Pre Arrival Pack Final

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Pre Arrival Information

Academic Year 2011-2012

Table of ContentsStarting Your Journey 3

What to Bring with You for your stay 4

Airport Arrival /Accommodations 5

Things to Know 6

Starting at BIC 8

Directions for International Students 9

Direction to walk from the Luton Train Station 10

Britannic International CollegePre Arrival Information

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Britannic International College

Starting Your Journey

Obtaining Entry ClearanceOverseas students from visa national countries will require a visa to study in the UK. You may need to apply for a visa under Point Based System from UK Border Agency before travelling to the UK. The list of countries whose nationals will require a visa prior to travelling is available on the UK visas website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk.Even if you do not require a visa to come to the UK, if you plan to come to the UK for more than six months you must obtain ‘entry clearance’ from your nearest British Embassy or High Commission before travelling to the UK, unless:

� You are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland

� You are a British National (Overseas), or another type of British national who does not have the right of abode in the UK, even if you want to come for more than 6 months.

Conditions of entry to the UK Under tIER-4 OF Point based system as a studentYou must meet certain conditions in order to enter the UK as a student, and you will need to provide documentation to support your application for a visa or entry clearance. The conditions of entry to the UK as a student are:

� You must have ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ from the college on a fulltime course of study.

� The course must be full-time, and at least 15 hours of organised study per week

� You must have the ability and intention to follow the course

� You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies

� You do not intend to take employment unless authorised by the UKBA to do so

� You must have enough money to pay for your fees and maintenance (and that of any dependant spouses or children) without working and recourse to public funds

� For further details could be obtained from http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

� www.ukcisa.org.uk/You may need the following documents to obtain the entry:

� A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ CAS Letter from the institution you will be studying at confirming that you have been accepted and giving the full course details, duration, entry qualifications required and cost of fees as well as living.

� Evidence of funding: bank statements (minimum last three months), letter from sponsor or employer confirming their funding

� Details of a house, partner and children (if applicable) that you intend to return to upon completion of the course

� Certificates for any qualifications you have which are relevant to the course.

� The above information is for your reference , For latest and detailed information please log on to http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

� www.ukcisa.org.uk/

Can I bring my family with me to the UK?Yes, but only your spouse/civil partner and your children. Your children must be under the age of 18 when they first enter the UK, and you must show evidence of enough funding to support yourself and your dependant family whilst studying in the UK.

Attendance RequirementsOverseas fulltime students are expected to be enrolled on a course at a recognised institution and regularly attending. UKBA could REVOKE your visa or refuse to extend your visa if you have had poor attendance (less than 85%) or if there has been any period of more than four months when you were not attending a course. For more information Please refer to above mention Border and Immigration Website.Please logon to http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/ for the latest updatesLearning & Skills Academy has a very strict Attendance policy, Any student who has been absent for 10 session without the authorisation will be reported to UKBA, which subsequently result into being expelled from college and from United Kingdom.

Extension Of Permission To Stay In The UkStudent visas come under the limited leave category of the, which means it has End Date, It is important that you check the Expiry date of the visa. If you need to extend your permission in order to continue your studies, you must apply by completing form FLR(S) ‘Further Leave to Remain as a Student’, for further information please LOG on to www.oisc.gov.uk and http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ . http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

Student Handbook

Immigration ControlImmigration, Customs and Passport Control

ImmigrationAt the Port of Entry with a visa or entry certificate you will still have to pass through UK immigration control on arrival in the UK. If an Immigration Officer believes you no longer meet the criteria to enter the UK or that any of the information you gave was false, she/he could refuse your entry.When you arrive in the UK you will need to satisfy the Immigration Officer at the port of entry by providing your official documents to be able to enter the UK legally. Make sure you have:

� Your valid passport, complete with your visa � A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ CAS Letter. � Evidence of financial support � Details of accommodation in the UK (such as a tenancy agreement OR college letter)

� Evidence of a recent medical examination (if required - check with your embassy)

Packing Check ListThe below mentioned lists, although not exhaustive, have been compiled to help you to remember some of the important things you will need to bring with you for your pleasant stay.

Hand Luggage � Valid passport � Entry visa/entry certificate � Original documents supporting your application to BIC , including transcripts of grades

� A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’ CAS Letter � Letter confirming your accommodation and the contact details of the person who will pick you from the airport

� Travel tickets � Personal identification (eg driver’s licence, birth certificate, etc)

� All your previous academic achievements as well as reference letters from your previous employers

� Travel sickness medication (if necessary) � Any prescribed medication, in original packaging along with its original prescription.

� Some British currency (approx. £50-100 cash in British sterling,)

CustomsYou will then be required to pass through the Customs area of the airport. You are only allowed to bring a certain amount of goods into the UK tax-free. In addition, some goods are completely prohibited. You can check with your local British Embassy or High Commission if you are unsure what you are allowed to bring. At the airport, you will have to choose between the Green: Nothing to Declare and Red: Goods to Declare exits. For British high commission across the globe please visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/

Travelers’ Cheques and cashIt is strongly recommended to carry a travels cheque that can be cashed at any British Airports very conveniently. For further details please check http://www.thomascook.com/money/ for further information.We strongly suggest student to carry some cash in pound sterling before they start the journey, which will be needed on the airport to buy food, phone calls or to pay for the transport. For more information please visit http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/arriving_in_uk.php

What to Bring with You for your stay � International Driving Licence from your country of origin (if applicable).

Suitcase � Address books � Alarm clock � Night wear � Lightweight robe or dressing gown � Contact lenses and/or glasses along with a spare set of glasses & current optical prescription

� A pair of slippers � At least one pair of comfortable walking shoes � Appropriate wear for rainy days � At least one outfit to wear to special social/cultural events

� For winter, a warm coat, jumpers/sweaters, gloves, boots, a scarf and a hat are a necessity

� For summer, bring trousers and jeans along with comfortable shirts

� Long-sleeved shirts with sweaters and sweatshirts to stay warm

� Toiletries

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Arranging/Booking your Accommodation in the UK:Before you start your travel to UK please make sure you have arranged your accommodation in the UK during your course of study or at least for the first few months.BIC has a dedicated student welfare officer who will look after the student welfare such as accommodation, airport pickup, advising on how to live in London, please contact the welfare officer on [email protected] to book your short/long term stay at the following accommodations.

� Youth Hostels (http://www.ish.org.uk/) � Private Renting (www.findaproperty.com ) � Home stay with a British Family (www.hosts-international.com)

For accommodation to be arranged by the college, students must inform the college about their needs at least four weeks before accommodation is required, by email on [email protected], along with one month’s rent deposit. Approximate cost per week is as follows: (Subject to Availability)

� Shared room & shared facilities £50 � Single room with shared facilities £80 � One bedroom flat £120 � Other expenses approximately £30 - £40

Student requiring accommodation services will need to deposit one month’s equivalent rent to the college and when arrives has to pay one month’s rent in advance. Deposit is refundable, when the student leaves the accommodation. Once the accommodation is booked you will receive a confirmation letter from BIC .Don’t forget to contact our student Welfare Officer [email protected]

Arranging /Booking your Airport PickupAs part of our student welfare policy we will provide Airport Pickup service from airports which are in London. Please note, to book college pickup service from the airports around London, email us on [email protected] at least a week in advance, you will be needed to pay the pickup fee of £50 whilst making the request.We have a pickup service from the London airports only, students arriving at other then the London airports are advised to arrange their pickup to their accommodations. For Airport guide please browse www.baa.com .Those students who would like to be collected from the airport must inform the College of the following at least one week before the arrival date:

� Airline and the Flight Number � Arrival Airport and the Date of Arrival

Airport Arrival /Accommodations

Airport Arrival InstructionsOnce you arrive at the airport from the aircraft to the terminal building you will be sign posted to Passport/Immigration Control. You will be directed to the “Other nationalities” queue.Once you are through Passport Control you will then be able to retrieve your luggage from the luggage carousal before moving through customs. As a traveller, you will be entitled to purchase an amount of duty free goods to bring into the UK for personal use. Check with the British Embassy or High Commission before you leave on your entitlement. You may also need to declare the value of any goods, such as electronic goods, that you may bring from home to use during your studies. Even if you have nothing to declare, you may still be asked to open your luggage to allow for a thorough search to take place.Once you are through the Customs hall, at last, you should find yourself in the Arrivals hall. At this point you may be tired from the flight. Make sure that you are vigilant over your luggage to prevent theft.

Arriving at your pre booked accommodationyourself in the arrival Hall, Please approach the driver and confirm your identity by showing the college letter.Obtaining Your Transport to your Accommodation:If you wish to find your way to your accommodation, we recommend those who will be arriving for the first time to the UK to use the Black Cabs or Licensed taxis instead only. These taxis are very common throughout the airport and easy to find. You need to proceed from the Arrivals Hall out of the building –following signs for Exit and Taxis. Once outside take a moment to check where the Taxi Queue. Make sure you know which queue has the London Black Cabs waiting. Do not get in any other type of cab! They have a tendency to overcharge and not use a direct route to the destinations. Once you have located your black cab – show the driver the address –with the address and instructions for getting to

Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to arrange the accommodation and arrange the pickups, college doesn’t take any responsibility in that regard, however as part of our commitment to overseas students we provide accommodation, pickup and other welfare services, upon the request of the students.

Student Handbook

Things to Know

CurrencyBritish currency is known as Pound Sterling made up of 100 pence to the pound. The coins are:

� 1 penny (1p) � 2 pence (2p) � 5 pence (5p) � 10 pence (10p) � 20 pence (20p) � 50 pence (50p) � 100pence (£1.00)

Paper Notes are arranged as five, ten, twenty, fifty notes. The sign for the pound sterling is £.

TransportPublic TransportLondon Underground commonly known as tube offers extensive coverage of both central and outer London. The tube is often the quickest way to travel in London. Bus services are normally good in outer London areas, but in central London they can get caught in traffic jams during the day. Night buses run throughout the night, after the tube has stopped running. Over- ground trains offer a number of suburban and cross London services that may be more useful. For further information log on to the following website www.tfl.gov.uk.Full time students are entitled to get 30% on their weekly travel pass, for more information please contact our welfare officer at the college directly or via email at [email protected]

ClimateThe British climate can seem very harsh to some students who come from a warm climate, and the dampness in winter can make it seem even colder. In winter the temperature can go down to about 0 – 5 degrees during the day sometimes lower at night), so make sure you have warm clothes, which will protect you in all types of weather. Average daytime temperatures for London:

� Summer: 21C � Autumn 14C � Winter 8C � Spring 13C

More information on British weather can be found on the following website:www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Culture & PeopleHaving a long and rich history, the British enjoy much tradition and custom. The British are known for their dry, often ironic sense of humour that allows them to be self-critical. At first

you may have difficulty understanding this humour, but it should be known that just because the British are critical of themselves, the same freedom does not necessarily apply to others.The British also have a reputation for being reserved, shy, distant or cold. However if you can demonstrate knowledge of British history and society and can talk about it, you will be richly rewarded.The British dress much like other Europeans: casual for everyday wear, a suit for business meetings and interviews, very formal for important events such as funerals, weddings.The Church of England is the official church of the country with the Sovereign as its head. This dates back to medieval Britain and the People are generally tolerant of other religions and society is generally secular and religion is considered a private matter.

HolidaysMajor holidays (entitled bank holidays in the UK as the entire banks close) include New Year’s Day (1st January), Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, May Day (1st May), Christmas Day (25th December) and Boxing Day (26th December). There are also two other Bank Holidays, one at the end of May (Spring Bank Holiday) and one in August. Virtually all services close down for Christmas Day including restaurants, shops and transport.

Eating & Drinking in London and in LutonLondon has a wide variety of shops and restaurants catering to all tastes. There are numerous specialty grocery stores in the city where students can buy familiar products from their home country. Local supermarkets all stock a wide range of cuisine. Large supermarkets will usually be far more cost effective for your shopping needs.Fish and chips, chicken and chips is a dish that can be found almost anywhere (although it is best enjoyed at the coast) and is around £5.If you are in self catering accommodation and unused to cooking for yourself you may find yourself relying on “fast” or “takeaway” food instead of your usual diet. Try to find a supplier of familiar food, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.For more information on eating in London please log on to http://www.thelondonrestaurantreview.co.uk/

Shopping in London and in LutonLondon is considered to be the world’s best shopping location and no visit to London is complete without a trip to the shops. Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am – 5.30 pm. Many stores now also open on Sundays.

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Supermarkets usually stay open until around 11.00 pm at night. Don’t forget the markets of London. They are cheap and interesting places to visit, and they sell a huge variety of goods.Luton is one of the best places to shop. The Mall Luton is the Bedfordshire’s premier shopping centre with a wide range of popular high street names such as Debenhams, Topshop, Next,TKMax, Boots, Marks and Spencer, River Island and lots more unique independent stores. There is also a market in Luton, which is a wonderful place for bargain hunting. Last but not least, is the Bury Park, where you can find ethnic food shops and restaurants, clothing, craft stores and many more.

TelephonesTelephone calls can be made through Public Payphones, which could be found near all public places. The best and often cheapest mode of communication is though your Personal mobiles. The UK has a number of phone providers and it is advisable to shop around to see by yourself what services best suit you. If you are dialing overseas explore the option of using a Phone Card, as these can be cheaper than using mobiles or a private telephone.

Cost Estimates for Living in LutonYou will need to budget for your basic expenses. Your particular lifestyle will determine the amount you will need and the following estimates do not account for luxuries such as running a car or specific social engagements.However It is estimated that in Luton you could need up to £600-£700 per month to live on. This will cover where you live, your food, clothes, travel and basic needs. For further information about the cost please visit UKCISA for information in detail http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/living_costs.php

Accommodation in a self-catering hall £350-£550 per month

Living in a hostel, lodgings or a bedsit £380-£500 per month

Living in a shared flat or house with other students

£260-£450 per month

Gas and Electric bills (if not included) £30-£50 per month

In addition to these basic costs don’t forget to budget for food, travel, telephone, laundry, clothing and entertainment. The following figures will give you a very rough guide to how much you might spend.

Item Weekly Monthly

Travel £15 £65

Telephone £5 £25

Entertainment £20 £85

Laundry £4 £17

Food £25 £108

Total £69 £300

The London Student Housing Guide offers advice and guidance. It can be obtained in paper form on campus or can be downloaded from www.studylondon.ac.ukThe London Conference on Overseas Students (www.lcos.org.uk) gives details of hostels for students in addition to publishing an annual A-Z Guide for International Students in London. Further advice can also be found on www.nusonline.co.uk

Health CareInternational students in the UK are entitled to free healthcare on the National Health Service (NHS), provided you are studying for a course over six months in length. You should register with a local doctor as soon as possible after your arrival. Listings of doctors and dentists in the UK are available at www.nhs.uk. If you plan on bringing your spouse and/or children, they will also qualify for free healthcare. There is however a small charge for prescriptions, currently £6.85. If you require further assistance on this regard please contact the student welfare officer via [email protected]

Student Handbook

Starting at BIC

BIC receptionIf you need help, assistance or guidance in any matters, speak to the BIC Reception staff. They are happy to assist you with any queries and to answer your questions.

Services & Facilities at BICApart from academic facilities, BIC provides student welfare services for the newly arrived students to adjust to the needs such as opening an account, finding places of worship and general guidance. Please refer to BIC prospectus for more details. Prospectus copy can be downloaded from www.thebic.net

Induction Programme & EnrolmentAll new students must attend the induction programme as it not only helps you to settle in and meet other students, but also includes enrolment procedure and timetable.On the Day:

� You will be given course information and student handbook

� Register and enroll into your classes by paying the remaining fee

� Discuss your payment plan � Information on how to Purchase textbooks � Information on how to open a bank account � Obtain your Student ID Card � Meet new friends before commencing study and be introduced to your course coordinator and tutor

� Ensure that you bring your passport and all your previous academic achievements with you on induction day

What happens if you miss induction programme?If you are unable to arrive on time for Study Program or before the commencement of the semester, you must notify BIC and seek permission for a late arrival.

Class timesYou will receive your timetable during Induction Program, which will indicate the days and timing of your classes. At BIC, classes are conducted Between Mondays- Fridays from 9.00am-6.00pm (Breaks are given to the students throughout these classes.) Students are required to maintain above 80% attendance in all scheduled classes. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the college and subsequently from UK.

Computer AccessEnrolled BIC students will be allowed to access to the BIC computer laboratory Which are connected to Internet. Students are prohibited to browse indecent web site whilst in the BIC Computer Lab.

How to reach usLearning & Skills AcademyBritannic House18-20 Dunstable RoadLuton, BedfordshireLU1 1DYGeneral Enquiries 01582730441 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thebic.net Britannic International College is based at Dunstable Road Luton, which is served with superb road, rail and air links. It is at the hub of national and international travel networks, situated just 30 miles north of London.

Direction by Road.Luton is accessed directly from the M1 at Junction 10. The A1 is connected via the A505 and A602.From M1 (London Luton Airport exit), exit at Junction 10 and follow signs for Luton town centre and locate Stuart Street near by Luton Magistrate Court.

By Rail � From London to Luton

First Capital Connect trains for Luton and Bedford leave from St Pancras International every 15 - 20 minutes. You should take a northbound train. Get off at Luton (not at Luton Airport Parkway). The train terminates in Bedford.

� From Luton to LondonFirst Capital Connect services connect Luton with Bedford (23 min), London (34 min to St Pancras International; Farringdon; Barbican; Moorgate; City Thames link; Blackfriars; and 50 min to London Bridge), East Croydon (64 min), Gatwick Airport (80 min) and Brighton (2 h) for the South Coast.Luton is also served by East Midlands Trains services from Sheffield and London St Pancras

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Directions for International Students who are coming from Overseas.

St Pancras International Station (London)If you are coming from Europe via Eurostar, you arrive at St Pancras International Station.The three London railway stations St Pancras International, St Pancras and Kings Cross are located very close to each other. They form a ‘hub’ where many London Underground ‘tube’ services and many national and international (Eurostar) train services stop or terminate. Trains for Luton and Bedford depart from St Pancras International.

To Luton - from London St Pancras International by First Capital Connect trainFirst Capital Connect trains for Luton and Bedford leave from St Pancras International every 15 - 20 minutes. You should take a Northbound train. Get off at Luton (not at Luton Airport Parkway). The train terminates in Bedford.

Getting to Luton from UK airports1. From London Heathrow Airport by TrainAt Heathrow the London Underground train station (Piccadilly Line) is located directly under the central bus station for terminals 1, 2 and 3, and is clearly signposted from all Terminals. Terminals 4 and 5 have their own, separate station.Underground services are available from around 05:30 to 23:30.Take the London Underground train, Piccadilly Line, from Heathrow to London. Change at King’s Cross St Pancras station onto the First Capital Connect train to Luton. Get off at Luton (not at Luton Airport Parkway).

2. From London Heathrow Airport by bus/coachTake the National Express public coach service direct to Luton – this coach leaves from the Central Bus Station for Terminals 1,2 and 3, and from directly outside the terminal building for Terminals 4 and 5.You can buy a ticket (cost around 20 GBP) at the National Express ticket office in the Central Bus Station or directly from the driver. This is a high frequency service – there is a bus to Luton every hour 7 days a week from 06:00 to 23:00. For further detals please check http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/Airport/London-Heathrow-Airport.aspx

4. From London Gatwick Airport by bus/coachTake the National Express public coach service direct to Luton. For Details log on to http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/Airport/London-Gatwick-Airport.aspx

5. From Stansted Airport by trainTake a train to Tottenham Hale, London; then take the Underground to Kings Cross. First Capital Connect trains for Luton leave from St Pancras International station every 15 - 20 minutes. You should take a Northbound train. Get off at Luton (not at Luton Airport Parkway).

7. From London Luton Airport by taxi or busTake a taxi or the regular airport bus to Luton Town Centre. The journey takes about 10 minutes. A taxi costs around 5 - 6 GBP.

Student Handbook

From the train station ticket office cross over the walkway towards Luton town centre, go down the steps and turn right at the bottom, the Hat Factory should be on your right, follow the road down the hill. Cross over the road at the crossing, the Job Centre should be in front of you and continue towards The Mall shopping centre. Cross over the bus route and enter the shopping centre, go up the escalator and take a left at the top. Walk through the shopping centre and come outside into the Hi Street and follow directions towards the Upper George Street. Keep walking towards the Upper George Street, at the end of upper George Street turn left into Stuart street, and pass two building on your Left you can find Temple Chambers.

Direction to walk from the Luton Train Station


Britannic House18-20 Dunstable RoadLuton, Bedfordshire

LU1 1DYUnited Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 15 8273 0441E: [email protected]

Skype: thebicuk

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Pre Arrival Pack Final

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