Pre-arrival information for new students

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

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What to pack

Essential items to bring with you include:

• Passport
• Visa/Home Office letter
• CAS
• Offer letter
• Qualifications certificates
• Passport style photographs
• Accomodation documents
• A towel
• Essential toiletries and medications
• An alarm clock – for those early starts!
• Photographs of family and friends to make you feel at home in your new room

All university accommodation is self-catering, with cooking facilities in communal kitchens. All residences are equipped with telephones and each room has broadband internet access, available at no extra charge, so keeping in touch with family and friends is easy. There is a launderette on campus, along with shops, health services and other essential facilities.

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Arriving in the UK

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 UK not being granted and having to return home.

Your course is due to start on Monday 16th January 2012. Please do not arrive more than 2 days before this, as your accommodation will not be ready for you. Therefore, we’d expect you to arrive on Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th January.

You must have completed the application procedure for accommodation in order to secure a room. Ensure you inform us of your arrival details in good time, on tel +44 (0) 1273 339333 or fax +44 (0)1273 339334. Remember to take your University of Stirling documentation showing that you have been accepted on to the course with you on the plane. The ISC are unable to provide last-minute accommodation and it is the student’s responsibility to secure somewhere to stay, pre-arrival.

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Arriving by plane

Most international students fly and are met by a taxi, which will transfer them from the airport to the University. If you have pre-booked a taxi transfer, on arrival at Edinburgh or Glasgow International Airports, you will be met by your taxi driver. They will hold up a sign with your name. You will be taken directly to your accommodation on campus.

The taxi driver should know which accommodation you are staying in, but it is a good idea to have the details of where you are staying to hand. If there is no-one waiting for you on arrival, don’t panic, just ring us on our emergency number - +44 7825 747 258 and someone will be able to help you. Please note that if you arrive during office hours you can ring the ISC directly on +44 1786 467 811. Alternatively you can ring the taxi company, Marina Executive Travel, directly on +44 1324 622 862.

Please do not pay the driver. You have already paid.

Making your own way to the university

By train

If you are making your own way from the airport, you can get a train to Stirling city centre then a bus to Queen’s Court on the university campus, or a taxi directly from the railway station to your accommodation. A taxi from Stirling railway station will cost approximately £6.

Trains run regularly from ‘Glasgow Queen Street’ and ‘Edinburgh Waverley’ stations, and cost around £7 for a single ticket. Both of these stations are reached by regular airport buses.

By car:

If you are arriving by car, you should be able to drive to the residences and unload, but then should park in one of the visitor car parks for the day.

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Accomodation

When you do arrive at your designated accommodation, keys to your room can be collected in accordance with the information that you've been sent. To collect your keys you must provide proof of identity (your passport will be suitable).

Bed linen is provided and will be in your room on arrival.

If you need help during the arrival weekend you can contact your accommodation reception, university security or call the emergency number +44 7824 590698.

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Your first week

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 programme

You will need to report to the ISC in the Cottrell Building at 10am on Monday 16th January 2012. This is marked on the campus map which you can download on the right hand side of this page. You will begin the day by meeting members of staff at the ISC, and completing your student registration forms. You will be given a detailed arrival handbook and an induction week timetable, letting you know exactly where you should be, and when. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. During the first two days of term we will help you with:

• Registering with local health services
• Opening a bank account
• Activating your student email account
• Registering as a full student with the University including getting your ID and library card
• Registering with the Police
• Completing your accommodation tenancy agreement
• Getting set up and logged onto the university internet network
• Learning about the programme that you have registered for including information relating to progression to the university
• Visa applications
• Meeting other students
• Staff at the ISC will also give you information about joining clubs and societies and where to go for different events on campus. You will also be given a tour of the campus as part of your induction.

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, and where you can receive medicines on prescription.

Opening a bank account

You must open and start using a UK bank account within the first month of arriving in the UK, in order to renew your visa at a later date. 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 £500 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 few weeks 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.

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The cost of being a student

Whilst in the UK, you will need to budget carefully to cover all of your living costs, which include accommodation, clothes, transport, books, food and entertainment.

It is very difficult to estimate how much money you will need over a year as this depends on individual lifestyles and circumstances, although you should budget approximately £50 per term for books.

Remember, you will spend more money at the beginning of the course as you may need to buy one-off items such as kitchen equipment, books that will last for two or more terms, and special equipment for your course. Small charges may also be made by some departments to cover supplementary materials or services. More information about how to budget for your living expenses will be discussed during your first week of term.

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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.

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.

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

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 some of the products that you require. There are shops both on campus and very close to campus, which sell most things you’ll initially need. Before flying, please check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on to the flight, particularly in reference to food products.

Please be aware that tap water in Britain is safe to drink. If you feel wary of this, water filters are readily available at most supermarkets, which you could buy on arrival.

Electricity

Electrical appliances must be correctly wired and be compatible with the British national standard of 240 volts.