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University Programmes
International College Wales Swansea
PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE 2013/14 Swansea, United Kingdom
INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14
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FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE in Swansea, United Kingdom
Welcome
Congratulations on your offer of a place at ICWS at Swansea University!
We are delighted that you have chosen Swansea to pursue your further education. We are sure that you will have a fantastic time studying as part of the ICWS community in this city by the sea.
This brief guide covers all aspects of what you should do to best prepare for your studies and life here in Swansea. Please do take the time to read through
this guide — it contains a lot of important information and guidance — and the better prepared you are, the easier you will find it to settle into ICWS, your studies and life in Swansea. Of course, we have a dedicated team of support services staff to help you at every stage, so if you need any assistance with anything please don’t hesitate to ask.
We look forward to welcoming you to ICWS and Swansea very soon.
The ICWS Team
Contents
Swansea: the city by the sea ..................................................................... 2
Campus map ............................................................................................. 4
Swansea as a place to live ........................................................................ 5
Financial matters ....................................................................................... 6
Living in Swansea ...................................................................................... 7
Entry clearance and visa guide.................................................................. 8
Preparing to leave home ...........................................................................10
Arriving in the UK ......................................................................................11
Getting started at ICWS ...........................................................................12
Useful information .....................................................................................13
Important things to do ..............................................................................14
Travel checklist .........................................................................................15
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Swansea London
Swansea: the city by the sea
Swansea is a famous historical city and a popular tourist destination. It is one of Britain’s most vibrant and exciting cities and is truly multicultural, hosting Arabic, African, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai communities.
Where is Swansea? Situated between the coast in the south and the stunning green hills in the north, Swansea is the ideal location to see Britain’s beaches and countryside at their best. It is also a superb centre for shopping and dining.
Swansea is conveniently located near the M4 motorway, which links it directly with London and Heathrow Airport, just a three-hour drive or train journey away. It has excellent direct rail links to London and other major UK cities. With Cardiff International Airport just 45 minutes away, budget airlines make it quick and easy to visit other European countries.
As Wales’ second largest city, Swansea boasts the impressive infrastructure you
would expect from a modern European city. Its beautiful seaside location makes it a favoured destination for tourists.
From the campus you can travel along the seafront to the modern marina and the city centre, or to the vibrant coastal village of Mumbles. Some of the best sporting facilities in Wales are just two or three minutes away from the campus and most accommodation is within easy reach. Regular bus services run to Swansea University Student Village and to popular student areas such as Uplands, the Marina, Brynmill and Mumbles.
Swansea is a very affordable city in which to live and study. You will need to budget for a minimum of £800 per month to cover your living expenses while studying in the UK.
Swansea’s climateThe climate in South Wales is temperate and in the summer regularly reaches 20–25 degrees Celsius. This is ideal weather for the beach, which is just across the road from the campus. Winters are colder, with snow sometimes falling on the hills to the north of the city. However, Swansea’s seaside location usually protects the city itself from the coldest British weather.
2 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14
FAST FACTSPopulation 230,000
County Swansea
Currency UK Sterling (£)
Time zone UTC/GMT
Electricity 230V
Language English
SWANSEA3
4 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14
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To Sports Village
and Mumbles/Gower
Main
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Porters’ TrafficControl Lodge
Bus, Cycle &Pedestrian Access
Singleton Hospital
Singleton Park
Abbey MeadowP
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Singleton Park
To Sports Village(pedestrian access)
To CityCentre
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MAP 4 Swa nsea Un ive r s i ty Ca mpus K ey
Buildings1 Finance Building2 SingletonAbbey2.1 SingletonAbbey, Stable Block3 Keir Hardie Building4 JamesCallaghanBuilding5 LawLibrary6 Mosque7 Libraryand InformationCentre8.1 FaradayBuilding8.2 FaradayTower8.3 TalbotBuilding9 Wallace Building9.4 MargamBuilding11.1 G lyndwr Building11.2 Vivian Tower11.3 Sports ScienceMotion Laboratory12 Grove Building13 Grove Building Extension14 Richard Price Building15 AmyDillwynBuilding16 Haldane Building17 FultonHouse18 UnionHouse19.2 EnergyCentre24 Digital Technium31 TaliesinAnnexe32 TaliesinArts Centre32.1 EgyptCentre33 Institute of Life Science 134 Llyr Building36 Institute of Life Science 2 / Centre for
NanoHealth40 Porters’ Traffic Control Lodge
StudentResidences19.1 Kilvey20 Preseli21 CefnBryn21.2, 21.3 Rhossili22 Penmaen23 Horton25 Oxwich26 Langland27 Caswell
AcademicAreas11.1 AdultContinuing Education4 American Studies34 AquaCulture9, 9.4, 11.2 Biological Sciences16 Business11.2 ChildhoodStudies3 Classics, AncientHistory& Egyptology8.1, 8.2 Computer Science11.2 Criminology3 Cymraeg/Welsh14 Economics8.1, 8.2 Engineering3 English3 French9 Geography3 German11.1 Health Science
3 Hispanic Studies4 History3 Italian14 Law8.3 Mathematics3 Media andCommunication Studies12, 33 Medicine11.2 Physics4 Politics and International Relations11.2 Psychology11.2 Social Policy / Work11.2, 11.3 Sports Science4 War andSociety
Services / Facilities2.1 Academic Registry2 AdmissionsO ffice2 AlumniO ffice32 ArtGallery32 Bank17, 18, 32 Bars32 Bookshop17, 18, 32 CashPoints17 CateringO ffice7 Careers and Employability2 Central Administration17 ChaplaincyCentre17 ConferenceO ffice30 Crèche / Nursery23 Dental Surgery3.1 Disability/Special
RequirementsO ffice13 DisabilityO ffice - Assessment
andTrainingCentre17 Discovery - StudentVolunteering32.1 EgyptCentre18 EstatesDepartment1 FinanceDepartment2 HumanResources2.1 InternationalDevelopmentO ffice3.1 International Student
AdvisoryService5 LawLibrary7 Libraryand InformationCentre2 Marketing3 Media Resources17 HealthCentre3.1 MoneyAdvice & SupportO ffice6 Mosque22 Occupational Health&
Emergency Centre17 PostO ffice2.1 PostgraduateO ffice17 Refectory8.2 DepartmentofResearchand Innovation22 ResidentialServices17, 18 Shops13 StaffDevelopmentUnit23 StudentCounselling Service3.1 StudentSupportServices18 Students’ Union32 Theatre (Taliesin)15 TranscriptionCentre17 Travel Shop23 Wellbeing Services
Visitors Car Park (Pay and Display)
Staff C ar Parks
Bus Stops
Taxis
Public Telephones
Catering Facilities
Baby Changing Facilities
Swa nsea Unive r s ity Sing le ton Pa rk , Swa nsea , SA2 8PP+ 44 (0)1792 205678 info@ swansea .a c.uk www.swansea .a c.ukEvery efforthas been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, the publishers cannotacceptresponsibility for errors or omissions, or for anymatter in anyway connected with, or arising outof the publication of this information.Published by the Marketing Department, Swansea University. Copyright February 2012.
Designe
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TheInfo
Group
Key
Buildings
1 Finance Building2 Singleton Abbey2.1 Singleton Abbey, Stable Block3 Keir Hardie Building4 James Callaghan Building5 Law Library6 Mosque7 Library & Information Centre8.1 Faraday Building8.2 Faraday Tower8.3 Talbot Building9 Wallace Building9.4 Margam Building11.1 Glyndwr Building11.2 Vivian Tower11.3 Sports Science Motion Laboratory
12 Grove Building13 Grove Building Extension14 Richard Price Building15 Amy Dillwyn Building16 Haldane Building17 Fulton House18 Union House19.2 Energy Centre24 Digital Technium31 Taliesin Annexe32 Taliesin Arts Centre32.1 Egypt Centre33 Institute of Life Science 134 Llyr Building36 Institute of Life Science 2/Centre
for NanoHealth40 Porters’ Traffic Control Lodge
Student residences
19.1 Kilvey20 Preseli21 Cefn Bryn21.2, 21.3 Rhossili22 Penmaen23 Horton25 Oxwich26 Langland27 Caswell
Campus map
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Swansea as a place to live
Useful facilities in Swansea city centreSwansea is a thriving city centre, with a large indoor shopping centre (‘The Quadrant’) along with many more streets, such as Oxford Street and High Street, lined with shops and cafes. The main area for restaurants and bars is Wind Street, that contains many local places full of Welsh history, such as the 300 year old No Sign Wine Bar, mixed in with international brand restaurants, so you really are spoilt for choice here.
Swansea also has two cinemas, multiple theatres (including one based on the university campus), a bowling alley, various museums, many live music venues and a large indoor market selling a vast host of local produce, including meats, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables as well and clothes and local crafts.
The main leisure centre, ‘The LC’, is very popular with students, and boasts a large gym, swimming pool, spa and lots of exercise classes. Great for the keep-fit enthusiast.
Swansea has a large range of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, water-skiing, kite surfing, hiking and cycling. Swansea University has many societies and sports clubs that support these interests, so join one of their groups to make friends who share your enthusiasm.
Swansea University’s facilitiesThe university’s campus plays host to a Lloyds TSB bank, an Egypt centre gallery and museum, a bookstore, a theatre, a cinema, a sports village and many food outlets. It also has a Travel Shop, which is a great facility available to students. It runs regular trips around the UK, so you can explore historic cities such as Bath on your days off, and also runs weekends–away trips if you fancy getting out of Swansea for a few days.
Students’ UnionThe university has its own Students’ Union building, which has a bar and coffee house, a nightclub, a shop and many different societies and sports teams that you can join. The sports teams range from football, to archery to Ultimate Frisbee — and everything in between! There are also many societies on campus, ranging from subject-based to cultural-based to interest-based. As a member of ICWS you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union so you can join as many societies as you like.
The Gower and coastlineSwansea’s beaches are famous for their beauty, and it has over 32 miles of coast. Gower was named as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and on sunny days you can usually find students on one of the many beaches, either studying, playing or just topping up their tan. Most students make their way down to the coast using Swansea’s public transport system.
Public transport around SwanseaMost of the facilities that you will need are within a 30-minute walking distance of the university as everything is quite close
together in Swansea. However, if you want to venture further out and explore places such as Gower or Cardiff (the capital of Wales) the transport links are excellent. You can purchase tickets in advance or on the day from the bus station and the train station, and you can purchase a ‘day ticket’, which means you can travel as much as you want and catch as many buses as you like for the whole day.
There are also many taxi services in Swansea that can help you get to and from where you need to go.
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Financial matters
Opening a bank accountSwansea University came out on top of a recent survey about how easy it is for International students to open a bank account. We have a branch of Lloyds TSB based on campus, and once you have enrolled with us we can produce a bank letter within 24-48 hours of receiving your enrolment confirmation.
Most banks have a branch within Swansea City Centre, and we have good relationships with them, so our bank letter is accepted as proof of your residency and student status.
EmploymentThere are many employment opportunities open to you as an international student. In most cases, international students can work between 10 and 20 hours part-time whilst they are completing their studies, and with a bar, a nightclub, a library, a bookstore, a museum and numerous food and drink outlets on campus there are lots of places where you could find work. As a city, Swansea employs many students in a variety of its workplaces, and the majority of employers are very flexible around your work limits.
InsuranceIt is compulsory that all Navitas students in the UK, including those on ICWS courses, have adequate insurance cover. Navitas has introduced Navinsure (provided by Endsleigh, endsleigh.co.uk/travelagency) to address the insurance needs of our students.
There will be an additional fee of £300 for Navinsure insurance. If you would like our insurance, please ensure that you add £300 to any deposit payment you are making. Please see below for further details of Navinsure benefits and the cover provided.
Please note that you may choose to source your own insurance provision. Students who choose to arrange their own insurance should send the name of their insurance company, the policy number and the company contact details before we issue you with a CAS.
The Navitas Insurance policy provides insurance cover for:
• cancellation charges
• emergency medical expenses
• personal belongings
• personal accident
• legal expenses
• personal liability
• course fees
Summary of cover and key benefits (12 months)
Navitas Insurance
Covers up to:
Cancellation or curtailment charges
£5,000
Emergency medical expenses £2,000,000
Emergency dental treatment £500
Funeral costs abroad £5,000
Baggage £2,000
Single article limit £300
Valuables total limit £350
Personal money, passport & documents
£3000
Cash limit £100
Other money & documents limit
£100
Passport £500
Personal liability £1,000,000
Personal accident £30,000
Missed departure £250
Overseas legal expenses & assistance
£10,000
Course fees £12,000
Premium (cost) £300
N.B. all premiums shown are inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax at the current rate.
Key benefits:
• Cover for over 90 sports and activities are included as standard under this policy and full details are available within your policy document.
• Cover is only applicable during: direct trips to and from your home country at the beginning and end of each academic term, outside the UK if the trip is required as part of your study course or for leisure trips within Europe for a period not exceeding 21 days in total.
Principal exclusions
General
• The first £50 of each and every claim per incident claimed for by each insured person except for claims under personal liability, personal accident and legal expenses.
Cancellation or curtailment charges & course fees
• Any circumstances known prior to booking the trip that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim.
Emergency medical and other expenses
• Treatment or surgery which, in the opinion of the medical practitioner in attendance, can wait until your return home.
• Medication, which prior to departure is known to be required.
Baggage & personal money, passport and documents
• Valuables left unattended at any time unless in a safety deposit box or in your locked accommodation.
• Baggage contained in an unattended motor vehicle between 9.00pm and 9.00am or between 9.00am and 9.00pm unless it is in a locked boot or covered from view in a locked car.
• Personal money or your passport left unattended at any time unless in a hotel safe, safety deposit box or in your locked accommodation.
The CAS will be issued upon the confirmation of agreement of the insurance charge and terms and conditions accordingly, or receipt of documents showing that the student has arranged their own insurance.
Currency
Cash
You should make sure that you bring a small amount of cash with you for your day-to-day expenses until to have registered with ICWS and set up your bank account. We recommend £200 in small denominations (£5, £10 and £20 notes), be careful as most stores will not accept £50 notes. Do not carry a large amount of cash with you when you travel, and ensure that any money you bring with you is kept in your hand luggage and with you at all times.
Bring sterling (GB pounds) with you as you cannot use any other form of currency in the UK. You can change other currency into sterling, but you will be charged for this.
Please note that ICWS does not take any responsibility for any cash lost by students.
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Travellers’ cheques
These are a good alternative to carrying cash as they can be converted into cash if you need them, and unlike a personal cheque you do not need a UK bank account to use them. If you lose them then you can apply to have them replaced. It is best to have sterling-based travellers’ cheques as these are the easiest to cash in the UK, and you may be charged for converting travellers’ cheques based in other currencies over to sterling. When travelling, do make sure that you keep your travellers’ cheques and your passport separate.
Credit card
ICWS can accept payment for course fees and accommodation charges using credit card, although there is a 3% charge for this. Ensure that your credit limit is sufficient to allow you to make this payment, and check with your bank or credit provider before you leave home. You should also then make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your credit card account whilst you are in the UK.
UK debit card
If you have a UK debit card then you can use that to pay for your course fees and accommodation charges (there is no charge for this service, however international debit cards have a 3% charge). You can use most debit cards in many local shops in Swansea and the UK. Ensure you have enough money in your account before you make the payment, and make sure that you give someone at home the authority to pay money into your bank account while you are here in the UK. The International Student Calculator will help you manage your money, visit international.studentcalculator.org.
Living in Swansea
Accommodation in SwanseaICWS currently offers three main types of accommodation, for more information please read below.
Llys Glas
Llys Glas is a beautiful Victorian building that has been refurbished and now houses 80 ICWS students in modern en-suite bedrooms in medium, large and extra large sizes. It is superbly located right in the city centre so you are close to all facilities. Each room comes equipped with a bed, desk, bookshelf, wardrobe and drawers, lamp, curtains, pin board, carpets and heater. There are shared kitchen and living facilities, and all bills are included in the rent too, so you don’t have to worry about paying for electricity or the internet. Please note that smoking is prohibited anywhere within the Llys Glas building.
Shared student accommodation
Many students like to live in a shared house with other students, often in the Brynmill or Uplands areas, which are only a ten-minute walk from the university. In this type of accommodation you will have your own private bedroom, but kitchen, living and bathroom facilities will be shared. Bills are not usually included in this rent, but they are not normally that expensive, and are divided between all residents. For further information, please email [email protected].
Individual student apartments
Many of our students choose to live in the beautiful Swansea Marina, ideally located next to the city centre, and an idyllic coastal walk to the university. These flats are usually one or two bedrooms, and rent varies considerably depending on how many bedrooms or bathrooms you require. As with shared student housing, rent does not usually cover bills. For further information, please email [email protected].
If you wish to live in any of the above forms of accommodation, please visit our website and fill in the relevant accommodation booking forms at icws.navitas.com/accommodation.
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Entry clearance and visa guidePlease be aware of the new UK VISA regulations for Points-Based System for Students (Tier 4).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information please refer to the Home Office website, homeoffice.gov.uk and UK Council for International Students Affairs website, ukcisa.org.uk. Make sure to:
• check that you meet all of the requirements before you apply
• provide evidence in the exact format required by the Home Office and outlined in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance, available from the Home Office website
• complete all sections of the application forms fully and accurately
• allow plenty of time to make your application and to start gathering documents
If you do not meet all of the requirements it is likely that your visa will be refused, so it’s worth taking extra time and care over your application.
Do I need a visa?In order to travel and study in the UK for longer than six months, you must apply for a Tier 4 General visa. You must pass a points-based assessment and score 40 points to get your visa.
How is the score calculated?You will score 30 points for a CAS Statement from an approved education provider, and 10 points if you can show you have sufficient finances to cover you, your course fees and monthly living expenses for nine months.
What will I be asked to provide?Proof of full-time student status (CAS Statement)
Once you have accepted your offer here at ICWS and paid your deposit, you will receive a CAS Statement (Confirmation of Acceptance of Study Statement). Your CAS Statement will include your personal details, along with the name of the institution where you will be studying, the course you will be studying, the level of qualification you will get when you complete the course (ie. BSc, MA) and the start and expected end date of your course.
Appropriate qualifications The Entry Clearance Officer will ask you to prove that you have the appropriate qualifications to undertake the pathway you will be studying. Ensure you can provide evidence of your qualifications that you used to gain admission on to your course. These will be stated on your CAS and must
be the original documents, as photocopies will not be accepted. If the documents are not in English, you must get them translated by a qualified, professional translator.
Knowledge of the courseYou must have an in-depth knowledge of the course you will be studying, including subjects you will be taking and you must be able to provide reasons why you are choosing to study in the UK rather than in your own country.
Sufficient English language abilityYou must have the English language skills appropriate for the level of course you will be studying. If you are required to show evidence of your English language skills (for example an IELTS or similar certificate), it will be stated on your CAS. You must submit original certificate with your visa application.
Ability to pay all feesIn order to receive your CAS Statement, you must pay us one (1) semester’s course fees, and you must have proof that you can afford to pay all the fees and living costs you will incur whilst you are in the UK. Ensure you have proof of payment with you.
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Proof of financeYou must be able to provide evidence that you have enough money to cover you whilst you are here. You must have an official bank statement that demonstrates you can meet all of these costs. The funds must be in an account in your name. You can also show funds in your parents’ bank accounts but you will need to show a birth certificate and a letter from them as well. If you have a financial sponsor (government, embassy or international organisation), please have a letter from them confirming that they will cover all of your fees and living costs, so that you meet the financial requirements. It is very important that your financial statements meet the requirements outlined in the Tier 4 Policy Guidance (available from the UK Border Agency website).
How much money do I need?
For ICWS, for a nine month course:
• course fees
• £800 for each calendar month of the course
More than nine months:
• course fees for whole year
• £7,200 to cover living expenses
Contact an International Student Adviser at [email protected] if you have any specific questions about your visa application. Information about applying for a visa available from swan.ac.uk/isas/immigration/applying-for-a-visa.
Medical historyCheck if you need any vaccinations before you enter the UK, if you do — you may be asked to provide evidence that you have had these.
AccommodationThe Entry Clearance Officer may also ask you about your UK accommodation arrangements. Ensure you have the documents to prove where you are living, whether it is in College managed accommodation (ie. Llys Glas) or in privately rented accommodation.
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Preparing to leave home First things first, your important documents. Please ensure that you bring:
• a valid passport
• a valid visa
• your initial Offer Letter
• your Offer Letter
• your CAS
• your completed ICWS acceptance form
• certified copies or originals of your academic transcripts (including evidence of English proficiency)
• personal identification (ie. driver’s licence, birth certificate)
• any medical prescriptions/certificates/history/reports
• full details of your UK accommodation
• evidence of funds (ie. bank statements, sponsorship letter)
• proof of address in your home country
• contact numbers for friends/family in the UK
• details of who to contact in an emergency
• four passport-sized photographs
The passport-sized photographs should be standard UK passport sized, with white or grey-coloured background, and show your whole head and shoulders. These can be obtained in the UK but they are likely to be more expensive than in your own country.
What to packStudents in the UK generally dress casually. The general rule is just wear whatever you feel comfortable in, although it is important to ensure that whatever you wear is not offensive to anyone (student or staff) you will meet in the UK.
Swansea can enjoy a ‘four seasons in a day’ climate, so ensure you bring a variety of clothing suitable for warm and cold weather.
A thick warm waterproof coat is highly recommended for the colder months, and although the summer months are generally warmer, we do advise a light waterproof jacket for all year round.
Key essentialsIn terms of bedding for when you arrive, you can buy a bedding pack from ICWS, including a fitted sheet, pillow, pillow case, duvet and duvet cover, all for £20. If you are in Llys Glas, we can even have it waiting for you in reception for when you arrive.
Although there are plenty of shops in Swansea, we do recommend bringing some personal items with you so that you do not have to go shopping as soon as you arrive. For instance, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap etc, and any medical items you require, such as glasses or contact lenses.
Electrical itemsThe UK electricity supply has a much higher voltage than some countries outside Europe, so do ensure that any electrical products you are bringing will be compatible. The electrical voltage in the UK is generally 240 volts/50 Hz and 10 volts for bathroom (typically shaver) plug sockets.
Phoning homePhoning home can be expensive, so ensure you look into the cheapest ways to contact your friends and family before you leave. Skype can be a very useful tool, it is a free internet-based service that will allow you to video-call other Skype users across the world.
Make sure you have a way of contacting your family and friends so that you can tell them that you have arrived safely in the UK.
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Arriving in the UK
Students 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
• proof of residency
• evidence of funding (personal or family resources/confirmation of sponsorship)
• your letter from ICWS confirming your place of study as a full-time student
• recent medical reports including x-rays (if they apply 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 considerable delay at the end of your flight, especially during peak traffic periods (at the start of term and at UK holiday periods). To assist the immigration officials, keep all of your documents available and be prepared to wait patiently.
There may also be a check of your baggage at the Customs and Quarantine desk to ensure that you comply with import restrictions and are not carrying any banned items. For information on what
goods you may bring into the UK, please go to hmrc.gov.uk/nav/index.htm, click the link for ‘Travelling to the UK’ — on that page you will see links to ‘Going through Customs’ and ‘Banned & Restricted Goods’.
It is essential 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 them, and, if you are staying in private accommodation, proof of a UK address and telephone number. We also need a mobile number for you so that we can contact you when you first arrive, to ensure that your arrival is as smooth as possible.
How to get to SwanseaICWS provide a ‘meet and greet’ service at the airport, where we can collect you from Heathrow airport and take you directly to your accommodation. We highly recommend this service, as this is the easiest and safest option for students arriving in the UK for the first time. The service costs a very reasonable £200 (a reduced fee for ICWS students, it is usually £240 and even more again if you book it on the day). Contact [email protected] for more information regarding booking this service.
When you arrive in SwanseaIf you are using our meet and greet service then our driver will take you straight to your accommodation. If not, then there is a great public transport system that will get you to where you are staying.
If you are staying at Llys Glas please provide us with an estimated time of arrival, as that way we can ensure someone is there to greet you. You can get a taxi from Swansea bus station, costing around £5, or if you are arriving into the train station then you can walk to the building.
To walk, exit the train station from the station forecourt, with the Grand Hotel on your left and the station on your right, cross at the traffic lights into Alexander Road, walk along a short distance crossing over Orchard Place — Llys Glas is the tall building on the left hand corner opposite the Glynn Vivian Gallery. It will take you five minutes — even with luggage.
If you are staying in a private flat or in a shared student house, it is best to take a taxi directly to your accommodation so that you don’t end up getting lost — there is plenty of time to explore the city when you are all settled in.
Police registrationYou will need to register with the police if you are from the following countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
There will also be a line on your visa which will confirm this.
Please note that these are subject to change and an updated list can be found on the Home Office website.
Travelling to ICWS bytaxi: the address is ICWS, 2nd Floor, Margam Building, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP.
bus: when you go to the local bus station, if you go to the information desk then they will be able to tell you which bus to catch. If you are coming from Llys Glas, there is a bus stop for the number 4 bus (a purple bus), which will bring you directly onto campus.
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Getting started at ICWS
Orientation and enrolmentWe request that all students attend ICWS orientation and enrolment. The ICWS orientation programme is held in the week before teaching commences (the date and time of your orientation will be on your Offer Letter). Orientation covers essential matters relating to your study at ICWS such as enrolment, facilities, procedures and support services, as well as the opportunity to go on a tour of the area. It is also a great chance to start making friends.
At orientation you will be given a welcome pack containing your course and college information as well as other important information. Please do take the time to read this and keep it for future reference.
You must bring all of the following with you to enrolment:
• current passport
• current UK visa
• two passport sized photographs
• original documents of your previous qualifications that you used to apply for the course — originals only, photocopies will not be accepted
• If you have changed your name since the passport/visa was issued, we will need to see the original documents to prove this change.
• ICWS Offer Letter or copy of ICWS visa support letter
• proof of payment of fees; or credit/debit card if you have not yet paid your fees in total (note: there is a 3% charge for paying
by credit card or international debit card— no charge applies for UK debit card transactions)
• accommodation evidence — original tenancy agreement or letter from your landlord or letting agent clearly stating your tenancy dates
You cannot attend classes until enrolment is completed and all fees paid.
ICWS office hours:Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm
The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, and on all national bank holidays.
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Useful information
Swansea dialling codeInternational: +44 (0)1792 From within the UK: 01792
Important websites
ICWS icws.navitas.com
Swansea University swansea.ac.uk
Prepare for Success prepareforsuccess.org.uk
UKCISA Information sheets ukcisa.org.uk
British Council — Living in the UK educationuk.org
Student budget calculator studentcalculator.org.uk
Life in Swansea swansea.gov.uk
Swansea University Students’ Union swansea-union.co.uk
Important notes:
Dates NotesAccommodation From a week before enrolment A deposit of £800 is required to secure a room with us at ICWS.
Orientation See Offer Letter Attendance is compulsory, you will enrol and get your timetable.
Accommodation fees At enrolment All fees must be paid by the end of this week.
Course fees for next semester Due end of week nine If fees are late then fines will be incurred.
Exams See student portal and notice boards
Ensure you leave enough time between end of exam period and your flight home.
Accommodation finishes Dependent on contract Llys Glas must be vacated by 12 noon on your final day, and damage deposit will be refunded within 3 weeks of the key being returned.
Arrivals
To let us know what date and time you are planning to arrive in Swansea, to find out about our airport pick up service or to get information about how to get from the airport to Swansea, please contact [email protected].
Accommodation
To book your place in ICWS managed accommodation (Llys Glas Halls of Residence) or for help finding private accommodation in Swansea please contact [email protected]
Our 24/7 emergency contact number is +44 (0)7780 686 891. This number is for use in emergencies, such as if your flight is significantly delayed or you have difficulties during your arrival. You may wish to store this number in your mobile phone now, and it may be helpful to keep a copy of this number with your passport for when you are travelling.
Admissions
If you would like more information concerning your Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) statement, your offer letter or study plan, please contact:
• Agnes George (Admissions Manager) on [email protected], or
• Unhan Lovitt (Admissions Officer) on [email protected]
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey, and look forward to welcoming you to ICWS.
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14 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14
Important things to do
Have you paid full fees for your tuition and accommodation reservation fee?
Have you applied for — and received — your visa?
Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months?
Have you booked your flight? (Remember that September and January in particular are very busy times of the year and flights get full very early.)
Have you informed ICWS of your arrival date/time? If not please do so as soon as possible, via [email protected].
Do you require airport pick-up service? We strongly advise this for a smooth start to your life in the UK! Arrange this via [email protected] (giving us at least 24 working hours notice).
If you are making your own way to Swansea, have you checked out the train/bus options?
Have you advised ICWS of your accommodation requirements? You can do this via [email protected].
Have you organised cash and pounds sterling travellers’ cheques to bring with you?
15
Travel checklist
Have you packed your passport including new student visa?
Have you packed all relevant original documentation, including:• ICWS Offer Letter• original English Language test result• original high school or home university certificates — and any other original documents/transcripts
listed in your ICWS CAS. Remember that you cannot enrol at ICWS without these original documents and the immigration officer at the airport may ask to see them.
• bank statements (for at least 28 days, certified and stamped by the bank) showing evidence of sufficient bank funds, to show the Immigration Officer at your landing UK airport, if requested
Have you got your documents for medical registration? Including:• immunisation history book/evidence• UK Foreign Commonwealth Office Visa Tuberculosis Screening Certificate (if you have one)
Have you put the ICWS emergency contact number (+44 (0) 7780 686 891) into your mobile phone (if it will work in the UK) and do you have it written down on paper in your hand luggage also?
Do you have all your own personal emergency contact details, (such as parent/guardian’s phone number, email and address) stored safely for reference?
Have you remembered to bring the 4 passport sized photos that you will need to enrol?
Do you have:• thick, waterproof coat, clothing and shoes?• Adaptor for UK electricity sockets or UK-ready electronic appliances?
Have you agreed with your family how and when you will let them know that you have arrived safely in the UK and then in Swansea? By phone? By email? When? As soon as you arrive at the airport? Or when you get to Swansea? It’s a good idea to agree this now so that your family do not worry about you.
And finally…
Are you ready for an exciting new adventure at ICWS in Swansea?
We look forward to meeting you very soon.
All at ICWS
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16 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE WALES SWANSEA Pre-departure Guide 2013/14
Creating opportunities for successNavitas provides you with the education you need, to get where you want to be in life. From English language skills and courses to help you enter university, to training for the workplace, Navitas colleges and campuses in 28 countries will support you every step of the way.
With over 100 Navitas and SAE Institution locations across the globe, and over 55,000 international students currently studying with us, we understand the world’s learning
needs. We’ve become one of the most trusted providers of education and training in the world.
Navitas offers to students, professionals and migrants from around the world, the following opportunities:
• English language training • High school studies • University preparation and programmes• Post-secondary education for creative
media technology
• Career advancement programmes • Student recruitment • Internship programs• Migrant settlement services
We also offer customised workplace training for companies, and a range of training and settlement services for the Australian government. Wherever you are, and wherever you want to be, the knowledge and resources of our staff around the world will ensure your success.
Boston
Lowell
Dartmouth
LondonCambridge
Plymouth
SwanseaPortsmouth
AberdeenEdinburgh
Glasgow
BirminghamOxford
Germany
SloveniaAustria
Switzerland
France
Italy
BelgiumNetherlands
Malaysia
Thailand
South Africa Byron BayAuckland
Newcastle
Los Angeles
Mexico
SanFrancisco New York
Miami
AtlantaNashville
Sweden
SpainGreece
Turkey
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Dubai
Jordan
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VancouverWinnipeg
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New Hampshire
Nairobi
Colombo
Singapore
Jakarta
AdelaideGeelong Melbourne
Sydney
BrisbaneGold Coast
Perth
CairnsDarwin
Education for your world
Members and affiliates of Navitas: Australia
• ACAP (Australian College of Applied Psychology)
• ACN — La Trobe University, Sydney• ATTC (Australian TESOL Training Centre) • CELUSA (Centre for English Language
in the University of South Australia) • Curtin College — Curtin University, Perth • Curtin University Sydney• Cytech Intersearch• Eynesbury — The University of Adelaide
and University of South Australia• Hawthorn-Melbourne• La Trobe Melbourne — La Trobe University• MIBT — Deakin University, Melbourne• MQC — Macquarie University, Sydney • Navitas English (formerly ACE/ACL) • Navitas Health Skills Australia• NCPS (Navitas College of Public Safety)• Navitas Professional• NIC — The University of Newcastle• PIBT — Edith Cowan University, Perth • QIBT — Griffith University,
Brisbane and the Gold Coast• SAE Institutions/Qantm Colleges• SAIBT — University of South
Australia, Adelaide• SIBT — Macquarie University, Sydney
Canada
• FIC — Simon Fraser University, Vancouver • ICM — the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
United Kingdom
• BCUIC — Birmingham City University • CRIC — Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge • EIC — Edinburgh Napier University • HIC — University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield• ICP — University of Portsmouth• ICRGU — Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen • ICWS — Swansea University• LIBT — Brunel University, London• PUIC — Plymouth University • SAE Institutions/Qantm College
United States of America
• Navitas at UMass Boston — University of Massachusetts Boston
• Navitas at UMass Dartmouth — University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• Navitas at UMass Lowell — University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Navitas at WKU — Western Kentucky University (WKU)
• Navitas at UNH — University of New Hampshire
• SAE Institutions
Africa
• SAE Institute, South Africa• AUSI — Edith Cowan University, Kenya
Asia
• ACBT — Edith Cowan University, Sri Lanka • Curtin Singapore (The Singapore
Campus of Curtin University)• MIBT Indonesia — Deakin University• SAE Institutions — India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand/Qantm College — Singapore
Europe
• SAE Institutions/Qantm Colleges — Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey
Middle East
• SAE Institutions — Jordan and Kuwait
New Zealand
• SAE Institute, Auckland
Central America
• SAE Institute, Mexico
Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT) and Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology Indonesia (MIBT-I) are affiliated organisations and are not owned by Navitas Limited.NAVITAS USA: These schools are authorized under federal law to enrol non-immigrant alien students. University Pathway Programs are not available to students from the People’s Republic of China, for any University of Massachusetts campus where Navitas conducts these programs.Registered Company names and CRICOS provider codes: SAE Institute Pty Ltd 00312F (NSW), 02431E (WA), 02047B (VIC), 03204G (QLD), Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd trading as La Trobe Melbourne 03312D; La Trobe University 00115M (VIC), Australian Campus Network Pty Limited; La Trobe University 02218K (NSW); Colleges of Business and Technology (WA) Pty Ltd 02042G; Curtin University 00301J (WA), Colleges of Business and Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd trading as Curtin Sydney; Curtin University 02637B (NSW); Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd trading as Eynesbury 00561M; The University of Adelaide 00123M; Melbourne Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01590J; Deakin University 00113B; Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01312J; Edith Cowan University 00279B; Queensland Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01737F; Griffith University 00233E; South Australian Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 02193C; University of South Australia 00121B; Sydney Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd 01576G; Macquarie University 00002J; IBT Sydney Pty Ltd trading as Macquarie City Campus; Newcastle International College 03293B; The University of Newcastle 00109J. Navitas English: Courses in NT will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Pty Ltd ACN 003 916 701) CRICOS provider code: 02783C (NT). Courses in NSW, QLD and WA will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Services Pty Ltd ACN 002 069 730) CRICOS provider codes: 00289M (NSW), 00711B (QLD), 02252G (WA), with the exception of the Certificate IV in TESOL course which will be delivered by Navitas English (Navitas English Pty Ltd, ACN 003 916 701) CRICOS provider codes: 00031D (NSW) and 03106K (QLD). Centre for English Language in the University of South Australia 02193C; Hawthorn-Melbourne (Hawthorn Learning Pty Ltd, ACN 124 204 171) CRICOS provider code: 02931G; Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd trading as the Australian College of Applied Psychology 01328A (NSW), 02565B (QLD), 02829E (VIC).ICM CRA BN: 81210 5146; FIC CRA BN: 81210 5146. Company Numbers: Birmingham City International College Ltd trading as Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) 07445570; CRIC 06407773; EIC 06822392; ICP 06770123; ICWS 6412162; HIBT Ltd trading as HIC 5163612; LIBT 5171106; Plymouth Devon International College Ltd trading as Plymouth University International College (PUIC) 06822402; ICRGU 07154254. Navitas Limited ABN 69 109 613 309
NAVMIBC_INSIDE BACK COVER_UKVersion.indd 1 12/10/12 4:24 PM
Education for your world
Part of the Navitas Group
swansea.ac.uk/icwsnavitas.com
Singleton Park Margam Building Swansea University Swansea SA2 8PP United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1792 602888 F +44 (0)1792 602889 E [email protected] facebook.com/ICWSuk
Company Number 6009965; Registered in England and Wales.
The information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of publication. However, International College Wales Swansea (ICWS) reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice.
Selected photographs in this publication are: Copyright © Paul Foley/ Lightmoods 2013.This brochure is provided free of charge.
Published July 2013. ICWS1048_0713_AW
International College Wales Swansea
