Get Ready Guide 2019 by University of Brighton

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The teaching, learning environment and educational outcomes we provide for our students consistently exceed the rigorous national requirements for all UK higher education providers.

We have First Class honours and are in the top 10 greenest universities in the People & Planet University League 2017. People & Planet is the student network campaigning to protect the environment.

C HA R T E

GEND

We hold an Athena Swan Bronze award recognising our commitment to gender equality, we are in the Stonewall top 100 UK employers for LGBT people, and we are a Race Equality Charter member.

WHAT’S Before you get here

Essential online tasks Your course Specific advice Your accommodation Money

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S WELCOME I am delighted that you have chosen to join us at the University of Brighton.

04–13

07 08 09 10–11 12–13

Your first week

14–17

Once you are here

18–23

Welcome and induction events Your student life Brighton Students’ Union Your career Support and advice

Useful contacts Find us Complete checklist

16–17

20 21 22 23

24 25 back cover

You will be part of an academic community that is creative, enterprising and inclusive and that values you, your experience and personal perspective. At Brighton we will encourage you to play an active role in the life of your university, you will be supported throughout your course, and into your career and life after university. We take pride in creating an education experience in partnership with you and with professional associations and accrediting bodies – a sign that your degree will be relevant and high quality. I join with all my colleagues in welcoming you to the University of Brighton, your university. We are committed to do all we can to help you get the best from your studies and your time spent here. I look forward to meeting you. Professor Debra Humphris, your Vice-Chancellor

G ON N I T T E G

INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS You’ll get to know your personal tutor and your course leader. Along with your other tutors, they’ll keep an eye on your academic and personal progress. You’ll also have a Student Support and Guidance Tutor who can help with anything from homesickness to managing stress or accommodation issues. And if they don’t know the answer they will know someone who does. Student Information Desks on each campus are a great place to start. Our advisors are there to help, and can refer you to specialist teams if you need more advice. We hold the Customer Service Excellence standard, a government-backed, independent assessment that shows our services are efficient, effective, equitable and empowering, with our students’ wellbeing at the heart of what we do.

FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 23 02

Check out our general information for new students like student finance and accommodation, and more about when you are a student here at Brighton like how we can help you with your career or student services. Family and friends can find out about university life here too. www.brighton.ac.uk/newstudent

ENROLLING ONLINE AND YOUR TIMETABLE

From Thursday 22 August you can enrol online through studentcentral, the university’s online learning environment. You will be able to find your welcome timetable and provisional academic timetable after you have enrolled online. https://studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk

FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 08

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MEET YOUR STUDEN

TS’ UNION ON PAGE

I absolutely adored my time at Brighton. I remember thinking on my first day, ‘Finally I have found my people.’

92.6%

Felicity Meachem, Fine Art Painting BA(Hons)

YOUR CO

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PERSONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT in self-management, communication, enterprise and research is built into every course

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PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT is available from your course team and through our careers and employability team

WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE such as long and short placements, live project briefs or assessed voluntary work is part of every course

YOUR STUDIES will give you knowledge, expertise and qualifications

(DLHE 2016–2017)

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YOUR CO

‘Hit the ground running’ is our new service to support new undergrad students preparing for university life. Visit your school’s dedicated page to read your essential pre-arrival information and find out about preparing for your course.

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT RATE

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HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

ADDED EXPERIENCES like volunteering, mentoring, entrepreneurship, sport and societies are available to you

E R O F E B T E G U YO HERE IN THIS SECT

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Online enrolm your photo ®® Upload es r online servic ou ss ®® Acce

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WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOU GET HERE CHECKLIST What you can do now

You may also need to…

Online tasks

orientation (international and European students). Arrange childcare and funding. Apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA).

Activate your university

studentcentral account (if you have not already done so) ready for online enrolment. Upload your university photo. Join us on social media.

Prepare for your course

Head to studentcentral to find out

about any pre-course preparation.

Specific advice

Check your vaccinations Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, including the meningitis vaccination for 18–25 year olds and MMR. Students on some health courses require additional vaccinations.

Book a place on international

Accommodation

Confirm your accommodation (see our accommodation checklist on page 11).

Money

Make or update your Student

Finance application (UK and EU students only). Work out a budget. Open a bank account.

What you can do from 22 August Complete stage 1 online enrolment

Complete the first stage of

enrolling with the university; confirm the details we hold for you and upload a university photograph.

Check your start date and your timetables

After you have completed online enrolment log into studentcentral so you can: find your welcome event timetable and your draft teaching timetable (click on the timetable icon). Check back regularly for updates. check your start date.

Get ready for student life

Find out how Brighton Students’

Union will help make your student life better at www.brightonsu.com. Check out Freshers’ Fortnight and sign up for the Brighton Students’ Union Freshers’ mailing list at www.brightonsu.com/freshers. Join the official Freshers’ Facebook groups to meet other new students before you arrive at www.facebook.com/ brightonstudentsunion.

Complete stage 1 online enrolment

Essential online tasks There are a few things to do online before you start your course – including stage 1 online enrolment and uploading your university photograph.

Logging onto studentcentral

Studentcentral is the university’s online learning environment where you’ll manage your studies and access academic and support services. It is also where you will complete Stage 1 online enrolment. Log in regularly to check for updates.

Activate your university user account

If you have already used studentcentral (maybe to access the applicant area when you applied here) you have completed this step. If you haven’t, here is what you need to do. ®® Visit https://activate.brighton.ac.uk and follow the instructions. ®® You will be asked for your University of Brighton student number, which you will find in the letter that accompanies this guide. ®® Make sure you remember your new username and password when they are displayed because you will not get an email reminder. ®® WAIT 15 MINUTES for your account to be activated. Your username is usually your initials and two or three numbers eg js123. Keep it and your password safe and don’t share them with anyone. If you have forgotten or would like to change your password visit https://myinfo.brighton.ac.uk/forgot.

From Thursday 22 August if your place has been confirmed, you will be able to complete stage 1 online enrolment through studentcentral. You will receive a letter that explains what you need to do and we will send you email reminders. Stage 1 online enrolment takes about 15 minutes and you need to complete this process before you arrive at university. The morning after you have completed stage 1 online enrolment you will be able to see your timetable on studentcentral. We will also confirm that the details we hold about you are correct. You may need to provide us with missing information such as who to contact in an emergency. To complete online enrolment you need to have activated your university account and be logged on to studentcentral. https://studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk Eligible students who wish to register to vote in UK elections at their term time address will need to have their national insurance number ready.

Upload your university photograph

It is really important that you upload your photograph before you get here. We’ll use it to make your Unicard when you complete the second stage of enrolment. Have a photo ready on your device to upload during online enrolment. You can upload your photo now by logging into the Unicard website using your university username and password. https://unicard.brighton.ac.uk

START CONNECTED AND ACCESS ONLINE UNIVERSITY SERVICES Find out how to access the university’s online services at www.brighton.ac.uk/onlinetasks. These services include: ®® University wifi ®® Your university email ®® Microsoft cloud services including Office Pro Plus (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) ®® Social media groups Many of these services will be available to you after you have enrolled online from Thursday 22 August. Start using your university email address before you get here and throughout your time as a student making sure you check your inbox regularly; otherwise you may miss important information and updates. If you are applying for placements or part-time work your university email address is the one you should use.

Your Unicard will enable you to get into your halls of residence, access buildings and computers, and borrow books and other resources from the library. And you will be able load it with money to pay for food and drink from our cafes and restaurants, photocopying and items from our Students’ Union shops. It gives you discounts too so you can start saving money as soon as you get here.

Why not buy your Totum card, powered by NUS Extra, through Brighton Students’ Union – you can use the same photo you use for your Unicard and you can start saving money with discounts on clothing, food and lots more. www.brightonsu.com/totum

TERM AND SEMESTER DATES

Your course

Term dates 2019–2020 Autumn Monday 23 September– Friday 13 December

Summer Monday 27 April–Friday 5 June

Semester dates

Semester 1 Monday 30 September–Friday 31 January Semester 2 Monday 3 February– Friday 5 June

Your welcome events and timetable

Brighton and Sussex Medical School students should check studentcentral as there are different term dates.

Find out about your welcome events

When can you expect to see your timetable?

You will be able to see your draft timetable the day after completing stage 1 online enrolment (you can do this from 22 August). Click on the timetable icon in studentcentral. Your teaching timetable, which starts from 30 September, is currently being finalised. To give you the best teaching experience possible, your timetable is confirmed once we know the size of teaching groups and match them with rooms and facilities. Check your draft timetable regularly for updates. We recommend that you don’t buy a season ticket or make work or caring commitments until your timetable is finalised towards the end of Welcome week. Brighton and Sussex Medical School students will find their welcome timetable in the BSMS new students area on studentcentral and the teaching timetable will be in the module area.

Meet other students in your campus Facebook group and follow us on social media. www.brighton.ac.uk/get-social

Spring Monday 6 January–Friday 3 April

Find out about your welcome events and timetable, and check the date you’ll start your studies.

Your ‘Welcome Programme’ timetable will be ready once you have completed online enrolment using studentcentral. Here you’ll be able to see the date and time of your first course welcome session, when to complete your stage 2 in-person enrolment session and other induction events.

Join us on social media

Pre-course preparation

For some courses there may be precourse preparation or information you must read before you start your course, such as reading lists. Find out about your course requirements by visiting your ‘Hit the ground running’ blog.

Confirm the start date of your course on studentcentral

Monday 23 September is the first day for most courses, but there are some exceptions. You can find the date and time of your first course welcome session on your welcome timetable which will be available once you have enrolled online through studentcentral. The following courses have earlier start dates, but note this is not a complete list and you should check your timetable to be sure of your course start date. Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton and Sussex Medical School students’ induction week starts on Monday 23 September. MedSoc will be arranging welcome activities on 21–22 September. ®® PGCE (postgraduate teacher training) Starts on Wednesday 4 September. ®® Postgraduate health courses Most have earlier start dates – check check your timetable. ®®

®®

Brighton Business School Some top-up degrees and postgraduate courses have earlier start dates - check your timetable.

Confirm your academic school and campus

The University of Brighton is based on campuses in Brighton and Eastbourne. You will find the school and campus where your course is based on the letter accompanying this guide. We will also email you. Your course is based with one of the 13 academic schools: Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton Business School ®® School of Applied Social Science ®® School of Architecture and Design ®® School of Art ®® School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics ®® School of Education ®® School of Environment and Technology ®® School of Health Sciences ®® School of Humanities ®® School of Media ®® School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences ®® School of Sport and Service Management. ®® ®®

Studying with the School of Media, Humanities or Health Sciences?

Double-check where your course will be taught as courses from these schools are based at more than one campus.

Studying at a partner college

Courses validated by the university are also taught at our partner colleges across East and West Sussex. Timetables and course information will be provided by the college directly to you.

Specific advice Students with disabilities

We recommend you do the following as soon as possible so we can put in place any support you may need.

Declare a disability to the university. Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.

UK students with disabilities can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) which is designed to help meet any extra costs that may arise from your disability. Students who are not eligible for DSA will still be eligible for funded disability support.

Book an appointment with the

Disability and Dyslexia Team by emailing disability@brighton.ac.uk. Bring up-to-date evidence of your disability either from a medical practitioner or an educational psychologist. We can help you to obtain this evidence if you do not already have it. If you have a long-term health condition and receive benefits, we encourage you to find out about how becoming a student will impact you financially. Email our Student Advice Service for more information at studentadvice@brighton.ac.uk. Turn2Us provide information online at www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/ Full-time-students-and-benefits. Find out more www.brighton.ac.uk/ disability

Students with children Apply for childcare

There are two nurseries at the University of Brighton, based on the Moulsecoomb and City campuses. Both have been recognised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Contact the manager of the nursery as soon as possible to check availability. www.brighton.ac.uk/childcare

If you are moving to the area and you are looking for a registered childminder, you can search your area by postcode. www.gov.uk/find-registeredchildminder Remember to complete your application for childcare grant or allowance. For more information visit www.gov. uk/childcare-grant. Student parents undertaking a health professions course (with the exclusion of paramedic science) can also apply for a Child Dependant Allowance from the NHS through the Learning Support Fund. www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/learning-supportfund

International students Get ready for life in the UK

To find out more about life, culture and customs in the UK and preparing for study at the University of Brighton visit www.brighton.ac.uk/international. We offer an orientation programme for international and EU students, which takes place on 17–20 September. It’s based in Brighton, with daytime events in Eastbourne for students who will be studying there. A meet and greet service for students arriving at London Heathrow and Gatwick airport is also available, as is accommodation for the duration of the programme. Find out more www.brighton.ac.uk/ orientation Join our Facebook group to meet other international students starting this year: www.facebook.com/ groups/262928251323649

Check you vaccinations

Before you arrive read our health advice about mumps, measles and meningitis. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, including the Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination for 18– 25 year olds. Students on some health courses require additional vaccinations – you will be contacted if this applies to you. www.brighton.ac.uk/stayhealthy

Our Student Advice Service provides high quality, free and confidential immigration advice to our applicants, students and their dependents. Before you can begin your University of Brighton journey you need to complete a number of requirements, and that’s where we can help. It’s our job to help you apply for a visa to study in the UK and to provide you with advice and guidance throughout the immigration process. We understand that your family may have lots of questions too; whether they’ve got questions about finance, visas or life in the UK, we’re here to help them understand what to expect. We have many years of experience providing immigration advice and have taken all the necessary training in immigration law. We work to strict guidelines and procedures and are regulated by the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) so you can be confident about the quality of the information and advice we provide to you.

If you are coming from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, check whether you need to arrange insurance to cover the cost of any healthcare you receive in the UK. https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information-Advice/EU-EEA--Swiss-Students/ Healthcare-in-the-UK-for-EU-EEA-andSwiss-students 09

Your accommodation We all look for different things in a home so we offer a variety of options. You can apply for any of these and we’ll prioritise you for a room closest to the campus where your course is based. Our accommodation team have excellent local knowledge and many years of experience. They’re here to advise you on all the options open to you, and support you in finding somewhere suitable to live throughout your time here.

University-managed and arranged options Applications for university accommodation closed on 30 June. Room offers are made after you have firmly accepted your unconditional course offer.

Our accommodation options include: ®® halls of residence ®® university-managed houses (unihomes and unilets) ®® homestay – living with a host family or resident landlord registered with the university. We aim to let everyone who applies know by the end of August. Go to www.brighton.ac.uk/accommodationpolicy to find out how we allocate university accommodation.

Every eligible student will be offered a place in universitymanaged or arranged accommodation in either Brighton or Eastbourne.

Accepting your offer of a room in university-managed accommodation

You need to accept our offer of a room, and pay your first instalment of rent, within three days of receiving the offer from us. Log in to the accommodation portal using your university username and password. https://accommodation.brighton.ac.uk.

Unihomes and unilets

This option is available to students who apply for but are not offered a room in university-managed accommodation. We manage unihomes and unilets across Brighton and Eastbourne on behalf of home owners and letting agents. The university is your landlord and you deal directly with us whilst living in a shared house or flat. You apply for unihomes and unilets in the same way as for halls and we view all accommodation to ensure it meets our standards.

Homestay

Homestay gives you the extra security of living with a family, couple or single person in the local area who have been endorsed by the university. The scheme is able to accommodate varying length of stays, from two weeks up to a whole academic year.

If you’re interested in applying for Homestay, phone us on 01273 644100 or email us at accommodation@ brighton.ac.uk. Our accommodation team can advise on availability and help you to find a suitable host.

Living in private rented accommodation

If you’re not living in halls or universitymanaged houses we can offer you lots of support in finding an alternative – including studenthomes online housing database, housemates Facebook group and our house hunting guide. If you opt for private rented accommodation you get more choice over where you live – and who with. ®® We offer plenty of support and advice if you go for this option. Contact us to get advice from our experienced team. ®® Our closed Facebook housemates group allows you to meet like-minded people and buddy up to look for a rented house. ®® Log in to our studenthomes housing database and search through all the accommodation options registered with us. ®® Read our house hunting guide.

New private halls for 2019

New private halls, managed by Kaplan Living will be available this September. They are next to our City campus with the beach, Brighton Pavilion and the North Laine area all nearby. Register your interest and a member of our team will be in touch. www.brighton.ac.uk/private-halls

A transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus is underway, creating new spaces for students to study, live and socialise. Our students named the project the Big Build. By the time the Big Build is complete in 2021, there will be new halls of residence, a new Business School building, a new home for Brighton Students’ Union, and a new gym.

Facebook housemates group

In the summer we can give you access to our Facebook group so you can meet other students who are looking to share and ask the accommodation team any questions you might have. Contact the accommodation office for advice and access to this group. Prepare beforehand by visiting our househunting web pages. www.brighton.ac.uk/newstudents/ accommodation

Find out more at www.brighton.ac.uk/bigbuild.

Use our studenthomes housing database

Before contacting letting agents, use our studenthomes database to find private rented accommodation. Studenthomes provides housing advice for University of Brighton students, as well as details of houses and flats available for rent in Brighton and Eastbourne. You need your university username and password to log on. Every year hundreds of students find great places to live using this service. https://studenthomes.brighton.ac.uk/ For more information visit www.brighton.ac.uk/accommodation or email accommodation@brighton.ac.uk.

House-hunting guide

Our house-hunting guide provides advice about finding and renting property in the private sector, and is full of useful information to guide you through the process of choosing the right home. Make sure you read it before you start your accommodation search. Download the house-hunting guide at www.brighton.ac.uk/househuntingguide.

ACCOMMODATION CHECKLIST Halls of residence and unihomes

Read our halls allocation policy

– this explains who is eligible to apply and how to accept our offer of a room. If you are eligible and want to apply for halls you need to have done so by Sunday 30 June 2019. We’ll let you know the outcome of your accommodation application after the deadline has passed and after your place with us is unconditional firm – so if you’re waiting for results, we’ll let you know the outcome after your results are available and your place is fully confirmed.

If we offer you a place in halls

you need to pay the first rent instalment within three working days of us contacting you to secure your place. Join your halls Facebook group – we’ll email you details. Complete the online accommodation induction, where you’ll be given an arrival time.

Private accommodation

Read our advice on looking for

accommodation in the private rented sector. Check out https://studenthomes. brighton.ac.uk. Contact the accommodation office for further advice and access to our housemates Facebook group.

Money At Brighton we’ll help you with everything related to your student finances. To get you started here are a few ideas to help you to manage your money.

Student finance Open a bank account

If you have applied for a student loan through Student Finance, your maintenance loan or other funding will be paid into your bank account, so it makes sense to have an account organised before you arrive. PP PP

Look for student accounts with benefits that suit you. International and EU students should remember to take ID and confirmation of student status – your acceptance letter.

There are Santander banking facilities on our Moulsecoomb campus and all the main banks have branches within walking distance of all our other campuses. If you are an EU or international student please be aware that it may take several weeks to open a UK bank account after you have enrolled on your course. You need to make sure you have money for this period by making arrangements similar to those you make if you are going on holiday abroad, like using credit or a cash card.

Applying for student finance

Funding for health courses

If you have applied for student finance, make sure that you have entered the bank and course details correctly in order to be paid.

International students

If you are a UK or EU student studying an undergraduate course or PGCE, and you have not already done so, you should apply for student finance now. www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance

Take the time to read our funding and fees information and the advice we provide about managing your money in this guide and online. www.brighton.ac.uk/money

Postgraduate masters loan scheme

If you’re a UK or EU student studying for a masters degree, you may be able to apply for a government loan of up to £10,906. Your loan can be used as a contribution towards the costs of study including tuition fees and living costs. www.brighton.ac.uk/pgloan

Postgraduate doctoral loan scheme

If you’re a UK or EU student studying for a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD, you may be able to apply for a government loan of up to £25,700. This can be used to help cover tuition fees and living costs.

There is additional funding available for students undertaking Health professions courses (with the exception of paramedic science). The NHS Learning Support Fund helps student parents and students who have to pay for travel to practice placement. You can apply for this once you start your course. If you’re a self-funded international student you will need to pay a tuition fee deposit of £2,500. If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study here your deposit must be paid before we can issue you with a CAS number required for your visa application. It is important that your deposit is paid in plenty of time to apply for your visa. www.brighton.ac.uk/international/fees

Bursaries

If you are ordinarily a resident in England we will email you in the autumn after you enrol to confirm whether you will receive a bursary. You need to be income assessed by Student Finance England and give consent for them to share your household income details with us in order for us to consider your eligibility for a bursary.

Bursaries will be paid in two equal instalments in January and May 2020. Care leavers and estranged students will receive the first instalment of their bursary soon after the start of the autumn term, and the second in May 2020. Brighton and Sussex Medical students getting bursaries (including care leavers and estranged students) will receive instalments in November and May.

Make sure you sign up to get all the latest money news as alerts to your inbox. If things do go a bit pear-shaped in the first few weeks of term then don’t worry, have a chat with the Student Advisers who are here to help. The university also has additional funds available for students who find themselves in financial difficulty, which you can apply for once you have started your course.

Do the numbers add up? Income = same as or more than your outgoings – looks like you’ve got things covered, stick to the budget and you’ll be fine. Income = less than your outgoings – your money may not last until the end of term. Are there ways to cut back on your spending or increase your income (for example, a part-time job)?

Receiving your student funding

If you are receiving a Maintenance or Postgraduate Loan, you should receive the first instalment within three to four working days of your in-person enrolment. Your Tuition Fee Loan is paid in instalments direct to the university each term. If you are receiving a Postgraduate Masters Loan, it will be released straight to your bank account. If you wish to use the Masters Loan to pay for your tuition fees, you can do so once you have received your loan.

Be prepared

Make sure you have enough money in your bank account when you arrive to cover your rent, food, study, travel and entertainment costs for at least the first two weeks of term in case there are any delays in receiving your student finance.

Student Advice Service

If you have any questions about your financial situation either before you arrive or once you are here, contact the Student Advice Service. Our team of expert advisers are here all year round to help you. Email studentadvice@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 642888.

Make a budget

Paying for your studies and your living costs may seem daunting at first, but organising your student finance early and making a budget you can stick to will make a big difference – you can find tips on our Money Matters blog www. brighton.ac.uk/yourmoneymatters.

+ INCOME Student loan

Your Student Loan covers the cost of your tuition and your Maintenance Loan (UK students only) will cover some of your living costs while you are studying.

Money from family Income from a job Benefits or tax credits

Supplementary grants, bursaries, sponsorships or scholarships

– OUTGOINGS Rent or mortgage

You can find price details of university accommodation at www.brighton.ac.uk/living-here.

Household bills

Household supplies and toiletries Music, film and social activities

Internet, TV licence, water, gas, electricity, phone contract, Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime subscriptions and council tax (not applicable if the housing is solely occupied by fulltime students).

Clothes and shoes

Contents insurance

Healthcare

Factor this cost in if you live in private accommodation.

Travel costs

Transport to and from uni as well as visits home. Find out about your travel options on page 17.

Food, laundry

Credit card or debt repayments Books and equipment Dental treatment, glasses and contact lenses. Check out the NHS discount scheme for people on low incomes as students qualify. www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-lowincome-scheme

Childcare

YOUR FIRST WEEK IN THIS SECT

ION

en d induction ev Welcome an lment ro en -person In Wifi e events ®® Welcom ®® Travel

®®

Welcome and induction events Monday 23 September is the first official day of the university’s autumn term. Some courses start earlier than the first official day of term: check your timetable to see when your course starts.

HOW TO ACCESS UNIVERSITY WIFI Select eduroam from the list of networks on your device. Enter your eduroam user name @ the university domain: ®® your user name is the one you use to access studentcentral ®® the domain is brighton.ac.uk ®® for example abc1@brighton. ac.uk. ®® click continue/connect/trust/ accept if asked. Visit www.brighton.ac.uk/ eduroam for a quick guide on how to access university wifi. Please avoid using ‘WiFi Guest’ as it will stop you accessing the faster eduroam service for our students.

Log onto studentcentral and click on the timetable icon to see the welcome events in your first week.

Welcome events in your academic school

You will need to attend induction and teaching events for your course in your first week. Dates, times and locations can be found on studentcentral in your timetable (draft timetables are available after you complete stage 1 of online enrolment). Note, there’s a lot going on this week and you may end up going to induction and teaching events before you attend your in-person enrolment session.

Stage 2 in-person enrolment

In order to become a fully enrolled student at the university and receive your Unicard, you need to complete stage 2 of the enrolment process, inperson enrolment. Attendance at in-person enrolment is essential and you should bring documentation required to confirm your identity, nationality and in some cases entry qualifications as follows: ®® passport or other official photo ID (such as UK driving licence) ®® if English is not your first language please also bring your original certificate for your most recent or highest English language qualification ®® if you are an international student with a visa to study at the University of Brighton, you need to bring original certificates for all qualifications which were identified on your CAS.

You may also need to bring original certificates for your qualifications. We will contact you via email if this is the case. If you are not sure what you need to bring please contact us. If you do not attend the in-person enrolment session you may experience delays in receiving your funding. If you are unable to attend your inperson enrolment session contact the enrolment helpline as soon as possible. Email studentadministration@brighton. ac.uk or call 01273 644777.

Stage 2 in-person enrolment dates and venues

Find out where and when you will complete stage 2 in-person enrolment by logging into studentcentral and clicking on the timetable icon. This will be available once you have completed online enrolment after Thursday 22 August. You may have other induction or course events before your enrolment so make sure you check your timetable to see when and where you need to be. Monday 23 September ®® Eastbourne ®® Moulsecoomb Tuesday 24 September ®® Falmer ®® Moulsecoomb Wednesday 25 September ®® City Campus

Stage 2 in-person enrolment for courses that start earlier

Check the start date of your course on studentcentral and check your enrolment date too. Brighton and Sussex Medical School in-person enrolment is Tuesday 24 September. EU and international students based in Brighton and attending our orientation programme will be able to attend stage 2 in-person enrolment on Friday 20 September.

Meet the Vice-Chancellor

During your first week, the ViceChancellor or Deputy Vice-Chancellor will welcome you to the university and provide essential information about the university community. You can find out the dates and times of these sessions on studentcentral – go to your timetable icon, available the morning after you have completed online enrolment (which you can do from Thursday 22 August).

Get involved with your Students’ Union

Brighton Students’ Union runs a fortnight of events and activities to help you settle into university life. It includes the Freshers’ Fair where you can sign up to societies and sports teams, as well as finding out more about the Students’ Union services and pick up great discounts and freebies from local companies. They also have a wristband which you can buy to gain access to the official freshers’ events. Brighton Students’ Union also host two different programmes for you to get involve with: Freshtival full of amazing night time events at venues in Brighton and Boundary Festival; and Hello Brighton with discounts, events and activities across campus and in town to help you explore the area. www.brightonsu.com/freshers

Attend library induction and IT skills induction sessions

Library induction and IT skills sessions take place early in the autumn term. www.brighton.ac.uk/is

YOUR FIRST WEEK CHECKLIST Complete your enrolment and go to course events

Attend stage 2 in-person enrolment.

Go to your course induction events as indicated on your timetable.

Get involved in student life with Brighton SU

Go to the freshers’ fairs, events

and activities – join in with Freshtival 2019 and Hello Brighton. Have fun, meet new people, join a club or society.

Travel to campus

Whatever your location there are transport options to reduce your costs and carbon emissions. All our campuses have excellent public transport links and you can save money on your travel by purchasing discounted student tickets; the Unizone train ticket is available from Southern Rail and student bus tickets can be bought from Brighton & Hove buses using a keycard or the smartphone m-ticket app. For longer train journeys use the university’s split ticketing website https://uob.trainsplit.com. There are facilities for cyclists on all our campuses, including bike racks, lockable cages, public pumps and toolkits. There are bike share docking stations at our campuses: Brighton

Pick up your Brighton Students’

Union wristband for exclusive discounts and events. Get your Totum card, powered by NUS extra for student discounts in shops, restaurants and online. Visit www.brightonsu.com/totum.

Look after yourself

where you live. This is compulsory for Brighton and Sussex Medical School students but recommended for all students. Find out about our Student Services and how to find them if you need them.

BikeShare bikes at our Brighton campuses, and Eastbourne’s App-Bikes at the Eastbourne campus. There is a network of cycle lanes across Brighton and Eastbourne to help you navigate by bike. Parking on campus is very limited and we discourage students from bringing cars to university, and encourage alternatives wherever possible, to reduce our impact on the environment. If you can show that car travel is essential, you can apply for a parking permit upon your arrival to university. Please note that parking is prohibited at some of our halls of residences and parking permits are not guaranteed. For more information on your travel options visit www.brighton.ac.uk/getaround.

ONCE E R A U YO HERE IN THIS SECT

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life Your student Your career ion Students’ Un ®® Brighton vice ad d an t or ®® Supp

®®

Your student life Getting involved with things outside your course during your time here will definitely add to your skills and experience. But more than that, it’s about finding what it is you love to do and is a great way to make new friends.

Sport and fitness

Sport Brighton is run in partnership by the university and the Students’ Union and can help you take part in whatever sporting activity you like, whether you want to compete, keep fit or just have fun. There are fitness, health and wellbeing classes and many clubs and societies to choose from. www.brighton.ac.uk/sportbrighton

Societies, clubs and events

Brighton Students’ Union brings together like-minded students through shared interests by supporting studentled groups like societies and running events. It’s a great way to meet new people, take part in activities and gain new skills outside of your studies. You can find a club or society that’s right for you at Brighton Students’ Union’s Freshers’ Fairs or have a look online before you get here. www.brightonsu.com/societies

Leanne Bayley, English Language and English Literature 20

Your student voice

Brighton Students’ Union Officer Team are elected by students to represent students, and they campaign on a range of issues to ensure that your student voice is heard. Brighton Students’ Union listen to feedback and ideas to make sure they provide you with the best possible student experience. www.brightonsu.com You’ll also be asked to complete a number of surveys during your time here. Students are at the heart of everything we do and your voice matters to us. https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/ yourvoicematters/

Student Charter

The student charter highlights the university and Students’ Union relationship with our students through shared commitments and expectations. www.brighton.ac.uk/studentcharter

c-change

Our carbon reduction campaign, c-change, aims to inspire you to live sustainably. See the c-change website and follow the c-change team on social media to get involved. https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/ sustainability/

Joining a society is the best thing I’ve done at uni, I’ve met some of my best friends here. The union do a great range of activities, events and campaigns, but they’re there if you need support and advice too.

Become a student ambassador

We are always looking for new students to help us to promote the university through our Student Recruitment and Outreach Ambassador Programme. We have paid opportunities available to work online and at events such as open days and higher education fairs as well as with local schools, colleges and communities. We will be recruiting ambassadors early in the autumn term. Chat to us at the freshers’ fair or contact studentambassadors@brighton.ac.uk for more information.

A lifelong link

Even when you graduate you will still be able to access our sports, library and careers services through our alumni association. You can also benefit from the Alumni Advice Network while you are a student and we are happy to put you in touch with alumni to discuss career paths and opportunities or to just get some advice about being at university.

Your privacy matters

The university is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations. To find out more about the privacy notice for our students visit www.brighton.ac.uk/ studentprivacynotice. CHAT TO OUR STUDENTS www.brighton.ac.uk/chat

Brighton Students’ Union We’re here to make student life better. So you are on your way to the University of Brighton. Starting university can feel a bit daunting, but it’s such an exciting time and one you will remember for a very long time.

Did you know you are automatically a member of the Students’ Union as soon as you enrol here? Getting involved in your Students’ Union is one of the best ways to make the most of your time as a student. In fact, ensuring that you have a fantastic, fulfilling experience at the University of Brighton is our aim. As we’re led by students and work solely for our student members, you can guarantee that we’re on your side.

Join a community of thousands of University of Brighton students on social media. brightonstudentsunion SUBrighton

Student voice

Advice and support

®®

Events and SU outlets

Student activities

®®

Lead and participate in student campaigns on issues that matter to you. ®® Get to know your Officer Team – they’re elected by you. ®® Stand and/or vote in our elections. ®® Become a Course Rep. ®® We help represent your academic interests, and influence change. Participate in Freshtival and Hello Brighton. ®® Enjoy exclusive student discounts with Totum (powered by NUS extra). ®® Relax in our cafes on campus or visit our shops for cheap meal deals and supplies. ®® Go out to our weekly nightclub events. ®® Get involved in special nights like our Halloween Pier Party and other events throughout the year.

Obtain free independent confidential education advice and guidance from our advice team. ®® Talk to our team about any problems that may be affecting your academic experience. ®® Benefit from our health and wellbeing awareness projects and campaigns throughout the year. Join a club or society to find likeminded students and create your own community. ®® Get involved in student media: host your own Buzz Radio show or write articles for The Verse. ®® Get a job or volunteer to improve your employability skills. ®® Fundraise for charities with the RaG society. ®® Either nominate or be nominated for a Union Award.

www.brightonsu.com

subrighton

Your career Your course will give you subject knowledge and expertise, as well as opportunities to put what you learn into practice and to get work-related experience.

Boost your career potential

Part of your university experience is about preparing for your future career. It is never too early to start thinking about next steps and how you can make the most of your time here.

Career development support

You can book an appointment with one of our professionally qualified Career Development Advisers as soon as you start your course. Our advisers can help you decide what activities will help you with your career development.

Entrepreneurship

Beepurple, our enterprise support programme, helps students and graduates get their business ideas off to the best possible start. Over 3,500 staff, students and alumni have signed up to the Beepurple entrepreneurship programme. Beepurple offers free workshops to develop members’ enterprise skills as well as one-to-one business support for anyone looking to develop an entrepreneurial idea, start a company or social enterprise or for those who are already trading. www.beepurple.co.uk

Volunteering and mentoring

Volunteering provides opportunities to gain experience, enhance your employability and meet new people. The Active Student Volunteering Service will work with you to find a rewarding, safe and supported role within the local community. www.brighton.ac.uk/volunteering Our mentoring scheme, Momentum, offers you the chance to work with a mentor to improve your confidence and boost your chances of career success. Mentors are professionals from a variety of backgrounds, committed to helping you develop your skills. www.brighton.ac.uk/mentoring You can also volunteer with your Students’ Union in a range of fun opportunities. If you’re passionate about change and making a difference you can nominate yourself to become a Brighton Students’ Union Course Rep, or you can lead a society or one of the student media channels. Plus, you are more likely to graduate with a higher degree classification if you get involved with the Students’ Union. www.brightonsu.com/employability

Charlotte Jackson, Digital Media BA(Hons)

Your careers service

Whether you know what you want to do when you graduate or not, you can get expert advice from our Careers Service staff who can help you with your CV, job applications and interview techniques. They can help you to research careers and further study and training opportunities. There are lots of ways we can help you to develop your skills while you are here. Get a part-time job, volunteer or develop your own business ideas. ®® Join or start up a club or society through Brighton Students’ Union. ®® Take advantage of placement opportunities. ®® Work for the university, maybe as a student ambassador. ®® Become a Brighton Students’ Union course rep or volunteer officer. ®®

Find out more about how we can help you develop your career at www.brighton.ac.uk/careers CHAT TO OUR STUDENTS www.brighton.ac.uk/chat

The degree introduced me to many skills for the digital media industry and inspired me to discover my passion for web design and development. The course regularly exposed me to industry professionals, placement opportunities and relevant conferences in the local web community – these were fantastic opportunities.

Support and advice Got any questions about university life or need help with something? From day one you will be supported by our specialist staff who will help you with everything from accommodation and finances to your studies and career, as well as your overall wellbeing.

ASK US Speak to our staff

Chat to your personal tutor, Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT), Course Rep or staff in your school.

Ask a question online

Click on the Help tab in studentcentral.

Visit your nearest student centre You’ll find confidential and impartial advice at every campus.

Contact the Students’ Union They’re here to make student life better, and also have a support team to provide you with academic advice.

Contact the SU at www.brightonsu.com/contact

Your health and wellbeing

When you feel healthy and well, you’re more likely to be productive, confident and ready to make the most of your time at university. To help you keep on top of your studies and your life in general, you may want to access our range of health and wellbeing services that include: information on health issues, like how to register with a GP; self help resources, how to deal with difficult situations; wellbeing workshops; and Student Support and Guidance Tutors (SSGTs). You can find all these services by visiting www.brighton.ac.uk/wellbeing. If you are struggling or feeling anxious about anything in your life, it’s really important that you talk to someone. Call student wellbeing on 01273 642895, email studentservices@brighton.ac.uk, or visit a Student Centre on your campus. To find your Student Support and Guidance Tutor for your school, visit www.brighton.ac.uk/ssgt.

LGBTQ+ support

We understand that LGBTQ+ students may face additional challenges during their time here and we have services to support you, including the LGBTQ+ student society, LGBTQ+ student officers to represent LGBTQ+ students, advice and support for Trans and non-binary students, and gender neutral toilets. You can find out more at www.brighton.ac.uk/lgbtq.

Study support

There is a lot of support available to help you with your studies, from online tools to one-to-one tutoring, alongside specialist support for students with specific needs. You can explore our online academic study kit (ASK) and find out dates of study skills sessions at https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/ask.

Studentcentral can help you manage your workload and provides access to e-books, journals and other study materials tailored to your course.

Academic English skills

If English is not your first language and you would like to develop your academic English skills, our international academic study kit (iASK) offers free help. www.brighton.ac.uk/iask

Communication from the university Look out for updates throughout the year, relating to your student finances, your studies, career and student life in general, sent to your university email address.

We will also let you know of opportunities to get involved with paid market research, enter competitions and to give your feedback about the university.

Keeping safe

Brighton and Eastbourne are safe places to live, but there are steps that you can take to look after yourself and your property, like taking out insurance, bringing a bike lock and labelling expensive equipment. We will be in touch with top tips. The university has a dedicated police community liaison officer, PC Roisin Vafee, along with our Community Liaison and House Advice Officer, Andrew Keefe, who can advise our students. www.brighton.ac.uk/community-liaison

Useful contacts These are the contact details that you are most likely to need before you arrive and during your first few weeks.

Admissions and general enquiries

01273 644644 www.brighton.ac.uk/enquiries The enquiries team are your first point of contact for help with studentcentral, activating your university account or any other questions you have about starting university.

Enrolment helpline

01273 644777 studentadministration@brighton.ac.uk For questions about stage 1 online enrolment and stage 2 in-person enrolment.

Fees Tuition fees enquiry team

01273 642449 fees@brighton.ac.uk For queries about what fees you need to pay.

Fee status enquiries

01273 644500 registryfeesassessment@brighton.ac.uk For enquiries about your fee status assessment.

Paying your fees

01273 642959 income@brighton.ac.uk For enquiries about ways to pay your fees.

Accommodation

Our accommodation service is open Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Friday offering all students help and advice in finding somewhere to live. Check studentcentral and Facebook regularly for updates about accommodation.

Brighton

01273 644100 accommodation@brighton.ac.uk This service handles all Brighton halls of residence queries, house share queries and private sector accommodation enquiries for Brighton-based students.

Eastbourne

01273 643810 accomeastbourne@brighton.ac.uk

Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) 01273 643528 medadmissions@bsms.ac.uk

Other services Student information

studentservices@brighton.ac.uk www.brighton.ac.uk/current-students

Information and advice from your campus Moulsecoomb 01273 642895 City campus 01273 643187 Falmer 01273 643584 Eastbourne 01273 643845

Careers Service

Find part-time work and volunteering opportunities. 01273 642855 careers@brighton.ac.uk

Childcare

01273 642021 (Moulsecoomb) 01273 277016 (City campus) childcare@brighton.ac.uk

Disability and dyslexia

01273 643799 disability@brighton.ac.uk

Student advice service

Specialist advice about issues including benefits, money management, visas and immigration. 01273 642888 studentadvice@brighton.ac.uk

Sport Brighton

Advice about our facilities, the availability of sports and activities and how to join in. 01273 643520 www.brighton.ac.uk/sport

Brighton Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union

01273 644679 www.brightonsu.com bsucommunications@brighton.ac.uk

This publication is available in alternative formats on request. University of Brighton Mithras House, Lewes Road Brighton, BN2 4AT www.brighton.ac.uk

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It’s less than 50 miles from Brighton to central London, and less than 80 miles from Eastbourne to central London. And for European adventures, you can get a ferry to France from Newhaven – just 14 miles from Eastbourne by car, and only eight miles from Brighton or a direct train to Ashford Eurostar terminal.

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MOULSECOOMB PLACE

Moulsecoomb train station

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Trains

It’s only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London, and 90 minutes from Eastbourne. From Brighton, there are direct trains to Bedford and Cambridge, as well as to London Bridge, London Victoria and Kings Cross, making it easy to travel further afield. Ongoing improvements to the north-south rail network mean even more connections to Brighton, even easier journeys, and new trains.

Falmer train station

VARLEY PARK

Brighton is very close to Gatwick Airport – just 30 minutes direct by train. Gatwick to Eastbourne is an hour. Driving to Gatwick takes around 45 minutes from Brighton and 75 minutes from Eastbourne. Heathrow isn’t far either – 64 miles from Brighton, and 84 miles from Eastbourne, and accessible easily by coach, or by train via London.

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Brighton train station

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Your complete checklist BEFORE YOU GET HERE

What you can do from 22 August

Private accommodation

The morning after online enrolment you can log into studentcentral where you can: check your course details including your start date and term and semester dates start using your university email account.

Join the house-hunting Facebook

Complete stage 1 online enrolment.

Online tasks

Get ready for student life

If you haven’t already, you need to activate your university user account – this will provide you with your university username and password for studentcentral. Upload your university photo. Join us on social media. Chat to a current student to have all your questions answered at www.brighton.ac.uk/chat.

for Brighton Students’ Union freshers’ mailing list at www.brightonsu.com/ freshers. Get your Totum card (powered by NUS extra) for student discounts in shops, restaurants and online. Visit www.brightonsu.com/totum.

Activate your university user account.

Prepare for your course

Log into studentcentral. Check your start date. Check the academic school and

campus where your course is based.

Complete all required pre-course preparation.

Find your welcome event timetable

and your draft teaching timetable – click on the timetable icon on studentcentral. Check back regularly for any updates. Look at our academic study kit (ASK) resources https://blogs.brighton. ac.uk/ask.

Money

Make or update your student finance

application (UK and EU students only).

Work out a budget. Open a bank account.

Check out Freshtival 2019 and sign up

ACCOMMODATION Halls of residence

Read our halls allocation policy – this

explains who is eligible to apply and how to accept our offer of a room. We will let you know the outcome of your accommodation application after the deadline has passed and after your place with us is unconditional firm – so if you are waiting for exam results, we will let you know the outcome after your results are available and your place is fully confirmed. If we offer you a place in halls you need to pay the first rent instalment within three working days of us contacting you to secure your place. Join your halls Facebook group – we will email you details. Complete the online accommodation induction, where you will be given an arrival time.

Read our advice on looking for

accommodation in the private sector. group for your location.

Check out https://studenthomes. brighton.ac.uk/accommodation.

Attend stage 2 in-person enrolment. Bring the following: passport or other photo ID (such as UK driving licence)

if English is not your first

language please also bring your original certificate for your most recent or highest English language qualification international students need to bring original certificates for all qualifications which were identified on your CAS you may also need to bring original certificates for your qualifications. We will contact you via email if this is the case. If you are not sure what you need to bring please contact us. Go to your course induction events as indicated on your timetable. Timetables are provisional until after the start of term so we recommend that you do not buy a season ticket, or make work or caring commitments until your timetable is finalised. Have fun, meet new people, join a club or society with Brighton Students’ Union. Register with a doctor near where you live. Find out about our Student Services and how to find them if you need them.

You may also need to...

Book a place on international

orientation (international and European students). Arrange childcare and funding. Apply for Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). Check your vaccinations are up to date.

Join us on social media

Meet other students in your campus Facebook group and follow us on social media. www.brighton.ac.uk/get-social