International students

BPP Business School is a truly international community, and values international students for the diverse cultural experiences they bring with them. Whichever programme you choose to study, we aim to provide first rate support throughout your time with us.

We understand that for students choosing to study in the UK relocation can be a stressful time. We are dedicated to helping you however we can; from advice on the best programme for you, through to guidance on visas, accommodation and finance issues.

We also realise that as an international student you will be keen to experience the UK culture. With our Business School centrally located in London, you find these ideal starting points to explore all the UK has to offer. We also have a regular programme of social events, many of which are held specifically for international students and also a great many student societies that will make you feel part of the ever growing BPP community.

We have provided some useful information on these web pages to help guide you through what you can expect from living and studying in the UK:

Visas

As an international student you should check to see whether you require a visa in order to study in the UK. Obtaining a visa can be quite a long process so should you need a visa in order to study in the UK we advise you to apply as soon as you have accepted your offer.

What is a visa?

If you are not a British Citizen or a citizen of one the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need an entry clearance before you travel to the UK.

Entry clearance is the formal term to describe the application process for visa nationals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom and for non visa nationals who intend a longer stay or to settle in the UK. The entry clearance certificate, more commonly called a visa, is placed in your passport or travel document.

The visa tells the immigration officer at a UK port of arrival:

• the purpose of your travel;
• how long you can stay in the UK; and
• the latest date that you can enter the UK.

Normally, you may enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity of your visa.

How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a student?

You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a programme of study at an educational establishment that is on the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Register of Education and Training Providers. BPP Business School is listed with the DfES as a registered provider.

You must be able to show that you are going to follow:

• a recognised full-time degree programme, or
• a programme run during the week involving at least 15 hours of organised daytime study each week, or
• a full-time programme at an independent fee-paying school

You must also:

• be able to pay for your programme and support yourself and any dependants, and live in the UK without going into business or getting a job, or needing any help from public funds
• be able and intend to follow your chosen programme

For further information on visas, including whether you require a visa, about the application process and where to obtain a visa from, please visit the following link http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067373 Or contact the International Student Office who will be able to offer guidance.

In some instances, students who will be staying in the country for longer than 6 months may be required to register with the police within 7 days of their arrival. The stamp in your passport will tell you if you need to do this.

Clubs and Societies

Joining a student society or sports club is a good way to make friends and have some fun. Every year, BPP Business School students form a wide range of clubs and societies that BPP is keen to support.

Visit our section on student life to find out more about social opportunities available at BPP.

Living and Working in the UK

If this is your first time living in the UK, you may find it useful to attend our International Students Orientation Evening. These are held at the start of the academic year across all our campuses. Not only is this a good chance to meet other international students who will be in the same position as you, but you will also have a chance to ask questions about living in the UK and get the chance to meet your International Student Officer.

London is a city well known for its' multiculturalism. There are many conceptions of "what the British are", but in general we're a friendly, welcoming nation who enjoy sharing our own culture with visitors to the UK. Don't be put off by what you may have read somewhere or seen on the TV! We're really very nice!

Given the phenomenon of the "global village", it is unlikely you will experience culture shock in the same way you might have done if you were coming to study in the UK 30 years ago. However, attitudes to things such as religion and relationships may be very different from what you have experienced in your country and we appreciate that you may be unfamiliar with these. Your International Student Officer will be happy to guide you through any procedures or cultural differences you may be struggling with as you settle in, and our teaching staff are always keen to ensure you ease into your studies as smoothly as possible.

Can I work when I'm in the UK?

As mentioned previously, if you are in the country on a visa you must satisfy immigration that you can support yourself without the need to work. However, you can work while you are in the UK providing it is not for more than 20 hours per week during term time. Some of the programmes offered by the Business School are very intensive and it is not advisable to be working whilst on these programmes. Please speak to your International Student Officer, who will be happy to advise you, before you take on any work outside of your study programme.

Language Requirements

You should check to see if the programme you are applying for has any minimum English language requirements. Our International Students Office will be happy to provide you with further information on reputable language schools or courses should you wish to improve your English skills.

Health

When you come to the UK to study, it is especially important to be aware of your physical, mental and sexual health. You are living in a different climate, perhaps eating a different diet and preparing your own food for the first time. Even the laws and expectations about drinking alcohol, dating and sex may be different from what you are used to. All the changes and differences you will find can be more difficult when you do not have your normal network of friends and family around you.

The National Health Service

The UK has a free National Health Service (NHS) and if you are studying full-time and have permission to be in the UK as a student for longer than 6 months, you are entitled to use it. Your sticker in your passport will probably say 'no recourse to public funds'. Using the NHS is not using 'public funds'.

Registering with a Doctor

Registering with a doctor (a GP) simply means going to your local GP surgery and putting your name on the list of patients. You do not pay anything to register. You will need to show your passport and evidence of your address. Registering with a doctor is very important. Do not wait until you are sick because you may then have to wait to get an appointment.

Emergencies

For an ambulance, call 999. This service is free. If you have an accident, you should go to the 'Accident and Emergency' (A+E) department of the nearest hospital. (Not all hospitals have A+E). This department is very busy and you will probably have to wait so you should only go there if it really is an emergency. Do not go to A+E if you are ill or need medicine - you should make an appointment with your GP.

Other NHS Services

Walk-in centres offer healthcare advice and treatment without having to make an appointment. You can go there and see a nurse on the same day. They can help you with minor injuries and illnesses (for example colds, flu, stomach upsets) and minor injuries (for example strains and small cuts and bruises). They can also give you health advice and information. There are 8 walk-in centres in London.

NHS Direct is a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. NHS Direct nurses will give you advice and support on self treatment or if you need further help, they'll put you in touch with the right service. If it is a serious condition or an emergency, the nurse will give you speedy advice on what you need to do, and will call an ambulance if needed.

You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on the NHS Direct website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647

Medical Help for Chinese Students in the UK

The Chinese National Healthy Living Centre was set up to help support the Chinese community in the UK. They can help you find your way around the NHS and they also offer a counselling service - all in your own language. The Centre, which is based in Soho, offers the following:

• Multi-lingual Helpline - 0845 601 6030
• Sunday Surgery - free NHS doctor on Sundays from 11am to 4 pm
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Disability and Carers Support
• Interpretation Support - help communicating with your GP
• Internet Cafe
• Counselling Services
• Information Service

For more information, visit the www.cnhlc.org.uk/ or contact them at:

29-30 Soho Square

London

W1D 3QS

Tel - 0207 287 0904 or 0207 534 6546

e-mail - general@cnhlc.org.uk

Useful Websites

• Work Permits Department of Immigration & Nationality Directorate

• Immigration & Nationality Directorate

• United Kingdom Council for International Education

• Immigration Advisory Service

• Higher Education & Research Opportunities

• The Department for Education & Skills

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office

• The British Council

• Visa Information Department of the Home Office

• University Colleges Admissions Service

• Information about currency conversion rates

• The British Council Home Page

• Customs & Excise

• Embassies around the world

• UK rail travel

Opening a Bank Account

Potential newcomers to the UK should try and organise a bank account before they leave. Also, check whether your home bank has an affiliation with a UK bank as this can make the process smoother when you arrive. Be sure to bring as much documentation as possible - must-haves include a passport, driver's licence and, if possible, a birth certificate, as well as evidence of your UK address (if you have one) such as a utility bill. It's also worth bringing an original bank/credit card statement from home that is dated within the last three months.

Students should contact the International Students Office for information on how BPP College can help them with their financial affairs - they usually have links with all the local high street banks and building societies. But remember, it could take at least two weeks for your account to become operational and many arrivals find it takes as long as five weeks, so be financially prepared.

If you want to obtain a credit card, you might have to wait until you have been resident in the UK for six months or more, depending on the bank.

Major UK banks

HSBC www.hsbc.co.uk Alliance & Leicester www.alliance-leicester.co.uk NatWest www.natwest.co.uk Royal Bank of Scotland www.rbs.co.uk Lloyds TSB www.lloydstsb.com Barclayswww.barclays.co.uk

Finally, always remember that no matter how difficult it might be to open a UK account, it is your money you are about to deposit, so you should always look at the interest rates on offer and try the bank paying the highest. Be sure to also check building societies - popular examples include Nationwide Building Society (www.nationwide.co.uk), Birmingham Midshires (www.askbm.co.uk), and Chelsea Building Society (www.thechelsea.co.uk).

The British Bankers' Association provide information about opening a bank account and this can be found in the leaflet below.

http://www.bba.org.uk/content/1/c4/59/54/Int_Students_Leaflet_Oct06.pdf