Freshers’ Guide 2006 · Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and of course the...

UBU Chinese Society - Freshers’ Guide 2006

University of Bristol Chinese Society

Freshers’ Guide

2006

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Contents

Map of UK 3 Map of Bristol 3 Bristol City 4 University of Bristol 4 University of Bristol Chinese Society 5 Entry Clearance (Visas) 6 Health and Insurance 7 How to Get to Bristol 8 Immigration and Customs Control 9 Banks and Money 10 Communications 11 Transport and Driving 12 Work 13 Climate and Clothing 14 Food and Shopping 15 Leisure 15 Freshers’ Week 16 Things to Bring 16 Key Dates 17

Photo Credits for photos on Page 1

Royal Fort House ©University of Bristol University of Bristol Sign ©Bettina Ding Music students outside Victoria Rooms ©University of Bristol

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© G

oogle Maps

Map of UK

Map of Bristol

Halls in Clifton

Halls in Stoke Bishop

Bristol Airport

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oogle Maps

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Bristol is the biggest city in the South-west of England. It used to be a major port, importing in goods such as cane sugar, tobacco, and cocoa.

Bristol City

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niversityof Bristol

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bristol has achieved many engineering greats, many of them thanks to one man, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was responsible for the Great Western Railway, Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, and Temple Meads Old Station. Modern-day Bristol is known to be a culturally-rich city with strong media and technology sectors.

The university was originated from a college that was founded in 1876, with the name of University College, Bristol. It was the first college in the UK to admit female students.

University of Bristol

In May 1909, King Eward VII signed a charter that gave University College full university status. So, in October 1909, the University of Bristol opened with 288 undergraduates.

Wills Tower

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niversity of Bristol

Through the decades, the University of Bristol has obtained a good reputation for being a top-quality institute with very high-achieving students. Nowadays, the University of Bristol is almost always found in the top ten of UK University league tables.

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The Chinese Society was established in 1969. It’s original aim was to bring Chinese students together for strength and support in an unfamiliar land. Since then, the role of the Chinese Society has expanded to encompass the promotion of Chinese culture and tradition, not only to its members but also, to the Bristol community, particularly the 15,000 members of the University of Bristol, students and staff alike.

University of Bristol Chinese Society

We organise events to celebrate the main festivals of Chinese culture such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. We also believe in easing our members into British culture by bringing them on local tours around Bristol and places like Bath and Wales. ©

Bettina Ding

This year, in addition to the above events, we wish to hold more casual events such trips to the bowling alley, cooking events so that members can get to know each other better. Chinese Society is now the largest International Students’ Association in Bristol with a membership of over 330 students and staff. Our members have come from a diverse variety of countries, such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and of course the United Kingdom. In the latest University of Bristol Union’s “Society Awards”, we won the award for “Best Cultural Society”.

Performers at Chinsoc Fashion Show 2005

University of Bristol Chinese Society Committee 2006-2007 President Bettina Ding Email: [email protected] No.: 077 69706607

Vice president Marcus Perry Email: [email protected] Contact No.: 077 84024666

Treasurer Irene Dai Email: [email protected] No.: 079 17182831

Secretary Phoebe Li Email: [email protected] No.: 077 67720370

Liaison Officer Emma Liu Email: [email protected] No.: 077 22428868

Entertainment Officer Cybele Wong Email: [email protected] Contact No.: 078 00648992

Webmaster/Editor Dave Ng Email: [email protected] Contact No.: 077 27267606

Sports Representative Leslie Luo Email: [email protected] Contact No.: 077 38570838

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mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://by114w.bay114.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_11.00.0005.0103.aspx?culture=&resxtest=&layout=PaneRight&msgid=&to=&subject=&cc=&contactid=##mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


Do I Need to Apply for Entry Clearance? Entry Clearance (Visas)

You can find out if you need to apply for Entry Clearance (often called a visa) by going to www.ukvisas.gov.uk . There, you will be told instantly whether you need to apply and the method of applying once you enter the required information.

When Should I Apply for Entry Clearance? If you are an Unconditional Offer holder, we suggest that you apply three months before you plan to leave for the UK. If you hold a Conditional Offer, then it’s best to apply as soon as you have met your conditions. To apply for entry clearance you’ll need a Letter of Acceptance. You can ask the Admissions Office to send you one. If you hold a Conditional Offer and you need to travel to the UK before you have met the conditions of your offer, you must still apply for entry clearance. You may be given a short-term visa which you must extend once you have met your offer conditions. The cost to extend your visa is £250 by post (process time: up to 13 weeks) or £500 by person (process time: same day).

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Student Visa? Here is a checklist of what you will need:

completed application form VAF1 (non-settlement) your valid passport two recent passport sized colour photographs (45mm x 35mm) entry clearance fee payable in local currency evidence of funding (scholarship award, letter from your sponsor and/or bank statements indicating that you (or you sponsor) can pay for your course fees

confirmation from the University that you have accepted your offer of a place. You can request for this from the Admissions Office (email: [email protected])

relevant diplomas or educational certificates that you already own any other supporting documents relevant to your application (please check with your local UK Embassy)

For more details on the application procedures and costs, go to www.ukvisas.gov.uk . If you have any problems or queries, you can contact the International Students’ Advisory Service (email: [email protected] , phone: 0117 954 5849)

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http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


Health Health and Insurance

The UK’s state health service, the NHS (National Health Service) provides treatment to all UK residents. If you are studying on a course that is longer than 6 months, you can get most of your health care covered by the NHS for free. However, you must register either with the University of Bristol’s Student Health Service or another medical practitioner. Registration with the Student Health Service can be completed during Freshers’ week. It is a good idea to take your vaccination records with you because you will need it to fill in details of immunization shots that you have received when you register with the Student Health Service. More information about the Student Health Service will be given out during Freshers Week. (Or, visit www.bris.ac.uk/depts/StudentHealthService/) The risk of getting Meningitis is high amongst people aged 18-25, so when students register with the Student Health Service, those who have not had a Meningitis Vaccination will be given one free of charge. We suggest that you have a chest X-ray taken in your home country and bring it with you through to immigration. The immigration officers may ask you for a chest X-ray, and if you do not have one to present, they may ask you to have a medical check-up at the airport.

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Harbourside Panorama

Insurance

It is strongly advised to get travel insurance for your journey to Bristol. Make sure that it covers for both accident and luggage. In some halls, it is compulsory to purchase Personal Possessions Insurance. If this is the case, you’ll soon be sent information about it from your residence hall. If Personal Possessions Insurance is not compulsory in your hall of residence, we still strongly recommend that you get it. Theft of personal belongings (e.g. laptops, mobiles) is very common in student halls.

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http://www.bris.ac.uk/depts/StudentHealthService/


There are two ways of getting to Bristol:

How To Get To Bristol

1. Fly to an airport in London, then take the coach or train to Bristol. 2. Fly to Bristol International Aiport with a changover at another European city (e.g.

Amsterdam, Paris). Followed by the Airport coach or taxi to get to your final destination in Bristol.

The table shows the relative strengths of both methods: Fly to London Fly to Bristol

Less flying time Avoids hassle of taking long distance coach/train May be slightly cheaper Shorter queueing time at immigration controls in

Bristol Airport (sometimes no queue whereas for London airports, there can be massive queues during peak season)

Things to take into consideration: 1. When will you arrive?

We suggest that you take a late night flight so that you’ll arrive in the morning. This way, it will be a lot safer for you to travel into Bristol. You may also want to consider the opening hours of the reception at your accommodation (hall of residence, hotel or hostel)

2. Where are you going to stay when you get to Bristol? You may arrive earlier than when the Halls of Residence allow you to move in. So, you will have to arrange accommodation elsewhere in Bristol. Make sure you know where this is.

The train from all the London airports will arrive at Temple Meads Train Station. The coach from both London and Bristol airports will arrive at the Coach Station (Marlborough St.) which is in the City Centre.

So if you fly to London and take the train or coach to Bristol, you may also need to take a taxi from the Bristol train/coach station to your final destination in Bristol.

3. Train or coach from the London Airports? The train is a lot faster than the coach however, it is a lot more expensive. You may need to travel from the aiport to the train station whereas, for coaches, the station is at the aiport. The coach may not be as comfortable as the train.

4. Coach or taxi from Bristol Aiport? A one-way coach ticket from Bristol airport costs £5 (to Bristol Coach Station on Marlborough Street). Taking a taxi from Bristol aiport costs around £20 if you want to travel to Bristol city centre or the Clifton Area. It will cost around £25 if you take a taxi to Stoke Bishop. Bear in mind, taxis will be available 24 hours, however, the airport coaches are not. The frequency of coaches are 20 minutes. To take a taxi from the airport, you’ll need to go to the taxi hire stand.

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Sometimes it may be cheaper to buy plane tickets in the UK. Have a look at websites such as www.cheapflights.co.uk or www.statravel.co.uk before you decide where to buy your tickets. You can book train or coach tickets before you leave your home country by booking online, from the following sites: www.nationalexpress.com www.nationalrail.co.ukwww.railair.com

Immigration Control Immigration and Customs Control

You will need the following when you arrive in the UK: passport with entry clearance (if required) letter from the University of Bristol offering you a place of study letters from your sponsor and/or financial proof (e.g. bank statements)

You may need a chest X-ray. Customs Control

When you go through customs, there will be three channels. They are: Blue Channel: for Travellers from the EU with no goods to declare Green Channel: for Travellers from outside the EU with no goods to declare Red Channel: for Travellers who have goods to declare. Students are allowed to bring articles for personal use (e.g. laptops) without being charged tax or duty. If you are bringing in something that you are unsure of, or is over 400 euros in value, its best to go through the Red Channel.

Physics Building and Royal Fort Garden

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http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/http://www.statravel.co.uk/http://www.nationalexpress.com/http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/http://www.railair.com/


Banks Banks and Money

You can open a UK bank account either in your home country or when you arrive in the UK. Either way, look around for a bank account (be it Student account or Overseas account) that best suits your needs (for example, process for transferring money, does it offer a debit card, chequebook etc.) During August to October, many banks will be offering attractive offers to students, so you might want to open a bank account then. To open a bank account you will need the following: -Passport -Headed and signed Letter of acceptance from your department or Admissions Office, confirming course details and expected living expenses. -Proof of UK and Overseas address (e.g. Letter requested from your hall or residence, letters or bills addressed to you) For some banks, you may need your UCAS acceptance letter and/or financial proof that you have (or your sponsor has) savings in your home country.

Money Make sure you bring enough money that will last you the first few weeks at Bristol. Do not bring it all in cash. The best method is to have it in travellers’ cheques or Bankers’ drafts. When deciding what amount of money to bring, you might want to bear in mind that the first instalment of your accommodation and school fees is often due early in the first term.

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In the Library

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Phone Communications

The cheapest way to make international phone calls is probably using phone cards. All rooms in halls of residence have a phone. Internal calls (including calls from one hall to another) are free of charge. If you wish to make external phone calls, you can top up your “dog ‘n’ bone” card that will be given to you during Freshers’ week.

Mobile There are two types of mobile contracts available: -Pay as you go You buy credit which will be used up as you send messages or call people.

-Pay Monthly Contract You pay a monthly fee for a limited number of free minutes and text messages. The contracts last 6, 12 or 18 months.

Clifton Hill House Garden

© Bettina D

ing

Mobile phones are often given free with a Pay Monthly Contract. You can also choose to use your existing mobile phone. Just make sure your mobile phone is compatible with UK SIM cards. There are many mobile service providers for you to choose from: -Vodaphone -Orange -O2 -T-mobile You can go to their stores directly to sign up for their service. The other option is to go to retail stores such as “The Carphone Warehouse” or “Phones 4U”. These shops offer attractive deals on Mobile Phone + Contract packages. It’s a good idea to browse around on the internet to see which offers are available. When you sign up for a contract, make sure you bring with you:

your passport proof of address proof of student status (e.g. student ID card or letter from Admissions Office)

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Internet All rooms in the University’s student halls are connected to Resnet. Resnet is an ‘always on’ broadband connection. You can sign up to Resnet when you arrive at Bristol. Once you’ve signed up and paid the Resnet fees, you’ll need to follow the step-by-step Resnet Set-up pack (which will be given to each room in University accommodation). Once this is completed, you can start using Resnet! For more details, visit www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk .

Post

To buy stamps, you can visit the main Post Office (situated inside the Co-op Shop) on Queen’s Road, or you could go to the smaller Post offices scattered all over Bristol (e.g. there is one inside Costcutters (formerly known as Baryah’s) in Clifton Village. If you want to send letters (up to 60 grams) to any place in the UK, you have a choice to buy either 1st or 2nd class stamps. 2nd class stamps are cheaper than 1st class stamps however, 2nd class mail takes 2 days to be delivered while 1st class mail is delivered the next day. You can post UK mail from the post office or you can drop the mail into the red post boxes that can be found everywhere. To post mail or parcels overseas, you’ll need to visit the Post Office as the postal charge varies with postage service, weight of the item and destination.

Transport and Driving

Transport Local Bus Services

The local bus service provider for Bristol is the First City Line (http://www.firstgroup.com). This convenient service reaches most areas of student interest (e.g. student halls in Stoke Bishop, Bristol City Centre and main Shopping areas). Student seasonal tickets are available, have a look at the website for more information. The Student Union offers evening bus services between the halls in Stoke Bishop and the City centre (stopping along Clifton and the Students’ Union Building). Check out the following website for the latest fares and timetable information: www.ubu.org.uk/main/services/ububus

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Taxis

There are two types of taxis: -City of Bristol taxis which can be hailed for on the street or at the many taxi stands around Bristol. They have a ‘Taxi’ sign on the roof of the car.

Outside the Students’ Union Building

-Hire taxis which you must book in advance. These don’t have a ‘Taxi’ sign on the roof, but have a small yellow taxi licence plate above the car bumper.

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http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/http://www.firstgroup.com/http://www.ubu.org.uk/main/services/ububushttp://www.firstgroup.com


National Express This is the main coach operator in the UK and has routes that go from Bristol to many cities in the UK. Tickets can easily be booked on the internet, phone or at Marlborough St. Coach Station. Students (aged from 16-26) can purchase a NX2 card (£10 for one year, £25 for three years) which saves you up to 30% of the full-fare ticket price. Also, look out for ‘funfare’ tickets which can be as low as £1; you don’t need an NX2 card to purchase ‘funfare’ tickets. Go to www.nationalexpress.com for more details.

Rail Rail tickets can be bought from www.nationalrail.co.uk . Rail travel is more expensive than coach travel but journey times are shorter by train. People aged between 16-26 and full time students can purchase a Young Persons Railcard (£20 per year) which can give you a discount of up to 30% off. Visit www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk . Driving To drive a car in the UK, you must make sure that you have: -a valid driving licence -a valid insurance cover -a valid UK road tax disc displayed on your car -a car that is registered in the UK (if it will be used in the UK for longer than six months)

International students (excluding those from the EEA- European Economic Area) are restricted on the type of employment and the number of hours worked. If you are a student on a course lasting longer than six months, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during University holidays. Non-EEA International students are not permitted to engage in business, self-employment and the provision of entertainment (e.g. professional athlete or entertainer).

Work

If you wish to find a job, good places to look are: -The University’s Careeers Service (Jobshop) www.bris.ac.uk/cas.

-Local shop windows -Local newspapers -Agencies If you live in catered halls, the kitchen may require some some part-time kitchen assistants. Ask your hall warden or catering manager for details!

Synthetic Materials Building (Chemistry)

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http://www.nationalexpress.com/http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/http://www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk/http://www.bris.ac.uk/cas


Climate Climate and Clothing

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Bristol’s weather is fairly typical of UK weather- wet and very changeable! In winter, it can be quite cold and rainy; the coldest, being around -2˚C. Summers are damp but not too hot (with a maximum temperature of about 25˚C ). Bristol can get quite windy as we are somewhat near the coast.

Clothing Make sure you bring enough warm clothing for the cold winter months in Bristol. We suggest that you have a winter coat that is both water-proof and wind-proof. Gloves and scarves are advisable! All buildings are heated, so indoors, it will be quite warm! Bristol is a very hilly city and since you’ll be doing a lot of walking around, it’s a very good idea to bring comfortable shoes. If you’ll be living in catered halls, your hall will have at least one formal meal. You’ll be required to dress smartly for these formal meals, so guys may want to bring a suit with you while the ladies may want to bring a formal dress.

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Students in a Lecture

There will be a lot of balls or special events held by various halls or societies, so you may want to bring your national costume or a formal suit/gown if you plan on attending any of these events.

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Food Food and Shopping

Are you scared that you’ll miss food from your home country? Don’t worry, because there are a lot restaurants in Bristol serving international cuisine. If you feel like cooking your own food, you can buy your ingredients in the numerous supermarkets and international food shops around Bristol. The Union shop also sells some international food! Shopping Queen’s Road and Park Road which are both very close the University Precinct provide you with supermarkets, a post office, restaurants and many retail stores. Other shopping areas include: -Broadmead (around 20 minutes walk from the University Precint) which offers a whole range of shops and services. You’ll probably find most of what you need in Broadmead. -Clifton Village (15 minutes walk from the University Precinct) has a few relatively smaller sized supermarkets as well as many small retail shops and boutiques. -Cribbs Causeway (you’ll need to take a bus to get there!) is a very large shopping centre which has even more shops (and bigger too!) than Broadmead.

Cinemas Leisure

There are several cinemas scattered around Bristol. The nearest ones to the city centre will probably be ‘The Odeon’ cinema in Bristol and ‘The Watershed’ by the Harbourside. Cribbs Causeway has a large cinema (12 screens) called ‘Vue’. Theatre If theatre suits your tastes, then be on the lookout for great productions from both local, national and international theatre companies. Bristol’s theatres include ‘Bristol Old Vic’, ‘Bristol Hippodrome’ and ‘The Tobacco Factory’ Sports and Exercise Many of the halls will have their own tennis courts or squash courts which residents can use free of charge. The University has a Sports centre which has a gym and various sports courts. The University Swimming Pool is located at the Students’ Union Building. If you plan on using these facilities frequently, its worth purchasing the Sports Pass. Or, if you fancy a jog, why not go to the fields in the Clifton Downs (up near Stoke Bishop). You get fresh air and beautiful views. Moreover, its free!

Backstage at a Student Performance

©Bettina D

ing

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This is a very busy week that gives you the chance to settle in, meet new people and deal with the dreaded official forms and procedures. Here is a suggested list of things to get done during freshers’ week:

Freshers’ Week

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Register with your Faculty at the specified time

Register with your department at the specified time

Request letters for proof of student status (from the Admissions office)and proof of address (from your hall) if you haven’t done so already

Open a bank account Arrange payment of

accommodation/tuition fees Register with the police (only if it says on your visa that required to do so) Register with the National Health Service (Students' Health Service or practice of

your choice) Make photocopies of your passport (main page and visa) and keep them in a safe

place (If required) Hand in your Resnet application form and set up your Resnet

connection (If required) Get a mobile contract

Here’s a list of essential things to bring:

Things to Bring

passport with entry clearance (if required) (Note: check the expiry date of your passport. Sometimes, you are allowed to fly only if your passport has more than 6 months validity.)

letter from the University of Bristol offering you a place of study letters from your sponsor and/or financial proof (e.g. bank statements) relevant diplomas or educational certificates passport photos

When deciding what to take in your luggage, think about how much your airline is allowing you to bring. Airlines charge very heavy overweight penalty fees (for example, if your luggage is overweight by 20kg, they’ll ask you to pay around HK$4000!). If you want to take a lot with you, you could consider sending a few boxes over to Bristol. Otherwise, it might be more convenient if you buy what you need in the UK.

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Term Dates for 2006-2007

Autumn Term 2 October - 15 December Spring Term 12 January - 23 March

Summer Term 23 April - 22 June

University Closure Dates Bank holidays 2006

• Monday 28 August 2006 • Tuesday 29 August 2006 (University main buildings closed)

Christmas 2006 and New Year 2007 • Monday 25 December 2006 (bank holiday) • Tuesday 26 December 2006 (bank holiday) • Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 December 2006 (University main buildings closed) • Monday 1 January 2007 (bank holiday) • Tuesday 2 January 2007 (University main buildings closed)

Easter 2007 • Friday 6 April 2007 (Good Friday) • Monday 9 April (Easter Monday) • Tuesday 10 April (University main buildings closed) •

Bank holidays 2007 • Monday 7 May • Monday 28 May • Monday 27 August • Tuesday 28 August (University main buildings closed)

Key Dates

We hope you have found this guide useful! If you have any questions or problems, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Bestest wishes!

University of Bristol Chinese Society Committee 2006-2007

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Bank holidays 2006 Christmas 2006 and New Year 2007 Easter 2007 Bank holidays 2007

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