International Students' Handbook 2013/14 by Goldsmiths Students' Union

Welcome to Goldsmiths What is a Students’ Union? Goldsmiths Students’ Union is here to defend your rights as a student, to represent you to the University, 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 the SU. You could work for us, join societies or sports teams, you can come use our advice services, put on events, campaign with us or even run for an elected position! For much more information on what we do, check online at www.goldsmithssu.org

Your Welfare & Diversity Officer I’m Joe and I’m your Welfare & Diversity Officer for 2013-14.

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I’m here to offer support, representation and sign-posting to Goldsmiths students who may encounter issues during their time at university. International students in particular face a whole range of issues specific to spending time studying abroad. You can contact me with questions about: • Housing and tenants rights as an international student • Coping with homesickness and culture shock • How to access our disability and mental health support (dyslexia screenings, emergency crisis support services, physical support, counselling services, and more) • Information on the legality of sexuality and gender identity in the UK. I can also point you in the

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

right direction of college-based support for improving English language skills. Basically, I’m here to help you make sure the SU and University are attentive to diversity and the many differing needs of our students. So feel free to get in touch, even if you just want someone to have a cup of tea with! Pop into the Stephen Lawrence office on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building (the purple building) on Dixon Road or email me at welfare@goldsmithssu.org anytime.

Your International Student Officers Hello and welcome to Goldsmiths! We’re Shambhavi and Nihansu, your International Students Officers for the year. Having both come from international backgrounds, myself (Shambhavi) growing up in Singapore, London, Hong Kong and Bangalore, and Nihansu in Istanbul, we understand what it’s like to move to a city like London and adjust to your new surroundings. Throughout the year we plan to organise activities and events for all of us to get to know each other better and make the transition easier and more enjoyable. Please feel free to get in touch for any suggestions you may have for events you’d like to see us organise! We’re here to represent you and

guide you through any sort of difficulties you may have. We hope this handbook helps you through the first few weeks but please don’t hesitate to contact us for any advice, or if you have any questions. Our emails are va101sb@gold.ac.uk and va101na@gold.ac.uk Feel free to approach us if you see us around, we’re always happy to have a personal chat!

Culture Shock Culture shock is a term that usually describes the the impact of moving from a culture that is familiar to you to one that is unfamiliar. Most people will have felt some kind of culture shock before, going abroad for a long holiday, for example. 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, leaving friends or the different learning expectations. But all of these things get easier with time.

If you are feeling unsure about settling into life in the UK, then you must talk to people. Talk to your friends, family and us here at the SU. It may help to speak to some of the other international students at Goldsmiths because sometimes talk to those people coming from your home country, or a similar cultural background can put you at ease. Having a chat in your first language and discussing the differences you have found between your home and the UK can help everyone get through the initial difficult stages.

If you are experiencing culture shock, remember that you are not the only person going through this. Getting involved in student societies or sports teams can also help you feel more at home and meet new people.

There is also the International Office, the Counselling Service and our Union Advice Service.

www.goldsmithssu.org

Life in the UK Language If you are finding the language a bit tricky at first, don’t worry. Get some help from the International Office and remember that it will get easier. You can also ask your personal tutor for help in how to write academic English. At first, you will probably find that it is tiring to speak and listen 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 then talk to your personal tutor or the International Office.

Daylight Saving Time The UK has a system whereby the clocks change twice a year. In Spring, the clocks go backward by one hour and in the autumn, they go backwards.This year the clocks change on: • Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1am • Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 1am clocks are turned forward 1 hour to 2am

Climate Everyone has heard about the British weather. Wherever you go in the UK, you will probably find people grumbling about it, but really, it isn’t that bad. Yes, it does rain, but the weather is generally quite varied. Sometimes it is warm, sometimes quite warm! 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

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For up to date weather forecasts you can look at www.metoffice.gov.uk

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.

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

Measures The British system of weights and measures is pretty 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.

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, and 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! If you have friends of family who want to contact you by telephone while you’re in the UK the international code is +44

Bank Accounts Opening a bank account is essential to being a student and living in London. There are many banks that cater to international students. Make sure you do your research regarding which one will be the best for you in terms of transfer fees and exchange rates.You will need certain documents from the University to open a bank account, so make sure you visit or call the bank before to find out exactly what you will need. You will be able to get these documents from Student Services in the Richard Hoggart Building.

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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.

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 make sure that you understand. If you are unsure about any of these issues, go and speak to your personal tutor.

Understanding If you find it hard to understand a lecturer, then ask them if you can record the lecture so that you can listen to it later. Most lecturers will be happy for you to do this, but it is always better to ask first!

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Goldsmiths Academic Culture At Goldsmiths, most departments are quite informal. People will normally address each other using their first names when staff and students engage with each other in discussions. In seminars or convener meetings, you are normally encouraged to express your own thoughts, opinions and interpretations. • There is an open-door policy in most departments. You can attend lectures and talks from other courses that may be of interest to you • Throughout the year, every department organises interesting talks, film screenings and other cultural events, so keep checking www.gold.ac.uk for updates • Zero tolerance to any kind of discrimination.We try to maintain a safe and friendly environment for everyone to be open and comfortable. Please be aware that using ‘ghost-writing’ agencies that offer professional word processing services, correction/improvement of English in the preparation of essays or reports is strictly forbidden and can have serious consequences. For more details see: www.gold.ac.uk/student-services/assessments/

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

Seeking help & support If you need to clarify something or get some academic advice or guidance, then you should be able to see staff during their â&#x20AC;&#x153;office hoursâ&#x20AC;?, 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. If you feel you need support with your studies in any way, you can either contact your tutor or a member of the SU for support and guidance.

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Your welfare Healthcare entitlements

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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, such as: • 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 • In the UK homosexuality/same-sex relationships are legal and the age of

consent is 16-years-old for all genders. • Contraception is free and can be obtained from most GP surgeries, community contraception clinics, some genitourinary medicine (GUM) and sexual health clinics. • Abortions are also legal here and there is the possibility of the NHS paying for procedure in some cases. 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. If you find yourself in a situation where you need confidential advice on sex or pregnancy you can contact Joe anytime (welfare@goldsmithssu.org). UKCISA provide a very detailed information sheet which contains all sorts of information concerning your entitlements to health care in the UK. 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.

Emergencies The emergency number in the UK is 999, and the Police non-emergency number is 101. Alternatively, 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.

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

Crime and 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 Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union also operates as a third party hate crime reporting site. This means that if 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 Joe at welfare@goldsmithssu.org

Housing If you are not staying in halls of residence, you must check out all your rights concerning private sector accommodation (accommodation provided through private landlords or letting agencies). The Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union can help you with this. Email Joe or Howard, the campaigns officer, for information about looking for housing. Howard is working on campaigns surroudning housing rights this year so look out for his sessions on housing during the year. You can contact Howard by email at campaigns@goldsmithssu.org If you are having problems in halls of residence or in the private sector housing, then you can come and speak to Joe and/or Limahl, our advice co-ordinator, who will try to help you sort the issues out. Limahlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s email address is limahl.macfarlane@ goldsmithssu.org.

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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 £6.31 (age 22+) or £5.03 (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. While 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: gmb@goldsmithssu.org.

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Immigration The UK Immigration system is complex and often very difficult to navigate. Be sure to take advice from a qualified advisor in the University 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

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

or breach your visa regulations then the University is obliged to inform UK Border Agency (UKBA). So, if for any reason you miss something or want to change courses, etc., speak to an advice worker and your personal tutor to make sure that you are not at risk of investigation by UKBA.

TOP TIPS

FROM

INTERNATIONAL

If you need oriental food fast, try YIP next to Dean House on the New Cross Road.

STUDENTS Get a 16 - 25 railcard and explore the country

For cool exhibitions in galleries and museums check out newexhibitions.com

Join

Societies Be prepared to deal with inexplicable temperature environments in the library and rhb

Attend freshersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fayre, it is a great way to get involved in University life and to meet likeminded students!

Use www. timeout.com/ london to find stuff to do!

Keep your passport and other personal documents relating to your student visa organised and safe! You never know when you will need them.

British food isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t THAT Buy a cookbook and try new things!

bad

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Exploring London 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 Card 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 £5.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

Transport options Trains 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 12.30am. If you want to travel out of London, use http://www.nationalrail.co.uk.

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Buses London buses 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 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. Cab 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 and they will text you the numbers of two local cab companies wherever you are in London. Walking Get to know London by foot. Make sure you pick up a London A-Z at a local store or get the GoogleMaps or TfL app on your smartphone so you don’t get lost.

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

Where should you go? Here are some of the journeys recommended by current students: • Take the London Overground (Towards Highbury and Islington) to Shoreditch High Street - Explore Brick Lane, get beigels from the 24 hour beigel bake! • Take the bus to Greenwich (check TfL for available routes) - Look around the market and wander through the park, climb the hill to the Observatory, enjoy the view.You can get the 53 bus back into New Cross. • Take the National Rail service or the Jubilee line to London Bridge - Check out Borough Market from Friday to Sundays as well as Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and the famous Tate Modern museum, all along the river. • Take the National Rail service or Jubilee line to Waterloo - Visit the IMAX cinema or the Southbank centre which always has interesting events on and the BFI for its library and film screenings. • Take the bus to central London - It takes a little longer, but if you sit on the top floor you get a good impression of the differences in London and you also get a nice few over the river! • Take the DLR from Deptford Bridge to Mudchute - Wander around Mudchute City Farm

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Eating, Drinking, Shopping Eating London has so much to offer when it comes to food and drink. There are many specialist shops and markets selling food from around the world. In the New Cross area there is a huge range of small independent 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 Oriental food shops, Deptford for halal meat, 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.

Drinking Some international students find the drinking culture in the UK particularly difficult to adjust to. Many universities in the UK have a very strong drinking culture and this can be hard for all students who don’t want to drink in excess. At Goldsmiths, we try to cater for all students by running a range of events which don’t just focus on drinking alcohol and we encourage all students who do choose to drink to do so responsibly! If you are unsure, check drinkaware.co.uk.

Opening Hours

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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 hours. Sainsburys (our nearest supermarket) is open Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. There is also a 24 hour ASDA in Peckham and a 24 hour Tesco in Lewisham.

Prices Something that many international students find it hard to get used to is working out what a “reasonable” price for basic items! So, try to help here is a list of some of the things you might be buying when you arrive: Milk - 4 pints for around £1.20 Saucepan - £5 for a cheap one! Lunch on campus - £3-£6

International Students’ Handbook 2013-14

One loaf of bread £1.10 A bus ticket (no oyster card) - £2.30 A pint of beer in a pub - £3.80