Cambridge Ruskin International College PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE ...study.navitas.com/rs/navitas/images/CRIC_pre_departure_guide.pdf · 2012 Cambridge and Chelmsford, United Kingdom. CAMBRIDGE

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Cambridge Ruskin International College

PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE2012Cambridge and Chelmsford, United Kingdom

CAMBRIDGE RUSKIN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

1Pre-departure Guide 2012

ContentsPreparing to leave home 2

Arriving in the UK 6

Campus maps 8

Living in the UK 9

Financial matters 14

Getting started at CRIC 16

Introduction

Congratulations on being offered a place to study at Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC) in association with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Our staff are looking forward to helping you with all the important aspects of living and studying in the UK. Please take time to look through this Pre-Departure Guide before departing for the UK. The information it contains is designed to help you prepare for travelling, living and studying in the UK. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information before you depart.

We wish you a very safe journey to the UK and look forward to welcoming you to CRIC.

For further information and assistance with your airport pick-up, arrival, accommodation please contact: Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of Support Services [email protected]

For further information or clarification about your letter of admission, acceptance of admission form, CAS number, confirmation of admission please contact: Mr Steve Guy, Admission Manager, [email protected]

The CRIC emergency phone number is 07976 266432 (Andrew Richards) and can be used if you are arriving outside office hours and experience any difficulty.

2 CAMBRIDGE RUSKIN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

Preparing to leave home

Entry clearance or visa When planning your studies abroad you should investigate which type of entry clearance you require for the UK. If you are already registered with an agent you should ensure that you seek advice from them regarding your visa application. CRIC’s chosen in-country agents are experienced in obtaining visas for international students — please follow their advice. The UK border entry clearance given to people who are entering the UK to study is called an adult student visa. For complete information on the requirements that apply in your country, please check with your local British Embassy or your local CRIC representative. For UK Border Agency information on general requirements for visa applications, see the website: ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students.

You can also seek advice from the Education Counselling Service at your local branch of the British Council. Check to see if there is an office near you at: britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htm.

If you intend to request advice from your nearest consulate, please note that some consulates do not provide a visa service and require you to contact the main British Embassy in your country. The British Embassy can advise you regarding their local entry clearance system and the cost of the application process. Certain embassies will send you the application forms and guidance booklet by post, while others will require you to collect them in person. Some embassies require you to bring in your completed application form in person so that they can check your application form and supporting documents before submitting them for a decision; while others will accept applications by post and give decisions by post. It is common for embassies to have very long waiting lists for student visa interviews or to take a long time to process applications, especially at busy periods in the year. You should make sure you have all the information you need about the visa application process so that when you receive your letter of offer and CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Study) from CRIC, you can apply for your visa without delay.

Check with your local British Embassy so that you can make sure that you have sufficient time to obtain your student visa before your intended date of travel to the UK. If you are unable to obtain your student visa in time for the start of your intake semester, you might need to consider deferring your offer to the following semester. If you find yourself in this situation contact the CRIC office for advice.

When completing your visa application form (or before your visa interview) please contact your agent, if you have one, and remember the following:

The entry clearance officer will ask you to demonstrate:

• Proof of full-time student status — i.e. that you will be a full-time student at CRIC on a degree pathway leading to a degree from the Anglia Ruskin University. You should show the entry clearance officer your CRIC offer letter and CAS number. We will have emailed this to you or your agent after you have paid your deposit. This confirms receipt of your payment of fees and contain all the information the visa officer needs about your offer and your acceptance of this offer.


• Appropriate qualifications — that you have the appropriate qualifications to undertake the programme you will be studying. You should produce evidence of your current qualifications. These should be in the form of original certificates and documents, as photocopies will not be accepted.

• Knowledge of the programme — that you have an in-depth knowledge of the programme you intend to study, including the subjects you will be studying, and be able to provide reasons why you wish to study in the UK rather than your own country. Make sure you have read and understand our prospectus and website.

• Sufficient English language ability — that you have English language skills appropriate for the level of course you will be studying. If you have taken an IELTS test or a similar Secured English Language test (SELT), please ensure you have the original documentation to prove this.

• Ability to pay fees — i.e. that you have the financial resources to afford the course you are registered for. In order to receive your visa support documents and confirmation of admission letter from us, you will need to pay a minimum of one semester’s tuition fees. We will only

refund these fees if you do not obtain your visa to study in the UK. Please refer to the CRIC refund policy in the brochure. It is important that the visa officer is aware that you have paid your tuition fees and, in addition to your CRIC offer letter and CAS, it is also advisable to have a receipt confirming your payment of these fees.

• The entry clearance officer will ask you for information about where you will be living while you are studying in the UK.

• If you are going to stay in on-campus accommodation and have booked and paid for your accommodation, you should provide the documents relating to these arrangements. If you require accommodation at CRIC and have not booked, please contact Mr Andrew Richards at [email protected] as soon as possible.

• If you are going to stay with friends or relatives you should provide documents from them confirming that you will be doing this. These should confirm that the person you will be staying with legally own/rents the property, has enough space to accommodate you legally, and has given you express permission to live with him/her for the duration of your studies.

• If you have arranged private rented accommodation you should provide the contract for the property and evidence that you have paid a deposit or rent in advance.

The entry clearance officer will require you to provide evidence that you have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses. You should be able to provide a bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds for the whole duration of your studies. These should be on an original bank letterhead, as print-outs from ATMs or internet banking sites will not be accepted.

• If you are being sponsored by your parents you will need to provide a letter from them stating how much money you will be given and how often, together with a letter from the bank or bank statement showing that they have these funds available and the original copy of your birth certificate as proof of their relationship to you. You will also need a letter from their employer or company accounts (if self-employed) showing that their income will be sufficient to continue supporting you throughout your studies.


• If a company or charity is sponsoring you, you should provide a letter from the organisation confirming how much money they will give, how often and for how long. If they are only paying your tuition fees you will still have to provide evidence that you have sufficient savings of your own or other funding for living expenses. The entry clearance officer may ask for more information, such as company accounts or publicity material on companies or charities that are not well known.

• If you will be taking a student loan from a bank or another source you should provide evidence that your loan has been approved.

• If you plan to work in the UK when you arrive to study you will need to check your visa for working requirements. Some student visas have restrictions on working rights. The maximum any student can work during term time is 20 hours per week.

Having insufficient financial resources or failing to provide details about sponsors may result in your student visa application being rejected. You should make sure that you are aware of the total amount of money you will need to fund your studies in the UK. You should be able to demonstrate that you already have sufficient money or explain to the entry clearance officer how you are going to obtain this money. An estimated cost of study is clearly listed in your Confirmation of Admission letter. Please refer to this as guidelines to the resources you need to prove are available to you.

The entry clearance officer will need to ensure that you intend leaving the UK on completion of your studies. In order to satisfy this criterion, you should note the following:

• You should be able to show that there are job opportunities in your country in the fields you are studying

• You should be able to show that you have personal ties in your home country, which will increase the likelihood that you will return home at the end of your studies

In addition, students from some countries may have to provide proof of vaccinations, chest x-ray and/or a health certificate. Some students may also have to undergo a medical check before they can enter the UK. You should check with the British Embassy whether you will have to provide evidence of your medical history either when you apply for your student visa or upon entry to the UK.

Importantly, the information above serves only as a guide and is not necessarily exhaustive. The entry clearance officer may ask you to provide additional information and/or documentation. If you have an agent it is very important that you liaise closely with him/her at this time to ensure that you have the best possible chance to being granted a student visa.

Your obligations as a student of CRIC on a Tier 4 PBS visaPlease be aware that as an International student studying at CRIC on a Tier 4 visa you are require to ensure that you maintain an 85% Attendance Record in each module throughout each semester you study at CRIC.

You are also responsible to do the following in order to maintain your visa with CRIC:

• To inform CRIC immediately of any changes to you circumstances

Preparing to leave home (continued)


• You are responsible to report any changes to your term address, contact details and phone numbers immediately to CRIC

• To ensure that you provide CRIC with a current valid copy of both your Tier 4 PBS visa and your passport

• To ensure you work no longer then at specified hours as stated on your Tier 4 PBS visa.

As well as all of the above, you are required to adhere to all of the current rules and regulations set by the UKBA as per the latest version of the UKBA Tier 4 PBS policy guidance which can be found at: ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/adult-students/can-you-apply.

Travel arrangements Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, and therefore flights can be heavily oversubscribed at these times. It is advisable to make a flight booking as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment with CRIC.

Registration is held on the Wednesday before the commencement of each semester, and it is very important that all new students attend. You should try to arrive in the UK three to five days prior

to Registration to allow time to settle in, arrange accommodation and become familiar with the campus, local transport and surrounding areas.

Students who arrive in the UK late and miss Registration may find it more difficult to adjust and will have fewer options with regard to subject choice and timetable selection.

Students who cannot arrive by the first day of teaching will miss valuable introductions to their modules/programmes and they must contact CRIC to seek permission for late arrival. If permission is granted, it is on the understanding that it is the student’s responsibility to catch up on any academic work that may have been missed.

Please ensure that you contact us with your flight details as soon as your flight is booked. Please contact the Manager of Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards, at [email protected] if you have any travel-related concerns.

Important documents You should bring the following documents with you to the UK as they will be required throughout various stages of your stay:

• A valid passport and student visa

• Four passport sized photographs*

• Your initial letter of admission and support documents from CRIC

• Certified copies or originals of your academic transcripts (including evidence of English proficiency)

• Personal Identification (eg driver’s licence, birth certificate, etc)

• Any medical prescriptions/certificates/history/reports

• Full details of your accommodation in the UK

• Evidence of funds — personal or family resources, confirmation of sponsorship

• Proof of your address in your home country

• Contact numbers for any family/friends in the UK

• Contact details of family/friends in the event of an emergency.

* It is useful to bring a number of small (passport-sized) full-face photographs, as these are often required for various cards (such as student rail cards) and for Police registration (if required). Photographs can be obtained in the UK, but may be more expensive than in your home country.

Additional InformationStudent dress codes in the UK are normally casual. The general rule is to wear something in which you feel comfortable. Most students wear jeans and trainers to lectures. It is important to ensure that what you wear is not potentially offensive to the people you will encounter (your lecturers or fellow students, for example) in the UK.

The temperature can rise to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, so you will need light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, hat, swimwear, sandals. In the winter it can drop to below zero degrees Celsius, so you will also need warmer clothing such as jeans, jumpers/sweaters, thick jackets, raincoat, long socks, gloves, scarves, winter shoes. You can pick up most of these things relatively cheaply in Cambridge, but you may wish to bring some personal items (basic toiletries — toothbrush, soap, towel, etc) so that you do not need to go shopping when you arrive. We also advise that you bring a spare pair of spectacles or contact lenses and a current optical prescription, as these items are expensive in the UK.

The electricity supply in the UK has a much higher voltage than some countries outside Europe. Before packing any electrical appliances, please check that they are compatible with the UK electricity supply, and buy adapters where necessary.


Arriving in the UK

Customs and quarantineStudents arriving in the UK will have to undergo a number of formalities before they can enter.You will need to pass through immigration controls and customs.

You should ensure that you have the following available in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK:

• Valid passport

• Valid visa or entry certificate

• Evidence of funding — personal or family resources, confirmation of sponsorship

• The letter from CRIC confirming your place of study as a full-time student

• Recent medical report including x-ray results (check with the British Embassy in your country if this applies to you). You may be asked for additional information regarding your proposed studies in the UK.

Immigration procedures at British Airports can be stringent and may result in a considerable delay at the end of your flight, especially during peak traffic periods. To assist the immigration officials keep all your documents available and be prepared to wait patiently.

It is very important that we know when you are arriving and where you intend to stay in the UK. Please contact us with your flight details as soon as you book your flights and, if staying in private accommodation, a UK address and telephone number. We can then ensure that your arrival into the UK is as smooth as possible.

How to get to CRIC If you require an airport pick-up, please contact the Manager of Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards, [email protected] as soon as possible. If you will be making your own way to CRIC, please let us know, and use the information below for guidance. There are transport operators who will try to take advantage of you, so be sure to understand the system before you arrive.

By Public Transport, travelling from: Heathrow Airport

At the airport’s central bus station you can get a National Express bus (787) that takes you to Parkside bus station in Cambridge which is approximately a five minute walk from the University’s main campus. You should ask the driver to make sure you are on the correct bus. If you wish to travel by train you will need to take the London

Underground (Tube) from Heathrow to London King Cross station. From there you can take the train to Cambridge. There are regular trains to Cambridge form London. From the train station take you will need to take a short taxi journey to the University’s main campus. The total cost of this is approximately £30.00. The approximate traveling time, excluding waiting for tube or trains, is two hours.

Gatwick Airport

At the airport’s central bus station you can get a National Express bus (717) that will take you to Parkside bus station in Cambridge which is approximately a five minute walk from the University’s main campus. You should ask the driver to make sure you are on the correct bus.

By taxi

There will be plenty of taxis outside of the airport’s terminal. Please ensure you have the full address of the University or your off-campus accommodation and the emergency mobile number — 07976 266432 — in case the driver gets lost. A taxi from Heathrow should cost around £100 if you have not booked in advance. Please be aware that some taxi companies will take advantage of students and may charge up to £350 for a taxi transfer to Cambridge so please ensure you book any airport pickups in advance. The campus of Anglia Ruskin University at which CRIC is based can be found on East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, and the CRIC office is in the Coslett Building, on the fourth floor.

A map of Cambridge and Chelmsford, showing the location of Anglia Ruskin University can be found below. A map of both campuses, to help you locate CRIC, is shown opposite.

Where to go when you arrive in Cambridge

If you are arriving during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm) ask to be taken to Anglia Ruskin University. On arriving at the campus please report to Reception where they will direct you to the CRIC office. The CRIC office is in the Coslett Building, fourth floor room 416.

Where to go when you arrive in Chelmsford

If you are arriving during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9.00am–5.00pm) ask to be taken to Anglia Ruskin University and report to Reception where they will direct you to the CRIC office. The CRIC office is based in the Queens Building in room QUE102.

If you are travelling outside office hours and staying off-campus, please make sure we know when your flight will arrive and are aware of your accommodation address. If you are travelling outside office hours and staying on-campus, please make sure to inform us well in advance of your expected time of arrival. We will then ask the Halls of Residence Manager to leave your keys with the security office which is staffed 24-hours a day. Please ask your taxi driver to drive you to the Anglia Ruskin University Campus. The taxi should drop you at the main entrance where the security guard is based. The security guard will be expecting you and will help you to your room.

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Useful facilities in Cambridge City Centre Cambridge city centre has a huge array of independent shops and boutiques side by side with all the high street shops that you would expect to see in the UK; all of the major high street banks and building societies (including branches of HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest); the Grand Arcade shopping centre (grandarcade.co.uk); numerous restaurants, bars and public houses; dentists, several doctors surgeries; and Cambridge Market, which is open seven days a week.

The Grafton Centre houses a cinema, shops, restaurants and bars, and is a five minute walk from Anglia Ruskin University campus (turn left out of the Main Campus entrance and walk along East Road, The Grafton Centre is on the left). See graftoncentre.co.uk for more information.

Numerous supermarkets, such as ASDA and Sainsbury’s, all within ten minutes walking distance, as well as speciality shops such as a Halal butchers on Mill Road five minutes walk from Anglia Ruskin University campus).

Useful Facilities in Chelmsford City CentreChelmsford will give you a true taste of life in a typically English town, with both a lively town centre and beautiful countryside surroundings, only 45 minutes from London.

The historic county town of Chelmsford mixes lively markets and peaceful parks with modern shopping facilities and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The Meadows (chelmsford-shopping.co.uk) and High Chelmer (highchelmershopping.co.uk) shopping centres will ensure that you have plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy. The town also has three theatres as well as being home to the internationally renowned V Music Festival.

The Chelmsford campus is located just a ten minute walk from the town centre and has a wide range of resources, including the University Library, student residences, shops and food facilities in a very modern environment.

Who needs to register with the police? Certain nationalities are required to register with the UK Police on arrival. This is also stated as a condition of some students’ visas and will be clearly indicated in your

passport when you receive the student visa; ‘Please register with the Police within seven days’. Students from the following countries will need to register with the local Police:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

As part of the Registration programme we will arrange for you to have all the information you will need to register with the police. As long as you make sure you attend this session you will not need to worry about finding the police station. If you are unable to attend this session, please inform us when you arrive and we will give you full details about where to go and who to speak to. Please note that this registration is an official requirement for administrative purposes and nothing to worry about. Generally the Police in the UK have a reputation for being very kind and helpful.


Campus maps

Cambridge

Medical Centre (1st floor)

Employment Bureau (1st floor)

Students’ Union (1st floor)Gym (1st floor)

Student Services (3rd floor)

Tennis court

MumfordLibrary

Lord Ashcroft Building

Chelmsford


Living in the UK

Things to see and do in the Cambridge area CRIC students have the advantage of studying in one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic cities. Regarded as a jewel in England’s crown, Cambridge is a compact, cosmopolitan city with a vast number of places to visit and things to do.

Parks and Green Spaces

Cambridge is a green city. The fen landscape flows into the centre along the river Cam, with cows grazing within sight of Kings College Chapel. You can picnic under the trees along The Backs and admire the stunning displays of flowering bulbs in spring, or spend time in beautifully kept College grounds. The public parks and commons provide a paradise for lovers of sports with numerous football pitches, cricket greens and tennis courts.

Sport and Leisure

There are numerous sports and leisure facilities to keep fitness fanatics entertained indefinitely. Cambridge is a city of cyclists and bikes can be bought or hired for exploring the city and beyond. Visit the longest outdoor swimming pool in the country at Jesus Green, ride the water flumes at Parkside Pools or enjoy a game of tennis at one of the public outdoor courts. Cambridge is also home to a number of football teams. There are also a number of health & fitness centres available to students in Cambridge, including the new and impressive gym on the ARU campus.

Museums and Galleries

Museums and Art Galleries are plentiful in Cambridge. On the same day you could marvel at ancient Egyptian relics in the Fitzwilliam Museum (which has been described as ‘the finest small museum in Europe’), visit the North and South Poles at the Scott Polar Institute, take a look at the original specimens that Darwin collected on his famous trip on The Beagle at the Museum of Zoology and take in some modern art at Kettle’s Yard — and all within walking distance of each other.

Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment

The selection of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues in Cambridge is endless, with something for even the most discerning palates. A massive selection of world cuisine, with restaurants ranging from Michelin Star quality to fast food, bars ranging from the classic British pubs to stylish Moroccan nightclubs, no less than

four prestigious theatres in the city, three multi-screen cinemas, three large concert halls for classical and rock music and any number of smaller venues for drama, dance, comedy and music of all kinds.

Shopping

Cambridge is a shopper’s paradise with a huge array of shops. There are two brand new shopping centres, full of designer goodies, to explore as well as the traditional bustling stalls of the outdoor markets. The Market Square is home to the Cambridge Market which has had stalls trading since the Saxon times. During the week you can find everything from books, clothes and bric-a-brac to fresh fruit and vegetables. On Sunday there is a flourishing farmer’s market selling local organic produce.

Things to see and do in LondonIn addition to all of the above, Cambridge is only a forty-five minute train journey from the UK’s capital city, London. The CRIC staff have made some suggestions, below, of some of our favourite things to see and do in London:

• The British Museum (free entry): thebritishmuseum.ac.uk

• Buckingham Palace: royal.gov.uk

• Hampton Court Palace: hrp.org.uk

• Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens / Regent’s Park (free entry)

• The National Gallery: nationalgallery.org.uk

• St Paul’s Cathedral (free entry): stpauls.co.uk

• Tate Gallery: tate.org.uk

• The Tower of London: hrp.org.uk

• Victoria and Albert Museum (free entry): vam.ac.uk

• Westminster Abbey (free entry): westminster-abbey.org

• A Night at the theatre in London’s West End: londontheatre.co.uk

• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: shakespeares-globe.org

• The Royal Albert Hall: royalalberthall.com

• Kew Gardens: rbgkew.org.uk

• National Portrait Gallery (free entry): npg.org.uk

• Portobello Road Market (free entry): portobelloroad.co.uk

• The London Eye: londoneye.com

Travelling in London Central London is forty-five minutes from Cambridge train station. The fastest and easiest option is to travel from Cambridge station on the fast train to Kings Cross and to get off at either Kings Cross or Finsbury Park. Both of these stations have London Underground connections. You can, for example, take the Piccadilly Line (WEST BOUND) to Leicester Square (for an evening out) or the Victoria Line (SOUTH BOUND) to Oxford Circus (for a day of shopping) from either Kings Cross or Finsbury Park. Finsbury Park is a smaller station and may be easier to navigate on your first trip. Train times from Cambridge to Finsbury Park or Kings Cross can be found at nationalrail.co.uk. If you are prepared to use off-peak trains and pre-book your journeys, you can travel


Living in the UK (continued)

between Cambridge and London for as little as £19.00 with a young person’s railcard or £28.00 without, visit 16-25railcard.co.uk.

We normally recommend that if you have never been to London, you should travel down and back during the daytime for your first visit. Thereafter, if you plan to go to London during the evening, you should normally try to travel with a friend, rather than by yourself, especially if you plan to travel back late at night. Please also ensure that you have checked return train times when planning your journey, as trains are much less frequent late at night and the London Underground service normally finishes at about 11.30pm. Transport for London offer a journey planner service (tfl.gov.uk) which is also available on mobile phone.

CRIC’s Manager of Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards, knows London well and will be more than happy to give you more specific help or advice concerning travelling to London.

Travelling around Europe For students based in the UK, travelling around Europe is relatively cheap and easy, with flights to mainland Europe as cheap as £40.00 return on some of the ‘no-frills’ airlines. Check out Ryan Air, ryanair.co.uk, EasyJet, easyjet.com, BMI, bmibaby.com to see how affordable flights can be. If you want to travel to Europe, you will need to apply for a travel visa well in advance of planning your trip. If you have the right documentation it’s normally fairly easy to get these visas.

Some recommendations from the CRIC staff:

• Lech and Kitzbuhel, Austria — some of the choicest downhill skiing in the World in the western reaches of the Alps

• Vienna, Austria — a city famous for Beethoven, Freud and Klimt

• Paris, France — home of the famous tower, the Arc de Triomphe, cafes, bistros and haute couture

• St Tropez — very fashionable haunt of the rich and famous

• The Greek Islands — quiet, peaceful, great swimming and fantastic food

• The Acropolis, Athens, Greece — the most important ancient monument in the western world

• Rome, Italy — great for a weekend

• Florence - the heart of the Renaissance

• Venice — Magical home of the gondola, totally different to any city you’ll have seen before — no roads and no cars!

• The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao and the Museu Picasso, Barcelona, Spain

• Count Dracula’s Castle, Bran, Transylvania, Romania

• Icebreaker’s cruise, Kemi, Lapland, Finland

• The Ice Hotel, Sweden

• Amsterdam - Home of the famous Amsterdam canal system and the Anne Frank Museum.

The Weather The climate in the UK is moderate — summers are warm and winters are cool and mild. Contrary to international assumptions the weather is not always wet and cold in the UK! You can find out more detailed information on the weather in Cambridge today by visiting the BBC weather centre website — bbc.co.uk/weather.

Average Temperatures

Summer 21°C–12°C Autumn 14°C–7°C Winter 8°C–3°C Spring 13°C–5°C

Shopping for food With the UK being such a cosmopolitan society, it is very easy to find shops and restaurants catering for a wide spectrum of nationalities. Supermarkets stock a range of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Greek, Lebanese, West Indian, African, Italian, French and, of course, British. You should also be able to buy familiar products from your home country in specialist

grocery stores located in Cambridge, as well as from the many markets based in and around the city. Halal food is readily available on Mill Road, 150m from the CRIC/ARU campus.

Tipping in the UK is not compulsory but is common practice if you receive good service.

Note: If you are under 18 years of age you are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol. Drinking on public transport is expressly prohibited.

Public transport The public transport system in the UK consists of the over-rail, ferries, buses as well as the famous underground trains in London. The cost of public transport depends on the type of ticket you buy and the amount of time and distance that is to be travelled. Stagecoach offers a network of frequent and reliable buses, and these provide excellent access to all parts of Cambridge. Many different types of tickets are available, including the City Megarider. This provides unlimited travel on all ‘Citi’ buses for seven days. For quick and easy access from the city centre to the railway station look out for the Citi 1 or Citi 3 bus.

Travelling by coach

Timetables and further information is available from nationalexpress.com. As a student you can also apply for a coach card that will give you up to 30% off your coach ticket.

Travelling by train

If you are under the age of 26 and planning on using the train regularly it would be a good idea to apply for a young person’s railcard. The card will cost you around £30.00 and will give you 33% off the cost of your train ticket. You can get further information and apply online at railcard.co.uk. Students who are over the age of 26 can also obtain this railcard but cannot apply online. They will need to get CRIC to certify on the application form that you are a full time student. A copy of the application form can be downloaded from the same website as stated above.

Employment International students are allowed to work a maximum of twenty hours per week under the terms of their student visa during the semester. Students should not rely on part time jobs to fund living expenses or pay tuition fees. Any income earned from part time jobs should be seen only as a supplement to established sources of


funding. ARU has a very active Employment Bureau which can assist you in finding part-time work, and help ensure that employers do not take advantage of you.

National Insurance

Everyone who works in the UK must pay National Insurance (NI) contributions. If you have a part-time job offer or can provide evidence that you are actively seeking work you can apply for a NI number. Please contact Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of Support Services, for further information on how to apply for an NI number once you arrive at CRIC.

Council Tax Exemption Council tax is a charge levied by the local city council to people living in the area. These taxes cover services such as local emergency services and refuse removal. Under normal circumstances full-time students are exempt from the council tax. There are certain exceptions, however; for example, sharing a house with a non-student could render a student liable for council tax. For further information contact the Manager of Support Services.

Personal safety: roads, cycling and walking Although Cambridge is a relatively safe town you should still take all the necessary steps to ensure your own personal safety at all times.

IMPORTANT: Please remember you are in a different country and the road rules are not always the same as in your own country.

Walking

Always use the pavement if it is available, if there isn’t a pavement then it is safest to walk on the right hand side of the road so that you can see any traffic coming towards you. In the UK, vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road and pedestrians are not automatically given right of way. When crossing the road always use a designated crossing and be extra careful, looking both ways before stepping out into the road. If you are walking when it is dark then make sure you wear something bright that will help drivers and cyclists to see you. Do not walk in isolated places or dark alleyways if you can avoid it, especially at night. Try to keep to well lit public places and walk with friends wherever possible.

Cycling

Cambridge is a cycle-friendly city. Bicycles and equipment can be purchased or hired from one of the many cycle shops in Cambridge (many within five minutes walk of CRIC). Make sure that your bicycle is in good working order. You must have working lights on your bicycle — a white one at the front and a red one at the back. It is an offence to cycle at night without lights. Lights can be purchased from any cycling shop at very little cost. Do not ride on the pavement — unless it is a designated cycle path. These are usually indicated by a blue sign with a bicycle on it. There may also be marking on the pavement showing a bicycle. Do not ride with traffic coming towards you — if you are riding on the road make sure that you follow the flow of the traffic cycling on the left hand side. Wear a cycle helmet — this will protect you if you have an accident. These can be purchased from most cycle shops. Make yourself as visible as possible when cycling by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing. For further information on cycling please refer to highwaycode.gov.uk/cyclists.htm.

Accommodation in Cambridge CRIC has a number of options available to students with regards to accommodation.

On Campus Accommodation

CRIC have on campus halls of residence available to students. All of these rooms have en-suite facilities and all fees include

free internet and all utility bills up to a reasonable threshold. This accommodation is only available for the first semester of studies.

CRIC Halls (Off Campus Accommodation)

There are also a number of off campus, private housing available to students. We have both en-suite (attached bathroom) rooms and standard (sharing bathroom) rooms available. These are within walking distance to the CRIC classes and all fees include free internet and utility bills up to a reasonable threshold.

Host family accommodation

We can also arrange for you to live with a host family if you prefer. This accommodation is perfect for students who prefer to be in a family environment. For a full description of accommodation along with price lists please see the CRIC accommodation guide or contact Mr Andrew Richards, Manager of Student Services for further information with regards to accommodation.

Accommodation in Chelmsford CRIC also as an allocation of rooms in the Halls of Residence at the Chelmsford Campus. These rooms are all based on-campus and all rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities, free internet points and access to laundry facilities.

CRIC students must reserve their accommodation prior to departing for the UK.


Accommodation payment in advance

In order to book a room in CRIC accommodation you are required to pay an advance payment of £800.00 and submit a valid application form. Once we receive both the advance payment and the fully completed application form we will book you your chosen room, subject to availability and email you with written confirmation that the room has been booked.

The remaining fees for the accommodation are due once you obtain your visa and must be paid before you arrive at CRIC. Please note that any student who has not paid the full fees of their accommodation upon arrival will not be able to access their room until the full accommodation fees are received. Housing is allocated on a “first come first served” basis so early booking and payment is advised to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions regarding CRIC accommodation please contact Mr Andrew Richards at [email protected].

Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) in The UK

The NHS is the UK’s state health service and provides treatment for UK residents through a wide range of healthcare services. Certain services are free while others require payment.

Providing your course of study is for six months or longer you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay,

on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. You are entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals and you may register as a patient with a General Practitioner (GP) — see next page. When you attend hospital or register with a GP, you should take a form of identification (passport) as well as evidence that you are in the UK as a student (for example, your student visa). You should also provide evidence of your address and confirmation from your institution that you are enrolled on, or have recently completed, a course of study, and its length. If you have to give up your studies temporarily, and you are refused free health treatment, contact the Manager of Support Services for information about how you might be able to challenge this.

What will the NHS provide for you at no cost?

• Consulting a GP and most other GP services (eg visiting a clinic)

• Treatment in a hospital (both emergency and non emergency treatment).

You may need to pay for:

• Medicines prescribed by your GP

• Some GP services (eg vaccinations for travel, getting a sickness certificate) — ask your GP for details of costs

• Dental treatment

• Optical treatment.

Medical treatment All new students are required to register with a general practitioner (GP) on arrival at CRIC. The NHS provides medical treatment through three main routes:

General Practitioner’s (GP’s) Surgery or Health Centre

UK residents register with a health centre or GP’s surgery, which is usually the first point of contact for medical treatment. GPs are doctors who are trained and experienced in diagnosing a wide range of health issues. Most illnesses and other problems can be treated by the GP and if you do need to see a specialist, the GP will refer you to an appropriate hospital department (see next page). As well as consultations with a GP, most health centres and GPs’ surgeries provide a range of community health services (for example; vaccinations, women’s health clinics, services for parents of young children).

There are several GPs’ surgeries based within walking distance from the Anglia Ruskin University main campus, all of which welcome students to register, but Anglia Ruskin University has its own on-campus NHS clinic with both walk-in and appointment-based services. CRIC students, providing that they are studying for more than six months, are able to register at the medical centre by completing a simple medical form which can be found in the Registration arrival pack you will receive on arrival at CRIC. The GP surgery is located in the Mumford Building on campus and opens at 9.00am. For appointments or further details on this service, you can phone +44 (0)1223 363271 (ext 2251).

Hospitals If your GP refers you to hospital for treatment, you will usually be given an appointment to see a specialist doctor. Depending on the medical problem, you may be treated as an in-patient (where you are admitted to a ward and stay there overnight or longer) or as an out-patient (where you visit the hospital for an appointment).

If you think you need to see a specialist you should approach your GP first and ask her or him to refer you.

Living in the UK (continued)


Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments

Some (but not all) hospitals have Accident and Emergency (A & E) departments. These departments are open 24 hours a day and deal with patients needing emergency treatment.

The closest A & E is located about two miles from the Anglia Ruskin University Campus (Addenbrooke’s Hosptial). You should use A & E departments only for emergency treatment for serious illness or injury. In England, Wales and parts of Scotland, you can contact NHS Direct by telephone if you are not sure whether you should go to hospital. NHS Direct is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can offer an interpreting service. The telephone number for NHS Direct is 0845 46 47.

Do I need medical insurance? If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment, you should certainly ensure you have adequate medical insurance to cover medical costs should you fall ill, and the additional possible costs resulting from illness. These can be substantial, and include:

• Lost fees if you are unable to complete your course

• Costs of returning home if a relative is ill

• Costs of a relative visiting you in the UK if you fall ill

• Cost of returning to your home country for treatment.

Even if you are entitled to free NHS treatment whilst in the UK, you should consider taking out insurance which covers the above costs which could be incurred if you or your family are unfortunate enough to become ill or have an accident. Moreover, even if you are covered by the NHS for medical treatment, you may find that there are long waiting times for some services. An insurance policy which gives you access to private medical care could give you much quicker access to the treatment you need. If you have medical insurance in your home country, check whether you can extend it to cover your stay in the UK, as well as looking at options available from UK insurers. Endsleigh Insurance, in association with UKCOSA, has produced a special health insurance policy for international students and their spouses and dependants in the UK. Details of the policy can be found on the Endsleigh website, endsleigh.co.uk.

Dealing with emergencies

Emergency services: dial 999

If you are in need of urgent medical assistance (for example, because of an accident) you will need to telephone 999. The call is free. An operator will ask you which emergency service you need (Fire, Police or Ambulance). Be ready to tell the emergency services what has happened and where you are. If someone is injured and needs to go to hospital, ambulance staff will arrive and take the person to an Accident and Emergency department. If you need urgent treatment, but you are well enough to travel, you can also make your own way to an Accident and Emergency department or ask a friend to take you. Most GPs also run an ‘on-call’ service, so that you can contact a doctor 24 hours a day. Your GP will give you details when you register.

Living in the UK as a minor (students under 18 years of age)A proportion of CRIC students may be under the age of 18 when starting their time at the College. If you are under the age of 18 you are legally considered a minor in the UK and, as such, you will need to appoint a guardian for the duration of your time at CRIC. This may be your parent or legal guardian if they reside in the UK, but if your parent or legal guardian does not reside in the UK one will need to be appointed. A list of accredited agencies that can assist you with this can be found at aegisuk.net. If you are under the age of 18 at the time of enrolment, you are required to inform the College of any/all disabilities or intermittent/ongoing medical conditions. These should be reported well in advance of your arrival to the Manager of Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards at [email protected]. (Even those over the age of 18 are required to supply this information, but this is a strict legal requirement for those under 18.) Furthermore, as a minor, you will be subject to UK law in relation to matters such as purchasing alcohol, giving consent and holding office. For example, minors may not purchase or consume alcohol. These laws will be explained to you during Registration. Any questions you have before then can be directed to Mr Andrew Richards.

British customs The major difference between living in the UK and your home country is in social customs and behaviour. Some of these customs may seem strange when you

first arrive. To assist you, listed below are examples of what would normally be seen as acceptable in the UK:

• Equality for all citizens — men, women and people from all levels of wealth, authority, ability and occupation are seen as equal in British society.

• Punctuality - always be on time for appointments or let people know if you will be late. You should also expect other people to be on time for you!

• Tidiness in the community — all rubbish should be disposed of in a bin, or carried with you until you find a bin. Anybody dropping litter may be prosecuted and fined in the UK.

• Waiting your turn in a queue — it is considered impolite to push ahead of someone who is in the queue before you.

• Informality when addressing others — first names are used relatively early in a relationship. A general rule to follow, if you are meeting a person for the first time who is considerably older than you is to use a title such as Mr, Ms, Mrs, Dr or Professor until you are invited to use the person’s given name. It is acceptable to ask a person what they would like you to call them.

• Knocking on someone’s door before opening it. Always wait for the person to answer before entering.

• Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ where appropriate is highly regarded.

• It is common to see people using a handkerchief or tissue to blow their nose. It is not acceptable to sniff or spit. If you need to clear your throat use a handkerchief or tissue. Personal hygiene and cleanliness are generally highly valued in the UK.

• You can not normally get ahead by raising your voice. If you disagree strongly with anything that has been said or done, you should express your point of view strongly and calmly, but try not to shout as this is generally frowned upon.

• It is not acceptable to interrupt while someone else is talking. However once they have finished their point, it is perfectly reasonable to say that you do not agree and to explain why — even if you are disagreeing with one of your professors. As long as you can back up your point of view intelligently, this will be seen as a positive contribution to the discussion.

• All of the above come under what the British refer to as ‘manners’. Manners are held in high regard in the UK and their observance will serve you well.


Financial matters

Payment of tuition fees The tuition fees you will be required to pay and the programme of study you have been offered a place on are outlined in the letter of offer you have received. To guarantee your place on the programme of study you must pay fifty percent (half) of the tuition fees, either directly to CRIC or through our local representative. If you are applying to CRIC through a CRIC overseas representative they will advise you with regard to making payments to CRIC. If you are applying direct to the college you can arrange to pay your fees to CRIC by any of the following methods:

Bank transfer

You can transfer your fees direct from your bank to CRIC’s bank account. This is a safe and secure way of transferring your money to the UK. In order to facilitate a smooth transfer of funds, you should:

• tell the bank that you wish to pay in sterling (GB pounds)

• tell the bank the exact amount you wish to pay.

• provide your bank with the College’s bank details, which are as follows:

Bank name: Citibank London Account number: 11972472 Bank Sort Code: 18-50-08 IBAN Number: GB79CITI18500811972472 SWIFT Code: CITIGB2L (Citibank London)

Please make sure that the bank uses your CRIC Student ID as the reference for the transfer (this can be found on your letter of offer and will be in a format similar to ABCDC83).

You should ensure that the bank gives you a document confirming the transfer of funds to CRIC, and bring this with you when you travel to the UK. This document may also be useful in securing your student visa. You should show this document to the CRIC Manager of Support Services when you register for your programme.

Personal, company or banker’s cheque

You can pay your tuition fees by International Banker’s Draft made out in sterling to Cambridge Ruskin International College. You should send the cheque to the CRIC office:

CRIC Ltd Coslett Building (Cos 415) Anglia Ruskin University East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT United Kingdom

Currency

Cash

You should make sure you bring a small amount of cash with you for your day-to-day expenses until you have registered at CRIC and opened a bank account. We recommend £200 in small denominations (£5, £10 and £20 notes), as change can be a problem in some of the smaller independent stores.

We do not advise carrying a large amount of cash when you travel to the UK. Whatever amount of cash you bring with you, make sure:

• You bring sterling (GB pounds). In the UK you will not be able to use dollars or any other currency to pay for things. If you do bring other currencies to the UK, you will need to change them into sterling when you arrive, and you will be charged for this.

• You should ensure that you keep the cash on your person when travelling. Use a body belt or similar, and do not under any circumstances place money in your hold baggage.

• If you have a large amount of cash you should contact the CRIC office. We will advise you on how to open a bank account. In the UK you will not normally be able to open a bank account until you have registered with the College as a student and arranged permanent accommodation.

Please note that the college cannot take responsibility for cash lost by students. It is your responsibility to keep it safe. This is why we recommend that you do not bring large amounts of cash with you.

Travellers’ cheques

Travellers’ cheques are a good alternative to carrying cash as they can be converted into cash as you need it. Unlike a personal cheque, you do not need to have a UK bank account in order to use them. If you lose them or they are stolen you can apply to have them replaced. You should normally try to get sterling-based travellers’ cheques as these are the easiest to cash; if you bring dollar-based travellers cheques most banks and exchange bureaux will impose a charge for converting dollars to sterling. Sterling travellers cheques can be used to pay for purchases in larger shops in major towns and cities, but not all local shops will accept them. When travelling make sure you keep details of your traveller’s cheques and your passport separate from the cheques.

Credit card

The College can accept payment for tuition fees and accommodation charges via most major credit cards. Make sure that your credit limit is sufficient to allow you to make this payment. Check with your bank or credit provider before you leave home. You should also make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your credit card account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish to make a payment to the College by credit card before you leave home, you should contact the Support Services Manager at CRIC on: +44 (0)1223 695702 or [email protected]. Please note that CRIC are unable to take credit card payments over the telephone. If you are using an International credit card please be aware that there will be an additional 3% charge on all payments.


Debit or switch card

If you have a debit card (Maestro, Visa or Cirrus) you can use it to pay your tuition fees and accommodation charges. Make sure you have sufficient money in your account to allow you to make this payment. You should also make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your bank account whilst you are in the UK. If you wish to make a payment to the college by debit card you should contact the Manager of Support Services at CRIC on telephone: +44 (0)1223 695702 or [email protected]. If you are using an International debit card please be aware that there will be an additional 3% charge on all payments.

Cost of living The cost of living varies from one part of the UK to another. Generally it is more expensive to live in London and cheaper elsewhere. The estimated cost of supporting yourself financially in Cambridge is outlined below.

Typical basic living costs

As a student at CRIC you should estimate your average living costs, apart from tuition fees, to be in the region of £1000.00 per month. This covers accommodation, food, travel, books and entertainment costs. As a guide, a couple living together adds 50 percent to the cost of a person living on their own. For each child living with you add 25 percent of the cost of a person living on their own. These costs are estimates, and actual costs will depend on your personal tastes and preferences.

It is unlikely that you will be able to secure sponsorship for your studies once you have arrived in the UK, so you must make sure that you have made suitable financial arrangements before you leave home.

If your family is giving you the money for your studies you must discuss with them the implications of their commitment to pay for you to live and study in the UK. You must think about the things that may affect their income and cause difficulties in the future. You and

your family must ensure that all are fully aware of the consequences of being unable to continue funding your studies. You should think about what alternatives you would have if an economic downturn or currency fluctuations affect your country and your family, and plan your strategy accordingly.

If you find you have financial difficulties once you have started your studies you may be advised to halt your studies if it is established that you do not have sufficient financial resources. If you are no longer able to attend the college to study because of financial problems you will be advised to leave the UK until your finances can be sorted out. Under the terms of UK Immigration legislation you are not permitted to remain in the UK if you are not studying. Problems with financial arrangements are one of the most common reasons for international students failing to complete their degree programme. It is vital to get your financial situation organised before you come to the UK.


Getting started at CRIC

Compulsory Registration and EnrolmentThe CRIC Registration programme is always held over three days starting on the Wednesday before semester commences. Attendance is compulsory for all three days (the date of your Registration is on your offer of admission letter under programme start date). Registration covers matters relating to your studies at CRIC such as enrolment for your study timetable, campus facilities, procedures and support services.

At Registration you will be issued with a student handbook, course unit information and other important study guidance.

Enrolment is compulsory and you will only be able to get your timetable once you have enrolled. At CRIC, enrolment is completed through the online student portal system. You will be required to complete your

personal details such as your current UK address, home country address, email and mobile number, passport and visa details. You will then be able enrol for your study timetable.

Please bring the following to registration and enrolment:

• Offer of Admission Letter

• Passport photos x 4

• Passport & Visa

• Full UK address details

• Financial sponsorship guarantee if you are sponsored by your government or embassy

You will also need to have the following details: Full UK address and Home country address.

Please be advised you will not be able to enrol unless your fees are paid in full.

CRIC office hours CRIC is open Monday–Friday, from 9.00am–5.00pm. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The emergency mobile, to contact staff outside of office hours, in an emergency, is: 07976 266432

Services and facilities At CRIC we offer a range of services and facilities to meet your personal as well as academic needs. As a CRIC student, you have access to facilities and services provided by CRIC and Anglia Ruskin University. Services include: English and study support, student counselling and accommodation services. Facilities include: library, bookshop, cafeteria, recreation, sports and computer facilities. Information about services and facilities is provided at Registration.

In conclusionWe look forward to welcoming you. We will do our best to make your time at CRIC as enjoyable and productive as possible, and we would like your preparations for joining us to be exciting and trouble-free. If you have any questions leading up to your departure, please do not hesitate to contact the Manager of Support Services, Mr Andrew Richards at: [email protected].

Notes

Education for your world

Cambridge Ruskin International College LtdCoslett Building (Cos 415) Anglia Ruskin University East Road Cambridge CB1 1PT United Kingdom

T +44 (0)1223 695700 F +44 (0)1223 698763 E [email protected] facebook.com/CRICuk

Company Number 6407773; Registered in England and Wales.

The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of publication; however, Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC) reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice.

Selected photographs in this publication are: Copyright © Paul Foley/ Lightmoods 2011.This brochure is provided free of charge.

Produced December 2011. CRIC0147_1211_AW

Cambridge Ruskin International College in Chelmsford: Queens Building 102 Anglia Ruskin University Bishop Hall Lane Chelmsford CM1 1SQ United Kingdom

T +44 (0)845 196 3123 F +44 (0)1223 698763 E [email protected]

anglia.ac.uk/cricnavitas.com

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