into queen's university belfast pre-departure guide 2011-2012

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Pre-departure guide 2011–2012 INTO g QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST YOUR BEST ROUTE TO UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

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Page 1: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

INTOgQUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFASTYOUR BEST ROUTE TO UNIVERSITY SUCCESS

Page 2: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Welcome

We are delighted that you have chosen to study at INTO Queen’s University Belfast and hope you have started preparing for your new journey. Staff at INTO Queen’s are awaiting your arrival and looking forward to welcoming you and your fellow students to Belfast!

You are about to embark on an exciting adventure as a student where you will meet new people, living in new surroundings and experiencing new cultures. Whilst this is a very exciting time in your life it can be a little intimidating at first. The pre-departure guide is intended to help prepare you for your arrival to the UK and Belfast. It is very important that you read this guide and keep it as it includes all the details that you need to know.

The warmth of the welcome in Belfast is known throughout the world and we pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming centre. Our INTO Queen’s staff are experienced in dealing with international students and will always be there to help or guide you throughout your time with us.

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Belfast and that the course meets your needs and expectations. So, a very warm welcome, a safe flight, and we look forward to meeting with you soon.

Dr. Pat CorrCentre Director, INTO Queen’s University Belfast

Contents

Welcome 2

Meet the INTO Queen’s University

Belfast team 3

Before you leave 4

Before you arrive in the UK 5

Arrival at the airport 6

Arriving at INTO Queen’s University

Belfast 7

Airport collection form 8

Money 10

Orientation programme 11

Registering for your course 12

Making the most of your first week 14

Social programme 15

Health and safety 16

Key contacts, useful numbers

and websites 17

Maps 18

Start dates

All students should plan to arrive two days prior to your programme start date – please ensure you arrive on time!

Page 3: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

Elaine Bell Accommodation and

Welfare Officer

Michelle McAleerAdmissions Officer

Kathryn Stewart Finance Officer

Lindsay McAlindenInformation Assistant

Christina GuineyMarketing and

Communications

Meet the INTO Queen’s University Belfast team

Patrick CorrCentre Director

Rita MageeAcademic Director

Robin Nesbitt Head of Student Services

Michelle EvansEnglish Language

Programme Manager

Liam O’HaganAcademic Programme

Manager

Áine McComb Academic Support Manager

Judith Pollock Academic Support Officer

Nuala Corr Progression Officer

Money 10

Orientation programme 11

Registering for your course 12

Making the most of your first week 14

Social programme 15

Health and safety 16

Key contacts, useful numbers

and websites 17

Maps 18

Page 4: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Before you leave

Checklist – before you leave home

Please make sure you have completed everything on this checklist before you leave home.

As soon as possible:

1. Have you paid full fees for your tuition, accommodation and insurance (if applicable)?

2. Have you returned your Arrival Details Form to [email protected]?

3. Do you require an INTO airport taxi transfer? If so, please complete Section 3 of the Arrival Details Form and the Credit Card form.

4. Have you booked your accommodation?

5. Have you checked your passport is valid for at least six months?

6. Have you applied for and received your visa?

One or two weeks before you leave for the UK:

7. Have you organised cash and pound sterling traveller’s cheques to bring with you?

8. Do you know your airline’s luggage allowance and have you packed accordingly?

What to bring with you:

9. Have you packed all relevant original documentation or certified copies including your: • INTOOfferLetter • INTOCASstatement–ifrequired • IELTScertificateororiginalEnglishLanguagetestresult • Any other original documents/transcripts listed in your Offer Letter/CAS Statement, for

example your high school certificate or home university certificates including translations (if originals are not in English). You will need these to register and enrol on your course and to extend your visa in the UK when you need to

• PassportandVisa/Identitycard • Bankstatement(nomorethan1montholdshowingtherequiredfundsfor28days)asevidenceto

show the Immigration Officer on arrival at the airport in the UK

10. Have you got your documents for medical registration? • ImmunisationHistoryBook • UKForeignandCommonwealthOfficeVisaTuberculosisScreeningCertificate(ifyouhaveone)

11. Have you put the emergency telephone numbers into your mobile phone (to be put into your hand luggage)?

12. Do you have: • Photographsfromhome? • Waterproofcoatandshoes? • Addresses,phonenumbersandemailaddressesoffriendsandfamily?

4

Page 5: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

Before you arrive in the UK

Applying for a UK student visa Most international students from outside the European Union

who wish to take a full-time course in the UK must apply for a

visa prior to leaving their home country.

You can check your status on the following website:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/

immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1/

If you are a visa national you can apply for a

• Student Visitor Visa for courses of six months or less;

• an Extended Student Visitor Visa for English language

courses only for courses of between 6–11 months;

• a Tier 4 (General) Student visa for English language

courses at or above B1 on the Common European

Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the

UK Border agency have assessed this as equivalent

to an IELTS score of 4.0 – with no less than 4.0 in

each sub-skill;

• or a Tier 4 (General) Student visa for courses at Level 3 or

above on the National Qualifications framework (NQF) at

an institution which is a Highly Trusted Sponsor.

How will the Points Based System (PBS) affect my entry clearance/student visa application?If you are a visa national and you apply for a Tier 4 (General)

Student visa you will need a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for

Studies’(CAS), which is an electronic number we will provide

for you.

Applying for your Tier 4 (General) Student visa to come to the UKWhen you apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student visa

you must include a Confirmation of Acceptance for

Studies (CAS) number.

• We will send your CAS details when you confirm your

unconditional offer of a place to study and pay your

deposit/full fees.

• Your CAS will not be sent more than six months before

the start of your course.

• The CAS number will be included in a letter called a ‘CAS

Statement’. This will also include important information

needed for your visa application.

• You can only apply for your visa three months or less

before the start of your course.

• The start date is published on your CAS Statement. If you

plan to arrive on a different date you must let us know.

This is very important as we must inform the UK Border

Agency (UKBA) if you do not arrive on time.

• If you change your mind and want to study at another

institution, you have to tell us before you come to the UK

so we can cancel your CAS with UKBA, and you can

re-apply for your visa with a CAS from a different sponsor.

Changes to your student registration statusWe must tell the UK Border Agency about any students who

have an entry clearance visa issued under PBS rules who fail

to arrive for the start of a course, withdraw from a course,

defer or suspend their studies, or fail to attend for significant

periods of time.

Meeting immigration staff at the airportWhen you arrive at a UK airport, you should be prepared to

answer some questions about yourself, including where you

will be staying and what you intend to do during your time in

the UK. You may be asked to undergo a brief, routine health

check by the airport doctor, which might include an X-ray.

The health check will take place in a separate room.

Afterwards, you will need to return to Immigration Control.

Please note that if you have already studied in the UK and are

changing your education provider, you will need to apply for a

visa for your new course with us. This could take up to 40

days. It is a criminal offence to start a course with a different

educational provider before you have applied for your new

visa from the Home Office. We will not be able to register you

on the course unless you have a valid visa.

To find out more:We advise that you check these websites regularly for up to

date and accurate information.

UK Border Agency:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/

British Embassy/High Commission – advice on where you

can apply for a visa:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/

wheretoapply

UKCISA (Council for International Student Affairs) – Advice for

international students:

http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php

5

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Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

6

Getting to Belfast

Please make sure that you book a flight that arrives on the weekend before your course starts. There are two airports in Belfast with a range of airlines that have connecting flights to the USA, Europe and other UK airports. We recommend that you travel by air to Belfast City Airport, via London Heathrow Airport. Please do NOT fly to Dublin, as it is not in the UK and you will not have a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland. You need to enter the UK through a UK airport, as you must have your passport stamped by the UK Border Agency on entry.

Your luggage allowance is usually 20–30 kg for checked baggage and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before you travel. If possible, we recommend you check your baggage all the way through your connecting flights to you final destination of Belfast. This will make flight transfers easier and quicker, and you won’t have to worry about different weight allowances on airlines.

Informing us of your arrival

We need to know what your arrival details are. Please complete the arrival details form in this guide and return it at least one week before your start date. Even if you are arranging your own transport from the airport, please complete sections 1 and 2. We need this information in order to ensure everything is in place for you to commence your studies.

Arrival in Belfast

By the time you arrive in Belfast you may have been travelling for many hours so having a welcoming face to greet you might be just what you need. We would be happy to arrange an airport transfer for you, where we will meet you upon arrival at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.

If you want us to arrange an airport pick up you must complete the Arrivals Form in this guide. You should send the form to us at least seven days before your course start date. Please make sure you give us an up to date email address. Upon receipt of your completed airport transfer request we will arrange a transfer on your behalf and confirm this booking by email.

As Belfast has two airports, please follow these instructions on arrival for the airport you are arriving at:• Belfast (George Best) City Airport – Meet our

fonacab driver by the ‘information desk’, just outside the baggage area

• Belfast International Airport – Meet our fonacab driver in the exit hall at the bottom of the long ramp, just before you leave the terminal building

If you are not using our transfer service the following information should be helpful and we recommend you go straight to your accommodation.

Belfast City Airport

Belfast City Airport is the closest airport to Queen’s University. BMI fly directly to Belfast City airport from Heathrow, with the flight taking about one hour. The flight from London to Belfast takes around one hour. This airport is small, so finding your way around it will be easy. The easiest way to reach Queen’s University from Belfast City Airport is by local taxi or bus.

By taxi the trip takes about 20 minutes and should cost between £10 and £15.

By bus the translink service 600 will bring you to the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast City Centre.

Arrival at the airport

Page 7: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

7

Arriving at INTO Queen’s University Belfast

Belfast International Airport

This airport is around 16 miles from Queen’s University. By taxi the trip takes about 40 minutes and should cost between £25 and £30. By bus Airport Express 300 operates a 24 hour service between the airport and Belfast with buses departing every 15 minutes for the majority of the day on weekdays, with reduced frequency at off peak times and weekends. The bus leaves from the bus stop located opposite the terminal exit and will bring you to the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast City centre. The fare for this bus is £7.

If you have requested airport transfer and cannot find our staff at the airport, DO NOT leave the airport. You should:• Step 1 – Go to the Airport Information Desk and

ask them to make an announcement asking for the fonacab driver meetin you on behalf of INTO Queen’s to come to the information desk.

• Step 2 – Contact our INTO Queen’s Arrivals Emergency Number on +44 (0) 7971 609 572 and we will contact the staff member meeting you.

Applies to BOTH airports

Finding the Centre

Queen’s University is situated in Belfast, approximately one mile from the city centre. The INTO Queen’s Centre is located within the University campus at 2–8 Lennoxvale, Belfast, BT9 5BY. You will find a map of where we are in the map section of this guide. Alternatively visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/TheUniversity/Location/Maps/Belfast/

Your first day

• Please check your welcome information upon arrival which gives details of where you have to go in the centre on the first day of your course. You should report to the INTO Centre at 9am.

• All students will take an English Language Test during induction week and need to achieve the required grade to progress to their chosen course.

It is important that you attend all induction

activities which commence at 9am on the

first day of the course. Failure to do so may

result in you being unable to register on time

for your course.

Page 8: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

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Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Arrival details form

All students mUST complete must complete sections 1 and 2 of this form and return one week before your course start date by email to [email protected] or fax to +44 (0) 1273 328 595 / +44 (0) 1273 329 746

Section 1 (compulsory)Personal details

Family name (surname)

Other/given names (first name)

Email address

Mobile phone number

INTO number (please refer to offer letter)

Section 2 (compulsory)Arrival details into the UK and confirmation of accommodation

Country flight departs from

Date of arrival in Belfast Time of arrival in Belfast (am/pm)

Arrival Airport Terminal

Flight number Name of airline

If you are organising your own transfer from the airport:

Arrival date at INTO Queen’s University Belfast: Accommodation/Centre

Arrival time at INTO Queen’s University Belfast (am/pm): Accommodation/Centre

Any special requirements

Please make sure that you book a flight which arrives on the weekend before your course start date. If on

arrival you require a taxi to meet you and will be staying in a hotel or other accommodation not arranged by

INTO then please provide the address

Section 3 (optional)Airport transfer booking

If you would like a taxi to meet you at your UK arrival airport and take you to your accommodation please tick one

of the following boxes and complete the credit card section below

£30.00 Belfast City Airport £45.00 Belfast International Airport

I do not require an airport transfer

Page 9: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

9

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

Section 4If you will be under 18 on arrival and do not require INTO to meet you at the airport and arrange a transfer

then the following section must be completed

Name of person meeting the student:

Address of person meeting the student:

Mobile telephone number:

Name of parent:

Signature of parent:

Date:

Credit card formPayments over £50 by credit card are subject to a 2% surcharge and debit cards to a £1 surcharge. This will

be taken from the card in addition to the amount stated in section 3 of this form.

CREDIT CARD DETAILS

To enable fees to be debited from your credit card, please complete the details below.

VISA CREDIT MASTERCARD DEBIT

If DEBIT, please specify type:

Please note, the University will only accept transactions using the following cards: Mastercard, Visa, Solo, Maestro,

Electron or Visa debit.

Credit/debit card number

Card start date —— /—— (mm/yy) Card expiry date —— /—— (mm/yy)

Issue number

Security code

This is the last three digits of the code found on the back of your card.

Cardholder name

Billing address

Please return this form by email to [email protected]

or fax to +44 (0) 1273 328 595 / +44 (0) 1273 329 746

Page 10: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

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Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Money

Currency

Currency across the UK is the pound sterling (£GBP). One pound is divided into one hundred pence (100p). Notes are issued to the value of £50, £20, £10, and £5 and coins to the value of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. Please note that £100 and £50 notes are very uncommon and should be avoided as they can often be the target of counterfeiters. In addition to Bank of England Sterling notes, the major banks in Northern Ireland and Scotland are entitled to issue their own sterling notes, so it may take some time to get used to all these different types of paper money! We do not advise carrying large sums of cash with you on arrival.

We recommend that you bring enough money with you to cover the first couple of weeks after your arrival – no more than £250 in cash for your immediate needs should suffice. It is safer to bring large sums of money in travellers’ cheques, which can be cashed in banks, post offices and airports but often there is a minimum commission charge. Please avoid carrying large sums of cash or keeping large amounts in your room for safety reasons. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the UK, MasterCard (Access) and Visa credit cards being the most common. Diner’s Club and American Express are less so. You can withdraw cash from a cashpoint machine (also known as an ‘ATM’) if you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that card. You may want to inform your current bank that you are going to the UK and to ask if you can use your card here.

Bank accounts

If you are going to be here for longer than six months, we strongly recommended you open a UK bank account, as soon as possible, after arriving in the UK.

UK banks are open 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturday mornings. If you bring a banker’s draft in sterling with you (payable to yourself) or arrange for it to be sent, then you can open an account at a bank after you have registered on your course. It may also be useful to bring a letter from your bank at home (or some other documentation) to confirm your credit status. We will provide you with further information and support on opening accounts during your induction week. In order to open a bank account you will need the following:• your passport• proof you are a student – we will issue you with an

official bank letter after registration• proof of address.

For further advice on opening bank accounts in the UK, you can visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/bank_account.php

Living costs

It is estimated that a single student will need approximately £650–£750 a month to meet their basic living expenses. This is just an indication and will alter depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. The British Council has recognised Northern Ireland as having the lowest cost of living in the UK. It is important to plan and budget your finances for living in the UK; it’s not just your course fees you need to think about. If you want help with planning and budgeting your finances, the following international student website may be useful: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international/index.asp

Page 11: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

Orientation programme

TimE mOndAY TUESdAY WEdnESdAY THUrSdAY FridAY

09.00 ArrIVEATINTOQUEEN’SFOrWELCOmEmEETINg.COLLECTINdUCTIONPACKS.TEA,COFFEEAND CHAT WITH STAFF

VISITFrOmQUEEN’SUNIVErSITyINTErNATIONALdIrECTOr

rESIdENCEINDUCTION

POLICErEgISTrATION(ASAPPrOPrIATE)

COUrSEINdUCTION

09.30

10.00 BrEAK

10.30 rEgISTrATIONANdENrOLmENT

TALKONCULTUrESHOCKANdVISAS

TALKONUNIVErSITyCOUNSELLINgANdWELFArESErVICES

11.00 TALKONPErSONALSAFETy

mOdULESELECTION

11.30 ENgLISHLANgUAgEPLACEmENTTEST

12.00 TOUrOFQUEEN’SUNIVErSITySPOrTSCENTrE

LUNCH LUNCH

12.30 LUNCH

13.00 LUNCHWITHINTOQUEEN’SSTAFF

INFORMATION FAIR COUrSEINdUCTION

13.30 LUNCH ‘gETCONNECTEd’–BrINgyOUrLAPTOPTOCONNECTTOTHEUNIVErSITy’SWIrELESSNETWOrK

14.00 COmPLETErEgISTrATIONANdCAmPUSTOUr14.30 TOUrOFQUEEN’S

UNIVErSITyLIBrAry15.00 UNIVErSITy

HEALTHCENTrErEgISTrATIONANd‘QUESTIONTImE’

15.30 TOUR OF AND WELCOmETOTHESTUdENTS’UNION.TALKONCLUBSANdSOCIETIESINTHEUNIVErSITy

16.00

16.30

17.00 ICESKATINgATdUNdONALdICEBOWL

PIzzAANddVdEVENINg

17.30

Induction programme

At the start of your course you will receive a full induction (providing you arrive the weekend before the start date of the course). This will vary in length according to which course you will be studying and it is a great opportunity to meet staff and students and find out more about the University and the local area. You should attend all sessions. The induction programme will usually include:• welcome talks• information sessions with INTO Student Services,

the Students’ Union, security staff• an English language placement test• social activities • a city orientation tour of Belfast• a campus tour.

‘I think the social assistants at the Centre are

wonderful, I love the social programme, they are

always coming up with new ideas and fun things for

students to do and places to see. The social activities

are always different and really interesting.’

ruslan Batukaev Russia

Students starting programmes at other times in the year will enjoy a shorter orientation programme

The following is an example timetable for the September and January orientation programme.

Page 12: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

12

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Registration

During our induction and orientation week we will register you at Queen’s University and enrol you on your course. You will receive your Student ID card which will give you access to a range of state-of-the art facilities including:• sports facilities including a swimming pool, fitness

suite, climbing wall and provisions for many other sports ranging from athletics to volleyball

• the McClay University Library• the Students’ Union with restaurants, bars and

shops, and over 150 student clubs and societies• computing facilities including Wi-Fi • a wide range of student support services.

You will be required to bring the following documentation on the first day to allow you to register:• Passport and Visa/Identity card• Visa (Tier 4, sponsor licence number:

25N2W99V3)• All payment receipts or fees if not already paid• Academic Transcripts (original)• Academic Certificates (original)• IELTS or other relevant evidence of English

proficiency (original)• Course confirmation letter• Up to date address for home country and next of

kin details• Contact details for your residence in the UK,

including mobile telephone number

It is very useful to have some passport sized photographs to bring with you to the UK especially for students who need to register with the Police. (A minimum of two passport sized photographs is required for this, along with £34 cash.)

English language testing

As part of your enrolment on the course we will ask you to take an English language placement test to ensure you join the correct class for your level of English. The test will last around an hour and will be part of the orientation programme during your first week at the Centre.

Very importantAny change to personal details (phone number, address etc) must be reported to INTO reception.

Registering for your course

Page 13: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

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In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

“Since I came to Northern Ireland I have been on trips to lots of different places

such as Bangor, Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry and Newcastle and so on. I also

celebrated Halloween while I’ve been here which was a very fun experience. I get a

sense of fulfilment here. In my eyes people in Northern Ireland take a tremendous

pride in their country. I think Northern Ireland is known for its unique charm and

humour. I can honestly say that I feel it is the safest, friendliest and most

picturesque place to study in the UK.”

Xiao Chi Zhuang China

Page 14: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

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Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

On arrival we will provide you with a free SIM card to use in the UK which also has one free international call on it, so you can call home and let your family know you have arrived safely. It will give you economic rates to call internationally and will be much cheaper than your current SIM card or any other UK network providers.

Alternatively, you can always download Skype, a free computer programme that allows you to use your computer like a phone and place international calls for free to other Skype users. Depending on your computer, web cameras are also supported.

Please remember that when you arrive in the UK you will have travelled a long way from home, and although this will be an exciting time please do remember your family and friends may worry about you. Remember to contact them and let them know you are safe!

Other things to remember:• attend ALL your classes and tutorials • always be on time• be prepared for your classes• care for others’ feelings and cultures• feel free to ask questions whenever you need to• join social events and sports clubs. There are lots

to choose from so ask the INTO staff• keep your accommodation clean and tidy• overcome problems by sharing them with your

friends, teachers and INTO staff• practise English as much as you can and in as

many places as you can• your academic progress and your behaviour will

always be monitored.

Making the most of your first week

Page 15: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

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In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

It is important to get a good balance between your academic studies and your social life while you are at university. Having a good social life will help you settle in well, provide you with a network of friends and enable you to try new activities you might never have thought of before! If English is your second language then it will be a good way of improving your English.

At INTO Queen’s we know how important is to get to know the other students at the Centre and to learn more about Northern Irish culture, while having fun too. Our Social Assistants, who you will meet at induction, run an excellent programme of social events just for you.

‘The social activities organised for students here are

wonderful. I play football every Sunday at Queen’s

sports centre with some students from Queen’s and

students in my class at INTO Queen’s. When I first

arrived, we went bowling and Ice-skating, I didn’t

know anyone in Belfast so it was a great way to

make friends.’

Valentine mgbebuNigeria

Social programme

Page 16: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Deciding to study overseas can be an exciting yet daunting opportunity. To ensure that you can make the most of this experience, once your arrive in the UK our dedicated student support teams will help you settle in to student life. During your induction programme they will deliver safety talks, as well as provide you with information about services available to support international students. In the case of an emergency you can always contact a member of the team by calling +44 (0) 7971 609 572.

Before you travel to the UK It is always advisable to have a health check before you leave your home country. In some cases, when you arrive in the UK you may be asked to produce health certificates detailing your vaccinations. For example, if you are coming from a tuberculosis (TB) high-risk area, a chest x-ray report may be required. It’s a good idea to carry these documents in your hand luggage in case you need to show them UK immigration. For more information visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/tbscreening

If you are undergoing any medical treatment, we advise you to bring your current prescriptions and a doctor’s report (translated into English). Similarly if you wear glasses consider bringing a spare pair with you, or if you wear contact lenses bring a sufficient supply to use while you are in the UK or a prescription (translated into English) to ensure you can secure a ready supply.

Health services in the UKIf you are coming to the UK as a full-time student on a course lasting six months or more, you will be eligible for free or subsidised treatment in the UK under the National Health Service (NHS). This means that you can see a doctor or go to hospital for free. You only have to pay for prescription medicines, which is currently £7.40 per item. All you have to do when you arrive in the UK is register with a local doctor. Full details of how to register at the University

Health Centre at Queen’s will be given to you during your induction programme.

Private Health InsuranceFull travel, medical and health insurance is mandatory for all INTO Queen’s University Belfast students. Unless proof of suitable alternative cover is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees.

Personal SafetyThe UK is a safe place to study and live in. You can make your time here as an international student even safer by using common sense. For practical tips on how keep safe during your studies please visit www.britishcouncil.org/eumd-immigration.htm, where you can download a copy of ‘First Steps’ pre-departure publication.

Safety in your accommodationTo ensure a safe living environment, students living in INTO University residences must keep to all of the rules and regulations. Within the accommodation we have also appointed a number of Students Wardens to ensure your well-being and provide you with an alternative source of support.

Safety in CentreSafety in the INTO Centre is everyone’s responsibility. If you see anything that is a cause of concern, please report it to the reception desk and we will ensure that it is dealt with immediately. Please note that smoking is not permitted in any public place in the UK and so you cannot smoke in the INTO Centre.

Useful websitesBritish Council – www.educationuk.org UKCISA – www.ukcisa.org.uk NHS Direct – www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Queen’s University Belfast – http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/internationalStudentSupport/Safety/

Health and safety

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In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

Key contacts, useful numbers and websites

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Please make sure that you put these numbers in your phone:

INTO Queen’s University+44 (0) 2890 976 850 Website: www.intohigher.com/qubFacebook: www.facebook.com/inTOQueensUniversityBelfastTwitter:twitter.com/inTO_Queen’sINTO TV:www.youtube.com/user/inTOTV

INTO Arrivals Emergency number +44 (0) 7971 609 572 Out of office hours for emergency use only

Emergencies999If you need the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance Service in an emergency, the telephone number to call is 999. If you are unfortunate enough to experience crime, have been involved in an attack or threatened, you should report it to the police and INTO.

Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) +44 (0) 207 967 1200www.iasuk.orgIf you have any problems at Immigration Control, please call this number for free advice.

INTO Queen’s contactsQueen’s Elms Village Reception: +44 (0) 2890 974 525Students’ Union: +44 (0) 2890 973 106University Health Centre:+44 (0) 2890 975 551

Local contactsBelfast City Airport:+44 (0) 2890 939 093http://www.belfastcityairport.comBelfast International Airport:+44 (0) 2894 484 848 www.belfastairport.comBelfast Welcome Centre Tourist Information:+44 (0) 2890 246 609Translink:+44 (0) 2890 666 633Local Bus and Rail Service: Time tables and advice

Belfast taxi firms Value Cabs +44 (0) 2890 809 080Fon a Cab+44 (0) 2890 333 333

Useful websitesVisa information: www.ukvisas.gov.ukUKBA:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheukStudying in the UK and excellent advice on budgeting: www.educationuk.orgUKCISA advice for International Students: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/UK living and culture:www.britishcouncil.orgUK weather:www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweatherInternational Student Calculator: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/internationalNational Health Service:www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx

Page 18: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

18

Pre-departure guide 2011–2012

Maps

To Riddel Hall

To Elms Village500 metres

BELFASTCITYHOSPITAL (BCH)

CAMDEN STREET

UN

IVERSIT

Y R

OA

D UNIVERSITY SQUARE

ELMWOOD AV.

COLLEGE GDNS

COLLEGE GREEN RU

GBY

RO

AD

COLLEGE PARK

FITZWILLIAM STREET

ELM

WO

OD MEWS

BOTANICGARDENS

THELANYONBUILDING

23

24

26

KEY

University Buildings

Landmark Buildings

The Lanyon Building

Roads

Footpath

Cafe

Grass

Queen’s University BelfastCampus Map

MA

LON

E R

OA

D

STRA

NM

ILLIS ROA

D

LANDSEER S

T.

ELAIN

E ST.

CLOREEN PARK

CHLORINE GARDEN

S LENNO

XVALE

ULSTERMUSEUM

PRETORIA ST.

To Riddel Hall

LISBU

RN R

OAD

JUBILEE RD

DUNLUCE AVENUE 30

35

The Lanyon Building

The Students’ Union

The INTO Centre

School Offices

A Biological SciencesB Chemistry and Chemical

EngineeringC EducationD Electronics, Electrical

Engineering and Computer Science

E EnglishF Geography, Archaeology and PalaeoecologyG History and

AnthropologyH Languages, Literatures

and Performing ArtsJ LawK Queen’s University

Management SchoolL Mathematics and PhysicsM Mechanical and

Aerospace EngineeringN Medicine and DentistryP Music and Sonic ArtsQ Nursing and MidwiferyR PharmacyS Planning, Architecture

and Civil EngineeringT Politics, International

Studies and PhilosophyV PsychologyW Sociology, Social Policy

and Social Work

University Faculties

X1 Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

X2 Engineering and Physical Sciences

X3 Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Location

3 Academic and Student Affairs 3 Administration Building19 Ashby Building35 Belfast City Hospital22 Bernard Crossland Building23 Bookshop at Queen’s1 Canada Room/Council Chamber38 Careers Service33 Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB)28 Chrono

38 Counselling Service9 Crèches10 David Bates Building21 David Keir Building1n Development and Alumni Relations38 Disability Services8 Drama and Film Centre at Queen’s (inc. The Brian Friel Theatre)30 Dunluce Health Centre39 Elms Village24 Elmwood Hall29 Elmwood Learning and Teaching Centre3 Estates37 Festival Office3 Finance26 Governance1s Great Hall27 Guthrie House (Student Accommodation)5 Harty Room, School of Music3 Human Resources11 Information Services16 Institute of Professional Legal Studies4 International Office

17

4

INTO at Queen’s1 Lanyon Building

10 Mathematics34 McClay Research Centre11 Media Services31 Medical Biology Centre1 Naughton Gallery at

Queen’s

18 Northern Ireland

Technology Centre

13 Occupational Health2 Peter Froggatt Centre34 Pharmacy36 Physical Education

Centre

18 QUBIS Ltd8 Queen’s Film Theatre1s Registrar

20 Sonic Arts Research

Centre

6 South Dining Hall38 Student Guidance

Centre (SGC)

1n Student Plus25 Students’ Union

14 University Health Centre1a Vice-Chancellor’s Office1 Welcome Centre7 Whitla Hall32 Whitla Medical Building

Off Campus Sites ECIT at Titanic Quarter

Medicine and Dentistry at

Royal Victoria Hospital

Marine Research Centre

at Portaferry

25

1

28

F

9

36

39

metres

100 2000

17

11 The McClay Library

International and Postgraduate Student Centre

1n Research and Enterprise

3233

29

HEALTHSCIENCESBUILDING

HEALTHSCIENCESBUILDING

1s Communications

Page 19: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

19

In case of emergency call INTO Queen’s University Belfast on +44 (0) 7971 609 572

To Riddel Hall

To Elms Village500 metres

BELFASTCITYHOSPITAL (BCH)

CAMDEN STREET

UN

IVERSIT

Y R

OA

D UNIVERSITY SQUARE

ELMWOOD AV.

COLLEGE GDNS

COLLEGE GREEN RU

GBY

RO

AD

COLLEGE PARK

FITZWILLIAM STREET

ELM

WO

OD MEWS

BOTANICGARDENS

THELANYONBUILDING

23

24

26

KEY

University Buildings

Landmark Buildings

The Lanyon Building

Roads

Footpath

Cafe

Grass

Queen’s University BelfastCampus Map

MA

LON

E R

OA

D

STRA

NM

ILLIS ROA

D

LANDSEER S

T.

ELAIN

E ST.

CLOREEN PARK

CHLORINE GARDEN

S LENNO

XVALE

ULSTERMUSEUM

PRETORIA ST.

To Riddel Hall

LISBU

RN R

OAD

JUBILEE RD

DUNLUCE AVENUE 30

35

The Lanyon Building

The Students’ Union

The INTO Centre

School Offices

A Biological SciencesB Chemistry and Chemical

EngineeringC EducationD Electronics, Electrical

Engineering and Computer Science

E EnglishF Geography, Archaeology and PalaeoecologyG History and

AnthropologyH Languages, Literatures

and Performing ArtsJ LawK Queen’s University

Management SchoolL Mathematics and PhysicsM Mechanical and

Aerospace EngineeringN Medicine and DentistryP Music and Sonic ArtsQ Nursing and MidwiferyR PharmacyS Planning, Architecture

and Civil EngineeringT Politics, International

Studies and PhilosophyV PsychologyW Sociology, Social Policy

and Social Work

University Faculties

X1 Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

X2 Engineering and Physical Sciences

X3 Medicine, Health and Life Sciences

Location

3 Academic and Student Affairs 3 Administration Building19 Ashby Building35 Belfast City Hospital22 Bernard Crossland Building23 Bookshop at Queen’s1 Canada Room/Council Chamber38 Careers Service33 Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB)28 Chrono

38 Counselling Service9 Crèches10 David Bates Building21 David Keir Building1n Development and Alumni Relations38 Disability Services8 Drama and Film Centre at Queen’s (inc. The Brian Friel Theatre)30 Dunluce Health Centre39 Elms Village24 Elmwood Hall29 Elmwood Learning and Teaching Centre3 Estates37 Festival Office3 Finance26 Governance1s Great Hall27 Guthrie House (Student Accommodation)5 Harty Room, School of Music3 Human Resources11 Information Services16 Institute of Professional Legal Studies4 International Office

17

4

INTO at Queen’s1 Lanyon Building

10 Mathematics34 McClay Research Centre11 Media Services31 Medical Biology Centre1 Naughton Gallery at

Queen’s

18 Northern Ireland

Technology Centre

13 Occupational Health2 Peter Froggatt Centre34 Pharmacy36 Physical Education

Centre

18 QUBIS Ltd8 Queen’s Film Theatre1s Registrar

20 Sonic Arts Research

Centre

6 South Dining Hall38 Student Guidance

Centre (SGC)

1n Student Plus25 Students’ Union

14 University Health Centre1a Vice-Chancellor’s Office1 Welcome Centre7 Whitla Hall32 Whitla Medical Building

Off Campus Sites ECIT at Titanic Quarter

Medicine and Dentistry at

Royal Victoria Hospital

Marine Research Centre

at Portaferry

25

1

28

F

9

36

39

metres

100 2000

17

11 The McClay Library

International and Postgraduate Student Centre

1n Research and Enterprise

3233

29

HEALTHSCIENCESBUILDING

HEALTHSCIENCESBUILDING

1s Communications

Page 20: INTO Queen's University Belfast Pre-Departure Guide 2011-2012

© INTO Queen’s University Belfast, June 2011. All content published in this document is believed accurate at time of publication. INTO reserves the right to alter details of all aspects of its operation without notice and changes may also be required in light of amendments to immigration rules.

INTO University Partnerships Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales, registered number 05507863. Registered office: 102 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EZ.

Queen’s University Belfast education provider sponsor number 25N2W99V3

INTO Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast

2-8 Lennoxvale

Belfast, BT9 5BY

Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 28 9097 6850

F: +44 (0) 28 9097 6851

E: [email protected]

www.intohigher.com/queens