pre-arrival advice bradford

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Pre-arrival advice forinternational students



WELCOME TO BRADFORD COLLEGEINTERNATONAL CENTRE

Welcome to Bradford College International Centre’s

Pre-arrival advice for international students.This booklet is aimed at giving international students as

much information as possible before arrival to prepare you

for coming to live and study in the UK.

You should find this a directory of the practical advice you will

need regarding everything from visas and money matters to

arriving in Bradford.

Many of the sections are followed by links – this is because the

information is always being updated and we recommend you check

the relevant site for the most up-to-date information available.

HOW TO usE THIs GuIDE

This booklet contains plenty of useful information for international

students. It would be useful to read through the whole guide for an

overview of everything you need to know about coming to study

at Bradford College.

However, if you’re looking for something in particular, you can use

either the contents page or refer to the index at the end, which is

in alphabetical order.

Bradford College International Centre



3Contents 3

Pre-arrival advice for international students

1 VIsAs AND

IMMIGRATION pROCEDuREs........................................................ 4

1.1 British immigration procedures -non-EEA students ................... . 6

1.2 Arrangements before travelling ................. ..................... .................... . 6

1.3 Visa nationals ................... .................... .................... .................... ............... 6

1.4 Visa and PBS/Tier 4 information ................... .................... .................. 7

1.5 Fingerprint visas ..................... .................... .................... .................... ........ 8

1.6 Arrangements on arrival in the UK ................... .................... .............. 8

1.7 Students with entry clearance............................ .................... .............. 8

1.8 Public funds .................... .................... .................... ..................... ................. 8

1.9 Police registration .................. .................... ..................... .................... ....... 8

2 LIVING, sTuDyING AND

WORkING IN BRADFORD .................. .................... .................... .... 10

2.1 Accommodation .................... ..................... .................... .................... .... 12

2.2 Council tax ................... .................... ..................... .................... ................. 12

2.3 UK bank accounts .................. .................... .................... ..................... ... 13

2.4 Employment in the UK ................... .................... ..................... ............. 14

2.5 Cars .................... .................... ..................... .................... .................... .......... 14

2.6 Public transport .................... .................... .................... ..................... ...... 15

2.7 Personal possessions insurance .................... .................... ................ 15

2.8 Time-keeping and queuing ................. ..................... .................... ...... 15

3 TRAVELLING TO AND

ARRIVING IN BRADFORD................... .................... .................... ... 16

3.1 Arrival .................... .................... .................... ..................... .................... ...... 18

3.2 Immigration .................... .................... .................... .................... ............. 18

3.3 Baggage .................. .................... .................... .................... ..................... .. 18

3.4 Customs ................... .................... .................... ..................... .................... .. 18

3.5 Travelling from Heathrow or Gatwick to Bradford .................. .. 18

3.6 Travelling from Manchester to Bradford .................... ................... 19

3.7 Leeds Bradford International Airport .................... .................... ..... 19

3.8 Meet and Greet .................. .................... .................... .................... ......... 20

3.9 Discount cards ................... .................... .................... .................... .......... 20

3.10 Travelling safely .................... .................... ..................... .................... ...... 20

4 MONEy MATTERs ............................................................................... 22

4.1 The cost of living and studying in Bradford .................... ............ 24

4.2 Living costs in the UK .................... .................... .................... ................ 24

4.3 The basics .................. ..................... .................... .................... ................... 24

4.4 Student discounts .................... ..................... .................... .................... .. 25

4.5 Equipment .................. .................... .................... ..................... .................. 25

4.6 Sources of funding in the UK ................... .................... ..................... . 25

4.7 Changing currency ................... .................... .................... ..................... . 25

4.8 Tuition fees ..................... .................... .................... .................... ............... 25

4.9 Pre-payment of tuition fees .................. .................... ..................... .... 25

5 THE FIRsT FEW DAys................... ..................... .................... ........... 28

5.1 Register with a doctor .................... ..................... .................... .............. 30

5.2 Opening a bank account .................. .................... .................... ........... 30

5.3 Students with disabilities......................... .................... .................... .... 30

5.4 Personal information ................... .................... ..................... ................. 30

5.5 British Summer Time ................... ..................... .................... ................. 30

5.6 Culture shock .................. .................... .................... ..................... ............. 31

5.7 Items you may need in the UK .................... .................... ................. 31

5.8 Hand luggage ................... ..................... .................... .................... .......... 32

5.9 Shipping freight and air cargo .................. .................... .................... 32

5.10 Telephones ................... .................... .................... ..................... ................ 32

Useful contacts .................. .................... .................... ..................... ......... 33

Index .................. .................... .................... ..................... .................... ......... 34



VIsA ANDIMMIGRATION

pROCEDuREs




55


1In this chapter:

1.1 British immigration procedures- non-EU/EEA students

1.2 Arrangements before travelling

1.3 Visa nationals

1.4 Visa and PBS/Tier 4 information

1.5 Fingerprint visas

1.6 Arrangements on arrival in the UK

1.7 Students with entry clearance

1.8 Public funds

1.9 Police registration



1.1 BRITIsH IMMIGRATION pROCEDuREs

– NON-Eu/EEA sTuDENTs

If you are not a British citizen, or a citizen of one of the

European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland, you

may need entry clearance before you travel to the UK.

People from certain countries, known as visa nationals, need

entry clearance to enter the UK for any reason.

The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:

•• the purpose of your travel/visit

•• how long you can stay in the UK•• the latest date that you can enter the UK

1.2 ARRANGEMENTs BEFORE TRAVELLING

Entr clearance means permission to enter the UK, which is

obtained before travelling.

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) do not have

to apply for entry clearance; however it may be useful in

some circumstances to apply for a residence permit. Swiss

nationals are also exempt. The countries of the EEA are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,

Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.

1.3 VIsA NATIONALs

Visa nationals are those who require a visa for every entry

into the UK. You are a visa national if you hold a passport

issued by one of the countries in the following list and you

MusT apply for entry clearance into the UK. Withot the

entr clearance o will not be allowed into the uk.

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

AngolaArmenia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Belarus

Benin

Bhutan

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Burundi

CambodiaCameroon

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

China, People's Rep.of

Colombia

Comoros

Congo, Democratic

Republic of

Congo, Republic of

Cuba

Cyprus, northern part of

Djibouti

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Fiji

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

GuineaGuinea Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

India

Indonesia

Iran

IraqIvory Coast

Jamaica

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Korea (Dem.

People's Rep)

Kosovo

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Lebanon

Liberia

Libya

Macedonia

Madagascar

Malawi

Mali

Mauritania

Moldova

Mongolia

Montenegro

Morocco

Mozambique

Nepal

Niger

Nigeria

Oman

Pakistan

Peru

Palestinian Authority

Philippines

Qatar

Russia

Rwanda

Sao Tome & Principe

Saudi ArabiaSenegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Visa and Immigration Procedures



7

WARNING – Countries can be added to this list, so if your

country is not there and is not in the EEA, please either check

at your nearest British diplomatic post, or if you have access

to the internet, use the form on the UK Border Agency’s

website at www.via.gov. (click on ‘Do I need

a visa?’).

1.4 VIsA AND pBs/TIER 4 INFORMATION

The British Government has a points-based immigration

system (PBS), and students applying to come to study in the

UK need to demonstrate that they meet the PBS criteria to

secure a visa.

As information on this new system is being updated all

the time, please follow these links for the most up-to-date

information available:

UK Border Agency information about studying in the UK

www.ba.homeoffice.gov./tdinginthe/

UKCISA information about PBS, immigration and visas

www.cia.org./tdent/immigration.h

UK Border Agency Quick Guide for Students

www.ba.homeoffice.gov./tdinginthe/

qicgidefortdent/

COsT

The cost of the visa will depend on the type of visa you apply

for, and there may be extra charges for dependants.

Up-to-date information about visa fees can be found at

the following page:

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/viafee/

HOW TO AppLy

In order to apply for entry clearance into the UK, you will

need to complete an application form (see links below), and

meet the total number of points needed in order to enter the

country (total of 40 points). As an adult student, you must

have 30 points for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for

Studies), which comes from the College (provided you are

studying a course at an acceptable level), and you must also

have 10 points for maintenance (having enough money in

your bank account). Bradford College requires you to pay a

deposit to receive your CAS, and this is an essential part ofthe visa application process. The amount of money needed

must cover your course fees for your first year of study and

living costs for up to a maximum of nine months. You must

have held the money in your account for 28 days when you

make the application. Living costs are currently classed as

£5,400 per year for Bradford.

Information on how to apply can be found by following

the link below:

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/

Application forms

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/vaf/

Apply for a visa online

www.via.gov./en/alonline/

Guidance for visa applicants

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/inf/

Guide to visa processing times

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/roceingtime/

HEALTH IssuEs

When you apply for entry clearance, or when you first

arrive in the UK, you may be asked to undergo a medical

examination. Firstly, to check that you are not sufferingfrom any communicable diseases (this would usually involve

an X-ray for infectious pulmonary tuberculosis - TB), and

secondly, to check that there are no other medical problems

which might interfere with your ability to study.

Applications for a UK visa from nationals of some countries

will not be considered without a TB Certificate. Testing has

begun in the following countries: Bangladesh, Ghana (which

also takes applications from Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire,

Togo and Niger), Kenya (which also take applications from

residents of Eritrea and Somalia), Pakistan, Sudan, Tanzania,

and Thailand (which also takes applications from Cambodia

and Laos).

For more information about the TB screening,

please click the link below:

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/tbcreening/

Somalia

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Surinam

Syria

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

Togo

TunisiaTurkey

Turkmenistan

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Uzbekistan

Vatican City (service &

emergency passports only)

Vietnam

Yemen

Zambia

Zimbabwe



1.8 puBLIC FuNDs

These are state benefits paid to some UK residents. Under

Immigration Rules, you must be able to support yourself and

dependants without claiming certain benefits, in order to

travel to the UK.

Claiming Public Funds whilst studying in the UK under a

student visa would break the conditions of this visa, and

breaking this rule may mean that your next application for a

visa would be refused. You would also have to leave the UK

and be unable to continue your studies.

1.9 pOLICE REGIsTRATION

If you come from a country outside of the EEA, you may be

required to register with the police within even days of your

arrival. This should be made clear in your passport. If you

are travelling with a spouse or dependants, don’t forget to

check all of the passports.

List of countries currently required to register:

If your country is not on this list, you should not be

required to register.

In order to register, you will need:

•• your passport and visa identity card

•• a passport-size photograph

•• registration fee in cah (currently £34)

•• confirmation of your status in the UK(a letter from Bradford College)

You will be required to visit a police station with an

immigration section – the nearest one to Bradford College

is in Leeds.

1.5 FINGERpRINT VIsAs

Applicants for entry clearance into the UK are now required

to provide biometric data as part of the visa application

process. This will involve taking a digital photograph of you

and scanning all of your fingerprints.

For more information on this process, please follow

the link below:

www.via.gov./en/howtoal/biometricvia/

1.6 ARRANGEMENTs ON ARRIVAL IN THE uk

On arrival, you will be checked through Immigration Control.

Immigration Officers have the right to interview you to make

sure you comply with the immigration rules.

1.7 sTuDENTs WITH ENTRy CLEARANCE

You will not usually be refused entry into the UK if you have

already gained entry clearance (visa). However, you may

be required to produce your entry documents and answer

questions about yourself. It is important that you carry the

relevant documents with you upon entry into the UK – youalso need to have your offer letter with you in your hand

luggage when going through Customs, as you may need to

show it to immigration.

Should entry be refused, you will be given a written notice

of the reasons for the refusal. You will be able to appeal

against the refusal and would be able to remain in the UK

whilst you are waiting for your appeal to be heard.

Afghanistan

AlgeriaArgentina

ArmeniaAzerbaijan

Bahrain

BelarusBolivia

BrazilChina

ColombiaCuba

Egypt

GeorgiaIran

Iraq

IsraelJordanKazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Kuwait

LebanonLibya

MoldovaMorocco

North KoreaOman

Palestine

PeruQatar

RussiaSaudi Arabia

SudanSyria

Tajikistan

TunisiaTurkey

TurkmenistanUAE

UkraineUzbekistan

Yemen

Visa and Immigration Procedures



9

West Yorkshire Police

Millgarth Police Station

Millgarth Street

Leeds

LS2 7HX

UK

Tel: +44 (0)113 2414199

It is open Monday to Thursday (not Friday), 9am - 1pm and

2.15pm - 4pm, last visit 3.30pm for registration. If you go

earlier in the day, it is more likely that you will be able to pickup your documents in the same day; otherwise you will need

to go back the next day to collect them.

It will save time at the police station if you complete the

form before you go. Please follow the link below for

this form:

www.wetorhire.olice./file/doc/

overeatdentalicationform.df

Upon registering, the police will provide you with a form

that will record your personal details: full name; sex; marital

status; date and country of birth; nationality; address in UK;

last residence outside UK; date, place and mode of arrival inUK; passport details; details of spouse and children; place of

study; employment details (if applicable); duration of leave

and any conditions.

An changes in any of this information (for example, if

you move house or have a child whilst in the UK) mt be

reported to the police, and you must also inform them when

you leave the UK (this part can be done by telephone).

If you lose your certificate and require another one, you will

have to make the £34 payment again. Failure to register

is taken very seriously and is considered a criminal offence.

Further leave to remain will not be granted if you have been

instructed to register with the police and haven’t done so.

More information can be found below:

www.wetorhire.olice./?page=293|Overea+

stdent+Alication+Form



LIVING,sTuDyING AND

WORkING INBRADFORD




1111


2In this chapter:

2.1 Accommodation

2.2 Council tax

2.3 UK bank accounts

2.4 Employment in the UK

2.5 Cars

2.6 Public transport

2.7 Personal possessions insurance

2.8 Time-keeping and queuing



Living, Studying and Working in Bradford

2.1 ACCOMMODATION

There is a large variety of accommodation for students

and making arrangements is easy. Our Accommodation

Services can provide you with all the advice and guidance

you need to make the right decision for your circumstances.

Accommodation Services is run by a national charity

called UNIPOL.

The College has two types of accommodation:

•• Halls of residence

•• Home-stay accommodation

There is also a wide choice of privately rented flats, houses

and bedsits available in Bradford. Please note, for most

types of accommodation, you will need to bring or purchase

bedding and towels, and sometimes kitchen equipment such

as plates, cups, cutlery and pans. It is best to check when

you are booking.

HALLs OF REsIDENCE

Accommodation Services can offer two types of rooms

within Halls of Residence - a standard room (with a shared

bathroom), or ensuite accommodation. Both options require

you to sign a 42-week contract and you must put down adeposit. Please contact Accommodation Services for

further information.

HOME-sTAy ACCOMMODATION

This involves you living in a house owner’s own home, as a

lodger or as part of their family. The College has a small list

of people who are willing to accommodate students

this way.

This type of accommodation gives students from overseas

the opportunity to experience family life in the UK.

Students under 18 years old must reside in this type of

accommodation, although it is also highly recommended for

students who may not have lived away from home before.

For more information about Halls of Residence and

accommodation at Bradford College, please visit:

www.bradfordcollege.ac./tdent_life/

accommodation

Alternatively, you can call Accommodation Services for more

details on +44 (0)1274 436400.

pRIVATELy RENTED

Please note, the College can provide general advice and

information, but we cannot arrange rooms for you in, nor be

held responsible for, privately rented accommodation. We

can only arrange accommodation in Halls of Residence

or Home-stay.

Privately rented refers to houses and flats owned by private

individuals or letting agencies, which are rented out to

students. Many privately rented houses are advertised

locally or on the College website:

www.bradfordcollege.ac./tdent_life/

accommodation/rivate-accommodation

Students can also share a house or flat with other students.

Usually, each will have their own study bedroom and share

a kitchen, toilet, bathroom and living room with the other

students. Good quality houses will normally have gas central

heating. Students living in this type of accommodation will

usually share the responsibility for cleaning the property

and the payment of the utility bills. Most privately rented

student accommodation is within walking distance of, or a

short bus ride away from, the College.

The quality and price of private accommodation varies

widely. The contracts most owners or agents will ask you to

sign will commit you to paying rent for a full academic year

including vacations. For this reason, it is very important to be

cautious and think carefully before renting privately. You will

also very likely be expected to pay a bond, which can be one

or two months’ rent up-front. You should receive this back at

the end of your tenancy, providing the property is left in the

same condition as it was when you arrived.

If you decide to proceed with renting privately, it will

probably take you a few days to find a house and finalise

a contract, so you will need to arrange for somewhere to

stay for the first few days, such as Bed and Breakfast (B&B)

accommodation. You can do this by contacting Bradford

Tourist Information Centre.

Bradford Tourist Information CentreCity Hall

Bradford

BD1 1HY

UK

Tel: +44 (0)1274 433678

Fax: +44 (0)1274 739067

www.viitbradford.com/accommodation/

2.2 COuNCIL TAx

This is local taxation collected by local authorities. If you are

a full-time student on a long course and live in a property

with onl other students, you should be exempt from

paying council tax. If one or more eron shares your



13

accommodation who is not a full-time student, you will be

required to pay council tax (although this may be reduced).

Please note, your course needs to be at leat one academic

year for you to be exempt.

Please complete the form below (follow the link to the PDF

file), and then come into the International Centre to have

the form stamped to show that you are a current student.

www.bradford.gov./NR/rdonlre/B7C22D3C-D923-

493E-A8BB-C113554CE9D6/0/diregardtdentform.

df

2.3 uk BANk ACCOuNTs

It is strongly advised that you open a bank account before

you leave your home country if at all possible. Banks such

as HSBC have branches in most countries of the world, and

if you are already a customer, your local branch can send a

Letter of Introduction to the UK ready for your arrival.

HSBC can offer international students HsBC paort or

Offhore Baning, which enable students to have debit

card facilities, 24-hour Telephone Banking and a wide range

of Internet Banking services, including sending international

payments. Accounts are available in a wide number of

currencies. For more information about HSBC Passport

or Offshore Banking prior to your arrival, you can view

the websites at:

www.hbc.co. (Clic on Crrent Accont,

then HsBC paort)

www.offhore.HsBC.com

You could also visit your local HSBC branch. Alternatively,

you can contact Bradford College’s local branch, where the

staff will be delighted to assist you further. Details can be

found at the end of this section.

There are a number of different banks in Bradford, each

offering a slightly different service to international students.

To open a bank account in the UK, you may require a

Letter of Introduction from the College, addressed to the

bank of your choice. This letter is produced for you by the

International Centre; please contact us if necessary at

registration with the name of the bank you have chosen.

Most banks will offer international students a current

account, which includes a cash withdrawal card. It is unlikely

that they will offer you an overdraft facility or credit card

facilities. You could also open a savings account, which

earns more interest than a current account. This will beuseful if you receive large amounts of money from home

which you want to save. Some banks require you to sign

up to banking with them for a certain amount of time – for

example, the HSBC Passport requires you to sign up for 12

months and pay a £6 monthly subscription fee, and some

require a minimum deposit (from as little as £1). NatWest’s

Advantage Blue International Student Account currently

has a £6.95 monthly subscription charge, but does include

mobile phone insurance, 25% off tickets for gigs/shows, a

16-25 railcard, international student ID card (ISIC), Orange

call abroad SIM card, gadget cover, 24/7 emergency cash

and mobile text alerts.

To open an account, you will need to present identification

– normally your passport – along with proof of your address

and a letter from the College confirming your acceptance

on a programme of study. You may also need confirmation

of your funding arrangements and a Letter of Introduction

from your bank at home. It is advisable to open your

account at the University branch of your chosen bank, as

they each have a student advisor.

You may not be able to open a bank account immediately

on your arrival in the UK. However, you should avoid carrying

large amounts of cash. Try to use Traveller’s Cheques

instead. Please note that many shops will not accept £50

notes due to the number of forged £50 notes in circulation.

Do, of course, bring some cash to cover the expenses

for the first few days, such as travel, food and temporary

accommodation if appropriate.

If you have difficulty opening a bank account, please

contact the International Centre.



Living, Studying and Working in Bradford

sTuDENT BRANCHEs OF BANks IN BRADFORD

Please note, this list is not exhaustive and does not

constitute a recommendation.

HsBC

4 Mannville Terrace

Bradford

West Yorkshire

BD7 1BA

Tel: +44 (0)8457 404 404

Fax: +44 (0)8455 877 887

Open Monday - Friday (except bank holidays),

9.30am – 3.30pm (GMT).

www.hbc.co.

www.offhore.HsBC.com

Llod TsB

45 Great Horton Road

Bradford

West Yorkshire

BD7 1AZ

Tel: +44 (0)845 3000 000

Fax: +44 (0)845 0701190Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday only

(except bank holidays), 9.30am – 3.30pm (GMT).

www.llodtb.com

www.llodtb-offhore.com/ww

NatWet

University of Bradford

GB – 1st Floor

Great Horton Road

BD7 1DS

Tel: +44 (0)845 305 2273

Open Monday to Friday (except bank holidays), 9.00am –4.30pm (except Wednesdays – opening is at 9.30am GMT).

www.natwet.com

www.natwetinternational.com/

2.4 EMpLOyMENT IN THE uk

Since June 1999, the UK laws governing the employment of

overseas students have been relaxed. However, it is often

difficult to find work and it is also forbidden for an overseas

student to be reliant on the income from a job to support

them in the UK.

Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) are

subject to different regulations than those from outside the

EEA. EEA students may take employment or set up business

in the UK without restriction, although they will still need to

have sufficient resources to avoid becoming a burden on the

UK social assistance system.

Non-EEA students who are on Foundation Degree level

courses or above may work for a maximum of twent

hor er wee during term-time. Students on courses

lower than Foundation Degree level may work for a

maximum of ten hor er wee during term-time.

They may not set up a business or work as a professional

entertainer or sportsperson, or fill a permanent vacancy.

There are no restrictions on the number of hours worked

during vacations. Please visit www.ba.homeoffice.gov.

for more information.

Non-EEA tdent with viitor via are NOT ermitted

to wor nder an circmtance.

2.5 CARs

If you would like your own vehicle, apart from the cost of

purchasing a car, it is legally necessary for you to have the

following:

•• a valid driving licence. If you hold a community licence,

you may drive as long as your licence is valid, or until

age 70. If you don't hold a licence, you must have been

studying here for at least 6 months prior to taking a

driving test or applying for a full licence. You can drive

using a valid non-community licence or international

driving permit from your home country for up to 12

months after you arrive in the UK. If you hold a

community licence, you can drive as long as your licence

is valid.

•• vehicle ta, which can cost anything up to £220 a year

(depending on the age, CO2 emissions and type of fuelyour vehicle uses);

•• inrance. Your age, gender, driving record, age and

type of car, and post code, amongst other factors, will be

taken into account and therefore it is impossible

to provide an average figure. There are thousands of

companies offering car insurance in the UK, and it may

be best to use a price comparison website to ensure the

best price;

•• Minitr of Tranort (MOT) certificate – this is

required only if your car is over 3 years old, and this is

renewable every year. Depending on the type of vehicle,

it usually costs £54 just for the annual certificate (thisdoes not include work or parts if your car requires fixing).



15

Unleaded petrol currently costs approximately £1.02 per

litre. Parking in the College car parks (except in Halls of

Residence where you are an occupant) is not permitted to

students, unless you have a disabled parking permit.

It is unwise to bring cars into the city centre. The public

transport system in Bradford is very good and the College

is situated close to the bus station and both of the city’s

railway stations, so it is much easier and cheaper to travel

locally without a car.

For more information about driving in the UK on a foreign

licence, please visit:

www.direct.gov./en/Motoring/DriverLicening/

DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence

2.6 puBLIC TRANspORT

Buses and trains are very good, and it is possible to buy a

StudentPlus MetroCard, offering travel at a reduced rate. It

is available to anyone under the age of 22, or over 22 if you

are in full-time education (16 hours or more per week). It

currently costs £17 per week, or £62.50 per month, and isworth investing in if you use public transport a lot. For more

information about public transport in West Yorkshire,

please visit:

www.wmetro.com/

www.wmetro.com/TicetAndpae/yongpeole/

stdentplMetroCard.htm

2.7 pERsONAL pOssEssIONs INsuRANCE

It is highly advisable that you organise insurance for your

possessions, particularly if you have or are bringing a PC

or laptop to the UK with you. You will need to be insured

against theft as well as accidental damage.

The cost of insurance can be quite high, so it is worth looking

around before signing a policy. Insurance comparison

websites are now quite common in the UK, and you can

shop around before you leave home. Bradford College

recommends Endsleigh Insurance, who specialise in student

contents insurance.

2.8 TIME-kEEpING AND QuEuING

If you make an appointment with someone in the UK, it is

very important that you keep to this time - ideally arriving

5 or 10 minutes early if possible. You will also be expected to

arrive at classes on time. Being late is frowned upon, and if

you arrive later than the arranged time, you should apologise

for being late.

Queues are common in Britain. People form a line whilst

waiting for a service, for example in a shop or at a cash

machine. It is seen as being very rude in the UK if you "push"

in front of people already waiting. You should join the back

of the line and wait for your turn.



TRAVELLING TOAND ARRIVING

IN BRADFORD




1717


3In this chapter:

3.1 Arrival

3.2 Immigration

3.3 Baggage

3.4 Customs

3.5 Travelling from Heathrow or Gatwick to Bradford

3.6 Travelling from Manchester to Bradford

3.7 Leeds Bradford International Airport

3.8 Discount cards

3.9 Travelling safely



Travelling and Arriving in Bradford

3.1 ARRIVAL

Once you have accepted a place to study at Bradford

College, you will need to make your final arrangements for

travelling to the UK.

If you travel to Britain by air, you may arrive at any

UK airport, including London's International Airports,

Manchester Airport or Leeds Bradford International Airport

(this is the closest). You can also fly to Schiphol Airport in

Amsterdam from many airports worldwide, and then from

here it is possible to transfer directly to Leeds Bradford

International Airport.

3.2 IMMIGRATION

Once you are in the airport, the first thing you will have to do

is to show an Immigration Officer your passport and entry

clearance document or visa identity card where necessary.

You should also have your letter from Bradford College in

your hand luggage. Before leaving Immigration Control,

check that the Immigration Officer has put a date stamp in

your passport. After passing through passport control, you

will be able to collect your baggage.

3.3 BAGGAGE

The baggage areas can be very confusing. Your luggage will

come through on a carousel designated for your flight. A

sign displaying your flight number and place of departure

will indicate which carousel has your luggage on it. When

you have all of your luggage (which may appear one item

at a time), you can then move onto Customs. If any of your

items do not appear on the carousel, find a representative

for the airline you travelled with and complete a lostbaggage form.

3.4 CusTOMs

You will either have to go through the green passage

(meaning you have nothing to declare), or the red passage

(which means you do have goods to declare).

If you are carrying more than the permitted duty or tax-free

allowances, or any prohibited goods (e.g. drugs, offensive

weapons, food or plants from outside the EU), you mt

pass through the red passage. Even if you go through thegreen passage, the customs officer may ask to open your

luggage. If you are travelling to the UK from a country

outside of the EU and are carrying €10,000 or more (approx.

£8,500) or equivalent in other currencies) in cash, bankers

draft or cheque, you must declare this at Customs. They will

provide a form for you to make your declaration and you

will be given a copy. Keep this safe. Please note, if you do

not make a declaration where necessary or if you provide

incomplete or incorrect information, a penalty of £5,000

can be imposed.

There are some restrictions on what you can bring to the UK.

Visit the HM Customs & Excise’s “Information for travellers”

website to find out more:

www.hmrc.gov. (Clic on Imort & Eort on the right

hand ide)

Once you have passed through Customs, you may continue

your journey to Bradford.

3.5 TRAVELLING FROM HEATHROW OR GATWICk

TO BRADFORD

B Coach

National Express operates a direct coach service between

Heathrow/Gatwick Airport to Leeds, and then to Bradford.

Visit www.nationalere.com and select Airport

Transfers.

The journey time is around 7 ½ hours from Gatwick to

Bradford, and 6 ½ hours from Heathrow. Coach tickets from

both airports to Bradford currently cost around £40, or less if

you can buy them in advance, and the vehicles are normally

equipped with toilet facilities. If you plan to travel by coach

to Bradford, ask your travel agent in your home country if

they can book you a seat. This may save you time and effort

after your arrival in the UK. Alternatively, you can book

online using the web address above and print out your ticket.

From Heathrow to king’ Cro tationThe best way to travel from Heathrow to King’s Cross station

is by Underground (the Tube). The journey takes about one

hour and will cost around £4. Before you buy your ticket,

look at one of the large Underground maps to make sure

you know where you’re going.

The Underground consists of many different routes. Each

route (line) is shown in a different colour on the map and

has a different name. Heathrow is on the Piccadilly Line,

which is dark blue. You may find that you have to change

lines during your journey. This may be difficult with a lot of

luggage, as not all Tube stations have lifts, although most

do have escalators. The Tube can become crowded at “rushhour” when people are travelling to and from work. This is

Monday to Friday, approximately 7-9am and 4.30-6.30pm.

You can buy your ticket from a ticket machine or from the



19

ticket office. Sometimes you have to pass through an

automated gate. Don’t forget to keep hold of your ticket

as you will need it to exit the station when you finish your

journey. For more information about travelling around

London, please visit the Transport for London website:

www.tfl.gov./gettingarond/1106.a

From Gatwic to central London

You can take a train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria railway

station in central London. From there it is a short walk to

Victoria Coach Station if you would like to take the coach.

If you need to travel to King’s Cross station, you can catch

a train from Gatwick Thameslink to King’s Cross Thameslink,

which is five minutes walk from the mainline King’s

Cross station.

Train is the quickest way of travelling from London to

Bradford. You will have the choice of first class or standard

class. First class is around 50% more expensive; most people

travel by standard class. There are several discounted fares

for standard class travel; they can be found much cheaper if

you book in advance. It is also advisable to book in advance

to ensure that you get a seat on long journeys, especially if

you plan to travel from London to Bradford on a Friday.

See www.nationalrail.co. for more information and

bookings.

It is possible to take a taxi from the airport to central London.

Ask for the total cost before getting in the taxi.

B Air

You could fly to Leeds Bradford International Airport from

Heathrow, Gatwick or Amsterdam. However, this will be

more expensive than taking the coach or train and the

flights aren’t direct. The cost of an internal cheap single

ticket is around £110 if bought well in advance, and it’s a

little bit more if it’s a flight from Amsterdam.

It would be best to book your connecting flight through

your travel agent when you book the flight from your own

country, as your luggage will then be directly transferred to

the flight to Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Another thing to consider is the weight allowance for your

baggage, as it may be less on an internal flight than the

flight over from your home country. Companies now have

very high charges if you go over the weight allowance.

Tranit accommodation in London

Again, try to arrange this before you leave your home

country. International Students House in London can

accommodate students on short or long term stays:

www.ih.org.

If you arrive in London without accommodation, you can

also ask at the London Tourist Board office at Victoria

Railway Station or at Heathrow Airport:

www.viitlondon.com

Do not accet hel from accommodation agentworing in the concore of airort or tation.

3.6 TRAVELLING FROM MANCHEsTER TO BRADFORD

Coach

National Express operates a direct link from both terminals

at Manchester Airport to Leeds and Bradford.

Rail

Terminal 1 arrivals should look for signs to the Skylink Moving

Walkways. These will take you to The Station, the airport’s

integrated rail hub. Terminal 2 arrivals can access TheStation via the Skylink Bridge, followed by the Skylink Moving

Walkways as above.

Tai

There are two types of taxi in the UK:

•• private hire car. These are only licensed to pick up

customers from a pre-arranged point on request to the

hire company, usually by telephone;

•• pblic hire tai. These have a “taxi” sign on the roof

of the car and can pick customers up from taxi ranks and

will stop for people in the street who hail them. You

should bear in mind that taxis are more expensive

than any other form of public transport and are

especially costly in London.

3.7 LEEDs BRADFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRpORT

The closest airport to Bradford is Leeds Bradford

International Airport, which is only about 7 miles

from Bradford City Centre. This airport receives many

international flights, or as above, you can transfer to this

airport on an internal flight if you wish.



Travelling and Arriving in Bradford

3.8 MEET AND GREET

Bradford College provides a Meet and Greet (M&G)

complimentary airport collection service from Leeds Bradford

International Airport and Manchester International Airport

for new full-time students who may be arriving in the UK for

the first time. You will be collected and transported directly to

your Halls of Residence or alternative accommodation

in Bradford.

If you’re returning to College to continue your studies,

you’re welcome to use the online booking service to

pre-book a taxi. These can be booked from either Leeds

Bradford International Airport (LBA), or Manchester

International Airport (MAN) at very advantageous rates.

For our online booking form, please visit:

www.bradfordcollege.ac./International%20stdent/

international-centre/meet-and-greet-booing-form

Meet and Greet from Leed Bradford International

Airort (LBA)

For new students arriving at Leeds Bradford International

Airport (LBA), the M&G is a free service. This is provided the

booking forms are received a minimum of 7 days prior tointended arrival.

Tai rate from LBA to Bradford:

One taxi - £25 per car - maximum occupancy 2 students,

inc. luggage (shared cost £12.50 per student). Prices for

returning students can be seen below. Please note, you will

be responsible for paying the taxi driver directly when you

are picked up.

Minibus - £37.50 - maximum occupancy 8 students, inc.

luggage (costs will be shared equally between passengers

and all passengers must be dropped off at the same place).

A small surcharge will be incurred for students wishing to betaken further than the outskirts of Bradford.

Meet and Greet from Mancheter International

Airort (MAN)

For groups of three or more new students arriving together

at Manchester International Airport (MAN), the M&G is a

free service. This is provided a booking form is received for

each student a minimum of 7 days prior to intended arrival.

For one or two new students arriving together at Manchester

International Airport (MAN), we can arrange a taxi service

at advantageous rates. This is provided a booking form

is received for each student a minimum of 7 days prior to

intended arrival.

Tai rate from MAN to Bradford:

One taxi - £55 per car - maximum occupancy 2 students,

inc. luggage (shared cost £27.50 per student). You will be

responsible for paying the taxi driver directly when you are

picked up.

Two taxis - £100 – maximum occupancy 4 students, inc.

luggage (costs will be shared equally between passengers).

A small surcharge will be incurred for students wishing to be

taken further than the outskirts of Bradford.

3.9 DIsCOuNT CARDs

Coach

Holders of National Express Young Person’s Coachcards can

receive discounts of up to 30% on standard fares. They

currently cost £10 for a 1 year Coachcard and £25 for a

3 year version. You can obtain an application form from

National Express or complete the online form at:

www.nationalere.com/coach/offer/tdent.cfm

Rail

Discounts of up to 30% on standard fares can be obtained

if you purchase a 16-25 Railcard. As the name suggests, it is

available to those aged 16 – 25 and also full-time studentsaged 26 and over. To apply for this card, you will need to

do this in person either at a staffed railway station (also

Gatwick Airport) or a National Rail licensed travel agent, or to

purchase over the phone, please call +44 (0)8457 48 49 50.

You will need to provide a passport photo and proof of age,

such as your passport, payment, and proof of student status

if you are over 25. You can only buy online if you have a UK

address, so you would have to wait until you arrived here

for this. If you apply online, you need to be able to upload

an appropriate photo of yourself and provide your passport

details. For further information, please visit:

www.16-25railcard.co.

3.10 TRAVELLING sAFELy

Try not to carry too much cash with you whilst travelling.

Carry a small amount to cover travelling expenses and carry

the rest of your money in the form of travellers cheques. If

your sponsor or family give you a large sum of money, try to

carry this in the form of a cheque or banker’s draft.

Never leave luggage unattended at an airport, coach or

train station. It could be stolen or cause a security alert.

kee mone and docment on or eron at all time.

Try not to sit alone in a train compartment. Although it is

fine to go into cafes and restaurants alone, you should try

not to go into pubs by yourself.

The above information has been included as a safety

precaution to help you travel more safely. Physical assault,

mugging and theft are not very common in the UK.




21



MONEy

MATTERs





23

4In this chapter:

4.1 The cost of living and studying in Bradford

4.2 Living costs in the UK

4.3 The basics

4.4 Student discounts

4.5 Equipment

4.6 Sources of funding in the UK

4.7 Changing currency

4.8 Tuition fees

4.9 Pre-payment of tuition fees



Money Matters

4.1 THE COsT OF LIVING AND sTuDyING IN BRADFORD

Before you come to Bradford College to begin your studies,

you must make sure that you have enough money to pay

all of your course fees and to support yourself and any

dependants throughout the length of your course. This is

to ensure that your stay is successful and happy, avoiding

unnecessary hardship. You will also be required to prove that

you have enough money when applying for a visa, according

to the new rules (see the information on visas in chapter 1).

Although Bradford is comparatively cheap, living and

studying in the UK may cost more than in your home

country, and even if you are being funded through an

official organisation such as your government, you may find

you have to adjust your standard of living or lifestyle. This

information should enable you to understand how much

money you need in the UK so that you can plan ahead for

your time here. Please also bear in mind that the exchange

rate could fluctuate whilst you are studying here, so the

value of your currency could diminish in relation to pound

sterling.

Do not ame o can bring le mone with o and

that o will manage.

4.2 LIVING COsTs IN THE uk

It’s not just tuition fees and accommodation that need to

be taken into account when you’re considering the amount

of money you need to bring to the UK with you. You also

need to think about money for food, travel, clothing and

personal items, laundry, course materials such as books and

stationery, and leisure activities.

Weel etimated cot

self-catering College Hallof Reidence accommodation £60.50 - £67

Local travel (cot of b/train a) £17

for a stdentpl MetroCard

Clothing and eronal item £50

Food £30 - £40

Boo and tationer £7

Entertainment £50

Bear in mind that the first term after your arrival can be the

most expensive, as you will need to purchase items for the

rest of the year, such as books and kitchen equipment, aswell as warmer clothes. You may also find that you spend

more on social activities in this time, as you meet and make

friends with other students.

For general information about living costs in the UK, please

follow the link below:

www.cia.org./tdent/living_cot.h

For an interactive budget planner, please follow the link

below for the Uniaid International Student Calculator.

www.tdentcalclator.org./international/

4.3 THE BAsICs

Please find a table below showing approximate currentpricing for basic products and services you may use in

the UK.

Loaf of bread (800g) £1.00

Mil (1 int) £0.50

Chicen fillet (300g) £3.50

Beef mince (500g) £2.50

pata (dried, 500g) £0.80

Rice (1g) £1.30

Newaer £0.30-£1.50

soft drin ch a cola or lemonade (500ml)

from a ho £1.00

Beer (int) £2.50

Wine (gla) £3.00

Dining ot (at an ineenive retarant)

At leat £5, all arond £15 er eron

(not inclding drin)

Cinema £5.00-£8.00

petrol (nleaded, er litre) £0.98

Landr £2.00 er wah

Mobile telehone call Deend on the contr,

bt all ver eenive

Total tilitie (ga, electricit, water) £20-£40/wee,

deending on the time of ear

TV licence (color) £142.50 er ear

Inrance £16 (baed on ver

baic content cover from Endleigh Inrance)



25

4.4 sTuDENT DIsCOuNTs

Students in the UK are often offered cheaper prices for

many products and services when you produce your student

or NUS card (some require you to show both). If you are

purchasing something in the UK, it is always worth checking

if the shop offers student discount, as you could receive

10%-20% off, depending on the shop.

This can apply to clothes, restaurants, computers,

cinema, stationery, museums…the list goes on! For more

information, visit www.n.org.

4.5 EQuIpMENT

Studying some subjects can mean extra charges which you

might not have considered before, such as the purchase of

uniforms and specialist equipment for Hotel and Catering,

Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses. The cost of

materials for some Art and Design courses may also be more

expensive in the UK. You should allow extra money for this

when budgeting for studying here.

4.6 sOuRCEs OF FuNDING IN THE uk

It is important for you to know that there are no orce of

fnding available to overea tdent once you are in

the UK. The UKCISA website www.cia.org. contains

a section on sources of funding. Most sponsors require you

to apply from within your home country. An application for

a visa extension would be refused if the Home Office felt

that you did not have enough money to continue to support

yourself in the UK.

If you are from a Commonwealth country (other than

the UK), you may be able to access funding from theCommonwealth Scholarship Commission or All Saints

Educational Trust (ASET). Please vist their websites for

further information.

www.cc.org.

www.aet.org.

4.7 CHANGING CuRRENCy

Travellers cheques and your own national currency may

be converted to sterling at banks or Bureaux de Changes.

Most banks are open 9.30am – 3.30pm Monday – Friday.

Bureaux de Changes may be open longer but are more

expensive than banks.

British coins come in the following denominations: 1p,

2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2, and notes come in the

following: £5, £10, £20 and £50. Please note that many

retailers will not accept £50 notes due to the circulation

of forgeries.

4.8 TuITION FEEs

All tuition fees are charged on an annual basis and may be

payable in full upon Enrolment.

An up-to-date fees list can be found at

www.bradfordcollege.ac./International%20stdent/

fee

4.9 pRE-pAyMENT OF TuITION FEEs

If you pay your tuition fees in fll on or before Enrolment,and you are paying full fees for a Higher or Further Education

course (not an English Language Centre course) you

may receive a discount. Existing Bradford College degree

students who progress onto a Masters programme may

receive an additional discount when paying fees in full on

or before enrolment.

If you would like to make payment for your tuition fees by

bank transfer, please follow the instructions on the form on

the next page to allow us to trace the payment.

You can also pay online via credit or debit card by visiting

htt://ea.bradfordcollege.ac./deoit/

In the "Description/Invoice No." box, please fill in the full

name of the student.



Tuition Fees payments

TuITION FEEs pAyMENTs

If you would like to pay your fees via bank transfer you will need the following details:

ACCOuNT NAME: Bradford College

ACCOuNT NuMBER: 00129135

sORT CODE: 20-11-81

sWIFT CODE: BARCGB22 (For international ament)

IBAN: GB50 BARC 201181 00129135

BANk: Barcla Ban plc

ADDREss: 10 Maret street

pO Bo 224

BradfordBD1 1NR

uk

Please include the student’s name and/or student number (if applicable) as the Payer’s reference,

OR return the slip below to the International Centre.

THIs Is TO ENsuRE THAT WE CAN TRACE yOuR pAyMENT

Student’s Name:

Account Holder’s Name:

(If different from student)

Amount Paid: £ Date Paid:

Deposit : Instalment:



27




THE FIRsT

FEW DAys




2929


5In this chapter:

5.1 Register with a doctor

5.2 Opening a bank account

5.3 Students with disabilities

5.4 Personal information

5.5 British Summer Time

5.6 Culture shock

5.7 Items you may need in the UK

5.8 Hand luggage

5.9 Shipping freight and air cargo

5.10 Telephones



The First Few Days

5.1 REGIsTER WITH A DOCTOR

The United Kingdom has a National Health Service, which

you can use free of charge if:

•• you are coming to the UK to study for more than

6 months

•• you are a national of, or refugee in, a European

Economic Area country and are currently

resident there, or

•• your country has a reciprocal health agreement

with the UK

If you don’t fall into one of these categories, you will need

to obtain health insurance. You could arrange this after your

arrival in the UK; however, it would be best to arrange health

insurance before your arrival from a company at home as

you would then be covered straight away.

If your circumstances mean that you cannot use the NHS

free of charge, you can still receive emergency hospital

treatment, but only the treatment given in a NHS Accident

and Emergency department is free. Once you are admitted

on to a ward or given an outpatient appointment, you will be

charged. You will have to pay for any other treatment as a

private patient, which can prove very expensive if you don’t

have health insurance.

If you are entitled to free NHS treatment, you can also

register with an NHS dentist (this is separate and you must

register with the NHS doctor first). The dentist is not free,

but NHS treatment usually costs less than private. Charges

vary, so ask the dentist for a quote before beginning

treatment.

Information about registering with a doctor or dentist can be

obtained from the International Centre or the Health Centre

at Bradford College upon arrival.

5.2 OpENING A BANk ACCOuNT

We highly recommend that you open a bank account

before you leave your home country if at all possible. More

information can be found in the chapter on money.

5.3 sTuDENTs WITH DIsABILITIEs

Bradford College has dedicated members of staff who will

assist with issues relating to physical and learning disabilities.

The College is committed to its Equal Opportunities Policy

and will endeavour to assist students to reach their full

potential. You mt let us know of any disability well in

advance of your arrival in Bradford – we require full details,

along with supporting medical evidence. We need this

information when you make your initial application for a

place on the course of your choice.

5.4 pERsONAL INFORMATION

You should have already completed and sent your

application form to the College and may have already

completed forms for entry clearance (visa). When you arrivein the UK, you will probably have to complete many more

forms. It is important that you always provide the same

information, especially when filling in your name and date

of birth.

yor name

Problems sometimes occur for students whose first language

uses a different alphabet to English. Most forms will ask for a

family name (surname) and your personal or first name. You

should always use the name in which you completed your

visa application form. Use the spelling on your passport if it

is translated into English.

yor date of birth

Some countries record only the year of birth, and not the

day or month, others record using a different calendar. In

Britain, you must provide your exact date of birth for entry

clearance (visa), course application forms, driving licences,

etc. If you are in any doubt, use the date given on your

passport. If there is no date of birth in your passport, try to

establish a definitive date with the help of your family, then

memorise it and alwa use the same date. It is a good

idea to bring your birth certificate with you if this is possible.

5.5 BRITIsH suMMER TIME

The UK operates on a system called British Summer Time or

Daylight Saving Time, whereby clocks are adjusted twice a

year. They are put forward by one hour in spring, and then

readjusted in autumn by being turned back. The adjustment

is made overnight to minimise disruption. The exact dates

change annually, but are always at the end of March and

the end of October. Newspapers and television programmes

carry reminders before the relevant day.



31

5.6 CuLTuRE sHOCk

Coming to another country can be exciting, interesting

and invaluable. However, many students from overseas

can also experience culture shock. You can overcome this

by preparing for it, and by realising that it is common for

international students. People take different lengths of time

to adjust to life in a new country. The following information

can be used as a guide to what may happen to you,

although you may find that your experience varies from this:

Anticiation/arrival

Before you come to the UK, you may feel excited and/or

nervous about living in a different country. You may form

ideas about what life abroad will be like, which on arrival

may prove to be wrong. When you first arrive in the UK,

everything may be intriguing and stimulating, so initially you

may not feel homesick.

Iolation

After the initial excitement wears off, you may find yourself

feeling depressed. Perhaps you feel your English isn’t good

enough, or you feel isolated from your own culture. You may

feel that you want to surround yourself with people from

the same country as you. This can help, but it can also bea negative approach if it prevents you from accepting the

culture in which you are now living.

Adjtment

This may happen suddenly or gradually. You may begin to

understand the culture at a deeper level or no longer make

constant comparisons between your new culture and your

home country. This does not mean that you have rejected

your home culture, it is just that you will have become used

to living and studying in the UK and you will find it easier to

cope with everyday life from then on.

Wa to hel orelf Keep in touch with home by telephone or email. Remember

to bring photographs or ornaments that are familiar to you.

Make friends with other international students, because they

will understand what you are going through. Also, try to

make friends with UK students, so you can learn more about

UK life. Join the Students’ Union and take part in special

interest groups as a way of making new friends. If things

become really difficult, talk to your personal tutor, the staff

in the International Centre, or ask to see a student counsellor

at the College.

5.7 ITEMs yOu MAy NEED IN THE uk

It may be more sensible to buy some larger or heavier items

when you arrive in the UK because you will need to be able

to carry all of your luggage or pay for a shipping agent.

Buying things on arrival would reduce your luggage. This list

should help you to think about what you will need, although

it is not meant to be exhaustive – you may need other items

relating to your course or personal life.

Clothing

The weather in late summer or early autumn can be very wetand changeable. It may feel very cold if you come from a

hotter climate than the UK.

•• Not all buildings have central heating, so you may

feel cold indoors as well as outdoors.

•• If you wear several layers of clothing you will

feel warmer.

•• You will have to wash your own clothes while you are

here, so it would be better to bring/buy clothes which are

easily machine-washed and dried.

•• Day-to-day clothing in College is casual but there may be

occasions where you are expected to wear smart clothes.

Electrical

The British electricity supply works on 240 volts. All electrical

appliances use a square three-pin plug (with the exception

of some shavers which use a two-pin plug and different

supply). If the voltage and plugs are different in your

country, we recommend that you buy British appliances

when you arrive. You can buy adaptors but they may not

work very well.

Electrical appliances such as hairdryers and radios are not

very expensive to buy in the UK. Televisions range in price

but new ones are generally quite expensive and you would

also need a TV licence (currently £142.50 a year for acolour TV).

Hoehold good

You may need to provide some of your own kitchen

equipment and bedding in some types of accommodation.

There are many shops in Bradford and Leeds where you can

buy cheap kitchen equipment. You may be able to borrow

things belonging to the other students in your house but

you should alwa a firt. You and the other students

you are living with will be jointly responsible for keeping the

accommodation clean and tidy. You will also need your own

towels, which you could either bring with you or buy here.



The First Few Days

precrition and contact lene

It is useful to familiarise yourself with the English words for

any medical conditions you may have or treatment which

you may need to receive.

•• If you are receiving treatment or have an ongoing

medical condition, such as diabetes, see your doctor

before you leave to stock up on medications and bring

photocopies of medical records to give to your doctor in

the UK.

•• Make sure you have the full name and address of your

family doctor in your home country (in English as well as

your own language).

•• If you wear contact lenses, see your optician before you

leave for advice about which solutions you can use in the

UK. Your usual solutions may also be cheaper in your

home country and more suitable for your lenses so you

could bring a supply with you.

5.8 HAND LuGGAGE

If your baggage is delayed in transit or if you need to stay in

temporary overnight accommodation, it would be useful to

have the following items in your hand luggage. Please note,

rules at different airports vary (for example, you may not be

able to take liquids in your hand luggage), so chec what

you are permitted to take on your flight before packing your

hand luggage bag.

•• Acceptance letter

•• A sweater and raincoat

•• A wash bag

•• A change of clothing

•• Any medical supplies or contact lens solution you

might need.

5.9 sHIppING FREIGHT AND AIR CARGO

You may need to bring more than you can carry and want

to have things sent by sea or by air. Shop around for the

best prices as it can vary greatly from company to company.

Pack your items well, especially breakables, and insure them

for damages.

Fill in customs forms thoroughly, state what is packed and

that they are personal effects, part of your temporary move

to the UK as an international student. Customs may chooseto inspect your belongings and open them up, but they are

much less likely to do so if you give full details on the forms.

There are some restrictions on what you can bring to the UK.

Visit the HM Customs & Excise’s website to find out more:

www.hmrc.gov. (Search for Information for Travellers)

5.10 TELEpHONEs

There are several different telephone companies in the UK.

Each company offers different prices and special deals.

British Telecom (BT) provides most of the public telephones,

although other companies can also have public telephones.

Coin-operated telephones usually accept 20p, 50p and £1

coins. Public phones may also take phone cards, which can

be purchased at newsagents. Some public phones will also

accept credit or debit cards.



Useful Contacts 33

International Centre

Bradford College

Great Horton Road

Bradford

West Yorkshire

BD7 1AY

UK

Tel: +44 (0)1274 433348

Fax: +44 (0)1274 736175

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Accommodation service

Bradford College

Grove Building

Great Horton Road

Bradford

West Yorkshire

BD7 1AY

UK

Tel: +44 (0)1274 436400

Fax: +44 (0)1274 436361


Web: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/student_life/accomodation

Bradford Torit Information Centre

City Hall

Bradford

BD1 1HY

UK

Tel: +44 (0)1274 433678

Fax: +44 (0)1274 739067

Web: www.visitbradford.com/accommodation/

Britih Concil

Bridgewater House

58 Whitworth Street

Manchester

M1 6BB

UK

Tel: +44 (0)161 957 7000

Fax: +44 (0)161 957 7111


Web: www.britishcouncil.org

Britih Torit Athorit


Web: www.visitbritain.com

Immigration Advior service

Web: www.iasuk.org

National Ere Coach service

Tel: +44 (0)8705 808080

Web: www.nationalexpress.com

National Rail Enqirie

Tel: +44 (0)20 7278 5240

08457 484950 (from within UK)

Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Tranort for London

Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 1234

Web: www.tfl.gov.uk

uk Border Agenc

Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

ukCIsA

Tel: +44 (0)20 7107 9922

Web: www.ukcisa.org.uk



AAccommodation .................... .................... .................... ..................... ................ 12

Airport .......................................................................................................18-20, 32

Arrival...................................................................................................................8, 18

BBaggage ...........................................................................................................18,32

Bank ...........................................................................................................13-14, 30Benefits .................. .................... .................... .................... ..................... ................... 8

Biometric .................. .................... ..................... .................... .................... ................ 8

British Summer Time ................... .................... .................... .................... .......... 30

Budget................ ..................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 24

CCar.......................................................................................................................14-15

Clothing ...................................................................................................24, 31, 32

Coach.........................................................................................................18-19, 20

Contact lenses.................. ..................... .................... .................... .................... ... 32

Council tax .......................................................................................................12-13Culture shock .................... ..................... .................... .................... .................... ... 31

Currency ................... .................... ..................... .................... .................... ............. 25

Customs ......................................................................................................8, 18, 32

DDate of birth .................. .................... .................... ..................... .................... ...... 30

Daylight Saving Time............................ .................... .................... .................... 30

Dependants .................................................................................................7, 8, 24

Disabilities ................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .......... 30

Discount ..................................................................................................19, 20, 25

Doctor........................ .................... ..................... .................... .................... ............. 30

EEEA...............................................................................................................6-7, 8, 14

Electricals .................. ..................... .................... .................... .................... ............ 31

Employment .....................................................................................................9, 14

Entry Clearance ..............................................................................6-7, 8, 18, 30

European Economic Area ...................................................................6-7, 8, 14

FFees........................................................................................................7, 24, 25-26

Fingerprint .................... .................... .................... .................... ..................... ........... 8

Funding ............................................................................................................13, 25

GGovernment ......................................................................................................7, 24

HHealth ..................................................................................................................7, 30

Homesick................... ..................... .................... .................... .................... ............ 31Home-stay .................... .................... .................... .................... ..................... ........ 12

House...........................................................................................................9, 12, 31

IImmigration ................... .................... ..................... .................... ................ 6-9, 18

Insurance .................................................................................13, 14, 15, 24, 30





Index 35

JJob ................... .................... .................... ..................... .................... .................... .... 14

kKitchen .................. .................... .................... .................... ..................... .. 12, 24, 31

MMeet and Greet .................. .................... .................... .................... .................... . 20

Money ...................................................................................7, 13, 20, 24-25, 30

NName ..................... .................... .................... .................... .................. 9, 26, 30, 32

OOffshore banking ..........................................................................................13-14

pPassport ..............................................................................6, 8-9, 13, 18, 20, 30

PBS ................... .................... .................... ..................... .................... .................... ....... 7

Police registration ..............................................................................................8-9

Police station ................... .................... ..................... .................... .................... ....... 9

Prescriptions .................. .................... .................... .................... ..................... ....... 32

Privately rented .................. .................... .................... .................... .................... . 12

Public funds ................... .................... .................... .................... ..................... .......... 8

Public transport .................. .................... .................... .................... .................... . 15

RRail ......................................................................................................13, 15, 19, 20

sShipping ..........................................................................................................31, 32

TTax.................. ..................... .................... .................... .................... .... 12-13, 14, 18

Taxis....................................................................................................................19-20

Telephone ...........................................................................9, 13, 19, 24, 31, 32

Train .................. .................... .................... ..................... .................... 15, 19-20, 24

Travelling ................................................................................................6, 8, 18-20

Treatment .......................................................................................................30, 32

Tuberculosis ..................... .................... .................... .................... ..................... ........ 7

TV ................... ..................... .................... .................... .................... ........... 24, 30, 31

uUK Border Agency .................. .................... .................... ..................... .................. 7UKCISA .......................................................................................................7, 24, 25

VVisa nationals ...................................................................................................6, 18

WWork .....................................................................................................................8, 14



Produced by:

International CentreBradford College

Great Horton RoadBradford

West Yorkshire

BD7 1AY

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