September 2015 - Bellerbys College

September 2015 

Your pre-departure checklist: Before you depart, please make sure you have:  Informed the Admissions Centre that you have received your visa  Requested a taxi transfer with us, should you require this service  Booked your accommodation and received confirmation of your room allocation  A valid passport  Made a copy of your passport and other essential documents  At least 4 weeks’ supply of any essential prescribed medication, clearly labelled, and a prescription, in English, for all longer-term medication 20942_06/15

Welcome to Bellerbys College Brighton, Cambridge, London, Oxford – at whichever Bellerbys campus you have chosen to study you can be sure of the following: • A warm welcome from people who are committed to helping you, from the moment you step off the plane. • Academic teaching of the highest standard based on a long history of success – with teachers who are experts in their subject and enjoy working with young people like yourself. • Programmes which are designed to help you get into your preferred university. • The excitement of making new friends from five continents and more than 70 countries. • Small classes where everyone knows and supports each other. In return we ask from you the best you can give. We’ll keep a close watch on all your work and will report regularly (five times a year) to your parents and sponsors to make sure that you personally are part of the success story that first drew you to Bellerbys. The following information tells you what to do to prepare for college life at Bellerbys, what to expect when you arrive and introduces you to some of the important things you need to know about being a student in the UK. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing in the pride of your achievement. With every good wish for your success, Everyone at Bellerbys College

New Biometric Residence Permit If you have successfully obtained a visa, you will receive a decision letter and a 30 day vignette (i.e. entry clearance stamp) in your passport which is valid for 30 days. This vignette enables you to travel to the UK within the 30 day period provided and it is upon your arrival to the UK that you would obtain your BRP (also known as the Biometric Residence Permit). Obtaining your BRP upon your arrival to the UK has gotten easier. Bellerbys College now offers you an opportunity to collect your BRP directly from the college instead of the post office. To be able to do this, we will provide you with an ACL code on your CAS statement which you must enter on your online visa application form. This will enable the UK Visas and Immigration (also known as the UKVI) to send your BRP directly to your college for collection so you would need to contact our Student Services team upon your arrival. If you do not have an ACL code or do not enter the ACL code on your online visa application form, your BRP will not be sent to the college so you would need to collect it from the local post office stated on your decision letter. Whether you are collecting your BRP from the college or the local post office, you must make plans to collect it immediately within 10 days from the date of your arrival to the UK, or within 10 days from the date it becomes available either at your college, or at the post office branch stated on your decision letter (whichever is later). If you are under the age of 18 you will be required to be accompanied to the post office branch by a Responsible Adult and you can also contact our Student Services team to arrange this.

ARRIVAL & INDUCTION When should I arrive? You must arrive at your Bellerbys College in time for your Induction Programme on the first day, 16 September 2015.

Bellerbys College

What should I pack/bring? Essential items to bring with you include:       

Your passport* Visa/Home Office letter* if required Confirmation /CAS letter* Accommodation documents* Key contact information for your accommodation provider and College* Essential toiletries Essential prescribed medication to last at least 4 weeks (please ensure all medicine is in the original packaging and is clearly labelled with dosage instructions) and a prescription, in English, for all longerterm medications

*These items should be packed in your hand luggage.

Travel Tips    

Use good, strong labels on your luggage with your contact details in your home country and in the UK Do not bring large amounts of cash Keep copies of all your important documents separately in your home country If your luggage is damaged or lost, report this at the airport. Our team will help you with this

Before you leave Before you leave, please ensure that you have:    

Provided us with the most up to date contact information for your family in your home country Healthcare insurance in place (StudyCare is the Bellerbys provider) Made sure all your vaccinations are up to date Obtained any necessary medication

What happens at Immigration? You should have your passport, visa (if required), air tickets, enrolment and accommodation documents from Bellerbys College with you as you go through Immigration. You must know where you are going in the UK, which Bellerbys College you are attending, which course you are planning to follow and for what duration. You should also be clear as to where you are staying in the UK. This will assist you to enter smoothly into the UK. On occasions you may be asked to have a medical, this will be done professionally and with consideration to you. The immigration authorities in the UK are able to request this of any visitor entering the UK. If you would like to call the Bellerbys emergency number at any time you may request to do this, especially if a taxi is waiting for you and you are delayed for any reason on arrival.

Taxi transfer/airport pick-up If you have booked a taxi transfer from the airport to your homestay or to the College residence, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation. A Bellerbys College representative will be waiting for you in the airport Arrivals Hall holding a Bellerbys College sign. If you cannot find the representative, go to the airport information desk and ask the staff there to make an announcement, giving your name and the name of the College (Bellerbys College). Stay at the information desk so that the representative can find you. If the representative does not arrive at the information desk after 10 minutes do not panic. Telephone the College’s 24-hour emergency number (see below) and someone there will help you. Under no circumstances should you go with a taxi driver who approaches you and does not know where you are travelling to, does not have a Bellerbys College board with your name on it or requests any money. If you are uncertain, go to the information point and ask to phone the Bellerbys emergency number of your College.

Bellerbys College

Emergency numbers The emergency numbers for each Bellerbys College are below: Brighton Cambridge London Oxford

+44 7774 272599 +44 7768 592695 +44 7802 900719 +44 7813 154242

Remember to keep your College emergency number with you at all times and ensure that you have saved the relevant number on your mobile phone.

Arrival at your accommodation Please ensure that if you are not taking a transfer arranged by Bellerbys College that you have informed us of your date and time or arrival.

Contacting home Your family will want to know that you have arrived safely so please remember to contact them once you have arrived.

Induction programme Our induction programme can be between 1 and 3 days depending on your course start date, the College you are attending and the number of students starting their course with you. The induction programme includes the following:          

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Introduction to staff Assistance with Police Registration Advice on opening bank accounts Details of sports and social activities available to you Introduction to our Library facilities Introduction to our Computer facilities Information on StudyCare insurance English language testing Meetings with the Programme Managers for the course you are to follow Advice on dental and other medical support services Doctors registration

It is important that you bring your passport with you on your first day.

Police registration If, on entering the UK, your visa is stamped with the words “Register with UK police on arrival” you will have the opportunity to do so during your first week at Bellerbys. Staff at all Bellerbys Colleges will be able to help you with this. They will either direct you to the appropriate police station or advise you what time to attend an appointment with the police in the College. You will be given further information on registering with the police during the induction programme. You will need your passport, 2 passport sized photos, your student ID and £34 to complete the registration process. You will be given a Police Registration Certificate which you must keep safe as you will need this for any Visa extensions.

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LIVING IN THE UK Life in the UK will be different from home and it is not at all uncommon for you to miss family and friends. Britain is a multi-cultural society which values diversity. At Bellerbys we believe that the principles of respect, responsibility (for yourself and others) and tolerance to all other students of differing cultures are central to life both at the college and within the UK. Politeness and punctuality are very important in British society. Saying ‘thank you’ if you receive something, ‘excuse me’ if you wish to interrupt or ‘sorry’ if you bump into someone will help you go a long way to integrate more easily. Good time keeping is also very important, whether it’s at your homestay or residence, in the classroom or just going about your general day to day activities. Always let someone know if you are going to be late.

Getting used to life in the UK When you arrive we will help you to settle in as quickly and as smoothly as possible. You may feel that not everything is as you expected. We know that you may feel anxious that you do not know anyone, but everyone feels the same and you will soon get to meet your fellow classmates. Talk to us if you are worried, we will try to help. You’ll be able to talk to your Personal Tutor, teachers, the Student Services team, your homestay or resident supervisor. We are here to help and support you and make sure you enjoy your time here at Bellerbys College and are successful in achieving your goals.

Homesickness and problems If you feel homesick or have any worries or concerns, please speak to the welfare officer at the College, your supervisor or your homestay.

Your Health There is a Nurse available in each college Monday – Friday. They are there to support you with pre-existing medical conditions and if you become unwell whilst you are here. In order that they and other college staff can fulfill their professional responsibilities with regards to their care of you they will have access to relevant health information that you supply. Please do not bring any non-prescription medicines (medicines bought without needing to see a doctor/healthcare professional) to the UK with you. A wide range of over-the-counter health products, medicines and remedies are available in the UK through pharmacies and other approved outlets. Any non-prescription medicines that you do bring will need to be declared to the Nurse so she may assess them. The Nurse may decide for safety reasons to store these medicines elsewhere on your behalf or until you return home or they may be safely disposed of. The Nurse will keep a record for all students who take prescribed medicines. The Nurse will meet with all students to complete an essential risk assessment with them, to determine whether it is safe for them to store and administer their own prescription medicine. All students taking prescribed medicine should bring with them at least 4 weeks’ supply/sufficient medicine. All medicines should include labelled dosage, be in the original packaging and accompanied by a translation. Please also bring a letter from your doctor, in English, giving details of any diagnosed conditions, treatment and medicines prescribed. Please bring along to your student induction all medicines and letters that you have brought to College with you. The compulsory Pre Arrival Health document, including the Consent to Share Health Data form, which you will already have received, must be returned before you arrive at College. It is vitally important that your College Nurse is aware of all current medical conditions and significant medical history that may be relevant during your time at Bellerbys so that the correct support and guidance can be given. If you declare a health issue and/or medicines then you will be required to see the nurse. This will be explained during your induction.

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Doctors During your induction we will ask you to complete another Health Declaration form and we will also give you help and advice on how to register with a local doctor’s surgery.

Dentists You will be assisted to make an appointment with a local Dentist if this is required. If you develop any problems with your teeth after you arrive please see a member of your Student Services team so they can help you. If you are currently wearing braces and will need to see an Orthodontist whilst you are here then please make sure you bring your orthodontic records with you and we will help to arrange your appointments. You will be expected to pay for your appointments on the day of your treatment. It is important that you read the school’s Medicines Policy prior to arrival in the UK.

Bank accounts At your induction, you will be assisted in completing the necessary forms to open an account and to obtain a bankcard (if you qualify). You will need to have your passport with you. Please avoid bringing large sums of cash with you. If you do, you must take this into Student Services on arrival so that it can be stored safely.

Climate and clothing The weather in the UK is very unpredictable, but the temperature chart below can be used as a general guide. A good way of keeping warm in the colder months is by wearing thermal underwear and by layering your clothes. A raincoat is useful, an umbrella is essential. Jan Mar Max temp (°c) Min temp (°c)

Apr Jun

Jul Sep

Oct Dec

7.9

15.6

19.8

10.3

1.7

6.7

10.9

4.1

Phone and internet Your user names and Wi-Fi passwords will be issued to you on arrival. Phone calls overseas can be very expensive so it is worth purchasing an international phone card as this will reduce the cost considerably.

Electrical Equipment Electricity in Britain is supplied on 240 volts/50z cycles. You should ensure electrical appliances that you intend to bring with you will work safely on this voltage and bring and adapter to convert where necessary.

GENERAL AND ACADEMIC RULES

Alcohol, drugs and smoking Bellerbys College operates a zero tolerance policy towards illegal drugs and does not permit alcohol to be brought into or consumed in the residences. It is illegal to buy beer, wine or spirits unless you are aged 18 years or over. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on College premises except in specifically designated areas, this includes eSmoking. It’s illegal to buy tobacco under the age of 18.

Bellerbys College

General behaviour You will be asked to sign up to the Student Code of Conduct which will be given to you on arrival. You are expected to be courteous and considerate to your fellow students, to show respect and cooperate with staff. In general, behave in a manner that will not cause offence to others both inside and outside the College. Rude and discourteous behaviour will not be tolerated at any time.

Attendance You are expected to attend all classes. However, if you are sick or unable to come to the College you will have to inform your Programme Manager (details of how you do this will be given to you when you arrive). You must notify the College of all absences from classes, for whatever reason, before 9.00 am, either by leaving a message with Reception or Student Services each day of absence. Students aged under the age of 16 are not permitted to leave the College during the day. Sponsorship of your student visa will be withdrawn if your attendance is poor.

Serious study Students are required to attempt all work set by class tutors and hand this in for marking on the date specified.

Student ID cards You will be issued with an ID card during your induction (or before if you live in residential accommodation). It is very important that you carry this card around with you at all times when you are in the College or in your residence.

Speaking English Students are expected to speak English whilst on College premises, in all classes and study periods and off campus whilst attending College activities. This is to help you improve your language skills and also to avoid excluding others when speaking in a language not generally understood.

Dress/clothing You are expected to dress modestly and sensibly. The generally accepted style is smart but casual.

Food and drink No food or drink (with the exception of water) can be consumed in classrooms or lectures.

Private Accommodation All students under the age of 18 are required to use College accommodation. Students aged over 18 who wish to move from their homestay or residence to a private flat are required to give a full terms notice in writing (not including holidays). Students aged over 18 who would like independent accommodation may make their own arrangements but must not make such arrangements with College homestay families. If you change your address during your time in the UK and you have a Tier 4 visa then you must make sure you inform the Home Office of your new address.

Holidays and weekends away If you are over 18 years of age you may make travel arrangements during College holidays and at weekends. Please ensure that your accommodation provider (supervisor or homestay) is aware of your travel plans and who you will be staying with. If you are under the age of 18 and wish to spend a weekend away with family or friends you must request permission from the College on the Wednesday before you are due to travel. Your parents will need to confirm in writing that they agree to this and give details of who you will be staying with (name, address and telephone number). Bellerbys College

Key Contact Information Bellerbys College Brighton Principal Address Telephone Emergency number

Simon Mower 1 Billinton Way Brighton BN1 4LF +44 1273 339200 +44 7774 272599

Bellerbys College Cambridge Principal Nicholas Waite Address (Queens Campus) Bateman Street Cambridge CB4 1LZ Telephone +44 1223 652800 Emergency number +44 7768 592695

Bellerbys College London Principal Address Telephone Emergency number Bellerbys College Oxford Principal Address

Telephone Emergency number

Alison Baines Bounty House Stowage, Greenwich, London SE8 3DE +44 208 694 7000 +44 7802 900719

Dr Charles Runacres Trajan House Mill Street Oxford OX2 0DJ +44 1865 263400 +44 7813 154242

You can also find useful information on our website www.bellerbys.com/admissions/before-you-arrive Websites which you may find of interest are listed below: Bellerbys Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bellerbyscollege Bellerbys YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/BellerbysCollege Bellerbys Instagram http://instagram.com/bellerbys_college Visit Britain www.visitbritain.com UK Maps www.streetmap.co.uk BBC Weather Centre www.bbc.co.uk/weather Visit Brighton www.visitbrighton.com Visit Cambridge www.visitcambridge.org Visit London www.visitlondon .com Time Out Guide to London www.timeout.com/london Virtual London www.a-london-guide.co.uk Oxford Tourism www.visitoxford.org UK Train information www.nationalrail.co.uk UK Coach Information www.nationalexpress.com

Bellerbys College

Check List You may find the following checklist useful.

Before you leave ❑

Give Bellerbys your most up to date contact information when you are at home

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Plan to arrive before the start date of your course(s) and induction

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Book your accommodation

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Make necessary arrangements for any family if they are accompanying you to the UK

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Confirm you have adequate insurance in place and bring a printout of the summary of your policy (StudyCare policy or proof of other adequate insurance cover)

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Check whether you need permission to transfer money to the UK

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Order Pound Sterling currency and/or traveller’s cheques for immediate expenses upon arrival

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Check whether your government has restrictions on how much money you can take out of your country

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Photocopy important documents and make notes of serial numbers. Pack these separately from the originals

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Ensure you have complete and return the Pre Arrival Health Declaration

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Ensure you obtain necessary medicines and translations

What to bring in your hand luggage ❑

Your passport and visa

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The final letter of acceptance for your course

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Recent chest X-ray report (CXR) in English, confirming you do not have active TB (does not apply to students from Western Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan)

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Medication and details of medical conditions. Bring vaccination evidence and a letter from your doctor detailing any prescription drugs you are taking

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Details and policy wording for your insurance you have arranged

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Enough money in Pound Sterling and traveller’s cheques for your first few weeks

Study Group UK Ltd is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486)

Bellerbys College