INTERNATIONALWELCOME WEEK21–25 SEPTEMBER 2015

Comprehensive information and support for international students is available in the Student Gateway.

• International student support

• Employability and careers

• Counselling and wellbeing

• Mental health

• Money management and advice

• Disability advice and support

Please contactStudent GatewayGround FloorGateway HouseLeicester

T: +44 (0)116 257 7595

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm

Image Capture Policy:

In accordance with the De Montfort University policy on image capture, we must inform you that this event will be photographed and/or videoed and/or otherwise captured in image form. Images may be used in the university prospectus or course brochures, other publicity material (such as internal and external newsletters and the DMU website), exhibitions of student work or graduation ceremony brochures and may be provided to the media for publication in local or national newspapers or educational magazines.

It is also possible that representatives from print and broadcast media may attend this event and capture their own images for publication or broadcast. It is not possible or practical to seek consent for image capture from each individual attending this event. The university will therefore conclude that by attending/remaining at the event participants agree to their image being captured for the purposes stated above. If you do object to your image being captured, please write to the event host at the address given: the university will respect your decision. If you have any queries or complaints, or would like a copy of the university’s Image Capture Policy, please contact the event host in the first instance. Alternatively, the Image Capture Policy can be obtained from Corporate Communications, Portland Building, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH.

© De Montfort University September 2015

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I would like to welcome you personally to De Montfort University (DMU) and wish you the very best for your time with us.

DMU is a truly global university, committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience in a welcoming and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on employability, we will help you to achieve your ambitions with the combination of award-winning teaching and high-quality facilities.

You will begin your studies at DMU as part of a vibrant multicultural community, including more than 2,700 overseas students from 130 countries. We also have 155 quality international partnerships, providing worldwide placement opportunities and helping you secure a global future.

Our enviable location gives you a campus university with the UK’s most diverse city on your doorstep.

Our friendly and approachable international student support team are also on hand to provide any guidance you may require, ensuring a smooth transition into the DMU family as you start your journey with us.

At DMU we focus on helping students achieve their full potential. Our aim is to provide you with the skills and relevant experience to prepare you for your future career, including the opportunity of international placement. Our highly employable graduates have gone onto work at world-leading companies such as Warner Bros, HSBC, BBC, Nike, Gucci, BMW, Levi’s, KPMG, Abercrombie & Fitch, NASA, Disney, IBM and Adidas.

DMU is a community of learners, inspired by lecturers who are passionate about teaching and research. Our £136 million campus transformation is creating the modern, inspiring environment our students deserve, complete with cutting-edge facilities. Take full advantage of our clubs and societies, volunteering in the community as part of our Square Mile Project, or participate in organised country-wide trips.

At DMU, you’ll not only receive an excellent education; you can enjoy new opportunities, and make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Our exciting #DMUglobal programme offers all students a meaningful international experience, both overseas and on campus. Enrich your studies through embracing a new culture, and graduate with skills that could boost your future employability, in a competitive global environment.

Over the following pages we have provided you with your guide through the next week, with important advice and information I’m sure you’ll find helpful, as you settle into your new life at DMU.

Please enjoy your first week with us.

I look forward to welcoming you onto our friendly campus.

Best wishes,

James Gardner Dean of International

MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

INTRODUCTION

This timetable of events has been designed to help you plan your activities for your first week here at DMU. We hope that you attend many of the events on offer during the week, as it will help you settle into life in the UK, make new friendships and give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the DMU campus and the city of Leicester.

At the beginning of the week you will need to visit the reception in the Student Gateway (in Gateway House), where the team will give you a coloured wristband. Some of the activities (such as the Stratford trip and some of the information sessions) will take place more than once – which session you attend will depend on which colour wristband you have. You will also need your wristband if you want to join any of the free leisure centre activities.

We recommend that you take the opportunity to register with the doctor. There will also be sessions where you can find out about working in the UK, how to manage your money and about academic requirements and expectations in a British university.

You’ll find more information in the frequently asked questions on page 12.

We hope you enjoy your week!

WELCOME!

WRISTBAND COLLECTION From 10am – 2pm – Student Gateway (Gateway House) Visit Student Gateway reception to collect your wristband. You will need this if you want to join one of the Stratford trips.

CAMPUS AND CITY TOURS Midday – Campus Centre Student ambassadors will be available to show students around the university and the city centre – and to visit one of the local supermarkets. No need to pre-book – just meet outside the Campus Centre at midday.

#DMUglobal Drop-in between 2pm – 3.30pm – Atrium, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building With the #DMUglobal programme, the world is at your fingertips. Come along to hear about the exciting opportunities you could take part in, abroad, in the UK and on campus.

This fun, interactive session will show you what previous students have got up to and how you too can apply. You could even win a prize!

INTERNATIONAL WELCOME EVENT 4.45pm – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre Please arrive promptly at 4.45pm for the start of this event.

We will be welcoming you personally to the university; there will also be music, performance, buffet food, wine and soft drinks. This will also be a great chance to meet other new students, some of the support staff and existing DMU students who you can chat to about life on campus.

We expect the event to last around two hours.

Both soft drinks and alcohol will be available at this event.

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TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER

WHITE WRISTBANDS ONLY

CAMPUS AND CITY TOURS 9.30am – Campus Centre

Student ambassadors will be available to show students around the university, the city centre, and a local supermarket.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY 11.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

Find out how to make the most of a limited budget and plan to make your money go further.

REGISTER WITH THE HEALTH CENTRE 12.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

At this session one of the doctors from the DMU Health Centre will explain how the healthcare system works and answer any questions. You can also register with the health centre here – it’s completely free.

JOB HUNTING AND WORKING IN THE UK 2.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

If you’re looking for a part-time job while you’re studying then come along to find out more about the help available at DMU.

ADAPTING TO BRITISH CULTURE 3.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

In this workshop we’ll be exploring ways to help you adjust to living and studying in the UK, and looking at what British culture is.

RED WRISTBANDS ONLY

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION SESSION 8.45am – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

You will need to attend this session if you want to join the Stratford trip.

This session will introduce you to the university and provide some essential information about living and studying in Leicester. This will include important information about support services, visas and immigration, and about safety and security on campus.

VISIT TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVONThe trip will leave after the morning information session.

This day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon provides a memorable taste of English culture and history. The town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and you’ll find many beautiful Tudor buildings (including the house where he was born), plus a range of shops, restaurants and tea rooms.

Once we have arrived in Stratford, free sightseeing buses will be available.

The trip is expected to take all day and should arrive back in Leicester late in the afternoon.

The weather in the UK can be changeable, so please bring some warm clothes and a rain jacket or umbrella – just in case!

EVENING ACTIVITY

KARAOKE TUESDAY! 8pm – The Lobby Bar, ground floor, Campus Centre

Come along and try out your favourite songs with your friends, or simply just watch the fun! It’s also a great way to meet new people.

Free admission with your red or white wristband.

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WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

EVENING ACTIVITY

SPORTS TASTER SESSIONS Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre 6–9pm

Show your wristband (either red or white) for admission. Come along and try out some of the facilities at the leisure centre.

Free Futsal* volleyball and table tennis sessions will be available.

Bring along your sports kit to participate, or simply watch the fun.

Because of the capacity of the sports hall, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

* Futsal is a type of indoor, 5-a-side football, suitable for all.

Free swimming sessions

You can also show your wristband to join free public and lane swimming sessions between Friday 25 – Sunday 27 September. You can pick up the timetable from Student Gateway, or ask at the leisure centre.

WHITE WRISTBANDS ONLY

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION SESSION 8.45am – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

You will need to attend this session if you want to join the Stratford trip.

This session will introduce you to the university and provide some essential information about living and studying in Leicester. The session will include important information about support services, visas and immigration, and about safety and security on campus.

VISIT TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The trip will leave after the morning information session.

This day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon provides a memorable taste of English culture and history. The town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and you’ll find many beautiful Tudor buildings (including the house where he was born), plus a range of shops, restaurants and tea rooms.

Once we have arrived in Stratford, free sightseeing buses will be available.

The trip is expected to take all day and we should arrive back in Leicester late in the afternoon.

The weather in the UK can be changeable, so please bring some warm clothes and a rain jacket or umbrella – just in case.

RED WRISTBANDS ONLY

CAMPUS AND CITY TOURS 9.30am – Campus Centre

Student ambassadors will be available to show students around the university, the city centre, and a local supermarket.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY 11.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

Find out how to make the most of a limited budget and plan to make your money go further.

REGISTER WITH THE HEALTH CENTRE 12.30am – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

At this session one of the doctors from the DMU Health Centre will explain how the healthcare system works and answer any questions. You can also register with the health centre here – it’s completely free.

JOB HUNTING AND WORKING IN THE UK 2.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

If you’re looking for a part-time job while you’re studying then come along to find out more about the help available at DMU.

ADAPTING TO BRITISH CULTURE 3.30pm – room 0.10, ground floor, Hugh Aston Building

In this workshop we’ll be exploring ways to help you adjust to living and studying in the UK, and looking at what British culture is.

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THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

CAMPUS TOURS 9am – Campus Centre

Student Ambassadors will be available to show students around the university campus. No need to pre-book – meet outside the Campus Centre at 9am.

BANKS INFORMATION SESSION 10am – room 0.10, Hugh Aston Building

Not sure which bank to choose?

Want to know how to open an account?

Come along to this session to find out how to set up your bank account and what documents you’ll need. Representatives from some of the banks in Leicester will also be there to answer your questions.

CHAPLAINCY MEET AND GREET SESSION 12–2pm – second floor, Campus Centre

The DMU chaplains provide religious support and pastoral care to students of all faiths and none. There is an opportunity to meet one of the Christian chaplains and the Muslim chaplain.

WELCOME TO THE STUDENTS’ UNION AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ CAFE 2pm – second floor, Campus Centre

De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) offers you a wide range of fun events, support and opportunities to meet new people! Your DSU President and the executive team will be welcoming you to campus and explaining what you can get involved with this year.

You will be able to attend our pop-up International Students’ Cafe (which will run each Wednesday 2–4pm in term time). Here, you can meet new people and practise your conversational English over a cup of tea.

EVENING ACTIVITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ CINEMA NIGHT 6pm Film: ‘The Theory of Everything’

Throughout the year the Give it a Go initiative, run by the Students’ Union, will bring you an exciting programme of events and cinema screenings. This first film is free and includes free popcorn and a drink.

Register at the Monday evening event to reserve your place and get more information. Please note that places are limited for this event.

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FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

CAMPUS TOURS 9am – Campus Centre

Student Ambassadors will be available to show students around the campus. No need to pre-book – meet outside the Campus Centre at 9am.

LEARNING AND STUDYING IN A BRITISH UNIVERSITY 10am – room 0.10, Hugh Aston Building

This session will introduce what it means to learn and study in a British university. You will have the opportunity to hear other students’ experiences of studying in the UK. The workshop will cover the following topics:

• What is expected of you as a student (self-directed learning, participation in seminars, critical thinking, avoiding plagiarism)

• What type of assignments you will write (essays, reports, blogs and presentations)

• How to make the most of your library

Students will leave the session with an awareness of what is expected of them as they study in a British university, and an understanding of how they can develop their own effective approaches to learning.

SUSTAINABILITY AT DMU 12–2pm, ground floor atrium, Hugh Aston Building

Come along to this interactive session for fun activities with an environmental twist and to meet the DMU sustainability team. Find out how you can be an eco-friendly student and how to get involved in some of the projects that are run at DMU - which can help you to develop new skills, new experiences and to make new friends.

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THE DMU SQUARE MILE PROJECT – COMMUNITY CAFE

Presentations at 2pm, 2.30pm and 3pm – room 2.08 Hugh Aston Building

DMU students and staff are working with local people to improve the lives of residents living in Leicester. There are currently more than 40 projects, ranging from homework club and IT lessons, to healthcare and community media. These projects aim to improve employability, health and well-being, as well as creating a sense of community. Getting involved is a chance to maximise your university experience and develop your skills.

Come along to the Community Café in Hugh Aston Building for refreshments, a chance to meet the team and to find out more.

EVENING ACTIVITY CULTURAL CELEBRATION 4–7pm – Level 1, first floor, Campus Centre

Level 1 will come alive with cultural sounds, foods and activity from some of the university’s student societies. DSU has a wide variety of societies that you can be a part of; from culture to performance, from games to films and cocktails, there is something for everyone. Come along at 4pm to sample some food and music and find out how you can get involved as the new term begins.

THE BOX OFFICE – LAUNCH EVENT 7pm – ground floor, The Lobby, Campus Centre

To get you in the mood for the weekend trip to Harry Potter World, come along to watch Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 – tickets are £4 and include a hot dog. Please note that places are limited. For tickets and more information, go to demontfortstudents.com/giveitago

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GLOBAL LEICESTER WELCOME PARTY 8pm – Level 1, first floor, Campus Centre

To round off the week’s events, join us for a party – music, dance and good company!

The Global Leicester party begins at 8pm and will be followed into the early hours by a club night.

Free admission with your red or white wristband.

Both alcohol and soft drinks will be available at these evening events.

SATURDAY 26 – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 2 OCTOBERWELCOME WEEKEND

10am–3pm – Campus Centre

Most of the students from the UK will begin to arrive from Friday 25 September onwards. At the Welcome Weekend events, there will be a lively range of entertainment and performers.

TRIP TO HARRY POTTER WORLD Saturday 26 September 2015 The Students’ Union are offering an opportunity to go and see where the Harry Potter films were made. Tickets for this all-day trip cost £30, including admission and return coach travel. For tickets and more information visit demontfortstudents.com/giveitago Please note that places are limited.

ENROLMENT WEEKMatriculation Ceremonies: a celebration of your arrival at DMU

Please check with your faculty for the date and time of your ceremony.

Your matriculation ceremony is the point at which you become a student at De Montfort University. You will have already filled in all of your enrolment paperwork and this ceremony is to formally welcome you to the university.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is my wristband for?When you arrive you will need to collect your wristband. You can get this from the Student Gateway between 10am and 2pm on Monday, or at the welcome event on Monday evening. We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to join the different activities, so some activities are being run more than once, on different days. Check the colour of your wristband to see which activity to join.

You will also need your wristband (either colour) if you want to join any of the free activities in the leisure centre.

Which sessions should I attend?You can choose which sessions to attend. However, all students are encouraged to go to the information sessions, as these include important details about life in the UK, including information on healthcare, campus safety, opening a bank account and study skills in a UK university.

There is also a range of social events and trips you can join.

What day can I go on the Stratford trip?We are running the Stratford trip on two separate days. Each student will have the chance to join one of the trips. Check the colour of your wristband to find out which trip you can join. You will also need to attend the morning Essential Information Session before you join the trip.

What should I do when I’m not on the Stratford trip?If you’re not on the Stratford trip, there are information sessions including Jobs and Working in the UK, Money Management and Adapting to British Culture. Please attend the sessions if you can. This will also be a good chance to register with DMU Health Centre (there is no charge for doing this).

Do I need to book a place on the events?You don’t need to book a place on most of the activities during the week. However, because of limited venue capacity, we may need to restrict numbers for the cinema event. If you’re interested in this activity, please sign up at the opening session on Monday evening.

You don’t need to book places for the sports taster sessions on Wednesday. However, because of the capacity of the leisure centre, places on courts will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Will alcohol be served at any of the events?Alcohol will be available at some evening events on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Check separate events in this brochure for more details. Soft drinks will also always be available.

Where can I get a welcome folder?Welcome folders are available from the Student Gateway – the folders contain maps of the city and campus, information about services for students and a SIM card for your phone.

If you’re staying in DMU-sourced accommodation, you should also have received a free pack containing tea and coffee, shower gel, bottled water and other supplies for your first night. If you’re in a DMU-sourced hall and haven’t received one of these packs, please let us know.

When can I enrol on my course and meet staff from my faculty?Enrolment for most courses starts during the week after International Welcome Week; you should contact your faculty about this. Faculty representatives will be available at the Welcome Weekend events on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September (see opposite page for details).

Where can I access the internet during International Welcome Week?Wi-Fi is available on campus throughout International Welcome Week. If you have already booked your place, then you should have been emailed about this before your arrival. Ask for details at the Student Gateway. You can also use the internet and check email at the PCs in the Student Gateway (open Monday to Friday) – please ask staff if you need any help with this. Internet access is also available in halls of residence – speak directly to hall staff if you have any questions.

Safety and security: What if I have to walk home after an evening activity?The DMU campus is generally a very safe place to be and you should feel comfortable in your surroundings. The DMU security team will be providing information to students before the Stratford trips, and you can also find more information in your welcome pack about how to be safe. If you are worried about getting home after an evening activity, please talk to a member of staff and we will assist you.

What happens after International Welcome Week?International Welcome Week finishes on Friday 25 September, although the activities don’t stop then. Most of the students from the UK will begin to arrive from Friday onwards, and there are events for all students in the Campus Centre during that weekend, as well as the trip to Harry Potter World. The following week (beginning Monday 28 September) is enrolment week, where most students register onto their courses and are introduced to facilities such as the library. It’s also Freshers’ Week at the Students’ Union, when you can find out about the various clubs, societies and activities on offer to all students.

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