International Student Pre-arrival Guide

2011/12
www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport

Contents
About this guide ................................................1 Before you leave home..................................... 2 Arriving in the UK ............................................16 Life at the University of York ..........................20 UK life .............................................................28 Pre-arrival checklist ....................................... 32

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www.york.ac.uk/international

About this guide

This guide contains information to help you plan for your arrival into the UK and the University of York. In addition to this we have also prepared a booklet, the International Student Handbook, which gives detailed information on services and facilities available within the University, life and culture in the UK, and other useful advice for international students. The International Student Handbook will be distributed during orientation and is also available at www.york.ac.uk/ internationalsupport. You may find it helpful to download a copy and read it before arrival, as it does contain important information to prepare you for living in York. When referring to international students in this guide we are including all non-UK students. Where information may be different for students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA students, this will be made clear in the text. If you require this booklet in an alternative format please contact Louise Saunderson on +44 (0)1904 324144 or by email at [email protected].

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beFoRe You LeAVe hoMe

Immigration arrangements
If you are a student from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) or Switzerland, you must obtain a visa for visa nationals, or entry clearance if you are a non-visa national. To find out whether you are a visa national or a non-visa national visit the UK Visas website at www.ukvisas. gov.uk. If you are from the EEA or Switzerland you do not need a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK. For a list of EEA countries please see the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) website at www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/eea.php.

How to make an entry clearance or visa application

You will need to make an application at your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consular Office (British diplomatic post) which issues visas or entry clearance. There is a list of all British diplomatic posts on the UK Visas website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk. The application procedures are often different for each post, so

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do check details of how to make your application and the average processing time. It may take much longer to issue visas during peak periods. Please dont forget to factor in the time it will take to provide biometric data (photographs and fingerprints). For further information about this, please visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ howtoapply/biometricvisa.

Check if TB (tuberculosis) screening programmes operate in your country or a neighbouring country and, if applicable, take into account the time this will add to your visa application process. Further information on TB screening can be found at www.ukvisas. gov.uk/en/howtoapply/tbscreening.

Student visa applicants must complete a VAF9 application form plus PBS Appendix 8, if applying for the student Tier 4 (General) visa from outside the UK. Forms are available to download from British diplomatic post websites and from the UK Visas website. The fee to make a student entry clearance application from outside the UK is currently 255. For information on applying, including sample VAF 9 and Appendix 8 forms to help you fill them in correctly, please visit the University Immigration Advice Service (IAS) website at www.york.ac.uk/immigration. You will need to submit the following original documents with your student visa application:

Your passport A passport-sized photograph A CAS number issued by the University. This replaces paper visa letters which the UK Border Agency no longer accepts, and is an electronic number which you insert on your application form. A CAS can be requested on e:Vision when you accept an unconditional offer
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to a course. See the section on online enrolment (page 6) for further details. Please note that if your visa is refused, you must apply for a new CAS.

Evidence that you can support yourself financially. For example, bank statements in your name or a sponsorship letter, which show that you have sufficient funds to pay for your first year of tuition fees plus 5400 living expenses. Further maintenance is required for any dependants (family members) who are accompanying you to the UK. If you have an official financial sponsor, such as your government, then you need to provide a letter from them which confirms how much (in sterling) they are sponsoring you for, what the sponsorship money is expected to cover, and for how long. Please note that where the application form refers to your Tier 4 sponsor, it means the University rather than your financial sponsor. If English is not your first language, evidence of your English language ability. Evidence of any previous educational qualifications which are mentioned in your CAS statement. If your proposed programme of study requires approval under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) you will need to supply an ATAS certificate. To find out if you require an ATAS certificate and how to apply for one, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/atas. It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so do allow time for this.

Always provide original supporting documents; these must be written in English or be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must comply with the requirements set out in the Tier 4 (General) policy guidance. Details of this, plus further information on supporting
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documents, are available on the University Immigration Advice Service (IAS) website at www.york.ac.uk/immigration. Please go to the page on Immigration procedures for entry into the UK as a student, then Documents you will need in support of your application. If you are coming to York to undertake a pre-sessional English language course followed by an undergraduate or graduate programme, you should submit your conditional degree offer letter with your visa application. If family members are accompanying you, the form required is VAF10. Each dependant must fill in a separate application. A sample VAF10 form, plus further application information, is available on the University Immigration Advice Service website at www.york.ac.uk/ immigration. Go to Staying in the UK, then the section on Dependants of students. Please note that dependants may only accompany you to the UK if you are studying a postgraduate course of 12 months or longer.

EEA nationals
EEA nationals do not need to obtain a visa to come to the UK but will need to present the following documents at a port of entry:

A passport or national identity card A letter from the University showing you have been made an unconditional offer and you have accepted a place on the course Evidence that you can support yourself financially, such as bank statements for at least the last three months or proof of sponsorship.

EEA nationals may find it useful to apply for a Registration Certificate as a student once they arrive in the UK. The Registration Certificate confirms they are exercising a right of residence under EU law. Although the Certificate is optional it may be a good idea to have one because:
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i. it will be useful if you are joined at a later stage by dependants who are not themselves EEA nationals; ii. it provides evidence of your status for the purpose of applying for benefits; iii. it may become useful at some stage in providing evidence of length of residence in the UK.

Further information
The University of York Immigration Advice Service (IAS) has useful information on applying for visas at www.york.ac.uk/immigration. UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) offers guidance and answers to frequently asked questions at www.ukcisa.org.uk.

Online enrolment
Each academic year students are required to enrol with the University. You will be invited to enrol from August 2011 if your offer is unconditional (ie you have met all the entry requirements for your course). You will be sent an email which will contain instructions on how to log into e:Vision (https://evision.york.ac.uk) and enrol online. E:Vision is the Universitys student record system. This email will be sent to the address you provided when you applied to the University. All students must enrol by 5pm on Friday 14 October 2011 or a late enrolment fee of 50 will be charged. After you have enrolled you will also be able to access other options in e:Vision including uploading your photograph to be used for your University Card, applying for University accommodation and setting up payments for your tuition fees. If you are a Tier 4 visa holder, as part of your enrolment process you are required to report with your passport and visa to Room W/N/024 in Wentworth College. This service is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm
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Monday to Friday, from Monday 3 October to Friday 14 October. If you have queries about enrolment please email Registry Services at [email protected] for further assistance. Alternatively, once you arrive at the University, visit Registry Services located in the Student Administration Building, Vanbrugh Walkway near Market Square, for support.

Accommodation
Applications are made online. The application system is a first-come, first-served process. You will only be able to select a College and room type from those available at the time you apply. undergraduate students holding an unconditional offer will be invited by email to complete an online accommodation application from 1 August 2011. it is very important that uCAs has your home email address recorded accurately. This email account must be one that you check regularly and that will still be active in August (for example, not a high school account). If you have a specific requirement for a particular type of room or location for reasons relating to a medical condition, disability or other circumstances, you must complete and return the Submission of Evidence form as soon as possible, enclosing supporting evidence from an appropriate professional (for example, a doctor or medical consultant). All undergraduate students who...

are new (not previously a student at the University of York) do not require couple or family accommodation are full time accept York as their firm or insurance choice by 26 July 2011
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accept an unconditional offer apply for accommodation online by 26 August 2011

... are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation. Postgraduate students living outside the UK/EEA and paying overseas tuition fee rates are guaranteed an offer of University accommodation on the following conditions:

Your unconditional offer for study at the University has been accepted Your application for accommodation has been received online no later than 12 August 2011. Applications for accommodation received after 12 August are not guaranteed an offer of University accommodation.

Postgraduate students beginning their course at York in the Spring or Summer Term should contact Accommodation Services as there are often rooms available during the year but we cannot guarantee University accommodation. Due to the high demand for University accommodation, it is not possible to offer University accommodation to UK or EEA postgraduate students. Accommodation Services provides assistance to students looking for private sector accommodation, including a Meet a Housemate event in September. Please see www.york.ac.uk/ accommodation for further information.

Accommodation offers and acceptances

An offer of University accommodation will be sent by email to your University address within seven days of your online application. You must make an online payment of 200 and accept your offer of accommodation within three days or the offer will expire. Please
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check your email regularly after making your application and inform Accommodation Services if you anticipate difficulty in accepting an offer within three days. If you have difficulties paying online, please check the Finance website www.york.ac.uk/payments/students/help.htm for further information or contact Accommodation Services (details below).

Bedding
Students are required to provide and launder their own bed linen, pillows, duvet sets, sheets, blankets and towels. Non UK students may purchase a bedding pack when applying for accommodation. A bedding set contains a duvet and duvet cover, a pillow and pillow slip, two bed sheets and a bath towel, and costs 28. All bedding is suitable for a single bed.

Where to go when you arrive on campus

Arrival information, including when and where to collect your room key plus other information about your accommodation, will be available on the accommodation website. Please note, your room will only be available from the date shown in your offer of accommodation. Please do not arrive earlier than this date as you may have to stay in a hotel which can be expensive. If you do not receive an email from Accommodation Services before you leave your home country to travel to York, you must contact the office before you arrive in York. The Accommodation Services reception desk is located on the ground floor of the Information Centre and is open Monday to Friday. Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Thursday when they are 10.00am to 5.00pm. We strongly advise all students to arrive at the University campus
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during the daytime (10.00am to 5.00pm) when there will be many members of staff available to help you. However, if you have absolutely no choice but to arrive outside of these hours, you must check the Accommodation Services website for key collection arrangements after office hours, especially if your university accommodation is off-campus. If you have difficulty on arrival, all on-campus Colleges have a red phone outside their reception area. Please use this phone to request assistance. You must have your offer letter with you to show the member of staff when requesting your keys. Accommodation Services Information Centre Market Square telephone: +44 (0)1904 32 2165 Fax: +44 (0)1904 32 4030 email: [email protected] Web: www.york.ac.uk/accommodation

Preparing to bring money to the UK

If you are travelling into the UK from any country outside the European Union, and have more than 10,000 euros in cash, bankers drafts or travellers cheques, you will be required to declare the amount upon arrival to UK customs control. The University strongly advises students not to carry large sums of cash because it is the least safe method of transferring money into the UK. There are no secure facilities at the University for students to store cash.

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About 300 should be enough to pay for your immediate expenses such as travel from the airport to the University of York, some food/ sundries for your journey and an overnight stay in an airport hotel if necessary. It is advisable to check if your country places limits on the amount of cash you can transfer to the UK so that you can plan payments for tuition, accommodation and maintenance accordingly. Representatives from local banks will be available to advise on student accounts during orientation (see pages 2425) but accounts do usually take at least one or two weeks to be fully opened for use.

Preparing to pay tuition by the due dates

Tuition and accommodation fees must either be paid by the student or by an official sponsor. Never give any money to an agent or any other person unless you are absolutely certain they can be trusted. the university of York does not offer fee discounts, so be very cautious if anyone informs you that they will obtain a discount if paying on your behalf. University scholarships are awarded in advance of the start of the academic year and scholarship winners will have been notified well before the start of term. NeVeR respond to any person, email or internet advert offering to secure a fee discount or scholarship for you. Adverts offering fee discounts and scholarships are not genuine. Please report any such offers to Louise Saunderson, International Student Support Coordinator, email: [email protected]. The University normally requires payment of tuition fees in full at the start of the academic year. As a concession, the University allows
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students to pay in three instalments providing they pay 50 per cent, 25 per cent and 25 per cent. You may transfer the money electronically, pay by debit card or credit card, or use a bankers draft or cheque. To transfer money to the University electronically you need to quote the following information: University account name: Bank: University of York HSBC Bank PLC 13 Parliament Street York YO1 8XS 20898201

University account number:

University account sort code: 40-47-31 Bank identification code: IBAN number: Swift code: You will also need to:

MIDLGB2109Y GB37MIDL 404731 20898201 MIDLGB22

Provide your full name Provide your University of York student number State whether the payment is for tuition fees, accommodation fees, both tuition and accommodation or for another purpose.

Electronic payments from abroad must be made in Pounds Sterling ().

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The University accepts debit and credit card payments using Switch, Visa or MasterCard. You can pay online at www.york.ac.uk/payments/ index.htm. To pay fees in person using a cheque, bankers draft, debit card or credit card, visit the Finance Office located next to the Information Centre, Market Square. Cheques and bankers drafts should be made payable to the University of York. The University does not accept standing letters of credit from overseas banks or third parties as payment for tuition or accommodation fees. For tuition fee queries please contact: Finance Office Information Centre, Market Square telephone: +44(0) 1904 32 2120 email: [email protected] Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm

British Council pre-departure briefings

In some countries the British Council arrange pre-departure briefings for students preparing to study in the UK. You and your parents/family are able to attend briefings, have your questions answered and meet other students who are also preparing to travel to the UK. For more information contact your local British Council office or visit www.britishcouncil.org/eumd-pre-departure-briefings.htm.

English language tests

Students for whom English is not the first language will need to consider booking an IELTS or equivalent English language test. In some countries the British Council test centres may close during August, so
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English language tests need to be booked well in advance. For further information about pre-sessional English language programmes at the University of York contact the Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT). Centre for English Language Teaching telephone: +44 (0) 1904 32 2480 Fax: +44 (0) 1904 32 2481 email: [email protected] Web: www.york.ac.uk/celt

Insurance for belongings and healthcare

Students are advised to insure belongings against loss, theft or accidental damage as these are not covered by University insurance. It is recommended that students insure all their belongings, preferably before travelling to the uK, although you can insure your property once you have arrived in York. Students who are studying courses of less than six months in length do not qualify for free healthcare. It is therefore recommended that you take out medical insurance before arriving in the UK. Endsleigh is an insurance company endorsed by UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) and the National Union of Students (NUS). They offer insurance tailored to international students, see: www.endsleigh.co.uk/is.

Medical immunisation (vaccination)

In addition to any specific immunisation requirements for your programme of study (you will have been informed of those requirements

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in your admissions letter), you should check with your doctor to ensure you have been fully immunised against the following diseases:

Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis (Whooping cough) Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) Polio Meningitis C Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Tuberculosis (BCG)

If you are not immunised against all of the above illnesses please arrange to receive vaccinations before coming to the UK. Please bring with you a copy of your medical records (with an English translation if the record is not written in English) and, if you have one, a Tuberculosis chest x-ray report (but not the x-ray itself). Students will need to provide the dates they were immunised to the medical practice they register with in the UK.

Medication
If you are bringing any prescribed medication, carry a letter from your doctor in your hand luggage explaining what the medication is. The letter should be translated into English.

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ARRiViNg iN the uK
Most students fly into the UK although some may arrive by sea ferry from Europe or via the Channel Tunnel. Many transatlantic flights arrive into one of the main London airports, of which Heathrow is the largest and busiest. London has four principal international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. There are also regional airports such as Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds Bradford, which are nearer to York. To arrive at one of the regional airports it might be necessary to transfer in Europe. All London airports have overland or Underground (Tube) train connections into central London. You will need to take a train from London Kings Cross railway station to York. There are train connections direct to York from Newcastle and Manchester airports, while Leeds Bradford is a short bus journey then train ride to York. Please see www.york.ac.uk/students/support/international for detailed instructions and approximate costs for travelling to York from one of the airports listed above. Free airport collection by coach to York will be provided on 5 October for students who book in advance. Please see the section on Travelling to York (page 18) for further information.

Clearing immigration
There are usually two queues as you approach immigration control. One is for British and EEA travellers, and the second is for all other passport holders.
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You should carry your University of York offer letter and/or UCAS confirmation slip, University of York accommodation confirmation email, IELTS (or equivalent) certificates, plus any relevant medical certificates showing recent vaccinations, in your hand luggage. If a UK immigration officer asks you questions about the purpose of your journey to the UK you should show him/her these documents.

Collecting luggage
After clearing immigration control proceed to the luggage collection hall. To identify the correct baggage carousel look for the TV screen displaying your flight number and departure point. If any of your luggage items do not appear, find a representative of the airline you travelled with and complete a lost baggage form.

Customs control
After collecting your luggage you will need to pass through customs control. If you have brought in goods which are over the allowance permitted you must go through the red channel and pay the duty. Clear information on what can be brought into the UK without paying any excess is on the HM Revenue and Customs website: www.hmrc.gov. uk/customs/arriving/index.htm. If your journey was from within the EU and you have nothing to declare go through the blue exit. If you travelled from outside the EU and you have nothing to declare use the green exit. If you arrive at one of the channel ferry ports you will also have to pass through customs control. If you arrive by the Channel Tunnel customs control will either take place in France or on the train. Any traveller carrying more than 10,000 euros in cash when entering or leaving the EU (European Union) is required to declare the amount upon arrival to UK customs control. For this purpose cash means notes and coins, travellers cheques and bankers drafts in any currency.
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There are also strict rules on bringing food and plant produce into the UK. Please see the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) website (go to the Food and farming section) for further information: www.defra.gov.uk. While travelling remember:

Unattended luggage is considered a security threat keep luggage with you at all times Never look after luggage/parcels for strangers or allow strangers to look after your belongings Never carry an item through airport customs for someone else Do not accompany people you have only just met to places you do not know Keep money and valuable belongings such as laptops and MP3 players out of sight If you need to use a taxi, take one from an official taxi rank (usually located near the entrance/exit of airports and railway stations). These taxis are licensed and insured to carry paying passengers.

Travelling to York
We strongly advise all students to arrive at the University campus during the daytime (10.00am to 5.00pm) when there will be many members of staff available to help. If you are likely to arrive on campus after 5.00pm (local time), it is recommended that you reserve a room at a UK airport hotel for your arrival in the evening and travel to the University the following day.
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Please book a hotel room before departing from your home country. The following websites may be useful for booking a room: www.lastminute.com www.expedia.com York is too far from most airports to take a taxi directly to the University campus. Leeds Bradford airport is the only exception, and this will still cost a lot of money. For this reason it is sensible to take public transport. Detailed instructions about how to travel by public transport from a number of different airports to York can be found at www.york.ac.uk/ internationalsupport. To get to the University campus from York train station, take the number 4 or 44 bus which stops directly outside the station (do not cross the main road). A single ticket costs 1.502.00. You will either need to pay the driver as you get on the bus, or take a seat and pay a conductor. Please make sure you have the correct fare; change can be given but only in small amounts. Ask for a ticket to the University campus. Alternatively, take a licensed taxi from outside the railway station. If the driver does not know where on the campus your college is located, ask him or her to take you to the Information Centre at Market Square. A taxi from the railway station will cost approximately 710. It is usual to give the driver a small tip. If you are travelling to the University on 1 and 2 October, a meet and greet service will be provided at Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports, and York train station. Please see the section on Airport Collection (page 23) for more information. A coach service will be provided for students arriving at Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports on 5 October provided you have booked a seat in advance. There will also be a free bus service to campus from York train station from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Please see page 23 for more details.
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LiFe At the uNiVeRsitY oF YoRK

Disability Services
The University of York is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and believes that those with disabilities should have access as far as possible to the full range of academic, cultural and social activities offered by the University. This commitment means the University will endeavour to take all reasonable steps to meet the general need for access as well as an individuals specific needs. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Universitys Disability Services as soon as possible and preferably before arrival at York. Disability Services Sally Baldwin Buildings, Block B telephone: +44 (0) 1904 32 4785 email: [email protected] Web: www.york.ac.uk/students/support/disability/

Family members
If bringing dependants with you please be aware of the additional costs this will entail. For example:

Accommodation costs Childcare Food and clothing

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University family accommodation is available for a limited number of students. Expect to pay 450475 per month for a double room suitable for a couple. Properties with 24 bedrooms cost from around 550700 per month including most bills. Many students with families will live in the private rented sector. Expect to pay from 600950 per calendar month for a 23 bedroom property not including bills. It can be difficult finding furnished houses and flats in York. Although many will include white goods such as a cooker and fridge, as well as carpets and curtains, you may also have to buy beds, sofas, wardrobes, a chest of drawers, table and chairs. Please note that there are strict rules on the number of people which landlords can allow to share a house. It is expected that only one person may use a single bedroom, and no more than two people can share a double-sized bedroom. Childcare for pre-school children, and school-age children during school holidays and before and after school, may also be required. The University has a small nursery but as places are very limited most students with children must use other childcare facilities. Expect to pay from 120200 per week for nursery care, 610 for a playgroup session and 80105 per week for a school club during the holidays. For more information see the York Childcare website at www.yor-ok.org.uk For further information on family members, including where to find local schools, please refer to the International Student Handbook at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport

International student support

There are a number of support services available to international students:

College welfare teams Cultural societies

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Disability Services Emotional and psychological support (through the Open Door Team) English language courses Graduate Students Association (GSA) Immigration Advice Service International Students Association (ISA) International Student Support Co-ordinator Religious and spiritual support Student Financial Support Unit Accommodation Service Careers Service IT Services Health Centre York University Students Union (YUSU)

Other facilities include:

Further information on these can be found in the International Student Handbook at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport.

Orientation to University life and study

Orientation is a free programme of talks and events aimed at helping all new international students acquire an understanding of University life, UK study skills and British culture. It is also a good opportunity to meet
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existing international and UK students, and to make friends with other new international students. The programme includes presentations, social activities, tours of the campus and city, and the opportunity to meet with bank representatives and other relevant organisations. Students are expected to attend.

Airport collection
To arrive in time for orientation, students may book a place on one of our coaches from Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports on Wednesday 5 October at no charge. the final coaches will leave at 3.30pm and you must allow a minimum of 90 minutes for clearing immigration control and reaching the coach. You will be able to book your free place once you have enrolled with the University (you should receive emailed instructions for doing so by the end of August). On enrolling, you will be able to access University software, e:Vision, where you will find instructions for booking a place on a coach. the final date for booking a place is 21 september. If you are unable to arrive at the airports in time for the final coaches, please consider taking a flight the day before and staying in a nearby hotel. Alternatively, visit the International Support web pages and follow the detailed directions for travelling from all the major airports to York railway station. Please see the section on Travelling to York on (pages 18-19) for more details. If you travel to York railway station on 5 October and arrive between 10.00am and 6.00pm there will be a free bus service to campus, provided by the University. There is no need to book a place on this service. For students arriving on 1 and 2 October, there will be a Meet and Greet Service provided at Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports and York railway station between 10.00am and 6.00pm. You will be expected to travel on public transport and to pay your own fare but
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student helpers will assist you in finding the correct train or bus. You are advised not to bring more than two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage. Clothing, cooking utensils and kitchen equipment such as rice cookers and kettles can be bought cheaply once in York, and the Colleges and Students Union sell many inexpensive secondhand items at the beginning of term. Information can also be found in the Airport collection section at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport.

Programme outline
Below is a summary of the orientation programme. Full programmes can be obtained; please see Further information on the facing page. All talks will take place in Central Hall and members of the Welcome Team will be available in the Welcome Lounge in Vanbrugh College (on the ground floor) if you require assistance.
Undergraduate students - Thursday 6 October
TIME PLACE EVENT

9.30am 1.15pm

Central Hall Various locations

Presentations on college life, Student Support and English Language courses. Campus tour, shopping trip, information fair including bank representatives and passport and visa presentation. Free buffet meal for undergraduates. Film night and quiz.

6.00pm 7.00pm

Free buffet meal Roger Kirk Centre V/045 and EDGE

Postgraduate students - Friday 7 October

TIME PLACE EVENT

9.00am

Central Hall

The Vice-Chancellors Welcome to postgraduates and presentations on Student Support and English Language courses.

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Programme continues for undergraduates and postgraduates Friday 7 October

TIME PLACE EVENT

11.45am 12.30pm

Central Hall Central Hall

Presentation on academic integrity and referencing. Lunch break followed by talks on UK academic and classroom culture, the careers service and life in a different culture. Free buffet meal for undergraduates. games night and live music night.

6.00pm 7.00pm

Roger Kirk Centre Various locations

Saturday 8 October
TIME PLACE EVENT

11.00am

Central Hall

Presentations by the Students Union, International Students Association and North Yorkshire Police. Big picnic, campus tour and city of York prize winning photo tour.

1.00pm

Various locations

Further information
For detailed timetables, please visit the International Student Support website at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport. Timetables will also be available from the Welcome Lounge at Vanbrugh College and at your College reception. Postgraduate events organised by the Graduate Students Association begin on Saturday 1 October and run throughout the week. These are included on the timetables available from the International Support website (see link above). For those students arriving in the Spring Term (January) orientation will take place on 10 January 2012 and timetables will be sent by email nearer the time.
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Passport and visa presentation

All students studying in the UK on a Tier 4 (General) visa are now required by law to present their passport details page and student visa to the University so that we can copy them for our records. If a student does not provide these documents, we are obliged to report him/her to the UK Border Agency and this may lead to deportation. To make collecting this data as convenient as possible for all students, Registry Services will be scanning passports and visas in two weekly sessions at the beginning of October. These will take place as follows: Monday 3 to Friday 7 October 9.00am to 5.00pm Wentworth College Reading Room Monday 10 to Friday 14 October 9.00am to 5.00pm Wentworth College Reading Room During the orientation programme, Welcome Team helpers will be available to show students to the correct room. Any students who miss these sessions, including those arriving in the Spring Term, must take their passport and visa to Registry Services in the Student Administration building on Market Square.

Private accommodation
Many students choose to live in private accommodation, either because they are unable to book University accommodation, or because they are able to find houses/apartments with different facilities to those in University accommodation. Second and third year students usually live in private rented accommodation. If you are a new student looking for private rented accommodation, allow yourself sufficient time to find a suitable house/apartment
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and pre-book guest house accommodation in York before arriving so you have somewhere to stay. To search for guest house and hotel accommodation in York please visit www.visityork.org/ accommodation/.

How to find private accommodation

The University Accommodation Service can provide a list of letting agents and private sector vacancies. Properties advertised by the Accommodation Service comply with a code of best practice which means the property should meet specified standards. Please be aware that the University does not inspect each private sector property. For further details please visit www.york.ac.uk/admin/accom/index.htm. Please note: you should never sign a contract for a property you have not seen. once a contract has been signed, you have entered a binding legal agreement and become liable to pay rent for the duration of the contractual period. Private rented accommodation should only be found once you are in the uK. For further information please refer to the International Student Handbook at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport.

Storage and shipping

Students are unable to ship their belongings to the University in advance of their arrival at York because there is no storage space on campus. You are advised to make sure your belongings arrive after you have checked into your accommodation if you are unable to bring all your personal items with you in your luggage. Storage firms will be able to receive your belongings if you choose to send them in advance. For further information on local storage facilities and shipping companies, please refer to the International Student Handbook at www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport.
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uK LiFe
For general information on student life in the city of York please visit the Higher York website and go to the Wanting to study in York section, followed by Students York: www.higheryork.org

Climate and seasons

The weather in York, like the rest of the UK, is unpredictable and it is always useful to carry an umbrella in your bag. From October it will probably be cool (813 degrees C). From November until about February the weather will be colder with daytime temperatures at or close to 0 degrees, although subzero temperatures of minus 8 or lower may also be reached. It may snow in York once or twice a year, with snow sometimes lasting for a fortnight or more. Spring arrives in March/April when temperatures warm up a little and are similar to those in October. From June to August it can be quite warm with temperatures around 23 degrees C, sometimes higher, but it can still rain. Annual rainfall in York is around 600mm. You may find Britain is rather more grey and damp than you are used to. In winter it gets light at about 8.00am and dark again by about 4.00pm. In the summer it gets light at about 4.00am and will not be fully dark until about 10.00pm.

Clothing
The UK is a very multicultural country and people often choose to wear clothes that are traditional to their particular culture. This is especially true in cities such as Bradford, Leicester, Birmingham or London, where
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there are large international communities. In addition, some people choose to express their individuality through the clothes they wear. In general, students on campus tend to dress very casually. It is common for students to wear jeans, t-shirts and jumpers. If you come from a country with a much warmer climate than the UK, it may take a while to get used to our cooler temperatures. There are plenty of shops selling cheap clothes in York and in some shops you may even benefit from a student discount if you show a University/NUS (National Union of Students) card. There are also a number of charity shops in York where second-hand clothes can be purchased cheaply. To keep warm in winter it is advisable to have: a hat; scarf; pair of gloves; socks; a warm, waterproof coat; strong, waterproof shoes; and several thinner t-shirts/jumpers (a few thinner layers will keep you warmer than one thick item of clothing). For going to restaurants, cafes and pubs people usually dress informally. However, some bars and most nightclubs do not allow jeans or trainers to be worn on the premises. You may be invited to attend a black tie or formal evening event such as an end of term ball. For these events male students usually wear either a dinner jacket or suit jacket and trousers, and a tie or bow tie. Female students would normally wear a dress or an alternative evening outfit. National costume may also be worn. You do not have to spend lots of money on clothes you only wear once or twice. In addition to shops offering student discounts, it is also possible to hire formal wear for special events this can be more costeffective. It is also worth asking flatmates if they have any suitable clothes that you could borrow.

Cost of living in York

Below are some approximate guides to cost of living for a year. Obviously these will vary greatly according to your own individual circumstances.
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Estimated living costs for an undergraduate first year living on campus in University accommodation
EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER ACADEMIC YEAR OF 39 WEEKS

University rent Food, travel and other costs Total

85.82118.02 114.46 200.28232.48

33474603 4464 78119067

Costs for an undergraduate first year living off campus in private accommodation
EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 52 WEEKS

Rent Food, travel & other costs Total

6075 133.82 193.82208.82

31203900 6959 10,07910,859

Costs for a postgraduate living on campus in University accommodation

EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 51 WEEKS

Rent Food, travel & other costs Total

118.02 113.17 230.96

6019 5772 11,791

Costs for a postgraduate living off campus in private accommodation

EXPENDITURE COST PER WEEK COST PER YEAR OF 52 WEEKS

Rent Food, travel & other costs Total

70 133.83 203.83

3640 6959 10,599

For a detailed breakdown of living costs, please see the sample budgets in the Budgeting advice section of the Student Financial Support Unit web pages on: www.york.ac.uk/students/housing-and-money/financial-support/
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Emergency procedures
In the event of an emergency, you can call 999 or 112. You will be asked which emergency service(s) you require (police, ambulance, fire brigade or coastguard). Please note that in the UK the police are usually friendly and helpful. They are rarely armed, and they are not linked to the armed forces or military.

Money matters
British currency is sterling. Sterling is made up of pounds () and pence (p). There are 100 pence to one pound.
COINS 1 penny 2 pence 5 pence 10 pence 20 pence 50 pence 100 pence 200 pence 1p 2p 5p 10p 20p 50p 1 2 copper copper silver silver silver silver gold gold and silver

The notes used are 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Banking
A bank account will usually take approximately 1014 days to open, and it is rarely possible to open an account before arrival in the UK. It is essential that you bring enough cash or travellers cheques to cover living expenses before you have access to your bank account. Please see page 10 on Preparing to bring money to the UK for more information.
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have you: www.york.ac.uk/internationalsupport Confirmed whether you need a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK? page 2 Booked your accommodation and made the advance payment?
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PRe-ARRiVAL CheCKList

Checked whether there are restrictions on the amount of money you can take out of your country? page 10 Obtained enough money to live on for a week or more while you open a bank account? page 11 Checked restrictions on goods which can be brought into the UK?
page 17

Booked a seat on the coach from the airport on the 5 October if you wish to use this service? page 23 Or, planned your journey from the UK airport to York? page 18 Packed in your hand luggage your passport, confirmation of acceptance letter, original documents such as qualification certificates, accommodation confirmation email and money?
page 17

Arranged to bring any medication you need, accompanied by a doctors letter of explanation? pages 15 Obtained any relevant medical records, including vaccination certificates? page 1415 Arranged travel insurance for your property? page 14 Arranged medical insurance if studying in the UK for less than six months? page 14 Budgeted for any family members accompanying you? Page 2021 Made enquiries for school and nursery places if bringing children?
Page 2021

Checked the International Student Handbook at www.york. ac.uk/internationalsupport for further information, including where to buy international food, local shopping facilities, banking, healthcare, employment regulations and student societies?
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