welcome pack - january 2013
DESCRIPTION
A practical guide during your first few days The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body,TRANSCRIPT
THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Welcome Pack - January 2013A practical guide during your first few days
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.
The International Office, 33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9JST: +44 131 6504296 - W: www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international
WelcomeArriving at Edinburgh Airport The Welcome Team will be at the airport to greet you as follows:
• When: Saturday 12 January 2013 (one day only)
• Where: The Welcome Team will be located in the UK and International Arrivals halls (look out for the students in their red t-shirts!).
• Time: 0800 – 2000hrs
Onward travel from the airportThe Welcome Team will be able to advise on onward travel options to your accommodation - be sure to bring a note of your Edinburgh address with you!
By taxi
If you wish to travel to your accommodation by taxi, our Welcome Team will direct you to the Edinburgh City Private Hire taxi desk (UK arrivals hall).
Edinburgh City Private Hire (ECPH) is a private taxi company which offers preferential rates to University of Edinburgh students (around £20 depending on your destination). You can pre-book a taxi from the airport to your accommodation at a discounted rate using this link: uofe.ecph.co.uk
If you are not arriving on the day of our Airport Welcome (12 January), if you book a taxi in advance the ECPH staff will meet you at your Arrival hall and help you with your onward travel by taxi.
Another option:
• Airlink Frequent Express Shuttle Service to the Terminal at Waverley Bridge (just off Princes Street). This is a regular service which departs from STAND 19 just outside the UK arrivals hall.
Journey time: 25 minutes Cost: £3.50 www.flybybus.com
You will need to catch another bus or take a taxi to your accommodation from Waverley Bridge.
Calling your family!Free mobile SIM-cards will be available at the airport so that you can make your first call home from your mobile. They will also be available at the Orientation Day on 13 January.
If you wish to purchase a mobile phone, sim card or top up, there are many shops in and around the University area where you can do this, Please see pg. 8 for more details.
Alternatively, public pay phones can be found in both the UK and International arrival lounges.
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The University of Edinburgh has been welcoming overseas students since its foundation in 1583. At present, out of a total student population of 28,974, we have over 9,000 international students from over 140 different nations studying at the University.
We are justifiably proud of the international nature and diversity of our student population and the contribution that you make to life at the University. It not only provides opportunities for social contacts but also serves to enhance our learning.
The International Office exists to support international students with their transition to the University and city and to provide guidance and support whilst you are a student here. We look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks and helping you adjust to your new life here in Edinburgh. The International Office is centrally located at 33 Buccleuch Place which is in the main University area and we encourage you to come and visit us if you have any issues or concerns that you wish to seek assistance with. Settling into a new environment and adjusting to new situations can be initially daunting but there are a variety of support services on hand at the University that are here to assist with this.
Our main wish is that you enjoy your time at the University of Edinburgh and in Scotland. We sincerely hope that you find, as many have in the past, that Edinburgh becomes your home from home!
Best wishes
_______________________Alan MackayDirector of the International Office The University of Edinburgh
Your first few days
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ISC Programme of eventsThe International Students’ Centre (ISC) have put together a programme of events to help you settle in:Monday 14 Free Tea and Coffee at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 12pm - 4pmTuesday 15 Free Tea and Coffee at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 12pm - 4pm ISC Coffee Evening at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 4pm - 6pmWednesday 16 Free Tea and Coffee at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 12pm - 4pm The Practical Tour of Edinburgh at the ISC,
22b Buccleuch Place 1pm - 3pm:Thursday 17 Free Tea and Coffee at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 12pm - 4pm: First Volunteers Sign-Up Meeting at the
ISC, 22b Buccleuch Place, 8pm - 9pm: Meet and Greet Pub Night, 9pm - late:Friday 18 Free Tea and Coffee at the ISC, 22b
Buccleuch Place, 12pm - 4pm: The Practical Tour of Edinburgh at the ISC,
22b Buccleuch Place 1pm - 3pm: Potluck at the ISC, 22b Buccleuch Place,
7pm - Late: Bring your favourite dish or an interesting dessert to the ISC for an evening of food sharing and general mingling.
Saturday 19 Trip to St AndrewsGo visit St. Andrews, the home of golf, see the Cathedral and the Castle! Please note, this is a full day ticketed event.Sunday 20 Walk up Arthurs Seat, 2pm - 3pm:Come take a walk up Arthurs Seat, get your body going and enjoy the magnificent view. We will gather outside the ISC, 22b Buccleuch Place, at 2pm and walk from there. Bring appropriate footwear! - Afterwards we will be heading to Scotland’s oldest pub: The Sheep Heid Inn located on the other side of Arthurs Seat!
January Orientation DayWhen: Sunday 13 JanuaryWhere: George Square Lecture Theatre, George Square
Orientation Day is an opportunity for you to learn more about what to expect from your time at the University of Edinburgh. The Visiting Student Office will present an Academic Orientation talk to introduce visiting students to the academic norms at the University. The orientation will highlight differences between academic culture and norms here at Edinburgh, compared with what you might be used to back home. You will also be provided with a copy of the Academic Guide for Visiting Students in your orientation pack.
A sandwich lunch will be served at 1300 in Teviot Row House, Bristo Square, and you will have the opportunity to meet staff from your College and check out some of the many clubs and societies.
www.facebook.com/iscedi
The International Office Chat and CoffeeFor those arriving in Edinburgh prior to the beginning of the semester, this is an opportunity to meet International Office staff and other new students, have your questions answered and have a cup of tea or coffee in an informal environment. Bring your family along with you!
When: Wednesday 9th January, 11am - 12pm Where: David Hume Tower, Faculty Room North
Buddy eventIf you have applied for the Buddy Programme you will have an opportunity to meet your Buddy prior to the ‘Meet and Mingle’ event on Saturday 12 January. Come along to Teviot Debating Room at 6pm.
‘Meet and Mingle’ with staff and students!Why not take this opportunity to meet other Semester 2 starters and International Office staff and enjoy some traditional Scottish cuisine?
We realise that many of you will have arrived earlier in the day and may be tired but this is only a short social event which proved very popular with last year’s Semester 2 intake.
When: Saturday 12 January, 7pm - 9pm Where: Teviot Row House, Dining Hall.
Register on line here to allow us to plan the catering: januarymeetandmingle.eventbrite.co.uk
Visiting Student Office (VSO)The key support office for visiting students in the College of Humanities & Social Science (HSS), based on the 3rd floor of David Hume Tower: www.ed.ac.uk/maps?building=david-hume-tower
As well as making your formal offer of admission to the University, key responsibilities include enrolling students onto 3rd year level courses in popular subjects as well as Academic English for International Students courses. They work closely with your Personal Tutor (PT) and can confirm your attendance (part of the matriculation process) on their behalf, help you enrol in/change courses and should be your first point of contact if you are having difficulties during your time in Edinburgh.
The VSO can advise you on any administrative matters relating to your studies, and can offer guidance and referral if you are having personal, health or other issues that are affecting your work. The Visiting Student Office is open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday so please drop by during these times (no appointment necessary).
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 8268/4094/3572
www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/humanities-soc-sci/visiting-exchange
University emergency contact 24hr line:+44 131 650 2257
Nightline is a confidential support service run by students for students in Edinburgh. Lines open
daily from Monday 14 January 2013, 8pm - 8am.
+44 131 557 4444
Your first few daysMatriculation/RegistrationThere are 2 parts to the matriculation process:
1. Registration – You should have completed a Registration form (sent to you by mail) and returned it by the deadline. There is no need for you to attend to matriculate in person.
If you have not completed registration forms prior to coming to Edinburgh, go to Registry in Old College to complete forms on arrival.
Once your registration is complete then you can pick up your university card. This card will give you access to libraries and other university buildings. You can collect it at the Card Services desk in the Main Library, George Square.
2. Meeting your Personal Tutor and formally registering for your courses. The visiting student office will tell you who your Personal Tutor is and you will be able to make arrangements to see your Personal Tutor in the first few days after your arrival in Edinburgh.
Tuition fee paymentYou can arrange to pay your tuition fees online at:www.ed.ac.uk/schools-department/finance/students
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Dalkeith Road Medical Practice145 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5QRTel: 0131 667 1289
Mackenzie Medical Centre20 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DXTel: 0131 667 2955
Newington Surgery14 East Preston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QATel: 0131 662 4400
Southside Surgery17 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh, EH8 9NUTel: 0131 667 2240
St Leonard’s Medical Centre145 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9RUTel: 0131 668 4547
Warrender Park Terrace10 Warrender Park Terrace, Edinburgh, EH9 1JATel: 0131 229 6314
Medical surgeries accepting new patientsThe University Health Centre is currently full and unable to register new patients.
If you are living in the central area of Edinburgh, the medical practices below are accepting new patients.
If you are registering with any of these practices you are required to provide the following:
• Passport/visa/identity card• Proof of full time student status• Proof of address
Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and SwitzerlandYou do not need to obtain entry clearance before travelling to the UK and will be admitted by providing either a valid passport or national identity card.
Students from non-visa national countries(a) If you are intending to study with us for Semester 2 only and do not intend to:• work part-time • extend your period of study• switch into any other category
You do not need to apply for a Tier 4 General Student Visa before travelling to the UK.
In these circumstances, you may enter as a Student Visitor and present your letter of admission from the University and evidence of your finances (for example, bank statements) at the port of entry to the UK (carry these documents in your hand luggage). Note that this period of leave will be single entry.
(b) If you do intend to find a part-time job during your studies or may want to enjoy more flexibility, for example travelling in/out of the UK, then you should apply for entry clearance as a Tier 4 General Student:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students
Parliamentary Programme studentsThose visiting students undertaking the Parliamentary Programme must apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa before travelling to the UK. This is because there is a work element to this course.
Points to consider if applying for Tier 4 General Student as a Semester 2 only student• Be aware that with this status, it is likely that the period of the leave granted will only be for seven days beyond the end date of your course. • If you wish to continue your studies, for example, stay for Semester 1 in September 2013, this will not be possible as the regulations state that there must be no more than one month between the date of the expiry of your visa and the start date of your next course of study. You would have to return home.
Students from visa national countries coming to the UK for Semester 2 onlyYou must apply for entry clearance/visa either as a Student Visitor or as a Tier 4 General Student in advance of travelling to the UK.
To check if you are a visa national or not, please visit:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/immigrationlaw/immigrationrules/appendix1
If your country is on the list, you are a visa national. If it is not on the list, you are a non-visa national.
For further information please refer to:• our online Immigration Guide
www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ international-office/immigration/downloads
• our immigration information advice website www.ed.ac.uk/international-office/immigration
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Immigration Advice
Pollock Halls ReceptionBlackwood CrescentCausewaysideCollege WyndDarroch CourtDavid Horn HouseEast Newington PlaceFraser CourtHolland AnnexeHermit’s CroftKitchener HouseKincaid’s CourtMylne’s CourtMorgan CourtNew Arthur PlaceRichmond PlaceRobertson’s CloseSciennesSciennes PlaceSouth Clerk StreetWarrender Park CrescentWarrender Park RoadWest Mains Road
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If you are staying in University accommodation, the normal date for checking in is Saturday 12 January 2013.
However, if you plan to arrive earlier, there is the option of gaining access to your accommodation from Wednesday 9 January but you should have received an email directly from Allocations advising you of this arrangement. Your contract would be amended accordingly.
Contact Allocations as follows: Email: [email protected]
If you have any questions, contact Accommodation Services (Tel: +44 131 667 2042) during office hours.
For more information including key collection arrangements please visit:www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/new-students/accommodation
Accommodation
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Can I open an account?If you are studying at the university for more than a semester then you probably can. For shorter visits, you will need to find a bank that will accept your business – Barclays Bank or Bank of Scotland, for instance, are worth contacting.
What sort of bank account should I open?Banks name their accounts differently; however, as a minimum you should be eligible for a basic account which allows paying in and withdrawing cash in person or at an ATM (cash machine). A basic bank account will not offer credit such as an overdraft or a credit card. Some banks (e.g. the Royal Bank of Scotland) will give further Student Account benefits if you can deposit a minimum of £5,000 and show evidence that you have already paid your university tuition fees. Ask the bank what type of accounts they have available and what account best suits your needs.
Which bank to choose?
It is up to you to research different banks and decide which suits you best. Some branches of banks have more experience of dealing with international students and you may find it easier to open your account at one of these branches.
How do I open an account?
If you are in University accommodation you will be able to download a bank letter from your MyEd student account which will provide proof of your Edinburgh address. However, only the following branches of banks have agreed to accept this letter.
Go to one of the following banks with this letter, your passport and the original unconditional offer letter from the University of Edinburgh.
If you are staying in private accommodation, you will need to apply online for a bank introduction letter. It will take around 3 days for the letter to be processed and it will be posted to you at the address you give on your form. For more information and to apply for a letter of introduction, please visit:www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/new-students/money/banking
Barclays Bank www.barclays.co.uk• 1 St Andrews Square, EH2 2BD
Bank of Scotland www.bankofscotland.co.uk• University Branch, Student Centre: 4 Bristo Square, EH1 1JB• Chambers Street Branch: 32A Chambers Street, EH8 9AL• Holyrood Branch: 91 Holyrood Road, EH8 9AL
HSBCwww.hsbc.co.uk• 118 Princes Street, EH4 2AA
Lloyds TSBwww.lloydstsb.com• 9-11 Clerk Street, EH8 8JH
Royal Bank of Scotlandwww.rbs.co.uk• University Branch: 61 Forrest Road, EH1 2QP• Nicolson Street Branch: 30 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DL
Bank AccountWhere can I ask for help if I have questions or problems?
The International Office33 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9JSTel: 0131 650 4296Email: [email protected]
Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA)
EUSA ConnectConnect is the place to go if you’re looking for things to get involved with in Edinburgh. Be it student societies, charity work or volunteering, Connect has it all covered! The Connect office is located under the Potterrow Dome and is open 10am – 5pm on weekdays. If you’re interested in societies, you can find a comprehensive list of them here: www.eusa.ed.ac.uk
The Advice PlaceThe Advice Place is a free, confidential and impartial advice service for students. You can drop in, call or email, to get advice and information on funding, fees, council tax, tenancy and accommodation, or if you have any other problem and you don’t know where to go. Telephone: 01316509225Email: [email protected]/advice
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Coffee H@me Internet 28 Crighton Place, Leith Walk+44 131 477 8336 Mon-Sat: 10am-10pmSun: 12pm-10pm
Double Dutch 27-29 Marshall St+44 131 667 9997 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pmSat: 9am-8pmSun: 9am-6pm
Dreamcatcher 27 South Clerk Street +44 131 662 8800Mon-Sun: 9am-8pm
Edinburgh Central Library7-9 George IV BridgeMon-Thu: 10am-8pmFri: 10am-4.45pmSat: 9am-12.45pm
Easy Internet Cafe 58 Rose Street+44 131 226 5971+44 131 2203577Mon-Sat: 8am-10pmSun: 9am-10pm
Easy Internet CafeSt.James Shopping Centre+44 7921 970 671Mon-Wed: 8am-5pmThu: 8am-7.30pmFri - Sat: 8am-5:30pmSun: 11am-4.30pm
Escape Internet Cafe 5 London Road+44 131 6610664Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm
INT Phonebooth88 South Clerk St+44 131 667 2445
The Edinburgh Internet Café98 West Bow+44 131 226 5400 Mon-Sun: 10 am-11pm
Galleryinternet.com44 West Preston St+44 131 466 7767Mon-Fri: 11am-6pmSat: 12pm-6pm
Leith Internet Cafe169 Leith Walk+44 131 554 4552Sun-Thu: 10am-11pmFri-Sat: 10am-9pm
Pallas-Athene Internet CafeMarchmont Crescent +44 131 667 7711
New Wings Internet Café71 Nicolson Street+44 131 668 4777Mon-Sun: 9am-11pm
The Ministry of Gaming20-22 Bread Street+44 131 228 3452Mon-Thu: 12m-10pmFri-Sat: 12m-11pm Sun: 12m-8pm
Communications Point117 Lauriston Place+44 131 228 8477 Mon-Thu: 10am-10pmFri-Sat: 10am-9pm
Cafe Numedia67 Nicolson Street+44 131 6 684040
University Main LibraryMon-Thu: 8.30am - 8pmFri: 8.30am - 5pmSat: 10am - 1pm
Alison HouseSame as Library
Darwin Library Lab, Swann BuildingMon-Fri: 9am - 5pm High School YardsMon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Holyrood Library, Dalhousie Land, Moray HouseMon-Fri: 9am-5pm Helpdesk in room G8, Thomsons Land
Hugh Robson Building (lower ground floor)Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
JCMB 3210 & 3212Mon-Fri : 8am-10pm Sat-Sun: 9am-7pm
JCMB and Robertson LibrariesMon-Fri: 9am-5pm
KB Centre 2 & 3 Mon-Fri: 8am-9:45pm Sat: 9am-5pmSun: 12-5pm
KB Centre Spot CafeMon-Fri: 9am-5pm Holland House, Pollock HallsEvery day: 9am-11pm
Mylne’s CourtEvery day: 8:30am-8:30pm
Richmond PlaceEvery day: 24 hour access
Graphics and Multimedia Resource Centre (GMRC), JCMB8:30am-9:30pm, Mon-Fri
Internet accessInternet access around the city
There are numerous internet cafés around Edinburgh, some of them include:
Open-access computing labs at the University
If you do not have access to the University network through your personal computer, or wish to access course software, there are many open access and departmental computing labs for use by all matriculated students and staff of the University. You need a username and password to use any computing lab: these are issued to students at enrolment.
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Supermarkets1 Asda 2 Farmfoods3 Iceland4 Lidl5 Morrisons6 Sainsbury’s7 Scotmid8 Tesco
Specialist Shops (Asia/Middle East)9 Aihua (36 West Cross Causeway)
10 Al-Medina (10 Nicolson Sq)11 Bismillah Food Store (3 Nicolson Sq)12 Foods of the Philippines (184 Easter Rd)13 Hua Sing Ltd (50 Ratcliffe Terrace)14 Red Sea Food Store (35 Marshall St)15 Orient Thai Market (162 Bruntsfield Pl)16 Rajah’s Supermarket (33 Albert St)17 Sin Fung (16 Bruntsfield Place)18 Maqbool’s (38 Potterrow)
Specialist Shops (Europe & Africa)19 De Africa (163 Dalry Rd)20 Deli Polonia (237 Leith Walk)21 Lupe Pintos (24 Leven St)22 Made in France (5 Lochrin Place)23 Salut, le petit marche (18 Teviot Place)24 The Polski Smak 1 (112a Gorgie Rd)25 The Polski Smak 1 (25 Albert Place)26 Valvona & Crolla (19 Elm Row)
SupermarketsHealthy eating
The Edinburgh University Co-Operative Society (EUCS) started the Hearty Squirrel co-operative providing good raw food at affordable prices. Based in Solidarity Goods on 35 Guthrie Street, the co-op places bulk orders on a regular basis. For more information visit www.eucs.wikidot.com
International Food
There are a wide variety of foods (meat, fruit, vegetables, spices, etc) available from local shops. Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan city and there are specialist and ethnic shops and restaurants throughout the city. Halal meat is readily available and there are a number of stores within 5 minutes of the central campus. Although there are no kosher delicatessens in Edinburgh, you can buy bread and other limited items of food from specialist shops or from some larger supermarkets in Edinburgh. Glasgow does have kosher delicatessens. Helpful link: www.ehcong.com/KASHRUT_NEWS.htm
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Please note that this map should be used for general guidance not as a walking map.
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ShoppingEdinburgh offers a shopping experience like no other. Some of the main shops are located in Princes Street, Rose Street, George Street, Royal Mile, Jeffrey Street, Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, Cockburn Street, Stockbridge and Leith Walk.
Charity ShopsA charity shop is a retail establishment operated by a charitable organization for the purpose of fundraising.
You can buy in there second hand clothes, furniture, books and many other items at a very affordable price.
There is a wide selection of charity shops within the vicinity of the university central campus, between South Bridge and South Clerk St, and on the west side of the city, between Home St and Leven St. A bit further, but also offering convenient prices, are the charity shops along Raeburn Place in Stockbridge. Some of the charity organizations located in Edinburgh are:
• Oxfam • British Heart Foundation • Save the Children• Shelter• PDSA• The Bethany Shop
Bargain StoresA bargain store sells new consumer goods (kitchen ware, stationery, electrical items, light bulbs, batteries, etc.) at a discount from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. These are very useful if you need to buy some items for your accommodation. Some of the bargain stores around the city centre are:
Argos • 11-15 North Bridge, tel: 0845 165 7183
Edinburgh Bargain Stores• 5-9 St. Patrick Sq, tel: 0131 662 4318
Poundstretcher• 100-106 South Bridge, tel: 0870 240 4600• 42 Shandwick Pl, tel: 0870 240 4600• 245 Gorgie Rd, tel: 0870 240 4600
Ali’s Cave139-145 Lothian Rd, tel: 0131 229 7744
General shopping
Mobile Phone Shops
Carphone Warehouse Ltd• Unit 15 Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, Lady RoadTel: 0870 168 2869• 25 Princes Streettel: 0870 168 2026
O2• 135 Princes StTel: 0131 225 5723
Phones 4 U• 33 St. James Centre, tel: 0131 557 6407• 16-17 Princes St, tel: 0131 556 1697
The Orange Shop• 133 Princes Street, tel: 0131 240 0920
Vodafone Retail Ltd• 40-42 St. James Centre, tel: 0131 556 9566• 119-120B Princes St, tel: 0131 226 4657
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