Study Abroad Pre-Arrival Guide International Partnerships Office
Dear Inbound
Student,
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Preparing for your Study Period Abroad
Online enrolment Four weeks before arriving at Regent’s University London, you will need to enrol online. You will receive an email containing your user name and password as well as instructions about how to log onto the network. It is essential that you enrol online before arriving at the University as otherwise you will not be able to fully register and receive your timetable.
Health insurance EU/EEA citizens Most medical treatment with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is free to EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA citizens should register with a local NHS doctor in the area in which they live. All EU citizens resident in the UK are entitled to receive accident and emergency hospital care free of charge. Some services are charged for, such as dental treatment. Please carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you at all times. Non-EU/EEA citizens At present, any student on a course which lasts over six months is entitled to NHS treatment. This is generally free, although some charges may apply. However you must take out private health insurance to ensure quick treatment in the event of a serious illness as waiting lists for many NHS treatments are long. If the duration of your stay is less than six months and you need to see a doctor you should visit a Medicentre to receive treatment. At a Medicentre, there is no need to pre-register. The cost of a visit is about £35-£70. To find your nearest Medicentre call 0845 437 0353 or visit www.medicentre.co.uk. You should keep receipts for any payments in order to try to make a claim on your travel insurance (if applicable). Non-EU/EEA citizens are entitled to receive accident and emergency hospital care free of charge, although some non-EU/EEA citizens may be charged for treatment of chronic conditions. We strongly advise you to take out private insurance that covers you for your stay abroad. If you are taking long-term medications please be aware that some may not be available in the UK. It is important to ensure you have enough medication to cover your time here or have access to alternative treatment. Please note: Students living on campus are covered for treatment at the local health centre. Please visit the UKCISA website for further information: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student
Other insurance Although the UK is generally a safe country, we recommend that you insure your luggage, personal possessions and money. You are advised to take out an appropriate insurance policy in your home country.
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Finance
What to bring
Please contact the international office at your home institution for advice on how to finance your study period abroad.
Clothing British weather is notoriously changeable. There are times when it is warm and sunny in the middle of winter. It can be cold and dull in the summer. And it may rain at any time! Pack clothes that can easily be layered on top of each other, such as T-shirts, shirts and light jumpers, which will give you the maximum flexibility to meet the changeable weather. Clothes can also be bought easily in the UK, meeting anyone’s budget.
It may be difficult for you to open a bank account if you are in the UK for a short period of time, so you may wish to explore the option of a pre-paid credit card. Contact your bank for advice on how to use your debit/credit card abroad.
Documents needed to travel to the UK Most EU/EEA students will not have any difficulty entering the UK (provided you have ID) but it is still advisable to carry the documents listed below with you in your hand luggage. Non-EU/EEA students must carry these documents when entering the country. › Valid passport/national identity card, with a visa or UK entry clearance, if required › Travel documents (eg. return ticket) › Your letter of acceptance from Regent’s University London › Some British currency (a limit may apply - please check with the Home Office) › Insurance documents › List of what you are carrying in your luggage in case you have to make an insurance claim › Any prescribed drugs or medicine you are taking, plus a letter from your doctor explaining what they are › An address, telephone number and travel instructions to campus/ your accommodation › Passport photographs (for travel cards) › Documentary evidence that you have sufficient funds to support you during your time in the UK (tuition fees, if applicable, and accommodation payments, recent bank statements).* › X-ray report, if required* › Vaccination certificates, if required*
Books and stationery There is no need to bring any books as the required reading material for your courses is available to purchase new from the campus bookshop, second-hand from other students or on loan from the library. Guidebooks for Britain and Europe are available from the IPO and Student Services. Stationery (pens and paper) may be cheaper in your home country but it may be easier to buy on campus. Electrical items You can bring your laptop and digital camera, and other electrical items from home, but make sure that these valuable items are insured against theft and damage while in transit. The power supply in the UK is 240v AC, 50 Hz, and electrical sockets take 3-pin plugs. Ensure that your equipment can be used on this current, or purchase a suitable adaptor.
*non-EU/EEA students should check with the Home Office whether these are required 3
Arriving in the UK and how to get to Regent’s University London
Regent’s University London has two campuses: the Park campus in Regent’s Park and the Marylebone campus on Marylebone High Street. The campuses are a short walk apart. If you are going to live on the Park campus in Reid or Oliver Hall, the address is Regent’s University London, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS. If you are going to stay in off-campus University-managed housing or private accommodation, please ensure you check carefully in advance of your journey how to get there. Regent’s Park campus Inner Circle, Regent’s Park London NW1 4NS Telephone +44 (0)20 7487 7700
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Arrival by air
Transfer options from Gatwick Airport
London is served by five international airports. Here you will find the different transfer options in order to reach the University from each of these airports.
Taxi This will cost £110-£130, depending on traffic.
Transfer options from Heathrow Airport Taxi This will cost around £60-£80, depending on traffic. London Underground (Tube) Follow the signs to the Underground, get on the Piccadilly Line and stay on until Piccadilly Circus which will take about an hour. Change here to the Northbound Bakerloo Line and get off at Baker Street station. A single fare will cost approximately £5.30. Heathrow Express A direct train service to Paddington station. This non-stop train runs every 15 minutes, and takes 15 minutes. It costs £26 for a single ticket. From Paddington take the Tube to Baker Street or get a taxi (tube ticket costs around £4.70, taxi costs around £15-£20).
Gatwick Airport Bus This is operated by National Express and will take you to Victoria Coach station. The journey takes about 90 minutes and a single ticket costs approximately £10. You then need to get a cab from Victoria which will cost about £12-£18 or you can get the Tube (instructions below). Gatwick Express This train leaves every half-hour, takes 30 minutes and costs £18. From Victoria you may take a cab which will cost about £12-£18 or you can get the Tube following the instructions below (single ticket around £4.70). Victoria Station - Baker Street Take the Victoria Line northbound to Oxford Circus. Change there for the Bakerloo Line northbound from Oxford Circus to Baker Street. Transfer options from Stansted Airport
Heathrow Connect Trains depart every 30 minutes, and take around 45 minutes to Paddington. A single ticket to Paddington station costs around £10. From Paddington you can take the underground or a taxi to Regent’s University London (see details above).
Taking a taxi? If you are taking a taxi to the University, please tell the driver which campus you are going to (see page 4). All taxis take cash and some accept debit and credit cards.
Stansted Express The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes and reaches London Liverpool Street Station in 45 minutes. All trains depart from Stansted Airport rail station, situated directly below the terminal. A single ticket is around £24. At Liverpool Street take the London Underground Circle, Hammersmith & City or Metropolitan Line to Baker Street station. Coach/Bus Frequent coaches run from Stansted to Baker Street. Fares start at just a few pounds, so this can be a really cost-effective way to travel. All services call at the airport coach station, directly opposite the terminal. Coach companies include EasyBus (www.easybus.co.uk) or National Express (www.nationalexpress.com). Taxi Stansted Airport taxi operator Checker Cars operates a reservation desk on the international arrivals concourse and there’s a courtesy phone in the UK and Ireland baggage reclaim hall. A taxi to central London costs about £80-100. To book a taxi in advance call 0800 747 737 (inside the UK) or +44 (0)1279 661 111 (outside the UK).
Please note that prices given here are a guide only. These are approximate prices as of 2014, and prices are likely to go up. 5
Transfer options from Luton Airport
Transfer options from London City Airport
Taxi Licensed taxis are available from the rank outside the terminal. This will cost £60-£110, depending on traffic.
Taxi This will cost £50- £70, depending on traffic.
Coach/Bus EasyBus (www.easybus.co.uk) offers a 24-hours a day, high-frequency, low-cost express bus service to Baker Street, which is close to the University. Online fares start at £2 one-way and vary according to demand. You should book early to get the best fares. Buses leave from Bays 10 and 11 outside the main terminal building. Train To get to Luton Airport Parkway station from the airport you will need to take a shuttle bus, normally just a 5-10 minute trip from the airport terminal building. The service runs every ten minutes between 05:00 and midnight. The bus costs £1.50 for a single journey. You then have a choice of two rail operators: First Capital Connect Operates a fast, frequent service between Luton Airport Parkway station and St Pancras International station in central London. The journey takes about 25 minutes. A return journey costs approximately £26. Once at St. Pancras International you will need to follow the directions below. East Midlands Trains Also offers services to London St Pancras International station. This can take as little as 21 minutes provided you catch a direct service. A return journey costs approximately £38. Once at St. Pancras International you will need to follow the directions below. St. Pancras International - Baker Street From St. Pancras International station you will need to take the London Underground Circle line or Metropolitan line to Baker Street station (about 10 minutes’ journey). A single journey on the London Underground costs around £4.70.
Taking a taxi? If you are taking a taxi to the University, please tell the driver which campus you are going to (see page 4). All taxis take cash and some accept debit and credit cards.
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DLR Take the Docklands Light Railway to Canary Wharf station. Change at Canary Wharf for the Jubilee line of the London Underground. Stay on the underground until you reach Baker Street station. The journey will take approximately one hour and will cost about £4.70.
Arrival by train Eurostar The Eurostar terminates in St. Pancras International station, which is very close to Regent’s Park. St. Pancras International - Baker Street From St. Pancras International station you will need to take the London Underground Circle line or Metropolitan line to Baker Street station (about 10 minutes’ journey). A single journey on the London underground costs around £4.70.
Directions
London Underground: Oyster Cards
From Baker Street station to the Regent’s Park campus
For travelling across London’s transport network of tubes, trains, buses and trams the Oyster card is the quickest and most cost-effective ticket available.
1 Take the main exit on to Marylebone Road. Turn left and walk past Madame Tussauds to York Gate on your left 2 Take the first left turn onto York Gate 3 Cross over the Outer Circle and walk towards the Park 4 After you cross over York Bridge, you will see the University on your left 5 Walk past the first entrance; keep walking until you see the main entrance. It will take around 8-10 minutes to walk to the University From Baker Street station to the Marylebone campus 1 Take the main exit on to Marylebone Road. Turn left and walk past Madame Tussauds to York Gate on your left 2 Cross the road at the traffic lights at York Gate 3 Once across the road, walk to the left of the church, across a small square beside the church and then first right into Marylebone High Street 4 The main entrance to the University is on the right, approximately five minutes’ walk along the high street. The total journey time is approximately 15 minutes
Oyster ‘Pay As You Go’ With the ‘Pay As You Go’ option you only pay for the journeys you make. This is the cheapest way of making single journeys on London transport. Student Oyster Card If you need to use public transport on a daily basis it may be cheaper for you to get a Student Oyster Card which offers 30% off the cost of an adult travelcard. Please ask the Inbound team whether you are eligible for a student Oyster card. Oyster cards are available from all London Underground stations. Further information is available at the TfL (Transport for London) website www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets.
Useful travel links Underground and bus information www.tfl.gov.uk National Rail Enquiries Train times and prices www.nationalrail.co.uk Rail, Tube and bus maps www.tfl.gov.uk/maps
Our address International Partnerships Office Regent’s University London Inner Circle, Regent’s Park London, NW1 4NS United Kingdom Opening Hours Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00 Telephone +44 (0)20 7487 7727 +44 (0)20 3075 6245 7
Arrival
Induction days
You will receive an email with arrival information and a timetable for the Induction/Orientation Days approximately one week before your arrival.
There is an Orientation/Induction period for all students before classes begin, giving you the chance to find your way around, meet your classmates and other study abroad students and ask questions. Your orientation period will take place at the Park campus. This is also where most of the University’s central services and food outlets are located. The period is quite busy (especially for those studying a language) but you will also have time to explore your new neighbourhood, Regent’s Park and London.
Bring your passport/national identity card. If you do not bring any ID we will not be able to register you and there may be a delay in you receiving your class timetable. Some students may also be required to bring proof of payment. Please check your arrival and information email carefully and contact the IPO if you have any questions.
Accommodation Accommodation in London can sometimes be difficult to find. Please ensure that you start looking for somewhere to stay well in advance of your arrival. You will find information on the housing options available on our website at www.regents.ac.uk/accommodation You can also contact our Accommodation office for advice on accommodation available both on and off campus. Telephone +44 (0)20 7487 7483 Email accommodation@regents.ac.uk If you are staying on-campus please note that you will need to bring towels and coat hangers. We will provide a pillow, duvet (comforter), mattress and bed linen.
Induction/Orientation attendance is compulsory and you will benefit from taking part. We will provide you with information on registration, academic life and how to succeed in your studies. We also organise some social events so that you get to know new people! Please ensure that you arrive on time to all sessions during Induction/Orientation. The following are examples of the events/information sessions that will take place during this period: › Welcome from the IPO › Language tests › IT/ Library and Learning Resources information › Welcome BBQ › Fresher’s Fair › London Survival Guide presentation › Information on British culture › Pub quiz › Jack The Ripper walk › Muggle Tour › Boat party › The Great London Treasure Hunt › Welcome party › Academic Life presentation › Marylebone Challenge We will also give you a copy of the Regent’s ‘Student Essentials Guide’, which has plenty of information to help you get the most out of your study period abroad.
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Travel Prepara ti
Transport for London www.tfl.gov.uk
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The UK Home Office www.gov.uk/visa s-immigration UK Council fo r International Student Affairs www.ukcisa.org .uk
Join o ur Fac eb Come and join ook Group! , speak studen to othe ts and r get to other e k n o w each ven bef ore you arrive!
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Endsleigh by UKCISA) pany suggested (Insurance com co.uk www.endsleigh. Service National Health www.nhs.uk
Tourist Infor mation Visit Britain www.visitbritain.com Visit London www.visitlondon.com Time Out London www.timeout.com/london Weather Forecast www.bbc.co.uk/weather
Academic Issues Prepare for study in the UK www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk
Contact the IPO International Partnerships Office Regent’s University London Inner Circle, Regent’s Park London NW1 4NS United Kingdom Telephone +44 (0)20 7487 7727 +44 (0)20 3075 6245 Email inbound@regents.ac.uk Regent’s Park campus Inner Circle, Regent’s Park London NW1 4NS Tel +44 (0)20 7487 7700 Marylebone campus 110 Marylebone High Street London W1U 4RY Tel +44 (0)20 7467 5600 Reid Hall +44 (0)20 7478 7402 Emergency number Police/fire/ambulance 999