram/index

Arts and craft:o

Craft in The Bay:www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopso Llanover Hall Arts Centre:www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094

Dance:o The Gate Arts & Community Centre:

www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/

Tennis:o Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club:www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk
http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/


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If you dont have any hobbies, or are looking to just generally meet people, these

are some groups who organise different social activities or simply just offer you

the chance to meet and talk to new people:

Meetupwww.meetup.como On this website you can find a variety of groups in Cardiff, some with

specific interests and some which are more general. For example

www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialis a social group started in January

2012 and so far they have organised a variety of activities including

a pub quiz, visiting an international food festival and going on a

ghost walk.

City Socialisingwww.cardiff.citysocialising.como This website is aimed at people who are new in Cardiff to meet

people and make new friends. It has a wide age range of people

from 18 to 70 years old (or possibly older!) and they organise various

social events, from the new members meeting once a month, to

bowling, going out for dinner or even travelling abroad!

FAN Groups-www.thefancharity.orgo This is a charity with no political or religious view, which organises free

meetings for people to meet new people and simply talk about

things, e.g. experiences, stories or ideas.
http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.meetup.com/


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Working in the UKNot every overseas student is allowed to work freely whilst in the UK. Students from

countries in the EEA before 2004 and Swiss nationals can work freely in the UK

either for an employer or as a self-employed person. Their family members can

also work in the UK as well, no matter what their nationality.

Students from Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and

the Czech Republic are required to register with the Worker Registration

Scheme as soon as employment is found.

Students from Bulgaria and Romania currently have a restriction on the number

of hours that they can work during term time.

For more information please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizensor ask

at the International Office when you arrive.

Other nationals: restriction on working

If you come for a course on a Tier 4 Student Visa then the immigration authorities

should automatically put a restriction on working stamp in your passport. This

allows you to work under certain conditions:

During term time you can work up to 10 hours a week and full-time duringvacations

You cannot run your own business, be self-employed or work as aprofessional sportsperson or entertainer

You cannot take up a permanent full-time job however, you can do a full-time, short-term job during holidays

Student visitors are not allowed to work or volunteer.Seewww.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_duringfor more information.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizenshttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizenshttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens


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Finding Work in Cardiff

Government Job Centres - The nearest job centre to 35 The Parade is atthe bottom of Charles St (off Queen St)

owww.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

Employment Agencies - There are many agencies in Cardiff and we arenot in a position to recommend one. Agencies include:

o Acorn www.acornjobs.co.uko Adecco www.adecco.co.uko Blue Arrow www.bluearrow.co.uko Hays Recruitment www.hays.co.uk/o Pertemps www.pertemps.co.uko Reed www.reed.co.uko

Select www.select.co.uk

Other useful Websites:o www.cardiff.gov.uko www.careerjet.co.uko www.hotrecruit.co.uko www.cardiffjobs.co.uko www.justjobs4students.co.uk

Paying Tax, National Insurance and other legal requirements

You can find information about the working in the UK from the websites below

and the International Office will be glad to help you when you arrive:

www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

www.ukcisa.org.uk

There are different levels of National Minimum Wage, depending on your age.

The current rates (from 1st October 2011) are:

6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over

4.98 - the 18-20 rate

3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18

From 1st October 2012 the rates are:

6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over

4.98 - the 18-20 rate

3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/


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Laws in the UK

DrivingIf you would like to drive whilst you are here in the UK please look at

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencefor information on what you are and arent allowed to do. Students from the EEA

and Switzerland have different permissions than students from other countries.

Please note:

Your car must have a valid 'MOT' certificateif it is over three years old. (An'MOT' is a test which must be carried out by a certified garage - they test

that your car is safe to drive)

There are strict penalties for drinking and driving You should purchase and familiarise yourself with the 'Highway Code'

which lists all the rules and regulations that apply to driving in the UK. It isavailable in all good bookshops.

See The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency www.dvla.gov.uk for more

information.

Drinking

Pubs, bars and clubs are very much a part of British culture. Many people like to

meet friends, talk, eat and relax with an alcoholic drink. Some people in the UK

drink far too much when they go out for an evening and it is not unusual to see

people drunk on the streets when the pubs and clubs close at night.

It is against the law for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence,

supermarket, or other outlet, or for anyone to buy alcohol for someone under 18

to consume in a pub or a public place. It is wise to carry identification with you if

you wish to buy alcohol. Pubs, bars and shops are very vigilant against underage

drinking. They may refuse to serve you alcohol if you cannot prove your age.

The Police have the right to arrest someone who is drunk in public and behaving

in a disorderly manner.

Smoking in public areas

Smoking is not allowed in enclosed public places. The law applies to all public

premises, including restaurants, pubs, bars, private clubs, shops, cinemas,

shopping centres, leisure centres, workplaces and public transport.

It is illegal to possess or supply hard or soft drugs.

It is illegal to possess an offensive weapon for example knives or guns, even if

they are for self-defence purposes.It is illegal to make racist comments about people around you.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencehttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencehttp://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence


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Other Information

Until you are settled at a permanent address in the UK you may direct your mail

to the college. Please make sure your mail has your name written clearly on it

and is addressed to:

YOUR NAME

c/o International Office

35 The Parade

Cardiff

CF24 3AD

UK

If you do ask people to send mail to you at the college you will need to come to

the International Office to check if we have received any mail for you. As soon asyou have a permanent address please tell us at the international Office and also

let your friends and family know.

If you are looking for more information about coming to and living in the UK as a

student there are many websites available, including:

www.ukcisa.org.uk www.lazystudent.co.uk www.studentuk.com www.ukstudentlife.com www.britishcouncil.co.uk

If you would like any information that isnt in the handbook please speak to the

International Office team and we will do our best to help you. You can email us

at [email protected], call us on (0044) 02920 908 004, or visit us on the

ground floor of 35 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3UK.

You can find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-

International/146825368673971 . Like us, and meet some of the students coming to

study with us before you arrive!
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/http://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971mailto:[email protected]://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

welcome handbook v3

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