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Pre-arrival Information

Pre-arrival information for new students

If you are a new student coming to the Keele University International Study Centre, this information should answer some of your questions and help you before, during and after your arrival at the ISC.

Students starting in July 2012

Students starting their course in July should arrive on the 30th June or 1st July to start their programme.

You will need to report to the Walter Moberly Building at 9am on Monday 2nd July 2012.
You can download a campus map here.

Contact details
Head of Centre:	Bruce Carron
Address of ISC:	International Study Centre Walter Moberly Building Keele University Keele Staffordshire ST5 5BG England
ISC Contact Number:	+44 (0)1782 733 795
Emergency Contact Number:	+44 (0)7818 570537

What to pack

Essential items to bring with you include:

Your passport
Original academic transcripts and certificates
Visa/Home Office letter
CAS
Offer Letter
A towel
Accommodation documents
Passport sized photographs

Other items to settle you in include; a towel, toiletries and medications, photographs of family and friends to make you feel at home in your new room and an alarm clock - for those early starts!

Computing Students: please have a personal laptop to bring to your classes to ensure that you can participate and fully engage with your course.

Arriving in the UK

You should plan to arrive in the UK on Saturday 30th June or Sunday 1st July, ideally 1 or 2 days before your course starts.

Please advise the International Admissions Centre (IAC) of your expected arrival time and date when you book your flights. You can do this by telephone +44 (0) 1273 339333 or fax +44 (0) 1273 339398
Remember to take your Visa, CAS and Offer Letter onto the plane with you showing that you have been accepted on to your course
Please be prepared for an immigration interview with UKBA staff at the airport on arrival; you must be able to answer questions and have a basic conversation without the assistance of an interpreter -failure to do so may result in access to the U.K. not being granted and having to return home
Please ensure you ring home to inform your parents or agent that you have arrived safely – they will be worried about you and want to know you have arrived safely
You will be collected by Taxi (if you have pre-booked a transfer). The taxi company is called ABC Taxis and a driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall. He will have a sign saying ‘KUISC’ and your name. If there is no one waiting for you when you reach arrivals you can ring the emergency number 07818 570537 and someone will be able to help you and we will get the Taxi driver to find you. Alternatively you can ring the taxi company, ABC Taxis, directly on 01782 835 169 or after 5pm on 01782 822228.You can also go to the Airport Information Desk for help and ask them to ring the number if your phone does not operate.
The taxi driver will take you to the Darwin Building which is open 24 hours a day. You will be able to collect your room key. Ask the driver to wait until you collect your key as he / she can then drive you to your accommodation
To get from the airport to the University by train, there are regular trains from Manchester Airport to Stoke-on-Trent. The approximate cost is £14.70 for a single journey, which will take around 1 hour and 10 minutes
From the train station you can get a taxi to the campus for approximately £10. The taxi rank is to the left as you leave the station.

Making your own way

By train

For those arriving by train, we would suggest you take a taxi from one of the two nearest railway stations – Stoke-on-Trent (5 miles) or Crewe (14 miles)

There is a taxi rank outside each station, and the journey typically takes 15-20 minutes from Stoke Station, and 20-25 minutes from Crewe Station

By car

If you are arriving by car, you should be able to drive to the residences and unload, but students living on campus are not allowed to park on campus unless they have a need based on a disability.

Arriving at Keele University

Students must organise their accommodation, either ISC provided or Private, before arriving in the U.K. to ensure there are no difficulties at immigration, with confirming their course and for the police registration on arrival. The ISC are unable to provide last-minute accommodation and it is the student’s responsibility to secure somewhere to stay, pre-arrival.

Your accommodation should be available the weekend before your course starts.

Settling into your accommodation

We aim to help you to settle in as quickly and as smoothly as possible. We know that when you arrive at Newport you may feel anxious that you do not know anyone. But everyone feels the same, and living in University accommodation you soon get to meet your neighbours.

If you are arriving by car, bus or train then go to the Main Reception and you can pick up your keys. The Main Reception is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
You will need to sign the occupancy agreement for your accommodation when you collect the keys. The keys to your room will be given in exchange for the signed contract.
You should read and understand the contractual licence agreement that you are agreeing to when you accept a room.
Arriving in your room you should find a pre-ordered bedding pack, which will include sheets, pillow(s), pillowcase(s), a duvet cover, and a towel. The bedding packs cost between £20 and £35 (dependant on bed size) and will be charged against your student account.
When you move into your room you will be given inventory sheets. It is important that you report any discrepancies or damage within 24 hours. If you do not complete the inventory you may be charged for damage that was not caused by yourself.
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

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.

Your first day

You will need to report to the Walter Moberly Building at 9am on Monday 2nd July 2012.

This is circled on the campus map which you can download here. You will begin the day by meeting members of staff at the ISC, and completing your student registration forms. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Induction week

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.

Please be aware that all students are given an English test on arrival, and study plans may be changed on the basis of this test.

Induction activities

The induction programme is designed to help you settle down within the university so that you can concentrate on your studies. The programme also aims to complete your registration and make sure you have all of the documentation necessary to begin your studies in the UK. During your first week you will have a complete introduction to the UK, the university, and the ISC.
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

Medical Information

There are medical facilities located on 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.

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. Please be aware that cash payments of over £200 cannot be accepted in centre.

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 month 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.

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 close to campus will sell the basic things you’ll need to help you settle in. Before flying, check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on to the flight, particularly in reference to food products.

Useful websites

Visit Britain
www.visitbritain.com
UK Maps
www.streetmap.co.uk
Visit Stoke
www.visitstoke.co.uk/
BBC Weather Centre
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
Keele University ISC Frequently Asked Questions
Keele University Facebook group

Living in the UK

Social attitudes

Life in Britain will almost certainly be different from what you are used to. It is difficult to define exactly what the ‘British’ way of life is as attitude and outlooks vary considerably according to where you are in the country. As home to residents from many different parts of the world and a variety of ethnic backgrounds, Britain has a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel.

When you first arrive you may notice differences in the way people behave compared to your own country, however, it won’t take you long before you are accustomed to your new life here and are able to adapt to a whole variety of situations; everything from understanding British etiquette and mannerisms to cooking your own food and running your own bank account.

Drinking

Alcohol is available to anyone aged over 18. It’s perfectly acceptable for adults to drink alcohol in moderate amounts. For many British people, drinking is an established part of social life – ‘going out for a drink’ is how they relax or spend time with friends. This doesn’t mean that you have to drink alcohol. If you don’t want to you can always ask for a non-alcoholic drink instead.

Smoking

Many people in Britain smoke. However, in some ways smoking is less acceptable than drinking, and since summer 2007, smoking has been banned in all pubs, clubs and restaurants in England. Smoking is banned in many public places including buses and the London Underground. If you smoke in these places, you have to pay a fine. Some non-smokers find smoke unpleasant and uncomfortable. If you are eating or drinking with friends – especially at someone else’s house – it is polite to ask before you light your cigarette.

Specialist and international foods

Homesickness

To start with everything is new, exciting and different, but as time goes by you may start to wish that things were the way they were back home. Don’t despair as this stage will pass – and much more quickly if you talk to someone about how you are feeling.

Racism

Racism is a global problem and no society is perfect. Britain isn’t free from racism and while you may meet a little of it in your day to day life, it is hoped that it is very rare in the University. The ISC and the University are committed to equality and to ensuring that you do not face discrimination whilst you are studying.

Find us on Facebook

We've created a Facebook page and a group to help new students find each other. Visit the group and click "Request to Join Group"