Pr-arrival Guidance
Pre-arrival Guidance for
International Students’.
INTRODUCTION
Firstly, we would like to welcome you all to Winston College, and we hope that you will
have an enjoyable and successful year.
Please take the time to read this information carefully as it details basic information
about immigration, travelling to the UK and what to expect on arrival, along with details
about some of the welcome services available to all new international students on
arrival.
The International Student Services team at Winston College is committed to providing
help and support for international students as well as accurate information and guidance.
We aim to ensure the best possible service from the moment you apply to the College
until you leave.
If you are arriving at the College at the beginning of a semester (either September or
January), here are some of the services you can make use of:
Airport pick-up service from the Airport (first year students only)
Induction programme for all international / EU students
Social activities
Winston College “Students Handbook” a useful resource which you will receive
upon arrival at the College
Preparing for Entry to the UK
You will need to meet British Immigration requirements and you may have to apply for
entry clearance.
Students from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and European Union
(EU) are free to travel and work in the UK without restrictions. You will need a
passport.
EEA countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
People who are not British or from within the EEA will need a visa (also known as
entry clearance). This should be obtained by applying to a British Embassy or High
Commission before travelling. If you intend to travel outside the UK during your
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stay, you will require a multiple-entry visa. You will have to pay the visa fee in local
currency.
New visa rules from 31st March 2009
On 31st March 2009 the UK government introduced a new points based immigration
system for all entrants to the UK from outside the EEA who intend to study in the UK for
longer than six months. Students applying for a General Student visa are required to
score 40 points to be awarded entry clearance (see below).
Students on courses of less than six months may apply for a Student Visitor visa, which is
outside the points-based system. It is no longer possible to change from a visitor visa to a
student visa while you are in the UK in any circumstances.
In order to be granted a General Student visa after 31st March 2009 you will need to
have sufficient funds to pay for one year’s tuition fees and living costs in the UK
(10 points)
hold an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an institution holding a
sponsor licence**, evidenced by your visa letter (30 points)
provide original and/or certified supporting documents, for example degree or
IELTS certificates
hold a valid passport
Money needed to satisfy Maintenance and Funds Test
The money you need to show must cover your course fees for your first year of study
and living costs for up to a maximum of nine months. Your money must be held in cash.
Shares, bonds, pension funds and similar savings accounts will not be accepted.
Moreover, you must show that you have held the money for at least 28 days prior to the
date of application.
The UK Border Agency estimates that you will need the following amount of money to
meet basic living costs (not including fees):
£800.00 per month if you are living in London (£7,200.00 for 9 months),
£600.00 per month, if you are living outside London (£5,400.00 for 9 months)
Proof of availability of Money
You can prove you have money if you have:
Cash in an account in your name (this includes joint accounts with your name); or
A loan in your name; or
Official financial or government sponsorship.
An official financial sponsor is Her Majesty’s Government, your home government,
the British Council or any international organisation, company or University. Outside
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London.
What is the cost of living in London?
Living in London is not cheap. The major expenses for students studying in London are
as follows:
a. Accommodation, including bills for heating, electricity and telephone
b. Travel – Underground, British Rail and Bus
c. Books and other learning materials
d. Food, Entertainment, Clothing and Laundry
The British Council provides useful information to students wishing to study in the UK.
The figures below are based on average spending of UK students. Students studying in
London must expect these prices to be higher. Accommodation or rent average £75.00
outside London, whereas students living inside London (i.e. within the M25) should
expect to pay up to £95.00 per week. Bills average £32.00 per week, though in some
accommodations, the bills may be included in the rent. Food and household shopping
average about £30.00 outside London and £40.00 within London. However, if you wish
to purchase ethnic food, you will need to budget a bit higher. Budget for Clothing
should be in the region of about £10.00 per week, whilst allowance of £8.00 per week
should be made for laundry.
Is living in London safe?
London is a major international City with a population of at least 8 million people.
Living in London is relatively safe as we have a very good and active Police Force.
However, students are advised to be careful and act safely in all aspects of their
behaviour whilst living in London.
Are overseas students allowed to work in UK?
This is subject to the terms and conditions of your student entry visa. In general terms,
students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during school term and 40
hours per week during school holidays. However, we must stress that you have to
comply with the terms and conditions of your entry clearance as a student with respect
to employment during your stay in the UK. We also advise overseas students to
consider carefully their need to work, as your studies may be affected if you engage
in employment when you are supposed to be in the classroom.
The UK Government operates a National Health Service and all students have access to
the Service in case of illness. Students are advised to register with their local GP nearest
to where they live. Names and addresses of the local GPs can be obtained from the
local Post Office. Consultation with a GP is free, but medicine and prescriptions have to
be paid for. There is a fixed charge for medicines and prescriptions irrespective of the
medicine or prescription dispensed.
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Before you Travel
Please ensure that you have notified the college with your travel information by
completing the Accommodation & Airport Pick-Up Forms, before you travel and forward
it to us. This will enable us to help you with your requirements.
It is very important that you provide the International Admissions team with your travel
information, even if you do not think you will need help on arrival. This will help us to
ensure all new students get the right support when they need it. Please advise the
International Admissions team of your travel information at
admissions@winstoncollege.co.uk.
If you want the College to help with your accommodation requirements on your arrival,
either temporary or permanent, then you must contact our Accommodation Officer, in
plenty of time before you travel. Please email: accommodation@winstoncollege.co.uk or
phone + 44 (0). Please also see the Accommodation section on our website.
Arriving at Airport
You must contact our Accommodation Officer, before you travel, with your
accommodation requirements even if you are sorting your own accommodation. To book
your taxi collection we must have your destination address – this is most important as
your taxi collection cannot be arranged without it.
You should only make your travel arrangements when you have received your student
visa. The College can provide a taxi collection service for our international students from
the airport but you must give us at least 7 days notice of full travel details: flight
numbers, dates and times of departure plus airport, and dates and times of arrival plus
airport terminal and your destination address. We cannot book the taxi collection unless
we know these details. Also, there would be a Collection Charge which can be found out
by the International Admissions Officer.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers MUST be ordered on the Acceptance form provided and reach us at
least 7 days before the transfer is due.
Airport Transfer Charges
Collection Points in the UK
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London Stansted
Luton
Bristol
The Airport Transfer Cost (one way) can be obtained by the International Admissions
Officer. The charges are based on one person transfers. A deduction will be made
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where two or more students are sharing. Where appropriate it may also be necessary to
charge a small excess fee to cover waiting time and parking.
All students will be met by College Staff or by an authorised College Chauffeur. Other
collection points can be quoted for on request.
When travelling, do not bring a large amount of cash but make sure you bring enough
money with you to live on for the first 4 weeks at least. (Travellers cheques are the safest
method, when travelling). Approximately £1000 should be enough to pay for
accommodation (2 months’ rent is payable: 1 month as a bond/deposit and 1 month rent)
and food/living expenses as it could take up to 2 weeks to open a bank account.
Please also bring your original certificates/qualifications with you as you will need these
to enrol on your course and any other equipment/clothing you may need for the course.
Items that are Illegal to Bring to the UK
Do not bring any food, plants or animals from your own country which is considered
illegal in this country. Some foods and plants that are considered legal in your country
may in fact be illegal in the UK.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides information on the
website on what it is safe to bring to the UK.
Immigration Difficulties
If you experience any problems at Immigration Control ask the Immigration Officer to
phone the College on your behalf.
Induction Programme
Winston College has an induction programme during the week before your course starts.
The programme is designed to help you with the practical side of living in the UK and
studying at Winston College.
The main objectives of the induction programme are:
familiarisation with the College facilities and College staff
assist students to get to know Ilford, College Surrounding areas
getting to know London
giving you the opportunity to meet other international students
registration with a local doctor (NHS) and guidance to open a Bank Account, to
register for obtaining the National Insurance Number for employment.
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providing you with information about life in the UK.
Enrolment at the College
The induction programme is very important and we recommend all students attend. It
will provide you with the information and advice needed to help you:
get settled in London
look after your money
look after your health
learn about cultural differences and how to cope with them
learn about the help available to you at the College
International Students - Meet the Team
Our offices are open from 09.00 to 17.00 hrs (GMT) Monday to Friday, however if
you wish to speak to any of the team members, please see appointment details
below:
International Admissions Officer: Miss Dimple D’Mello
Accommodation Welfare Advisor: Mr Rushdy
We look forward to welcoming you to the Winston College.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. College Standards
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Those attending the College must comply with the directions given to them and abide by
the rules of the College which are designed to ensure the smooth running of daily life. All
students must be prepared to do their best and to maintain the standards of mutual
respect and hard work on which the high reputation of the College depends
The number of rules in the College is kept to a minimum and their observance should not
create any personal difficulty for any well-motivated, hard-working student. Drugs,
alcohol and tobacco are strictly forbidden. Sexual misconduct or impropriety will lead to
expulsion. Students are advised not to keep substantial amounts of money in their
possession in College.
B. Cancellation or Withdrawal
The fee is not refundable; if a student does not take up the place on the course, unless
there are exceptional circumstances. Refunds are at the discretion of the College.
The College must receive the full amounts of the Application fee and fees after all bank
charges have been paid. Your bank should be instructed to pay all charges including
those for the UK bank. Students will not be permitted to join the College until all fees due
have been paid.
Acceptance and entrance to the College constitutes a contract to pay all fees and
associated charges due. If a student has paid in advance but is unable to attend, it may be
possible to claim and the College will make the following refunds provided that written
confirmation justifying your situation is submitted:
for cancellation more than 5 weeks before the starting date, full fees will be
refunded, less the application fee and any bank charges;
for cancellation in the 5 weeks before the starting date, or non-arrival, fees will be
refunded, less 10% fees and any bank charges;
fees will be refunded in full for students who cancel on grounds of illness, or
where student visa is rejected or refused due to College Error. Please note that in
such cases written evidence will be required (e.g. medical certificate or rejection
letter from the Embassy).
Fees are not refunded once a course has been started.
Fees are not refunded if a student is asked to leave the College because of
unsatisfactory behaviour or work. Any additional costs associated with an early
withdrawal will be charged to the student.
The College reserves the right to alter the fees if increases in cost make this
necessary, though its policy is to only review fee levels on an annual basis.
C. Suspension and Expulsion
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The College reserves the right to suspend or expel a student whose behaviour is counter
to the general interest and welfare of the other students. Suspension and expulsion are
at the sole discretion of the Principal whose decision is final.
In such circumstances, there will be no refund of fees; any additional cost incurred will be
passed to the parent or guardian for immediate settlement.
D. Accommodation
Students are responsible for any damage caused by them to the property itself or any
item in the property. The College reserves the right to recover costs for any damages
incurred.
E. Insurance
Students attending the College should have adequate medical, dental, travel and
personal insurance. The College cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage of
students' personal property nor is it responsible for any medical or dental costs incurred
by the student during their stay. Students are therefore advised not to bring valuable
items such as expensive watches or jewellery.
We do not accept responsibility for any loss or any expense due to delays or changes in
public transport, weather, quarantine, sickness, or any other cause. We can only accept
students on the assumption that they are in good health.
F. Publicity
Students and their parents or guardians agree that the students' achievements and
college photographs may be used for promotional purposes without being given
additional consent or notification.
G. Welfare and Guardianship
Every student whose parents are not resident in the United Kingdom is required to have
a UK based ‘guardian’, for example a relative or close family friend, who will be
responsible for them when they are not in College.
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