VinE Handbook Useful tips and advice for Victorians coming over to Europe
VinE 8th Exco ’13/14 (2nd Edition)
CONTENT PAGE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Foreword Visa Application Exit Permit & The Flight Banking Matters Cooking 101 London & VinE VinE’s Sponsors Contact Us
VinE Night 2014
1 2 5 6 9 13 14 15
VinE Day Trip 2013
CNY Carnival 2014 @ UCL
VinE Meet-the-Freshers 2013
VinE Back to School Outreach Session 2014
FOREWORD Dear%Victorians, Greetings) to) all) who) are) heading) over) to) Europe) for) your) studies) as) you) begin) a) new) chapter)of)your)life,)which)I)promise)will)be)nothing)short)of)an)adventure! As) you) embark) on) this) journey) abroad,) it’s) only)natural)that) you’ll) feel)jittery)about) the) road)ahead,)with)many)burning) questions)that)will)only)serve)to)fuel)greater) uncertainty.) But) fret) not,) as) VinE) (Victorians) in) Europe),) is) here) to) guide) you) along!) Every) year,) we) welcome)a)new)batch)of)Victorians)beginning)their) university)life) abroad,)providing) them) with)a)range)of) services,) be)it) helping) them)to)settle)in,)planning) getFtogether)events,) or) simply) serving) as) a) social) support) platform.) ) One) of) our) initiatives) includes) the) VinE) handbook,)which)was)first)created)in)2013.)Many)of)us)felt)that)the)first)edition)done)up)by) our) seniors) came) in) handy) in) providing) us) with) essential) information) regarding) visa) application)and) life) in)London)as) a) student.) Therefore,)we)hope)that) this) revised)edition) that)you)hold)today)will)continue)to)serve)you)well)as)it)did)for)us. The) past) year) in) London) has) indeed) been) an) eventful) one) for) VinE) –) with) several) key) events)being)held)such)as)VinE)Day)Trip)to)the)Cotswolds)and)VinE)Night)with)the)theme)of) ‘The) Victorian) Times’.) These) activities) provide) opportunities) for) Victorians) to) come) together)to)catch)up)on)their)lives)or)to)simply)reminisce)about)their)times)back)in)VJC.)It)is) also) this) special) bond) amongst) Victorians) that) keeps) our) community) tightly) knitted,) enabling)us)to)grow)from)strength)to)strength.)So)we)do)hope)to)see)you)at)our)upcoming) events)when)the)new)academic)year)begins! Before) I) conclude,) I) thought) I’d)leave) you) with)a)piece) of)advice,)that) is,) to)go)forth)and) explore)as)much)as)you)can)while)you’re)overseas.)Travel)and)immerse)yourself)in)different) cultures,)challenge) yourself)by)picking) up)a)new)language,)and)grab)hold)of)opportunities) that) do)not) come) by)easily.) Remember,)the) world)is) your) oyster.) University) life) is) short,) and)time)is)of)the)essence,)so)be)sure)to)make)every)experience)count.) With)that,)I)wish)you) the)very)best)in)your)European)adventure,)and)a)fruitful)and)exciting) year)ahead!)Nil)Sine)Labore.) Yang)En President VinE)8th)Executive)Committee)‘13/14
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V I S A A P P L I C AT I O N INTRODUCTION 1. To apply for your visa, you have to visit the UK Visa Application Office at: 20 Cecil Street, #11-02 to 05 Equity Plaza, Singapore 049705 Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place after you have completed the online application process. 2. When applying for your Student Visa, you will be applying as a Tier 4 General Student. 3. You should only apply for your Visa once your university has issued you with a CAS number and information regarding relevant documents you need when you apply for your Visa.
5. Visit http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ to begin your online application for the Student Visa. This year’s application is fully online, different from other years where 2 separate forms have to be completed. 6. Print a copy of the completed online visa application form and bring it along for your visa appointment (required as part of your supporting documents). 7. The processing time for a PBS Tier 4 visa is typically 15 days, but can take up to 30 days. If your application is successful, you will be informed to collect your passport at the visa application centre.
4. As of 6th June 2011, Visa Applications made in Singapore will be processed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) in Manila, the Philippines.
Here are some things to take note of: a. All supporting documents have to be originals or verified true copies. b. You should also provide a copy of each document.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS d. Passports (and all previous passports).You should make sure that the expiry date of your passport covers all three or more years of your education in your University.
c. All supporting documents, local or sent to you from UK (University’s Visa letter, University’s offer and acceptance letters, UCAS letters, etc.) must contain your full name as in your passport.
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V I S A A P P L I C AT I O N SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (CONT’D) e. 2 passport sized colour photos. On the back of each photograph, write the full name of the person in the photograph. f. Printed appointment letter and completed copy of the online visa application form (as mentioned in point 6 of introduction). g. Fees: S$652 (Accurate as of 01/08/14) h. Evidence used to obtain your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). i. You will need to write your CAS reference number on your application. Your university will provide you with your CAS reference number. ii. Original and photocopied copies of your academic transcripts iii. ATAS Clearance is required for certain undergraduate and postgraduate courses. For more information on ATAS, please read on in the next section.
i. If you are considered ‘low risk’ by the UKBA, you do not need to show evidence of your money to cover your course fees and living costs. However you must confirm on your application form that you meet the requirements set out financially and that you hold the required documents. i. UKBA reserves the right to request any or all of these documents and your application will be refused if you do not provide them. ii. If you do not fall under the category of ‘low risk’, you must show evidence that are receiving official financial sponsorship and/ or have enough money to cover your remaining course fees and living costs. j. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter email printout. k. Evidence of accommodation in UK, i.e. letter from accommodation office stating that all first year undergraduates/ post- graduates have a confirmed place in college accommodation.
Useful Links: http://studyuk.learnhub.com/lesson/13815-uk-student-visachecklist-for-documents http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/photographs-andpassport/ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/evidence/cas/ 3
V I S A A P P L I C AT I O N
a. You must make an appointment online via www.vfs-uk-sg.com before you head down to the Visa application.
c. Do note that your passport will have to be submitted and sent to Manila where the Visa will be processed, along with your original documents. So make sure that you do not plan to travel after you’ve submitted your passport to apply for the Visa.
b. At the centre, you will submit your completed forms and supporting documents, pay the visa fees, record your fingerprints and take a photo.
FURTHER INFORMATION: •Website: www.vfs-uk-sg.com •Email: info.sing@vfshelpline.com •Helpline number: (65) 62277828
AT THE VISA CENTRE
a. About ATAS The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced in 2007, designed to ensure that the people who are applying to study sensitive subjects in the UK do not have any links to Weapons of Mass Destruction Programmes. If you require an ATAS Certificate, it is important for you to obtain it as it will be part of your requirement in your visa application.Your University should include in the offer letter when you require an ATAS certificate. b. Who needs to apply If the subject you are applying to begins with the following JACS Code: F2 – Materials Science F3 – Physics (including Nuclear Physics) H3 – Mechanical Engineering H4 – Aerospace Engineering H8 – Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering J5 – Materials Technology not otherwise specified c. Supporting documents required • Contact and passport details • Full details of all previous studies • Full details of all previous/current employment (if applicable) • Previous ATAS applications (if applicable) • Programme of study you are applying to follow in the UK (including JACS code and research proposal)
ATAS CERTIFICATE • Full names and contact details of 2 referees (First name and Family name).You must have known both of your referees for at least 3 years. At least one must also be an academic from your country of origin • How you will be funding your studies (self/ family or scholarship) • If you are doing a taught Masters course (usually those 4 years course where you enter as an undergraduate and graduate with a Masters) you will need details of the optional module you anticipate taking d. Application Process Step 1: Register for an account at https://www.atas.fco.gov.uk Step 2: Fill in the online application form Step 3: Submit and print your application Do take note that it is important to fill in your details correctly in the application form.You may be refused a visa should your ATAS not match up with your University’s offer. It will take 20 working days (4 weeks, or sometimes more) for your application to be processed. It is strongly encouraged to complete application early so that you can apply for your UK visa in good time. 4
MISCELLANEOUS EXIT PERMIT a. All operationally ready NSmen are required to get an exit permit online via http://www.ns.sg (you can get this for the full duration of your course). A notification will be sent after your application.Your application should be approved immediately although random checks might be conducted to validate your evidence of overseas education. b. For pre-enlisted or disrupted servicemen, check with CMPB or MINDEF for details. c. Call the 24-hour NS Call Centre at 1800-367 6767 if you have any queries.
THE FLIGHT We have compiled a checklist of items to bring onboard your flight so that you will be ever ready for any menacing customs officers. a. Passport and passport photocopy b. Additional passport photos c. Visa Documents d. Exit Permit number + Print out e. CAS number f. Health Booklets + Medical Report (including vaccination records) + X-Ray g. Academic Certs
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B ANKING MATTERS ~ B ANKS IN THE UK THE MORE POPULAR BANKS IN THE UK
HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds and RBS are some of the more popular banks in the UK because they have a wide network of branches. To set up a bank account when you are in the UK, either walk into a branch or make a call to fix an appointment with a relationship manager. During peak periods (late September/ early October) your appointment may be scheduled 2-3 weeks later. You will also have to register with your school and get a letter of registration. Ensure its verified (such as a school chop). Do bring along your passport and your university acceptance letter as well. Ask the bank for a more updated list of things to bring. The banks will usually take about a week or two to process your application after your appointment. Hence, do bring sufficient cash to last you for a few weeks. All major banks in the UK share ATMs so you will be able to withdraw cash from most ATMs regardless of which bank you choose.
To avoid the hassle of setting up a bank account when you are in the UK, you can set up a HSBC account in the UK from Singapore if you have a premier/advance account. You will also be able to open a joint account with your parents and make use of HSBC’s Global Transfer and FX capabilities to change and transfer money from your Singapore account to your UK account. The following 2 pages will provide you with additional information about opening an overseas (not just in the UK) HSBC account from Singapore.
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B ANKING MATTERS ~ HSBC O P E N I N G A N OV E R S E A S H S B C AC C O U N T F RO M S I N G A P O R E
Eligibility Criteria A minimum of S$200,000 or foreign currency equivalent in deposits, investments and/or insurance is required
A Minimum of S$30,000 or foreign currency equivalent in deposits, investments and/or insurance or home loan with an initial quantum
Fees Wavier of the account set-up fee when opening a HSBC account overseas
A charge of S$150 to open a HSBC account overseas
Wavier of the commission charges to transfer funds from your Singapore account to any of your overseas account
Approximately S$10 commission fee to per transfer from your Singapore account to any of your overseas account
Benefits Preferential rates on foreign currency time deposits and foreign exchange Exclusive access to Global View, which gives you access to all your HSBC account worldwide, and Global Transfer, which allows you to conduct real time money transfers between accounts in 33 countries at discounted rates Access to 8,500 HSBC branches worldwide for emergency assistance and gain access to emergency cash of up to US$10,000 if you lose your cash and/or credit/debit card Access to over 24,000 HSBC ATMs and more than 1 million Cirrus/Plus ATMs worldwide No service fee for cash withdrawals at overseas HSBC Group ATMs using HSBC Premier Debit/ ATM card or HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card
Service fee of S$2 for cash withdrawals at
overseas HSBC Group ATMs using the HSBC Advance Debit card
Contact HSBC
In the event of a lost HSBC Premier MasterCard credit card, a replacement card will be sent to your child the next day
Click www.hsbcpremier.com.sg Click www.hsbcadvance.com.sg Click www.hsbc.com.sg
Receive instant emergency cash of US$2000 from any HSBC branch in the world via HSBC’s Global Safety Net
Call HSBC Premier 1800-227 8889 Call HSBC Advance 1800-227 8886
Enjoy the privileges of being a Premier customer worldwide
Visit any HSBC branch to find out more (refer to the next page) 7
B ANKING MATTERS ~ HSBC BRANCHES FOR THOSE INTERESTED TO FIND OUT MORE
HSBC Branches with Premier Lounge
Things to Bring to open an overseas account from Singapore
HSBC Claymore Branch Claymore Plaza, #01-01 Singapore 229571
• NRIC (Including your parent’s one if its for a joint account) • Passport (Including your parent’s one if its for a joint account) • Proof of address (e.g. latest utility bill etc.) • Proof of source of funds (e.g. latest bank statement) • University letter of acceptance
HSBC Serangoon Garden Branch 62 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555958
This is just a guide for Singaporeans/PRs. Additional documents may be needed.
HSBC Collyer Quay Branch 21 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049320 HSBC Marine Parade Branch Parkway Parade, #01-92 Singapore 449269
HSBC Liat Towers Orchard Branch Liat Towers, #02/03-01 Singapore 238881
HSBC Branches HSBC Holland Village Branch 263 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278987 HSBC Jurong Branch Blk 131 Jurong Gateway Road #01-257/259, Singapore 600131 HSBC Orchard Dhoby Ghaut Branch Plaza Singapura, #B1-05, Singapore 238839 HSBC Tampines Branch Tampines One Mall, #B1-05, Singapore 529536 HSBC CityLink Mall CityLink Mall, #B1-10A HSBC Suntec City Branch Suntec City Mall, #02-738/739 (between Towers 3 and 4), Singapore 038983
Process 1. Go to a HSBC branch to open Singapore bank account. 2. Arrange for a phone interview with the International Banking Centre to fill up an electronic application form over the phone (Approximately 45 minutes). 3. The application form will be sent to the you and you will have to print it out and bring it to a HSBC branch, together with the required documents. 4. Once it is verified by the bank, it will be sent down for processing in the UK (This process will take approximately 4-6 weeks). Referral VinE has formed a Strategic Alliance Partnership with HSBC. For each referral, VinE will receive a token sum from HSBC for our support. Hence, we hope you will be able to fill up this form if you decide to set up an overseas HSBC account from Singapore. https://www.apps.asiapacific.hsbc.com/1/2/sgh2/hsbcstrategic-alliance-partnership-sap-referral-form? WABFormEntryCommand=cmd_init
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COOKING 101 ~ INGREDIENTS F OR THOSE WHO MI SS I NDULGING IN ASIAN FOOD
Prima Taste ~ The Easy Way Out Sugar, spice and everything nice, these are the ingredients needed to create the perfect Hainanese Chicken Rice. But are you willing to spend hours preparing the ingredients? If you don’t want to like many of us, Prima Taste offers an easy way out by providing pre-packed Hainanese Chicken Rice Premix, Dark Soy Sauce and even the Chilli Sauce in their Meal Sauce Kits. In addition, Prima Taste also has a large offering of pastes, sauces and instant noodles with exotic flavours such as the Singapore Chilli Crab LaMian. Click here to find out more about the products being distributed in the UK and here to find a list of Prima Taste products.
ABC Heinz ~ Sweet, Spicy or Salty Add flavour to your food by using Soy Sauce and/or Chilli Sauce. Available in different levels of sweetness and spiciness, there is bound to be a level that is suited to your liking. Salty Soy Sauce available as well. Click here to find out more about the products In addition, if you need inspiration on what to cook, check out the recipe guide here showing what you can whip up with these sauces.
Bai Shan Zu ~ XO Mushroom Sauce Made from pure “Qingyuan Shiitake” and available in 5 flavours: Szechuan, Five Spice, Spicy, Aromatic Chinese and Garlic. Convenient and easy to use, be it to add as a topping on rice and noodle to add more flavour to your food, as a dipping sauce, or even as a cooking condiment. It is also a quick and easy ingredient to use when preparing a vegetarian meal in under 5 minutes. Check out the products here.
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COOKING 101 ~ SNACKS T H I N G S TO M U N C H O N A N Y T I M E , A N Y W H E R E
Taokaenoi Seaweed Snacks Taokaenoi, the Japanese Crispy Seaweed that has become a rather popular snack in Singapore, is just one of the many other familiar snacks that are available in the UK as well, and probably in many parts of Europe too. Available in a variety of flavours such as Original, Hot & Spicy and Wasabi, be sure to satisfy your craving by just popping into one of the Asian supermarkets listed few pages down.
BIKA Snacks Another snack that is produced just around our region (in Malaysia) but can be found in the UK, BIKA Snacks are basically tapioca chips. Distributed out for those who came for VinE Night 2014, if you are interested in getting your hands on more of these snacks, do visit the supermarkets listed below.
STAND A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES!!! Stand a chance to win an Oriental Merchant goodie bag during VinE events by sending us an e-mail with the store nearby your campus that is not carrying these products. Please email to L.cheng@orientalmerchant.eu Stores will be checked against Oriental Merchant’s database.
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COOKING 101 ~ RECIPES H I G H LY R E C O M M E N D E D B Y O U R S P O N S O R : O R I E N TA L M E R C H A N T
Marinated Chicken wings Serves: 4 Preparation time: 20 min
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Ingredients: 12 chicken wings 2 cloves garlic 2 small shallots 1 stalk lemongrasss (6cm from the bulb) 1/3 tbsp black peppercorns ½ tsp salt flakes 4 tbsp ABC Sweet Soy Sauce 2 tbsp ABC Original Chili Sauce 2 tbsp olive oil Method: Remove and discard the wings tips from the chicken wings, then cut the remaining into two pieces. Grind the pepper in a mortar and pestle until fine, then add the garlic, shallots, lemongrass and salt. When you have a course paste, combine the ABC Sweet Soy Sayce olive oil and mix well. Mix the marinade with the chicken pieces, cover and set aside in a refrigerator for 1 hour. Place the chicken onto an oven tray and roast in a pre-heated oven set at 180˚C until fully cooked and moist.
Pizza Toast with XO mushroom sauce Serves: 4 Preparation time: 3 minutes
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Ingredients: 4 pieces of toasts 2 tbsp XO Mushroom sauce of your choice 1 piece of bacon, sliced ¼ onion, sliced in cubes 1/3 green pepper, sliced in cubes Grated cheese Method: Preheat the oven at 180˚C. place the toast on a baking tray and sprinkle the ingredients equally over the 4 pieces. Put the baking tray into the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Take it out and serve with XO mushroom.
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COOKING 101 ~ HUNGRYGOWHERE: UK S O M E A S I A N S U P E R M A R K E T S O R S TO R E S I N T H E C I T I E S YO U A R E I N
Glasgow Yue Hao Ltd 10 Renfield Street G2 5AL
Edinburgh
Newcastle
Aihua Chinese Supermarket Ltd 36 West Crosscauseway EH8 9JP
Hiyou by Lau 104-108 Newgate Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 5RQ
York
Leeds
Oriental Express York 8 Matmer House YO10 3JW
Hang Sing Hong 2 Carlisle Road LS10 1LB
Manchester Sheffield
Wok Master Foods Ltd (Lameizi) Unit 2, The Quadrangle, Chester Street M1 5QS
Wong’s Chinese Supermarket 77 The Moor Market S1 4PF
Bristol Cambridge
Wai Yee Hong Eastgate Oriental City, Eastgate Rd, BS5 6XX
Dandelion Trading UK Ltd 31 Burleigh Street CB1 1DG
Xin He Chinese Supermarket The Haymarket, BS1 3LN
London Southampton Chinatown Supermarket Ltd 1A Marlborough Road, Shirley SO15 3ND
Asian Food 14 Morning Lane E9 6NA
Hing Yip Oriental Supermarket Limited 88-90 Halloway Road N7 8JG
China Ark Ltd 84 Mile End road E1 4UN
Oriental Delight 14 Gerrard Street W1D 5PT
Yang Guang Supermarket 28 Newport Court WC2H 7PQ
Food Basics Ltd 28 Queensway W2 3RX
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LONDON & VINE LIFE AS A STUDENT Ever wondered how different life will be like in Europe as compared to home? Watch the following videos produced by VinE to find out more: ‘A day in the life of a Victorian’ http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=tU2QhwNuBeQ This video showcases the daily affairs of a student studying in the UK - a brief glimpse of what the routine is like, how much one spends in a day etc. VinE Musicfest 2014 Video: ‘Whiney Whiney’ https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=OIGBO5nHVSk&feature=youtu.be Capturing different snippets of Victorians in different parts of Europe, be it for studies or during their travels, we put together something that all Victorians can identify with - the Whiney Whiney mass dance.
ABOUT VINE VinE was founded in 2005, comprising of a few closely knitted Victorians who were studying in UK. It was a small and humble beginning with only two events on the VinE calendar, namely the CNY carnival and VinE night. In 2009,VinE kickstarted the whole concept of VinE Day which consisted of a summer BBQ and a pre-departure information session for all incoming freshers.VinE Day Trip, where we would travel as a group to a certain place of interest, is also an event that Victorians look forward to each year. Additionally, the VinE constitution which properly indoctrinates us as a society, was created in 2013. Today,VinE has grown to be the largest Victorian alumni outside Singapore. As we continue to grow in strength and numbers, we sincerely invite you to be part of this journey with us!
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V I N E ’ S S P O N S O R S A N D PA RT N E R S A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM FOR SUPPORTING VINE!
Partners and Affiliates
Gold Sponsors (2014)
Event Sponsor (2014)
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V I N E ’ S S P O N S O R S A N D PA RT N E R S A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM FOR SUPPORTING VINE!
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CONTACT US If you have any queries, please feel free to email us at victoriansineurope@gmail.com. Also, connect with us on Facebook by searching for the following groups: Victorians in Europe (VinE) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victorians.in.Europe/ VinE Freshers 2014 - https://www.facebook.com/groups/678769942174825/ Last but not least, if you wish to find out more about VinE and its activities, do visit our website at http://vine.ova.org.sg/ STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES, AND SEE YOU SOON!
This second edition of the VinE Handbook is proudly brought to you by VinE 8th Executive Committee ’13/14:
Bottom row from left to right: Gillian Loh (Treasurer), Nicole Ong (Secretary), Kevin Teo (Vice-President) Top row from left to right: Gary Chew (Events Officer), Ng Shin Mun (Creative Director), Edward Tan (Creative Director), Goh Ping Yao (Events Officer), Tan Yang En (President) 16