International Welcome Guide

WELCOME GUIDE

INTERNATIONAL

CONTENTS 3 Welcome 4 Before you Arrive 5 Travelling to the UK 6 How to Find us 8 Campuses & Maps 10 Arriving on Campus 11 Orientation 12 Registration & Paying your Fees 14 International Office 15 More than a Degree 18 Students’ Union 20 Student Support 22 Your Tier 4 Visa & UKVI 24 Student Information Desks

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THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE Thank you for choosing the University of Bedfordshire, a modern and innovative university in the United Kingdom, well-known for transforming the lives and career prospects of our students.

We are a truly international institution with partnerships around the world and diversity in our staff and student backgrounds. You will become a global citizen with connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Here at Bedfordshire, we strongly believe that university is about so much more than a degree and therefore we offer numerous opportunities for you to grow, develop your interests, and gain valuable experience outside a classroom.

Employability and entrepreneurship are very high on our priority list and we work hard to ensure that we have them embedded in our curriculum and everything else we do, to complement your learning.

We are committed to helping you graduate as a professional.

Professor Ashraf Jawaid OBE Deputy Vice Chancellor (International Relations) 3

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Make sure you read this guide, as well as any communications you may receive from your faculty. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Make sure you have had your accommodation confirmed and remember to bring your contract* with you.

Make sure to bring the documents* you need for registration: Your CAS letter, passport, visa, offer letter, and originals of your qualifications.

Take a photocopy* of your passport just in case (the personal details page and the visa page).

Book your flights, ensure you have received your travel tickets and make sure your family and friends know your flight details so they can check you have arrived safely.

Check whether you need a tuberculosis certificate and carry any vaccination certificates* with you. Ensure you have originals of the certificates and authorised translations if they are not in English.

Bring proof of your home address and documents* to show you have sufficient funds to support you through your studies.

Carry your travel insurance documents* with you if applicable.

Make sure you have at least one month’s supply of any medication you are taking, and a letter* (in English) from your doctor explaining what they are.

If possible, bring a short medical history* This will help when registering with a doctor in the UK. Bring your credit card* if you have one. This will help with credit checks in the UK. Bring your driving licence* if you plan to drive during your stay in the UK. Weigh your baggage to avoid excess charges and make a list* of the contents of your luggage (in case you need to make an insurance claim). *We recommend that you carry these items in your hand luggage so that you will always have access to them.

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TRAVELLING TO THE UK Setting off on the journey to your new life in the UK is an exciting step. This guide is designed to make your transition as smooth as possible.

The main London airports are London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

Make sure you book your flight well in advance - this will make things much more affordable. Please ensure you are at the airport in plenty of time (usually two to three hours before take off) and that you know when your flight is due to land. It is best, where possible, to try and arrive between 0900 and 1700, as this will ensure you have an easier journey up to Bedfordshire.

You should arrive in time for the start of Orientation Week, which is designed to help you settle into life here at the University.

HANDY TIPS

Be prepared Weather in the UK can be quite unpredictable.

Temperatures range from 30 degrees in the summer months, to -5 degrees in the winter.

Don’t worry if you can’t find the space to pack an umbrella or bulky, warm clothes with you; there are many shops and markets which sell at bargain prices.

SIM card Use an international SIM card for more affordable calls to your home country.

Travel Insurance

Withdrawing Cash

It is a good idea to take out travel insurance to cover your journey and belongings, especially if you must bring any items of value with you. If your luggage does get damaged or lost on the journey, it is vital that you report it at the airport before leaving to come to Bedfordshire.

Check with your bank at home whether your current credit or debit card allows you to withdraw money from UK ATMs.

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HOW TO FIND US Our campuses are easy to get to by road, rail or air.

Wherever you’re coming from, just follow these simple directions:

Luton campus 30 miles north of London, with superb road, rail and air links.

Full campus address: University of Bedfordshire University Square Luton LU1 3JU

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Luton is just off the M1 at junction 10 northbound, and junction 11 southbound • Luton railway station is a ten-minute walk from our Luton campus, and is served by Thameslink trains from London St Pancras International and Bedford • London-Luton Airport is only three miles away and has easy access by taxi or airport bus •

Bedford campus 46 miles north of London on the A6, with easy access from both the north and south.

Full campus address: University of Bedfordshire Pollhill Avenue Bedford MK41 9EA From the north, leave the M1 at junction 14 and take the A422 • From the south, leave the M1 at junction 13 and then follow the A421 • Bedford railway station is served by Thameslink trains from London St Pancras International •

Milton Keynes campus 46 miles from London Euston, with great road and rail links.

Full campus address: University of Bedfordshire Milton Keynes campus 502 Avebury Boulevard Central Milton Keynes MK9 3HS Located on the M1 at junction 13 northbound, and junction 14 southbound • Rail connections maintained by Virgin and London Midland • Coach services to many cities can be accessed via the train station, town centre or Coachway •

For more detailed directions and information, please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/directions 7

CAMPUSES & MAPS We have three campuses used by international students: Luton, Bedford, and Milton Keynes.

Our main campus in Luton is located right in the heart of the town centre. In addition to our flagship Campus Centre, it features a brand new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics building, an award-winning seven-storey library, Postgraduate and CPD Centre, and dedicated Art & Design building.

With a professional theatre, dance studios, and a Sport Science Centre, Bedford is home to many of our Performing Arts, Sports and Teaching courses.

Our newest campus in Milton Keynes features top quality audio-visual and ICT equipment and is mostly used for Business and Education.

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ARRIVING ON CAMPUS Top things to do when you arrive and during your first week: Visit your halls of residence and pick up your keys, or if staying somewhere privately, contact your landlord.

Register to become a student at the University if you have not done so already. There will be signs around campus to direct you to where you need to go to register.

Access BREO - log into: pwd.beds.ac.uk to change your password. You can then access BREO at any time, at: breo.beds.ac.uk What is BREO? For info, visit: unibeds.info/breohelp Attend welcome events and activities during your first few weeks. Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/welcome Take tours of the University and town centre (see your Orientation schedule).

Open a UK bank account. First, you will need to register as a student. Then will need to make an appointment with your preferred bank. After you have spoken with the bank, you will need a letter from SiD (see page 24).

Register with the Doctor. During orientation, there will be staff on campus to guide you with this.

If applicable to you, register with the police. This is compulsory if your visa instructs so. If you are not sure, visit the International Office for advice.

Check out our ‘Get to know your town’ guide at: unibeds.info/yourtown Keep up to date by downloading our MyBedsLife app via: www.beds.ac.uk/my-beds-life Stay connected with us on social media:

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facebook.com/unibedsinternational twitter.com/uobintl youtube.com/uobvideos WeChat ID: Beds-China

ORIENTATION

Orientation is your first few weeks at the University of Bedfordshire.

We want to make your transition into life here as easy as possible, so that you can make the most out of this enjoyable and life-changing experience.

We organise a varied schedule of exciting and informative events and activities for you, to help you settle in, and support you as you arrive at university. A few of these will be compulsory for you to attend.

There will be sessions where you learn about all the different support services we have to offer, whether it’s for personal use or to support your learning. You will get to know the University, meet your fellow students, have the opportunity to take part in themed social events, and more.

Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/welcome

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REGISTRATION & PAYING YOUR FEES

Paying Your Fees Before you travel to the UK it is vital to ensure that you have enough money to cover living expenses and fees. You should not expect that a part-time job will cover these costs.

Your unconditional offer letter will outline the total amount you need to pay in tuition fees, and all students are required to pay a minimum of 65% of their total tuition fees before or at registration.

Please note, the 65% refers to the total published fees for the degree course and any pre-sessional English course (if applicable) and cannot include any scholarships or discounts that have been awarded. It may be useful to know that if you pay the total amount before or at registration, you may be eligible to receive a fee discount.

To find out more about fees, please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/internationalfees You can pay your fees in cash (in person only), and by banker’s draft, debit card, credit card (excluding American Express and Diner’s Club) or bank transfer. If your fees are to be paid using a parent or guardian’s credit or debit card, you will need the cardholder to sign an authorisation form.

Bank transfers should be sent directly to the University’s bank account:

For more information or advice, please contact the University’s Finance Office:

Bank Name Address

Tel: +44(0)1582 743807/51/52 Fax: +44(0)1582 743330 Email: finance@beds.ac.uk

Sort Code Account Name Account Number IBAN Number Swift Code 12

HSBC Bank 63 George Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2AP, UK 40-30-32 University of Bedfordshire 21425374 GB20HBUK40303221425374 HBUKGB4144A

Pre-registering If you pre-register before travelling to the UK, it will speed up your registration process when you arrive at the University. You will receive an email advising you how to go about this. The email will come from: joining@beds.ac.uk There will also be a team of pre-arrival buddies to help advise you about joining the University.

Each buddy is a current student of the University of Bedfordshire.

Registration It is important you arrive in time to start your studies on day one. The start date of your course is on your offer letter.

In your first week you will register and receive your ID card. You will need to bring: • Your original academic and English qualification certificates.

• Your current passport and valid visa. You may need to collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card. Please see the letter you were issued with your 30 day vignette visa to tell you where to collect your BRP card. You must collect this within 10 days of your arrival to the UK. It is also necessary for you to have paid 65% of your first year’s tuition fees in order to be eligible to register at the University. Please note, the 65% refers to the total published fees for the degree course and any pre-sessional English course (if applicable) and cannot include any scholarships or discounts that have been awarded. Please ensure this money is available to you if you have not already paid before you arrive.

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INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The International Office is situated on level 1 at our Luton campus, just beside the Student Information Desk (SiD).

It is open Mondays to Thursdays 9am to 4:30pm, and Fridays 9am to 4pm.

We have a team which covers international admissions, marketing, student experience and student support. We are here to offer advice and help with any issues that may arise during your time at the University of Bedfordshire.

GO EUROPE GO GLOBAL

Each year, the International Office organises opportunities exclusively for international students to visit famous cities in Europe, such as Paris, Barcelona or Amsterdam. Our UK and EU students can take part in Go Global, which allows them to travel to China, Vietnam, India, and more.

For schedules, prices and more information, please check the homepage: www.beds.ac.uk/goglobal

You can keep up to date with our trips by following our social media channels: 14

www.facebook.com/unibedsinternational www.twitter.com/uobintl

MORE THAN A DEGREE Here at the University of Bedfordshire we believe that university life is not just about acquiring new knowledge.

What you do in addition to your studies will distinguish you from others when it comes to securing employment after you graduate. We offer both extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, so whether you want to complement your studies, or boost your skills and experience, we’ve got it covered.

CONNECTIONS TO INDUSTRY

We work with lots of big national and international organisations.

Take part in masterclasses, external competitions, and live briefs to equip yourself with industry knowledge and experience, and differentiate yourself from other graduates in your field.

RADIOLAB Radio LaB is the University’s very own community radio station. Broadcasting from 97.1FM throughout Luton and Bedfordshire, you can get involved in presenting and producing your own shows. Listen online: radiolab.beds.ac.uk

LEARN A

LANGUAGE

Boost your CV and learn a new language with one of our employability units. Choose from Spanish, German, Mandarin or Arabic, and study alongside your degree. There are in-class assessments to help you judge your progress, and you’ll receive a certificate of participation upon completion. Visit: unibeds.info/employabilityunits

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involved in presenting and producing your own shows.

BECOME A LEARN A PAL LEADER LANGUAGE GYMS &

Listen online:are radiolab.beds.ac.uk PAL (Peer-assisted Learning) sessions weekly sessions run by second and third year students for first year students. Being a PAL leader enables CV and learn new language with one of our evening c you to improve Boost many your transferable skills,a including from Spanish, German, Mandarin or Arabic, and study alon communication,Choose presentation, and organisation to degree for a small fee.

There are in-class assessments to help you name a few. progress, and you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation upon com

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Our OurAspire AspireGyms GymsininLuton Lutonand andBedford Bedford give use givestaff staffand andstudents studentsexclusive exclusive use of convenient, campus-based fitness of convenient, campus-based fitness facilities have facilitiesatatgreat greatprices. prices.We Wealso also have aa programme for free non-competitive programme for free non-competitive sporting sportingactivities. activities.

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PAL (Peer-assisted Learning) sessions are weekly sessions run by second and third year students for first year students. Being a PAL leader enables you to improve many transferable skills, including commication, presentation, and organisational skills, to name a few. 98% of PAL leaders said it improved their student experience.

Plus lots more. Visit: unibeds.info/ug-MTAD

Whether you’re interested in working as a designer, publisher, illustrator or editor, Guildford Street Press could provide you with invaluable experience alongside your studies at the University of Bedfordshire. Guildford Street Press is managed and supported by alumni, staff and student interns, and publishes printed matter for both the University and external clients.

Based in the School of Art & Design, Guildford Street Press features industry-standard facilities giving you a real idea of what you may be working with once you have completed your degree.The experience that you can gain by working at Guildford Street Press can enhance your employability and help you to stand apart from other graduates in your field.

CAREERS &

EMPLOYABILITY The Careers and Employability Service offers a drop-in service for queries, CV checks, and help finding part-time work. You can find them at the Luton campus (H003, Campus Centre) and the Bedford campus (SiD Desk, 1st Floor, Gateway). On a Tier 4 Visa, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.

Read more: unibeds.info/careersservice

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INTERNSHIPS The Bedfordshire Student Internship Scheme gives workplace opportunities to our students. The scheme is designed for you to develop your skills, enhance your CV and gain practical experience, and offers local and national businesses the chance to work with enthusiastic, well-qualified and dedicated individuals.

Upon completion of 75 hours, students are rewarded with £500.

Read more: unibeds.info/internships

SPORTS THERAPY CLINIC At the University of Bedfordshire we have our very own Sports Therapy Clinic offering free sports massages, injury assessment and rehabilitation services including sports massage, rehabilitation exercises and ultrasound facilities.

If you’re an undergraduate student studying Sports Therapy you have the opportunity to work within the clinic, as well as at external placements, as part of your degree course during your second and third years. This gives you the opportunity to practice your skills and gain vital work experience whilst working with real clients.

LAW CLINIC

Undergraduate students of the University’s Law School have the opportunity to gain real-life experience by providing legal advice and guidance to members of the public. Volunteering with the Law School provides you with the full conduct of cases on behalf of the clients such as administering, supporting and providing guidance on the legal process - all exercised under the close supervision of qualified lawyers who have a Practice Certificate.

Plus lots more. Visit: unibeds.info/ug-MTAD

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STUDENTS’ UNION STUDENTS’ UNION We are Your Students’ Union. We want you to feel welcome from We very are your Union. wanttoyou to feel from the first Students’ moment that youWe decide study withwelcome us. the very first moment that you decide to study with us.

We work hard to make sure that you feel at home and can find out everything you need to know about One of the best things about Beds SU is that it gives you the opportunity to meet new people, often your new home town. Including all the facilities and services that Luton, Bedford and the surrounding areas going through the same experiences as you. For all students, especially international students, Beds have to offer.

SU can help with feelings of homesickness or culture shock and joining a society or sports team can aid further with things this. about Beds SU is that it gives you the opportunity to meet new people, often going One of the best

through the same experiences as you. For all students, especially international students, Beds SU can help Volunteering allows you to gaincan valuable skillswith and with feelings of homesickness or cultureOur shock and joiningservice a Society or Sports Team aid further work experience and will also enable you to meet new people this. and learn about the local area. Some of the opportunities include: cooking, I.T support, being a support and much Our Volunteering service allows you toworker gain valuable skillsmore. and

VOLUNTEERING VOLUNTEERING

SOCIETIES SOCIETIES

work experience and will also enable you to meet new people and learn about the local area. Some of the opportunities include: Cooking, IT Support, being a Support Worker and much more.

At Beds SU have we have a diverse of societies for everyone, andyour with At Beds SU we a diverse rangerange of societies for everyone, whatever the number of societies growing each year, there is now more choice interests, and with the number of societies growing each year there is now than ever.

Whether it beWhether making new learning newlearning skills ornew justskills finding more choice than ever. it be friends, making new friends, or interests, there are endless benefits to joining a society.

Our range of justnew finding new interests there are endless benefits to joining a society. include academic (computing, law, psychology, etc.), recreational Oursocieties range of societies include academic (Computing, Law, Psychology), (Disney, (Disney, otaku, sci-fi, fantasy, culturalCultural (Nigerian, Portuguese, Greek, recreational otaku, Schi-fi etc.), and fantasy), (Nigerian, Portuguese, Greek, Indian), and more.

Indian, and Faith, more),Political, Faith, Political, and more.

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SPORTS

We have a large number of sports teams that compete in BUCS (British Universities and College Sports) leagues, and have had a great deal of success in the last few years. We have men’s and women’s teams for people of all abilities.

Through the Bedfordshire Bulls, Beds SU aims to provide a platform for everyone to engage with sport, whether you’re a serious competitor or just want to stay active and keep up a hobby. Our clubs don’t just finish when you leave the pitch or court, so you’ll make friends for life. Our sports teams include, football, basketball, cricket, badminton, cheerleading, swimming and many more.

SUPPORT

There is also a confidential advice service where you can sit down with a member of Beds SU staff and talk about any issues affecting you – whether it be homesickness, money worries, problems with your course, or anything else, Beds SU can help.

Students are also free to set up their own societies and sports teams and get involved in any of the activities and events that Beds SU put on. Beds SU has a website, strong social media presence and a weekly newsletter in order to keep students up to date with everything that goes on.

Keep in touch: Locations: G110 Campus Centre (Luton) | P0.84 The Hub (Bedford) Email: beds.su@beds.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1582 743589 Facebook: www.facebook.com/bedssu Twitter: @bedssu Website: www.bedssu.co.uk

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STUDENT SUPPORT We offer a wide range of practical and confidential advice and support services for you throughout your studies.

International Office

Community and Faith

We have an office dedicated to international students at our Luton campus where you can access all kinds of support. Read more details about our International Office on page 14, and about the visa team on pages 22 -23.

All students are welcome to join our exciting programme of activities or access our confidential, personal, and spiritual support - whether you think of yourself as religious or spiritual, or you don’t think that way at all.

Visit: unibeds.info/contacts

Sign up with us: www.beds.ac.uk/faiths Email: chaplaincy@beds.ac.uk

Disability Support If your studies are affected by a disability, long-term medical condition, or a specific learning difficulty, contact this team.

Email: disability@beds.ac.uk

Mental Wellbeing Personal support is available if you experience mental health difficulties during your studies.

Email: mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk

Counselling Service This service can help if you are experiencing any problems of a personal or emotional nature that may be interfering with your academic work and your personal life.

Email: counselling@beds.ac.uk

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Study Hub The Study Hub based within our library facilities brings together three teams of specialists: Academic Liason Librarians, Computer Skills Trainers, and Professional and Academic Development (PAD) Tutors and Trainers.

These teams offer a wide range of learning opportunities which will help you develop your academic skills and improve your assignment writing techniques, leading to better grades and enhanced employability.

Visit: unibeds.info/ug-studyhub

Communication Skills This unique and compulsory programme is designed to help international students adjust to studying in the UK. These classes will help you to learn how to prepare your assignments, paraphrase, how to do presentations, and more, in order to make the most out of your time here, and boost your grades.

Visit: unibeds.info/csclasses Email: languagecentre@beds.ac.uk

Your Learning Resources We’ve got a new seven-storey library at our main campus in Luton. Our students have fantastic multimedia study resources at their fingertips in our cutting-edge, well equipped learning resources centres (LRCs).

The Library is not just a repository of books and study resources; it’s also an important partner in research and in teaching, working towards equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve academically, and to maximise your future employability.

Visit: lrweb.beds.ac.uk

Student Engagement This team can advise you on academic, personal, and health issues that may have an impact on your studies. They work closely with all support teams at the University, and can also advise you of services available in the local community.

Email: student.engagement@beds.ac.uk Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/studentsupport

Student Information Desk (SiD) All of our support services can be accessed through the Student Information Desk (SiD).

They’re located across all campuses and you can speak to someone face-to-face, or get access online 24/7. The SiD team have been trained to know about all services available, and will make sure that they put you in touch with the right person. Read more details about SiD on pages 24 - 27.

Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/sid

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YOUR TIER 4 VISA AND UKVI Tier 4 of the points-based immigration system places responsibilities on all students and their universities across the UK. Under Tier 4 of the points-based immigration system, the university acts as your academic sponsor.

This means we are saying to the UK Government that we believe you are a responsible student and are capable of completing a degree at the university.

You have been granted a visa to study specifically at the University of Bedfordshire. Throughout your studies, both you and the university need to comply with Home Office rules relating to international students. For more detailed guidance, visit: unibeds.info/visaguidance

These are the responsibilities you have as a Tier 4 student:

Registration You must enrol within the enrolment period and show your passport, visa and biometric residence permit (BRP) when required.

Provide the International Office with any new passport, visa or BRP obtained after registration.

Engaging with your Studies & Attendance You must attend all your classes, i.e. lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and practical sessions, and register your attendance by swiping your student ID card. Attendance is monitored; you must ensure you swipe in person and with your own ID card.

The University has to keep a record of your attendance. The UKVI requires us to report any students who miss 10 expected contact points as this is a breach of the conditions of your Tier 4 visa.

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Change of Contact Details Your contact details must be correct and up to date at all times. These are your home and contact address in the UK (which should be near the campus where you are studying), your university and personal email addresses, and mobile phone number. You can update these at the Student Information Desk (SID) or via E-vision.

You must live near the university campus you are studying at. We will interview you if you live more than an hour away so that you can explain how you will achieve 100% attendance.

Submissions You must attend all exams and submit all work on time and in the right way. If you do not, this is a non-submission and it may mean you cannot apply for a visa extension. If you know that you cannot submit on time talk to your Department and seek advice from Mitigating Circumstances before the submission date.

Extending your Visa due Corrections & Problems with Visa Collection to Repeat or Referral If you think you may require a visa extension, speak to a member of the Visa and Immigration Advisory Team at the International Office as soon as you find out about your re-sit or retake unit so that you can discuss your visa options well in advance. They will review your academic and visa situation and advise you of any immigration rules that may affect you.

Travel/Absence during Term-time If you need to travel outside the UK during term-time or will be in the UK but absent from your studies, you must seek permission from the International Office. Absence and travel will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. You will need to provide evidence and confirm that you will return on an agreed date.

60 day Gap in Studies Gaps in study can sometimes be caused by the failure of one or more units.

Work As a student on a Tier 4 visa studying at NQF level 6 and above (Bachelor’s degree or higher), you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time. If your course is at NQF level 3-5 (such as on an International Foundation Course or Pre-sessional English programme), you may work up to 10 hours per week during term time.

You must ensure your visa has the correct work entitlement on it. If this is incorrect you should get it corrected before you start working.

Whatever your level of study, you may work unlimited hours during official University holiday periods, after you have been awarded your degree,

You can contact our Visa and Immigration Advisory service in the International Office if you are unable to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK, or if you find a mistake on your BRP or visa, including length of time given at the end of your course.

This is because you may be missing lectures and other expected points of academic contact at the University. If you travel overseas it may be difficult for you to return to the UK. Immigration officers may wish to see proof that you have been given permission to travel and to return to the UK by the University, and if they are not satisfied with the proof you provide, they may refuse or delay your entry to the UK. This will result in you missing even more of the course than you or the University expected.

If you have a gap in studies of more than 60 days of term-time you will need to return to your home country and apply for a new visa to return and complete your course at a later date. You should seek advice from the International Office.

and when you have completed your studies and are awaiting your results. If you are undertaking retakes or referrals, or are writing up your dissertation, you must not work more than 20 hours per week. These periods are not holiday periods. For confirmation of your holiday dates, please speak to SiD who can issue you with a letter for your employer, if necessary.

Working more hours than you are permitted will result in you being reported to UK Visas and Immigration as breaching the conditions of your leave to remain, and you will have your visa sponsorship withdrawn by the University.

This will negatively affect your immigration record, which will affect any future visa applications you submit to the UKVI as well as your University registration.

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STUDENT INFORMATION DESKS

SiD is the way for you to access information and support during your studies.

There is a Student Information Desk on every campus where you can find the SiD team on hand to help.

If you have a more complex problem, SiD will advise you on the best course of action. SiD will log an enquiry using SiD Online and allocate it to the relevant person, and you will receive email notifications to keep you up to date, enabling you to spend time focusing on your studies.

SiD Online As a University of Bedfordshire student you have the self-help support tool SiD Online at your fingertips, available 24/7. You can:

• Log your own enquiries • Request a letter and we will notify you when it is ready to collect • Make an appointment to come and see us • Search the frequently asked questions, receive appointments with different services and download the relevant forms • Ask a question and we will email you the answer • Check the status of, and update existing enquiries 24

In Luton: You can find us on Level 1 in F block next to the International Office, and on Level 2 of the Campus Centre.

In Bedford: You can find us on Level 1 of the Gateway Building.

In Milton Keynes: You can find us at the reception desk in the Milton Keynes Campus.

www.beds.ac.uk/sid

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Need You may may find find that that during during your your studies studies you you need need aa letter letter from from the the University.

University.This This could could be be for for aa You number of of reasons. reasons. Here Thereisare a number of available departments letters.Desks Here is list of number a list of letters fromthat the provide Student these Information at athe letters available from the University with details of which department can provide them: University:

Letters

by SiD Letters by SiD SiD issues a range of letters, through an SiD issues a range of letters, through an online online letter request service. We will print letter request service. We will print your letter your letter and contact you when it is ready and contact you when it is ready for you to for you to collect. You can request letters collect. from SiD by using the online system (see the ‘How to’status guideletter: on the in person Student Thisnext letterpage) can beorissued once youcampus’ have registered. at your SiD. It confirms that you are a registered student at the University, and contains the start and end dates for your course.

Student status letter: This letter can be issued Bank you letter: Thisregistered. letter will help with opening bank once have It confirms that ayou account.

You should know which you want to are a registered student at thebank University, and open an account with before requesting the letter. contains the start and end dates for your course.

Council tax exemption: Full-time students who live

Bank letter: This letter will help with opening a in privately rented accommodation, are entitled to bank account.

You should knowyou which bank you Council Tax exemption, therefore do not need to want open an pay fortocouncil tax.account with before requesting the letter.

Vacation letter: You will need a letter to confirm you

have a vacation if you wish Full-time to work full time during Council tax exemption: students who vacations.You willrented need one of these lettersare to give to live in privately accommodation, your employer just before a vacation period.

You will entitled to council tax exemption, therefore not need a letter to work part-time as your passport/ you do not need to pay for council tax. visa should already state this.

Vacation letter: You will need a letter to confirm GP Registration letter: If you are not registering you have a vacation if you wish to work full-time with the University Health Centre then the surgery during vacations.You one of these you do join, will ask youwill for need this letter. letters to give to your employer just before a vacation Youtowill not needcountries: a letter toIf work Applyingperiod. for a visa visit other you part-time as your passport/visa should already need to apply for a Schengen visa for a holiday in Europethis. then you will need this letter. state GP Registration letter: If you are not registering with the University Health Centre, the You can you request letters SiDfor bythis using the surgery do join will from ask you letter. online system (see the ‘How to’ guide on the next page)for or in person at your campus’ SiD. Applying a visa to visit other countries: If you need to apply for a Schengen visa for a holiday in Europe then you will need this letter.

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How to...

Request a letter online Log into SiD Online either via our website (www.beds.ac.uk/sid), e:Vision (sits.beds.ac.uk) or BREO (breo.beds.ac.uk).

Type in your question or a keyword in the search bar.

When you have found your result click on ‘Log Enquiry’

Select the ‘request a letter’ option on the select a category drop-down menu. Select where you want to collect your letter and then fill in the other boxes with any other details.

Click on ‘Send’ to log your new enquiry.

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