INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020-21
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INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2020–21
01
Hi!
We’re so pleased you’ve chosen UWE From helping you develop your
Bristol. You’ve got an exciting few academic skills to supporting
years ahead of you. your wellbeing – we have advisers who
can help with anything. All you need to
Starting at a new university in a new
do is contact an Information Point and
country can be daunting, but we’re here
speak to one of the team there.
to help you every step of the way. We’re
sure you’ve got lots of questions – so We’re looking forward to getting to
you’ll find lots of useful information know you!
in this guide to help you settle in.
The orientation programme is designed
Bree, Carmen and Sylwia
to provide you with information and
advice to ensure you receive all the
Global Student Support Team
support you need to get the best
from your time at UWE Bristol.
If you need any help or +44 (0) 117 32 86195
advice please contact +44 (0) 117 32 83107
globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk +44 (0) 117 32 83742
+44 (0)7973 679835
(WhatsApp available)
Facebook @uwebristolglobal
Instagram @uwebristolglobal
02
Checklist: things to do
when you arrive
Full details about what you need to do offers and always pay your tuition fees
when you arrive are available online at direct to UWE using the authorised
uwe.ac.uk/life/preparing-and-arrival payment methods.
– but here’s an overview to get
If you believe you have been a victim
you started.
of fraud or have any questions contact
UWE. Students experiencing difficulty
Register online and pay
making payment should contact
your tuition fees credit control.
First of all, you need to complete
your online registration. This involves Visa and passport scanning
confirming your personal details, paying If you need a visa to study in the UK, we’ll
your fees and agreeing to our Terms need to check and scan your documents
and Conditions. as soon as you arrive and every year
You can pay your fees in full or set up after that. We can do this once you have
a direct debit to pay in instalments. completed your online registration.
If your employer or another sponsor We’ll have a Welcome Hub on Frenchay
is paying your fees you will need to Campus for you to have your passport,
complete the appropriate forms that visa and qualifications checked.
can be found on the Fees and Funding
section of our website. Student ID card
At the final stage of your registration,
Fraud Warning
we’ll give you your new student ID card –
Students are being approached by that means you’re officially a UWE Bristol
individuals offering to pay their fees at student! You should keep this with you
reduced rates or under special conditions. at all times.
Fraudsters may present themselves as
legitimate agencies or associates, they
may be a friend. Never respond to these
03
Receiving your ID card on the international student orientation
website. We encourage you to
We will post your ID card to you.
regularly visit international students
Once you’ve registered online via myUWE events website uwe.ac.uk/events/
and uploaded a photo for your ID card, international-student-events
please ensure your home address is up for information about current and
to date in myUWE and your term time future events!
address is added once known. That way
we can get your ID card out to you at the Attend your course induction
right place, at the right time. Your course induction will tell you what
you can expect from your course and
Attend the International
gives you the opportunity to meet your
and European Student tutors and other students.
Orientation
It’s compulsory to attend – your Preparing
We run an orientation programme to Study materials and your timetable
in September and January for all new (available on myUWE) will tell you where
international and European students. you need to be.
It’s a chance to make new friends and
find out everything you need to know Register with the police
about living in the UK. If it’s a condition of your visa that you
This year all our Student Orientation must register with the police, you will
sessions are delivered online using need to do this within seven days of
Blackboard Collaborate*. It is an easy, arriving in the UK.
convenient, and interactive web- You can see if you need to do this by
based tool that provides you the best checking your vignette, your BRP or
connection experience with us. Details the letter you received when your
of the programme and information how passport was returned to you by
to book can be found in the Orientation UK Visas and Immigration.
Programme section of this guide and
04
You’ll need to: Connect to the WiFi
• Complete an online form – create an You can access free WiFi across all of
account with your email address and our campuses – just look for the
a memorable password: ‘Eduroam’ network.
foreignnationals.
Your username is your university
avonandsomerset.police.uk/
username (e.g. a7-smith) followed by
• Follow the police guidance about @uwe.ac.uk (so it’ll look something like
next steps this: a7-smith@uwe.ac.uk).
You can find more guidance on here Your password is your university password.
uwe.ac.uk/courses/international-
study/visas/your-responsibility or Open a bank account
by contacting UWE Immigration team
Spend some time comparing banks
before you open an account – think
Check you have your
about its location, opening hours,
IT login details services and account charges.
You should have received your university
Lots of UK banks offer free basic
username, password and email address
accounts. Some require a minimum
before you arrived (to your personal email
deposit or have a monthly fee.
account). You have the option to change
your password to something memorable. To open an account you’ll need a UWE
Bristol bank letter confirming your
If you didn’t receive these, contact an
student status and residential address.
Information Point and they’ll re-send
the email. To get a bank letter, complete the bank
letter request form available at
uwe.ac.uk/newinternationalstudents
(under the ‘Open a bank account’
section). The Information Point team will
issue the letter for you.
05
Further information and advice about Register with a doctor
choosing bank account can be found
You must register with a doctor. The
here uwe.ac.uk/life/money-and-
University Health Centre on Frenchay
finance/banking-and-finances
Campus is open to all students – no
matter which campus you’re studying at.
You can register with them online:
uwe.ac.uk/healthcentre
TIP:
Alternatively you can find doctors,
If you select paper rather
dentists and opticians close to where you
than internet bank
live on the National Health Service (NHS)
statements, you can show
website: nhs.uk
these if you need to extend
your visa. Once registered with the NHS, you’ll
receive a medical card and NHS number.
Opening an account can If you fall ill when you are away from
take up to a few weeks so Bristol, any doctor in the UK will see you
please make sure you have as a temporary resident.
access to money during
this time. Corona virus guidance
The most up-to-date guidance can be
found on the Government’s website
gov.uk/coronavirus
We also encourage you to regularly
check the University’s official
communication channels for up to
date and accurate information.
uwe.ac.uk/news/coronavirus
06
Student Orientation societies, and UWE Bristol itself has
to offer.
Programme
The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol is
The Student Orientation Programme
a great place to socialise and build a
is open to all new undergraduate and
community, which is an important part
postgraduate students and will be
of life at university. Our national, faith,
delivered online through the Blackboard
and identity societies are a great way of
Collaborate platform*. The programme is
meeting people with the same interests
designed to provide you with information
or beliefs. So, we encourage you to join in
and advice to ensure you receive all the
and explore all the fun from baking, live
support you need to get the best from
music, outdoor cinema, sport, and
your time at UWE Bristol. This includes
many more!
a range of activities to introduce you to
university life, the wider city of Bristol,
and plenty of fun social events run by the
Students’ Union!
Please note:
Spaces are limited
We know it’s important for you to settle
and will be allocated
in quickly. All key events highlighted
on a first-come,
below will help you settle into your
first-served basis.
surroundings and study successfully at
UWE Bristol. Our programme provides
opportunities to meet your international
Look out for
peers and connect with other students.
The opportunity to
Visit Welcome 2020 for a complete
join us to meet your
schedule of all the Students’ Union
Students’ Union
social events taking place in the autumn
president and your
term. You can join the Virtual Freshers
societies on Thursday
Fair and find out about everything
1 October
that the Students’ Union, sport clubs,
07 Virtual Freshers Fair on Friday 9 October visit us at the Freshers Fair
08
Using Blackboard Collaborate
All our Student Orientation sessions • More information about Blackboard
are delivered online using Blackboard Collaborate:
Collaborate*. It is an easy, convenient,
- Video User Guide
and interactive web-based tool that
- Text User Guide
provides you the best connection
experience with us. • lose other programs and streaming
C
services on your computer except for
Tips to get started:
the browser you are using for your
• Please make sure you use Google Collaborate session.
Chrome as your browser when
• Limit video use, only use video during
logging in on your computer.
the session only when you are talking
• You can also join by downloading the or necessary.
Blackboard application on your
phone or tablet.
*Blackboard works best on Chrome, or Firefox. Use the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Student Guide
09
Best practice:
• Be on time – arrive 5-10 minutes early so you can introduce
yourself, and give everyone a chance to get to know you.
• Mute yourself when not speaking – to avoid background noises
distracting others.
• Raise your hand – if there is no opening to speak. Type your
question and feedback in the chat box. One of the team staff will
get back to you.010
Bristol – get to know your
new city
Bristol is a city that’s famous for
its rebellious streak, independent
thinking, and edgy creativity. With Visit Bristol’s Tip
its beautiful historical buildings, We are delighted to have
fantastic shopping, vibrant Visit Bristol as our special
festival celebrations, and diverse guest on Tuesday 22
international cuisine it has won September (repeated on
multiple awards and received national Thursday 22 October)
recognition. Bristol is a multicultural Join us to discover all the
city and home to at least 45 religions, wonderful things that
187 countries of birth and over 91 make Bristol the best city
languages. We’re proud to be part of in the UK. Find out more
such multicultural and welcoming city. about Visit Bristol.
(Source: State of Bristol Key Facts 2018–
19 produced by Bristol City Council)
Find out more about
what’s it like to study at
UWE Bristol as an
Life in Bristol
international student on
Explore Bristol online via UWE Bristol’s Thursday 1 and
Discover Bristol pages. These are Wednesday 7 October
360-degree view videos showing
different aspects of our vibrant city.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be sure
to find something to suit you and get
the most from your student experience.
Join in, have fun and explore the great
opportunities with us.011 UWE Bristol is one of the diverse universities in England. It admits students from almost every part of the world. I found the lecturers and course staff very friendly and approachable. They always made sure that students could easily contact them when it was necessary and always provided a high level of support. UWE Bristol was my home away from home as I met wonderful people that were like my family.” Mariam Afiwuaku, Ghana
012
Don’t forget
Register to attend the
Accommodation orientation
session:
• Monday 5 October
at 14:00–15:00
(repeated same time on
Wednesday 21 October)
• Monday 12 October
at 14:00–15:00013 Finding your new home in Bristol We want you to feel at home from the moment you arrive, and that’s why we offer a range of accommodation support for you. Wherever you choose to live, you can feel assured it will be safe, well-equipped, and comfortable. Bristol is a big student city and there is a lot of student accommodation, but knowing where to look can be a bit tricky when you are overseas. The UWE Studentpad, is an online accommodation platform to help you in your search for student houses, flats, and rooms to rent in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Please note: For further support with understanding your accommodation options, visit The Students’ Union Advice Centre and download their International Student Accommodation Guide. You can also watch our private accommodation webinar for more information.
014
Block ZERO
(Autumn Term)
The virtual Global Lounge is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
from 11:00 to 14:00 (UK time). This is an online space where the Global Student
Support team together with student ambassadors will be available to help you with
any enquiries you may have. We can provide guidance on finding accommodation,
returning to campus queries and explaining how to use the UWE online system.
We can also signpost you to other services. Visit the Global Lounge to earn more.
To book the Orientation
events, you MUST complete
the registration form.
To book event hosted by
the Students’ Union at
UWE Bristol, please visit
the webpage.015
Week One:
Monday 21 September 2020 to Friday 25 September 2020
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Welcome A welcome from the Global Student Tues Online
for new Support team. This session will cover advice 22 Sept Blackboard
International and information on how you can make 14:00 – webinar
and European the most of your time in the UK, as well as 15:00
students practical information such as registering
with a doctor or opening a bank account.
We will provide you with all the support you
need to settle into the university!
Global Café: Life in a new social, cultural and academic Thurs Online
Feeling at environment is exciting but can feel 24 Sept Blackboard
home in challenging. Whether you’ve recently 14:30 – webinar
Bristol arrived in Bristol or you’ve been here 15:30
for some time, there’s lots of support to
help you feel at home. Join us with the
Bristol International Student Centre to
find out about some of the things to do
in this fantastic city – from the centuries-
old heritage and where to eat out and
the best markets to find a bargain. There
will be a fun Bristol quiz to take part in
too! (repeated same time Thursday 22
October)
Bake Along Join Ella for a “Bake Well Being” for a virtual Fri UWE
with Ella! bake-along! As part of the UWE Feel Good 25 Sept Bristol
Fortnight, we’ll be discussing Mindful 13:00 – Instagram
Eating while making and baking two simple 14:00 @
but tasty study snacks. All you have to do uwebristol
is get your ingredients and tune in to our
lunchtime UWE Bristol Instagram at 1pm!016
Week Two:
Monday 28 September 2020 to 2 October 2020
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Wellbeing Join the Centre for Sport on their Wed UWE Bristol
Walk Instagram live for a virtual walk. Put 30 Sept Sport
your trainers on, grab your camera 12:30 – Instagram @
to capture some nature. Let’s get out 13:30 uwebristolsport
together for some fresh air, and get
our steps in!
Money This session will tell you all you need Wed Online
Matters to know about what costs to expect 30 Sept Blackboard
while you study, tips for working in 14:00 – webinar
the UK, and opening a bank account. 15:00
The Student Money Service will help
you develop or improve financial skills,
knowledge and confidence while you
study at UWE Bristol. (repeated same
time Tuesday 6 October)
Global Café: Get to the know The Students’ Union Thurs Online
Supporting at UWE with an introduction from this 1 Oct Blackboard
international year’s President, Augusta Chidinma 14:30 – webinar
study life in Nnajiofor. This will then be followed 15:30
the UK by VP Societies and Communication,
Samuel Ikpe, who will be speaking
about how you can get involved with
the 100+ societies at UWE Bristol. We
will then welcome you to UWE Bristol
and give you some top tips on living
standards in the UK.017
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
An An informal session designed to help Fri 2 Oct Online
Introduction you settle into your new cultural 14:00 – Blackboard
to British environment. The session will give you 15:30 webinar
Culture the chance to explore common traits
in British thinking and behaviours
and give you an opportunity to ask
questions you have about
British culture018
Week Three:
Monday 5 October 2020 to Friday 9 October 2020
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Looking for If you are looking for accommodation, Mon Online
accommodation then The Students’ Union advisers 5 Oct Blackboard
in Bristol? will be available during this virtual 14:00 – webinar
session to help you with general 15:00
queries you may have such as where
to look, what to consider when looking
i.e. budget, location, who to live with,
types of accommodation, as well as
tenancy checking and information
about deposits. (repeated same time
Wednesday 21 October)
Money Matters This session will tell you all you need Tues Online
to know about what costs to expect 6 Oct Blackboard
while you study, tips for working in 14:00 – webinar
the UK, and opening a bank account. 15:00
The Student Money Service will help
you develop or improve financial skills,
knowledge, and confidence while you
study at UWE Bristol.
Student Panel Ask questions and hear life Wed Online
Discussion: experiences from our Global buddies. 7 Oct Blackboard
They will be sharing their top tips on 14:00 – webinar
My Life at UWE
adapting the UK as an international 15:00
Bristol
student. This will be the chance to find
out how to get the most out of your
time at UWE Bristol and ask questions.
(repeated the same time Tuesday
20 October).019
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Global Café: UWE Peer Assisted Learning Thurs Online
Meet your PALs (PAL) can help you increase your 8 Oct Blackboard
academic confidence, make friends, 14:30 – webinar
and boost your resilience. This is an 15:30
opportunity to meet current PAL
leaders and learn about the benefits
of engaging with PAL sessions, as
well as how to become a PAL Leader.
Who knows, maybe you will become
a PAL leader next year. Just come
along and be curious!
Virtual Freshers’ In the true spirit of 2020, Freshers’ Fri SU Webpage
Fair Fair is going virtual! While we 9 Oct
may not be coming at you in our 12:00 –
normal style, that doesn’t mean 17:00
you won’t get the chance to learn
about everything on offer at The
Students’ Union at UWE. We will still
have our sports clubs, we will still
have our societies, and yes, we will
still have freebies as well as games
and competitions. The Fair will
give you a chance to try new things
and connect with other students.
So, whatever your set up, wherever
you are, join us at this year’s virtual
Freshers’ Fair.020
Week Four:
Monday 12 October 2020 to Friday 16 October 2020
The virtual Global Lounge is available from Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 14:00
(UK time). This is an online space where the Global Student Support team, together
with student ambassadors, will be available to help you with any enquiries you may
have. We can provide guidance on finding accommodation, returning to campus
queries and explaining how to use the UWE online system. We can also signpost you to
other services. Visit the Global Lounge to learn more.
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Got This session will cover information on Mon Online
accommodation moving in, inventory, paying bills, how 12 Oct Blackboard
− but what’s to get on with your new neighbours, 14:00 – webinar
next? as well as the relationship with your 15:00
landlord or rental agency. Come along
and speak to the Students’ Union
advisers, who will help you with any
issues or concerns you may have
about the property you are renting.
Supporting UWE Bristol is uniquely placed in Wed Online
International: offering international students a 14 Oct Blackboard
Career and highly tailored package of career 14:00 – webinar
Employability support and expertise. Join us to find 15:00
out how to best use your time at UWE
Bristol to build your CV and maximise
your employability, and how our
award-winning careers service can
help you to achieve this.
continued on page 021021
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Continued All this, of course, will be presented Wed Online
with both eyes on the current 14 Oct Blackboard
Supporting
situation, including how international 14:00 – webinar
International:
students can succeed with virtual job 15:00
Career and
applications, interviews, and other
Employability
online activities.
Global Café: Global Café: Communicating Across Thurs Online
Communicating Cultures - Developing the skills and 15 Oct Blackboard
Across Cultures mindset for your global futures 14:30 – webinar
- Developing An interactive workshop delivered by 15:30
the skills and Kynfolk who will cover how to be clear
mindset for your in your intercultural communications,
global futures how to be a creative and active listener
when we are working in a diverse
language environment,
and how culture can impact
on communication.
UK Visa and Join the Immigration Advice Service at Fri Online
Immigration UWE Bristol for an interactive session 16 Oct Blackboard
providing top tips on living in the UK 14:00 – webinar
with a Tier 4 visa. 15:00
A chance to find more about BRP
collection, conditions of your visa,
working during your studies, as well as
BRP safety, extending your visas, and
post-study options.022
Block ONE:
Monday 12 October 2020 to Friday 16 October 2020
The virtual Global Lounge is available from Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 14:00
(UK time). This is an online space where the Global Student Support team together with
student ambassadors will be available to help you with any enquiries you may have.
We can provide guidance on finding accommodation, returning to campus queries
and explaining how to use the UWE online system. We can also signpost you
to other services. Visit the Global Lounge to learn more.
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Healthcare for If you are new to the UK and would like Mon Online
International to understand the accessible healthcare 19 Oct Blackboard
Students service for international students 14:00 – webinar
studying at UWE Bristol, join us to ask 15:00
questions on such topics as registering
with a doctor, accessing emergency
treatment, and healthcare services on
campus. We also have Louise Goux, from
Feel Good Fortnight to help you kick
off university in a healthy way. She’ll be
highlighting out 4 themes: relax, eat well,
get active, try something new!
Student Panel Ask questions and hear life experiences Tues Online
Discussion: from our current UWE International 20 Oct Blackboard
My Life at students. They will be sharing their top 14:00 – webinar
UWE Bristol tips on adapting to life in the UK. This 15:00
will be a great chance to find out how to
get the most out of your time at
UWE Bristol.023
Date/
Event Description Location
Time
Looking for If you are looking for accommodation Wed Online
accommodation then The Students’ Union advisers will 21 Oct Blackboard
be available during this virtual session 14:00 – webinar
to help you with general queries you 15:00
may have such as where to look, what
to consider when looking i.e. budget,
location, who to live with, types of
accommodation, as well as tenancy
checking and information
about deposits.
Global Café: Life in a new social, cultural and Thurs Online
Feeling at home academic environment is exciting but can 22 Oct Blackboard
in Bristol feel challenging. Whether you’ve recently 14:30 – webinar
arrived in Bristol or you’ve been here for 15:30
some time, there’s lots of support to help
you feel at home. Join us with the Bristol
International Student Centre to find out
about some of the things to do in this
fantastic city – from the centuries-old
heritage and where to eat out and the
best markets to find a bargain. There will
be a fun Bristol quiz to take part in too!
Love Music: Find out about the UWE Bristol Fri Online
Welcome to CFM Centre for Music, with FREE services, 23 Oct Blackboard
ensembles, facilities, and projects 14:00 – webinar
throughout the year for you, no matter 15:00
what you are studying. Many students
make friends and connections through
us! We have special opportunities for
trained musicians and exciting sessions
for complete beginners to try
something new.024
Eating and food shopping
Living in a new country will take a TV licence
bit of time to get used to! Knowing
If you are going to watch live television
some of the basics will help you
(whether it’s on a TV, tablet or laptop)
settle in quickly.
or BBC programmes via iPlayer, you will
Visa Check In need a TV licence.
Home Office regulations require You can apply for one online at
all universities to monitor their tvlicensing.co.uk. It costs around £150.
students’ attendance. If you watch TV without a licence, you
could be fined up to £1000.
If this is a condition of your visa, we will
ask you to visit an Information Point at Eating on campus
certain times throughout the year.
You can find a range of outlets
Make sure you attend when asked.
conveniently located across all of our
Council tax campuses on our map. Whether you
want a hot main meal or a quick snack, to
Council tax is charged by the local
meet a friend for coffee or unwind with a
council. You won’t normally be charged
post-study drink, we’ve got you covered.
council tax if you are a full-time student
on a course of one year or more, or if you Find the latest information ‘Coronavirus
live in university accommodation and information on changes to services’ for
your course is less than one year. all bars, cafés and shops. You can see the
full details of location, opening times,
If you arrive in the UK before the start of
menu options, and further information
your course, you may be charged council
about our UWE catering outlets.
tax until your course starts.025 Online food shopping for students living off-campus There are many ways people can get food or essentials delivered to your door. Find more information about the Bristol food and supplies service. Supermarkets that offer contactless deliveries include: • Tesco (tesco.com) • Sainsburys (sainsburys.co.uk) • Ocado (ocado.com) • Iceland (iceland.co.uk) • Asda (asda.co.uk) Please be aware that because many restaurants are unable to open, they are offering delivery services. You will need to set up an account with a credit/debit card for payment. Most offer contactless deliveries, which can be requested on the app. • Just Eat (justeat.co.uk) • Uber Eats (ubereats.com/gb) • Deliveroo (deliveroo.co.uk)
026
cancelled and you must pay this
bill until your contract expires.
TIP:
You can buy an NUS
Medical care
(National Union of Medical care through the National Health
Students) TOTUM discount Service (NHS) is mostly free if your course
card to save money on bus lasts longer than 6 months.
fares, cinema tickets,
You are entitled to:
high street stores and
restaurants at totum.com • Free access to doctors (find out how
to register with a doctor on page 5).
• Free hospital treatment.
Buying a mobile phone • Fixed charges for medicines.
You may find buying a UK mobile/SIM card • Fixed charges for dentistry
is more economical than using your home and opticians.
mobile. There are many mobile phone Further information about your
companies in the UK. Some companies entitlement to NHS care is available on
specialise in international calls. the UKCISA website (search for ‘health
‘Pay as you go’ allows you to top-up your and healthcare’).
credit as and when you need it without If you’re on a course less than 6 months,
a contract. You can buy credit online, you’ll need to arrange health insurance.
in shops and through ATM machines
(‘cash points’). Hospital treatment
A contract phone/SIM card means you If you’re referred to a hospital by your
pay a set amount each month for phone doctor, treatment is free. You might have to
calls/texts/internet usage. If you go over pay a fixed fee for prescription medicines.
your allowance you will have to pay extra. Sometimes there can be long waiting
Once agreed, a contract can’t be lists for hospital treatment (unless it is an027
emergency), so you may have to wait to If you’re not sure if you should go to A&E
be treated in your home country. or not, call 111 (the NHS non-emergency
number) for advice.
NHS charges for medicine,
dentistry and opticians If it’s not an emergency
Most people over 19 are charged for If you need medical care but it’s not
medicines, dentistry and optician services. an emergency, you have a number
of options:
You may be able to claim help with
these costs if you have a low income • Make an appointment with
by completing an HC1 form. HC1 forms your doctor.
are available from Information Points. • Visit your local pharmacy (find your
What to do in an emergency nearest one at nhs.uk).
• Visit a NHS Walk-in Centre.
If there’s an emergency on campus
The nearest one is Broadmead
call 0117 32 89999 (available 24/7,
Medical Centre, 59 Broadmead,
every day of the year). Put this number
Bristol BS1 3EA.
in your phone.
• Call 111, the NHS non-emergency
We’ll send staff to help and we’ll call the
phone number. It’s open 24/7, every
emergency services for you so they can
day. They’ll tell you what to do next.
find you quickly.
For non-urgent police matters
If you’re off campus, call 999 and ask for
(e.g. reporting stolen goods or lost
the police, fire service or an ambulance.
property), call 101. They can also tell you
The Accident and Emergency (A&E) where your nearest police station is.
Department at Southmead Hospital is
open 24 hours a day. You should only
go there for emergency treatment for
serious illness or injury.028
Studying
Our style of teaching and assessment myUWE and Blackboard
may be different to what you’re used to.
myUWE is your student online portal.
During your course, you’ll be expected You’ll use it to access Blackboard, teaching
to increase your knowledge of specialist and exam timetables, your university
subject areas whilst developing skills emails and your library account.
in research, independent study and
Blackboard is where you’ll find everything
critical thinking.
to do with your course, including module
These skills will help you to form your handbooks and lecture notes.
own opinions which you will be asked
to share in lectures, tutorials and
assessments. Don’t be afraid to speak up TIP:
and get involved in discussions – lecturers
As a condition of your Tier
want to hear your thoughts and ideas!
4 visa, you must make sure
Academic Personal Tutors all your contact details on
myUWE are up-to-date at
Your Academic Personal Tutor will review all times.
your academic progress and identify
goals so that you can get the most out
of your studies. You’ll meet them several
times during your first year.
Check your university emails
They will also be able to provide you with
a reference to help with job applications Now you’re a student with us, we’ll only
or further study. email your university email account.
It’s where we send messages about your
course, visa check in and your fortnightly
student newsletter, yourUWE Bristol.029
Make sure you check your emails The Library also hosts study skills
regularly. You can set them up on your workshops all year-round to help you
phone (there are instructions on the improve skills you’re struggling with.
University website about how to do this).
Attendance
English language support
It’s important that you attend all of your
If you need some extra support with your timetabled lectures and tutorials, even
English, we can help. if they clash with important events like
We run writing and grammar courses if you Chinese New Year or Tét Nguyên Đán.
want to improve your academic writing. If you travel back to your home country
We also run an Advanced English during term-time, you’ll miss teaching and
Language course if you want to improve you might fall behind with your studies.
your reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills. These courses are free.
If you need help with
your course, ask!
You can also attend study skills
workshops throughout the year or try Your lecturers and tutors will give you
our online tutorials. lots of guidance throughout your studies.
We also have support and resources to
Library services help you develop the skills you need
Our libraries have a range of resources to succeed.
for your subject: books, e-journals,
If you’re struggling with your course
past exam papers, referencing advice
or anything to do with university life,
and more.
please ask for help. There’s lots we can
Librarians will help you find what you do to make things better for you.
need, or you can use the online ‘Ask a uwe.ac.uk/studysupport
Librarian’ service. It’s available 24/7 –
perfect for quick questions.30
Student support
We offer a wide range of services to We also run social and cultural events
make sure you stay happy, healthy including the weekly Global cafe. There is
and supported during your time with a real sense of friendship and community
us. There’s someone you can talk to at among our international students and we
almost any time of the day or night. cannot wait for you to join.
Whether it’s about money, your visa, your You can also meet international students
course, your wellbeing or something else, from across Bristol by engaging with
we have someone who can help. the Bristol International Student Centre
(BISC) which is a Bristol based charity
Information Points supporting international students who
Whatever your question, ask an study in our city.
Information Point. They can answer your bisc.org.uk
question straightaway or book you an
appointment with an adviser. There are
Support from other students
Information Points on each campus. We’ve got a great group of second year
students known as PAL (Peer Assisted
Email: infopoint@uwe.ac.uk
Learning) Leaders, here to help you
Call: 0117 32 85678
with different aspects of university life.
Face-to-face: Visit the Information
Point on your campus. Academic PAL Leaders are students who
uwe.ac.uk/help will help you master concepts covered in
your modules – after all, they did them
Global Student Support last year!
(that’s us!)
We also have PAL Leaders who can help
We’re here especially for you – so you with study skills, emotional resilience and
get the best out of your time with us. employability skills.
We’ll help answer your questions about
university life and living in the UK.31
Faith and spirituality Out-of-hours team
There are various ways for you to explore You can drop into the Student Centre at
and practise faith and spirituality during the Farmhouse and speak to a member
your time with us. of staff face-to-face. They’re available
from 19:00 to 07:00 Monday to Friday
We have multifaith rooms on every campus
and 24 hours at weekends. You can also
for prayer, meditation, reflection and quiet,
contact them on 07814 791212 and via
for students of any faith or none.
outofhours@uwe.ac.uk
Frenchay Campus –
The Octagon (near the Library) Kooth Student
and The Student Centre
Free, anonymous online counselling.
Glenside – B Block (1B28a)
Sign up with your university email
Bower Ashton – B Block (0B024)
address and speak to someone within
Arnolfini – Level 4 (4AF028)
minutes uwe.ac.uk/kooth
We have dedicated Muslim prayer rooms
with washing facilities on Frenchay 24-7 Crisis Textline
Campus (3E41 and 3E44A). In crisis? Text ‘UWE’ to 85258 and
Our Coordinating Chaplain offers pastoral a trained volunteer, supervised by
care for students of any faith or none. a clinician, will respond to you.
The Students’ Union at UWE runs a
number of different faith networks.
uwe.ac.uk/faithandspirituality32
Wellbeing Service Money advice
If you need counselling, mental health As a student with us, you have free access
support or to explore any difficulties in to Blackbullion, an online budgeting and
depth using solution-focused methods, money management tool. Learn through
register online with the University’s videos, quizzes and competitions.
Wellbeing Service for an initial consultation Use your university email address to
log in: blackbullion.com
View the full range of support:
uwe.ac.uk/wellbeing If you’d prefer learning in a group,
join us for our award-winning Financial
Feel Good Fortnight is here to help
Capability module to develop and
you kick off university in a healthy way.
improve your knowledge, confidence
We’ll be highlighting our 4 themes: relax,
and financial skills. Book via a place via
eat well, get active, try something new –
infohub.uwe.ac.uk (log in with your
whilst also giving you opportunity to win
university email address).
some exciting prizes! More information
about the Feel Good activities33
The Students’ Union at UWE
The Students’ Union is there for you. Societies
Led by elected students, they provide
The Students’ Union run societies for
advice and support and have a wide
different countries, different courses and
range of sports clubs, societies and
different hobbies. They’re a great way
events for you to get involved in.
to meet new people as they’re run by
Advice Centre students just like you!
The Students’ Union Advice Centre If you have an idea for a new society,
gives friendly, non-judgemental and The Students’ Union will support you to
confidential advice – all for free. You can set one up.
go and see them for advice on academic
Sports
issues, housing, financial queries and
employment problems. Whether you want to continue a sport
you played at home or want to try
Personal Safety something new, The Students’ Union
has lots of different sport clubs that you
The university is committed to create an
can join. It doesn’t matter if you’re
inclusive and supportive environment.
a beginner!
If a situation doesn’t feel right or you
Check the Student Union website
feel troubled about others feeling
for most up to date information.
embarrassed, harassed, bullied, abused,
thestudentsunion.co.uk
or discriminated against, get in touch.
+44 (0)117 32 82577
advice@uwe.ac.uk
thestudentsunion.co.uk
advice-centre/personal-safety/34
Working during your studies
Before securing employment while National Insurance number
you study, ensure you have the right
If you want to start working, you’ll need
to work in the UK. You’ll need to
to apply for a National Insurance number.
check the number of hours you’re
You can do this by calling 0345 600 0643.
entitled to work during term-time
You may need to attend an interview.
and during the holidays.
You’ll only be issued a National Insurance
Finding a job number if you have the right to work in
You’ll find lots of resources on our the UK.
Careers Toolkit to help you write a CV,
complete job applications and get ready
The International
for interviews. Talent Scheme
Our Careers team offer drop-in Our International Talent Scheme helps
appointments where you can ask you develop your employability skills and
for help. gain work experience.
The Students’ Union JobShop is a great Opportunities include translating and
way to find flexible part-time work which interpreting, providing cultural advice,
fits around your studies. You can sign identifying new markets and liaising with
up for weekly emails to find out about overseas suppliers, clients and customers.
new vacancies. You can sign up for alerts to find out
You can also find vacancies through about new opportunities.
InfoHub, our online careers portal. uwe.ac.uk/careers35
Travel and transport
Local buses The bike loan includes a D lock to keep
your bike secured and a set of lights to
All of our campuses have great bus links
make sure you are safe and visible on
to the city centre and wider region.
the roads.
You can plan your route by using the
Travelwest journey planner at Travelling around the
travelwest.info
UK by coach
You can also download the UK Bus
There are two main coach services that
Checker app so you know when the next
connect Bristol to the rest of the UK:
bus will arrive and where it’s going.
• Megabus – these leave from the
North Entrance on our Frenchay
TIP: Campus and the city centre.
To catch a bus in the UK, • National Express – these leave from
you need to hold out your Bristol city centre bus station.
hand at the bus stop so
that the driver can see you
Travelling around the
want to get on. UK by train
The two main train stations in Bristol
are Bristol Parkway (near our Frenchay
The Bike Loan Scheme is an initiative Campus) and Bristol Temple Meads
which aims to keep you active and also (near the city centre).
helps you to reduce your impact on the
planet. With the scheme, you hire a bike to
use for the year, which must be returned
to The Students’ Union at the end of each
academic year.36
Our campuses
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For information about how to Our campuses
travel around Bristol, please visit
City Campus at Bower Ashton – BS3 2JT
the UWE website.
Frenchay Campus – BS16 1QY
www.uwe.ac.uk/life/campus-and-
facilities/getting-to-and-from-uwe Glenside Campus – BS16 1DDUseful contacts
It is very normal to you find yourself University helplines
feeling homesick, shy, lonely or just
Accommodation: 0117 32 83601
a bit overwhelmed following your
arrival at university. Remember you IT Helpdesk (24/7): 0117 32 83612
are not alone, and we are here if
The Students’ Union at UWE:
you need!
0117 32 82577
Download the International The Students’ Union at
student app UWE Advice Centre: 0117 32 82676
The newly launched International Safety and security
Students app provides dedicated support
Campus Security (24/7): 0117 32 86404
for international students. From advice
on health and well-being, to housing, Emergency (on campus): 0117 32 89999
finance and study support. It’s filled
Emergency (off campus): 999
with practical tips and advice to support
you once you arrive in the UK, including Health and wellbeing
making friends and learning the English
language. Urgent medical advice (24/7): 111
The app is available on both iPhone University Health Centre:
and Android. 0117 32 86666
Wellbeing Service: 0117 32 86268
Out of hours team: 07814 791212
General
Information Points:
0117 32 85678 / infopoint@uwe.ac.uk
Global Student Support:
+44 (0)7973 679835
globalstudents@uwe.ac.ukINFORMATION POINTS Email: infopoint@uwe.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 85678
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