Pre-departure Guide for International Students 2024

PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

2024

Penryn Campus

Falmouth Campus

WELCOME TO FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY

Your time to join Falmouth University has finally arrived. In this packed guide you will find practical information to help you navigate different aspects of your journey and have a better understanding of what to expect once in Falmouth. Enjoy!

OUR CAMPUSES

Depending on which degree you have chosen to study at Falmouth University you will either be based on the Falmouth or Penryn Campus. The Falmouth Campus sits in sub-tropical gardens in the heart of the town, close to shops and beaches, and about a five minute walk from Falmouth Town train station. The Penryn Campus is located near the market town of Penryn, about a fifteen minute walk from Penryn train station.

CONTENTS:

Falmouth

FALMOUTH

PREPARING TO STUDY IN THE UK

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA

To enable you to make a Student Visa application, you’ll need a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) statement from us. To be eligible for a CAS, your offer must be unconditional and you must have completed all steps of the acceptance process (including paying an acceptance fee if applicable and providing a copy of your passport). As we follow the Government immigration rules, depending on your nationality you may be asked to provide us with evidence that you meet all UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) financial requirements, so that we can be sure that your application won’t be refused on financial grounds. Please note that Falmouth University acts as your Sponsor for your CAS and we’ll issue your CAS via email once you’ve met all the conditions.

We’ll use the Applicant Portal to request copies of your financial evidence documents if we need to see them. It would be helpful for you to familiarise yourself with the Student Visa guidance so that you understand which documents you need to prepare.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also provides detailed information about the items you’ll be asked to provide. Please check the ‘Requirements’ and ‘Evidence’ sections of UKCISA’s Student Visa eligibility and requirements webpage carefully (ukcisa.org.uk). There is information there on which financial documents you can provide, the conditions those documents need to meet, including the length of time the money must be held for, and the amount of money you need to have.

While in the UK, you must comply with the conditions of your Student Visa, and it is very important that you understand these conditions. A breach of conditions can have serious consequences for both your current student permission and any future immigration applications you may make. UKCISA provides detailed information about protecting your student status.

PAID WORK

Generally, international students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. There are instances where working rights are not given so you should check your Student Visa carefully to ensure you’re eligible for work. If you’re on a course with an integral period of work placement you’re allowed to work full-time for the duration of the placement. Full details are available on the Home Office website.

The information above is subject to change – please see here for updated information.

NAMES ON YOUR DOCUMENTATION

Occasionally, problems occur with the spelling of names and addresses, especially with students from countries that use a different alphabet to English. It is best to decide on how you wish your name to be spelt in English and then use this spelling at all times. This should be the spelling that is given in your passport.

BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT (BRP)

Your Student Visa vignette (sticker) will be attached to your passport and will allow 90 days for you to travel to the UK. After arriving in the UK you must collect your BRP, which contains your permission to stay longer if you’ve been advised you must collect one as part of your Student Visa application. If you’ve been told you can view your immigration status online instead of having a BRP, you should obtain a ‘share code’ to enable you to prove your immigration status. Towards the end of the visa application, you’ll be asked where you wish to collect your BRP from – the suggestions are based on the contact details you’ve given. You can collect your BRP from the Applicant Services Office on our Falmouth Campus. Otherwise, BRPs may be collected from participating Post Offices. The nearest one is the Truro Post Office located at 9-9A Pydar Street, Truro TR1 2AX. You’ll need to take your passport containing your visa and the letter you received when your visa was issued when you collect your BRP, as well as your travel documents, such as a copy of your boarding pass. Further details can be found here

STUDENTS STUDYING FOR LESS THAN SIX MONTHS

If you wish to stay in the UK for less than six months, it may be appropriate to apply for a short-term Study Visa rather than a Student Route Visa. Please contact the Study Abroad team on study.abroad@falmouth.ac.uk for more information.

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) SCREENING

TB screening is compulsory for those from certain countries who are applying for a visa for longer than six months. Further information can be found here.

ACADEMIC READINESS

Everyone will receive a welcome letter via email from their course leader with things to buy, a reading list and work to do to get ready. They will also be available here.

LIVING IN FALMOUTH

LOCALITY AND WEATHER

Falmouth has plenty to keep you entertained. It is home to galleries, independent shops, local produce markets, gourmet hotspots, countryside walks and beautiful beaches, cocktail bars, craft beer courtyards and music venues.

Falmouth is a town and port on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall, with a population of around 23,000. The climate is mild, with average temperatures in January and February of around 7°C and in July and August of around 17°C. Temperatures rarely reach as low as freezing and snow is unusual. Summer months are warmer, but it’s unusual to see 30°C. There’s a significant amount of rain year-round, so being prepared for wet weather is essential. Below is a graph showing average temperatures and precipitation:

TRANSPORT LINKS

Falmouth has good public transport links, with trains, buses and boats. There are regular buses that run between the two campuses and this journey will take around 15 minutes. The nearest city is Truro which is 10 miles away; regular buses and trains take around 15-20 minutes. From Truro you can connect with main train routes heading directly into London, which takes just over four hours. Cornwall Airport Newquay is a small domestic airport offering domestic flights within the UK and to some European destinations. A taxi from the airport to Falmouth should be booked in advance and typically costs around £60.

CREATIVE CULTURE

Cornwall boasts a thriving creative community with galleries, museums, theatres and a calendar packed with exciting events and festivals. This enterprising and innovative culture has given rise to award-winning creative businesses spanning every sector.

Falmouth has been shaped and influenced by its strong connection to the sea. Combining a fascinating maritime heritage and modern creativity, Falmouth is making a name for itself as one of the South West’s leading cultural and festival destinations.

Some of the popular events that are hosted by Falmouth each year are:

• Falmouth Week: originally a sailing regatta, this is now a much bigger celebration. Events within the week in August can range from a display by the Red Arrows (Royal Air Force acrobatic team) to Pink Wig night.

• Falmouth Oyster Festival: taking place in October, this is a celebration of the oyster. The event has music, cooking demonstrations and craft stalls.

• Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival: in June, this three-day event features stages set up throughout the town where you can hear sea shanties being performed. There’s a great atmosphere in the town and the event is completely free.

• Falmouth Beer Festival: this ever-popular event takes place in October each year. There’s a range of artisan spirits and craft ciders and lager to buy.

• Fal River Festival: the Fal River Festival marks the start of the summer and takes place in the last week of May. Highlights include a castle-to-castle swim between Falmouth and St Mawes, Film on the Fal (an outdoor cinema on a boat in the middle of the river) and the Cornwall Gin Cruise.

KEEPING ACTIVE

If you like keeping active, there are endless opportunities for outdoor exercise in Cornwall – including world-class surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, rowing, fishing, team sports or simply walking or running on the coast path.

ACCOMMODATION

Falmouth University has reserved a number of single rooms for new undergraduate and postgraduate students starting their studies in September 2023. If you have accepted your offer but haven’t booked your accommodation yet, please click here to do so via the online application portal Room Service. Please note that there is a limited number of single rooms which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and we cannot offer a guaranteed place.

GLASNEY STUDENT VILLAGE

Glasney Student Village provides accommodation for more than 1,500 students on our Penryn Campus. The site offers shared flats for six to nine students, with fitted kitchens and communal areas. It’s located within the campus grounds, a 20-minute bus ride from Falmouth town and a 15-minute walk from Penryn town.

New international undergraduate students will be accommodated in Glasney Student Village (limited spaces available).

THE QUARRY

This modern student accommodation is located on the banks of the Penryn River, with nearby beaches, fresh air and stunning sea views. With great transport links, getting to university couldn’t be more convenient. A 15-minute bus to Falmouth Campus and a short journey to Penryn Campus will make those early mornings a breeze.

New international postgraduate students will be accommodated in The Quarry (limited spaces available).

PRIVATE OPTION

You might decide that halls of residence aren’t for you and you’d prefer to live in a privately rented room, flat or house in Falmouth, Penryn or the surrounding area. Our Accommodation team can provide advice and guidance on finding somewhere to live. Please note: private accommodation opportunities are limited, so we recommend selecting the options above.

STARTER PACKS

UniKitOut offers bedroom, bathroom and kitchen starter packs which can be booked here.

HEALTHCARE

If you’re on a course lasting for six months or more, you and any dependent family members can access full healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS).

To be able to access NHS healthcare, you must register with a General Practitioner (usually called a GP or doctor) at a GP surgery or health centre. Once registered, you’ll be allocated an NHS number which you’ll need to receive any NHS healthcare.

Please note: you will have to pay an NHS surcharge of £776 a year when you apply for your Student Visa. The total amount for the duration of your degree will be requested (i.e. 3 x £776 for a three-year bachelor’s degree).

Although the quality of healthcare provided through the NHS is generally good, you may wish to consider additional private health insurance.

CHECKLIST:

• Have a medical examination and vaccinations (if applicable)

• Register with a health centre before your arrival in the UK so you can obtain an NHS number and access medical care

• Book an appointment at the GP surgery or health centre if you have an existing medical condition or take medication

• Arrange medical insurance if studying in the UK for less than six months

CAREERS

EMPLOYABILITY

You can benefit from Falmouth University’s award-winning Employability service for advice on launching your career, securing your next job, going freelance or even setting up your own business. In addition, our online careers platform is the place to search for graduate jobs and access tools and resources. These services will remain available to you after you graduate, so you can continue to take advantage of our careers expertise and book onto online sessions and events.

PART-TIME WORK

You may be entitled to work in the UK up to a certain number of hours a week. There are plenty of student work opportunities in Falmouth, at the University or in town. You’ll be given more information about possibilities after arriving in Falmouth (it’s usually not possible to apply for jobs before you’re in the UK as employers will probably want to meet you in person). As an international student, you can become a Student Ambassador and assist the University staff with recruitment events in-person or online or even write blogs and articles. Part-time opportunities are advertised on the student jobs board Handshake. Be sure to activate your Handshake account upon arrival.

GRADUATE ROUTE VISA

The Graduate Route Visa is available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above (or one of the limited number of professional qualifications at degree level or above), at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance, and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student Visa at the time of application. You’ll need to have completed the entirety of your course in the UK as a student. Find out more here.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

SAFETY

Falmouth University was ranked the second safest university in England and Wales (The Complete University Guide, 2024). Our campus security provides 24/7 security services and support, as well as CCTV at some accommodation sites.

STUDENT MENTOR SCHEME

We recognise that going to university abroad is a big step, so it’s helpful to have a friendly fellow student who already knows the town and the University. That’s why all first-year undergraduate students are matched with second-year students via our Student Mentor Scheme. Your mentor will contact you just before your start date and arrange to meet with you.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT

As a student at Falmouth University, you’ll have the opportunity to join other international students at our free, term-time English classes on both campuses. These classes are perfect for anyone who is looking to improve their social, academic and professional English language skills, for general conversation, presentations, CVs, applications or research and publications. If you would benefit from more personal help, you can sign up for one-to-one tutorials in-person and online.

THE ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVE LEARNING TEAM

If you require any additional support, we have a team to help you. Our Accessibility & Inclusive Learning team supports and advises students with:

• disabilities

• health conditions

• autism

• specific learning differences (dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD)

If you have a disability, long-term medical condition or learning difference, please apply for an Individual Learning Plan once you have accepted your offer. You’ll need to provide medical evidence from a qualified professional about your condition. We ask that you provide your evidence in English or have it translated before submission. If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss the type of support available to you.

We want every student to feel valued and supported and to get the most of their time at university. If you would like to find out more about our support, see here.

INTERCULTURAL CAFÉ

The Intercultural Café is a chance to meet people and celebrate different cultures in a relaxed, friendly space, every two weeks. Students and researchers are welcome to join during term time for a free coffee/tea and cake in the International Lounge. It’s a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and find out more about life in Cornwall.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

We offer a range of professional and fully confidential services that can be tailored to student needs. Here are just a selection:

• Health services: on-campus health clinic.

• Wellbeing & Student Support: comprehensive resources and support for mental health and wellbeing. Our service is wide ranging and includes in-house therapeutic and wellbeing support, online talking therapy and self-help resources, signposting, advice and information and referral to local partner organisations when needed.

• Academic Skills Advisers (ASK): academic support for anything related to essay writing and learning techniques.

• Multifaith Chaplaincy: spiritual care for anyone, every faith or none. Both the Penryn and Falmouth chaplaincies have a quiet room for reflection, contemplation, meditation and prayer. The Penryn Campus also has a dedicated Muslim prayer room.

• ResLife: made up of a team of students, ResLife is designed to helo support the transition to independent living at university.

THE COMPASS

The Compass is a student information service that offers help and advice on any aspect of university life, whether you have a quick query or require specialist support. Their friendly and well-trained staff will be on hand to respond quickly and professionally to all your student needs and queries and provide access and referrals to a range of services, including:

• Accessibility and disability

• Health and wellbeing

• Study skills

• Languages and international support

• Library general enquiries

• Study space enquiries

• Faith and spiritual support

• Campus information and facilities

• Accommodation

• Money and funding

• Student card collection

• Letters and transcripts

• Travel and transport

You can find The Compass on both campuses.

FOOD ON CAMPUS

There are several options for food and drink across the two campuses. Sustainability is important to us, so our on-campus catering sources local suppliers for meat, fruit and vegetables, wherever possible, and uses cutlery, hot drinks cups and takeaway packaging options that are environmentally friendly – either compostable, biodegradable or recyclable.

PENRYN CAMPUS

The Stannary Kitchen

The main food outlet on Penryn Campus, catering for all, including vegan and gluten-free choices. The Stannary Kitchen also offers a full English breakfast, cereals and pastries to start the day, and a menu of global and ready-to-go street food. Hot meals range from British fish and chips to Lebanese, Chinese, Indian and Mexican dishes. If your accommodation is the catered option, this is where your meals will be served.

The Stannary Deli Bar

Situated in the Upper Stannary, the Deli Bar is ideal for grab-and-go snacks, offering fresh baguettes, coffee and tea, freshly squeezed orange juice and other cold drinks, along with pastries and confectionery.

AMATA cafe

The Academy of Music & Theatre Arts (AMATA) cafe offers a tempting array of hot drinks, sandwiches, pastries and cakes.

Koofi

The Penryn Campus pizza cafe, located near Glasney Village, serving Starbucks coffees, paninis, snacks and, of course, fantastic pizzas. There’s a space to relax inside and a sun terrace – a perfect spot to sit with an iced coffee or smoothie.

Sustainability cafe

With spectacular views of the countryside, Penryn and the sea, and with indoor and outdoor balcony seating, the Sustainability cafe is a great place to enjoy fresh, seasonal food.

Stannary Bar

With Sky and BT Sports, a pool table and a stage for live music, the Stannary Bar is a thriving social hub hosting events including open mic and quiz nights.

Penryn Campus Shop

The campus shop stocks essential items as well as drinks, pasties and sandwiches. You’ll find ethical, Fairtrade products, branded merchandise and everything from wine and toothpaste to fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and bread. Halal lamb and chicken is also available.

FALMOUTH CAMPUS

The Fox Cafe

A bright, spacious and comfortable cafe serving hot and cold food, snacks and drinks. The courtyard often plays host to visiting food trucks offering global street food.

FOOD AND DRINK IN FALMOUTH

There are plenty of places to eat in Falmouth, many of them serving locally sourced fresh food. The cultural diversity in town means there are some good international food options, too.

Check out a few of our students’ favourites…

Pennycomequick – a cosy Cornish pub dating back to the 1700s. Located on The Moor in Falmouth, The Pennycomequick serves a range of the finest beers, ciders, spirits, wines and coffee.

Harbour View – with picturesque views over the harbour and a relaxed and informal atmosphere, this popular restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks. You’ll find a good selection of fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Gylly Beach Cafe – situated on the beachfront with a spacious veranda looking out to the sea, Gylly Beach Cafe offers meals and homemade cakes throughout the day, made using locally sourced ingredients.

Rubicund – a cosy vegan cafe selling radical books and serving great coffee and cakes, tucked away in an arcade right in the heart of town.

Harbour Lights – a quality fish and chip restaurant overlooking Falmouth harbour, serving fresh, responsibly sourced fish.

Good Vibes – swing by this cafe for a vegan full Cornish breakfast – it’s right across from the bus stop at The Moor.

Beacon Coffee – coffee-lovers who know their beans should check out Beacon. They change their roast every week, bringing in coffee from all over the world.

Ukrainian Soul – a five-minute walk from The Moor, this is where you’ll find authentic Ukrainian food and a delicious range of cakes.

Verdant Seafood Bar – a tiny harbourside bar serving fresh local seafood dishes and a selection of beer – the perfect spot for a rainy-day hangout.

INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS

South African: Amanzi – serves contemporary Southern African cuisine sourcing the best local ingredients. Some dishes are more traditional while others are a fusion of ideas and flavours to replicate the tastes of modern South Africa.

Chinese: Ming’s Garden – a vibrant menu of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, prepared and presented by expert staff in a relaxed environment.

Caribbean: Cribbs – authentic Caribbean food alongside British favourites, with a twist. Serving lunch, dinner or coffee and cake. The menu is complemented by rums, cocktails and reggae music.

Italian: Provedore – a small cafe and deli near Falmouth Campus, specialising in cicchetti (Italian-style tapas) and also serving brioches, bagels, croissants and Greek gyros.

Turkish: Marina Turkish Kitchen – dine in or takeaway at the Marina Kitchen, which serves a wide range of Turkish specialities.

INTERNATIONAL GROCERIES

You’ll find a selection of local stores selling quality international food ingredients.

Chan’s Oriental Foods – located in Penzance, which is around 45 minutes away by car or an hour on the bus.

U Babki – a Polish store in Truro, 20 minutes in the car or 30 minutes by bus or train.

Polski Sklep – a Polish store in Newquay, which is a 45-minute drive away or an hour on the bus.

Thai & Asian Food Store – in Truro, selling Thai, Philippine and Korean dried and frozen foods, fresh Thai fruit and vegetables and Korean ramyun.

The Corner Shop Falmouth – a general convenience store located in Falmouth, which stocks a range of Asian foods and ingredients. It also offers groceries, snacks, confectionery and drinks.

GYM AND SPORTS CENTRE

Our sports centre and gym on Penryn Campus features a spacious fitness studio with up to 90 of the latest stations from Pulse Fitness, including cardiovascular, resistance and free weights areas.

A four-court sports hall is available for hire for a range of sports and activities, including five-a-side football, tennis and badminton. Our fitness studio runs a variety of fun, weekly classes from yoga and Pilates to circuits and kettlebells.

STUDENT DISCOUNTS

Once you enrol at the University, you’ll be given your Student ID card. Your Student ID can be used for a variety of things on and off campus. Many retail outlets offer student discounts which will only require you to show your student ID card. Discounts typically range between 10%-15% and are worth asking for when you’re shopping.

There are also online sites and apps that offer discounts for students. When you sign up for these using your student email address, you’ll be given access to a range of incentives and discounts. Popular student discount sites include:

• Student Beans

• UNiDAYS

• Totum

YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION

One of the best ways to get involved in student life is through the Students’ Union (SU). The SU at Falmouth is the only union in the country to represent students from two different universities (Falmouth and Exeter), giving you the opportunity to meet and mix with another university’s students. The aim of the SU is to ensure that every student has the highest quality education and the best experience possible during their time at the University. Our SU runs more than 130 clubs and societies you can join and is also a place you can go for help with any matter.

ONLINE SUPPORT

GET READY FOR FALMOUTH

Studying in a different culture and language is an amazing and rewarding experience but can be challenging at times. Get Ready for Falmouth is a series of interactive online sessions during June and July for international students starting their on-campus studies in September 2024.

These friendly sessions are entirely free of charge and aim to prepare you for moving away from home and studying and living in Falmouth. You’ll also get the chance to meet some of our current international students and our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) team, as well as other international new starters.

Our current international students will talk to you about their first few weeks at Falmouth, making friends, travelling to and around Falmouth, things to bring, things to do once you’re here, student life and much more. Our EAP team will tell you more about the local history and culture and give you an overview of the student support available to you at Falmouth University.

All sessions are a perfect opportunity to have an open conversation, ask any questions and warm up your language skills if English isn’t your first language. You’ll be informed of the sessions by email.

STEP INTO FALMOUTH

To provide you with all the support you need to settle into university life, we’ve designed a series of advice sessions to help make the transition as seamless as possible.

Over several dates throughout the summer, these virtual events are designed for all new starters, undergraduates and postgraduates, UK and international. More information is available here

WHAT TO PACK

SAFETY TIPS

For personal security reasons, we strongly advise that you do not put all your personal documents (passport, money, cash card/credit cards, documents, important addresses and telephone numbers) in one bag, wallet or pocket. Keep them on your person and in your hand luggage, but in separate places. This will limit the possibility of losing everything, should your baggage be lost or stolen. You’ll need to have your personal documents to hand in case you’re required to show them to immigration officers. You will not be allowed to collect your checked-in luggage until you’ve passed through immigration control. We recommend a prepaid travel card (such as Caxton) or a credit card and a small amount of British currency when you arrive to use for immediate expenses until your bank account is set up. Many shops in town and all outlets on our campuses are now cashless. It is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash with you.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Please do not bring large electrical items such as rice cookers or heaters with you. UK voltages and plugs may be different and there will be regulations about the electrical items your accommodation will allow. Shops in Falmouth and nearby Truro stock a range of such items. You can buy everything from foods to electrical goods and clothing from online stores, with packages delivered to your accommodation.

Remember that you’ll have to carry your luggage yourself at some point. Both Falmouth and Penryn Campuses are very hilly and only a few residences have a lift. Only pack what you can carry! The only certainty about the British weather is its changeability, so carry a jumper in your hand luggage for when you first arrive in the UK. We would recommend you bring a waterproof coat, umbrella and waterproof shoes. If you do not have these items, they can be easily purchased in Falmouth or Truro or online. Dress in Britain is mostly informal and casual, especially at university, and you’ll see many students wearing jeans, jogging bottoms and trainers.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT:

Check that you’ve enrolled for your course. You should have received emails from the Applicant Services and Student Records teams

Make sure you’ve purchased travel insurance and hold paper or electronic documents

Obtain some local currency, either cash in British Pounds (GBP) or a pre-paid card. Please note: both campuses are cashless – make sure you can use your credit card in the UK until you get a UK bank card.

Documents required for your journey:

Certain documents are needed when you arrive at the airport in the UK, where you’ll be interviewed by immigration and health officials:

Your completed landing card given to you during your flight (if you’re not from an EEA country)

A valid passport, with a visa or UK entry clearance (if applicable)

Vaccination certificates, if required (please note that Covid-19 proof of vaccination is no longer requested)

An X-ray certificate, if required (check here: gov.uk/tb-test-visa)

Also bring:

Your acceptance letter and CAS. This must be a paper copy (not an electronic copy on tablet or phone)

Originals (or certified true copies) of any degree certificates or technical qualifications

A list of what you’re carrying in your luggage in case you have to make an insurance claim

Photocopies of your UK visa and the personal details page of your passport

Any prescribed drugs or medicine you’re taking, plus a letter from your doctor explaining what they are

An address, telephone number and travel instructions to your final destination

A reference letter from your bank in your own country (this will be useful when you come to open a bank account in the UK)

If your fees and living expenses have been paid in advance into the University’s bank account, a letter from the person who has made the transfer authorising the University to refund you with the amount allocated for your living expenses

The British Council offers a comprehensive guide, available here, of what to consider before you travel:

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted in the UK. Please see the border control information here.

GETTING TO FALMOUTH

AIRPORT COLLECTION SERVICE (ACS)

Our ACS is open to NEW undergraduate and postgraduate students travelling from outside the UK. The service is an easy way to travel from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) directly to Falmouth University (Penryn Campus) on a private coach, with our staff and other new international students just like you! This year, the service will depart from LHR Terminal 5 on 14 September 2023. For more information about this service, please visit our webpage or email us on: airportcollection@falmouth.ac.uk

TRAVEL ADVICE

If you do not wish to use the ACS, you can make your way to Falmouth by yourself or team up with other international students arriving on the same day as you in the UK. You can speak to others travelling to the UK on our Discord Server for Offer Holders. Check our international travel guides here, or, for more information, email us on: international@falmouth.ac.uk

ARRIVING AT FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY

CHECKLIST:

• Make sure you’ve paid for the first instalment of your tuition fees before the start of your course

• Collect your BRP and have this or your Digital Immigration Status verified if you’re a Student Visa student

• Obtain a SIM card (you’ll be handed one for free at the ACS or when collecting your BRP from our offices)

• Open a bank account (see the list of local banks on pages 2-3)

• Register with the GP practice or health centre

• Apply for a railcard (16-25) if you’re planning to travel outside of Cornwall by train

• Participate in the Welcome Week events (for first-year undergraduate students)

• Make contact with your mentor (you’ll receive information throughout the summer – applies to undergraduates only)

CONTACT POINTS

We’ve listed some key emergency numbers for when you’re in the UK and some useful contact points for the University:

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Police/medical

In

event of a health or security emergency on campus, call the emergency line 01326 254444

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Helen Norman

Head of Student Access and Success

Helen.Norman@falmouth.ac.uk

Student Support and The Compass compass@fxplus.ac.uk studentservices@fxplus.ac.uk

Daytime: 01326 370460 Out of hours: 01326 253503

Applicant Services applicantservices@falmouth.ac.uk 01326 213730

Languages Team (EAP) languages@fxplus.ac.uk

Students’ Union info@thesu.org.uk

Student Mentor Scheme studentmentors@falmouth.ac.uk

The Accessibility & Inclusive Learning team accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk or dyslexia@fxplus.ac.uk 01326 370460

Student Records student.records@falmouth.ac.uk

IT Service Desk servicedesk@fxplus.ac.uk 01326 213822

FURTHER INFORMATION

Intercultural Café studyhub.fxplus.ac.uk/languages/intercultural-cafe ASK (Academic Skills Advisers) studyhub.fxplus.ac.uk/ask

For any information needed before you arrive in the UK, please contact the International Recruitment team at: international@falmouth.ac.uk

If you’re an exchange student, please email: study-abroad@falmouth.ac.uk