INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol

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INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
INTERNATIONAL AND
EUROPEAN STUDENT
ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
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
                                           Nic, Carmen and Bree
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 86964
        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
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
02

Checklist: things to do
when you arrive
Full details about what you need to do       direct to UWE using the authorised
when you arrive are available online at      payment methods.
uwe.ac.uk/life/preparing-and-arrival
                                             If you believe you have been a victim
– but here’s an overview to get
                                             of fraud or have any questions contact
you started.
                                             UWE. Students experiencing difficulty
                                             making payment should contact
Register online and pay
                                             credit control.
your tuition fees
First of all, you need to complete           Visa and passport scanning
your online registration. This involves      If you need a visa to study in the UK, we’ll
confirming your personal details, paying     need to check and scan your documents
your fees and agreeing to our Terms          as soon as you arrive and every year
and Conditions.                              after that. We can do this once you have
You can pay your fees in full or set up      completed your online registration.
a direct debit to pay in instalments.        We’ll have a Passport Check and BRP
If your employer or another sponsor is       Collection Point on Frenchay Campus
paying your fees you will need to complete   for you to have your passport, visa and
the appropriate forms that can be found      qualifications checked. Find out more
on the Fees and Funding section of our       on Passport Check and BRP Collection
website.                                     Point.

Fraud Warning
Students are being approached by
individuals offering to pay their fees at
reduced rates or under special conditions.
Fraudsters may present themselves as
legitimate agencies or associates, they
may be a friend. Never respond to these
offers and always pay your tuition fees
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
03

Student ID card                               Programme section of this guide and
                                              on the international student orientation
At the final stage of your registration,
                                              website. We encourage you to regularly
we’ll post your new student ID card to
                                              visit international students events
your term time address –that means
                                              website for information about current
you’re officially a UWE Bristol student!
                                              and future events!
You should keep this with you at all times.

Remember, you must register via myUWE         Attend your course induction
and upload your photo. If your home           Your course induction will tell you what
address and term time address is the          you can expect from your course and
same, please duplicate it.                    gives you the opportunity to meet your
                                              tutors and other students.
Attend the International
and European Student                          It’s compulsory to attend – your Preparing
Orientation                                   to Study materials and your timetable
                                              (available on myUWE) will tell you where
We run an orientation programme               you need to be.
in September and January for all new
international and European students.          Register with the police
It’s a chance to make new friends and         If it’s a condition of your visa that you
find out everything you need to know          must register with the police, you will
about living in the UK.                       need to do this within seven days of
This year all our Student Orientation         arriving in the UK.
sessions are delivered online using           You can see if you need to do this by
Blackboard Collaborate*. It is an easy,       checking your vignette, your BRP or
convenient, and interactive web-              the letter you received when your
based tool that provides you the best         passport was returned to you by
connection experience with us. Details        UK Visas and Immigration.
of the programme and information how
to book can be found in the Orientation
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
04

 You’ll need to:                                   should be arranged for a time after you
                                                   have completed any required period of
 • 	Complete an online form – create an
                                                   self-isolation and collected your BRP. Visit
      account with your email address and
                                                   the Avon and Somerset Police for the
      a memorable password:
                                                   latest updates and current changes.
      foreignnationals.
      avonandsomerset.police.uk/                   For further guidance, you can contact the
                                                   UWE Immigration team.
 • 	Follow the Steps to register with
      the police.
                                                   Check you have your
 You cannot save your application and go           IT login details
 back to it later, so make sure you have all the
                                                   You should have received your university
 information you need before you begin.
                                                   username, password and email address
 You’ll need:                                      to your personal email account. You have
 • 	Your personal details, including contact     the option to change your password to
      details, UK address and postcode             something memorable.

 • 	A family member’s details (if applicable)    If you didn’t receive these, contact
                                                   contact UserIDLetter@uwe.ac.uk and
 • 	Your passport and Visa/travel details        they’ll re-send the email.
      – if you do not have your BRP you can
      use the information provided in the          Connect to the WiFi
      letter from UKVI which was sent to
                                                   You can access free WiFi across all of
      you when your visa was processed
                                                   our campuses – just look for the
 • 	Your study or employment details             ‘Eduroam’ network.
 • 	The ability to upload a passport style       Your username is your university
      photograph                                   username (e.g. a7-smith) followed by
 When you have completed the                       @uwe.ac.uk (so it’ll look something like
 registration, you will need to make an            this: a7-smith@uwe.ac.uk).
 appointment to register in person –this           Your password is your university password.
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
05

Open a bank account                         University Health Centre on Frenchay
                                            Campus is open to all students – no
Spend some time comparing banks
                                            matter which campus you’re studying at.
before you open an account – think
                                            You can register with them online.
about its location, opening hours,
services and account charges.               Alternatively you can find doctors,
                                            dentists and opticians close to where you
Lots of UK banks offer free basic
                                            live on the National Health Service
accounts. Some require a minimum
                                            (NHS) website.
deposit or have a monthly fee.
                                            Once registered with the NHS, you’ll
To open an account you’ll need a UWE
                                            receive a medical card and NHS number.
Bristol bank letter confirming your
student status and residential address.     If you fall ill when you are away from
                                            Bristol, any doctor in the UK will see you
To get a bank letter, complete the bank
                                            as a temporary resident.
letter request form available (under
the ‘Open a bank account’ section). The     Coronavirus guidance
Information Point team will issue the
                                            The most up-to-date guidance can be
letter for you.
                                            found on the Government’s website.
Further information and advice about
                                            We also encourage you to regularly
choosing bank account can be found
                                            check the University’s official
online.
                                            communication channels for up to
Register with a doctor                      date and accurate information.

You must register with a doctor. It’s
crucial that you register with the doctor
in order to receive general support and
specific medical care. Please note non-
registered students will cause a delay
on the help, support and advice. The
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
06

 Student Orientation                           The Students’ Union website for more
                                               information.
 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. Their 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
                                                         Watch our previous webinar
 peers and connect with other students.
                                                         Global Cafe: Supporting
 Visit Welcome Guide for everything the                  international study life in
 Students’ Union have to offer to help                   the UK and meet your
 enrich your university experience. You                  Students’ Union president
 can find out more about The Students’                   and your societies.
 Union including sports clubs and
 societies during Refreshers’ Week. Visit
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
07

Refreshers’
Week
Look out for online social
and physical events run
by The Students’ Union
between Monday 8 to 12
February.

Visit us at the Virtual
Refreshers’ Fair on
Friday 12 February.
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
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
INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDENT ARRIVAL GUIDE 2021 - UWE Bristol
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 noise
    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            Discover more about
  thinking, and edgy creativity. With           what’s it like to study at
  its beautiful historical buildings,           UWE Bristol as an
  fantastic shopping, vibrant                   international student on
  festival celebrations, and diverse            our previous “Student
  international cuisine it has won              panel discussion”.
  multiple awards and received national
  recognition. Bristol is a multicultural
  city and home to at least 45 religions,       Join us to meet the
  187 countries of birth and over 91            Global buddies to
  languages. We’re proud to be part of          hear their top tips on
  such multicultural and welcoming city.        adapting the UK on
                                                Tuesday 26 January
  (Source: State of Bristol Key Facts 2018–
  19 produced by Bristol City Council)

  Life in Bristol
  Explore Bristol online via UWE Bristol’s
  Discover Bristol pages. These are
  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. Find out the
  wonderful things that make Bristol the
  best city in the UK on Visit Bristol.
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
      UWE HallsLife is here to
      help you feel at home at
      UWE Bristol! From quizzes
      to cooking workshops,
      bingo to online fitness
      classes, games nights to
      free food extravaganzas.

      Visit their website to get
      involved.
013

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.
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
  (Spring Term)
  The Global Student Support team has put together a schedule of events for new
  international students in January, so you’ll have everything you need to know before
  you start your life at UWE Bristol.

  We will be available to help you with any queries you may have at the end of each
  session. We can provide guidance on finding accommodation, returning to campus
  and how to use the UWE’s IT systems.

           To book the Orientation
           events, you MUST complete
           the registration form.

           To book events hosted by
           the Students’ Union at
           UWE Bristol, please visit
           their webpage.
015
You can register for the orientation sessions online.

Week One:
Thursday 21 January 2021

                                                                 Date/
 Event           Description                                               Location
                                                                 Time
 Global          An informal session designed to help you        Thurs      Online
 Café: An        settle into your new cultural environment.      21 Jan     Blackboard
 Introduction    The session will give you the chance to         14:30 –    webinar
 to British      explore common traits in British thinking       15:30
 Culture         and behaviour and give you an opportunity
                 to ask questions you have about British
                 culture.

Monday 25 January 2021 to Friday 29 January 2021

                                                                 Date/
 Event           Description                                                Location
                                                                 Time
 Welcome         A welcome from the Global Student               Tues       Online
 for new         Support team. This session will cover advice    26 Jan     Blackboard
 International   and information on how you can make             14:00 –    webinar
 and European    the most of your time in the UK. We will        15:00
 students        provide you with all the support you need
                 to settle into the university! Followed by a
                 chance to meet your Global buddies and
                 ask questions. They will be sharing their top
                 tips on adapting the UK as an international
                 student, and how to make new friends.

                                                                    continued on page 016
016

  Monday 25 January 2021 to Friday 29 January 2021

                                                                   Date/
  Event            Description                                                Location
                                                                   Time
  Money            This session will tell you all you need to      Wed        Online
  Matters          know about what costs to expect while           27 Jan     Blackboard
                   you study, tips for working in the UK, and      14:00 –    webinar
                   opening a bank account. The Student             15:00
                   Money Service will help you develop or
                   improve financial skills, knowledge and
                   confidence while you study at UWE Bristol.
  Global Café:     Join the Immigration Advice Service at UWE      Thurs      Online
  Support          Bristol for an interactive session providing    28 Jan     Blackboard
  internationals   top tips on living in the UK with a Tier 4 visa. 14:30 –   webinar
  with UK          A chance to find more about BRP collection,     15:30
  Visa and         conditions of your visa, working during your
  Immigration      studies, as well as BRP safety, extending
                   your visas, and post-study options.
017

Block Zero (Autumn Term)
recorded webinars
Watch our previous webinars which ran in September and early October 2020.

 Event              Description                                  Link
 Welcome to         This is a fantastic opportunity to learn     Online
 Bristol            about the beautiful city of Bristol and      webinar
                    its unique place in the world. This
                    session is for all prospective students
                    who are considering to study at one of
                    the Bristol universities in the 2020/2021
                    academic year. You will be welcomed by
                    representatives from both universities as
                    well as Bristol City Council.
 Global Café:       Life in a new social, cultural and           Online
 Feeling at home    academic environment is exciting but         Blackboard
 in Bristol         can feel challenging. Whether you've         webinar
                    recently arrived in Bristol or you've
                    been here for some time, there's lots of
                    support to help you feel at home. Join
                    Bristol International Student Centre
                    (BISC), and find out about some of the
                    things to do in this fantastic city - from
                    the centuries-old heritage and where to
                    find the latest Banksy creation, to where
                    to eat out and the best markets to find a
                    bargain. There will be a fun Bristol quiz
                    to take part in too!
018

  Event            Description                                  Link
  Money Matters    This session will tell you all you need to   Online
                   know about what costs to expect while        Blackboard
                   you study, tips for working in the UK,       webinar
                   and opening a bank account. The
                   Student Money Service will help you
                   develop or improve financial skills,
                   knowledge and confidence while you
                   study at UWE Bristol.
  Global Café:     Get to the know The Students’ Union          Online
  Supporting       at UWE with an introduction from this        Blackboard
  international    year’s President, Augusta Chidinma           webinar
  study life in    Nnajiofor. This will then be followed
  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.
  Global Café:     UWE Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)             Online
  Meet your PALs   can help you increase your academic          Blackboard
                   confidence, make friends, and boost          webinar
                   your resilience. This is an 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!
019

Event              Description                                  Link
Got                This session will cover information on       Online
accommodation -    moving in, inventory, paying bills, how to   Blackboard
but what’s next?   get on with your new neighbours, as well     webinar
                   as the relationship with your 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 offering   Online
International:     international students a highly tailored     Blackboard
Career &           package of career support and expertise.     webinar
Employability      Join us to find 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. All this, of
                   course, will be presented with both eyes
                   on the current situation, including how
                   international students can succeed with
                   virtual job applications, interviews, and
                   other online activities.
020

  Event            Description                                   Link
  Looking for      If you are looking for accommodation          Online
  accommodation    then The Students’ Union advisers             Blackboard
                   will be available during this virtual         webinar
                   session to help you with general 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.
  Healthcare for   If you are new to the UK and would like       Online
  International    to understand the accessible healthcare       Blackboard
  Students         service for international students            webinar
                   studying at UWE Bristol, join us to ask
                   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!
021

Event            Description                                Link
Student Panel    Ask questions and hear life experiences    Online
Discussion:      from our current UWE International         Blackboard
My Life at UWE   students. They will be sharing their top   webinar
Bristol          tips on adapting to life in the UK. This
                 will be a great chance to find out how
                 to get the most out of your time at
                 UWE Bristol and make new friends.
Love Music:      Find out about the UWE Bristol             Online
Welcome to CFM   Centre for Music, with FREE services,      Blackboard
                 ensembles, facilities, and projects        webinar
                 throughout the year for you, no matter
                 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.
022

 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’
 your course is less than one year.             for 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. You can
 tax until your course starts.
                                                order your Food boxes to be delivered
                                                to your UWE accommodation to make
                                                shopping easy for you.
023

Online food shopping for
students living off-campus
There are many ways to 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)

You can find International food stores
most of which are easily reachable from
UWE Bristol campuses.
024

                                               cancelled and you must pay this bill
                                               until your contract expires. Find out
           TIP:                                more information on SIM cards here.
           You can buy an NUS
           (National Union of
                                               Medical care
           Students) TOTUM discount            Medical care through the National Health
           card to save money on bus           Service (NHS) is mostly free if your course
           fares, cinema tickets,              lasts longer than 6 months.
           high street stores and
                                               You are entitled to:
           restaurants at totum.com
                                               • 	Free access to doctors (find out how
                                                   to register with a doctor on page 5).

  Buying a mobile phone                        •   Free hospital treatment.
                                               •   Fixed charges for medicines.
  You may find buying a UK mobile/SIM card
  is more economical than using your home      • 	Fixed charges for dentistry
  mobile. There are many mobile phone               and opticians.
  companies in the UK. Some companies          Further information about your
  specialise in international calls.           entitlement to NHS care is available on
  ‘Pay as you go’ allows you to top-up your    the UKCISA website (search for ‘health
  credit as and when you need it without       and healthcare’).
  a contract. You can buy credit online,       If you’re on a course less than 6 months,
  in shops and through ATM machines            you’ll need to arrange health insurance.
  (‘cash points’).
                                               Hospital treatment
  A contract phone/SIM card means you
  pay a set amount each month for phone        If you’re referred to a hospital by your
  calls/texts/internet usage. If you go over   doctor, treatment is free. You might have to
  your allowance you will have to pay extra.   pay a fixed fee for prescription medicines.
  Once agreed, a contract can’t be             Sometimes there can be long waiting
025

lists for hospital treatment (unless it is an   If you’re not sure if you should go to A&E
emergency), so you may have to wait to          or not, call 111 (the NHS non-emergency
be treated in your home country.                number) for advice.

NHS charges for medicine,                       If it’s not an emergency
dentistry and opticians
                                                If you need medical care but it’s not
Most people over 19 are charged for             an emergency, you have a number
medicines, dentistry and optician services.     of options:

You may be able to claim help with              • 	Make an appointment with
these costs if you have a low income                your doctor.
by completing an HC1 form. HC1 forms            • 	Visit your local pharmacy (find your
are available from Information Points.              nearest one at nhs.uk).
What to do in an emergency                      • 	Visit a NHS Walk-in Centre.
                                                     The nearest one is Broadmead
If there’s an emergency on campus
                                                     Medical Centre, 59 Broadmead,
call 0117 32 89999 (available 24/7,
                                                     Bristol BS1 3EA.
every day of the year). Put this number
in your phone.                                  •	Call 111, the NHS non-emergency
                                                   phone number. It’s open 24/7, every
We’ll send staff to help and we’ll call the
                                                   day. They’ll tell you what to do next.
emergency services for you so they can
find you quickly.                               For non-urgent police matters
                                                (e.g. reporting stolen goods or lost
If you’re off campus, call 999 and ask for
                                                property), call 101. They can also tell you
the police, fire service or an ambulance.
                                                where your nearest police station is.
The Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Department at Southmead Hospital is
open 24 hours a day. You should only
go there for emergency treatment for
serious illness or injury.
026

  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.
027

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 try attending our online
tutorials.                                  Your lecturers and tutors will give you
                                            lots of guidance throughout your studies.
Library services                            We also have support and resources to
Our libraries have a range of resources     help you develop the skills you need
for your subject: books, e-journals,        to succeed.
past exam papers, referencing advice
                                            If you’re struggling with your course
and more.
                                            or anything to do with university life,
Librarians will help you find what you      please ask for help. There’s lots we can
need, or you can use the online ‘Ask a      do to make things better for you.
Librarian’ service. It’s available 24/7 –   uwe.ac.uk/studysupport
perfect for quick questions.
28

 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. bisc.org.uk
 Information Point. They can answer your
 question straightaway or book you an
                                             Support from other students
 appointment with an adviser. There are      We’ve got a great group of second year
 Information Points on each campus.          students known as PAL (Peer Assisted
                                             Learning) Leaders, here to help you
 Email: infopoint@uwe.ac.uk
                                             with different aspects of university life.
 Call: 0117 32 85678
 Face-to-face: Visit the Information         Academic PAL Leaders are students who
 Point on your campus.                       will help you master concepts covered in
 uwe.ac.uk/help                              your modules – after all, they did them
                                             last year!
 Global Student Support                      We also have PAL Leaders who can help
 (that’s us!)
                                             with study skills, emotional resilience and
 We’re here especially for you – so you      employability skills.
 get the best out of your time with us.
 We’ll help answer your questions about
 university life and living in the UK.
29

Faith and spirituality                          Out-of-hours team
There are various ways for you to explore       They’re available from 19:00 to 07:00
and practise faith and spirituality during      Monday to Friday and 24 hours at
your time with us.                              weekends. You can also contact
                                                them on 07814 791212 and via
We have multifaith rooms on every campus
                                                outofhours@uwe.ac.uk
for prayer, meditation, reflection and quiet,
for students of any faith or none.
                                                Kooth Student
Frenchay Campus –
                                                Free, anonymous online counselling.
The Octagon (near the Library)
                                                Sign up with your university email
and The Student Centre
                                                address and speak to someone within
Glenside – B Block (1B28a)
                                                minutes uwe.ac.uk/kooth
Bower Ashton – B Block (0B024)
Arnolfini – Level 4 (4AF028)                    24-7 Crisis Textline
We have dedicated Muslim prayer rooms           In crisis? Text ‘UWE’ to 85258 and
with washing facilities on Frenchay             a trained volunteer, supervised by
Campus (3E41 and 3E44A).                        a clinician, will respond to you.
Our Coordinating Chaplain offers pastoral
care for students of any faith or none.

The Students’ Union at UWE runs a
number of different faith networks.
uwe.ac.uk/faithandspirituality
30

 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 activities
31

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/
32

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/careers
33

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 East
                                                   Entrance on our Frenchay Campus
         TIP:                                      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.
34

Our campuses

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                                                         CITY CAMPUS

    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 1DD
Useful 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 us!
                                            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 wellbeing, 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
General
                                            Out of hours team: 07814 791212
Information Points:
0117 32 85678 / infopoint@uwe.ac.uk

Global Student Support:
+44 (0)7973 679835
globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk
INFORMATION POINTS
Email: infopoint@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 85678
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