Welcome Aashti
Hello and welcome to Goldsmiths! My name is Aashti, and I’m the International Student’s Officer. I’m originally from India, but I have grown up in the Middle East. Due to having such a diverse upbringing, it was relatively easy for me to adjust to the London lifestyle. This is a guide to help international students through their first few weeks at university. Sometimes, students from all across the world can feel a bit of culture shock from all of the new experiences to take in - that is where your Union comes in. We’re here to represent you as well as to guide you through any difficulties you may have. My advice to you: join clubs, in order to make new friends, and most importantly, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us for any advice, or if you have any questions. Email me at aashtib@hotmail.com. I hope you all enjoy your time at Goldsmiths!
Tama
Hello! I’m Tama the Welfare and Diversity Officer for Goldsmiths Students Union 2012/13. As Welfare and Diversity Officer my role covers many different things! I help students access the services they need, provide support for students who are struggling with welfare issues that impact on their studies as well as support students who face certain access issues (including international students). I also facilitate the SU liberation campaigns, which fight against sexism, racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and disablism. At a college level, I represent students on various college committees and in college forums to ensure that students’ voices are at the heart of the university system. You can find me in my office on the ground floor of the GSU building, or get in touch - tama.white@goldsmithssu.org.
What is a Students’ Union?
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is here to defend your rights as a student, to represent you to the college, to campaign on issues that are important to you and to offer advice, support and guidance on a variety of issues. We also put on events and run the bar, shop and nursery for students and staff at Goldsmiths to use. There are many ways to get involved in GSU you could work for us, you can join societies or sports teams, you can come use our advice service, put on events, campaign with us or even run for an elected position yourself!
WELCOME
For much more info on what we do, see the Goldsmiths Students’ Union guide.
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Culture Shock
Culture shock is a term that usually describes the the impact of moving from a culture that is familiar to you in to one that is unfamiliar. Most people will have felt some kind of culture shock before - going on abroad for a long holiday even. You may feel isolated, disorientated or lacking in confidence. Everyone finds different things more difficult to adapt to - some find the climate hardest to adjust to, for others it is the food, for others it’s leaving friends or the different learning expectations. All of these things get easier with time.
UK then you must talk to friends, family and the Union Advice Service at the Students’ Union. There is also the International Office, the chaplaincy and the Counselling Service that runs specific sessions for international students. (see directory). Getting involved in student societies or sports teams can also help you feel more at home and meet new people.
If you are experiencing culture shock, remember, you are not the only person going through this. It may help to speak to some of the other international students at Goldsmiths and it can sometimes be a good idea to talk to those people coming from your home country, or a similar cultural background - having a chat in your first language and discussing the differences you have found between your home country and the UK can help everyone get through the initial difficult stages. If you are feeling really unsure about settling into life in the
Language
If you are finding the language a bit tricky at first, don’t worry. Get some help from the International Office and the centre for english language and academic writing. And remember - it will get easier.You can also ask your personal tutor for help in how to write academic english. You will probably find that at first it is very tiring to speak and listen
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to a foreign language all day every day. Don’t worry, it will get easier. Even if you are fluent in english you may find that regional accents, slang and the speed at which people talk make it much harder to understand! Again, don’t worry, you will get used to it. If you are really struggling, you must talk to your personal tutor.
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Life in London Eating
In the New Cross area there is a good range of small restaurants and takeaway places to try - with all kinds of cuisines, reflecting the amazingly diverse nature of the area. There are also many specialist food shops in the area - try New Cross for east asian food shops, Deptford for halal meat, the Lewisham Way for Indian sweets and Lewisham for Russian and East European foods! The nearest markets for fruit and veg are Deptford and Lewisham where you can get seasonal produce for a much lower price than the supermarkets. There are plenty of places to eat on campus as well. For a quick bite to eat, there is the SU shop that sells the basics as well as Loafers cafe or the New Academic Building for coffee to takeaway. For lunch on campus there is the canteen in the Richard Hoggart Buiding and Café Natura on the 1st floor of the Students’ Union that sells delicious vegetarian and vegan hot food.
Drinking
Some students find the drinking cuture in the UK difficult to adjust to. Many universities in the UK do have a very strong drinking culture, this can be hard for any student who doesn’t drink a lot. Goldsmiths SU tries to cater for all students by running a wide range of events. We run a number of non-alcoholic events alongside the more traditional ones and hope that all students can find something to their liking.
LIFE IN LONDON
Opening Hours
In London most shops will open from 9am - 7pm on weekdays, although smaller shops may close at 5pm. On Sundays shops generally open later and close earlier, some may not open at all. In smaller towns and villages you may find that very few places are open past 5.30pm on any day of the week! The major supermarkets and newsagents will stay open longer, some are even 24 hrs.
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Travel London has a great transport system and Goldsmiths is very well connected to central London and the rest of the UK. There are many different ways to travel throughout London.
Oyster
An Oyster card is a plastic, electronic smart-card that you can use instead of paper tickets and is the cheapest way to travel around London. The 18+ student oyster card is the best deal for people in full time education, so make sure you get one as soon as you can. They can be bought online or in most underground stations. It costs ÂŁ5. You may decide that the best option for you is an 18 + student oyster card. To buy one go to www.photocard.tlf.gov.uk. Remember: for up to date transport information, timetables, prices and planned closures check out: www.tfl.gov.uk
Trains
LIFE IN LONDON
The closest train stations to Goldsmiths are New Cross and New Cross Gate stations. From here, you can get pretty much anywhere across the UK. The Tube is the network of underground trains that go all across the London area and services run from approximately 5am to 12.30pm. If you want to travel out of London, use http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
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Bus
London busses are great for getting to the places that aren’t connected by a train station. When trains no longer run at night time, there are night busses that run to various busses around London. For more information of busses that run from the New Cross area, see the following website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/ gettingaround/maps/buses/
Cabs/Taxis
The iconic Black cab can be hailed on the street - if the orange “taxi” light is on, then it is currently vacant. Cabwise: For a cab, text “cab” to 60835 andthey will text you the numbers of two local cab companies wherever you are in London.
Where could I go?
Recommended local destinations by students Shoreditch High Steet Take the London Overground (towards Highbury and Islington) to Shoreditch High Street - Explore Brick Lane, get beigels from the 24 hr beigel bake! Greenwich Take the 188 from outside New Cross Gate station to Greenwich - Look around the market and wonder through the park - climb the hill to the observatory, enjoy the view, If you get to Blackheath then you can get the 53 bus back into New Cross. London Bridge Take the National Rail service to London Bridge - Wander along the riverside! Either way is interesting! Mudchute Take the DLR to Mudchute and wander around Mudchute city farm
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Central London Take the 453/436 towards central London w- It takes a lot longer, but if you sit on the top floor you get a good impression of the differences in London, you also get a nice few over the river!
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Your Education UK academic culture
Academic culture and expectations vary according to the subject area. However, there are some general trends across UK higher education: • Students often work independently, studying on their own for significant periods of time. • Students are expected to develop critical judgement, which means an ability to assess whether an argument is coherent and well supported by evidence. • Learning large amounts of factual data is important in some subject areas, but in many cases a critical approach is considered more important.
Goldsmiths academic culture
At Goldsmiths most departments feel fairly informal. People will normally address each other on first name terms and staff and students engage with each other is discussions. In seminars or conveners you are normally encouraged to express your own thoughts, opinions and interpretations.
Referencing
Different institutions have different referencing styles and it is very important that you make sure that you know which one you are meant to use. Goldsmiths also has strict guidelines concerning plagiarism which you should read carefully and ensure that you understand. If you are unsure about any of these issues you must go and speak to your personal tutor.
YOUR RIGHTS, WELFARE, EDUCATION
Understanding
If you find it hard to understand a lecturer it is worth asking if they mind you recording the lecture so you can listen to it at again at your own pace. Most lecturers will be happy for you to do this, but it is always better to ask first!
Seeking help and support
If you need to clarify something or get some academic advice or guidance then you should be able to see staff during their “office hours”, a designated time during the week when they are available to see students, staff may have sign up sheets on their office doors or you can email them and ask for an appointment.
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Your Rights Working
The first thing to check if you are considering getting a part time job during your stay is the information on your visa. Most people on a Tier 4 visa will be able to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, it is vital to check your own visa regulations before you start the hunt. You will also need to get a National Insurance number. To do this you must contact Jobcentre Plus who will give you an interview to which you will need to bring proof of address, your passport and any other relevant identity documents. If/when you get a job, your employer should give you a contract in writing, no more than two months after you start work. This should set out your pay, holidays, sick pay and pension, and should say how much notice you must give if you want to leave. There is a national minimum wage of 5.80 (age 22+) or 4.83 (18-21), and people in full-time employment should receive at least four weeks’ paid holiday a year.You will automatically be subject to UK taxation laws once you start earning, although you will generally not be working enough hours to pay a significant amount of tax. Whilst employed you have a right to: • be treated fairly at work, regardless of your gender, race, nationality, sexuality, religion or any disability you have • be paid the same wage for a job, whether you are a man or a woman • join a trade union - there is a GMB branch at GSU who can be contacted here: nick. turner@gmbstudents.org
Immigration
The UK Immigration system is complex and often very difficult to navigate, be sure to take advice from a qualified advisor in the college if you are unsure about anything to do with your status. It is also very important to be aware that if you miss enrollment, fail to meet course attendance requirements, withdraw or defer from your course or breach your visa regulations then the college is obliged to inform the UK Border Agency (UKBA). So, if for any reason you miss something or want to change courses, speak to an advice worker and your personal tutor to make sure that you are not at risk of investigation by UKBA. In an ideal situation the fear of being harassed by border controls wouldn’t be an issue for students. This is why Goldsmiths Students Union have an active campaign called Students Not Suspects, which is concerned with fighting to change the immigration controls for international students. As a union, we are calling for the scrapping of the Points Based Immigration System, which makes it impossible for some students to study here in the UK.We also believe that the college should not be recording extra details concerning all the movements of international students, it is unnecessary and discriminatory. We also oppose the government scrapping the post study work visa - something which has cut the opportunities for many international students. If you would like to get involved in campaigning around these issues then do drop us an email! www.goldsmithssu.org
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Your Welfare Healthcare Entitlements
When you arrive in the UK you should register with a local doctor as soon as possible. The nearest surgery to Goldsmiths is the New Cross Health Centre (see directory). The level of health care you are able to receive in the UK will depend on your visa, however, ALL students are entitled to free primary healthcare which includes treatments in an emergency. The National Health Service (NHS) is the public healthcare system in the UK. Generally if your course is six months or longer then you will automatically qualify for NHS services. There are, however, certain services that are always free of charge, no matter what your immigration status: • treatment given in an accident and emergency (A&E) department or in an NHS walk-in centre that provides services similar to those of an A&E department • treatment for certain infectious diseases (but for HIV/AIDS, only the first diagnosis and counselling that follows it are free) • compulsory psychiatric treatment • family planning services Sexual health information and things such as dental dams, lube and condoms of all shapes, sizes and flavours are also available for free in the Students Union building. UKCISA provide a very detailed information sheet which contains all sorts of information concerning your entitlements to health care in the UK.
Emergencies
YOUR RIGHTS, WELFARE, EDUCATION
If you need urgent medical help then you should dial 999 and ask for the ambulance service. If you are able to travel then you may be able to make your own way to an accident and emergency centre by public transport or a taxi. NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, 0845 46 47) is a confidential helpline that is available 24 hours a day to offer advice and information about health issues. You will be asked for some details and a contact number. A nurse will call you back with some advice about your condition. They can also advise you where the nearest specialist surgeries or pharmacies are.
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Housing
It is important that if you are not staying in halls of residence that you check out all your rights concerning private sector accommodation - accommodation provided through private landlords or letting agencies. The Students’ Union can help you with this - email tama.white@goldsmithssu.org for information regarding looking for housing. Do also look out for our “Know Your Rights: Housing” sessions throughout the year. If you are having problems in halls of residence or in private sector then you can come and speak to Tama and/or Limahl the GSU advice worker who will try to help you sort the issues out.
Crime & Your Safety
During your stay here, you have the right to be treated fairly and lawfully regardless of your race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any disability. A hate incident is any incident where the victim or another person believes that they, the victim, have been targeted because of their actual or perceived: • Race • Religion • Sexual orientation • Disability • Gender identity Hopefully your time living in London will be problem free, however should something happen the Students Union also operates as a third party hate crime reporting site. This means that you have been a victim of a hate crime you can come and report it via the union instead of going to the police, although in an emergency obviously do call 999. For more information contact tama.white@goldsmithssu.org
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Useful information Prices
Something that many international students find it hard to get used to is working out what a “reasonable” price for basic items is! So to try to help here is a list of some of the things you might be buying when you arrive: Milk - 2 pints for around 90p Bread - One loaf £1.10 Saucepan - £5 for a cheap ish one! Lunch on campus - Between £2- £6
Climate
British weather tends to be quite variable throughout the year.Wherever you go in the UK you will hear people talking about the weather. Whilst it does rain quite often, it can also be very sunny. As a general rule the seasons in the UK are divided up like this: Spring - March/April/May Summer - June/July/August Autumn - September/October/November Winter - December/January/February For more info and up to date weather info www.metoffice.gov.uk
Daylight Saving Time
USEFUL INFORMATION
The UK has a system whereby the clocks change twice a year. In Spring the clocks go backwards by one hour and in the autumn they go backwards. In 2013 the clocks go forward on 31st March at 1am to 2am and on 27th October they go backwards at 2am to 1am.
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Electricity
The power supply is 240 volts and the plug sockets have three square pins - if you are bringing electrical items it is good idea to bring an adaptor with you, although they are available in stores in the UK.
Measures
The British system of weights and measures is nonsensical - we use a mixture of metric and imperial measurements. Here are some of the most common puzzling ones to be aware of: Roads - Miles and yards Beer and Milk - Usually measured in pints (1 pint - 568ml) Weight - Often measured in “stone” (50 kg - 7.9 stone - 110lbs) All other measures and weights tend to be metric.
Driving
On the left!
Phones
There are lots of different mobile phone networks in the UK. Shop around and look for those which best meet your needs. Consider if you will be making calls home, if so, look for country specific sim cards and deals. Do some internet research and don’t be tempted to go for the first thing you see!
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Tips
from
international students learn the slang
or different terms that are used for everyday items (pants do not mean the same thing in the UK as in the US)
explore Deptford, there are loads of
interesting art
projects and cafes!
Keep all of your personal documents and things relating to your student visa organized in a folder for your first trip to the UK-
- discover the politics in the UK!
Use www.timeout.com/london to British food find stuff to do!
bad!
USEFUL INFORMATION
Purchase a London inexplicable A-Z or some kind of t e m p e r a t u r e app to help when environments in the library you inevitably get and RHB Get a 16 - 25 railcard lost in an unknown and explore part of the city the country
demonstrations
Be prepared to deal with
Go on the protests and
they will ask to see them in border control
isn’t get involved in University life t h a t and to meet like-minded students! Attend fresher’s fayre, it is a great way to
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Directory Students’ Union
Local Health Services
GSU Tel: 020 8692 1406
NHS Direct Tel: 0845 46 47 Textphone: 0845 606 4647 (for the deaf and hard of hearing) Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Welfare and Diversity Officer - tama. white@goldsmithssu.org Education Officer soren.goard@ goldsmithssu.org President- samson.osun@goldsmithssu.org Campaigns Officer - conrad.grant@ goldsmithssu.org International Students Officer - aashtib@ hotmail.com
Student Services International Office Tel. +44 (0)20 7919 7702 E-mail international-office@gold.ac.uk Centre for English Language and Academic Writing Tel. +44 (0)20 7919 7402 E-mail langstudies@gold.ac.uk Accommodation Office Tel. +44 (0)20 7919 7192 E-mail accommodation@gold.ac.uk Advice Team E-mail student-advice(@gold.ac.uk Chaplaincy Tel: +44 (0)20 7717 2953 Email chaplaincy@gold.ac.uk Counselling Service Tel: +44 (0)20 7919 7472 Email counselling-service@gold.ac.uk
New Cross Health Centre 40 Goodwood Road New Cross London SE14 6BL Tel: 020 3049 2249 Waldron Health Centre - Sexual Health Clinic Stanley Street London SE8 4BG Tel. 020 3049 3500 Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm Fri 11am-5pm
Other UKCISA - http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/ International Students House - http://www. ish.org.uk/ University of London Union -www.ulu.co.uk University of London Housing Serviceshttp://housing.london.ac.uk/cms/ NUS International Students Officer Daniel.Stevens@nus.org.uk
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Disability Team Tel. +44 (0)020 7717 2292 E-mail disability@gold.ac.uk www.goldsmithssu.org
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