University of Portsmouth Pre-departure Briefing September 2010 entry

Before you arrive

Accommodation Where should I live? Halls of residence (application deadline 6 th August for international students) Private housing For independence, a house or flat share is the perfect choice. Southsea has plenty of good, reasonably priced accommodation which is close to the University Lodgings These are rooms in private houses where the landlord or landlady lives on the premises

Halls of Residence Guaranteed for international students (apply before 6 th August) Prices range from £74 - £117 per week (approx) Many rooms en-suite Telephone, internet and digital TV Rooms must be let for 37 weeks - contract Choice of off-campus or city-centre halls of residence Limited number of twin rooms available in selected halls Further information:

Inside a Typical Room Single bed Desk space and chair Bedside table Cupboard Curtains For a virtual tour of our rooms visit:

Private Housing ‘Secure a Home’ days These events are held over weekends in September to provide a two-day housing experience to help you to find somewhere to live in the city’s private rented accommodation. They give you the opportunity, in a friendly and supportive environment, to meet other students and potential housemates who are also looking for accommodation. Further information:

Tuition fees When to pay? Pay in full prior to first week of term (week of 20 Sept) This is encouraged to avoid registration delays and to assist with visa process. 2% Prompt Payment discount Or Pay by instalments – 25% before registration then five instalments by Direct Debit from a UK bank account Postgraduate students are required to pay a deposit before they can receive their Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Tuition fees How to pay? Webpay Debit/credit card- Bank draft Bank transfer

Online registration All international students (non EU) will have to submit an online registration form. This is the first step of your course registration process and details will be sent you shortly.

Immunisation Upon arrival to the UK, some students may need evidence of a chest X-ray for TB. This is only required for certain countries as listed on UKBA website: You are also advised to be immunised against meningitis and mumps if you are aged 18 – 25.

Preparing to travel to the UK

Useful reading and online tools We suggest you read 'Studying and Living in Britain' - a booklet produced by the British Council. You can pick up copies of this publication from the British Council Office in your own country. Online tools from UKCISA International Student Calculator - helps you plan and manage your money Prepare for Success - try these learning activities to understand the differences in UK University teaching

Documents It is important that you carry all the following documents in your hand luggage otherwise you may be delayed by the Immigration Service while Customs locate your luggage. Your passport and visa Your travel tickets Your Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and Offer Letter from the university Your original certificates (High School/College Diplomas/English Language certificates) Evidence that you can support yourself during your studies i.e. bank statements, letter from sponsor, bank draft If possible, some information about the accommodation you have booked i.e. letter from the University confirming your hall place or evidence that you have arranged a private address in Portsmouth Medical Certificate and, if possible, a chest x-ray

Money Please DO NOT bring a lot of cash with you. We strongly recommend that you bring: A Bank Draft made payable to the University of Portsmouth for your tuition fees A Bank Draft made payable to yourself for your accommodation fees and living expenses £350 cash for the Orientation period £350 in travellers cheques to cover you until you can set up a bank account A bank account can take 7 to 14 working days to set up, and bank drafts can take a further 7 working days to clear (before you can take money out of the account). Please note: Cash worth more than 10,000 Euros (including money in other currencies) being brought into the UK from outside the European Union MUST BE DECLARED to Customs.

Living Expenses Living in Portsmouth is much cheaper than living in London Many cut-price supermarkets, local markets and shops selling international food Student discount in many restaurants and shops Estimated living costs between £6,000 and £7,000 for 37 weeks (depending on your lifestyle, excluding accommodation) International students can work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time in vacations

Insurance Travel & Personal Insurance cover until date of registration Medical If you require prescribed drugs - get a doctor’s letter Have a medical check and chest X-ray if possible before you leave

Airport pick-up When? Monday 13, Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 September From where? London Heathrow Airport. Our meeting point is in Terminal 3 Arrivals. There will be a £10 fee for this service. Tips Book flights to arrive at Heathrow before 8pm If you miss the coach - National Express Coach is available From the Hard take a taxi either to Nuffield Centre or your accommodation if booked (cost approx. £5) If you arrive in Portsmouth on your own after 6pm - take a taxi to the University Lodge and ask for assistance and/or emergency accommodation For more information visit the website at If you arrive at Heathrow late at night, book into an airport hotel and take the coach the following day Telephone your Parents/Relatives/Guardians as soon as you arrive in the UK

Luggage Please do not bring more luggage that you can carry yourself Students with more than 2 suitcases may be asked to wait for a later pick-up at the airport Students arriving outside the airport pick-up dates will find it extremely difficult to carry more than two suitcases on the train or coach The University does not provide pillows, duvets, bed linen, towels or cooking utensils. These items can be purchased locally or you can bring them with you. To save yourself transporting everything from home or trying to find shops to buy everything when you arrive, you can contact All-Unied and pre-purchase an 'All-Essentials' pack. More information can be found at

When you get here

International and EU Orientation When? Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September Why? Register for your course, familiarise yourself with the university and the city, meet staff and make new friends A full programme of events can be found at This event is compulsory for all new students

Registration Make sure you follow these steps: 1. International students submit your online registration form before you arrive in Portsmouth. Further details will be sent to you shortly. 2. Complete your course registration during Orientation Week (10-19 September) It is important to complete both steps in order to be officially registered at the University of Portsmouth

Departmental Induction When? From 20 to 24 September Where? At your Department/ School What will you do? Get your timetable, meet your lecturers and classmates, introduction to study skills, Library and other support facilities

Freshers’ Fayre - 22 & 23 September We have over 115 sports clubs and societies you can join. The Freshers’ Fayre is the place to see all your options! Mix and Match Meet existing students who will help you to get to know the city, give study advice, practise your English in a more informal way and get you into UK life and culture. Join our group on Facebook and start making friends! Check out our future events at

First few days – what to do Check in with the International Office Register on your course Secure accommodation either in Halls or private Attend as many Orientation/ Freshers’ Week social events as you can Join Mix and Match and make new friends Don’t forget to let your family and friends know that you have arrived safely

Who to contact? Before you arrive International Office- Mix and Match Facebook group When you are here During Orientation- look out for the purple t-shirts! International Student Advisers (police registration appointments, visa advice and welfare support) International Office staff- always happy to help and point you to the right direction Course representative / Personal tutor Halls representative SU Student Support Officer

Support International Student Advisers EAP – English for Academic Purposes ASK – Academic Skills Unit Maths café Counselling Service Library Money Doctors University chaplains Student Housing

What should you pack? Warm clothes - but not too many! Alarm clock Photos of family and friends Please do not bring any food or plants with you to the UK. For advice check There are strict controls on bringing food, plants and plant products into EU countries because they can carry animal and plant pests and diseases. Check your luggage allowance with the airline– but try to travel light! You can buy towels, bedding and other essentials in Portsmouth for very reasonable prices or you can pre- order from

Your Checklist Important Dates Purchase Tickets Online registration for internationals only Confirm flight arrival time with IO – online form Book your place on Airport Pick-Up- a small fee will apply Make a note of telephone and fax numbers of the International Office International students return the accommodation booking form with the £200 deposit to Student Housing by 6 August 2010 International deadline for accommodation - 6 August Airport pick-up – 13, 14 and 15 September Orientation Programme – 10 to 19 September First week of term - 20 to 24 September Latest date to register on course - 4 October

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the University of Portsmouth!