Funding and Financial Issues For International Students

By Nigel Cooke,

Student Adviser, The Advice Centre

The Advice Centre

• Housing Rights• Employment Rights• Consumer Rights• Academic Appeals and Complaints• Debt advice

The Advice Centre

• International student Issues• Personal Safety• Drugs and Alcohol

Today’s session

• Council Tax• TV licensing• International Student Funding

Council Tax

• What is it?• Local Taxation• Administered by Local Councils• Rate of tax based on type and valuation of

property

Do I have To pay?

Exempt Properties• Halls of residence• Property occupied solely by students• As a rule all full time students should not

be paying council tax

Do I have To Pay?Properties that will be billed• If you live in a property with non students• 25% discount for property• Dependents of International Students• No recourse to public funds

PhD student writing up

• Certificate from college (£100)• Appeal through procedure• See The Advice Centre

To become exempt

• Get exemption letter from College registry• Must be stamped• To prove you fullfill full time student status

and studying 21 hours a week and one academic year

• Any Questions?

T.V. Licensing

• Do I need a licence?• If you are using any type of television

receiving equipment• Computers and laptops- as being shown• Mobile phones,digibox to record or watch

T.V Programmes

T.V licensing

How do I get one?• Costs £145.50 for a colour T.V., Paid

yearly and are available online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk

• Or you can get a form from local post office

T.V Licensing

• You can apply for a part refund of 3 months if not here all year

• Diferent ways to pay Direct debit monthly installments, pay online

What happens if you don’t get one?

• Detection vans• Database of addresses with no T.V.

Licence• Handheld detection devices• Enforcement officers

What Happens If I don’t get one?

• The enforcement officers can knock on your door and interview you

• You are not obliged to let them in• Court Appearance and £1000 fine

Funding

• Not entitled to Government funding• Sponsorship• Support from home country

What is available?

• Scholarships• British Council www.britishcouncil.gov.uk• Trusts and charities – FUNDER FINDER

One student secured £1000 donation last year!

Who can help?

• The Advice Centre• Your Department• College Hardship Fund• Medical Hardship Fund

Finally..

• Seek advice

The Advice Centre Tel: 020 7594 8067

E-mail: advice@imperial.ac.uk

www.Imperialcollegeunion.org/advice

Why Endsleigh? Endsleigh is the UK’s leading student insurance provider – we provide insurance to over 300,000

students studying in the UK Endsleigh is the only insurance provider recommended by the National Union of Students (NUS)

– the national body who look after the interest and welfare of students in the UK Endorsed by UKCISA – The UK Council for International Student Affairs Endsleigh is committed to providing great value insurance to students and dedicated to student

welfare

Welcome to the UK!

As an International Student you need to consider protecting your possessions with an insurance policy. Student Possessions Insurance from Endsleigh is an annual policy which is available to cover you and your belongings.

What insurance is available?

• International Student Insurance (medical)

• Possessions Insurance

• Bicycle Insurance

• Motor Insurance

• Travel Insurance

International Student Insurance (medical)

This is a specialist policy which covers

• Medical

• Course fee protection

• 21 day travel insurance (Europe)

To get a quote visit endsleigh.co.uk/international

Your university has already arranged cover for the contents in your room as part of your accommodation.

You can supplement this cover with some of the following options:

Possessions Insurance

How do I get insurance?

• Speak to an Endsleigh Representative on campus at Princes Gardens or Evelyn Gardens on the 29 September (9am-5pm)ORThe International Fair on the 30 September (Undergraduates: 11am-1pm, Postgraduates: 2pm-4pm)

• Go online www.endsleigh.co.uk/international

• Call 0800 028 7255 or 01282 672 700