University Guide for New Students 2018-19 - GCU London
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University Guide
for New Students
2018-19
Contents
02 Welcome
03 Check list
05 Important contacts
07 Registration
11 Attendance
13 Tuition fees
15 Student support
17 Student visas
19 Examinations and graduation
21 University regulations and
student conduct
24 Student life
25 Accommodation
27 Glasgow Caledonian University
Students ‘Association (GCUSA)
29 Around GCU London
31 London life
35 Learning Development Centre
36 Trimester calendar
GCU London
T: +44 (0)141 331 8975
E: contact@gcu.ac.uk
01
Welcome to GCU London
Welcome to GCU London
We look forward to welcoming you to GCU London. We have produced this guide to help you
through the registration process, and hope that you will continue to use it as a source of
information throughout your time studying with us.
02
Checklist
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03
Checklist
04
Important contacts
The GCU London Team can help you with a variety of topics relating to your studies. However, there
may be times when you need assistance from the support services in Glasgow.
Academic programmes Careers Service
You will be given more details about your academic The Careers Service at GCU aims to provide quality,
programme when you start your course. Each effective careers guidance, advice and information to
programme has a Programme Leader, who you will empower students and graduates to make informed
meet regularly in London, and a Programme decisions about their careers, learning and continuing
Administrator. You will also have a Module Leader professional development.
for each module. They can help you with a variety
of issues relating to your studies, including the Visit the Careers Service website www.gculondon.
following: ac.uk/student/careers to:
• Extra time (for some disabled or international • Search for jobs through hundreds of graduate
students) vacancies
• Queries about coursework submission dates (for • Access specialist careers information relevant to
students with disabilities or identified learning your Masters Programme
support needs) • Read latest news and blog posts or follow us on
• Programme and Module handbooks Twitter
• Academic Regulation queries. • See career success workshop topics and dates
It is very important that you read the information W: www.gculondon.ac.uk/student/careers
about attendance on page 11 of this guide. If you are GCU London’s Careers consultant, Andy Walsh, is
absent from class you will be expected to inform your available on Thursdays during term time and
Module Leader and staff at GCU London. If you do not vacations. Book an individual appointment (20
do this, your future studies, and visa, if you have one, minutes) by emailing careers@gculondon.ac.uk
may be affected.
Finance Office
Registry/Student Office The Accounts Receivable Team within the Finance
Registry is the university department that holds Office is available to help students with queries about
central records for GCU and GCU London. They can paying their tuition fees. They can help with the
help you with the matters listed below: following issues:
• Lost/stolen Student cards • Making payments
• Changing your student record (e.g. your address, • Creating an instalment plan
name etc.) • Querying account balances
• Academic transcripts. • Discussing outstanding debts
• Making payment for lost Student cards
For help with registration: Contact GCU London
registration who will be happy to assist you E: arstudent@gcu.ac.uk
E: gculondonstudentrecords@gcu.ac.uk T: 0141 331 8195
T: 0203 369 3000 alternatively contact W: www.gcu.ac.uk/fno
E: registration@gcu.ac.uk T: 0141 331 3100
05
Important contacts
Student Wellbeing at GCU London and on receipt of this an appointment will be
Student wellbeing provides confidential individual arranged for you. Opening times for the counselling
counselling, personal development groups and service are 9:30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
self-help resources. Individual counselling aims to help Counselling support is based at The Luxborough Suite,
students address personal or emotional concerns Marylebone Site, University of Westminster, 35
which may impact on their experience and ability to Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LS. The nearest
reach their full potential whilst studying at GCU tube is Baker Street and is easily accessible by taking
London. either the Hammersmith & City, Circle, or
Metropolitan line from Liverpool Street Station.
GCU London has an arrangement with The Contact counselling@westminster.ac.uk or 020 7911
University of Westminster Student Counselling 5000 (extension 66899).
Service to provide confidential counselling for its
students. They are registered with the British If you feel your query is an emergency, please talk to
Association of Counselling and the United Kingdom another member of staff at GCU London.
Council for Psychotherapy and follow the ethical
framework maintained by these professional bodies. Outside of office hours, please refer to the following
The service is confidential, which means that your helpline numbers:
sponsor, academics or family will not be told that you • Nightline T: 0141 55 22 555
have contacted our service or given any details of your • Samaritans T: 08457 90 90 90
difficulties (full details of confidentiality are provided • Holborn Medical Centre: 020 3077 0044
on our website) and is free of charge to all students at • NHS Urgent Care T: 111
the university.
Group work will also be available throughout the year.
To book an appointment you can either email or Check our website for available groups or email
telephone to request an appointment. You will be positiveliving@gculondon.ac.uk to receive information
asked to fill out a short counselling registration form of upcoming groups.
06
Registration
You must register your intent to study with us from
any computer with internet access before you start
your course. You need both your username and
password to access our registration portal. Your
username and password are in the joining instruction
email we sent you. Make sure you keep both of these
secure and do not give them to anyone.
Once you have received your password, you should go
to www.gcu.ac.uk/student/registration and register as
soon as possible. You will find help completing the
process at each stage. You must complete all stages
of the on-line registration process. Please read and
follow instructions carefully.
For help with registration: Contact:
E: registration@gcu.ac.uk T: + 44 (0) 141 331 8975
Registration tips
• Go to www.gcu.ac.uk/student/registration and
follow the instructions.
• Your username is at the top of your joining
instruction letter and email.
• Your password is in the email and in a separate
password letter.
• If you are having problems logging in, your password
may need to be reset. Use the link on the
registration webpage to find out how to reset it
through the My Caledonian portal.
• Once logged in, click on the Registration link on the
left of your screen.
• You must complete all stages.
• If you need help with any section, click on the
question mark next to it or try our FAQs page
www.gcu.ac.uk/student/registration/faqs
07
Registration
Upload your photograph You must register online and collect your student card
To create your student record and Student card, you within 10 working days of the start date of your
must upload a recent passport-style photograph of programme (unless you have a later start date agreed
yourself: in writing by us, or are distance learning and we are
• It must be in full colour posting your card to you). If you don’t, we will report
• Full face only you as not attending to SAAS, SLC or UKVI as
• The background must be plain appropriate.
• Do not wear sunglasses
• Do not wear headwear unless normally worn for The email or letter you received with this guide will tell
religious reasons you where and when to collect your Student card. You
• It must be a JPG file, 160 pixels high and 120 pixels will be issued with a photo Student card, which you
wide (45mm x 35mm) must produce as identification to:
• Save the photograph as your student ID number.jpg • Request confirmation of your student status in a
e.g. S1234567.jpg (your Student ID is on the letter letter or form
you received with this booklet). • Sit examinations
• Include your name, date of birth and student ID in • Show your membership of the Students’ Association,
the email. for example to join a club or use the welfare services
• If you are unable to upload your photograph via • Gain access to campus buildings
online registration, email the photograph to
gculondonstudentrecords@gcu.ac.uk
08
09
Registration
Registration
The card is also your University library membership
card.
If your card is stolen or lost, please go to our website:
www.gcu.ac.uk/student/academicregistry to find out
how to get a replacement. A replacement card costs
£15.00, which you can pay through our on-line
payment system. www.gcu.ac.uk/onlinepayments
Your Student card is valid for as long as your
programme lasts. We will issue a new card if your
studies continue past the expiry date.
Your Student card is for your use only. Do not let
anyone else use it. Giving your card to someone else,
or using someone else’s card, is a serious offence
under the Code of Student Conduct. Click the
regulations link at www.gcu.ac.uk/students
Remember, we need your photograph to produce your
card. See page 8 for more information.
Student Card
The main features of the card are:
• Name
• Date of birth
• Area of study code
• Mode of attendance
• Student ID number
• Library number
• Dates valid
• Digital photograph
• Signature box
• User ID
10Attendance
All students are expected to attend all lectures, seminars and
any other teaching events throughout the year. It is essential
that you attend any appointments made for you with GCU or
GCU London staff, and, if for any reason you cannot attend,
you must let staff know immediately to explain your reasons.
You record your attendance by presenting your student card
to the swipe system in reach classroom. This records your
attendance. Students who miss too many lectures will be
withdrawn from their studies.
11Attendance
Please make sure that you read the GCU Attendance Permission to Leave
policy available at www.gcu.ac.uk/ Students wishing to leave the UK during term time
guidelinesandpolicies need to first obtain authorisation from their
programme leader to be able to do so. This ensures
Reporting absences that any absent period will not be counted against a
You must report all absences in writing to advice@ student’s attendance requirement. Students collect a
gculondon.ac.uk and your module/programme leader Permission to Leave form from the Student Office, get
as early as you can, and explain your reasons. You may their Programme Leader to sign it off and return this to
be required to provide evidence to explain your the Student Office with a copy of in- and outbound
absence, for example a doctor’s note. If for some flight tickets.
reason you are not immediately able to send us an
email, you can call 0141 331 8975, however, you must Students on a Tier 4 Visa
follow this up with an email as soon as possible. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) requires all
universities to monitor student attendance. Students
We cannot authorise absence requests from anyone in the UK with a student visa are expected to attend
but you, so it is not possible for a friend to report your all lectures and seminars. If you miss classes we are
absence. Where possible, absences should be required to report this to the UKVI, withdrawing you
reported before your class starts. If your illness lasts from your course and cancelling your visa.
for 5 working days or more you will be required to
provide evidence, such as a medical certificate. Students completing their dissertations are required to
do so in the UK; very rarely students may be permitted
A medical certificate from an NHS or GMC registered to write up their dissertations from outside the UK,
medical practice must be provided for any sickness but only in exceptional circumstances. Writing up your
that lasts at least one week, and it is up to you to get dissertation in the UK will mean that you not only can
this information. Documents from non-NHS/GMC meet with your supervisor in person, but also you will
registered practices (such as Chinese Medicine have access to the facilities on campus. Dissertation
practitioners) will not be accepted. Overseas students must swipe in once a week whilst working on
documentation must be accompanied by an official their dissertation. You will also need to attend
translation. re-registration sessions each trimester to confirm that
you still have a valid visa and to ensure that we have
If you have to miss a class for a planned reason you your most up to date contact details. At re-registration
must get permission in advance – absence will only be you will need to provide:
authorised for good reasons. Except in an emergency, • Your passport
appointments with banks, doctors or dentists should • Your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit – visa
be made outside of class time. ID card)
• Your student card
If you know you will be absent in advance you should
also let your Module Leader know. Before you go you Other visa requirements
must ask your Module Leader what work you will miss For more details about the requirements of your visa
so you can catch up. Materials may be available on and where to get advice, please read pages 19 – 20
GCU Learn. of this guide.
12Tuition fees You are responsible for making sure your fees are paid. When you register you agree to our rules and regulations, this includes ensuring your fees are paid on time. You must pay your tuition fees in full when you receive an invoice or make arrangements to pay by instalments using Worldpay. You will find a link to Worldpay when you log in to My Caledonian. You can find out more about paying your fees from the Finance Office website or by emailing arstudent@gcu.ac.uk 13
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
The University does not accept cash payments, if you
can only pay with cash, please contact the GCU
London Team for further advice.
Sponsored students (employer, British Council,
overseas government)
It is your responsibility to make sure that we are
provided with the correct information about your
sponsor. The Finance Office will send an invoice to
your sponsor. In the event the sponsor does not pay,
you will be liable to pay your fees and will be invoiced
directly.
Time Out
It may be appropriate at points of your study to take a
break before re-engaging; this is referred to as Time
Out and freezes your studies at the point that you
have reached allowing you to return to the same point
in the future. If you are considering this as an option
you should seek advice from the Student Services
Team.
Withdrawing from the University
If you are considering withdrawing from the University
you should seek advice from Ruth Cawthorne ruth.
cawthorne@gcu.ac.uk in the first instance who would
be happy to assist you or alternatively contact a
member of the GCU London Team. If you withdraw
from your course during the academic session, the
tuition fees due will depend on the date that you
withdraw. Make sure you write to Ruth Cawthorne
ruth.cawthorne@gcu.ac.uk and your Programme
Leader. A delay may mean you have to pay additional
fees.
More information
• For a complete guide to the University’s debt
management policy please visit www.gcu.ac.uk/
fno/staff/documents/ccdm_policy.doc
• You can pay your tuition fees online at www.gcu.
ac.uk/fno (click the ‘GCU Students’ link).
• If you have a query about your course fees, or would
like to pay by instalments, please contact
arstudent@gcu.ac.uk (or phone 0141 331 8195) and
quote your name and student ID number.
14Support for students 15
Support for students
The GCU London Team works together with our GCU London promotes the development of
colleagues in Glasgow to provide you with a range of independent learning skills and supports disabled
support services throughout your studies. Some of the students in the identification and application of
services you can access are listed below: appropriate strategies, tools and services, so that all
• One-to-one visa advice and information to take the students have the opportunity to achieve their full
stress out of visa applications potential.
• One-to-one and group advice about library and ICT
facilities to help you excel in your studies If you have a disability, we encourage you to declare
• Study support sessions to support your learning, this as early as possible. If you declare your disability
and additional information for students declaring a before the start of your course, we can begin putting
disability measures in place before you start to help you
• Social events to help you to settle in and meet other throughout your studies. Once you have declared
students your disability, we will contact you to discuss your
needs and to advise you about the evidence that you
At GCU London you can access confidential advice may need to provide. Whilst details of your disability
and support throughout your studies. You can also will be held in confidence, we may require your
receive advice on other matters including finance, permission to share relevant information with
accommodation and employment. colleagues in order to put support in place for you.
If you have any queries, please contact our Disability
International students Team at disability@gculondon.ac.uk
You will have access to advice and information about
studying in the UK with a student visa all through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
year. We can also provide you with guidance on a DSAs are provided by the UK government to help
number of matters, including registering with the disabled students to cover some of the extra costs
police, working with a student visa and inviting friends involved in their studies as a result of their disability.
or family to visit you. These are only available to UK nationals or those who
have right of permanent residence in the UK. You can
Please make sure that you read pages 19 - 20 of this find full details at: www.gov.uk/browse/education/
guide to familiarise yourself with some important student-finance (click on ‘Disabled Students’
issues. Allowance’).
At GCU London we encourage all of our students to Those eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance
interact with each other, regardless of whether they must meet the definition of disability under the
are international students or not. All of the support in Equality Act 2010. Applications for DSA can take a
this section is available to all of our students, both long time, so it is advisable to apply early and before
UK/EU and international. your course begins.
Students who declare a disability International students with a disability
GCU London is committed to providing an inclusive If you are an international student with a disability, we
learning environment to support a diverse student strongly advise you to declare your condition early so
population, including those with additional needs that that we can work with you and our Needs
arise from the impact of an illness or impairment. This Assessment partner to find ways to best support you
includes students with long term medical conditions, throughout your studies at GCU London. Generally,
sensory impairment, mental health difficulties, the DSA is only available to Home/EU students;
physical impairment, specific learning disabilities (e.g. however, you should check the website listed above
dyslexia) and students on the autism spectrum. for full details regarding eligibility.
16Student visas
Visas & Immigration Reporting to the UKVI
The campus expert on visas & immigration is able to As part of our obligations to the UK Visas &
help you with questions and applications about all UK Immigration (UKVI), we are required to report to them
visas (Student, Work, Visitor visas etc.) and Schengen certain details about student attendance and
visas for travel in Europe. He is available through the enrolment status.
year in the Student Office or by contacting: Staff at GCU London must always follow UKVI
E: advice@gculondon.ac.uk T: 0141 331 8985 guidance. Below are some examples of matters we
must report to the UKVI:
Applying for a visa • If a student fails to enrol on their course
On hand to help you with applications for any visa • If a student has poor attendance
whilst you are here in the UK; if you are applying for a • If a student fails to attend any re-registration session
Tier 4 (General) student visa in the UK, you must • If a student’s course is changed or ends earlier than
apply for this through the process where we will assist originally expected
you with your application, check all the details and
send it to UKVI. We will be available for one-to-one We are also required to keep the following information
discussions or, depending on numbers, group on record:
workshops. • All of the addresses at which a student has lived
whilst they have been studying with us
If you are applying from overseas, advice is available • Copies of the student’s passport and all of their UK
through the advice@gculondon.ac.uk email address visas
with advice and checking documents for submission • Up to date contact details
with your application. • Accurate attendance records
Your student visa requirements If you miss a lesson, or want to withdraw from your
The immigration rules keep changing. It is very course, it is essential that you follow the relevant GCU
important that you keep up to date with any changes London procedures. You can find more information
in visa guidance and regulations. Below you will find a about attendance on page 6 of this guide, and about
summary of some of the requirements of your student withdrawing from university on page 7.
visa. If you need a student visa, it must be a visa for
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). If you have a Whilst we must report certain matters to the UKVI,
Tier 4 student visa, it must have printed on it either: we are also subject to the Data Protection Act.
• GCU’s Sponsor License Number; or This act requires us to use your personal information
• A CAS Number issued by GCU for the course you responsibly. You can find more information about the
will study Data Protection Act and how GCU uses your
information at www.gcu.ac.uk/dataprotection
There are a very small number of exceptions to this
rule. If you have any concerns or questions about this Working during your studies
please contact the Student Services Team. Every Work rights are always stated on your visa; please
university must have a Sponsor Licence in order to consult your visa for information as to how much you
recruit people who need a student visas. Glasgow can work. The maximum a student can work is 20
Caledonian University (GCU’s) Sponsor Licence hours per week during term time. If you are unsure,
Number is J5TNG1750. talk to the Student Services Manager in room 2.5.
17Student visas
Change of circumstances bring with you a Confirmation of Student Status letter
If your personal details or address details change from GCU London, and proof of your current address.
whilst you are studying in the UK it is essential that Please see ‘Letter requests’ for more information.
you inform the UKVI (Home Office). You must inform
them if any of the details listed below change: The Overseas Visitors Records Office is located at:
• Personal details* Overseas Visitors Records Office, Brandon House, 323
• Criminal convictions Borough High Street, London, SE1 1JL
• Contact details Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm
• Representative details (i.e. your solicitor) Recorded information line: 020 7230 1208
• Dependants’ details
If your visa requires you to register with the Police it is
*These include changes of name, date of birth, essential that you inform them of your address every
nationality, gender or appearance. time you move. This is a requirement of your visa, and
if you fail to do this your visa may be negatively
You should use a ‘Migrant Change of Circumstances’ affected.
form, which can be found on the UKVI website:
https://www.gov.uk/change-circumstances-visa-brp Advice and further information
You can find information about applying for a student
Lost/stolen BRP visa on our website: www.gculondon.ac.uk/student
If your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit – visa ID You should also visit the websites listed below for
card) is lost or stolen you must complete the BRP useful visa advice:
(RC) form as soon as you can. If you fail to do this you • Gov.uk – the UK Government’s website. Select Visas
may be fined £1,000. Speak to Tasho in the Student and Immigration. Find out if you need a visa, and
Office as soon as possible. how to apply for visas if you are outside the UK
• UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student
Police registration Affairs): www.ukcisa.org.uk UKCISA is an advisory
You only need to register with the Police if this is body that supports international students. They run
indicated on your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence an advice line and provide detailed information
Permit). You will need to go to the Overseas Visitors sheets and news updates relating to visa
Records Office to register. You will need to pay a fee of applications both within and outside the UK.
£34 the first time that you register. You should also
18Examinations and graduation 19
Examinations and graduation
Examination dates your assessments you should contact your Module
Exams are held during the trimester in which the Leader for further details. Your Module Leader will
module is delivered, with the exception of ‘long thin’ inform you of all relevant coursework submission and
modules, which are normally assessed at the end of exam dates. You will receive more information about
Trimester B. See page 34 for the trimester calendar. plagiarism and collusion during your induction at GCU
• Trimester A modules: January Exam Diet London. These matters are dealt with at your
• Trimester B modules: April/May Exam Diet department/school level, more serious cases are
• Resits and first diet for Trimester C: August Exam referred to the senate Disciplinary Committee.
Diet
You can find information about what plagiarism is, and
Always check the date, time and place of your exam. how to use information ethically on the website below.
Do not rely on others for this information. Different You will also have the chance to find out more from
modules can have similar names, so take care when our librarians and in study support sessions whilst
you check module codes and precise module titles studying here. www.gcu.ac.uk/student/coursework/
against the exam timetable. Arrangements for writing/plagiarism
examinations and assessments are provided by your
academic department with support from GCU London Mitigating Circumstances
staff. You should use the relevant form to tell the University
about any circumstances that you feel have affected
Getting your examination results your academic performance and/or caused your
Your results for all diets will be emailed to your absence from an assessment, i.e. coursework or exam.
University email address. Find more details on the website: www.gcu.ac.uk/
student/exams
For Trimester A modules
Your results for Trimester A assessments will be Graduation
available after the results have been ‘signed off’ by the The graduation and award ceremonies take place in
module leader. Your academic department will send London and Glasgow in a location near the campus.
you an email detailing your performance for all You will graduate at the first ceremony after your
modules which have been assessed. award is confirmed. The fee to graduate, in person or
in absentia, is £45. If you are eligible to graduate, we
For Trimester B modules will send you information on how to register for
Your results for the whole year are published by the graduation. You must register if you wish to graduate.
appropriate assessment board. Results are normally Graduation information can be accessed on the
available in June. Graduation website along with information and FAQs
on the procedures and ceremonies www.gculondon.
For more information, see our exams guide: ac.uk/student/graduation/
www.gcu.ac.uk/student/exams
Contact the student office in the first instance who
Assessments would be happy to assist you or alternatively contact
You can find full details about your assessments in www.gcu.ac.uk/student/graduation
your module handbook. If you have any queries about
20University regulations,
student conduct and
complaints
When you register as a student, you agree to obey the • Be suspended
University’s regulations. There are regulations that • Be expelled
govern your behaviour in different areas, for example:
in examinations; using the library; paying your fees. In all cases you will have a right to appeal. For more
You must read the regulations by following the links at support and information you can contact GCUSA
the final stage of registration. Or go to the regulations Welfare support on 0141 273 1650 or email:
website at: www.gcu.ac.uk/student/about/regulations welfare@gcu.ac.uk
for the full Code of Student Conduct and Regulations.
Making a Complaint
You should also check your programme handbook for • Stage 1: Frontline Resolution: If you are considering
any specific regulations for your programme. Some of making a complaint to the University, you should
the things you shouldn’t do: first:
• Break any of our regulations, including health and • Try to sort out the problem with those who are
safety and IT regulations, including giving your directly involved. General complaints are resolved
password for University systems to someone else more easily and effectively at an early stage and
• Give someone else your student card by those who have a direct influence on the
• Give us false documents or information situation. We call this ‘Frontline Resolution’.
• Cause damage or other problems through • If you are a student, speak to a Student Adviser at
negligence the Glasgow Caledonian University Students’
• Damage or steal Association (GCUSA). GCUSA Student Advisers
• Have, use or misuse alcohol or drugs have a great deal of relevant experience and
• Harass, threaten or be violent to anyone knowledge of University procedures.
• Behave in any way that’s anti-social or breaks the • Stage 2: Complaint Investigation: If you cannot
law resolve your issue via Frontline Resolution or you
feel the matter is significant enough to merit a
If you are found to have broken the regulations: formal investigation, contact a member of staff in
One or more of these things can happen. You can: the Department Governance and Quality who will
• Be given a warning or reprimand talk you through the Complaints Handling Procedure
• Be fined or asked to pay for damage or loss and help you decide how to proceed.
• Be banned from University facilities for a time
• Lose your University email account for a time Staff in the Department can be contacted at
• Have your graduation parchment withheld complaints@gcu.ac.uk or via telephone on
• Have an assessment or an exam discounted 0141 331 8226
21University regulations, student
conduct and complaints
22Student life In this section you can find more information about living as a student in London. If you need any more information about these matters please contact advice@gculondon.ac.uk 23
Student life
Practical information
Bank accounts: The first thing to do in the UK is open • The course must last at least one academic year
a bank account to keep your money safe and • You must be required to attend for at least 24 weeks
accessible to you. There are lots of banks to choose out of the year Council Tax is charged to each
from, with different offers for students. GCU has links household. If you are living only with other full-time
with Santander, check out their website and details of students you will not have to pay Council Tax.
the offers they have at www.santander.co.uk or visit However, if you live with nonstudents, the
your local branch. Also visit the GCU London Student household will still receive a Council Tax bill,
Life page for information on what to look out for. To although your household may be entitled to a
open a bank account in the UK you will need: discounted rate. Please contact your local council
• Your passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit, for full details.
if you have one)
• A GCU London ‘Bank Letter’ which you can request If you are living in student accommodation you may
from GCU London Student Office reception not receive a Council Tax bill, as this is normally
• Proof of your address covered in your monthly payments. Please contact
your accommodation provider for full details. You can
Sometimes banks require extra documents. Make sure find out which council provides services in your area
you check with your bank to find out if they need any by visiting the website below and entering your
additional documents. postcode into the text field: local.direct.gov.uk/
LDGRedirect/Start. do?mode=1 you can also find out
You can find out more about the different types of more about Council Tax by visiting the website below:
bank account available by reading the ‘International www.direct.gov.uk (type ‘Students and Council Tax’
students: Opening a UK bank account’ leaflet at the into the search box in the top right-hand corner and
website below: www.bba.org.uk/publications/leaflets select the first link in the results).
You can also find more advice at: www.moneymade
clear.org.uk/publications In order to access a free Letter requests
budget calculator to help you manage your money, If you need a letter that confirms your study details at
please visit: www.studentcalculator.org.uk GCU London you can request this from GCU London
Student Office reception. You may need the following
Change of address: All students must update the letters at the start of your course:
University when they change their address. You can • Council Tax letter: Full-time students studying a
do this by emailing www.gcu.ac.uk/student/registry/ course that lasts at least one academic year do not
studentrecords/yourstudentrecord/changeyour have to pay Council Tax, but they must show a letter
addressandcontactdetails with full details. If you do to their local council.
not do this you will not receive important information • Confirmation of Student Status letter: You will need
sent by GCU and GCU London. It is also very this generic proof of your student status in order to
important that students who have Tier 4 student visas register with a doctor or register with the police (if
inform the UKVI (Home Office) when they change your visa requires you to do this).
address. You must complete the Migrant Change of • Bank letter: If you need to open a bank account, you
Circumstances form. will need evidence of your student status.
Council Tax: Council Tax is a charge that your local You can request additional letters throughout the year
council makes to cover costs. This includes services from GCU London reception or by emailing contact@
such as maintenance of roads and pavements, rubbish gculondon.ac.uk Please ensure that you include ‘Letter
collection and local libraries and museums. Students Request’ in the subject line and include your full name,
who are taking a course that meets the following student ID number and any specific requirements in
requirements do not have to pay this tax: the body of the email.
• You must be studying a full-time course (at least 21
hours per week)
24Accommodation It is very important that you arrange accommodation early as it can take a lot of time. This is particularly important if you would like to stay in some of the excellent student halls located near the campus as you may have to book your room early to avoid disappointment. 25
Accommodation
General advice Renting privately
You can find useful information at the websites below: It can be cheaper to rent privately, but there is
• www.studenthousing.lon.ac.uk (Click on ‘Getting often a lot of work involved in finding a place to stay.
Started’ and then ‘What are the options?’) A good way to search for private accommodation is
• www.studylondon.ac.uk/student_advisor (Click on through estate agents. The best way to find a good
the ‘Accommodation’ link) estate agent is by searching through the Association
• www.ukcisa.org.uk (Click on ‘Advice for students’ of Residential Letting Agents www.arla.co.uk or
and then ‘Complete list of information sheets’ where the National Association of Estate Agents
you will find one that covers ‘Accommodation’). www.naea.co.uk.
• www.london.gov.uk/priorities/housing-land/
renting-home London Rental Standard Private rented accommodation is usually cheaper but
often won’t include bills such as internet, water, gas
Urbanest etc. so you will need to budget for these on top of your
• urbanest Hoxton: This accommodation is located in rent. Rent will vary by area with the east of London
one of the coolest areas of the city, urbanest Hoxton generally being cheaper. You will normally be asked for
is a stone’s throw away from the art galleries, a larger deposit when you sign your contract (between
restaurants, nightlife and culture of East London. 4 and 8 weeks rent) plus the first month rent in
urbanest Hoxton is just a 20 minute walk from GCU advance.
London, and just 9 minutes away if you choose to
use one of their free bikes. Amazing transport links For further information on what to look out for check
connect Hoxton to the city around it. Whether it’s out our website www.gculondon.ac.uk/student/
from Old Street tube, Hoxton Overground or one of supportservices/accommodation/
the many bus routes from outside the building, you privaterentedaccommodation/
are never short of ways to get around.
• urbanest Tower Bridge: This accommodation is When renting privately it is extremely important to
situated in the heart of the City; urbanest Tower go through your contract before signing; make sure
Bridge is minutes away from the iconic Tower Bridge you are aware of your rights as a tenant and
and Tower of London. The tube and DLR stations are responsibilities and those of your landlord.
2 minutes away and there are various bus routes
that will take you across the city. Perfectly located For further help with accommodation contact the
for GCU students, urbanest Tower Bridge is the Student Services Team in room 2.5 or contact
place to be to enjoy the best London has to offer! accommodation@gculondon.ac.uk
From breath taking views of World Heritage Sites to
some of the best bars and restaurants in the city
right on your doorstep, urbanest Tower Bridge offers
you the best in London living.
26GCU Students’ Association – London Hello and welcome to your GCU London Students’ Association. The Students’ Association exists to represent the students at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) studying in Glasgow and London. GCU Students’ Association is separate from the University and is led by students at all levels. Working with the University, GCU Students’ Association is here to ensure the voice of students is heard and our aim is to ensure you have an outstanding experience while at GCU London. We have a Student Association Co-ordinator on campus to support, develop student representation and run activities. The Co-ordinator is your main point of call while in GCU London but as officers we will come down as often as possible to say hello. There are many different activities planned within GCU London by the Students’ Association, these will vary from social events to societies and other activities for you to get involved in, many run by students. The Students’ Association is here for you and look forward to working with GCU London to ensure you have a positive experience. If you would like to contact me directly please email: president@ GCUstudents.co.uk 27
Glasgow Caledonian University
Students’ Association (GCUSA)
Societies London Nightline
Last year the Luxury Society became GCU London’s During the hours of 6pm and 8am during term time,
first registered society providing a forum for students GCU London students can phone, email, chat or Skype
with similar interests across a range of courses to to London Nightline for a listening ear or for some
connect, and provide networking opportunities and information. You can call them on 0207 631 0101 or
news developments within the luxury industry. It is visit their website at www.nightline.org.uk to email or
also easy to start your own society with the GCU online chat. This service is independent from the
Students’ Association, you can receive funding and University.
support from us to do this. We currently have a wide
range of societies in areas including faith, hobbies, Societies
music and course-based activities so pop in and see You can participate in the Student Leaders Programme
how we can help. at GCU London. You can either sign up to attend a
seminar on a range of leadership subjects or if you
Student Advice become a volunteer with GCU London or the local
The Students’ Association is here to help you by community then you can register for the full
providing independent advice and support. Whether programme. On completion of the programme
your problem is academic or personal, we are here to students will receive a signed certificate from the
help, and if we can’t help we will point you in the right University Principal and Student President.
direction. You can drop into the Students’ Association
Office for help, phone us on 0141 273 1764 or email Events
London@GCUstudents.co.uk to arrange an The Students’ Association organises lots of events
appointment. throughout the year to provide a break from your
academic studies, try something new, and get to know
We specialise in academic representation that London or to make new friends.
includes:
• Academic Regulations including mitigating Find out more about how you can get involved with
circumstances and retrospective. the Students’ Association by visiting the website at:
• Academic appeals. www.GCUstudents.co.uk/London or emailing:
• Plagiarism and student disciplinarians. London@GCUstudents.co.uk
• Complaints.
28Around GCU London 29
Around GCU London
GCU London is located in a very interesting and
historic area of London, and there are many
things to do and places to see. Take one road
and within 10 minutes you find yourself in the
hustle and bustle of ‘the City’ – one of the
world’s leading financial centres; take another
and you are surrounded by restaurants and
fashion boutiques, where artists and designers
come to relax and socialise.
GCU London is very close to Brick Lane which is
famous for its Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants and
its fashionable Sunday market. The Rough Trade
Records store regularly runs in-store gigs around
lunch time, and the Old Truman Brewery houses a
variety of shops and restaurants, and regularly runs
art exhibitions.
Old Spitalfields Market (also simply known as
‘Spitalfields’) is just two minutes’ walk from GCU
London. The main market runs on a Sunday, but some
stalls open every weekday too, and there are many
restaurants and shops to visit. Old Spitalfields Market
also runs frequent fashion events, and has worked
with GCU London students in the past to put on a
fashion show.
In contrast to Spitalfields’ history you can find modern
skyscrapers just a short walk from campus in the City.
Heron Tower is one of the tallest buildings in London,
and is known for the huge aquarium in its reception.
Containing 1,200 tropical fish (all imported from
around the Great Barrier Reef) and 70,000 litres of
water, it is said to be the largest privately owned
aquarium in Europe. You can see many of London’s
famous skyscrapers from GCU London, including the
Gherkin, the Shard and One Canada Square (also
known as Canary Wharf).
30London life 31
London life
Social Activity over London, including in the West End, St Pauls and
The students association run activities on campus as the City, the Houses of Parliament and Regent’s Park
well as organising activities like nights out, bowling to name just a few locations. You can find full details
and many more. If you want to get involved you can at the website below: www.tfl.gov.uk (type ‘cycle’ into
become an “events volunteer”. Check out the new the search box and select the first link)
“GCU Student Association London” Facebook page
and the GCU London page on the Association website International Students’ House (ISH)
www. caledonianstudent.com/gculondon Whether you fancy seeing a film for free with friends
or can access under the NHS and privately in the UK,
Travelling around London thinking of taking a trip round Europe, ISH can help
Oyster cards are plastic travel cards onto which you you. They run regular social events for students, and
can add pay-as-you-go credit or monthly travel cards. have their own bar and gym offering discount prices.
You can use your Oyster card on almost all transport They run comedy nights, karaoke evenings, dance
in London, including the tube, buses and over ground classes and free film screenings on Sundays. Also, the
rail. If you purchase a paper ticket it will cost you ISH Travel Club regularly arranges discount trips
around twice the price that you would pay with an around the UK, Europe and even worldwide.
Oyster card. Also, TfL (Transport for London) offers a
30% discount to students. You can receive this All GCU London students, from any country (including
discount on weekly or monthly travel cards, but not on the UK) are automatically members. Simply show
pre-pay or single journeys. The discount applies to your Student card as photo ID to access events. For
bus, tube, tram and riverboat travel. To apply online full details, visit their website: www.ish.org.uk.
you will need the following things:
• Good-quality, colour, digital photo of yourself NUS Extra and ISIC cards
• Your student number The ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) is
• A credit or debit card with which to pay the £10 fee used both in the UK and across the world, and is the
once you have applied online TfL will send your only globally recognised student identity document. It
details to GCU London for authorisation, and the gives you access to a variety of discounts in many
whole process should take around two weeks. different countries. For full details visit their website:
www.isic.org
Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets and click on the
‘18+ Student’ link. Whilst you are waiting for your The National Union of Students (NUS) has created
Student Oyster card you may want to use a regular a special discount card, the ‘NUS Extra’ card, for
Oyster card which you can find at any tube station. university students in the UK. It entitles you to a
When you get your Oyster card you must top it up wide variety of discounts on a range of items, from
with £5 credit, after that you can add money as and clothes and books to meals out and driving lessons.
when you need it. For full details visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/ For full details or to apply visit: www.nus.org.uk/
oyster NUS-Extra. You can purchase both cards together
on the NUS website listed above for a special price
You can find many Santander cycle hire docking of £14.99.
stations in central London. At these docking stations
you will find around 10 – 15 bicycles that are available Health
for anyone to use. There is a charge for this service: If you are studying in the UK for at least six months,
you should pay an ‘access fee’ (as little as £1 to give most healthcare services in the UK will be free of
you usage for a day), and a ‘usage fee’. The usage fee charge under the NHS (National Health Service). For
only applies if you use your bicycle for more than more information read the ‘Keeping Healthy’
30mins, and is only £1 if you use the bicycle for less information sheet at the link: www.ukcisa.org.uk/
than an hour. student/information_sheets.php To locate healthcare
services, including GP surgeries, hospitals, dentists
There is a Santander cycle hire docking station at the and opticians, visit www.nhs.uk and enter your
end of Fashion Street, and there are many others all postcode into the ‘Find and choose services’ text field.
32If you are in need of healthcare but not sure where to You can find a list of local places of worship by visiting
go call NHS 111 who will advise on the best course of www.gculondon.ac.uk/student and clicking the ‘Places
care for you. of worship’ link. You can also find a full list in Tower
• GP: ‘GP’ stands for ‘General Practitioner’. Your GP is Hamlets (the borough in which GCU London is based)
your local doctor. One of the first things you should by visiting www.faithintowerhamlets.com and
do when you arrive in London is to register with a selecting ‘Places of worship’.
GP. To register with a GP you will need to bring your
passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit, if Gyms/leisure centres
you have one) and a Confirmation of Student Status There are several gyms in the local area. The nearest
letter. You will not have to pay to see your GP, but gym is Fitness First Nido. You will need to pay a
you will need to pay a set fee for medicine your GP membership fee for any gym you join. If you join a
prescribes. private gym (e.g. Fitness First or LA Fitness) you can
• Hospitals: Emergency hospital treatment is free to expect to pay between £35 - £60 per month, and
everyone in the UK, even if you are studying for less often you will need to enter into a contract for either 6
than six months. However, if you are studying for or 12 months. You can often access free exercise
less than six months in the UK any non-emergency classes as part of your membership.
hospital treatment will cost you money.
• Dentist: You can either receive dental care on the Alternatively you can join your local leisure centre.
NHS (at a cheaper rate), or privately (you pay the Leisure centres are funded by your local council, and
full cost of treatment). If you receive treatment on so are generally cheaper than private gyms. However,
the NHS you can expect to pay £20.60 for a whilst they often have more facilities (e.g. sports halls
standard check-up, if you receive private treatment and swimming pools) they are not as modern as the
it will be more expensive. However, it can take a private gyms. You can find full details of your local
long time to get an NHS appointment and some leisure centres on your council’s website.
dentists will only see private patients.
• Optician: It is sensible to have your eyes tested To find your local council visit the website below and
approximately once every two years by an optician. enter your postcode into the text field: local.direct.gov.
You can expect an eye test to cost between £17 and uk/LDGRedirect/Start.do?mode=1 London life London
£30. life International Students’ House (ISH) also have a
small gym. Monthly membership costs around £26.
Emergencies For more information visit: www.ish.org.uk/regents_
In case of emergencies call 999. You can reach Police, gym
Fire and Ambulance services by calling this number.
All emergency services are free of charge to everyone. Insurance
If you need to report a crime you should do this at the It is wise to take out contents insurance to cover the
nearest police station. There are two police stations cost of loss of your possessions. Endsleigh Insurance
very close to the GCU London campus: is not only recommended by the National Union of
• Brick Lane Police Station: 25 Brick Lane, London, E1 Students (NUS) and UK Council for International
6PU, T: 0300 123 1212 Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00-19:00 Student Affairs (UKCISA), but also offers insurance
Tues,Thurs 11:00-22:00 Sat, Sun 07:00-15:00 tailored to international students in the UK.
• Bishopsgate Police Station: 182 Bishopsgate,
London EC2M 4NQ, T: 020 7601 2606 Open 24 For more details visit their website: www.endsleigh.
hours every day. co.uk/students
Places of worship Most GCU London students do not require health
There are many places of worship in and around GCU insurance because anyone studying for longer than six
London. Within a mile of the University there are months in the UK can receive free healthcare on the
several mosques, churches and synagogues, and NHS. However, private treatment is available in the
throughout London you can find many places of UK, and if you wish to receive this you may find it
worship catering for the majority of religions. helpful to take out health insurance.
33London life
Work: Careers Support
During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to
speak to the experienced Careers Consultant, based at
GCU London. You’ll also benefit from a career success
workshop programme and employer and alumni
events. GCU London works closely with the wider
careers service, too, and you can access the
University’s Online Careers Service at www.gcu.ac.uk/
students/careers Here you will find helpful and
relevant information under the ‘course specific
information’ link.
If you have a student visa and need advice about
working in the UK you can arrange an appointment by
emailing advice@gculondon.ac.uk. You can also find
more useful information by visiting www.ukcisa.org.uk
and clicking the ‘Advice for International Students’
link. ‘Students’ link.
34Academic Development Centre
Learning Development Centre
The Learning Development Centre (LDC) is available What do I need to bring to an appointment?
to any student on any course at GCU London. The Please bring a printed copy of your assignment draft
Centre is staffed by Dr Anne Chapman. Anne works or plan, along with the guidance you have been given
closely with the other GCU London lecturers and can (e.g. the module guide). If the assignment has been
help you to understand and fulfil the academic marked, please also bring a copy of the feedback
requirements of your course through appointments, you’ve had.
online information, workshops and module-based
teaching. What else does the LDC offer?
There is a GCU London Academic Development
Why might I need to contact the LDC? community on GCU Learn which all London students
Anne can support you in developing the skills to have been enrolled in. This has several online courses
succeed on your course, including: to work through, to develop your abilities to be critical
• writing in an academic style and to plan and organise your writing, and other useful
• planning, structuring and editing your written work links and resources.
• tackling your reading list and using this information
in your writing Along with Ellen and Julie, the librarians, Anne teaches
• analysing rather than describing research a series of workshops on improving your writing and
• making the most of feedback editing skills which are open to all GCU students (see
• presentation and group work skills the Development Workshop Calendar), and may also
• organising and planning your workload deliver sessions as part of your course.
• effective revision techniques and exam preparation.
Help with your English language skills is provided by
Anne is here to help all students, of any current level Target English; these appointments can be booked at
of ability, to improve their work: whether you want to the library desk.
achieve a distinction or pass a re-sit.
What can’t the LDC help with?
How can I book an appointment? Anne cannot provide advice about the content of your
Thirty-minute, face-to-face appointments can be work; these questions need to be answered by your
booked online: https://londonadt.youcanbook.me/ . subject lecturer. Anne will not proofread your work
Please do not book more than one per week, so that as (e.g. checking for spelling and grammar errors, or
many students as possible can access appointments. providing detailed advice on a whole essay) as her role
This will also allow you time to implement Anne’s is to enable you to develop the ability to edit and
suggestions. Similarly, please ensure that your improve your own assignments.
appointment is at least two days before your deadline.
Useful Link: www.gculondon.ac.uk/student/
learningdevelopmentcentre
35You can also read
