International Student Handbook 2018/19 - St Mary's University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
International Student Handbook 2018/19
2 International Student Handbook 2018/19
St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 3 Contents Welcome to St Mary’s......................................4 International Department.................................4 Getting started FAQs...............................................................5 Life at St Mary’s Student Services.............................................6 Medical information.........................................8 The Students’ Union........................................9 Chaplaincy....................................................10 Employability Services...................................10 Catering Services..........................................10 Security.........................................................12 Sport St Mary’s..............................................12 Mailboxes......................................................13 Academic resources Learning Development Lecturers...................14 English language support..............................14 Academic Liaison Librarians..........................14 Library and Learning Technology...................15 IT Services.....................................................15 Registry Services...........................................16 Design, Print and Reprographics...................16 Life outside St Mary’s Opening a bank account...............................17 London and the local area.............................18 Transport.......................................................19 St Mary’s Social Programme..........................20 Useful websites, apps and social media .......22 Useful dates 2018/19....................................23 Appendix Academic misconduct and how to protect yourself...........................24 Main campus map.........................................27
4 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Welcome to St Mary’s International Department
Room: Ground Floor, 60 Waldegrave Road
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4192
Email: international@stmarys.ac.uk
and studyabroad@stmarys.ac.uk
Congratulations on coming to St Mary’s!
You’re embarking on a fantastic opportunity
to experience a new system of education in a
different culture. Whether you’re with us for one
semester or your full degree, your time here will
Since 1850, our mission at St Mary’s has been to pass very quickly, so make the most of it.
provide high quality academic and professional
education, inspired by our Catholic ethos and Our International Orientation Programme will help
values. St Mary’s is an inclusive academic you settle into your new environment. You’ll learn
community where everyone is welcomed and more about St Mary’s and the local area, as well
valued. At St Mary’s you will find a home away as spending a day in Central London. To help
from home, and we are proud of the support you explore London and the UK, we have also
and guidance we give to our students. With a put together the St Mary’s Social Programme,
campus based in Greater London, we are both which is a great way to see the sights with new
local and global, a familiar and welcoming place friends.
for you amidst the hustle and bustle of London.
You will find the community at St Mary’s to
We are very pleased you have chosen St Mary’s be active, diverse and welcoming. We are a
University, and our staff will support you every student-focused institution with an influential and
step of the way to ensure that your experience engaging Students’ Union. We encourage you to
is successful and enjoyable. In this handbook, get involved in every facet of campus life – from
you will find information on the services we representing us in a sport to voting in the student
provide and practical advice on how to settle elections during the spring semester. Most of all,
in at St Mary’s and the UK. Our service teams enjoy yourself!
work closely with the Students’ Union, which we
encourage you to support. All of the services offered to our home students
are available to international and study abroad
It is important that you know where to go in students. The International Department is also
St Mary’s for advice and support when you need here to provide an additional level of support.
it on any matter that concerns you. Please rest We have a timetable of free Academic English
assured that, whatever service you use, our staff lessons and can pair you with a buddy through
will be prepared to listen and provide help and our Global Peer Mentor Programme. If you’re not
guidance. sure where to go about an issue, just contact us
to find out.
I wish you every success in your time here at
St Mary’s. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any
questions or queries before you arrive, while you
Professor Francis Campbell are here and once you have left.
Vice-Chancellor
St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 5
Getting started • Cross Waldegrave Road and proceed down
Waldegrave Gardens for the parade of
It’s normal to feel a little unsettled when you get shops near Strawberry Hill Railway Station,
to campus. Here are some frequently asked including a Post Office.
questions (FAQs) to help you feel like a proper
• Turn left on Waldegrave Road to find
Simmie in no time!
some shops and a pub on the corner of
Shacklegate Lane.
FAQs
How do I find my way around campus? If you go a bit further, you have more options:
Navigating the campus is easier once you • Twickenham has a Poundland, a shop
understand that the campus is labelled popular with students because everything
alphabetically, with A at the north and Z at the costs a pound! In addition to Waitrose and
south. You can see this on our campus maps Iceland supermarkets, a Boots, a Superdrug
(see page 27). Every room also has a number and a WHSmith, you’ll also find lots of
that tells you what floor it’s on. For example, to restaurants, bars and cafés here.
find room F5, look for the area marked F on the • Teddington, in the other direction, is good for
map and go to the ground floor of that corridor. more unique shops and small supermarkets.
Room F105 is on the first floor and F205 is on • Kingston, best reached by bus, has
the second floor. If you get lost, don’t be shy everything you could want to buy, with
about asking for help. Our Security Officers and several big stores such as John Lewis and
the staff at Main Reception are especially good Marks & Spencer in addition to branches
at giving directions. of almost every chain shop in the UK. Visit
Primark there to find low-cost trendy clothes.
Where can I get some food? Kingston also has a cinema and great
During roughly the hours of 8am-6pm, you nightlife.
can get meals and drinks in the Refectory (also
known as the Ref) and the Dolce Vita Café. You may find that shops close earlier than you’re
If you live in catered accommodation, your used to. On most days of the week, most shops
breakfast and dinner in the Ref are included in will close by 6pm, with earlier closing times
your meal plan. The SU Bar in the J Building on Sundays. Expect pubs and restaurants to
serves food and drinks from 12-11pm on most stay open until around 11pm, with bars and
days during term-time. nightclubs open later.
Full opening hours for all catering outlets on How do I get to London?
campus are published at simmspace.stmarys. The fastest way to get to Central London is to
ac.uk/services-students/food-and-drink/Pages/ take the train from Strawberry Hill to London
Opening-Hours.aspx. Outside of these times, Waterloo. It takes around 35 minutes and there
there are vending machines outside of the Ref are normally trains at 07, 08, 37 and 38 past the
and on the ground floor of the J Building. hour. You can buy tickets at the station or use
an Oyster Card to pay for your journey. Please
Where’s good for shopping? see www.nationalrail.co.uk for full details of train
There is a small shop with useful items in the times and costs.
Ref. There are also three areas where you can
find snacks and essentials within a few minutes’ Another way to get to London is to take the 33
walk of campus: bus to Richmond and transfer to the District Line
on the Tube at Richmond Station. You can visit
• Walk onto Waldegrave Road and take a right tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey.
to get to Riverside Supermarket.
6 International Student Handbook 2018/19
What’s a regnum and how do I find mine? You will use MyModules to get learning resources,
Your regnum is your St Mary’s student ID number see timetables, submit assignments and keep in
(it’s short for registration number). You can find it touch with your lecturers. Please visit simmspace.
on your offer letter. It’s useful if you include your stmarys.ac.uk/Pages/mymodules.aspx if you have
regnum when emailing University staff with any any trouble using MyModules.
queries.
How can I wash my clothes?
What’s my St Mary’s username and password? There’s a launderette, called the Washeteria, next
You’ll need these to access our online resources to the K Building. It’s open from 6am-10.30pm
and to complete online registration: and is run by the Students’ Union. You’ll need to
• Your IT username is your regnum. buy a card from the dispenser in the Washeteria to
• Your default password when you start at use the machines and you can keep topping this
St Mary’s is your month and year of birth up throughout the year.
with a capital letter at the beginning (eg,
January1992). You should change this after How can I make friends?
you log in for the first time. First, know that you’re not alone – everyone is
new to the University and is looking to connect
If you have trouble logging in, please contact the with someone. It can be scary, but the best way
IT helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@stmarys.ac.uk, to meet people is to start getting involved right
phoning 020 8240 4061 or visiting Room G6A. away. We highly recommend that you join a club
or society through the Students’ Union. You can
How do I use the Wi-Fi? also contact the International Department to be
The St Mary’s Wi-Fi Network is available in most matched with a Global Peer Mentor, a current
areas on the campus and is free for St Mary’s student who can help you discover St Mary’s.
students. To access our network for the first time:
1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device.
2. Find and connect to the network called
Life at St Mary’s
St-Marys (not ‘St-Marys-Guest’). The information below will help you get the most
out of the help available to St Mary’s students.
3. Enter the wireless password: stmaryswireless.
Remember that you can always contact the
4. Open any website in the web browser on your International Department if you’re not sure where
device. to go.
5. Enter your regular St Mary’s IT username and
password when prompted (you must to do this
to obtain internet access).
Student Services
Room: Second Floor of the J Building
What’s SIMMSpace? Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4359
Visit simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk to access the Email: studentservices@stmarys.ac.uk
University’s student portal, where you’ll find more Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
information about everything in this guide. All students/student-services
academic faculties and professional services The Student Services Department is a one-stop-
have pages on SIMMSpace, which also includes shop for support services. In this department,
‘Quick Links’ to your St Mary’s email account, you’ll find Dyslexia and Disability Support,
MyModules and a guide to opening hours across Counselling and Mental Health, Accommodation
campus. Services and Student Funding. Students Services
also runs the St Mary’s Health Centre.
What is MyModules and how do I use it?
As a St Mary’s student, you’ll have access to
MyModules, our virtual learning environment.
St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 7
Find out more about all of these services below. You can contact the Service to set up an
appointment or complete a referral form on
Accommodation Services SIMMSpace.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4034
Email: accommodation@stmarys.ac.uk Counselling Service
The St Mary’s Accommodation Service arranges Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4187
accommodation in all St Mary’s halls of residence Email: counselling@stmarys.ac.uk
and deals with any complaints students may The St Mary’s Counselling Service offers
have about their University housing. They also confidential support for anyone experiencing
offer advice to help students find off-campus emotional difficulties or distress. It is available
accommodation in the local area. They facilitate for all students throughout the year. Counsellors
the St Mary’s StudentPad website, where are professionally trained and accredited with
students can look for private accommodation. the British Association for Counselling and
You can access this at www.stmarysstudentpad. Psychotherapy (BACP). They are trained to
co.uk/Accommodation. be non-judgmental, reflective, and respectful
of individual differences. You can contact the
If you live in halls, you will have a Senior Service to arrange an appointment or fill in a
Resident, experienced students who live in counselling referral form: simmspace.smuc.
the halls of residence and are the first point ac.uk/services-students/student-wellbeing-
of contact if you have any issues concerning service/counselling/Pages/default.aspx.
your accommodation, or if you require advice
or assistance on personal matters. Resident Mental Health Advice
Mentors, members of staff who live on campus, Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4203
are also available. Email: mentalhealth@stmarys.ac.uk
The mental health advisor works with students
Rooms are cleaned weekly by the University who have a possible or actual mental health
cleaning staff. You will be advised on which day diagnosis, or who experience emotional or
your room will be cleaned. Please tidy up the psychological distress or personal difficulties
previous night so that the room is available for during their studies. This confidential service can
cleaning by 9am. provide practical advice, empowering you to
manage your mental health and any crises you
If you experience a problem in your hall which are experiencing.
requires maintenance work, please report this to
the St Mary’s Estates and Facilities help desk at The mental health advisor can signpost or refer
fmhelp@stmarys.ac.uk or 020 8240 4036. you to relevant help within the University and in
your local area. To access Mental Health Advice,
Disability and Dyslexia Service please use the contact details above, or refer
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4353 yourself online through SIMMSpace.
Email: wellbeing@stmarys.ac.uk
The Dyslexia and Disability Service is a private Student Funding
and confidential service that supports students Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 2389
who have additional needs as a result of a Email: studentfundingservice@stmarys.ac.uk
disability, a specific learning difficulty such as The Student Funding Office can advise on UK
dyslexia, a medical condition or a temporary student loans (which are not normally available
disability, such as an injury. Their aim is to support to international students) and also administers
students to be proactive in their studies as the St Mary’s hardship fund. Hardship award
independent learners. applications are considered from students who
are suffering unavoidable financial hardship or
have urgent unexpected expenditure.
8 International Student Handbook 2018/19
St Mary’s Health Centre The National Health Service (NHS) is the
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4100 (on-campus service, healthcare system in the UK, which provides
available during the academic year only) treatment for UK residents through a wide range
Tel: +44 (0)20 8744 0220 (York Medical Practice of health care services. Access to the NHS varies
in Twickenham) depending on your status:
The St Mary’s Health Centre offers a full nurse-led
NHS General Practice service. It is a branch surgery • If you are studying for less than six months
of The York Medical Practice in Twickenham, a in the UK, NHS services are not free and you
larger surgery. The Nurse Practitioner at St Mary’s require private medical insurance to cover the
offers most of the usual services you would expect duration of your stay.
from your GP practice. • If you are studying here for more than six
months, have a Tier 4 visa and have paid the
To use the Health Centre, you should register as immigration health surcharge, you are entitled
soon as you arrive at St Mary’s. When the Health to free healthcare on the NHS.
Centre is closed, The York Medical Practice is
• If you are from an EEA country or Switzerland
available to treat St Mary’s students. Please visit
and possess a European Health Insurance
www.yorkpractice.co.uk for an introduction to their
Card (EHIC) you are entitled to NHS services.
services. If you’re not living in the local area, you
may prefer to register with a GP near your home.
For further information on your NHS entitlement,
please visit www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/
Other medical information AboutNHSservices/uk-visitors/visiting-england/
If you have a serious health crisis or an emergency, Pages/visitors-from-outside-the-eea.aspx.
don’t wait to visit the Health Centre. There is a
walk-in centre at: If you don’t qualify for NHS treatment, you need
to take out private medical insurance to cover
Teddington Memorial Hospital yourself. Even if you do qualify for free treatment,
Opening hours: you may wish to consider taking out a more
Monday-Friday 8am-10pm comprehensive health insurance package, as
Weekends and Bank Holidays 8am-9pm you may want a quicker service than the NHS
can deliver. If you already have medical insurance
For emergencies only please call 999 or attend A&E in your home country, check whether you can
departments at either: extend it to cover your stay in the UK, as well
West Middlesex Hospital as looking at options available from UK insurers.
Twickenham Road, Isleworth If you’re studying abroad at St Mary’s, check
Tel: 020 8560 2121 with your home institution to see if any medical
or insurance is provided whilst you’re in the UK.
Kingston Hospital
Galsworthy Road, Kingston Please visit the UKCISA (UK Council for
Tel: 020 8546 7711 International Student Affairs) website on the
following link for further information on healthcare
Emergency services are free to all at point of in the UK: www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--
delivery. This does not include emergency hospital Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/Health-and-
treatment, which is one reason it’s essential to have healthcare.
private health insurance if you’re not entitled to full
NHS coverage.
If you need medical advice and it is not an
emergency, you can call the NHS non-emergency
line on 111. This is a free and convenient service.
St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 9
The Students’ Union The SU has an open door policy and loves
to hear from students. Be sure to check
Room: K11 them out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/
Website: www.stmaryssu.co.uk stmarysstudentsunion) and follow them on Twitter
(@stmaryssu). You might also like to visit their
As an international student, getting involved in online shop to see their range of St Mary’s branded
the clubs, societies, campaigns and activities clothing.
organised by the Students’ Union is one of the
best ways to enhance your St Mary’s experience. SU President
Have a look at the list of options on their website Natalie Hobkirk
– there’s something for everyone and joining is Tel: 020 8240 4315
easy. Email: supresident@stmarys.ac.uk
The St Mary’s Students’ Union (SU) is run by SU Chief Executive Officer
students, for students, and every student is Donna Smith
a member. It is led by the annually elected Tel: 020 8240 4131
Students’ Union Officer team, which is supported Email: donna.smith@stmarys.ac.uk
by an Executive Committee and Council. One
of the key functions of the Students’ Union is VP of Activities
representation. The members of the Officer team Aly Hughes
belong to several University committees and Tel: 020 8240 4132
have many opportunities to give feedback and Email: vpsportsocieties@stmarys.ac.uk
represent students’ views to different members
of staff at all levels. The SU President also works Sports and Societies Administrator
with students who may have disciplinary or Liam Burnett
academic problems. Tel: 020 8240 1046
Email: liam.burnett@stmarys.ac.uk
The Vice-President of Activities is responsible
for the running of all sports clubs and social and VP Community and Welfare
cultural societies. The sports clubs represent Dan Barnes
St Mary’s within BUCS (British Universities and Tel: 020 8240 1041
College Sport), many participating at a high level, Email: vpcommunity@stmarys.ac.uk
and enjoy great success. The social and cultural
societies provide the opportunity for alternative
means of socialising, widening cultural horizons
or meeting people to discuss and share similar
interests. If you can’t find a society you want to
join, you can always talk to the SU about starting
one.
The SU, via the work of the Vice-President
Community and Welfare, also adds value to the
student experience by providing various weekly
and annual social events. It provides a hub for
a full and lively social life and creates a student
community within which friendships are made and
important networks are formed, allowing students
to support each other through university and
beyond.
10 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Chaplaincy Employability Services
Chaplain: Canon Peter Newby Room: J3
Deputy Chaplains: Caroline Stanton Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4055
and Louise Gordon Email: employability@stmarys.ac.uk
Room: Chaplaincy Centre (Q block)
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 2327 Employability Services provides a fantastic
Email: peter.newby@stmarys.ac.uk, resource for students preparing for the world
caroline.stanton@stmarys.ac.uk of work. If you have permission to work in the
and louise.gordon@stmarys.ac.uk UK, the Service can help you look for a job
and provides valuable advice on CV writing,
The Chaplaincy works closely with Student interviewing skills, and opportunities outside the
Services and is at the heart of St Mary’s, providing classroom for all students. They also facilitate
a focus for the community life of the University and workplace learning opportunities accompanied by
offering pastoral care and support for all students. an academic module, allowing students to reflect
The Chaplaincy Centre is a relaxed, friendly space on their experience in a supportive environment.
where all members of St Mary’s are welcome. Tea
and biscuits are always available, and it’s a great
place to enjoy the company of others and unwind.
Catering Services
The Chaplaincy community is committed to raising Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
money for various good causes throughout the students/food-and-drink/Pages/default.aspx
year. They also reach out in practical ways to help
the homeless and are always on the lookout for There are a number of catering outlets across
more volunteers to get involved. St Mary’s providing meals, snacks and drinks.
Please note that all opening times can vary due
The Chapel is open all day; if you wish, pop in for to special functions.
some quiet prayer or reflection. There is also a
smaller Crypt Chapel and a multi-faith prayer room Refectory
on campus. The Refectory is the largest food outlet and dining
area at the University and is situated in the heart
of the campus. The space is generally buzzing
with large groups of students and is open seven
days a week. Freshly cooked meals are served
daily and there is a wide range of sandwiches,
snacks, drinks and also a few basic stationery
and grocery items.
Opening times
Monday-Friday:
Breakfast 8-10am, Lunch 11.45am-2.30pm,
Dinner 4.30-7.30pm
Saturday-Sunday:
Brunch 10.30am-12.30pm
Dinner 4.30-6.30pmSt Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 11
Dolce Vita Café Vending machines
This stylish café has a relaxed atmosphere and Coffee, soft drink and snack vending machines
overlooks the athletics track. In addition to your are located in the i-Learn Café, Shannon Corridor,
favourite latté or frappuccino, there is a range of Students’ Union Building, Sports Hall, Naylor
sandwiches, salads and hot eats such as toasties, Library, 60 Waldegrave Road and the Teddington
paninis and nachos with dips. Lock Campus.
Opening times Cashless catering rewards – SimmPay
Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Download the SimmPay app and enjoy exclusive
Saturday 9am-4pm offers and rewards. Students can also use their
Sunday 9.30am-2pm ID card instead of using the app. Enjoy the benefit
of not needing to carry cash while getting faster
Starbucks Naylor Library Café service in the outlets. Speak to a member of the
This Starbucks café is located off campus in the catering team for more details.
Naylor Library at 99 Waldegrave Road. It is open to
students and staff and serves all the Starbucks hot Meal plan
and cold drinks. Sandwiches, soft drinks and hot Catered accommodation contracts include a
snacks are also available. This is a cashless café. meal plan covering 14 meals per week. There is
no catering available during the Christmas and
Opening times Easter closure periods. The plan includes seven
Weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm evening meals, five breakfasts and brunch at the
weekend. Meals are served in the Ref during the
Penelope Coffee Stop allocated timeslots.
This mobile espresso unit will be driven around
campus for you to enjoy hand-crafted Cafeology Meal plan guidelines:
hot drinks and your favourite snacks. • Students select their own food using a points
system, with each food allocated a value. You
The Bar receive three points for breakfast, seven points
The newly refurbished Bar is located on the ground for dinner and seven points for brunch. During
floor of the J building. It’s a great meeting place to the week, points you don’t use at breakfast
chill out with friends over a drink and enjoy a range can be carried forward to dinner.
of hot and cold snacks. Enjoy live sporting action • Lunch is not included.
on BT Sport and don’t miss events organised by • Breakfast is served Monday-Friday, 8-10am.
the Students’ Union and the Bar team. Some of
the regular weekly events are Karaoke, Open Mike, • Dinner is served Monday-Friday, 4.30-7.30pm
Quiz and Friday Club. and Saturday-Sunday, 4.30-6.30pm.
• Brunch is served Saturday-Sunday, 10.30am-
Opening times 12.30pm.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 12-11pm • Each student is entitled to only one main
Wednesday 12pm-12am course per meal.
Friday 12pm-1am
• ID cards are not transferrable and cannot be
Sunday 12-10pm
used by other students for meals. You must
have your ID card to get your meal.
• Meal points over your entitlement will incur a
charge.12 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Security Sport St Mary’s
Room: Security Office next to Main Reception Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4335 (non-emergency) students/sport-st-marys
+44 (0)20 8240 4060 (emergency)
Email: security@stmarys.ac.uk SIMMSactive
SIMMSactive is the University’s social sports
The Security team operates a 24-hour service programme that enables you to try out lots of
from the Security Office, next to Main Reception. new sports with a weekly timetable of activities
The role of the Security team is to ensure that and small-sided leagues. If you want to find a fun
the buildings and campus are a safe and secure way to stay healthy, enjoy playing competitive
area to study, live and work. sports or want to develop new skills, look no
further. All activities are student-led, with the level
In the unlikely event you are involved in an of recreation or competition revolving around
emergency on campus, your first call should be the demands of participants in each particular
to Security’s emergency number (ext. 4060). activity. Sessions are only £2 each, or you can
Also, if you live in University halls of residence save by purchasing a membership.
and your neighbours are being noisy in the
night, you can phone Security’s non-emergency Options include:
number (ext. 4335) to ask for an officer to visit. • Turn-up-and-play sessions such as
basketball, 5-a-side football, netball, ultimate
Responsibilities: frisbee, GAA, rounders, kickboxing, running
• 24-hour contact point in case of an club, tag rugby.
emergency.
• Intramural leagues: netball, 5-a-side football,
• Fire alarms, extinguishers and drills. 7-a-side football, tag rugby, hall stars.
• Security of the campus, its users and the • New activities: Twilight Fitness, UV events,
buildings that form the University. No Ordinary Sport and Physical Activity,
• Issuing office for all student ID cards. orienteering, running club, pom squad.
• Lost property.
• Traffic control.St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 13
Fitness Suite
The modern St Mary’s Fitness Suite allows
Mailboxes
Room: First floor of the J Building for
students to improve their health and wellbeing.
individual mailboxes; E40 for parcel collection
This facility includes state-of-the-art equipment
such as a Wattbike (for an unparalled indoor
Each student in University-managed
cycling experience) and PowerClimbers (offering
accommodation has an individual mailbox
a range of workout intensities and entertainment
located in a room on the first floor of the J
options). The suite also includes six Olympic lifting
building.
platforms.
Letters and some small parcels will be placed in
The Fitness and Conditioning Suite is an Inclusive
your mailbox. Recorded parcels and letters will
Fitness Initiative accredited facility, with equipment
be held in the post room (E40). You will be sent
that is specifically designed for use by disabled
an email with a parcel number, notifying you that
people. Whether you are new to exercise or are
a delivery has been received.
an accomplished athlete, the renovated suite has
something to challenge and inspire you on your
All post sent to you must have your full name,
fitness journey.
regnum and address, including your room
number and hall name.
A variety of memberships are available, providing
not just use of the Fitness Suite but also access
to the floodlit running track. The memberships
are fantastic value for money with no additional
joining fees or induction charges. You can see
prices and opening hours at simmspace.stmarys.
ac.uk/services-students/sport-st-marys/Pages/
Memberships-Facilities-Hire.aspx.14 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Academic resources • English for Academic Purposes.
• Reading skills – reading methods and skimming
If you are encountering difficulties in adjusting to
and scanning skills.
the British system, don’t just struggle on your
own! Here is some useful information on sources • Note-taking/summarising.
of help with English language skills, general study • Accurate referencing, citing in the text,
skills support and resources to help you with producing a reference list or bibliography,
your course. Also be sure to see the appendix appendices.
to this guide for useful information on academic • And much, much more!
misconduct and plagiarism.
English language support
Learning Development If English is not your first language, you will already
have had to demonstrate a high level of proficiency
Lecturers in English before beginning your St Mary’s course.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4337 In our in-sessional English programme, we invite
Website (for online resources and booking you to develop your English even further. We
appointments): simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/ encourage all English language learners to make
services-students/learning-development/ use of this free programme.
learning-development-lecturers/Pages/default.
aspx These classes, which focus on common issues like
The Learning Development Lecturers provide grammar, writing and presentation skills, will give
support to enable students to maximise their you the best chance of success in your academic
study potential and to achieve more. Their aim programme. Joining the programme is also a good
is to provide you with the skills and resources way to make new friends. Please see the timetable
you need to enjoy your studies, overcome any on the International Department’s SIMMSpace
difficulties and make the most of your time at pages if you want to join. There’s no need to book
university. Book an appointment with them on in advance, but if you have any queries, please
SIMMSpace early in the term, as they get very contact international@stmarys.ac.uk.
busy when assessments are due.
The Learning Development Lecturers can help
Academic Liaison Librarians
with: Room: Main Library
• General presentation – sentence structure, Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
grammar, punctuation. students/library-it-services/library-services/
Pages/Book-a-Librarian.aspx
• Essay writing – identifying key words in the Academic Liaison Librarians provide specialist help
title/given question, and planning a clear for your course/subject area. They also look after
structure of introduction, main body and the University’s library resources for each academic
conclusion. faculty and provide advice on researching
• Writing for reports – formal language and set and finding information for assignments and
style. dissertations, using MyModules, referencing and
• Time management and organising your study skills.
workload.
Please feel free to ask your Academic Liaison
• Researching, and effective use of books and
Librarian for help whenever you need it. You can
other sources.
either ask for them at the Library Information Desk,
• Revision for exams – taking exams/mind book an appointment with them on their website or
mapping and overcoming study anxiety. contact them to ask about drop-in sessions.
• Oral presentations.St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 15
Library and Learning IT Services
Technology
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4061
Email: helpdesk@stmarys.ac.uk
Library Services
Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 4097
students/library-it-services/it-services/Pages/
Email: library@stmarys.ac.uk
default.aspx
St Mary’s has two physical libraries, the Main
St Mary’s IT Service is here to help you with
Library in the heart of campus and the Naylor
essential resources such as email, Wi-Fi access
Library on Waldegrave Road. They offer a range
for laptops and other devices, saving files and
of paper and online services for students, as well
using St Mary’s networks. They have a number of
as librarians who can assist you with your studies.
informational websites to help you make the most
Visit their website at simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/
of our technology.
services-students/library-it-services/Pages/default.
aspx to book an appointment with a librarian, find
Some especially useful ones are:
out how to borrow books, see the study spaces
available to students (including some quiet areas
• Email: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
you can reserve) or book a library tour.
students/library-it-services/it-services/Pages/
Email-Skydrive-Access.aspx.
Library hours vary throughout the year and are
longer during exam periods. • IT accounts and passwords: simmspace.
stmarys.ac.uk/services-students/library-it-
The libraries are also a hub for printing and services/it-services/Pages/Passwords.aspx.
photocopying. To use these services, you can • Connecting to Wi-Fi and using the laptop loan
buy credit in the library to put on your St Mary’s service: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-
ID card (please note that you need to pay with a students/library-it-services/it-services/Pages/
debit or credit card for this). Costs start at 4p to Connecting-Your-Device.aspx.
print a single black-and-white page. Please visit
simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/services-students/
library-it-services/it-services/Pages/printing.aspx
for instructions and a price list.
MyModules
Website: simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/Pages/
mymodules.aspx
As a St Mary’s student, you’ll have access to
MyModules, our virtual learning environment. You
will use MyModules to get learning resources,
see timetables, submit assignments and keep
in touch with your lecturers. Please contact the
IT Helpdesk (helpdesk@stmarys.ac.uk) or the
Technology Enhanced Learning team (TELTeam@
stmarys.ac.uk) if you have any trouble using
MyModules.16 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Registry Services that are outside of your control and negatively
affect your performance. Such problems are
Room: J Building known as extenuating circumstances. If this
Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 2335/2360 occurs, you may be entitled to extra time in exams
Email: registryservices@stmarys.ac.uk or an extension to an assignment deadline. Please
The Registry provides a wide range of administrative contact Registry for information about submitting
services and academic support for all students at a claim for extenuating circumstances and refer to
St Mary’s, from admission to completion. Different ‘Extenuating Circumstances – Student Guidance’
areas of Registry cover different services. on SIMMSpace.
These include: Modules and marks
• Complaints and appeals. At the beginning of each module, you will be
• Changing your address/personal details. given a handbook that outlines objectives
• Programme transfers. and assessment methods. At the end of each
• Withdrawal from study. module, you will be given a mark that reflects your
• Suspension of studies and leaves of absence performance.
• Exam timetables.
• Adding and dropping modules. You may find that the UK marking system is
• Confirmation of student status for external different from the system in your home country. In
organisations, for example, banks or council tax the UK education system a score of 70 and above
exemptions. is a first, and the highest score achievable. It is
• Production of transcripts. extremely rare that a student will score above 85.
• Graduation. You need to achieve a mark above 40 to receive
credit for a module. Please see the table below:
Tier 4 Guidance
Email: studentvisas@stmarys.ac.uk Percentage Grade Recognition
Website: www.stmarys.ac.uk/international/visas >70 1st Excellent
Our Visa Officer provides dedicated support to 60-69 2.1 Very good
students on Tier 4 visas, including visa renewals 50-59 2.2 Good
and monitoring of obligations. If you’re on a Tier 4 40-49 Third Satisfactory
visa, the Visa Officer can help you make sure you’reSt Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 17
Life outside St Mary’s Required documents
You will need some, or all, of the following
Being an international student is about more documents to be able to open an account:
than your university! Please see the information • Your passport, with student visa (if appropriate)
below to help you get the most out of your
• Your national photo ID card if you are from an
whole UK experience.
EU country
• A letter from St Mary’s confirming your student
Opening a bank account status, giving details of your course and UK
International students who are in the UK for address. Request this from Registry and leave
longer than six months may wish to open a bank at least two working days for the request to
account. If you have a Tier 4 visa and intend to be processed. Please note that letters cannot
take up part-time employment, you will find your be issued before you are registered for your
employer will want to pay your salary into a UK course.
account. • A copy of your rental agreement
• Utility bills (if you are renting privately)
Basic bank account
This will allow you to pay in and take out money
Your account may not be fully functional for some
and you are normally provided with a cashpoint
time. It is advisable to bring a pre-paid debit card
(ATM) card. Basic accounts do not offer any
or enough cash or travellers’ cheques to cover
form of credit, so you will not be given an
you through this period. If you do travel with cash,
overdraft facility or credit card.
please make sure you do so safely.
When approaching a bank it is worth finding out
Direct debit payments
if any of the following are available to you:
If you set up a direct debit you must ensure you
• Cash card
have enough money in your account on the agreed
• Debit card
payment date.
• Overdraft facility
• Regular statements (by post)
If the direct debit amount is more than the money
• Telephone banking
you have in your account the bank will refuse to
• Internet banking
make payment and levy a charge every time the
payment is declined. The business that has tried
You should also check whether:
to claim the direct debit may also fine you for non-
• money can be transferred from abroad.
payment on agreed date.
• you can make direct debit payments.
• an outstanding balance can be transferred Useful websites
into your home account at the end of term. • British Banking Association
• there are any account charges – if so, how www.bba.org.uk
much and what do they entitle you to? • Money Saving Expert
www.moneysavingexpert.com
Once you have collected this information from • International Student Calculator
the banks you can make an informed decision www.internationalstudentcalculator.org
on which account is most suitable for your
needs. Many of the major UK banks (Barclays,
Santander, HSBC, Lloyds, Halifax, NatWest,
etc.) have a branch within 15 minutes’ walking
distance of St Mary’s.18 International Student Handbook 2018/19
London and the local area about the history of our monarchy first-hand and
discover the stories from our long, rich history.
You will find there is a lot to do in London; the
breadth of choice and variety is incredible. The Theatreland – Arguably the world’s most famous
transport system makes the city easy to navigate theatre district, there are many good deals
and there are lots of free sights, including several available if you want to enjoy an evening out. Try
world-class museums. Even on a student budget lastminute.com or TKTS for some bargains.
you can still explore the city and get an insight
into its long history. British Library – This amazing library stocks every
single publication produced in the UK and Ireland,
Notable sights include: and its collection amounts to over 150 million
The National Gallery – Located in Trafalgar items. There is a lovely coffee shop too.
Square. Entry is free and there is usually an Tate Modern – The Tate Modern is generally
exhibition on. considered to be the best collection of modern art
Shakespeare’s Globe – Be prepared to stand in the UK. Alternatively, visit the impressive Saatchi
while you watch your favourite Shakespeare play Gallery if you like contemporary art.
performed, but if this doesn’t appeal to you then Twickenham Rugby Stadium – The ‘home of
it’s still worth just visiting to get a feel for what English Rugby’ is located in close proximity to
theatre was like in the 17th century. the campus. Students can purchase tickets for
Imperial War Museum – A great place to learn international matches through the Rugby Football
about the history of conflict in Britain, this Union website (www.rfu.co.uk). On game day
museum has many different sections including an the town is flooded with fans, creating a unique
MI5 exhibition and extensive displays on the first atmosphere, which gives an excellent insight into
and second world wars. British culture.
British Museum – A museum of human history
Closer to the campus are several significant sites:
and culture, it has more than seven million
the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, Hampton
objects comprising one of the largest collections
Court Palace and nearby Bushy Park, which
in the world.
housed King Henry VIII and accommodated his
London Eye – This is a great way to see all over (vast) hunting pursuits. Richmond upon Thames is
London in one go, and takes just 30 minutes, so a short bus ride away and, as well as the relics of
you can schedule plenty of other sightseeing into Richmond Palace, birthplace of Elizabeth I, you’ll
your day – you can do it on your way between find lots of cafés, restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of
Parliament. Within Richmond Park rises Richmond Hill, the top
Tower of London – A fortress that is famous for of which offers spectacular vistas. Kingston, also
imprisoning and often executing royal prisoners. a short bus or train ride away, is home to many
Visit www.hrp.org.uk for detailed and up-to-date popular nightspots as well as a large shopping
information on the Tower of London and other mall.
palaces, including Hampton Court Palace.
From the main reception it takes five minutes to
Borough Market – Visit one of the largest and walk either to Strawberry Hill Railway Station,
oldest food markets in London. Some believe the which will take you straight to the heart of the city,
market dates back to 1014 and it is now a great or the banks of the River Thames, where you can
place to try many delicious British delicacies and enjoy the riverbank views that make the area so
foods from around the world. attractive to house buyers.
Royal Palaces – English palaces hold fascinating
stories, with Hampton Court Palace and Kew For full information about events in London, please
Palace within easy reach of St Mary’s. Learn go to www.visitlondon.co.uk.St Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 19
Transport Strawberry Hill railway station
St Mary’s is located near to Strawberry Hill
London has a wide variety of public transport Railway Station. Four trains an hour run to
options, including trains, tubes, buses, trams London Waterloo with an average journey taking
and even boats! London is divided into nine 35 minutes. The nearest underground station is
travel zones. Strawberry Hill Railway Station is Richmond. It takes 10 minutes to reach Kingston
located in Zone 5. or Richmond by train from Strawberry Hill.
Your journey The two best connected railway/underground
You will find the Transport for London (TfL) stations reachable via direct trains from
website to be of great help when planning Strawberry Hill are Vauxhall (Piccadilly and
journeys. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk to find out the Victoria Underground lines), and Waterloo
different routes between train and underground (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee Underground lines,
stops, and alternative ways of getting home and DLR).
once these services have finished.
Twickenham railway station
TfL’s journey planner is particularly useful for Twickenham Railway Station is approximately a
nights out in Central London when you may 20-minute walk from campus (or one stop on
be returning home after normal services have the train from Strawberry Hill) and has a higher
finished. City Mapper is another good resource. volume of trains going to and from London. Both
You should have two routes in mind for the semi-fast (trains that stop at bigger stations)
journey home. If you take taxis, only use licensed and fast (trains that stop only at major stations)
black cabs or pre-booked mini-cabs. Uber services run through Twickenham.
also operates in the UK. The driver’s operating
licence should be clearly displayed on the 16-25 Railcard
dashboard or windscreen. Please always take If you’re between the ages of 16 and 25 you
the same safety precautions as you would at are entitled to discounted rail travel with a
home or in any other city. Railcard. The card costs £30 and is valid for a
year. Savings typically amount to a 1/3 off the
Oyster cards standard fare price and must be presented when
The cashless ‘Oyster’ system allows users purchasing tickets. Railcards are available at
to access significantly cheaper rates than if a train station ticket offices.
traditional paper ticket were to be purchased.
Before you have arrived and registered you will
only be able to obtain a standard Oyster card.
Once you have registered at St Mary’s you may
be eligible to apply for a student Oyster, which
unlocks further discounts for those who regularly
travel into Central London. Please visit www.tfl.
gov.uk/oyster for more information.
When you use an Oyster card on the train you
must remember to touch in and out on the
yellow sensors (even if the entrance barriers are
open). You can top up your Oyster card online or
at a railway station.20 International Student Handbook 2018/19
St Mary’s Social By booking the social programme, you can
take these trips with friends at a considerable
Programme discount. Please visit our travel partner,
We encourage you to travel as much as possible SomewhereNew, to book: bookings.
during your time here, finances permitting. somewherenew.com/smuc.
The St Mary’s Social Programme provides a
fun, affordable way to experience places and Travel outside the UK
landmarks around the UK. London is ideally placed for convenient trips
to other European countries. It’s easy to plan
The programme varies each semester, but your own itinerary, or you may like to investigate
sample excursions include: trips you can book through SomewhereNew or
• Stonehenge and Bath International Students House. When you travel
• Greenwich Boat Cruise abroad, please ensure you bring any student
• London Theatre Night visa documentation and a copy of your St Mary’s
• Wales Weekend offer letter with you, as you will need them for
• Alternative London Walking Tour immigration when you return.
• Jack the Ripper Walking TourSt Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 21
22 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Useful websites, apps and Travel the UK
social media www.nationalrail.co.uk – Check train times and
book tickets
The below websites, apps and social media www.virgintrains.co.uk – Check train times and
accounts provide some very useful information book tickets
if you are interested in travelling the UK and www.nationalexpress.com – National long-
Europe, events going on in London, things to do distance bus service
on a budget, and practical information on the www.visitbritain.com – Guide to Britain:
weather, news and travel updates. things to do, accommodation, travel tips,
transport, destinations and maps
www.visitengland.com – Guide to England
Student information www.visitscotland.com – Guide to Scotland
www.budgetbritainguide.com – Britain on a www.tourist-information-uk.com – Information
budget on travel destinations in the UK
www.ukcisa.org.uk – The UK Council for www.tripadvisor.co.uk – Information, reviews
International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has a and guides to destinations in the UK.
wealth of advice on all aspects of international
student life
www.thestudentroom.co.uk – The UK’s largest
online student community
Travel in Europe
www.seat61.com – In-depth guide to train travel
in Europe
Useful in London www.raileurope.com – Check and book train
www.visitlondon.com – Guide to London, travel in Europe
including things to do, events and travel www.lonelyplanet.com/europe – A guide to
information European destinations
www.tfl.gov.uk – Tube, overground rail and bus www.ryanair.com – Budget flights to Europe
travel information, live information on journeys www.easyjet.com/en – Budget flights to Europe
and a great way to check out the best ways to www.skyscanner.net – Compare and find
reach your destination cheapest flight tickets
www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/oyster – www.eurostar.com – Check train times and book
Information on the Oyster card for travel across tickets from London to Paris and Brussels
London www.booking.com – Book accommodation
www.londontheatre.co.uk – Check times, prices across the UK and Europe
and purchase theatre tickets www.hostelworld.com – Book hostels across the
www.ticketmaster.co.uk – Check and purchase UK and Europe
tickets for events, concerts, theatre, sports and
more in London and across the UK
www.timeout.com/london – Guide of things to
do and events in London
www.londontown.com/events – Website
updated with ongoing events in London
www.walks.com – Book yourself on one of the
wonderful walks provided by London Walks, a
great way to explore and visit parts of the city
you may otherwise miss out on. Harry Potter,
Jack the Ripper, The Beatles and many other
walking tours are available and very reasonably
pricedSt Mary’s University www.stmarys.ac.uk 23
Useful apps Social media
Transport: Add us on Facebook (StMarys StudyAbroad,
All travel in London: CityMapper London International Undergraduate or Postgraduate)
Tube: Tube Map – London Underground and we will add you to the 18/19 groups. Our
Buses: London Live, London Bus Live St Mary’s Worldwide page is a Facebook home
Countdown, London Bus Checker Live for all international students at the University.
Trains: National Rail, The Trainline
Flights: Kayak, Skyscanner Follow us on Twitter at @StMarysLondonUK
For a bit of a light-hearted insight into British life,
For News: Metro, BBC, The Evening Standard these accounts could also be worth following on
Twitter:
For Culture: Riverside London, Yplan, Dojo, Dice,
@bbclondonweather
Hype, Hidden London, TimeOut London Updates on the weather forecast
For Discounts: Voucher Codes, Student Beans, @soverybritish
Twickets, Frugl ‘Very British problems’
@TimeOutLondon
All the best things to do in London
@visitlondon
Updates on events in London
Useful dates 2018/19 2018
Semester 1
4th September Arrival day – airport pick up from Terminal 3, London Heathrow
5th-8th September International orientation
10th-23rd September St Mary’s Welcome Fortnight
17th September Teaching begins
21st November Thanksgiving dinner
14th December Last day of Semester 1 teaching
16th December Christmas break and move out of accommodation
Semester 2
7th-18th January Semester 1 exam period
22nd January International arrival day
23rd-26th January International orientation
13th-28th April Easter vacation
13th-24th May Semester 2 exam period
26th May Move out of accommodation24 International Student Handbook 2018/19
Appendix Intentional plagiarism
Whether you copy sentences and make small
changes to them, copy out whole chunks of
Academic misconduct work or blatantly cheat by buying an essay
off the internet, failure to reference a source
and how to protect yourself indicates you are trying to pass the work off as
your own.
As an international student, you may not be
familiar with UK standards of academic conduct. Possible reasons for intentional plagiarism:
Even accidental breaking of the rules, however, • Sheer panic – leaving the work to the last
will lead to serious consequences, up to and minute.
including you having to leave the University with
• Trying to disguise the fact that the majority of
no degree. You can find guidance about what
your work is copied.
academic misconduct is, what the penalties are
and how to protect yourself in: • Not wishing to use too many quotes but
being unable to explain and evaluate your
• The University’s Academic Regulations sources as you haven’t fully understood
(available at simmspace.stmarys.ac.uk/prog- them.
admin/registry-policies/policies-complaints- • Thinking you can cheat and get away with it.
disciplinary/Pages/Policies-Regulations.aspx).
• The online resources published by the Unintentional plagiarism
Learning Development Lecturers (simmspace. This is when you see someone else’s ideas in
stmarys.ac.uk/services-students/learning- your work without realising that you are not citing
development/learning-development-lecturers/ (referencing) correctly.
Pages/Resources.aspx).
Possible reasons for unintentional plagiarism:
Here is a quick guide to some common offences, • Misunderstanding how to reference.
but please take the time to familiarise yourself • Over-reliance on the original source material.
with the regulations. Ignorance of the rules is no • Following practices encouraged or accepted
excuse for breaking them! in your previous educational experience.
• Not fully understanding when group work
Plagiarism
ceases and individual work begins.
This is one of the most common forms of
academic misconduct and is also very easily
Does plagiarism apply to all subjects?
detected – your coursework is automatically
Yes. It also comes in all forms, not just in written
checked for plagiarism through the online
work. You must reference all sources, including
service Turnitin. The following guide to avoiding
guest speakers’ presentations, conference talks,
plagiarism is adapted from the Learning
audio-visual material, graphs, illustrations and
Development Lecturers’ guidance on SIMMSpace
data.
mentioned above.
Collusion and self-plagiarism
What is plagiarism?
Group work projects are an excellent way of
Plagiarism is using someone else’s ideas in your
sharing ideas to gain a fuller understanding of
work and claiming they are your own. Even if
topics, but be careful to follow your department’s
you have someone’s consent to use their work,
regulations on such projects to avoid drifting
it is still plagiarism if you do not acknowledge
into collusion: although you discuss ideas as a
(reference) them. Plagiarism can be intentional or
group, the work you submit must be your own
unintentional and is a disciplinary offence.
work; you should not give your drafts or final
copies to others.You can also read
