1) Do I need a Visa to come to the UK?
Visa regulations vary from country to country. Please contact the British Embassy or the High Commission in your country for up-to-date information. Alternatively, visit the Home Office website at: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/ In addition, you can search under www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk then click on 'TOURISM/CARRIERS INFORMATION' and then click on 'VISA POSTER'. Student Visa: You must register for, and attend, at least 15 hours per week full time study if you have a Student Visa. We will send you a letter to support your visa application once you have paid your deposit of at least 50% of the tuition fees. This deposit is non-refundable. The final offer letter cannot be issued until the deposit has been received.
2) How much money do I need to live on?
You need to have enough money for the following:
• About £70 per week to cover general living expenses including things like clothes, travel and leisure.
• About £120 per week for accommodation. Rent is normally paid direct to the landlord. The first two weeks are paid in advance when you arrive, and after that each week is paid one week in advance.
• Your course fees, which should be paid by the first day of term. The fees include tuition but books are paid separately and you need to have a provision of a minimum of £350 for books.
Insurance: All students are strongly urged to take out adequate health insurance to cover medical and dental treatment in the United Kingdom. You should also ensure that your possessions are adequately insured. Please use the Monetos-Budget Calculator to help you work out your living expenses and outgoings.
3) Can I work in England?
This will depend on the entry stamp in your passport when you enter the UK. Some stamps will allow you to work, for example student visas, but other stamps, such as visit (tourist) visas, will not. The stamp that is put in your passport is decided by the Immigration Officer who stamps your passport. Once your passport has been stamped, the stamp cannot be changed. Please note that a stamp may allow you to work, but does not guarantee that you will find work.
If you have a student visa, you are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the term, and for a maximum of 40 hours per week during vacations. For further information go to www.dfes.gov.uk/international-students/workleaflet.
4) Will I be able to spend time with British students?
Studying in an English college means that you can meet British students and will be able to develop the language skills you have learnt. You may even have the chance to join various clubs in the UK – gym, dance, yoga etc. where you will be able to meet other British people and develop not only your language skills, but your understanding of the British culture as well.
5) How many hours per week will I have to study?
The minimum number of hours required per week to obtain a Student visa is 15.
6) Can the College help me to find a part-time job?
No, the college does not provide this service although there are lots of Employment Agencies in the area who can help you to find part-time work and Student Services also advertise vacancies.
7) How many students will there be in my class?
Generally the class sizes vary from 14 students up to 25 people depending on the course.
8) Will there be other students from my country at the college?
Havering College accepts students from all over the world, so it’s possible that there will be other students from your country studying here. The college keeps a close eye on student numbers to ensure we don’t get high concentrations of one particular nationality.
9) Do I need any qualifications to study at the college?
This depends what you are studying. If you are studying English Language we have classes ranging from beginners to advanced, so you will not need any formal qualifications. We will test you on your first day to see what level you are. However, full time academic and vocational courses will require a minimum IELTS level and equivalent qualifications from your country. We will advise you of the entry requirements for each course when you apply.
10) UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student Affairs)
www.ukcosa.org.uk is a very useful website for potential international students. You will find information on immigration, fees and funding, working whilst studying and many more helpful topics.
11) What are public funds?
If you come to live or stay in the United Kingdom, you must be able to support and house yourself without claiming certain state benefits. These are:
• Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA);
• housing and homelessness assistance;
• Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit;
• Working Families' Tax Credit;
• a social fund payment;
• Child Benefit; or
• any disability allowance.
12) Can I extend my stay as a student?
If you are already studying here, you can apply to extend your stay as a student.
If you did not enter the United Kingdom as a student, you may apply to stay on for studies as long as you are a non-visa national have been accepted for a course of study at degree level or above.
If you are a visa national, you cannot stay on as a student unless you entered the United Kingdom with a student or prospective student visa.
13) Can I get medical treatment?
If you come from a country with a health-care agreement with the United Kingdom, or you are enrolled on a course for six months or more, you may be able to get medical treatment on the National Health Service (NHS).
Short-term students who are here for less than six months and visitors are not entitled to free medical treatment, and you will be charged for any treatment you receive. Please make sure you have enough health insurance to cover your stay.
You can get more information from the Department of Health or check Monetos.
14) Do I have to register with the police?
If you have to register with the police, there will be stamp in your passport which indicates this requirement. You must register within seven days of arriving in the United Kingdom. The college will provide you with all the details and will assist you to complete registration. You will need your passport and two passport-size photographs of yourself.
