Pre-arrival information for new students
If you are a new student coming to the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre, this information should answer some of your questions and help you before, during and after your arrival at the ISC.
For September starters, your course is due to start on Monday 17th September 2012. Therefore we’d expect to see you on Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th September.
Arrival
Please ensure the International Admissions Centre (IAC) have been advised of your expected arrival details in good time, on Telephone +44 (0)1273 339333 or Fax +44 (0)1273 339334. If there is no-one waiting for you on arrival, don’t panic, just ring us on our emergency number - 07827 806675 and someone will be able to help you. Alternatively you can ring the taxi company, BB Private Hire, directly on 07930 469 467. For those arriving without an arranged transfer, these are some local taxi firms: New Line Taxis - 01484 537747, Radio Cars – 01484 421229, Bob’s Taxi’s – 01484 434967. Taxi fares for 2012: Leeds/Bradford = £60; Birmingham = £155; London Gatwick = £310; London Heathrow = £255; Edinburgh = £255; Cardiff = £255.
What to pack/bring
Essential items to bring with you include:
- Your passport and visa
- Your enrolment and accommodation documents
- Passport sized photographs
- Photographs of friends and family to brighten up your new room
- A towel
- Essential toiletries and medications
- An alarm clock – for those early starts!
Arriving in the UK
- You should plan to arrive in the UK on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.
- Ensure you advise us of your expected arrival details in good time, on telephone +44 (0) 1273 339333 or fax +44 (0) 1273 339398.
- Remember to take your University of Huddersfield documentation showing that you have been accepted on to the course with you on the plane.
- If you are arriving by plane and have asked for a taxi pick up, you will be met by the taxi driver in the arrivals hall, who will be holding a sign stating ‘UHISC’ and your name, and will take you to your taxi.
- If there is no-one waiting for you on arrival, don’t panic, just ring us on our emergency number (see contact details) and someone will be there to help you.
- The taxi will take you to your university accommodation. The driver will know which accommodation you are staying in, but it is a good idea for you to have details of where you are staying to hand.
Arrival at Huddersfield
- When you do arrive at your designated accommodation, you must report to reception to pick up your keys.
- Once in your accommodation you should check your room against the inventory on your registration form. Any loss or damage must be reported within 48 hours to the reception desk. There will be a charge payable for lost keys.
- You should bring the Student Accommodation Licence Agreement (PDF, 76kB) with you to the ISC, fully signed by yourself and your guarantors, ready to return to the Accommodation Office.
- If you will be under 18 on arrival at the ISC, ensure that your guardian has signed a policy which states that both you, and they, are aware that under UK law you are considered a minor until you turn 18. The policy sets out the steps the University of Huddersfield will take regarding a resident under the age of 18.
Settling in to your accommodation
- There will be a bedding pack ready for you on arrival. This will consist of a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case and a sheet (The £20 cost will be charged against your student account). Please note there is no towel provided and you should bring your own.
- A ‘Full Kitchen Set for One’ is also available for you to buy on arrival, currently priced at £35.
- Your room and bathroom will be cleaned fortnightly and communal areas on a daily basis Monday to Friday, during standard term time. You are expected to keep your room tidy in order for housekeeping to provide the necessary services.
- Broadband internet is standard in your room and included in your rent.
- Telephones in the residences can be used on a pay as you go basis. In Storthes Hall there is a telephone in every bedroom. In the Ashenhurst Houses there is a telephone in each kitchen.
- Tap water in Britain is safe to drink but if you feel wary of this, water filters are readily available at most supermarkets, which you could buy on arrival.
Your first week
Induction activities
During your first week of term you will have a complete introduction to the UK, the university, and the ISC. The induction programme is designed to help you settle down within the university so that you can concentrate on your studies. You will:
- Register with the university and receive a library card
- Get set up and logged onto the university internet network
- Learn about the programme that you have registered for including information relating to progression to the university
- Learn the rules and regulations of the ISC and the university
- Open a bank account
- Register with local health services
- Ask questions about accommodation issues
- Learn about visa applications
- Register with the UK police, if necessary
Freshers Week
If you start at the beginning of the academic year (September) you will have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events within the university itself. The first week of term is known as ‘Freshers Week’. This week gives all new and returning students the chance to settle into university life and get to know other students who they will be living and studying with.
Whatever time of year you start your course, in your first week you will have both lessons and introductions to the UK and university life. There may also be a chance to get involved with social activities planned by the university. Finally you will receive information about starting your individual courses, including timetables and academic information.
Starting life at the University
Getting connected
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Opening a bank account
If you are coming to the UK for at least an academic year, it is recommended that you open a bank account. Before opening an account, you should check whether money can be transferred into it from outside of the UK. To open a UK bank account you will need a letter from the ISC for the bank confirming that you are a full time student. Our staff will help you with this in your first week.
Warning: DO NOT carry large amounts of cash with you or keep large amounts of cash in your accommodation.
Police registration
If on entering the UK your visa is stamped with the words “Register with UK police on arrival” this must be done shortly after arrival. Staff at the ISC will help you with this. You will have the opportunity to register with the police during your first week with us. You will need your passport and a sum of money, currently in the region of £34. You will be given further information on registering with the police during the induction programme.
Medical information
There are medical facilities located on or near to campus. Staff will ensure you are registered at the local Health Centre, and will show you where the closest pharmacy is located, where you can receive medicines on prescription.
Specialist and international foods
There are many shops and restaurants in the area which sell these types of foods. You may also find that some of the larger supermarkets stock the products that you require. Shops both on campus and very close to campus will sell most things you’ll initially need. Before flying, check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on to the flight, particularly in reference to food products.
ISC contact details
The postal address where you will be studying on the University campus is:
International Study Centre
The Brunswick Building
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH
UK
Emergency Contact number: +44 (0) 7827 806675