Congratulations! You have made it to the start of a great journey, and we are delighted to welcome you.
There will be quite a few things to do when you arrive so to help you make the best start, you can follow our checklist below:
Complete your enrolment and collect your Student ID
Find your way around your campus
Attend all the introductory sessions for your course– don’t miss any classes!
Find out more about our fantastic Student Union and the clubs, societies and activities available for free through The Big Deal!
Interact with as many new people as possible
You will receive details of when and where to meet with our Compliance team to complete Stage 2 of your enrolment This is an inperson document check in which you will have to provide:
• Passport (that you uploaded a copy to CAS Shield for as part of the online enrolment process)
• UKVI Decision Letter
• Original Qualification Documents
• Evidence of your Secure English Language Test (e.g., IELTS)
• Entry Clearance Visa
In this session, you will also be collecting your Biometric Residence Permit. Once you successfully enrol, you will also be able to collect your BNU ID card, which is needed as a swipe access card to get around the University.
If you are living in private accommodation, you will also be able to apply for a council tax exemption certificate.
If you have chosen to collect your BRP from the local Post Office please ensure you have this first before visiting our Compliance Team, as a requirement of the in-person enrolment process is to scan a copy of your BRP.
One of the best experiences of attending university is moving into university accommodation, where you will meet your life-long friends. There are some things to remember to make this a smooth experience, and we will share these in our top tips for moving into halls. Our best piece of advice? Be open minded and have fun!
Remember:
• Everyone is in the same situation
• Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with other students
• Connecting with people before moving in makes it all a little bit easier too, you can do this through our Unibuddy Community
• Take it all in, this is a big change and you’re not going to adapt within a few seconds or minutes
• Take a break, tidy up, unpack, and make your room your own. Your flatmates are likely to be moving in at the same time, so make sure to say hello, make conversation, or even pick up from where you left off if you’ve already met virtually
• Go to a communal area like your kitchen to sit down, chat and introduce yourself
Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your first day with your new friends.
Stay in contact with those at home, this really helps. After all, you’ve experienced a lot of change in one day, so if you feel like a phone call or face-time will help, do it. Your new friends will understand. Make sure to keep everyone from home up to date with what you’re doing. Although moving away can be challenging, it can be difficult for those left at home too.
Whether you’re living in a studio flat or a shared flat, it’s beneficial to mix with people outside of your flat. So, get your friends together and visit other flats. Meeting new people is the best thing about moving into halls, doing this in the first day sets up your Freshers Week to be really fun. There’s even the chance you’ll meet those on your course, giving you people to walk and sit with. University is the opportunity to find yourself and meet some amazing people
When you first arrive, it can be a bit disorientating, but it won’t take you long to find your way around campus and settle in. Make sure to join campus tours with our student ambassadors, ask lots of questions and if you find yourself lost on campus, just ask and our friendly community of staff and students will be able to help you.
To see the map of our Uxbridge Campus, please scan the QR code below
Wycombe
You can open a bank account as soon as you arrive! Once you’re enrolled, you can request a status letter at the Student Hub which proves you’re a Buckinghamshire New University student. This can be used to set up a student bank account.
All students will require the following documents when opening a bank account in the UK:
A completed application form from the bank with which you wish to open an account.
Proof of identity.
Confirmation of your full-time registration at Buckinghamshire New University.
Evidence of your current UK address.
Evidence of your overseas address.
During welcome week we recommend you sign up with a local GP who will be your point of contact if you are in need of medical attention while studying at BNU.
It only takes a few minutes and having access to a local doctor is a really important part of your self-care.
If you’re living in halls, then these are your closest options:
• Carrington House Surgery
• Chiltern House Medical Centre
• Riverside Surgery
• Priory Surgery
If you’re not moving into halls, or you’re based near our Uxbridge or Aylesbury campuses you can always find your closest GP Surgery on the NHS website: www.nhs. uk/service-search/find-a-GP
• You will need to complete a registration form which you will be able to collect from the GP practice. The GP receptionist will be able to explain the steps on the form if you need any help
• You will need to show your enrolment letter to prove you are a student at BNU, you can get this from our Student Hub
• You will usually also be asked about any existing medical conditions you have and your past medical history, for example whether you have asthma or have previously had a serious illness
• If you do have existing medical conditions, it may be helpful to bring along details of your diagnosis and treatment. Where possible, international students should try to bring a letter from their doctor explaining any medical conditions or illnesses.
• Proof of identity i.e., a passport / identity card / driving license.
• Proof of address i.e., a bank statement / utility bill registered to your term time address.
Each GP surgery will have its own system for making appointments. Make sure you know how to book. You can ask the receptionist, phone the practice or visit their website. There are no charges for seeing a GP for an appointment and the cost of prescriptions is £9.65 per item, which are dispensed at a pharmacy or chemist.
Top tip: You might find it useful to make notes of what you want to discuss with the GP or questions you want to ask them. If you want to, you can ask a friend or relative to go with you.
Buckinghamshire New University’s main campus is in the middle of High Wycombe – a student-centred town offering the whole package to make your university years memorable. High Wycombe has everything you could need right on your doorstep.
The Eden Centre is right next to the University campus, with over 100 shops! Plus, there are various restaurants to choose from and leisure experiences including a multiplex cinema, bowling centre and arcade.
Also, High Wycombe hosts a lively street market three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays) with a whole array of small street food vendors catering for every possible taste and budget.
And, of course, High Wycombe is just a short train ride away from London, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to shopping.
As well as the usual big chains – Wagamama’s, Pizza Express, Nandos –High Wycombe boasts a whole host of smaller artisan restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Here are our international favourites:
Kappad
Fancy something spicy? Kappad is renowned for its amazing southern Indian cuisine but there is no shortage of alternatives serving late into the night.
INDIAN
The American Smoke House Blue Grass serves huge portions of BBQ, burgers and dirty fries all day for really low prices.
AMERICAN Noodle Nation
Inspired by traditional Asian street food, Noodle Nation is the place to go for freshly cooked oriental food in a trendy and relaxed atmosphere.
ASIAN Brasileiro
A great place to buy Brazilian groceries and products! You can get a taste of Brazil with the typical ‘street food’ snacks and the store has its own butcher’s with delicous cuts of meat for a delicious barbeque!
BRAZILIAN
When you catch a whiff of the gorgeous smelling dishes you will know that Zink are passionate about their food. They offer traditional Caribbean cuisine with a twist to turn up the flavours.
CARIBBEAN
If you love generous portions, Mezza House is the place for you. Offering typical, delicious Lebanese dishes for a student-friendly price. We personally recommend the Shawarma wrap!
LEBANESE
LA-Koco Coffee is a gem in High Wycombe offering delicious Nigerian coffee along with traditional cakes and snacks. If you head over at lunch time, you will also find that they do authentic Nigerian Jollof Rice.
NIGERIAN
One of the world’s greatest cities is only a short train ride away from High Wycombe. You will be able to experience all the best parts of city life and discover what the capital has to offer. From theme parks and zoos to marathons and carnivals, there’s a whole host of days out and attractions to enjoy in your spare time.
You’ll find lots of things to do to fit a student budget. We recommend making the most of free attractions and student discounts.
Head for the craft beer at Heidrun, cocktails of all persuasions at Bar Botanic, live music and even livelier atmosphere at The Antelope. High Wycombe is renowned for independent bars with real character all within a couple of minutes’ walk of BNU campus and our accommodation.
The best nightclub in town is our very own. The Venue in the Bucks Students’ Union hosts the infamous Frat Night Friday, regular live bands, theme nights,
live appearances and the monthly Saturday Crash night. But if you want to try something different, there are plenty of other bars and clubs in the town centre, many with all night licenses.
The brilliant PennFest music festival is right on your doorstep! It gets bigger and better each time. It’s easy to get to from High Wycombe and you can camp for the weekend to enjoy the two stages, bars and food venues.
As well as the larger music venues there are many more intimate settings in local pubs and clubs that host live bands adding to the vibrant music scene in High Wycombe.
The Swan Theatre is right on the doorstep of the University and attracts famous names for a variety of comedy, music, opera, dance and cultural events.
High Wycombe is surrounded by the beautiful Chiltern Hills. Whilst the University campus and our accommodation is all on the flat, High Wycombe is very much a land of hills.
Within walking distance of the University is the Wycombe Lido, with its heated outdoor main pool, plus grass and terraced sunbathing areas. Open all year for swimming followed by a stroll around the sprawling Rye, a huge open green space for picnics, sport, games or just hanging out with your friends.
How about a spot of heritage for when your family come to visit? Look no further than the National Trust’s Hughenden Manor, the family home of Disraeli, or the elegance of West Wycombe Park. And the Bradenham Estate and the scenic village of Bradenham is nearby with its cottages, village green and cricket pitch.
With all this going on, why would you ever want to leave?
Well, London is just a 27-minute train journey away, meaning you can take in the culture and sights of the capital and return home to High Wycombe at the end of the day (or night).
If you fancy a bit of high-end shopping then a train ride of 30 minutes in the opposite direction to Bicester Shopping Village has over 160 luxury fashion, lifestyle, beauty & homeware outlet boutiques. Stay on a few more stops and explore Oxford.
Rivers
The charming towns of Henley and Marlow are just a short distance from High Wycombe and offer their worldfamous rowing regattas, rowing clubs and opportunities for sailing and open water swimming. Or how about a day trip to the historic town of Windsor, which has been one of the homes of the British Royal Family for centuries.
River Wye
We are very privileged at BNU with our fantastic library. Located over three floors, with some of the best views of High Wycombe and the surrounding hills, we have thousands of books, hundreds of computers, laptop loans, Mac suites, lots of private study space and even some drinking fountains.
For those who prefer to study at later hours of the day, our library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – so, if you wish to write your essay at 3am on a rainy Tuesday night, we are here for you! Don’t worry, we have 24-hour security, so the library is always a safe space no matter when you choose to study.
We have an extensive collection of eBooks to make your studying even easier, self-checkouts and returns, access to printing facilities and super friendly librarians to help you with anything you may need.
Having a great time at university is about creating the right balance between social and study, and at BNU we have everything you need in our vibrant on-campus community.
A GOOD QUESTION. THE BIG DEAL MEANS;
BNU IS THE ONLY UNIVERSITY IN THE UK TO OFFER FREE ACCESS TO A HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ENRICH YOUR TIME WITH US.
5,500 opportunities to participate in FREE recreational activities.
200 fully trained and supported student representatives.
50+ different active societies that are FREE to join.
5,000 hours of FREE additional skills training offered.
30+ different competitive and recreational sporting opportunities.
250 FREE events in a diverse programme of entertainments.
FREE sports
FREE recreational activities
FREE events and entertainment
FREE additional skills workshops
FREE societies
Part-time job vacancies
Did you know that Bucks Students’ Union has been voted in the top 5 SUs in the country for the last 5 years?
It is no surprise to us because our Students’ Union hosts a huge range of FREE daytime and evening entertainment from the famous Freshers Week to guitar lessons, to quiz nights and movie nights. All hosted in the amazing Lounge Bar and Café and The Venue, our nightclub and live music venue and all FREE to our students.
But it is so much more than just a place to get a cheap pint and have a laugh (although that is, of course, very important!) As a BNU student you automatically become a member of our Students’ Union and access to all it can offer.
*As ranked among taught students at non-specialist HEIs (NSS 2023).
Bucks Students’ Union believe in putting their members first, and as part of our exclusive Big Deal package, we are the only University in the UK to offer members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities.
Where to find us?
Student Hub in the Atrium
The Student Hub is a central point for information, offering a range of services including, providing student letters, approvals for railcard applications and more. We aim to help answer all your queries or signpost you to the right place.
Functions:
• Letters (for opening a bank account, right to work or registering with a GP) Please note that there is a turnaround time of 3-5 days
• ID Card (photo needed beforehand)
• Railcard
• Accommodation queries
• Changing personal data
• Wellbeing
• Over-the-counter payments (tuition fees, accommodation, etc.)
Where to find us?
E2.08, High Wycombe Campus
Academic Registry is responsible for functions such as your enrolment and registration, and your progression and achievement during your studies. If you face any difficulties with your deadlines for example, the Academic Registry will support you with mitigating circumstances and extensions. At the end of your course, your certifications will also come from Academic Registry.
Ensure you are checking your university emails as well as Blackboard for any announcements about your course.
Where to find us?
N1.01, High Wycombe Campus
• The SLA is the place to go if you may be struggling to understand an assignment task, need help with English in your essay, or just want some English study tips. We recommend that you take advantage of the SLA as an international student to really boost your Academic and Professional English.
• You can also take part of the English for Academic Skills (EAP) workshops which usually run at the start of each term. These are informal sessions designed to help you understand basic academic skills, such as essay planning, writing style and referencing.
Where to find us?
N1.11, High Wycombe Campus
Whatever your faith, or even if you have none, if you are looking for spiritual guidance or want to find a place to worship, our multi-faith team should be your first port of call. We offer pastoral support and act as a point of contact for local faith communities.
Where to find us?
N1.12, High Wycombe Campus
As an international student, you will be experiencing many changes that you will slowly adapt to. You will be dealing with a mix of emotions, from excitement to uncertainty and it can all be quite overwhelming. So, if you ever feel like you need a bit of extra support, we can offer professional therapy and help away from your day-to-day environment. It’s all confidential, and completely free too.
Academic Registry
Registryservices@bnu.ac.uk
Accommodation
Accommodation@bnu.ac.uk
Counselling
Counselling@bnu.ac.uk
Finance Income@bnu.ac.uk
International Compliance Team complianceadmin@bnu.ac.uk
IT Support IT@bnu.ac.uk
Multi-faith Chaplaincy Students@bnu.ac.uk
Student Learning Achievement SLA@bnu.ac.uk
Student Union Union@bnu.ac.uk
The Gateway Gym Fitness@bnu.ac.uk
The Gateway Library Library@bnu.ac.uk
The Student Hub Students@bnu.ac.uk
During term-time you are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Travel during term-time is not permitted. If it is an emergency, you must contact compliance-admin@bnu.ac.uk for approval before making any arrangements.
How can I update my address and personal contact details?
If your address, phone number or email address change, email Academic Registry via registryservices@bnu.ac.uk or visit them in E2.08 of the High Wycombe Campus to inform them of changes.
Fees can be paid online via bnu.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/make-payment
First make sure that you have checked all locations where it may possibly be. Do a thorough search before reporting it to the Home Office because once your BRP is cancelled, it cannot be reversed.
If it is lost, you will need to report the loss of your BRP to the Home Office and local police. If you lost your BRP in the UK and are making a replacement application straight away, you may choose to report the loss at the same time as making the replacement application
Visit International FAQ’s for more information: bnu.ac.uk/international-faqs
High Wycombe Campus
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ
Aylesbury Campus
59 Walton Street
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire HP21 7QG
Uxbridge Campus
106 Oxford Road
Uxbridge
Middlesex UB8 1NA
BNU based at Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Road
Iver Heath
Buckinghamshire SL1 0NH
Missenden Abbey
London Road
Great Missenden
Buckinghamshire HP16 0BD
This publication was produced by Buckinghamshire New University. © Buckinghamshire New University.
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