Guideto LivinG

Welcome to York

What is the Students’ Union?Studying is only one part of the student experience. If you want to really get the most of your years at university, you want to get involved with your Union.

The Students’ Union is a democratic organisation where students elect other students to run it on their behalf. Union officers are elected each year to represent the interests of all our members at every level within the university and outside in the local and national communities. We represent every aspect of our student body and are continually looking for ways to improve your time at university.

What facilities does the SU have?We have a shop, a café and a bar that is provided on campus in a building that always has something going on.

How will the Students’ Union support me during my time at York St John?As a York St John University student, you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union. This gives you access to all the services we provide from emotional and academic support, advice and representation through to clubs, societies, volunteering and the entertainment.

International officeThe international office is a first point of contact for all international students. Throughout this booklet we will give you various contact details to make sure you can talk to the right person about any questions you may have.

Welcome to the York St John Guide to Living. Throughout this booklet we hope to answer some

questions you may have before you arrive in the UK, we also hope to give you information that will help

you throughout your time in York. All these questions have been suggested by York St John international

students from all over the world.

intRoduCtion

& WeLCoMe

STUDENTS’ UNION

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CongratulationsCongratulationsAccepTInG YoUr offer And

before YoU GeT Here

I have received an acceptance letter, but it says my offer is conditional. What does this mean, and what do I do to make it unconditional?Your offer to University is set on some conditions. In your case, it will most likely be that you need to pay an administration fee for processing your application. Your letter should mention what the conditions to your offer are, and what you need to do to make it unconditional.

What should I do when my offer is unconditional?Once you have fulfilled all the conditions (or in some cases, the first offer is unconditional), make sure you book accommodation! This usually takes a long time to process, so make sure you do it as soon as possible. We don’t need to tell you to book your flights, but try and make sure that you arrive in York before 7pm at night to ensure we are here to greet you.

I have a disability and would like to know what support there is at York St John University?If you have a disability then the University disability service is there to help and advise. The support ranges from dyslexia support to arranging a support worker to work with you during lectures. It’s always advisable

to contact the disability services before your arrive at York St John so that they can have all the necessary support arranged for you on arrival. To contact them please email disabilityadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.

Where can I worship?The University has a Chaplaincy, and there are 16 faith advisers. There are facilities on campus for you to worship, but further information can be provided based on your individual needs within the chaplaincy booklet, which can also be found online. http://intranet.yorksj.ac.uk/cmsfiles/epublications/chaplaincy/

does it cost to see a dentist or an optician in the UK?Yes and we advise that you have a dental and eye check before you come to the UK.

How do I reserve accommodation in advance?You will receive an email from the Accommodation Office with all the necessary details about your accommodation, make sure you do this in a timely fashion and don’t miss the deadline. If you have any questions about accommodation then please don’t hesitate to contact accommodation@yorksj.ac.uk

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Travelling

to the UK& YorK St John UniverSitY

You should be provided with a 24-hour telephone number and the name of someone you can contact if you have any problems on your journey, or if you arrive later than planned. You should plan your journey from your point of entry into the UK to York St John University, and know when and where you are supposed to arrive.

Will someone meet me at the airport?The International Office does three pick-ups a day on the weekend before the start of term from Manchester Airport. Make sure to contact them by e-mailing c.thomas@yorksj.ac.uk and arrange to be picked up, if possible. This is a free service.

I have booked my flight ticket for London and don’t arrive in Manchester. How do I get to York?Getting to York is really simple, whichever airport you arrive at in the

UK. There are usually direct trains from both Manchester and London to York – just ask for direct trains to York when booking your tickets.

Make sure you keep these documents in your hand luggage or are easy to access as you may require them

documents required for your journey

• Valid passport, with a visa or UK entry clearance

• An air ticket• Vaccination certificate, if required• An x-ray report, if required• A letter of acceptance from York St

John University• Documentary evidence that you

have enough money to pay your tuition fees and accommodate yourself while studying (recent bank statements, sponsors letter and accommodation letter)

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Make sure you also keep in your hand luggage

• Some warm clothing• Some British currency• Insurance documents• Any prescribed drugs or medicine

you require, plus a letter in English from your doctor explaining what they are

• An address, telephone number and travel instructions to York St John University

• A reference letter from your bank in your own country as this will help you open a bank account in the UK

What do I do if my transport is delayed?If your transport is delayed the best thing to do is contact the person at York St John by phoning the number you have been provided with. Remember that UK payphones may need British currency so make sure you have some spare British coins.

How do I get from York Train Station to York St John University?There is a taxi rank right outside the main entrance of the train station. When you get asked where you need to go it is very important you say “York St John University” otherwise you may be taken to another university

in the City. The taxi fare is usually no more than £6 so make sure you have enough money to pay.

Where do I go to pick up my keys?Once you are at the University Campus you need to walk to the Holgate building (see middle of booklet for campus map). Once you are in the Holgate building there will be a person in a bright t-shirt waiting to help you collect your accommodation keys.

Here you will be given a Welcome Pack which

will include a little food and essentials

to help you settle into your first night in York. These are free so you don’t need to buy them but there is only one per

person.

How do I find my accommodation?

Once you have picked up your keys

then you are free to go to your accommodation. All university owned accommodation are within a 15 minute walking distance and relatively easy to find, but as this is your first night in York you may want to ask if there is a helper available to show you the way. Otherwise you can book a taxi to take you there if you are unsure – please remember this will cost you so make sure you have enough money to pay.

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CAMPuS MAP

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LivinG in YoRK

What should I do in my first few days at York St John University?

• Contact home and let them know that you have arrived safely. The International Office will provide you with a sim card that can be used with a small amount of credit on it until you find yourself a deal.

• Move into your accommodation.• Collect your welcome pack• Attend orientation talks• Attend the International Welcome

Reception and other Welcome Week activities

• Open a bank account• Pay your university tuition fees• Enrol at University• Register with the police if your visa

states that you must• Register with the University

medical service

How do I open a bank account in the UK?Your Students’ Union can give you useful advice on how to open a bank account. Just come in and ask. which will give you information and guidance on how to open a bank account in York. They will also help give directions on the easiest route to go to a bank.

How much money do I need for food and living expenses for a month?The UKBA provides guidance on how much money they suggest you keep aside for the year for food and living expenses. These expenses vary based on your lifestyle. Please keep in mind that England is very expensive, and we strongly suggest that you have enough money to cover your stay without needing to work.

What happens if I run out of money whilst I am studying in York?Should you get to a situation where

MONEY

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you have no money whilst studying at York St John University you can apply to the Hardship Fund. You are not guaranteed to be given any money and there has to be a strong evidence base. You can find out more about this at the Student Advice Desk located in the Holgate building.

How can I get student discounts?Once you start at York St John you can buy an NUS Extra card from the Students’ Union for £12. Check with us before you buy though because some students are eligible for a free card as part of their accommodation package. This card will give you discounts online from many different companies which can offer discount on clothing, academic books, fitness and food. The card is accepted in many shops within York City Centre where you can enjoy discount off many things. The card also comes with the ISIC logo on which means you may also be able to save money on international travel fair.

How can I contact family back home for little money?There are various ways to contact your family and friends in your home countries from England. The most popular way is Skype which can be downloaded onto your laptop from www.skype.com. There are certain phone companies in the UK that have special international calling rates, starting at as little as 1p a minute. Lyca, Vectone and Talktalk are a few examples. Apart from these methods, there are phone cards that can be bought at newsagents.

can I pay for living expenses with a job in the UK?It is possible, but we strongly advise you bring enough money to cover your

living expenses. Some students don’t manage to get a job for a long time and suffer because they do not have sufficient funds.

do I qualify for free medical treatment as a student in the UK?Yes you are likely to receive free medical treatment if you are here for longer than 6 months but you may still have to pay for medication and prescriptions.

How can I access medical care while I am at University?There is a medical centre on campus which you will register with on your first week at university. There is also an emergency department in the hospital which is a 5 minute walk away from the campus.

Am I allowed to work in the UK?It depends on where you are from and the restrictions on your Visa. You can find out more information by emailing the university Visa and Compliance advisor (visa@yorksj.ac.uk).

can anyone help me find work?If your visa permits you to work whilst studying at York St John University the careers team can give you advice on finding vacancies and applying for jobs. They cannot guarantee that you will find work straight away.

HEALTH CARE

WORK

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MiscellaneousMiscellaneouscan I extend my stay in the UK?Yes you may be able to stay longer in the UK. The International Office at York St John University has an adviser that will be able to give you more information and advice about this. E-mail visa@yorksj.ac.uk for more information.

can I move if I do not like the accommodation that I have been assigned?You can apply to be transferred to another accommodation site but you could be put on a waiting list as every accommodation site is full and there is always a waiting list for rooms. During welcome week the accommodation offices do drop in sessions every day and are more than happy to answer any of your questions. To speak to them go to the Student Advice desk or email them at accommodation@yorksj.ac.uk

What do I need to know about private renting?Private renting can be very expensive and there are lots of extra costs to living outside of University owned accommodation. If you are still thinking about living and privately renting a house or room please contact the University accommodation support service (welfare@yorksj.ac.uk) where they will be able to advise you. Don’t sign any contracts until you have spoken to an advisor.

can I access any help finding accommodation after I arrive in the UK?Yes you can but we strongly advise you to have accommodation before you arrive in the UK. If not you may be put

in temporary accommodation that is very expensive.

Where can I buy household essentials like pots and pans and bedding?There are lots of places in and around the City Centre where you can get household essentials. Lots of international students usually go to Argos, Boyes or Poundland that are all within 10 minute walk from the campus and just inside the City Walls. Alternatively you can catch the Number 6 bus from just outside the campus to Clifton Moor where there are larger shops that sell everything you need at low cost.

Where do I go to buy food supplies?• Londis in The Groves, for snacks and

basic food supplies• Students’ Union shop and café for

lunch• Sainsburys at the end of Lord

Mayor’s Walk• Morrisons at Foss Bank• Tesco Metro in City Centre, at the

end of Coney Street• Asda near Morrisons

Where do I go to buy food from my own country?There are several specialist food shops in and around the City Centre where you can buy specialist food like Halal meat and international ingredients – Chinese, Caribbean, Eastern European and Asian. You can find the location of these shops by either going online and using Google or you can pop into the Students’ Union Reception and ask for details.

ACCOMMODATION

FOOD

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MiscellaneousMiscellaneousAre there other things I may need whilst studying at York St John University? • Plug adapter for electrical

appliances • Stationery (pens, pencils,

folders, paper pads.) All these can be found and bought at your Students’ Union.

• Basic cooking facilities – e.g. pots and pans, plates, cutlery.

How cold does it get in York in the winter?York can be a very cold place in winter so make sure you either bring lots of warm clothes with you (especially if you are from a warm climate like Kenya). Don’t worry if you don’t have any warm clothes to bring to the UK – there are lots of shops in York that sell warm clothing all year round.

How do I access historic places or local Libraries in York for free or little money?The York Card Scheme opens up a wide range of opportunities and facilities to the holder, discounting on a number of sites:• Energise• Yearsley Swimming Pool• York Sport• York Art Gallery • York Castle Museum

• York Dungeon• Yorkshire Museum• York CitySightseeing buses

All these opportunities can be opened up to you an admin fee.

How do I join in events at York St John University and the Students’ Union?The Students’ Union hosts a number of different sports and societies which we actively encourage all students to take part in. As well we as a student union welcome new ideas for sports and societies, so if there isn’t a particular sport or society which engages you why not try and make your own? Just talk to your Students’ Union Sabbaticals regarding any information.

Global Friends is a York St John community for all students interested in forming international friendships. Through taking part in social events including day trips to explore other parts of the UK, you will make new friends and have lots of fun.

GLOBAL FRIENDS

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Web: www.ysjsu.comTwitter: @ysjsufacebook: www.facebook.com/ysjsu YouTube: www.youtube.com/theysjsutube

Welcome WeekIn the first week of term, we organise lots of events for new students to meet each other and socialise. We will also hold events for you to find your away around campus and the city. We encourage you to get involved in as many events as possible, and have lots of fun! A tradition of Welcome Week is the Welcome Fair (also known as Freshers Fair) where there are lots of stalls advertising what there is to get involved in in York, including our Sports and Societies.

Some events have a Fancy Dress theme, particularly in Welcome Week. Dressing up is optional and you are OK to attend the event if you are not in fancy dress. What other entertainment is there in York?

cinemas – in the city centre and at Clifton Moor.

Ten pin bowling – at Clifton Moor.

Shopping centres – there are lots of shops in the city centre, also Clifton Moor, Monks Cross, and the Designer Outlet can be reached easily by bus or bicycle.

football matches – York City FC have a stadium in the city and matches are good fun.

Theatre – There are 2 large theatres in the city centre, no more than a 10 minute walk from campus.

Is it easy to travel around York? cycling – There are a

number of cycle lanes and maps all around York and the surrounding areas. Maintenance of your bike is not a problem with the high number of bike shops dotted all around York as well.

Train – York Train Station is situated approx. 15minutes away from York St John and is on the East Coast main line and is easily accessible for weekend trips to Inverness in Scotland, to day trips to Newcastle, Manchester and London and many other places in England.

bus – There are good local bus services for you to explore and travel to the wider York area. Details can be found from the Students’ Union Reception.

Taxi – A student taxi scheme we have here at York St John is the 10% student discount with Streamline taxis, taxiing you from destination to destination when walking, cycling, and taking the bus becomes too much.

ON YOUR ARRIVAL