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Pre-departure GUIDE
Pre-departure GUIDE
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Before you depart
GUIDE 2020-21
Pre-departure
AMBITION DELIVERED
TODAY
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Welcome
Video: Introduction from George Hunt, Director of International Development
Video: Keeping you safe
Video: Your academic life
Video: Your student life
Before You Depart
Meeting the conditions of your offer
Your CAS, Student Visa and credibility interview
Immigration Health Surcharge
Telling us when you plan to arrive
Booking your Meet and Greet
Choosing your accommodation
Applying for University-managed accommodation
Confirming your place in University-managed accommodation
Paying for your accommodation and tuition fees
Coronavirus rules in the UK
Completing the Public Health Passenger Locator Form
Coronavirus precautions in place at Teesside University
Covid-19 checklist
Starter packs
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Travelling to the UK
What you should pack
Weather in the UK
Your travel plans
Our free Meet and Greet service
Going through immigration
Arriving at Teesside University
14-day self-quarantine
Accommodation
Money
Orientation sessions
Collecting your TUSC card
Collecting your BRP card
Police Registration
Free English language support module
Settling In
Getting around campus
Campus map
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Student services
Getting around Middlesbrough
Map of Middlesbrough town centre
Getting around the UK
Timekeeping in the UK
Cost of Living in Middlesbrough
Employment
Staying safe
Important student health information
Useful Resources
Contact Us
Contents
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Welcome
Please click on the links below or scan the QR codes with your Smartphone to watch these four introductory videos.
Introduction by George Hunt Director of International Development
Keeping you safe
https://youtu.be/OyKMpD5QA-s https://youtu.be/SqK08ZOG66E
Your academic life Your student life
https://youtu.be/GUsCqZ7SjMM https://youtu.be/-wp-kWgqigE
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Congratulations on your offer of a place at Teesside University!
This booklet contains essential information to help you to confirm your offer and prepare for your studies. We hope you find this helpful but remember you can contact us at any time with any questions you might have – we’re here to help. PLEASE NOTE: The information in this document is correct at 15 December 2020. The global pandemic is a very dynamic situation so the information provided in this document is subject to change. We will provide updates over the coming period to keep you informed.
Meeting the conditions of your offer
After receiving a conditional offer for a place at Teesside University you must fulfil all the conditions listed on your offer letter. Your offer may be conditional on your academic achievements or proof of your English language proficiency, for example. To meet the conditions of your offer, please send your transcripts and copies of your certificates to the following email addresses: Students in China: [email protected] Students in South East Asia: [email protected] Students in South Asia: [email protected] Students in West Africa – if you need additional support when submitting your documents, please contact [email protected] All other countries: [email protected]
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Please ensure you have sent us these documents by 16 December 2020. English Language Test Results - Special conditions for January 2021 intake
We understand that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many English language test centres have been closed, and that this has made it difficult to book IELTS (Academic), TOEFL and Pearson's PTE Academic tests. For the January 2021 intake, to prevent applicants from being disadvantaged by this global health emergency, we will accept the following online tests:
IELTS Indicator
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
Language Cert Online
Pearson's VEPT
Teesside University English Language Test Appointments
If you have scheduled a Teesside University English Language Test (TELT), we politely ask that
you please make a careful note of your test time and date, and to ensure you attend. We have
unfortunately seen a number of test sessions wasted in recent weeks when candidates did not
present at their allotted time. Our TELTs are currently in very high demand, and we are unable to
guarantee a new test date if the original session is missed. Not attending a TELT also means that
another candidate misses out on an opportunity to be tested. We would appreciate your
cooperation, to avoid disappointment.
The other documents that you need to submit before we can consider you for a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) are as follows:
1. Credibility checks: If you have not done so already, you must complete the mandatory questionnaire which has been sent to you by email when your original offer was made. The mandatory questionnaire is to help you prepare for your visa application should you be called to interview and to allow the International Admissions and Compliance Team to confirm they are happy with your intentions for coming to Teesside University to study.
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2. UKVI checks: If you have been sent an email asking you to complete a consent form in
order for us to contact UKVI to check your previous UK immigration history, please return your signed consent form to us as soon as possible. Before we are able to issue you with a CAS, we need your consent and to have completed the UKVI check. This will normally be completed within 5 working days, but may take longer during peak periods. The purpose of the check is to ensure that we are able to issue you with a CAS in accordance with the Student Visa rules if you have already studied in the UK before or applied for a UK visa before.
3. Maintenance checks: If you are required by UKVI to demonstrate maintenance (evidence
to show you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs) you will be required to provide this evidence to the International Admissions and Compliance Team before you will be issued with a CAS. We will only issue your CAS number once we are satisfied with the maintenance documents that you have provided to us. This is for us to determine that you have satisfactory evidence to submit to UKVI as part of your Student Visa application to demonstrate your funds and to mitigate the chance of your visa being refused. Maintenance documents must be submitted by 4 January 2021.
4. Self-Funded Students (not sponsored) must be able to demonstrate that they have the
following amount of money available to them:
Any outstanding tuition fees owed to Teesside University (your total tuition fee cost for the first year of your course, minus the deposit you have already paid to Teesside University) AND > Maintenance/Living Costs – For visa applications made on or after 1 December 2020, this is £1,023 per month, up to a maximum of 9 months (£9,207). > The total amount above must be held for a period of 28 consecutive days (finishing on the date of the closing balance) ending no more than 31 days before the date that your Student Visa application is submitted to UKVI > If your course is longer than 12 months duration you are only required to demonstrate maintenance for the first year of your course
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Once you have fulfilled all the above conditions successfully you will receive an unconditional offer and can then be considered for a CAS.
Your CAS, visa and credibility interview
Obtaining a CAS
The University will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The CAS is a unique reference number which links you to your Student Visa sponsor (Teesside University).
The CAS will list the qualifications used by Teesside University to offer you your place on the course.
You must include evidence of these qualifications with your application form. The evidence must be in the form of original documents.
You will need a CAS number before you are able to make your Student Visa application.
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Obtaining a visa
Before coming to the UK to study, you should first check if you will need a visa by visiting gov.uk/check-uk-visa and entering your information. The Student Visa is for people coming to the UK for post‐16 education. You can make a Student Visa application from your home country or, when eligible, from within the UK. Applications for a Student Visa are made under the Points‐Based System. The immigration rules state that you must meet the following points requirement under the Student Visa:
Points type Relevant requirements to be met Number of points
Student (must meet all)
> Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) > Course requirement > Approved qualification requirement > Level of study requirement > Place of study requirement
50
Financial Financial requirement 10
English Language English Language requirement 10
Please note that due to Covid-19, at the time of writing there are no priority/super priority visa provisions and a general visa application may take up to three weeks. There are two ways of making an immigration application to study in the UK under the Student Visa points‐based system. You can either make this application abroad in your home country or from within the UK. More information about both routes can be found on our website.
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Preparing for a credibility interview
As part of the Student Visa application process, some students may be asked to participate in a credibility interview. This can happen whether you are applying from within the UK or from overseas. The purpose of the interview is for UKVI to verify your intentions as a genuine student and check that you have credible reasons for coming to the UK to study a programme in a university.
What will happen at the interview? You will be interviewed in person, on the phone, or via video link by a visa officer from UKVI. You will be asked to talk in English about your reasons for coming to the UK and about your study plans. Your ability to converse in English will also be assessed as part of the interview. For this reason, it is very important that you prepare carefully for the interview and think about how you will answer the questions. If you fail to attend the interview, or if you do not answer the visa officer’s questions in sufficient detail, or in a satisfactory level of English, you may be refused a visa. The report of the interview will be sent to the visa officer who will consider it alongside your visa application and supporting documents. What will I be asked at the interview? The visa officer will ask you questions which aim to check if you genuinely intend to be a student in the UK. It is possible that the questions will focus on some of the following areas:
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How you have carefully planned and considered your reasons for UK study
What research you have undertaken about your course and chosen university
Why you have chosen your course and university
What your career aspirations are and how studying in the UK will benefit you
What you plan to do when you return home after you graduate
How can I prepare for the credibility interview?
If you receive an invitation to attend a visa interview, you should make sure you plan sufficient time to prepare and think about your answers. Do not underestimate the importance of answering your questions in full detail and in good English. If you prepare thoroughly, this will also help you to feel calm and confident at the interview. When you applied to Teesside, we sent you a survey to complete. It asked for further information about your study plans and preparation, to help us to consider if we will sponsor you with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). We recommend that you review your answers to this survey and your application to Teesside University to help prepare yourself for the credibility interview. You will need to submit your Credibility Survey by no later than 4 January 2021
Immigration health surcharge
You will need to be in a position to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for yourself and for any dependants. The Immigration Health Surcharge is currently £470.00 per year, per person and is charged for the length of leave that you will be granted.
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
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You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when:
You’ve paid the health care surcharge (or are exempt from paying it)
Your visa or immigration application is granted. More information on the Immigration Health Surcharge
January 2021 application deadlines We understand that there is a lot do and think about when making an application to study in the UK. Please refer to this table to help you plan and organise your application efficiently. Please note that the deadlines are fixed, and any items received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Item for submission Deadline Paying Deposits 11 December 2020 Meeting all offer conditions
(ensure that you have followed the instructions on your offer letter). 16 December 2020
Maintenance documents 4 January 2021
Credibility survey 4 January 2021
Please be aware the University will close for Christmas from 18 December 2020 – 4 January 2021. Any documentation sent during this time will not be processed until the University reopens. It is advisable to ensure you have submitted documents and paid deposits before 11 December 2020. If you submitted your application via your Teesside University Regional Office, you may be able to obtain a status update providing your documents were submitted in good time before Christmas closure. See Useful Contacts for your Regional Office contact information. UK Visas and Immigration offices will close only for weekends and UK Bank Holidays. Bank holiday dates are:
25 December 2020
28 December 2020
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1 January 2021
We will be operating a general enquiry service if you have any general questions. The enquiry service is available: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm (GMT), with reduced hours on the following days, 23 December, 29 December 31 December, 9.00am-4.00pm (GMT). T: +44 (0) 1642 738900 E: [email protected]
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Course changes In order to provide a safe student and learning experience, we are currently operating a hybrid model for teaching so that we can safely deliver your course. This means that you can expect to spend some time learning online and some time learning on campus. Subject to national and local lockdown restrictions and government guidance, we aim to provide everyone with some face-to-face on campus learning and most students will have a minimum of four hours each week, on average across the semester. There may be some variation in courses with a placement element, where additional learning takes place off-campus, and for part-time students. The hybrid model may also mean that there are some specific changes to your course for the coming year. You will have received an email about these course changes. Please take the time to review these changes as you will be asked to consent to these changes when you enrol in January. We are keeping this model under constant review and will revert to more on-campus activities as soon as Government guidance allows. The model is flexible enough to offer more virtual teaching if needed so that your learning is not disrupted.
Tell us when you plan to arrive
What happens if you cannot travel to the UK due to Covid-19? We appreciate that due to international travel restrictions, medical or accessibility reasons, it might not be possible for you to begin your course with us on campus in January 2021. In this case, for most courses
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you will have two options: Option 1: Enrol online no later than 8 February 2021 and commence studies from your home country If you are unable to join us on campus in January 2021, for most courses, we can support you to start or continue your studies online, in your home country, through virtual teaching and online induction activities. However, if you are studying one of the courses below, you must be in Middlesbrough and commence your studies on campus by the dates specified. January 2021 courses requiring attendance on campus by a specified date.
Undergraduate Courses
BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) (Pre-Registration) BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Child) (Pre-Registration) BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health) (Pre-Registration)
8 February 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Studies BSc (Hons) Legal Studies (top-up)
15 February 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
Postgraduate Courses
MSc Nursing Studies (Adult) (Pre-Registration) MSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Child) (Pre-Registration) MSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Learning Disabilities) (Pre-Registration) MSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Mental Health) (Pre-Registration)
8 February 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
MSc Crime Intelligence and Data Analytics MSc Crime Intelligence and Data Analytics (with Advanced Practice)
15 February 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
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MSc Diagnostic Radiotherapy MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation (with Advanced Practice) MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) Doctorate Education LLM Master of Laws LLM Master of Laws (Applied) MA Education MA Education (Early Childhood Studies) MA Education (Educational Leadership) MA Education (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) MA Social Work MA Education Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages MSc Criminal Investigation MSc Law and Policy MSc Law and Policy (Applied) MSc Psychology
MSc Dietetics (Pre-Registration) 1 March 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration) 19 April 2021 (or immediately upon completion of your quarantine period if you are required to do so)
Please note:
If you initially enrol and commence your studies online, this is not the same as studying an online programme. We still expect you to travel to the UK at a later date and study with us on campus as soon as the restrictions are lifted
Even if you plan to commence your studies online, you must meet the usual application deadlines for January 2021 enrolment and you should apply for your visa at least 15 working days before the course start date
You must enrol online no later than 8 February 2021, even if you plan to commence your studies in your home country
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You should join us on campus as soon as possible, by the beginning of the semester starting in
September 2021 at the very latest You should let us know when you have arranged your flight so that we can make arrangements for
your on-campus enrolment upon arrival in the UK. You will still be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number with a course
start date of 18 January 2021 and so will need to apply for your visa at least 15 working days before this date. You may then need to obtain a new entry clearance vignette when you are able to book a flight to come to the UK if the vignette you are originally issued with has expired by the date of travel.
Please contact [email protected] to let us know about your plans at your earliest convenience. If you are a student from China, please contact our China office at [email protected]. Option 2: Defer your place Most of our courses have a September 2021 start date so you may wish to consider deferring your place until then, if you have not already received your CAS. Please email [email protected] if you would like to do this and we will send you an updated Offer Letter. You will then apply for your visa closer to the time. If you are a student from China, please contact our China office at [email protected].
Book your Meet and Greet
Teesside University offers a free Meet and Greet service from Teesside International Airport or Newcastle International Airport.
Meet and Greet will be running between 6 January - 2 February 2021. We recommend that you fly to Teesside International Airport as it will allow us to transport you quicker and easier to the University. You can now fly to Teesside International Airport from Amsterdam and London
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Heathrow.
There will be two daily slots for Teesside International Airport at 10.00am and 5.00pm.
There will be one daily slot for Newcastle International Airport at 2.00pm.
Once you have completed the online form you will then be contacted by the Meet and Greet team to confirm your booking and provide essential information about quarantine.
To book the meet and greet service, you need to:
Complete our registration form at least five working days before you arrive in the North East
of England.
Provide all the information we request on the form.
Respond promptly to any emails or telephone calls from us seeking clarification of any
details.
We cannot guarantee to collect you if you do not provide enough notice or if you do not provide all the information we need.
Please be aware of any time differences and that telephone calls or emails outside of UK business hours will only be responded to the next working day (UK time).
If you have any enquiries about our meet and greet service, please contact [email protected]. It can take up to five working days for a response due to high demand.
See Travelling to the UK section of this guide for full details of our meet & greet service and how
to book.
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Choosing your accommodation
Before you come to the UK, you will need to organise a place to live. You can either live in University-managed accommodation or arrange accommodation locally with a private landlord. As an international student arriving in the UK for the first time, we strongly recommend that you stay in University-managed accommodation at least for the first year that you are here. All University-managed accommodation is five minutes’ walk from the campus, so you will not have to familiarise yourself with public transport routes while you are trying to adapt to your new life in the UK. You will also benefit from 24-hour support from student wardens and security staff.
At the time of writing, due to Covid-19, the UK Government requires people coming to the UK from many other countries to complete a 10-day self-isolation (quarantine) as soon as they arrive at their accommodation (see Chapter 3: arriving in the UK for more information about this). The 10-day period is counted from the day after you leave a non-exempt country, or territory or island. A non-exempt country, or territory or island is any country, or territory or island that is not on the travel corridors list. You can check this web page for the latest information. If you are staying in University-managed accommodation, we will be better able to support you with day-to-day practicalities while you complete your 10-day self-isolation (quarantine). We have a quarantine plan in place for the health and safety of students staying in University-managed accommodation. Details can be found on our website.
Applying for University-managed accommodation
You must accept a conditional or unconditional course place offer before you can apply for University-managed accommodation. Once you have accepted your offer, we will email you at the email address you provided on your UCAS or application form. If you want to stay in University-
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managed accommodation, please complete the online form included in the email. When we receive your application, we will send you an email acknowledgement of your choices. If you don't receive an email acknowledgement, contact us so we can check we've received your application. Once we have allocated accommodation to you, we will let you know by email. A formal offer including which building and which room we have allocated to you will be posted to you.
Confirming your place in University-managed accommodation
If you apply for University-managed accommodation and we offer you a place, you must accept or reject the offer of accommodation within 14 days.
If you accept, you will need to pay a £150 deposit when you return your acceptance to us.
Please note ‐ insurance applicants cannot apply at this stage.
If you need to take up your insurance offer, you will be emailed in August with details of how to apply for accommodation.
International students must follow the same procedure as UK students ‐ please don't wait until you receive the outcome of your visa application.
Paying for your accommodation and tuition fees Online payment
The University’s online payment facility is the most secure and the fastest way of making and receiving payments.
This is the only payment method where receipts are provided by the University
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Refunds made for online payments are fast, secure and efficient.
Make a payment online Terms and conditions for online payments Other payment methods If you are unable to make an online payment to the University, Western Union is the next best option.
You can pay in your local currency
Western Union will deliver your funds directly to the University
Paying by Western Union is secure and trusted by education institutions around the world
It offers easy payment options including online payment, bank transfer or credit card.
There are no hidden charges or bank fees from Western Union.
You can track the progress of your payment to the University. Make a payment by Western Union Tips and FAQs about Western Union Bank transfers We do not advise making a payment by bank transfer. This is because:
It can take ten working days or more to process an international bank transfer.
There are no receipts or notifications when paying by this method.
There can be hidden fees when paying by this method.
Refunds made for bank transfers can take a significant amount of time (up to
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several months in some cases).
More information on bank transfer payments The University is unable to accept payments made by cash or cheque. Talk to us about your payment options If you would like to talk us about your payment options, please contact our International Enquiries team, we will be happy to help. T: +44 (0) 1642 738900 E: [email protected] To Live Chat with our International Enquiries team, visit our Contact Us webpage and select the Live Chat button. Please visit http://tees.ac.uk/payonline for all payment information. Additional information Self-funded students If you are funding your own study, you must pay a deposit before you get a CAS, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, which you need to apply for a Student Visa Student visa. We will let you know how much you need to pay as a deposit in your conditional offer. If you are refused a visa, your deposit will be refunded. Refund information Please note that paying a deposit does not secure you a place at the University.
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Sponsored students Before we can give you a CAS, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, we must have confirmation from your sponsor that they will pay your fees. We only accept letters from approved sponsors. You must bring your original copy of this letter with you when you enrol. It is important to note that if your sponsor doesn't pay, you the student becomes liable for that debt.
Pre-sessional English students If a Pre-Sessional English condition is included in your offer and you are due to take up a place on a Pre-Sessional English course, Teesside University requires you to pay the Pre-Sessional English course fee in full and a main course deposit to assist you in getting a visa. These payments should reach the University at least three weeks prior to the start date of the Pre-Sessional English course to allow sufficient time for your updated offer letter to be issued and your visa application processed. Accommodation Deposits Please note you can only request University accommodation if you have received an Unconditional Firm or Conditional Firm Offer from Teesside University for the upcoming academic year. Covid-19 We do understand that applicants may have some concerns regarding payment of deposits should you be unable to join us as planned in January 2021 due to COVID 19. We would like to reassure you that should you be unable to join us on campus due to travel restrictions in your home country we will refund the deposit paid to the University to secure your CAS. Refund information If you are eligible for a refund (please see Fees and Charges Regulations) then please note the following:
Refunds must be made to the original payer.
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Refunds must be made back to the original method of payment. Refunds made for online payments are fast, secure and efficient. Refunds made for bank transfers can take a significant amount of time (up to several
months in some cases).
We therefore ask that all payments are made online. More information on refunds Payment terms and discounts Please see our website for more information on payment terms and discounts.
tees.ac.uk/international/payment
Coronavirus rules in the UK
The UK Government has brought in various laws and guidelines as part of the national effort to protect against the spread of the Coronavirus. We will cover some of the main rules you should be aware of below, but this list is by no means comprehensive. Although the information below is correct at the time of writing, the Government frequently changes its laws and guidelines in response to fluctuating infection rates. We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the latest Government Coronavirus rules and keep checking this link on a regular basis. On Wednesday 2 December, national lockdown ended and Middlesbrough moved into Tier 3 in the local restriction tier system - along with the majority of regions in the UK. The government will review the restrictions regularly.
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View the UK Government's latest advice. Main rules In line with restrictions already in place across the majority of the North East, local Tier 3 lockdown measures have now been confirmed for Middlesbrough. This is in line with national Government action to try and halt the rising number of Coronavirus cases across the country. Under the new restrictions, no social mixing will be allowed between people from different households in any indoor spaces. This does not apply for the purposes of attending work or attending university for your education, but does apply within our halls of residence and student accommodation, where it will be unlawful for you to socialise with anyone outside of your immediate household. Attending amateur or professional sporting events as a spectator will be prohibited, people should only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances and there will be additional guidance against all but essential travel. We realise this is a difficult time for our student community and if you have any health or wellbeing concerns, support is available by contacting [email protected]. You should follow all University health and safety guidance and our Campus Community Pledge. Please also remember, if you have any symptoms of Coronavirus; a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - report it to [email protected] and don't come to campus. Face masks It is the law that you must wear a face covering when travelling in England on a: bus or coach
train or tram
ferry or hovercraft or other vessel
aircraft
cable car
in an enclosed transport hub, such as a train or bus station
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If you do not wear a face covering you will be breaking the law and could be fined £100, or £50 if you pay the fine within 14 days. The Government has also announced that it plans to update the law so that for repeat offenders, these fines would double at each offence up to a maximum value of £3,200. In addition, many airlines around the world will not allow you to fly without wearing a mask. If you are travelling to the UK by air, you should check with the airline you are flying with what rules it has put in place before you depart. 10-day self-isolation (quarantine) When you arrive in the UK, you will not be allowed to leave your accommodation for the first 10 days unless you’re arriving from an exempt country. This is because it can take up to 10 days for coronavirus symptoms to appear. This 10-day quarantine is known as “self-isolating.” If you’re travelling from an exempt country you will not need to self-isolate. You can find more information in the Arriving at Teesside University section of this guide.
Find out more about the 10-day self-isolation period on the Government website.
Complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form Before you arrive in the UK, the UK Government requires that you complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form. www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk This form will provide the Government with details of your journey and where you will be staying in case you develop symptoms of Coronavirus. There is no charge to complete the form. You must complete the form online and you cannot submit it until 48 hours before you’re due to arrive in the UK.
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Devices, such as iPads or laptops, for studying off-campus You should, where possible, arrive in the UK with a suitable device to undertake your course; for example, a laptop or tablet. This is particularly important should you need to quarantine on arrival and miss the first few days of your studies. If you have any queries over what you will require, please contact your school:
School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law - [email protected] School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies - [email protected] School of Health & Life Sciences - [email protected] Teesside University Business School - [email protected] MIMA School of Art & Design - [email protected]
Coronavirus precautions in place at Teesside University Teesside University has also implemented some changes to its usual operations to keep you safe on campus.
We have created a dedicated Covid-19 web page that is constantly updated in response to the latest information about the virus.
We have introduced a hybrid learning system, which will mean that some of your learning will take place online and some will take place on campus. This will help us limit the number of students in one place at any one time.
We’ve introduced enhanced cleaning procedures on campus.
We have installed new hand sanitiser stations across campus.
We are asking everyone to observe a 2-metre distance from other people at all times and have introduced a one-way system on campus to help make this possible.
We have installed signs around campus to ensure everyone is aware of the one way system, social distancing and other health and safety precautions we expect you to adhere to.
We’re asking all staff and students to commit to a Community Pledge which sets out what we will all do to protect and support each other.
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Covid-19 checklist Please ensure you have packed a supply of items such as antibacterial gel (bottles of 100ml or less) and a supply of face masks in your hand luggage. You will require these during your flight and immediately from the point that you arrive in the UK.
Starter packs
All students arriving in halls of residence will receive a free starter pack of essential items, such as food, hygiene items and cleaning products. Please email [email protected] to let us know when you will arrive. Kitchen packs and bedding packs can be purchased in our online shop. See Arriving at Teesside University section of this guide.
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Things you must do before you depart checklist Meet the conditions of your offer
Your CAS, visa and credibility interview
Pay Immigration Health Surcharge
Tell us when you plan to arrive
Book your Meet and Greet
Choose your accommodation
Apply for University-managed accommodation
Confirm your place in University-managed
accommodation
Pay for your accommodation and tuition fees
Familiarise yourself with Coronavirus rules in the UK
Complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form
Familiarise yourself with Coronavirus precautions in place at Teesside University
Covid-19 checklist
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What you should pack
In your hand luggage:
ITEM
Plane ticket (and/or tickets for your ferry/ train)
Completed landing card (this will be supplied during your flight)
Passport
Teesside University offer letter (this needs to be printed)
Biometric Identity Document (BID) – this will explain how to collect your BID once in
the UK
Accommodation confirmation email which shows you have paid for your
accommodation
The address where you will stay after arrival
Any IELTS certificates (or equivalent)
Vaccination certificates (if required)
A recent bank statement which proves that you have enough money to cover your
expenses in the UK
Originals of any degree certificates or qualifications
A face mask – As part of the UK Government’s efforts to tackle the Coronavirus
pandemic, it is compulsory to wear a mask in all UK shops and supermarkets, on
public transport and in NHS facilities at the time of writing. Additionally, many
airlines will not allow you to travel with them without wearing a mask.
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For additional tips on what you will need to bring to the UK you can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website: www.ukcisa.org.uk/blog/6135/Getting-ready-to-come-to-the-UK-Read-our-tips-and-essential-information
Here are a few additional items we recommend that you bring:
Bedding (duvet, pillow cases, blankets) – You may also want to bring sheets from home. You can also purchase a bedding pack from our online shop.
Objects to remind you of home – so that you can personalise your bedroom with your favourite
decorations, photographs, etc.
A variety of clothes – You will want a variety of clothes for all different kinds of weather (see
“Weather in the UK,” below.) We highly recommend that you have a warm, waterproof coat, sturdy,
closed-toe shoes and an umbrella. Clothes that you can layer, so that you can add or remove
insulation as the weather changes, are also a good idea.
Stationery – This will change depending on the course you will be studying, but at a minimum, we
suggest you bring a notepad and a pen.
Entertainment – You should pack anything you need to entertain you during your 10-day self-
isolation period and beyond. If you play sports, you might want to bring your equipment with you,
although you will not be able to participate in sports during your quarantine period.
Devices, such as iPads or laptops, for studying off-campus You should, where possible, arrive in the UK with a suitable device to undertake your course; for example, a laptop or tablet. This is particularly important should you need to quarantine on arrival and miss the first few days of your studies. If you have any queries over what you will require, please contact your school: School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law - [email protected] School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies - [email protected] School of Health & Life Sciences - [email protected] Teesside University Business School - [email protected]
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MIMA School of Art & Design [email protected]
Weather in the UK
UK weather is rarely extreme, but can often be unpredictable. You might experience sunshine, blustering winds and drizzling rain, all in one afternoon. The key to packing clothes when travelling to the UK is to prepare for anything. The UK has four seasons, with summer being the warmest and winter being the coolest, but it is not uncommon to experience elements of all four seasons within a week or two. Spring is from late March to May and typically includes some sunny days with mild temperatures up to 17/18°C and some cold and wet days with temperatures around 6°C to 10°C. Summer is from June to August, with July and August usually being the warmest months in the UK. Most days during this period are mild and can be hot. The temperature typically varies from around 15°C to 30°C, occasionally reaching closer to 35°C. There are also some wet summers with more rain and lower temperatures. Daylight in summer is much longer than at other times of year. Autumn is from September to November and is typically a mild season when the leaves fall from the trees. It may include some warm days, especially at the start of September. Temperatures tend to range from 7°C to 19°C. Winter is from December to early March. You should expect the coolest temperatures and the shortest hours of daylight at this time of year. Days tend to be crisp, cool and bright, with temperatures usually in the range of 0°C to 6°C. During the night and on very chilly mornings, this can drop below 0°C. The UK does get snow and ice, although snowfall tends to be just a few inches.
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Your travel plans
As soon as your offer is confirmed and your accommodation booked, you should also book your travel.
The closest airports to Teesside University are Teesside International Airport and Newcastle International Airport, so where possible, you should try to book flights to one of these destinations.
Our free Meet and Greet service
Meet and greet will be running between 6 January - 2 February 2021, we recommend that you fly to Teesside International Airport as it will allow us to transport you quicker and easier to the University. You can now fly to Teesside International Airport from Amsterdam and London Heathrow.
There will be two daily slots for Teesside International Airport 10.00am and 5.00pm.
There will be one daily slot for Newcastle International Airport at 2.00pm.
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Once you have completed the online form you will then be contacted by the Meet and Greet team to confirm your booking and provide essential information about quarantine.
To book the meet and greet service, you need to:
Complete our registration form at least five working days before you arrive in the North East of
England.
Provide all the information we request on the form.
Respond promptly to any emails or telephone calls from us seeking clarification of any details.
We cannot guarantee to collect you if you do not provide enough notice or if you do not provide all the information we need.
Please be aware of any time differences and that telephone calls or emails outside of UK business hours will only be responded to the next working day (UK time).
If you have any enquiries about our meet and greet service, please contact [email protected]. It can take up to five working days for a response due to high demand.
Arriving late or out of meet and greet hours The meet and greet service will only be available for the above slots. If you are delayed and unable to make the relevant time slot then you will have to make your way to the University independently. More about travelling to Middlesbrough
We can only offer Meet & Greet Services to Teesside International Airport and Newcastle International Airport at this time. You can now fly to Teesside International Airport from Amsterdam and London Heathrow, so please check if it is possible to continue by plane to Teesside Airport. There are good train and coach links into central Middlesbrough from around the UK. You can see schedules and book tickets here:
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https://www.lner.co.uk/ PLEASE NOTE – there will be no trains running between Friday 25 December and Wednesday 30 December to or from London Kings Cross. Dates either side of this are likely to be very busy. There will be a limited schedule of coaches throughout December, including on Christmas Day. Schedules and tickets can be found here: https://www.nationalexpress.com/en If you need to advice about a journey which is not included in the Meet and Greet Service, please contact [email protected]. It can take up to five working days for a response due to high demand.
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Going through immigration
Top 10 tips from Border Force
Here are 10 tips from Border Force (part of the UK Home Office) to make sure you have a smooth arrival. 1. If you're from a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country, complete the landing card given to you during your flight before you arrive at border control. 2. Do not bring in any meat or dairy products from outside the European Union. There are restrictions on traditional medicines, food products such as fish, eggs and honey, and some fruit, vegetables and plants (including bulbs, seeds, cut flowers and tree bark). 3. Expect Border Force officers to ask simple questions about your stay in the UK when you arrive at passport control. 4. Never give false or misleading information (including forged or counterfeit documents). 5. Keep any recent bank statements and details of where you are staying in your hand luggage as Border Force officers may ask to see this information. 6. Keep information about the course you're studying in your hand luggage. This must be a paper copy (not an electronic copy on tablet or phone) and includes your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
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7. Have your passport ready. Remove it from any cover, and remember to remove your sunglasses and hat. 8. You must declare cash of 10,000 Euros or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you are travelling from a country outside the European Union. 9. There are also restrictions on the amount of tobacco, alcohol and gifts you can bring to the UK. If you exceed your duty-free allowance and do not declare them, all of your items could be taken away from you. 10. Never bring in counterfeit goods, illegal drugs, offensive weapons or indecent or obscene material. Some items are restricted and will require a license or permit. Space for notes:
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Guidance on moving in to your university accommodation.
We are really pleased to be welcoming you to your new home at Teesside University. We want to make sure the process for collecting your keys is as easy and as controlled as we can make it for you. The plan in place is designed to protect everyone, including those students who are still living in halls so please make sure you read this guidance carefully.
Before you come on campus:
If we are aware of someone who is self-isolating in your student house we will let you know and make arrangements for you to come at a different time, when the isolation period has ended.
Visits are limited to you as the student plus a maximum of one other person to help. If you bring any more than one other person they will be asked to wait in the car.
Follow general government guidance e.g. don’t come if you or your household have any symptoms, observe social distancing at all times.
Please email us – [email protected] – to let us know when you will arrive so that we can organise your free essentials pack of food, hygiene items and cleaning products
The day you come to campus to move in: Don't forget your key collection pass which is at the end of the online induction we have sent
you. You can't get your key without it. Please try to limit the use of public transport as per the current UK Government guidance. If
you need to use public transport please wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Whilst we are restricting the number of people coming onto campus as per the government guidelines you should also consider wearing appropriate PPE in places where it is difficult to social distance.
You and anyone accompanying you will be given a temperature check when you collect your key. If you have a high temperature, this will not prevent you moving into your room but is to help us to manage any potential for immediate need for individuals/flats to self-isolate while any necessary tests are then undertaken
Any person that is not going to be a tenant in your house and will not form part of your new household is recommended to wear a face covering.
Please use the hand sanitising stations around your hall and campus. You should observe social distancing from other people at all times (i.e. be at least 2 metres
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apart). Please keep to any instructions which are in your hall or house around safety measures. Please wash your hands regularly when you are moving in. Bring boxes etc. to make moving your belongings easily. Please wipe down all high touch areas upon arrival and when you leave, this includes
communal areas such as kitchen worktops, door knobs etc. If a fire alarm sounds while you are moving in you must immediately leave the building. The Security Team for Central Halls is based on Ground Floor of Central Halls, Cornell
Quarter Security is located on the Ground Floor of Cornell Quarter. For all other residences the Security Team is located on the Ground Floor of the Library.
If you are coming from outside the UK and may or may not need to quarantine upon arrival. Please see separate guidance below.
For those with additional needs please contact the Accommodation Team at [email protected] for further advice.
Arriving from outside the UK and coming into Teesside University accommodation We look forward to welcoming you to your new home in Teesside University accommodation. To help you enjoy the best possible experience with us we have put together the following information for you so please make sure you read this guidance carefully. Current UK government guidance is that people coming from certain countries across the world will need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the United Kingdom. If you are travelling from certain countries, you may be exempt from the self-quarantine requirement. You can check if you are from an exempt country on the UK Government website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors. Please note: If you are travelling to the United Kingdom via a non-exempt country (even if no-one gets on or off the aircraft or vehicle you are travelling on) you will need to quarantine for the full 10-day period upon your arrival into the UK.
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Due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, the list of exempt countries is subject to change at any time and you should check the Government web site page at regular intervals, including just before you depart, to ensure there are no changes to whether or not you will need to complete the self-quarantine As part of the Government rules, all people coming into the UK need to complete a locator form before being allowed entry. It is downloadable from the Government website https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk. Government guidance is constantly changing so please always refer to the Government website for the most up to date advice. The link is here: https://www.gov.uk/. Please check the guidance to see if you do need to quarantine or not and then check out our information below. Meet and Greet Service Upon arrival in the UK we strongly recommend that you use Teesside University’s Meet and Greet Service to get to the University. Please note: this service is available from Teesside International Airport or Newcastle International Airport only, and will be available between 6 January – 2 February 2021 at specified slots. You must book at least five working days before you arrive. Full information on Meet & Greet, including the registration form, can be found on the Meet & Greet webpage Upon arrival to Teesside International Airport or Newcastle International Airport you will be met by someone from the Meet and Greet team. They will give you the information you need to know and also give you the key to your room so you have it when you arrive. Supplies for when you arrive To make things easier for you when you arrive we will offer students staying in University-Managed Halls a free essentials pack of food, hygiene items and cleaning products. You must email [email protected] to arrange this before you arrive. The items will be in your room when you get here so you don’t have to worry about getting them.
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Please note: this is especially important for those students who will need to quarantine. You can purchase the following items on our online shop:
Bedding pack (including bedding and towels)
Kitchen pack (including kitchen equipment and utensils) It is very easy to do, you simply go on to the online shop, order and pay for these and we will make sure they are in your room for when you get here. The link is here: https://onlineshop.tees.ac.uk/product-catalogue/campus-services/accommodation If you do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK If you are travelling from a country which is exempt from the quarantine list and have been in an exempt country for the last 10 days before you left then you will not need to quarantine. You and anyone accompanying you will be subject to a temperature check when you collect your key. If you have a high temperature this will not prevent you moving into your room but is to help us to manage any potential for immediate need for individuals/flats to self-isolate while any necessary tests are then undertaken. In your room in your house or apartment there will be some useful information about the university and the area. You can then move around freely following the UK government guidelines around social distancing etc.
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If you do need to self-isolate (quarantine) on arrival in the UK
If you are travelling from a country which is on the list of countries required to quarantine, then you must self-isolate upon arrival. If you do need to quarantine and are coming straight into your Teesside University accommodation you will be expected to quarantine for 10 days in the room you have been allocated for the academic year 2020/2021.
You and anyone accompanying you will be subject to a temperature check when you collect your key. If you have a high temperature this will not prevent you moving into your room but is to help us to manage any potential for immediate need for individuals/flats to self-isolate while any necessary tests are then undertaken.
You should not leave your house/apartment at all during your quarantine period, including to the shops. It is important that you bring what you need with you for the full 10-day period. If you let us know in advance that you need to quarantine at [email protected] we will provide you with an essentials pack for the first few days in your accommodation. The pack includes food, toiletries and some cleaning materials. Don't forget that you can buy our kitchen equipment and bedding packs too. They will be very helpful for you if you cannot bring these things with you.
The students you are sharing your student house with do not need to self-isolate, unless they have travelled with you or are experiencing signs of COVID-19, in which case they should seek advice from the NHS by either calling 111 or checking out the NHS website.
During your quarantine period you need to avoid spending time in the communal areas of your house/apartment when the other students are in there. It may be useful for you to agree with each other some basic rules about using the kitchens and washroom facilities at different times.
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In your room in your house or apartment there will be some useful information about living in halls, what do to if you need something while you are in quarantine, contact details for the Accommodation Team, Security, the Wardens who live in your halls, Student and Library Services and others. There will be plenty of support for you.
If you have any questions please contact the Accommodation Team at [email protected] for further advice.
Money
The currency in the UK is the Pound Sterling. You may want to bring a small amount of UK cash with you if possible, so that you have access to money as soon as you arrive. We also have ATMs on campus, and there are branches of major banks and a number of currency exchanges in Middlesbrough town centre, including in the Central Post Office. Please note that at the present time, you may find that some smaller businesses are not taking cash payment to avoid the transfer of Covid-19. We would advise for you to bring a card with you, or arrange one as soon as you arrive in the UK, so that you can make online payments for deliveries during quarantine, and to ensure you have a universally-accepted payment method for the current time.
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Orientation sessions
Once you have completed the online enrolment and before you begin your studies, you will be asked to complete a series of online orientation modules via The Welcome Hub. These are important modules which will welcome you to the University and to familiarise you with the next steps you need to complete and the support available to you. You will be provided with a link to Blackboard, the online platform where these video presentations and other useful content will be hosted. When you have completed the training modules, there will be the opportunity to join a live Q&A session, where you can meet members of the University team and ask any questions you might have. The Q&A sessions will happen on the following days: Students who have joined us on campus: 19 January, 12.00pm – 1.00pm 3 February ,12.00pm – 1.00pm We will also run orientation sessions for enrolled students still in their home country: 20 January, 9.00am – 10.00am 4 February, 9.00am – 10.00am
Collecting your TUSC card During your orientation, you will be issued with a Teesside University Smart Card (TUSC).
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Your TUSC card is: • Your Library card • Your ID card • Used for access to buildings and car parks • Used for ID when you attend examinations • Used to print out documents using the MyPrint system A TUSC lasts for the duration of your course. Your TUSC should be kept with you at all times as it is required when using facilities in the Library. Items cannot be borrowed without it. Do not loan/give your TUSC to anyone else – you are responsible for all items issued to your TUSC. Replacement TUSCs can be purchased from the Online Shop and collected from either the Library at Middlesbrough Campus or Darlington Campus at a standard charge of £5. Your old TUSC will no longer be valid. If your card is merely damaged, then please visit the Library at Middlesbrough or Darlington Campus, and present the old card. There is no charge for replacing damaged cards.
Collecting your BRP
As soon as possible after you arrive in the UK and have completed quarantine, you must collect your BRP card from the Post Office, which is in the basement of a shop called WH Smith in the Cleveland Centre shopping mall (10 minutes’ walk from campus). You must not attempt to collect your BRP card during a period of self-isolation (quarantine). Your BRP card will be held by the Post Office for 60 days so that you have time to collect it. Please take your passport and UKVI decision letter/email to the Post Office when you intend to collect your BRP.
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Police registration Some international students will be required by law to register with a local police station. If you are unsure if you need to register, check your visa and your visa decision letter/email, and read the Government guidance. Seek advice from an International Student Adviser if you are still unsure: [email protected]. If you are required to have a Police Registration Certificate, you must register your online Police Registration account within 7 days of arriving in the UK. Please note, you are NOT able to book a Police Registration appointment at the moment, but you must still register your online account and complete the application form. Any enquiries please contact: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01642 301319 Cleveland Police website Once you are able to book a police appointment You must book an appointment via your online account and pay the police registration fee (currently £34). Please note that cash payments will no longer be allowed.
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Free English Language Support module
At Teesside University, we offer all new international students a free English for Learning module. This is a support module to assist you with academic English, not general English. Please do not be surprised when you are asked to complete a diagnostic assessment when you arrive at Teesside University. We want to provide you with the best support possible during your studies, so we ask you to do a short handwritten essay on a given topic. The English Language Centre tutors then mark this essay. If you score more than 70%, it means that your academic English skills are sufficient for your main degree course. If you score less than 70%, you will receive help to develop your academic English skills via a short course. Remember that the English for Learning module is a support module; therefore, the grades you receive for English assessments do not influence any grades on your main degree course.
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Getting around campus
Our compact, pedestrianised campus is conveniently located in the heart of Middlesbrough, a friendly town in the North East of England. We have recently invested over £270m in transforming our modern, technologically-enabled buildings and plan to invest another £300m over the next 10 years. All facilities and accommodation are a short walk from the campus. Take a virtual tour of our campus by visiting the link below or scanning this QR code on your Smartphone:
https://youtu.be/Ywko5k8qbLE
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Student Services English Language Café
Our English Language Centre offers lots of resources to help you improve your English language skills, including the English Language Café, a free extracurricular activity where you can meet new friends and improve your English language skills in a social setting. The Language Café is a great opportunity for both home and international students to meet up, learn about different cultures and improve language and communication skills. It takes place three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 3.30pm - 5.00pm in the LoveIt Lounge on the 1st floor of the Students' Union and all students are welcome. For more information, email [email protected]. Find out more about the English Language Café by visiting the link below or scanning this QR code on your Smartphone:
https://youtu.be/P04nXn6Yty4
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Students’ Union Teesside University Students’ Union (TUSU) is led by three Student Officers (President Education, President Activities and President Welfare) elected by students to represent each and every one of you. They make sure your views are heard by the most senior figures at the University, including the Board of Governors, Vice-Chancellor and his executive. They also run a range of campaigns around safety, physical and mental health, academic issues, employability and much more. You can find out how to contact them and get regular updates on what they are working on through http://tees-su.org.uk/officers, which also includes links to their various social media. TUSU is here for all students at the University no matter your background, age or how often you are on campus. They have safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces in Campus Heart next to Teesside University’s main Library, where you can:
Meet new people and socialise with friends day and night.
Get quick support and information from our SU Welcome Desk or more in-depth help with a range of issues from SU Student Support (SUSS).
Do private study and group work.
Eat delicious hot food and enjoy a wide range of drinks in our multi-award winning restaurant/bar The Terrace.
Join sports clubs and societies to get more out of your time here, meet new people and improve your skills.
Pick up meal deals, snacks, drinks, course-related materials and more in the SU Shop.
Attend a range of daytime events designed to improve your health, keep you safe, help you with your academic skills and much more.
Get help with finding part-time work here at the SU or with organisations around Teesside.
Have fun in the evening with our safe, responsibly run venues. We hold regular quiz and karaoke nights, socials, theme nights and special one-off events at Halloween, Christmas, St Patrick’s Day and the end of the academic year.
There is so much more to tell you about your students’ union so please check out http://tees-su.org.uk, follow them on their social media accounts and, when you are told it is safe to do so, check out their building. They can’t wait to welcome you!
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Library A wide variety of resources and technologies are available, supported by expert staff, and you can access millions of learning resources including ebooks and journal articles through our Discovery search engine. During the Coronavirus situation a host of Library services are available online including electronic resources, online support for students with help and information on working effectively off campus, virtual activities and more.
Student Life Building Opened in January 2020, our Student Life Building is a one-stop shop for all student-facing services on campus. We invested £13.2m in this modern and technologically-enabled building that brings all student services together in one convenient, on-campus location. The building won the Education Category Award at the 2020 RICS Social Impact Awards (North East). The awards recognise the positive and transformative contribution that the built environment makes to society.
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Getting around Middlesbrough Teesside University is a 10-minute walk from Middlesbrough’s main bus and train stations. Bus station The bus station is located in the centre of the town, on Newport Road. There are entrances from Newport Road and Captain Cook Square. The bus station is open 364 days a year (it is only closed on Christmas Day). Buses travel to destinations across Middlesbrough and also link the town to the rest of the Tees Valley and to destinations across the wider region and beyond. Buses in the UK usually offer reduced prices for students. You will need a current student ID with a photo to purchase student bus passes and tickets. Visit Connect Tees Valley for a full list of routes and information. Train station The main entrance to the train station is on Bridge Street West. Another entrance can be found on Albert Road, close to the Albert Bridge. You can view live departure information for Middlesbrough station on the National Rail website.
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If you plan to travel by train regularly, it may be worth investing in a Railcard, which offers savings on all train journeys for a year for a one-time, upfront fee. Railcards are available to young people, disabled people, senior citizens and other groups. Find out more information about Railcard options. Space for notes:
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Map of Middlesbrough town centre
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Getting around the UK Middlesbrough is well connected to the rest of the UK by public transport and is a great base from which to explore other towns and cities in the UK. Beautiful coast and countryside is just minutes away on public transport and London and Edinburgh are just 2.5 hours away by train.
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Timekeeping in the UK
Time zones The whole of the UK operates under one time zone. This will be either Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) depending upon the time of year. In the UK, the clocks go forward one hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March, and back one hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October. The period when the clocks are 1 hour ahead is called British Summer Time (BST), also sometimes known as Daylight Saving Time because there’s more daylight in the evenings and less in the mornings.
When the clocks go back, the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
During 2021, Daylight Saving Time will begin at 1am on Sunday, 28 March, when clocks will go forward one hour and will end at 2am on Sunday, 31 October, when clocks will go back one hour. It is a good idea to make a note of the dates when the clocks change on your calendar so that the sudden difference in time does not take you by surprise.
Punctuality
We understand that expectations of timekeeping vary between cultures, but British people are very strict when it comes to punctuality. People in the UK make a great effort to arrive on time and not only is it considered rude to be late but in some cases, arriving late may result in being refused admission to a lecture or event or an appointment being cancelled or rescheduled.
Furthermore, your visa is conditional upon maintaining an acceptable level of University attendance and repeated lateness or failure to attend lectures and other compulsory University
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events could jeopardise your ability to remain in the UK. There may be more leeway about punctuality in certain specific situations, particularly casual group social events, but most international students will be unaware of these nuances until they have lived in the UK for a while. As a good general rule, aim to arrive five to ten minutes early for lectures, appointments and especially in any formal situation such as a job interview. If you are going to be late, be sure to inform the person you are meeting as soon as possible.
Cost of living in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough is one of the most affordable places to live in the UK. You need to allow approximately £1,023 a month for living costs for the duration of your programme. You must also make sure that you have enough money to pay for your full programme fees. If you want a more precise idea of what your expenses may look like while you are studying with us, there are a number of student budget calculators online which allow you to personalise your income and outgoings to your situation. This one from Which?, an independent comparison site, also allows you to compare the cost of student living in Middlesbrough with other parts of the UK.
Employment As an undergraduate or postgraduate student on a Student Visa, you can work up to a maximum of 20 hours a week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisations. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period. The UK government provides details of the work that you can and cannot do in its Student Visa Guidance Document. Teesside University employs students on campus in roles such as Student Ambassadors, Halls Wardens and Student Researchers. The Students’ Union also employs students in a variety of roles. If you prefer to seek employment off campus, there are jobs available locally. The Students’ Union advertises some of these that may be suitable for students on its website.
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Whether you are looking for a part-time job to help fund your studies or for help finding a work placement or internship, the Student Futures team, based in the Student Life Building, can offer advice on finding vacancies, writing a CV and covering letter and practicing your interview skills.
Staying safe The Campus Security team is responsible for ensuring a safe environment for staff, students and visitors. Campus Security is based in the Library and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The team works alongside Cleveland Police Community Support Officers to provide safety and security advice to staff and students and to conduct regular high-visibility patrols on campus. All Security Officers are first aid trained. Claire Humble, Teesside University’s Head of Campus Security, shares her top three tips for staying safe in this video.
https://youtu.be/fQdtyvK9BJQ
We highly recommend that you download our free SafeZone app. SafeZone allows you to call Campus Security for help and alerts all security staff to your situation and location so that they can co-ordinate to help you quickly and effectively. Find out more about our Safe Zone app in this video.
https://youtu.be/tJOf_KJLx7o
Settling in
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Important student health information It is very important that you sign up with a local GP practice and dentist shortly after you have moved into the area. If you have not already signed up with a local doctor you should find one that is close to you so you can go there and get registered. Due to Covid-19, we suggest contacting the practice by phone before attending. Please do not attend a GP practice if you have symptoms of Covid-19. Please follow NHS guidance if you are showing symptoms. Visit this link for further information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/. Further information regarding University guidance for Covid19 can be found here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/sections/about/university/coronavirus.cfm. If you have any concerns, please contact [email protected] or for medical advice telephone the NHS non-emergency line on 111. In a medical emergency, telephone 999. Additional information and a list of local GP practices dentists.
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Contact us UK office Teesside University Middlesbrough Tees Valley TS1 3BX UK T: +44 (0) 1642 738900 E: [email protected] China regional office Room 1206, Block 6, Wanda Guangchang No. 93, Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District Beijing, China 100022 T: +86 10 58206168 E: [email protected] South East Asia regional office A-9-3, 9th floor, Northpoint Office Northpoint Mid Valley City, 1 Medan Syed Putra Utara 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: +603 22826622 E: [email protected]
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South Asia regional office No. 931, Spaze I Tech Park Tower A, Sector 49, Sohna Road Gurgaon, Haryana, 122002 India T: +91 9873005531 E: [email protected] West Africa regional office 8b Sule Abuka Crescent Opebi Street, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria T: +2349066015859 E: [email protected] Admissions queries General enquiries: [email protected] MIMA School of Art & Design: [email protected] Postgraduate research: [email protected] School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies: [email protected] School of Health & Life Sciences: [email protected] School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law: [email protected] Teesside University Business School: [email protected] Academic queries MIMA School of Art & Design: [email protected], [email protected] School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies: [email protected] School of Health & Life Sciences: [email protected] Teesside University Business School: [email protected] Health and Clinical Practice Placements: [email protected]
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Visa concerns International Compliance: [email protected] Tuition fees The Student Finance team can take payments for or answer your questions about tuition fees. T: 01642 342172 E: [email protected]
Accommodation [email protected] Student Life team [email protected] Library Resources [email protected] Students’ Union T: +44 1642 342234 E: [email protected] W: tees-su.org.uk
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Campus Security T: 01642 342086 In cases of an emergency, dial extension 3200 or contact Campus Security via the SafeZone app. Our website Tees.ac.uk/international Follow us on social media Facebook: TeessideUniversityInternational Instagram: TeessideUniInternational YouTube: UniversityofTeesside Facebook groups We have Facebook groups you can join to talk to other applicants or current international students. Teesside University Applicants 2020: facebook.com/groups/675533903000235 Teesside University International Students: facebook.com/groups/129552897376551
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Useful resources
