International pre-arrival welcome booklet 2018/19

nts e d u t al S n o i t a Intern

t e l k o o b l a riv

e W

r a e r P

t n’ ca

8 1 7 201 o tt

ai

w ! ou ty

ee m

Hello

Welcome to Hastings!

We are delighted to welcome you to the UK and to Sussex Coast College.

This pre-arrival booklet will help you to prepare for your arrival to the UK, and give you an idea about your studies and life at Sussex Coast College Hastings.

We hope that you find this useful and we look forward to meeting you very soon!

The Sussex Coast College International Team : )

Shelia Claughton

Elena Dennison International Officer

International Business Officer

Contact Shelia if you have any personal or accommodation problems.

Contact Elena if you have any timetable or college problems.

Contact Charlotte if you have any enrolment or travel problems.

College hours - Mon-Fri (8:30-5pm)

College hours - Mon-Thurs (10-2pm)

College hours - Mon-Wed (10 - 4 pm)

Email: sclaughton@sussexcoast.ac.uk

Email: edennison@sussexcoast.ac.uk

Email: cwoodley@sussexcoast.ac.uk

Phone: +44 1424 458577

Phone: +44 1424 4458567

Phone: +44 7392 196449

International Welfare Officer

Charlotte Woodley

Campus Reception Contact Number: 01424 442222 International Department Phone: (01424) 458 521 International Email: international@sussexcoast.ac.uk Website: www.sussexcoast.ac.uk/international

Our Campus Addresses: Station Plaza Campus (main campus) Station Approach Hastings East Sussex TN34 1BA Ore Valley Campus 42 Parker Road Hastings East Sussex TN34 3TT

Useful College & Emergency Contact numbers : Need help during College hours?

Your main point of contact will be the College International team - Shelia, Elena and Charlotte - their contact details can be found next to their photo.

Dealing with a serious Emergency?

Dial ‘999’ If you should have a serious accident or become seriously ill then you may need the help of the UK emergency services.

The UK Emergency Services are: the Police, the Fire service, the Ambulance service and the Coast Guard. You can contact them by dialling ‘999’ from any phone. The call is free and an operator will ask you which emergency service you require.

For urgent medical assistance, dial ‘999’ and ask for the Ambulance Service.

The historical Old Town is very pretty

Contact Details:

Health Care in the UK

We hope you won’t have any health issues while you study with us, but if you do, you will find the UK health services very accessible.

If your course is 6 months duration or more, international students are generally entitled to free and subsidised treatment on the National Health Service (NHS). (Not applicable to students with Student Visitor Visas or Extended Student Visitor Visa). To check you are entitled to NHS services in the UK, visit the Department of Health website - www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-of-health.

Finding NHS Health Care Providers You can use NHS direct website www.nhsdirect. nhs.uk to find your nearest doctors surgery, optician, dentist and pharmacy or talk to the College International Welfare officer for help with this.

Not eligible for NHS Healthcare?

If you are not eligible for free healthcare, it is very important that you take out medical insurance for the duration of your visit to the UK. Private medical treatment is very expensive if you do not have insurance.

Registering with a NHS GP (doctor) To register at the doctor’s surgery or Health Care centre, you will need to visit them during consulting hours and ask to be added to the list of NHS patients.

You will need: 1. Your passport 2. Evidence that you are a student 3. Proof of your UK address How to book an appointment: Most Doctor Surgeries have female and male doctors and if you prefer, you can ask to be put on a female or male doctor’s list. If you want to be seen by a woman or a man you will need to say so whenever you make an appointment.

To book an appointment, you will need to call the surgery as soon as they open in the morning, for an appointment on that day.

make new friends and have fun

Registering with a NHS Dentist You can find a list of dentists who can treat you under the NHS on the www.nhs.uk website. You should check that the dentist is accepting new NHS patients before you make an appointment.

NHS treatment is subsidised but you will have to pay towards the cost for any treatment.

You can contact the Emergency Dentist in Hastings on: 01424 850792 Weekdays: Appointments line available from 6.30pm with appointments between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

Weekends and Bank Holidays: Appointment line available from 9.00am with appointments between 10.00am and 12.00 noon.

If you feel seriously unwell or have had a serious accident A GP Surgery or Health Centre will, in most cases, be your first point of contact for medical treatments.

If your accident or illness is serious, you may need to visit hospital.

Some, but not all hospitals have A&E Departments.

These departments are open 24 hours a day and deal with patients needing emergency treatment.

Please note: “serious� means that you need immediate medical treatment: e.g. broken bones, profuse bleeding, and unbearable pain. You do not go to hospital for a bad cold, cough or minor stomach upset.

Visas, Immigration & International Students Advice We can help you with any questions you have about your visa or immigration in the first instance, but if you need any more information please get in touch with the UK Visa & Immigration Services.

You can visit the website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ukvisas-and-immigration Or call on: 0300 123 2241 Address: Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY Open from: 8:00am -4:00pm, Monday-Friday

Make sure you get the right travel insurance!

Does your insurance cover your laptop, phone and camera - just-in-case?

Planning your stay in the UK

There are lots of things that you need to think about before you travel to the UK. Making sure you have your passport, flight details and travel insurance are just a few things you need to remember.

Passport

Make sure that you pack your passport - it is the official document that will allow you access to the country. Without it, you won’t be able to get in.

Travel Insurance

Make sure that you have travel insurance to cover yourself for the duration of your stay in the UK - most policies cover you for lost or stolen bags, emergency medical expenses, the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short, and personal liability, in case of damage to property or injury to others.

Currency

The currency in the UK is Pound Sterling (£) and there are 100 pennies (pence) to the pound - we recommend that you change money before you travel to get the best exchange rates. Airports often have poor exchange rates and sometimes charge a fee to exchange currency.

•

Autumn (September to November) - we

still get sunny days, but it starts to get cooler, so jeans and jumpers are essential.

Other essential items

Phone charger - Remember to pack your phone charger so that you can keep in touch with your friends and family back home using our WiFi. You’ll also be able to take lots of great pictures of Hastings and share them with us on social media.

UK Travel Adapters - You’ll need to buy a travel adapter that is compatible for the UK. In the UK you’ll need the three pin adapter to plug in your appliances.

Preparing yourself for British culture

Warm Clothes

It is likely that the British culture will be very different to your own. Customs and etiquette may be different and may take you some time to get used to.

•

Winter (December to February) - the average temperature is around 2 – 7 degrees Celsius, so make sure that you pack warm clothes and a waterproof coat.

Motorists in the UK drive on the left - which is important to remember if you are waiting to catch a bus or trying to cross the road. Try to look out for Zebra or Pelican crossings, as they will be the safest way to cross busy roads.

•

Spring (March to May) - the weather begins to warm up, but there is still the chance of rain, so your waterproof coat is essential.

•

Summer (June to August) - the temperature

The British weather can be quite unpredictable.

It can rain in the summer, and be sunny in the winter, so it is best to come prepared for all weather conditions.

can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, so make sure you pack shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. However, you may still need a hoodie or jumper.

Hastings is a multicultural town - we have lots of different bars and restaurants serving a range of different food. However, you can’t walk too far without finding traditional tasty fish and chips - we would recommend the Cod Father shop, Kingfisher shop or the Old Town Fryer shop.

The English weather can be very unpredictable and there may be rainy days all year round.

Celebrate Bonfire Night with us in November

Remember to pack a rain coat!

When you arrive...

Upon leaving the plane/train/ boat follow the arrival signs to Immigration and Passport control.

There are normally two queues, one for UK, EU and EEA passport holders and another queue for all other passport holders. You need to make sure that you join the correct queue. While you are in the queue make sure that you have your passport and college documents ready as they may ask to see any or all of these documents.

What happens if you are refused entry to the UK? If you have entry clearance but you are refused entry upon arrival, please contact us immediately. You should also contact the Immigration Advisory Service for advice on what to do next. The UK Council for International Student Affairs advice line is open from Monday to Friday, 1pm - 4pm (UK time) - 020 7788 9214. For more information, see the UK Border Force top 10 tips for entering the UK www.gov.uk.

You

Let us know when you plan to arrive Once your travel details have been arranged, please let us know when you will arrive in the UK.

College Transport from the Airport Let us know your flight number, UK arrival date, airport terminal number and then we can arrange transport to collect you and bring you to Hastings.

You will need to book and pay for this with the college in advance.

Example Prices: London Gatwick – Hastings = £140 London Heathrow – Hastings = £165 Please note: that prices are subject to change depending on the date and time of arrival.

London! o t s ip r t r o f p u can sign Making your own way from the airport to Hastings.

If you are flying into London Gatwick AIRPORT PHONE NUMBER: +44(0)344 892 0322 AIRPORT WEBSITE: WWW.GATWICKAIRPORT.COM

You can catch a direct train to Hastings, which should take about 1hr 30mins from Gatwick Airport. There will be signs at the airport to help you find your way to the train station. Once you get to Hastings you can hire a Taxi from outside the station to take you to where you are staying. *Warning* You will need to ensure that you are sitting in the correct part of the train, as the train may split mid-journey.

If you are flying into London Heathrow AIRPORT PHONE NUMBER: +44(0)20 3368 8968 AIRPORT WEBSITE: WWW.HEATHROWAIRPORT.COM

Firstly, you will need to take the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Train Station.

Once at Paddington Tain Station you will need to use the underground and take the Bakerloo Line to London Charing Cross. It will take you 1 hour 45 minutes on the train from London Charing Cross to Hastings train station.

If you are travelling to the UK in an organised group We can help your group arrange a coach or other transport to collect you from the airport and bring you all to Hastings.

Make sure you keep in communication with your host family at all times.

1.

Give them a copy of your college timetable so that they know when you are in lessons.

2.

Let them know if you are making plans with friends, and where you’re planning to go.

3.

Tell your host if you are not going to have an evening meal with them.

4.

Ask permission if you want to invite friends over to the house.

5.

Remember your manners! Say “please” and “thank you” and “hello” and “goodbye” when coming and going.

6.

Make sure that the doors and windows are locked if you are going out, or coming back late or early. It is important for your safety and security of the rest of the household.

Dress up like a pirate for Pirate s Day!

Staying in Homestay Accommodation?

IMPORTANT: Your host families require time and space during the day, so we ask you to respect this, and give them this time between 8.30am3.00pm Monday to Friday.

This does not apply if you are unwell.

Accommodation

We want your time in Hastings to be an enjoyable and comfortable one. Our accommodation team are able to carefully choose where you will be staying based on the information you provide in your application form.

We’re able to arrange a variety of accommodation types for you to stay in:

Homestay

This type of accommodation is the most popular – you will have the experience of UK living with a host family who will treat you as a full member of the household, where you will eat together and share the common living areas. There will be no more than four students in homestay accommodation at any one time.

What you can expect: •

You will have your own room with a bed and adequate hanging and drawer space for clothes

•

You will be given breakfast and evening meals

•

Your price includes gas, electricity, clean linen on a weekly basis and personal laundry

•

You must respect the households code of conduct

You must remember that you are living in the family home of your host and respect any rules.

It is very important to us that you are happy with your accommodation choice, which is why we make sure that all accommodation is situated in Hastings and St Leonards-on-sea and within walking distance / public transports to College.

Residential

Our residential accommodation means that you will be living independently either in private homes with more than four students, in student houses, halls or hostels. Residential accommodation is not suitable for under 18s, as there is no overnight supervision.

If you are an individual, you will have to deal with the agencies directly to organise and book the accommodation.

However, we are here to help you understand any agreements that you will have to sign.

What you can expect: •

You will have your own room

•

You will need to buy your own food and your own cooking and washing up

•

Your price includes gas, electricity, clean linen on a weekly basis and personal laundry

If you are under 16, you will be placed near leaders or as close to college as possible and hosts are requested to bring you to college on your first day of college.

If you require any

additional information,

have any concerns or you’re unhappy with your accommodation please contact Shelia Claughton on sclaughton@ sussexcoast.ac.uk.

in English - you will l earn quick er

Your first day...

Your first day at college will help to get you ready for your course.

When you arrive, you will need to report to the main reception at our Station Plaza campus where we will meet you to go through your paper work.

You will need to bring with you…

• Your passport with (visa / entry clearance sticker) • Your original certificates (school records, exam certificates, IELTS test score, etc.)

• Paper, notebook, pencils and pens • Money for lunch (if not included) • The address of your host and their telephone number

SUSSEX COAST COLLEGE HASTINGS STATION PLAZA, STATION APPROACH, HASTINGS TN34 1BA

If you are staying with a host family, they will be able to bring you to college on your first day.

If you are part of a group then we will arrange for you to get to college on either the bus or train.

Buses The bus will stop right outside our college Station Plaza campus bus depot. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes around the town, and you can find out what bus to catch here: https:// www.1066online.com/hastings-transport/buses-hastings.html Trains Trains run approximately every 15 minutes from St Leonard’s Warrior Square to Hastings train station. The journey is one stop and takes about 5 minutes. Hastings train station is right next to our college Station Plaza Campus. You can check train times at: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Can’t get to college?

If you can’t make it to college for any reason, please let us know as soon as you can.

You can do this by calling: MAIN RECEPTION: 01424 442222 INTERNATIONAL WELFARE OFFICER: 01424 458577

Talk to you r classmat es

Getting to College...

Our college address is:

08.55 - 09.00 am

Meet at reception at Station Plaza

09.00 - 10.30am Once we have met you from reception, we will help you to complete your enrolment form, take your picture for your college ID, and confirm your personal details.

You’ll then complete an English Language Exam.

You’ll have a mid-morning break where you can meet and talk to other students.

11.00am -12.30pm

You’ll receive your college ID* which you have to wear at all times while in the College building.

We’ll give you a full tour of the campus and give you your weekly timetable so you know when and where your lessons are.

Lunch

We have lots of places for you to buy lunch. We have a coffee shop that has a selection of sandwiches and Paninis. We have a Subway offering sandwiches and salads, and our student canteen, Dine, has a selection of freshly cooked hot meals.

If you are studying as part of a group, then you may be provided with a meal ticket for the duration of your stay that you will be able to use for lunch in Dine.

Afternoon

Your timetable will tell you if you have afternoon lessons, if not, then you are free to explore Hastings.

Remember to pack a plug adapter Most plug sockets in the UK take 3 pin plugs.

Keeping you safe Everyone has the right to lead their lives free from violence and abuse. If you are experiencing any type of abuse either at your place of study, work, or in your personal life, please speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.

The college is responsible for your safety and welfare. If you wish to raise a safeguarding concern please contact: 07531130070 or safeguarding@sussexcoast.ac.uk.

Local places of worship If you would like to find local places to worship, please go to this website www.hastings.gov.uk/ my_community/worship/ We have a multi-faith worship room at the college, please ask a member of the international team to show you where it is.

Tell your teacher if you don’t understand something - they will help you!

Write down words or phrases you don’t understand outside the classroom and your teacher can explain it to you.

s ur place on activitie yo ok bo to us to lk Ta

Tips for being a good student Try to be punctual and on time for your lessons. That means getting to college in good time so that you are ready for your lesson. You will be given your timetable on your first day, so you will know where your lessons will be and what time they will start.

We ask that you follow and respect our College policies, rules and regulations while you are at college. You can find our college policy at the main reception, or ask a member of the international team if you would like a copy.

Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom!

Speaking English as much as you can will help you to develop your skills.

Have fun and join in!

We want learning English to be enjoyable, so take part in lessons, talk to other students and get involved with activities.

In return, we will: •

Ensure that you are given an introduction to the College and its facilities at the beginning of your studies.

•

Give you the opportunity for regular assessment, review of your progress and recording of your achievements.

•

Give you individual advice, guidance and support at all stages of your learning.

•

Make sure that you have reasonable access to the appropriate facilities, resources and equipment; as well as the agreed learning and learner support if it is required.

•

Ensure that you have equal opportunities to participate with your learning and additional activities.

College activities & things to do in Hastings…

There are many events outside the classroom that you can get involved with. These activities are designed to teach you new skills, help you learn more about British culture, and to help you make friends with other UK and international students.

Hastings is home to the UK’s steepest cliff railway that provides you with access to Hastings Castle and stunning views of the town and across the English Channel. Hastings Pier was re-opened in 2015 and has since been nominated for three national awards, including the 2017 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) award.

The town centre is a modern pedestrian shopping with high street brands, coffee shops, and snack shacks.

area, filled

The quirky streets of the Old Town or ‘Twittens’ as they’re known will give you get a real feel of this ancient town. There are lots of boutique shops and interesting restaurants for you to explore.

We have amusement arcades, a Go-Kart track, Source Skate Park and the UK’s largest adventure golf complex; and it wouldn’t be a true British seaside town without fish and chips. The Cod Father, The Old Town Fryer and the Kingfisher are some of our favourites.

Hastings knows how to throw a good party too! Throughout the year there are so many events and parties that get the whole community together to celebrate. The Seafood and Wine Festival, Jack in the Green, Pirates Day, Old Town Carnival Week, and its very own version of Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday, are some of the best!

We can also organise a number of excursions

to nearby towns and cities, and arrange a number of activities for you to join.

Please check our International notice board for more information, or email rip, but cwoodley@sussexcoast.ac.uk. o yo u r t

a rd t ase ing forw meantime, ple k k o lo e r e th .ac.u e yo u a tions in excoast s s e s We hop u u q s y l@ a ave a n rnation if you h ail: inte m e n a s e nd u s

! n o o s u o y e e S