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River House
5357 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
London
KT1 1LQ
United Kingdom
To help you settle into university International Student Advisory Centre (ISAC)
Our team of specialist advisors can help you
life, we have prepared this with a range of issues, including: extending or
Essential Guide. The guide has switching your visa, immigration-related advice,
travelling abroad and working in the UK. For more
lots of helpful information on information, email isac@kingston.ac.uk or visit
Kingston and the local area, travel, mykingston.kingston.ac.uk/mysupport/international/
about-isac
shopping, restaurants, bank
accounts and much more. We European and Study Abroad Office
If you are interested in studying or working abroad as
hope you find it useful. part of your course, our European and Study Abroad
Office can help you. To find out more, email esao@
kingston.ac.uk or visit mykingston.kingston.ac.uk/
If you cant find the information mysupport/international/studyworkabroad
you need, we have a number of
International Events Team
specialist teams who are always We organise a range of events, activities and
happy to help (see right). trips throughout the year for international
students. To find out more, visit our
Contents Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
International Student Advisory Centre (ISAC) 1 We hope you find your time at InternationalStudentsAtKingstonUniversity or
Registering with the police 3 email us: international@kingston.ac.uk
Opening a UK bank account 5
Kingston enjoyable, and wish you
Healthcare during your studies 7 the best of luck with your studies!
Working during your studies 11
National Insurance 12
Food shopping 13
Restaurants 15
Student travel 17
Sightseeing and days out 21
Student life 25
Travelling abroad 27
Understanding your Tier 4 visas (including
information on Dependants) 29
How to extend your student visa 33
Working in the UK after your studies 35
Kingston University useful contacts 39
Important dates 2012/13 41 Find out more
Map of Kingston town centre 42
Notes 43
European and Study Abroad Office: www.kingston.ac.uk/esao
International Student Advisory Centre: www.kingston.ac.uk/isac
International Student
Advisory Centre (ISAC)
5 6
Healthcare during
your studies
During your time in the UK, its important to look after your
health and to make sure you have all the information you
need in case of illness or injury.
National Health Service Registering with the NHS
The National Health Service, commonly known as If you are eligible for NHS care, it is essential that you
the NHS, is a publicly funded healthcare system register with a doctor (commonly referred to as a
offering a comprehensive range of health services general practitioner (GP) in the UK) or a primary care
to residents of the United Kingdom, of which, many practice as soon as you arrive in the UK, so that in the
are free. event of illness or injury, you will already be registered
with the NHS and can seek treatment immediately.
Most international students studying at Kingston will
be entitled to medical care from the National Health Kingston University has its own on-campus
Service (NHS) during their studies, providing you are: primary care practice, Fairhill Medical Practice (see
studying in the UK for a minimum of six months; or below), and all students are able to register with
from a EEA country or Switzerland and possess a this practice or alternatively with a practice closest
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); or to their place of residence.
from a country that has reciprocal health
arrangements with the UK. The Fairhill Medical Practice
The Fairhill Medical Practice, based at the
Universitys Health Centre, provides on-site GP
services during university term time and at local
branch surgeries during vacations. Services
include: medical and nursing consultations;
contraceptive advice; smoking cessation;
IMPORTANT vaccinations and 48-hour prescriptions.
If you are not entitled to National Health Service
(NHS) care, we strongly recommend that you
To register with the Fairhill Medical Practice, please
obtain private medical health insurance for the full
visit the Health Centre (see p.10) during term or
duration of your studies. Unfortunately this is quite
register when you arrive, during International
expensive in the UK.
Welcome and Orientation week.
There are a variety of options available through the NHS if you are ill or injured.
9 10
Working during
your studies
Working during your studies is a great way to earn extra National Insurance
National Insurance is a type of taxation. If you are
money and get industry experience that will look good on planning to do paid work while in the UK, you will
your CV, but you need to be sure that you are allowed to need to apply for a National Insurance number.
work and if there are any limitations. What is a National Insurance number?
Your National Insurance number is your unique
The hours and type of work you can do during your
personal number used to record your National
studies are limited and depend on your nationality
Insurance contributions. You are the only person
and/or visa.
allowed to use that number.
Tier 4 students have immigration permission which
allows you to work during your studies. You do
How do I obtain a National Insurance number?
not need to apply for special permission in order
To apply for a National Insurance number, make
to work, but this may be necessary depending on
an appointment by telephoning 0845 600 0643,
when you made your most recent application for
Monday to Friday, between 08.00 and 18.00.
immigration permission and, in some cases, the
(Note: this number is very busy, you may have to
type of course you are studying.
keep trying to get through.) The appointment will
Students here on a Student Visitor visa have no
take place at your local Jobcentre Plus office.
right to work in the UK (paid or voluntary).
If you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national you
When you make the appointment, ask which
must obtain a Yellow Registration Certificate.
documents you should bring with you. Generally,
you will need your:
For more information visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.
passport or Biometric Residence Permit
gov.uk/eucitizens
(BRP); and
payslips or a letter from your employer confirming
that you are working for them.
IMPORTANT
You do not need a National Insurance number
before you start work.
38 Market Place, Kingston T: 020 8949 2238
There are a huge amount of T: 020 8546 7806
shops that would cater for the www.foodforthoughtuk.com Longdan
Oriental Supermarket
needs of any person.
Kelvin Yeung, Canada
Surrey Halal Meat
131 Kingston Road, New Malden
17 Wood Street,
Kingston Upon Thames
Sports Science T: 020 8942 5054 T: 020 8546 1911
13 14
Restaurants
food is often marked on the menu with a (v).
You get all C heck whether the service charge (or tip) is
kinds of food in included in the bill. This should be displayed on
the menu or bill. If it isnt included, an average
Kingston.
Ashish Patel, India
suitable tip is about 10 per cent of the total price.
If you have a disability, it is a good idea to
Construction Management check in advance if the restaurant has suitable
BSc(Hons) facilities (eg wheelchair access).
IMAGE BY DAVID LOFTUS
15 16
Student Canary Wharf tube station
travel
The X26 bus takes
you to Heathrow in
Public transport in and around Kingston is excellent. If you
want to travel to London or the surrounding areas, there are
just 40 minutes.
Drishty Sobnath, Mauritius
various forms of public transport you can use. To plan your Mobile Computing BSc(Hons)
journey, visit: www.tfl.gov.uk.
Using an Oyster Card is the cheapest way to pay for Young Persons Railcard
a single journey on tubes, buses, Docklands Light If you are aged 1625 or over 26 and a full-time
Railway (DLR), trams, London Overground and most student, you can apply for a Young Persons
National Rail services in London. Railcard. This card entitles you to 1/3 off most train
tickets anywhere in Britain. The card costs 28
If you use your Oyster to pay as you go and make a and is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
number of journeys in one day, you wont pay more You can find out more about the Young Persons
than the equivalent day travelcard (see right). Railcard at any train station and ask at bigger train
stations for the application form.
Taxis
There are many taxi companies in Kingston and
London, including the famous black cabs that you
can simply signal from the road if theyre available.
For more information, visit www.tfl.gov.uk and go to
the Taxis and minicabs section.
days out
There are many interesting places Boat trips on the River Thames Rotunda leisure complex Chessington World of Adventures
Turk Launches offer boat trips from Kingston along The Rotunda leisure complex is in Kingston town Close to Kingston, this theme park is a great day
to visit and things to do in and the river to Hampton Court or Richmond. These centre, close to the train station. It offers a out. There is a zoo and theme park rides. For
around Kingston. Here are a few of trips are available from April to September. For more 14-screen cinema, tenpin bowling, a gym and a more information, call 0871 663 4477 or visit
information, call 020 8546 2434 or visit www.turks. variety of restaurants visit www.kingstononline.co.uk/ www.chessington.co.uk
our recommendations. co.uk. The International Events Team also arrange rotunda.htm
a student boat party every year in May. For more
Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace
information, see our Facebook page www.facebook. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Hampton Court Palace is the oldest Tudor palace
com/InternationalStudentsAtKingstonUniversity These internationally renowned gardens contain
in England and the former home of King Henry VIII.
40,000 types of plants from around the world. There
It has beautiful gardens, including its world-famous
Richmond Royal Park are also two art galleries, a Japanese garden, a
maze. You can get a discount if you show your
Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London. rock garden and a Chinese pagoda. The gardens
student card, and booking online is even cheaper.
It is only about 15 minutes walk from the centre of open at 09.30 and close between 16.15 and 19.30,
Open MonSun 10.0018.00.
Kingston and is a lovely space to relax in. The park depending on the time of year. You can get a
is home to many wild animals, including deer. It is discount if you show your student card. For more
For more information, call 0844 482 7777 or visit
also used by horse riders. In the summer, the park is information, call 020 8332 5000 or visit www.kew.org
www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace
perfect for picnics and bicycle rides. To find out more,
visit www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park
21 22
Sightseeing and There are unlimited
opportunities for an
Photographer: Peter Packer, The Royal Collection 2010 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
and events, call 0844 482 1556 or visit well-known changing of the guard (every other day,
www.rosetheatrekingston.org weather permitting).
Thorpe Park
Helpful hints
Dependants
Your spouse and/or children will normally be granted
permission to stay in the UK for the duration of your
course. They can apply for immigration permission to
join or remain with you if:
you are government-sponsored and your course is
over six months long; OR
you are doing a postgraduate course for 12 months
or longer at a higher education institution; OR
you had Tier 4 or pre-Tier 4 student leave for your
previous course where the course was over six
months long; AND
your permission is current or expired no more
than three months before this immigration
application; AND
your new immigration application is for a
course over six months long; AND
your dependants already have Tier 4
dependant or student dependant leave; AND
you apply for immigration permission at the
same time as your dependant.
Authorised absence Protecting your Tier 4 student immigration Five-year cap on study at degree level and above PhD students
If you need to be absent for up to four weeks during status The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has a time limit on If you are a PhD student, you will be exempt from
term time then you should apply for authorised Tier 4 immigration status has conditions linked to the number of years you can spend studying in the the time limit during your PhD course, however, you
absence. To request permission for authorised it, which are printed on the entry clearance sticker, UK on a student visa. If you have previous leave that will not be granted any further leave under Tier 4
absence and (if necessary) to leave the UK, you residence permit in your passport, or on your was granted for study purposes in the UK, this will once you have completed your PhD if this further
must contact your Student Support Office and Biometric Residence Permit BRP (if you have one). be counted as part of the limit and will affect all Tier 4 grant of leave would result in spending more than
make your request in writing. There are also requirements and obligations related visa applications made after 6 April 2012. eight years in the UK as a Tier 4 (General) student.
to the immigration rules, your studies and Kingston
This also applies if you need to be absent due to University. This means that you will be limited to a maximum of Exemptions
illness, bereavement or any other reason. five years if you are studying at undergraduate (UG) The following courses are exempt from the five
Here are some useful tips and general good practice and/or postgraduate (PG) level. However, if you have year limit:
Going home during holidays to help you protect and maintain your Tier 4 status: studied a UG course that was four years long eg the Architecture
You dont need permission to go to your home Register with the police (if required) course included a year in industry or a study year Medicine
country during the Universitys official vacation Know your work conditions do not work more abroad, then the limit would be extended to six years. Dentistry
period. If you are unsure when your vacation periods hours than stated on your Tier 4 visa Law where the student has completed a course
are, refer to your timetable or contact your student Dont claim public funds, such as income If you take longer than expected to complete a at degree level in the UK and is progressing to the
support office. support course, for example you may need to repeat part of Common Professional Examination, the Graduate
Ensure that your maintenance funds are available your course or undertake re-sits, this will not entitle Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course, or the
However, postgraduate taught students are required to cover your living costs you to an extension on this limit, and the UKBA will Bar Professional Training Course
to be at the University during term time and the Open a UK bank account that sends you paper not grant further leave to continuing students who Veterinary medicine and science
summer term which, depending on your course statements by post need an extension in order to complete a course if Music at a music college that is a member of
will end in July or August and possibly September. Set a reminder four months before your current this will exceed the time limit. Conservatoires UK (CUK)
(Please note: During this time you must not work visa will expire
more than 20 hours or stop studying until you have Keep copies of your personal documents (for
submitted your final dissertation project). example keep your passports and other travel
documents in a safe place)
Deferring your studies Keep all correspondence you receive from UK
If you defer your studies, your Tier 4 visa will no immigration authorities
longer be valid as you will not be actively studying. Maintain attendance on your course, and submit
You will be reported to the UKBA and advised to your coursework on time
leave the UK as your leave will be shortened. Report all change of addresses to the UK
immigration authorities
When you are ready to resume your studies you If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP),
will need to make a new application for a new Tier keep it up to date
4 visa at Kingston University and request a new Dont get into trouble with the police, or commit
Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). any offences
31 32
How to extend your Find out more
1
Visit the UK Border Agencys (UKBA) website You can submit your application in three ways:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/ By special delivery through the Post Office
quickguideforstudent/adultstudents and In person at a Public Enquiry Office, to find out
download the application form and help text. Check more, visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/contact/
the photograph and policy guidance and the guide applyinginperson
to applying for an adult student visa. As soon as you Through the University using the Student Batch
have fully enrolled, you will have access to My Kingston Scheme (see below)
which gives detailed information on extending your Tier
4 (General) student visa, including a PDF drop-down The Student Batch Scheme
guide to help you complete the form. Under the Student Batch Scheme, the University
can submit your visa extension application for you.
2
Request a Confirmation of Acceptance for This means that if there are any problems with your
Studies (CAS) from Kingston University. Both application, the University can contact the UKBA on
new and continuing students should follow the your behalf. To use this scheme you must first follow
instructions on OSIS (our online student information steps 13 (see left) and attend a workshop where
system): osis.kingston.ac.uk you can discuss the Batch Scheme option with an
ISAC advisor.
Please note: you will be asked to check, update and upload your
passport and visa details (if applicable) before a CAS is issued.
Batch applications normally take between four to six
3
weeks to process (from the date of your biometric
You will receive a draft CAS statement by email
appointment). However, complex applications may
asking you to confirm that all the information
take up to 14 weeks.
is correct. Once you confirm it, your CAS
number will be generated and sent to the UKBA. Please note: it is not always possible to use the Student Batch Scheme.
33 34
Working in the UK
after your studies
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Individuals who are eligible and chosen for this Tier 2 (General) for graduates The requirements are:
This route is for graduates who dont have a job offer scheme will be sponsored by the University for up to New provisions under Tier 2 (General) for graduates 70 points under the points based system;
from an employer, but instead have an outstanding 12 months in the first instance with the possibility of are available to those who would previously have a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from your Tier
business idea that they wish to put into practice an extension for a further 12 months. been eligible under Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa. 2 licensed sponsor (employer). Important: you
in the UK. must apply within three months from the date the
To find out more, visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ Tier 2 (General) for graduates is open to recent and Certificate of Sponsorship (COS);
Kingston University has been allocated 10 places for visas-immigration/working/tier1/ or contact future graduates with a bachelors or masters degree, an offer of a skilled job at NQF level 6 (this is the
Graduate Entrepreneur graduates per year and we Dwain Reid: d.reid@kingston.ac.uk from our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or skill level set against the appropriate rate of pay for
will work closely with staff and students to identify Enterprise Department. Professional Diploma in Education (PGDE), from a job) from a Tier 2 licensed sponsor (employer),
graduates who have developed world-class innovative a UK recognised or listed institution. The scheme earning at least 20,000 or the minimum
ideas or entrepreneurial skills, who we will be able to To start your application, complete the relevant is also open to students who have completed a appropriate rate set out in the relevant UKBA Code
support. This means that the University can endorse form at: www.kingston.ac.uk/services-for-business/ minimum of 12 months of a PhD programme. of Practice for sponsored workers per year;
up to 10 non-EEA national graduates each year. entrepreneurship/registration/ apply from within the UK; and
have current leave as a Tier 4 student.
39 40
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Kingston University London
SEETING WELLS HALLS CH SURBITON STATION
9
Kingston Museum
Kingston Public Library
Kingfisher Leisure Centre
19 The Market Place
19
20 The Post Office
43 44
33
Kingston University
River House
5357 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
London
KT1 1LQ
United Kingdom