The first few days and weeks in the UK can be exciting but also stressful. The information below provides some practical advice for dealing with student life.

CUSTOMS

If you arrive by air, after you have passed through Immigration you will be able to collect your baggage and you will then go through Customs control. There are three channels: Green if you have no goods to declare; Red if you have items to declare and Blue if you have come from another EEA airport where you have been through Customs Control. If you are bringing more than the permitted tax free allowances or any prohibited items you must go through the Red channel. If you are uncertain about what you are entitled to bring into the UK, you should check with the British High Commission or Embassy before you leave home.

AT THE COLLEGE

Welcome and Orientation: NLCBS offerS a comprehensive range of international student welcome services during the main arrival period in September. We would recommend that you schedule your arrival so that you can participate in the various orientation events on offer.

Academic Life: It may take you a while to adjust to UK methods of teaching and learning in College. You can download this document for further information on what to expect.

Student ID Card: This card entitles you to discounts on travel, entertainment and in selected shops - make sure you get one from your College. You must request for it to myid@nlcbs.co.uk  with your passport size picture & the following details:

1. Full Name
2. SUN Ref (i.e: BI/BCS/055/09/Jan)
3. Date of Birth

This will take 2 working days to get your ID ready and if someone applying in person on the reception desk with a photo, please write your full-name and SUN Ref behind the picture and give us 4 working days.

Telephone: Phoning home is costly however numerous phone cards are available in the UK offering cheap phone calls to overseas countries. Public payphones are available on all university campuses however most students either bring their own mobile or purchase one in the UK.

Transport: Coaches (buses) are cheaper than trains but not usually as fast. Rail prices vary considerably depending on time and day of travel so check before making journeys. Taxis are an expensive option, particularly in London.

For further information try the following websites:

Trains: www.nationalrail.co.uk
London travel: www.tfl.gov.uk
Coaches: www.nationalexpress.com

MONEY MATTERS

Your bank account: We recommend that you open a current account as soon as possible after arriving on campus so that we can make your stipend payments. Please note that you may experience delays in opening your account due to added security. We can provide a letter outlining the terms of you scholarship if this is needed.

Once you open an account you may apply for a cash-withdrawal card along with a cheque book. You will find a branch of one or more of the following banks near your home or college:

The four major banks in the UK are:
Natwest www.natwest.com/personal/
Barclays Bank www.barclays.co.uk/personal/
HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk
Lloyds TSB www.lloydstsb.com

(i) A letter from your college explaining that you are a registered student on an eligible course and the original offer letter sent to you at your overseas address from your college.
(ii) Your passport or EU national ID card
(iii) If you have a scholarship or other source of guaranteed funding for your course you should bring a letter to show the bank.

When you open a basic bank account you will be probably be given a cash card to withdraw cash from a cash dispensing machine (ATM). Many students, especially those in the UK for less than one year, may also use a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or other credit card), which they have obtained in their home country. You will be charged a handling fee for each transaction and should check with your own bank on the level of the charge.

You should check whether any of these banks offer special terms or services for students. We advise against applying for a credit card as interest rates are high and repayment frequently becomes a problem.

Cost of Living: Life in the UK is expensive, especially in London and other major cities. You will probably find yourself having to change your diet and life-style to some extent. Please note that you are likely to find life as a student quite different from the life you have left as a working person.

HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE

Doctors: Whilst a student, you are entitled to medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). You must register with a doctor near to where you will be living. In order to register you must visit a doctor's surgery and ask to be included on his/her list. When you are accepted you will be sent a medical card with your NHS number. Once you have registered, consultations with the doctor are free, though a charge is made for prescriptions. You will normally have to make an appointment to see your doctor during consulting hours but if you are seriously ill, the doctor can be called out to see you. You should ensure that someone at your college and residence knows the name and number of your doctor in case of emergency.

Hospitals: You are entitled to free hospital treatment but this will normally have to be recommended by your doctor. In emergencies such as an accident, free treatment is available at those hospitals that have a casualty department.

Dentists: You do not need to register with a dentist but you cannot receive NHS dental treatments without having registration with a doctor and a NHS number. NHS patients have to pay 75% of the costs of treatment. Not all dentists accept NHS patients - so please check and phone for advice if necessary.

Opticians: Eye tests and glasses have to be paid for and are expensive.

Counselling and welfare: Universities have student counselling and welfare services. You should receive details from the Students' Union or when you register.

LIVING IN THE UK: CULTURAL & SOCIAL ASPECTS

Culture shock: Leaving home and travelling to study in a new country can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming. You can download this pdf 'International Students and Culture Shock' for some practical advice on how to deal with the challenges you may face during your time in the UK. These include dealing with the climate, food, language and social life in the UK.