Destination UK! The journey of a lifetime

Destination UK! The journey of a lifetime

Quiz 1) What makes up the United Kingdom? 2) What do you do on Guy Fawkes Night (5 Nov)? 3) What s the average temperature in Oct? And in Jan? 4) What s the emergency number in the UK? 5) What does it mean if you are off your trolley? 6) What s the cheapest way to travel within the city?

Agenda Introduction Pre-trip Preparation* What to Bring Pre-departure Checklist Once You re There Important Contacts and Links Visa Application Accommodation Finances Insurance Travel plans Research The slides will be uploaded on our website www.educationuk.org/singapore

Apply for your Student Visa ATAS certificate apply early Unsure? Check https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa UK (Tier 4) General Student Visa (above 18) Apply three months before travel date. Cannot enter before the date of the visa Ensure you have the necessary supporting documents www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/documents-you-must-provide Supporting documents : 1. confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) 2. valid passport 3. proof of funding (depends)

Apply for your Student Visa Complete the application and pay for the fee online www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk Visa Fees S$705 (as of 22 July 2015) Healthcare surcharge - 150 per year (for those more than 6 months) Schedule an appointment (http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/) to submit the documents (including passport) and biometrics May be required to sit for a short Credibility Interview basic questions such as Why did you choose your university/course?, How do you plan to fund your studies?, Do you plan to work? Approximately 15 working days Priority service available VFS Global Singapore 135 Cecil Street, #08-01 MYP Plaza, Singapore 069536

Accommodation Make sure you have applied for accommodation accepting an offer does not mean you have applied for housing. Catered vs self-catered You may be allowed to check-in only during working hours or from certain date, so do find out prior to arrival. If housing is only provided during the semester, find alternative lodging during the periods before and after term. Private accommodation Get help from the Housing office, if need be. Take pictures of the room upon checking in, in case of disputes.

Finances Do your sums and make sure you have enough money. Orientations should include instructions on setting up of bank accounts. You may need a letter from your university to open an account. You can bring an international bank draft or set-up the account and have your family transfer the money. Fees will be charged by banks for telegraphic transfers and cheques. Setting up an account may take weeks - You will need cash for the initial period. 300 to 500 should be sufficient. If your Singapore ATM card is part of PLUS or CIRRUS system, you can withdraw local currency from foreign ATMs. Advisable to have a credit card with you for the big-ticket items and emergencies.

Insurance Students staying for more than 6 months qualify for NHS. We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance. Get travel insurance in case of lost baggage or delayed flights. Please bring along the proof of insurance and coverage for reference. Check with your insurance company on claiming procedures. Get your prescriptions and jabs, glasses changed, teeth checked, etc here!

Travel Plans Buy your flights online or through a travel agent (only after you have collected your visa). Check for student fares with your travel agent. Sign up for frequent flyer programmes. Check your airline s baggage allowance before packing! Take note of your arrival time. If it is late at night, are you comfortable getting around the city alone and do you have somewhere to stay? Consider travelling in groups. If you need to take a train to your final destination, please give ample time allowance for transfers. Plan your journey from airport/train station to your accommodation. Taxis can cost quite a fair bit!

Preparing to leave home Do your research

Find out about The weather - Should you be bringing tee shirts or wool coats and mufflers? Can you deal with the low humidity? Time difference Exchange rate Reporting the loss of your passport or credit cards Getting around Meet & Greet services SingSocs Recipes of your favourite home-made dishes Singapore UK

Climate Autumn - Sep / Oct / Nov Temp: ~ 10 20 degrees Winter - Dec / Jan / Feb Temp: ~ -5 10 degrees Spring Mar / Apr / May Temp: ~ 10 20 degrees Summer - Jun / July / Aug Temp: ~ 17 29 degrees

Quiz Time What do you do when you lose your passport? Pick where appropriate. a) Inform your university b) Don t worry about it till you are about to head home c) Call home and get parents to apply for new passport d) Report police e) Apply for a new visa f) Contact Singapore Overseas Missions g) Inform ICA

Quiz Time What do you do when you lose your passport? Pick where appropriate. a) Inform your university (Your student record may need to be updated with the new passport number.) b) Don t worry about it till you are about to head home (No. You need to report the loss of your passport within 14 days.) c) Call home and get parents to apply for a new passport (Passport must be applied/collected in person.) d) Report police (Yes. Please keep a copy of the report.) e) Apply for a new Tier 4 student visa (Not necessary.) f) Contact Singapore Overseas Missions (Yes. You would need new travel documents to return home.) g) Inform ICA (You would have to apply for a replacement passport, if it is not done in the UK.)

Packing your things

Things to bring 1. Important Documents Valid passport at least 6 months validity (visa if applicable) Decision letter for Biometric Residence Permit Letter of acceptance Proof of funding (you may be asked and you need to know how you will be able to support yourself) Accommodation Letter Copies of your insurance policies Return Air ticket (if possible) Originals (or certified copies) of your qualifications Vaccination documents and X-ray*

Things to note A medical check-up is not compulsory for students heading to the UK from Singapore but note that you may be randomly picked to do a health check-up when you are at the airport. www.gov.uk/government/publications/medical-issues-med - Form PQ Please make copies of all important documents. Keep separate sets in different places, including one in Singapore. Your family can send them to you, in the event that you lose those with you. You can buy most things you will need over there! There are many different nationalities living in the UK, and the shops cater for this, so you may even be able to buy your favourite foods and brands.

Things to bring 2. Other Essentials Sufficient cash (perhaps one month s expenses, excluding rent) Medication for personal use (prescription drugs should be kept in their original packaging with your name on it, and accompanied by a doctor s note) Travel adaptors and multi-plug adaptors Laptop, camera and mobile phone and their chargers Umbrella or raincoat First-aid kit

Things to bring (or not) 3. Daily necessities Toiletries, clothes, footwear you can buy these there 4. Fun stuff Photos of friends and family Souvenirs from Singapore Recipes or food mixes Anything else to help you to settle in Take note of restricted items: www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/index.htm If you choose to carry 10,000 euros or more (or its equivalent in other currencies) in cash/cheques/bankers draft, you must declare to customs officers when arriving in the UK. www.gov.uk/bringing-cash-into-uk

Pre-departure Checklist Valid passport and visa Decision letter for BRP Proof of acceptance Welcome Pack Proof of financial support Proof of accommodation Insurance Bank draft/credit card/cash Confirmed flight ticket Emergency Contacts Vaccinations and checkups Exit permit for NSmen Appropriate clothing & footwear First aid kit Medication Adaptors and chargers Umbrella/raincoat Toiletries/electronics etc Laptop and camera Photos and souvenirs Foodstuff Passport photos

Arriving in the UK

Once you re there 1. First things first Follow the instructions in your Welcome Pack Attend the orientation Acquaint yourself with the student services Singaporeans should e-register themselves on MFA s website There may be similar services for other nationalities Collect your BRP from the post office within 10 days upon arrival Police Registration within 7 days of arrival see passport Find out emergency numbers police, ambulance, or campus security Contact your family and stay in touch!

Once you re there 2. Settling in Familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Explore! Keep yourself updated with the daily local news. Talk to new people don t keep to yourself. Join HOST. HOST is a voluntary organisation with a network of UK residents, who invite international students to their homes. Please apply online at www.hostuk.org.uk.

Once you re there 3. Safety The UK is generally considered to be a safe place but it is a good idea to be on the side of caution. Be safe don t wander around alone at night Look out for nearest security posts/police stations near home Beware of pickpockets Be mindful of your surroundings Don t leave your valuables lying around Don t leave large amounts of cash in the room If confronted, give up your valuables and do not resist

Quiz Time Images taken from internet What s wrong with these pictures?

Quiz Time Imagine you are travelling in a non-english speaking country. Two ladies (who look like locals) approach you with a map for directions. Do you think they are lost and a) are looking for someone who speaks English? b) you look nice and approachable? c) you look confident and know where you are going? d) none of the above Images taken from internet

In case of emergencies Make your own list of emergency contacts Embassies/High Commissions : www.mfa.gov.sg Local emergency number : 999 Credit card and bank telephone numbers Ensure the university has your next of kin contact details

Once you re there 4. Culture Shock Anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. 1. Honeymoon Phase 2. Negotiation Phase 3. Everything is ok Phase 4. Reverse Culture Shock Expectations too high? Recognise and talk to friends about it Support groups on campus

Once you re there 5. Be mature and recognise differences Be prepared that things may be done in a different pace or different way Respect others Act in ways to be respected too Be open-minded, and prepare yourself well by reading up beforehand You are representing yourself, your culture and your country

Living in the UK Life in the UK Creating Confidence First Steps www.educationuk.org/singapore www.facebook.com/britishcouncilsingapore

What do you think your new life will be like in the UK? Exciting Rewarding Different

The UK is a vibrant and exciting place to live and study in. Get ready for the adventure!