INTO TUOM Pre-Departure Guide

Pre-departure guide

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PARTNER:INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION PARTNER:

MANCHESTERIN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

INTOg

Pre-departure guide 2010-2011

Welcome

A very warm welcome to INTO Manchester!

Our INTO centre offers you a wonderful environment in which to learn and prepare for your time at University and we welcome you to your studies with us.

In your first week you will settle into your accommodation, be enrolled on your course and meet your course tutors, along with our Student Services team. You will also meet key contacts from The University of Manchester and be able to visit the campus so you can see where you intend to progress to at the end of your programme.

We’ll be doing everything we can to make you feel at home as quickly as possible. Manchester is a fantastic place to study and live as you’ll find out as you find your way around our lovely city and get to know our staff and other students on your course.

I wish you an enjoyable first week and look forward to meeting you.

Best Wishes

Dawn AbbottCentre Director, INTO Manchester

Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You will want to choose a course at a university which is highly-ranked for both research and teaching, has an international reputation, world-class facilities for learning and one which is able to provide you with excellent job prospects. At the same time, you will want to choose a place which is welcoming and provides an outstanding living environment at an affordable cost.

I firmly believe that The University of Manchester meets and surpasses all of these demands, and is an exciting and excellent choice for your future studies. The University is ambitious, with a history of almost 200 years of leadership in research and teaching.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision and all your future endeavours.

Dr Tim WestlakeDirector of Student Recruitment, Admissions and International Development, The University of Manchester

Start dates

All students should plan to arrive two days prior to your programme start date - please ensure you arrive on time!

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In case of emergency call INTO The University of Manchester on +44 (0) 7907 721 469

Meet the INTO Manchester team

Dawn AbbottCentre Director

Martin EayrsAcademic Director

Sarah Appleton Academic Support Manager

Akeel Akbar Progression Officer

Diarmuid FogartyProgramme Manager -

English

Sandra FraserDirector of Studies EAP

Jerry WarnerDirector of Studies

- Foundation

Emma WilliamsAdmissions and Student

Support Manager

Nicola FrancisAdmissions Team Leader

Sophie AndrewsFinance Officer

Chris WalmsleyMarketing and

Communications Coordinator

Naomi BurkeAccommodation and

Welfare Manager

Contents

Welcome 2

Meet the INTO Manchester team 3

Before you leave 4

Before you arrive in the UK 5

Arrival at the airport 6

Arriving at INTO Manchester 7

Airport collection form 8

Money 10

Orientation programme 11

Registering for your course 12

Making the most of your first week 14

Social programme 15

Health and safety 16

Key contacts, useful numbers

and websites 17

Maps 18


Before you leave

Checklist – before you leave home

Please make sure you have completed everything on this checklist before you leave home.

1. Have you paid full fees for your tuition, accommodation and insurance (if applicable)?

2. Do you require an INTO airport taxi transfer? If so, please complete the Airport Transfer Booking Credit Card form.

3. Have you booked your accommodation?

4. Have you organised cash and pound sterling traveller’s cheques to bring with you?

5. Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months?

6. Have you applied for and received your visa?

7. Have you packed all relevant original documentation or certified copies including your: • INTOOfferLetter • INTOCASstatement–ifrequired • IELTScertificateororiginalEnglishLanguagetestresult • Any other original documents/transcripts listed in your INTO Visa Letter, for example your

high school certificate or home university certificates. You will need these to FULLY register and enroll on your course, and to make a visa extension in the UK

• Passport • Bankstatements(forthelastthreemonthsandstampedbythebank)asevidenceofsufficient

funds to show the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in the UK.

8. Have you got your documents for medical registration? • ImmunisationHistoryBook • UKForeignCommonwealthOfficeVisaTuberculosisScreeningCertificate(ifyouhaveone)

9. Have you put the emergency telephone numbers into your mobile phone (to be put into your hand luggage)?

10. Do you know your airline’s luggage allowance and have you packed accordingly?

11. Do you have: • Photographsfromhome? • Waterproofcoatandshoes? • Addressandphonenumbersoffriendsandfamily? • AdaptorforUKelectricitysockets?

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Before you arrive in the UK

Applying for a UK student visa Most international students from outside the European Union

who wish to take a full-time course in the UK must apply for a

visa prior to leaving their home country.

You can check your status on the following website:

www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals

If you are a visa national you can apply for a Student

Visitor Visa for courses of six months or less; a General

Student Visa (Tier 4) for English language courses at or above

B2 on the CEFR; or a General Student Visa (Tier 4) for

courses at Level 3 on the National Qualifications framework

(NQF) at an institution which is deemed to be, or is on, the

Register of Highly Trusted Sponsors.

How will the Points Based System (PBS) affect my entry clearance/student visa application?If you are a visa national and you apply for a General Student

Visa you will need a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for

Studies’(CAS), which is an electronic number, that

we will provide for you.

Applying for your General Student Visa (TIER 4) to come to the UKWhen you apply for a General Student Visa (Tier 4)

you must include a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies

(CAS) number.

• We will send your CAS details when you confirm your

unconditional offer of a place to study and pay your

deposit/full fees.

• Your CAS will not be sent more than six months before

the start of your course.

• The CAS number will be included in a letter called a ‘CAS

Statement’. This will also include important information

needed for your visa application.

• You can only apply for your visa three months or less

before the start of your course.

• The start date is published on your CAS Statement. If you

plan to arrive on a different date you must let us know.

This is very important as we must inform the UK Border

Agency (UKBA) if you do not arrive on time.

• When your visa is issued it will include your CAS number

as supplied on the CAS Statement.

• If you change your mind and want to study at another

institution, you have to tell us before you come to the

UK so we can cancel your CAS with UKBA, and

you can re-apply for your visa with a CAS from a

different sponsor.

Changes to your student registration statusWe must tell the UK Border Agency about any students who

have an entry clearance visa issued under PBS rules who fail

to arrive for the start of a course, withdraw from a course,

defer or suspend their studies, or fail to attend for significant

periods of time.

Further information about the points based system can

be found at the following websites. We advise that you check

these websites regularly for up to date information.

UK Border Agency:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

British Embassy/High Commission:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply

UKCISA (Council for International Student Affairs):

http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/student/pbs_students.php

Meeting immigration staff at the airportWhen you arrive at a UK airport, you should be prepared to

answer some questions about yourself, including where you

will be staying and what you intend to do during your time

in the UK.

You may be asked to undergo a brief, routine health

check by the airport doctor, which might include an X-ray.

The health check will take place in a separate room.

Afterwards, you will need to return to Immigration Control.

Please note that if you have already studied in the UK and are changing your education provider, you will need to apply for a visa for your new course at INTO Manchester. This could take up to 40 days. It is a criminal offence to change educational providers before you have received your new visa from the Home Office. INTO Manchester will not be able to register you on the course unless you have a valid visa, and will ask you to leave.

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INTO Manchester can organise your transport from Manchester International Airport to your accommodation. When you receive your accommodation details we will instruct you to go to the PCS taxi desk to meet your driver. If you have not requested accommodation from INTO Manchester we can still arrange your transfer. Please complete the attached Airport Transfer Booking form and return it to INTO.

Airport Transfer £30The fee is payable to INTO Manchester and will be added to your invoice. If you do not wish to book an INTO Manchester Airport Taxi transfer, the following information will help you make your own way to Manchester.

Getting from Manchester International Airport:

By TaxiIf you have not booked your taxi through INTO Manchester then you should only use the airport approved black taxi service signposted at the airport, or go to the Desk “PCS Airport Transfers”.

By Bus The bus transport link through Manchester is excellent. The trip from the Airport to the city centre or Piccadilly Bus Station takes about 40 minutes and you can take buses 43 or 105 from outside the airport.

By Train There is a train station attached to Manchester Airport and after leaving the arrivals hall you can just follow the sign for the train station, purchase your ticket from a machine or the ticket office and then board your train. There is a train to the city centre approximately every 20 minutes and the journey takes around 20 minutes to Manchester Piccadilly.

Arrival at the airport, how to reach the Centre

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Arriving in London

If your flight takes you to London we advise that you get a transfer to Manchester International Airport. This means that your luggage will go all the way to Manchester without you having to worry about it and often the transfer costs little more than the train or coach fare from London to Manchester. It is also possible to travel from London to Manchester by train. This takes around 2 hours.Please note: INTO Manchester does not organise transfers from London to Manchester. INTO Manchester is situated in the City Centre (see map)

3rd Floor Bridgewater House58/60 Whitworth StManchesterM1 6LT Tel: +44 (0)161 279 7272

Please note: the office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

You should come to the centre on the first working day after your arrival at 9am to commence your enrolment.

If you arrive on Come to INTO Centre

Monday Tuesday 9am

Tuesday Wednesday 9am

Wednesday Thursday 9am

Thursday Friday 9am

Friday Monday 9am

Saturday Monday 9am

Sunday Monday 9am

The INTO Centre is a 5 minute walk from our residential accommodation and you will find a map and directions in your room. If you are in homestay accommodation then your host family will be able to direct you and, if possible, accompany you on your first day.

Arriving at INTO Manchester

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Airport collection form

✁

Arrivals details form

All students MUST complete this arrivals details form and return one week before your course start date by email to [email protected] or fax to +44 (0)1273 328595 / +44 (0)1273 329746

Section 1Personal details

Family name (surname)

Other/given names (first name)

Email address

Mobile phone number

INTO number (please refer to offer letter)

Section 2Arrival details into the UK and confirmation of accommodation

Country flight departs from

Date of arrival Time of arrival (am/pm)

UK airport Terminal

Flight number Name of airline

Arrival date in Manchester Arrival time in Manchester

Any special requirements

Please make sure that you book a flight which arrives on the weekend before your course start date. If on

arrival you require a taxi to meet you and will be staying in a hotel or other accommodation not arranged by

INTO then please provide the address

Section 3Airport transfer booking

Please tick one of the following boxes to show whether you would like a taxi to meet you at your UK arrival airport

and take you to your accommodation

£30.00 Manchester Airport I do not require an airport transfer

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✁

Section 4If you will be under 18 on arrival and do not require INTO to meet you at the airport and arrange a transfer

then the following section must be completed

Name of person meeting the student:

Address of person meeting the student:

Mobile telephone number:

Name of parent:

Signature of parent:

Date:

Credit card formPayments over £50 by credit card are subject to a 2% surcharge and debit cards to a £1 surcharge. This will

be taken from the card in addition to the amount stated in section 3 of this form.

CREDIT CARD DETAILS

To enable fees to be debited from your credit card, please complete the details below.

VISA CREDIT MASTERCARD DEBIT

If DEBIT, please specify type:

Please note, the University will only accept transactions using the following cards: Mastercard, Visa, Solo, Maestro,

Electron or Visa debit.

Credit/debit card number

Card start date —— /—— (mm/yy) Card expiry date —— /—— (mm/yy)

Issue number

Security code

This is the last three digits of the code found on the back of your card.

Cardholder name

Billing address

Please return this form by email to [email protected]

or fax to +44 (0)1273 328595 / +44 (0)1273 329746

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Money

Currency

Currency across the UK is the pound sterling (£GBP). One pound is divided into one hundred pence (100p). Notes are issued to the value of £50, £20, £10, and £5 and coins to the value of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. Please note that £50 notes are very uncommon and should be avoided as they can often be the target of counterfeiters. We do not advise carrying large sums of cash with you on arrival.

We recommend that you bring enough money with you to cover the first couple of weeks after your arrival – no more than £250 in cash for your immediate needs should suffice. It is safer to bring large sums of money in travellers’ cheques, which can be cashed in banks, post offices and airports but be aware that there is often a minimum commission charge. Please avoid carrying large sums of cash or keeping large amounts in your room for safety reasons. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the UK, MasterCard (Access) and Visa credit cards being the most common. Diners Club and American Express are less so. You can withdraw cash from a cashpoint machine (also known as an ‘ATM’) if you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that card. You may want to inform your current bank that you are going to the UK and to ask if you can use your card here.

Bank accounts

If you are going to be here for longer than six months, we strongly recommended you open a UK bank account, as soon as possible, after arriving in the UK.

UK banks are open 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturday mornings. If you bring a banker’s draft in sterling with you (payable to yourself) or arrange for it to be sent, then you can open an account at a bank after you have registered on your course. It may also be useful to bring a letter from your bank at home (or some other documentation) to confirm your credit status. We will provide you with further information and support on opening accounts during your induction week. In order to open a bank account you will need the following:• Your passport• Proof you are a student – we will issue you with an

official bank letter after registration• Proof of address.

For further advice on opening bank accounts in the UK, you can visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/bank_account.php

Living costs

It is estimated that a single student will need approximately £650 - £750 a month to meet their basic living expenses. This is just an indication and will alter depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. It is important to plan and budget your finances for living in the UK; it’s not just your course fees you need to think about. If you want help with planning and budgeting your finances, the following international student website may be useful: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international/ index.asp

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Induction programme

At the start of your course you will receive a full induction (providing you arrive the weekend before the start date of the course). This will vary in length according to which course you will be studying and it is a great opportunity to meet staff and students and find out more about the University and the local area. You should attend all sessions. The induction programme will usually include:• Welcome talks• Information sessions with INTO Student Services • A test!• Social activities • A city orientation tour of Manchester• A campus tour.

The following is an example time table for the

September and January orientation programme.

Orientation programme

MONDAY TUeSDAY WeDNeSDAY THUrSDAY FrIDAY

MORNINg 9.00NEWArrIVALrEgISTrATION

9.00-11.30 ENgLISHLEVELTEST

9.00 NEWArrIVALrEgISTrATION

9.00-11.00 ENgLISHLEVELTEST

9.00 - 12.30 NEWArrIVALrEgISTrATION

10.00-12.30WELCOMEANDMEETTHEDIrECTOrS

10.00-12.30 WELCOMEANDMEETTHEDIrECTOrS

10.00-12.30 POLICErEgISTrATION

9.30-11.30 COUrSEINTRODUCTION

LUNCH

AFTErNOON 14.00-16.00 CITyCENTrETOUr

12.00-12.30UNDEr18’s WITH NAOMIBUrKE

14.00-16.00CITyCENTrETOUr

12.00-12.30UNDEr18’s WITH NAOMIBUrKE

13.00 NEWArrIVALENgLISHLEVELTEST

14.00-16.00 QUESTIONSANDANSWErSESSION

14.00-16.00 QUESTIONSANDANSWErSESSION

15.00NEWArrIVALPLACEMENTS

15.00-17.00POLICErEgISTrATION

*TIMETABLESTOBEISSUEDTHEFOLLOWINgWEEK


13.00-15.00COUrSEINTRODUCTION


15.00-16.00 THEUNIVErSITyOFMANCHESTErWELCOMETALK

EVENINg 17.30-20.30BOWLINg

16.30-19.30 INTErNATIONALSOCIETy(35MAx–SIgNUPESSENTIAL)

Students starting programmes not in September and January will enjoy a shorter orientation programme

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You must come to the INTO Manchester centre to register for your course at 9am on the first working day after your arrival.

You will be met at the reception desk by either a student ambassador, or a member or the Student Services team at Bridgewater House who will direct you the registration area where you will meet members of the INTO team.

On your first day you will meet with the team, have an induction to INTO Manchester and in the afternoon there will be a tour around the City of Manchester.

Things you need to bring with you on your first day which may also be needed during the rest of your first week:• CAS Statement• Passport and Visa and Identity card• Fees (if not already paid)• IELTS certificate• Your address in Manchester• An emergency contact name and number• Patience, an umbrella and a smile

(all invaluable in Manchester).

Once you have registered then you will have a welcome talk by Student Services in which we will explain everything you need to know about life in the UK and how best to get along in your first few weeks with us. The timetable for the rest of the week will also be explained.

The next stage of your registration is your English verification test. You will have already provided evidence of your English language qualifications and we will give you an online test so that we can verify the qualifications which you have already provided. You will go on to meet your course tutors and receive your timetables.

Once you are fully registered on your course, you will be able to collect your student ID card at a specified time, which you must wear at all times whilst in the centre. This will also give you access to the computers and internet in the computer suites.

You will then be able to take part in the information talks and social activities provided during your orientation week.

Registering for your course

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‘The teachers are very friendly and enthusiastic and are always

willing to help the students. The student services team are always

there to answer questions. Neil took me to Manchester Stadium,

and Naomi can help with accommodation.’

Lu Minh Hien Vietnam

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On arrival we will provide you with a FREE SIM card to use in the UK which also has one free international call on it, so you can call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. This will give you cheap rates to phone internationally and will be much cheaper than your current SIM card or any other UK network providers.

Alternatively, you can always download Skype, a free computer programme that allows you to use your computer like a phone and place international calls for free to other Skype users. Depending on your computer, web cameras are also supported.

Please remember that when you arrive in the UK you will have travelled a long way from home and although for most of you this will be an exciting time please do remember that your family and friends may worry about you. PLEASE contact them and let them know that you are safe!

Other things to remember:• Attend ALL your classes and tutorials. • Always be on time!• Be prepared for your classes!• Care for others’ feelings and cultures.• Feel free to ask questions whenever you need to.• Join social events and sports clubs. There are lots

to choose from so ask the INTO staff.• Keep your accommodation clean and tidy.• Overcome problems by sharing them with your

friends, teachers and INTO staff.• Practise English as much as you can and in as

many places as you can.• Your academic progress and your behaviour will

always be monitored.

Making the most of your first week

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INTO Manchester is working hard to develop our social programme. One of our regular features is football, not only between students but also involving teachers! We hold trips to local places of interest along with treasure hunts and welcome parties.

As well as our own social programme we have also developed close links with the International Society, who run trips further afield to historical places of interest, conservation parks and the theatre.

Please keep yourself up to date by looking at the notice-boards on each floor of the centre.

We are keen to help you develop your social network and have included a range of social activities in the Orientation programme – please do sign up for these as this will be essential to your introduction to INTO Manchester and the people that will be studying with you throughout your time here. You can also form close links and receive vital information through signing up to the INTO Manchester facebook group.

www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester/INTO-Manchester/138987709293

Social programme

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Personal

Your good health is vital to your studies – make sure you look after yourself! You will be given information about registering with a doctor upon your arrival and please make sure you do this. We will also give you information about dentists, walk-in centres and how to look after yourself in general. You will also receive advice about staying safe in Manchester and how best to do this and what to do in the event of an emergency.

In centre

Health and safety in centre is everyone’s responsibility. If you do see anything that you think is a concern to you or your classmates then please report it to the reception desk and we will make sure it is attended to or dealt with immediately.

Health and safety

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IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Please make sure that you put these numbers in your phone:

INTO Manchester+44 (0)161 279 7272

INTO Emergency Number +44 (0)7907 721 469(out of office hours)

Manchester Taxi FirmsPCS Airport Transfers+44 (0)845 223 2000Radio Cars+44 (0)161 236 8033

Short term budget accommodation +44 (0)161 236 9500 www.hattersgroup.comHatters Hostel

City Centre Hotels close to INTO Manchesterwww.ibishotel.comIbis Hotel, Portland Street

www.princessonportland.co.ukPrincess on Portland, Portland Street

www.palace-hotel-manchester.co.ukThe Palace Hotel, Oxford Road

Useful Contacts+44 (0)20 79671200www.iasuk.orgImmigration Advisory Service (IAS) for free advice.

[email protected] book accommodation.

www.intolearningcentre.co.uk Letter requests.

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students UKBA website.

www.britishcouncil.orgwww.educationuk.org All information regarding studying in the UK and excellent advice on Budgeting.

+44 (0)8712 710711www.manchesterairport.co.ukManchester Airport

+44 (0) 161 856 3320Nationality Department Greater Manchester PoliceBootle StreetManchester

www.nhs.ukTo register with a doctor.

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/information_sheets.php UKCISA advice for all International Students.

Key contacts, useful numbers and websites

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Maps

GREAT DUCIE ST

ROCHDALE R

OAD

A62 OLDHAM ROA

D

ASHTON OLD ROAD

A6 STOCKPORT ROAD

A5

10

3 PR

INCESS R

OA

D

A34 UPPER BROOK STREET

HYDE ROAD A57

M602

A57 MAN C UNIAN WAY

GREAT ANCOATS ST

A665

A6

042 T

RINITY WAY

A665

BRIDGEWAT ER WAY

A56

A57 REGENT ROAD

A 6 C HAPEL ST

MANCHESTERCITY CENTRE

TOMANCHESTERAIRPORT

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN

UNIVERSITY

CCM

INTO CENTRE

ALEXANDRAPARK

PEELPARK

MANCHESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY

PICCADILLYRAIL STATION

VICTORIARAIL STATION

ARNDALE SHOPPING

CENTRE BUSSTATION

WHITWORTHPARK

MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL GROUND

MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL GROUND

1km

Miras Arystandek, Kazakhstan

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The environment at INTO Manchester is good for international students.

The teachers are friendly and helpful and the student support is very

good, there’s always someone to answer your question. I chose to

study at The University of Manchester because it is very highly ranked

and I like living in Manchester.

Miras Arystandek Kazakhstan

INTO Manchester

Bridgewater House

58/60 Whitworth Street

Manchester, M1 6LT

United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)161 279 7272

F: +44 (0)161 234 0900

E: [email protected]

www.intohigher.com/manchester

© INTO Manchester Ltd, June 2010. All content published in this document is believed accurate at time of publication. INTO reserves the right to alter details of all aspects of its operation without notice.

INTO University Partnerships Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, registered number 05507863. Registered office: 102 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EZ

Education provider sponsor number 6FY6FQBV1

INTO TUOM Pre-Departure Guide

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