Welcome to Liverpool 01 Your offer 02 Study issues 03 Applying for a visa 04 Money matters 08 Choosing your accommodation 11 Making

the move 13 Get packing! 15 Your welcome 18 After you finish your studies 20 Important dates 21 Contacts 22 Campus map 24

Congratulations on deciding to study at the University of Liverpool. This booklet is to help you get ready for this new stage in your life. It is designed to answer the practical questions you will have about living and studying in Liverpool. It tells you what to do before you leave home and contains a checklist and a list of websites, contacts and useful sources of information.
For questions before you leave, help booking your accommodation, ideas to get organised and someone to meet you at Manchester airport with our Meet and Greet service, please use our online advice site. For all immigrations issues (before and after your arrival) and assistance on a wide range of issues throughout your time at the University of Liverpool, please use our online advice site. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you here soon. IRRT AND IST International Recruitment and Relations Team www.liv.ac.uk/international www.liv.ac.uk/connect Any questions? http://ask.liv.ac.uk International Support Team www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist Any questions? http://ask.liv.ac.uk

Welcome to Liverpool 01

Understanding your offer.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Conditional offer: You still need to meet the minimum entry conditions. We will confirm your place if you meet the entry requirements specified in your offer. Unconditional offer: We have offered you a place on the basis of qualifications that you have already achieved and which you have declared in your application. If you have not already done so, please send us evidence of these qualifications as soon as possible.

YOUR OFFER It will list: Programme of study Start and end dates Annual student fees Conditions of the offer Living expenses. Make sure your name, address, programme of study and all other details in your offer are correct. HOW TO ACCEPT YOUR OFFER Undergraduate: Accept your place via the UCAS website www.ucas.com. Log on to Track to make the University of Liverpool your firm (F) or insurance (I) choice. Postgraduate: Return the reply slip you have received with your offer letter or email the Admissions contact at the address given on the reply slip.

Most Liverpudlians Ive met are very friendly and sociable. They are always ready with some advice or a helping hand, and love to show foreigners how hospitable they can be.

02 Your offer

BRIAN MAYER MSC EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY, SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, USA

03 Study issues

You should make sure you are ready for your course of study by taking some steps now.
IS YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL HIGH ENOUGH? Minimum English language requirements are listed in the International Guide and on the international website: www.liv.ac.uk/ international If you need to improve your English to meet the requirements in your conditional offer, you have two options: Re-sit your English test e.g. IELTS Take one of our English preparation courses. If you complete one of our English courses you do not have to retake an IELTS test. These courses can improve your English by up to two IELTS bands over a 20 week period. For full information please see www.liv.ac.uk/english/elu. We can also send you a leaflet giving you information about our English language requirements, and our English language course costs and duration. Please contact E: irro@liv.ac.uk ARE YOU USED TO UK STUDY METHODS? You may find that study methods in the UK are quite different to what you are used to in your home country. It is a good idea to get to know these methods so that you know what to expect when you arrive. There is useful information on the UKCISA website Study methods in the UK which introduces you to teaching and learning in the UK and also provides some tips for studying. www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/ study_methods.php

DO YOU NEED DISABILITY SUPPORT? The University of Liverpool welcomes disabled students and provides a dedicated service through the Disability Support Team (DST). The DST is responsible for the coordination of the most appropriate and suitable support for students who have a range of disabilities, disability related issues, mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia. If you have a disability and require support, it is important that you contact the DST at the earliest opportunity to discuss your academic support requirements. The Team can be contacted at E: disteam@liv.ac.uk or T: +44 (0)151 794 5863 For further information about the Disability Support Team and the support that can be provided, please visit the DST website: www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability

The research skills workshop in the first year is really useful and a good place to meet new friends, international and British.
PAULA POSAS, 4TH YEAR PHD STUDENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIC DESIGN, USA

Applying for a visa 04/05

Many students worry about applying for a visa. Applying for a visa need not be a difficult or stressful experience.
DO I NEED A VISA? Most international students from outside the European Economic Area need a visa to enter the UK. There are different kinds of visa. The majority of students coming to the University will need a Tier 4 General student visa. Do not apply for a visitor or student visitor visa. Make sure you get your Tier 4 visa in your home country before travelling. Please note that applying for a student visa will cancel out any other recent student visas you may have been granted. So if for example you are granted a visa for your main degree course and then you apply for a visa for a course starting before that (e.g. a presessional English course), this will invalidate the visa you already have for your main course. DEPENDANTS If your partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, same sex partner) or child is planning to come with you to the UK, they can apply as a PBS Dependant. The new immigration rules require that to apply for the dependant visa, you have a minimum of 3,600 per dependant in your (or your dependants) bank account, held for 28 days. See the IST website for further information: www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ ist/Family.htm The immigration rules state that family members can only be granted a dependant visa to join the student if the students course is over 6 months long. This means that students who are studying a short English language course can only apply for their family to join them once they have extended their visa for their main course. ARE YOU A EUROPEAN STUDENT? If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), or of Switzerland, the immigration procedures in this section do not apply to you. You are entitled to enter the UK freely and have the right of residence for the duration of your course. You do not need to read this chapter on student visas. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Entry Clearance or Leave to Enter, also referred to as a visa This is the name given to the permission granted in your home country to travel to the UK. Leave to Remain, also referred to as a visa This refers to the permission granted inside the UK which permits you to reside. It is also sometimes referred to as leave or LTR. Visa The term visa is generally used to refer to any type of permission to be in the UK. British diplomatic post A British diplomatic post is the general term for British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas. Biometric Data Your fingerprints and a digital photograph.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY STUDENT VISA? The Entry Clearance Officer makes his/her decision based on the information you make available to them at the time of your application. So make sure you know exactly what they need to see. It is your responsibility to show that you meet the requirements for a student visa. You will have to pay a fee of 199 when you make the application. To understand what is needed in general, read these: IST website: www.liv.ac.uk/ studentsupport/ist/overseasvisa.htm. Includes an example application form and a list of required supporting documents UKCISA information sheet: Student immigration before you travel to the UK UK Border Agency Visa Services, visa application guidance INF 29 for students. The new student visa rules state that you must have the tuition fee for one year in your bank account (unless it has already been paid) plus 5,400, all held for 28 days. The money you need to show is referred to as maintenance. The rules on the documents you need to provide as evidence of your maintenance is very strict. There is further information on the IST website: www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/ maintenance_vaf.htm You will need to provide your biometric data. The UK Border Agency Visas Services website has a link to a You Tube video about the biometric data collection process.

Find out about any procedures that are specific to your country or region. To do this, find the website for your nearest British diplomatic post that has a visa section from the UK Border Agency Visas Services website www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ howtoapply/wheretoapply VISA CHECKLIST MAKE SURE YOU KNOW: Do I need to hand in my application in person? Or can I apply by post or online? Do I have to attend an interview? If so, how long will I have to wait for an appointment? How long will it take to process my application? Do I need to provide a medical report or x-ray as part of my visa application? Do I need to be screened for tuberculosis (TB)? APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Q Complete form VAF9 and PBS Appendix 8 General Student self-assessment form W Gather all of the required supporting documents E Make photocopies of the completed application form and all the documents you provide with your application R Submit your application to the British diplomatic post T Provide your biometric data.

Applying for a visa 06/07

RECEIVING YOUR VISA If you are successful in being granted a visa, check it immediately: Make sure it states you are a Tier 4 (General) Student and not a visitor or student visitor Check the start date. You cannot travel to the UK before the start date on the visa Check the expiry date. Make sure it is enough time to complete your studies and attend your graduation ceremony. If you think you have been granted a visa that is too short, ask the Entry Clearance Officer to check it immediately Check whether it states you must register with the police. If so, you must register within seven days of your arrival in the UK. Make sure it does not prohibit you from working. If it does, ask the Entry Clearance Officer if they could change it. For more information see section on Working on a student visa.

BEING REFUSED A VISA AND ARRIVING LATE If you are not successful, you will be given a refusal notice which will tell you why: Contact the IST as soon as possible by email or telephone If your visa is refused and it is near the start of your course, please contact your academic department. Ask what the latest date is that you can start your course If you have missed the official start date of your course, there may be two possible outcomes: Q Late arrival Your department agrees you can arrive a little later. You must have confirmation of this new start date in writing from your department, in case you are asked to provide evidence on entering the UK, for example at the airport. W Deferred arrival If your department cannot give you a later date, or you still do not manage to get a visa in time, do not travel to the UK. Contact the IST for advice. You may need to ask your department if you can defer your offer to the following academic year. The University of Liverpool aims to provide you with the supporting documents you need to make your application but please remember that we cannot intervene in the application process. If you have any questions after reading this section and all the extra information recommended then please contact the International Support Team for immigration advice.

WORKING ON A STUDENT VISA International students on courses lasting more than six months will usually be granted permission to work. Students who have permission to work can work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during vacations. Students who make a visa application in order to study a course which is below degree level and which does not meet the UK Border Agencys definition of a foundation degree (regardless of length of the course) are restricted to working 10 hours per week in term-time. Therefore if you are coming to study one of our presessional English courses, this will apply to you. Check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) or identity card says. If your passport sticker says Work (and any changes) must be authorised or Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State, you are allowed to work during your studies. If your identity card says Restricted Work. P/T term time. F/T vacations you are allowed to work during your studies. To meet UK immigration requirements, you must show that you can pay your student fees and living expenses without working in the UK. You should not expect to finance your studies by working. Dependants are granted full-time permission to work in the UK if the main applicant (the student) is granted a visa that is 12 months or longer and the course is at degree level or a foundation degree.

I was quite uneasy about coming to Liverpool because it was my first time but the supportive nature of both the staff and my fellow students helped me to settle faster than I anticipated.
ERIC YEBOAH, PHD CIVIC DESIGN, GHANA

HOW TO PAY YOUR FEES You need to arrange how you will pay your tuition fees before you come to Liverpool. Unless your fees are being paid by a Government or company sponsor, your options are: Q Pay the full tuition fees at registration: Use the online payment system at www.liv.ac.uk/feespayment Send a cheque (drawn on a UK bank) or bankers draft Do a bank transfer. OR W Pay in three instalments: Use the online payment system at www.liv.ac.uk/feespayment

The first instalment should be paid by debit or credit card at registration. Have a look at the fee payment website for detailed information on how to pay your tuition fees. If you have any query about fees or payments, email the Student Fees Office at E: feesenq@liv.ac.uk MONEY CHECKLIST Work out how much money you need to bring Bring enough cash for your immediate expenses only e.g. train fare, food for first day or so Bring enough travellers cheques to last 1-2 weeks in case it takes a while to open a bank account Bring the rest of your money as travellers cheques or a bank draft.

SUMMARY OF THE PAYMENT PROCESS

08/09 Money matters

Government or company sponsorship or scholarship?

YES

Send a copy of your Government or company sponsorship or scholarship letter to the Student Fees Office

NO

YES

Payment in full?

Use our online payments system to pay by debit or credit card

OR

OR

Pay by cheque

Pay by bank transfer

NO

Payments in instalments?

YES

Use our online payment system

AND

Make an immediate debit or credit card payment

AND

Set up an instalment plan to make two further payments

LIVING COSTS PER YEAR When applying for your visa, new immigration rules require you to have a minimum of 5,200 in your bank account for living costs. As a single student, we estimate that you will actually need between 6,000-7,000 per year for your daily living expenses including accommodation, food and local travel. Of course this will vary according to your lifestyle. DEPENDANTS If you are bringing your family to the UK the British Council estimates you will need around 6,000 per year for your spouse, and a further 2,000 per year for each of your children. However, this is a generous estimate for the whole of the UK: the cost of living in Liverpool is actually lower than many other UK cities. The new immigration rules require each dependant to have a minimum of 3,600 for living costs when applying for a visa. SCHOLARSHIPS Take a look at our scholarships website to find out which awards you are eligible for: www.liv.ac.uk/international/scholarships.htm Remember that the majority of our international students will receive a 1000 Regional Award. PREPARING YOUR MONEY You need to make sure you bring enough money (British currency/travellers cheques) to cover your immediate needs on arrival in the UK, including customs charges, rail fares and any emergency expenses.

You should open a bank account within your first few days in Liverpool. It is a good idea to bring enough money in travellers cheques to last you a week or two in case there are any unexpected delays in opening a bank account.

I made a lot of good relationships from a diversity of students from studies, sports and social events. What I really like amongst other things is that student living and expenses in general is very good.
CHUKWUNYERE IHEBUZOR, MENG INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE ENGINEERING, NIGERIA

APPROXIMATE LIVING COSTS FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT MEI As an undergraduate medical student, Mei spent around 6,000 in her first year. She was in Liverpool for around 38 weeks and on a monthly basis, she would spend: 450 on hall fees which covered 2 meals a day 44 on a bus pass (11 a week) 20-40 on study costs (photocopying, printing etc) 20 cell phone charges 16 on laundry 40 to 120 on other food and entertainment costs (depending on how many social activities she got involved in). Mei also spent 92 on an annual sports centre membership and bought a number of key text books for 100 at the beginning of the year. APPROXIMATE LIVING COSTS FOR A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT HOSSAM AND FAMILY Hossam is a postgraduate research student and is here in Liverpool with his wife and daughter. His average monthly expenditure is between 800 and 900. He lives in family accommodation on campus, so his daily transport costs are negligible as he can walk to the campus, the city and to his daughters school. Hossam decided to buy a car mainly for weekends so he and his family could explore the local region and visit other areas of the UK. His monthly expenditure could be broken down as follows: Accommodation 340 per month Food and bills 160-200 per month depending on the time of year Laundry 20 per month Leisure/Entertainment 100 per month Car 150 per month (tax, insurance, maintenance and petrol).

Please be aware that these costs are approximate and vary depending on a students lifestyle and choice of accommodation. Another way to get an idea of day-to-day living costs is to have a look at the websites of a UK supermarket such as Tescos or Sainsburys. We do not necessarily recommend any particular one, but this will show fairly typical prices. WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY International students are legally allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, the University recommends that students work a maximum of 15 hours per week to ensure that your studies are not affected. During University vacations you are allowed to work full-time. HOW MUCH CAN I EARN? The minimum wage in the UK for people aged 18-21 years inclusive is 4.83 per hour and for people aged 22+ is 5.80 per hour. The following calculations give an indication of how much you could potentially earn during term time and during University vacations. CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY SERVICE The University has its own service on campus to help students find part-time work. This service advertises part-time jobs available for students both on and off the University campus. Information about finding part-time work can be found on the Careers and Employability Service website: www.liv.ac.uk/careers

10 Money matters

There is a variety of Halls of Residence at the University to suit different students needs.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? Accommodation This is the traditional name for student accommodation where many students live together. Each student usually has a private bedroom but you share the bathrooms and eat together. Halls can be catered or self-catered. Catered accommodation This is accommodation where two meals are provided: breakfast and evening meal. Self-catered accommodation This is accommodation where you must buy your own food and cook for yourself. You usually have a kitchen that you share with other students. En-suite accommodation This is accommodation that has a private bathroom directly connected to the bedroom. Private accommodation This is accommodation not owned by the University but rented out by a private landlord. Deposit This is money you pay in advance to reserve your accommodation. Tenancy agreement This is a legally binding contract between the student and the landlord. Before entering into a contract you should carefully read the terms and conditions. See the Accommodation Office and Liverpool Student Homes websites for further details.

Our website has information, photos and films to help you choose the best Hall for you: www.liv.ac.uk/accommodation You are guaranteed University of Liverpool accommodation as long as you apply by the summer deadlines: Undergraduates: 31 August 2010 Postgraduates: 31 July 2010 To apply for University of Liverpool accommodation you need to have a firmly accepted conditional or unconditional offer of a place at the University. You also need an invitation to apply for accommodation which you will be sent by email or post when you accept your offer. You then need to decide which accommodation you would like to apply for and apply online stating your top three preferences. For further information see: www.liv.ac.uk/accommodation FAMILY ACCOMMODATION University accommodation for couples and families is limited and demand is constantly high for this type of accommodation. For this reason, unfortunately, the University cannot guarantee family accommodation. However, there is plenty of good, reasonably priced accommodation for families in Liverpool in the private housing sector. We recommend that you book suitable family accommodation before coming to the UK or you can travel to the UK alone at first to look at the accommodation. Your family can join you at a later date. Dont bring your family to Liverpool if you do not have longterm accommodation arranged: short-term temporary accommodation for a family such as hotels and bed and breakfasts in the UK is very expensive, sometimes difficult to find and not very suitable for children. Travelling here alone at first gives you time to consider and take advice about the area you wish to live, the local amenities, heating and fuel costs and the amount of space you need.

11 Choosing your accommodation

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION Liverpool is a student-focused city with a lot of accommodation available for students including flats, shared houses and privately owned Halls of Residence. Liverpool Student Homes (LSH) is an organisation that assists students in finding accommodation in the private sector. If you wish to look for private accommodation, visit the LSH website and read all the useful advice (under Our Advice) including their Guide to House Hunting and their Housing Check List. The website gives an explanation of the different types of private accommodation and you can also search hundreds of advertisements for available property in the Liverpool area. www.lsh.ac.uk TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION There are four main youth hostels in Liverpool that offer cheap, clean, basic accommodation: the Embassie Youth Hostel, the International Inn, Hatters Hostel and the YHA. If you would prefer to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast (B&B), look at the listings on the Liverpool tourism website all details at the back of this booklet. OTHER LIVING ISSUES Healthcare In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is the state health service. Free NHS health treatment is available to all international students studying here for longer than six months. It is also available to students from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements, such as many European countries.

If you or your family members who are coming with you will not fit these categories, it is a good idea to get medical insurance for the time that you are in the UK. Please see the UKCISA information sheet Keeping Healthy for further information. Calling home You will probably want to keep in regular contact with friends and family back home while you are here. There are many different options to make cheap calls from either a landline (in your accommodation) or from a mobile phone with companies such as Nomi, Lyca and Lebara. The University does not recommend any particular company but it is a good idea to find the offer most suitable for your needs you can do this while you are still at home. For a helpful introduction to the subject, see: www.ukstudentlife.co.uk

12 Choosing your accommodation

13 Making the move

JOURNEY PREPARATION CHECKLIST Are there any government restrictions on how much money you can take out of your country? Check whether you need permission to transfer money to the UK Order British currency (sterling) and travellers cheques Buy flight tickets dont forget any connecting flight to regional airports Buy travel insurance Book a place on our free Meet and Greet Service Book overnight accommodation Obtain letter from doctor for any prescribed drugs you may need to bring with you Find out about what items you can take through customs and what you must declare Weigh your luggage. Is it within airline allowances? Can you carry it? Label your luggage clearly with your own name and new address Make sure your luggage is securely fastened and locked. FLYING INTO LIVERPOOL Currently six airlines fly into Liverpool John Lennon airport from Europe. The JLA website www.liverpoolairport.com shows possible international routes. FLYING INTO MANCHESTER Many airlines fly direct to Manchester. You should allow one to two hours to get from Manchester airport to your accommodation in Liverpool.

MEET AND GREET SERVICE AT MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL 17TH-19TH SEPTEMBER The University operates a free Meet and Greet airport service, three times a day, on 17th, 18th and 19th September. This will collect you if you arrive at Manchester airport or Liverpool John Lennon airport and take you by coach to your accommodation in Liverpool. Full details of Meet and Greet will be sent to you by the International Recruitment and Relations Team (IRRT). Space on the coach is limited, so only bring essential luggage and make sure you can carry it! FLYING INTO LONDON You may arrive in the UK at London Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick Airport the two main London airports, both several miles outside the centre of London. WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE? If your study starts in September/October, plan to arrive in Liverpool in time for the Welcome Event for new international students on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st September. If you plan to come to the UK and stay in temporary accommodation while you look for somewhere long-term for your family, arrive three to four days before the Welcome Event. If you are staying in University accommodation and would like to arrive before your contract starts, check with the Accommodation Office and find out how much this will cost you.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION You should think about what time you will arrive in Liverpool. The University accommodation office is not open 24 hours, so if you arrive very early or very late, book temporary accommodation in Liverpool (your own cost) until you can access your University accommodation. If you are flying into London or Manchester, especially if you are arriving late at night, book somewhere to stay and travel to Liverpool the next day. Look at the contacts section for cheap London accommodation (The International Students House or the London Tourist Board). We strongly recommend you make a reservation before you leave your home country. If you are arriving at Manchester airport just before the Meet and Greet Service starts, or outside the daily collection times, you can stay overnight in a hotel close to the airport and use the Meet and Greet Service the next day or make your own arrangements to travel to Liverpool.

GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY DOING IT BY YOURSELF From Liverpool John Lennon Bus Arriva bus services run from JLA. The main one is Airlink 500 John Lennon Airport Circular which runs from directly outside the airport into the City Centre and various points along the way. The bus usually operates every 30 minutes, lasts 40 minutes. Cost: approximately 2.50. Taxi cost between 25-40. From Manchester Train During the day there are direct trains from Manchester Airport station to Liverpool Lime Street which usually take under an hour. Cost: approximately 12-25. Bus National Express also operates a coach service from Manchester airport to Liverpool. From London Bus The National Express coach service has cheap direct services from the airports to Liverpool Norton Street coach station but you may need to travel into central London first. Details of travel options from these airports to central London can be found on the airports websites.

14 Making the move

TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend travel insurance get this before you leave. Make sure that the insurance covers you for any medical emergencies while you are travelling as well as any lost luggage. When you pack, keep a list of what you pack so if your luggage is lost you can account for the lost items. If you have bought anything new before your journey remember to keep the receipts, as the insurance company may ask you to provide them in the event that you have to make a claim.

15 Get packing!

When youre packing, remember you can get most things cheaply in Liverpool.

IN YOUR MONEY-BELT OR SECURE POCKET: Passport and visa Travel tickets Travel insurance documents Travellers cheques, credit cards Enough sterling for your first week. Try to include some change i.e. 5/10 notes and some coins. IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE: A photocopy of each page of your passport, including your passport number and the date and place of issue and any entry clearances List of contents of main luggage Any prescribed medication plus a letter from your doctor explaining what it is Details of your accommodation Address and telephone number of your final destination Travel instructions to your final destination Details of your arrangements for onward travel within the UK e.g. map, train tickets Offer letter or a print out of your offer email from the University of Liverpool Original documentary proof that you have enough money to pay your fees and meet your living costs (e.g. recent bank statements, proof of scholarship, sponsor's letter) Originals or certified true copies of any degree certificates or technical qualifications Insurance documents A note of the serial numbers of your travellers cheques CAS statement or number Photocopies of all essential documents Something to entertain you on the journey A toothbrush and small towel A warm jumper, fleece or jacket.

IN YOUR SUITCASE: A few clothes to last you until you get settled Your essential text books only Photos from home Camera Stationery one note book is enough A few passport sized photographs of yourself you may need them for ID cards, bus/rail passes etc. WHAT NOT TO PACK: Electrical items Books buy your textbooks in Liverpool second hand or use the library Stationery Lots of clothing just bring enough for a few days Bedding and towels buy it in Liverpool Food it is heavy and you can buy most food stuffs in Liverpool Cooking equipment and utensils. Some students choose to buy all their essential items online and arrange for them to be delivered in Liverpool for when you arrive see the online company: www.allunied.com If you want to send luggage separately by air or with a shipping company in advance of your arrival, make sure there is someone in the UK to accept it. The University cannot do this.

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES Can be cashed at airports, bureaux de change and banks. The only 24-hour banks you will find when you arrive in the UK are at the major airports. Most banks open between 09.30-16.30 Monday to Saturday. LOST PROPERTY Most students have no problem with their journey but if you lose any of your luggage during your journey, tell the airline immediately. If you lose anything at the airport or train or coach station, go immediately to the Lost Property Office if you are lucky, it may already have been found and handed in. If you lose luggage in the street, or think it has been stolen, you will need to tell the police. IST can help you with this. SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING Be careful when you are travelling, especially when you are tired. Never leave luggage or any belongings unattended anywhere even for short periods. Do not carry more cash than you require for your travelling expenses. Keep a record of the serial number on your travellers cheques so that if they are lost you can tell your bank.

16/17 Get packing!

If you lose your passport, you must tell the police and your British diplomatic post (embassy) immediately. IST can help you with this. If you do have items stolen from you, you should tell the police immediately. The police will issue you with a crime number . It is important you keep this number as it is required for your insurance company when you make your claim. Reporting the theft to Lost Property only is not enough; always report it to the police too.

IMMIGRATION ON ARRIVAL IN THE UK You will need to show your passport and visa to an Immigration Officer when you land in the UK. Most students are not asked many questions or have any problems but an Immigration Officer does have the right to interview you on arrival to check that your situation has not changed since you were granted entry clearance. So carry your CAS Statement, an offer letter if you have one, a printout of any offer emails you have received, financial support proof and course details in your hand luggage to show you meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules. If you follow the advice in this booklet then your arrival in the UK should be quick and easy. If however you do have any problems at the airport then ask the Immigration Officer to contact the International Support Team or the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS). The IAS has offices across the UK and can provide specialist immigration advice and representation.

Dont bring your rice-cooker to Liverpool. You can buy one here from the market or alumni, or share with your roommates.
SHUAI PENG, MA CIVIC DESIGN, CHINA

The first organised contact you will have with the University and other international students is our Welcome Event, hosted by the International Support Team on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 September 2010.
WELCOME EVENT This Welcome Event provides you with all the information you need to adjust to life in Liverpool as effortlessly as possible and is very valuable when you have just arrived. There will be advice and assistance about the important things you need to do in your first few days in Liverpool and to help you to adjust to life in the UK. It is also a very friendly occasion with a chance to look at the city and get to know other international students who are new to Liverpool, just like you! You will receive further Welcome Event information leading up to your departure. Once you arrive you will be given a programme of events. Generally it includes a variety of presentations, advice sessions and it is an ideal opportunity to meet all the other new students and make your first friends in the UK. If you are unable to attend, please contact the IST soon after you arrive in Liverpool and we can check that you are settled and give you information on anything you have missed. At the Welcome Event you will be given a programme of the event, a useful checklist and lots of information for your first few days in Liverpool. You will receive further information by email leading up to the Welcome Event or check www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/ for the latest details.

18 Your welcome

The Welcome Event is a perfect blend of fun-filled activities and seminars that not only give an insight into a whole new world of opportunities but also answers all that you need to do in the first couple of days here.
REKHA KARNA, MBA BUSINESS FINANCE, INDIA

The Welcome Event for New International Students

MOUN T

PLEA

SANT

The event will provide lots of information to help you adjust to life in Liverpool and to help you enjoy your time here. It also provides a great chance to meet people, make friends and learn about the University, the city and living in the UK. You will receive further information by email leading up to the Welcome Event.

International Support Team (IST) Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 September 2010 Venue: Mountford Hall, Guild of Students.

Host: Date:

BR OW O NL WH ILL

If you will be attending the Welcome Event and have any individual and/or access requirements due to a disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty that you think we may need to consider when planning the event, then please contact the IST to discuss your requirements.

20 After you finish your studies in Liverpool

GRADUATION CEREMONY For undergraduates, the University of Liverpools graduation ceremonies are held in July after you have received your final degree result. For taught Masters, the ceremonies are mostly held in December. MPhil/PhD graduates may have their ceremonies in July or December depending on when they complete their programme. PREPARATION FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER One of the key reasons people invest in higher education is to improve employment prospects following graduation. The Careers and Employability Service offers a range of support services to help you prepare for your future: One to one advice with a careers adviser Opportunities to meet employers on campus Volunteering opportunities in the UK or overseas Specialist help with CVs, applications and interviews Vacation work and work experience opportunities in the UK or overseas. For more details please visit the Careers and Employability Service website www.liv.ac.uk/careers WHAT DO LIVERPOOL GRADUATES DO AFTER THEY HAVE FINISHED THEIR STUDIES? Liverpool graduates are in demand! Graduates of this University have taken up prominent positions in world politics, medicine, telecommunications, law, media, broadcasting, architecture, business and many other professions.

WORKING IN THE UK AFTER YOU GRADUATE Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) All international students who successfully complete their UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses are able to apply to stay in the UK for two years and work full-time. Most types of work can be undertaken once you have this visa. In order to obtain the visa you must fulfill certain requirements. For more information on the PostStudy Work scheme please consult the International Support Team website at www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist/ poststudywork.htm

Being away from home is hard, but the friends you make, the exposure you get and the values you develop make it worthwhile. It is truly an experience of a lifetime.
TANISHA PRABHU, BA BUSINESS STUDIES, INDIA

21 Important dates 2010-11

WELCOME EVENTS Meet and Greet: 17, 18 and 19 September 2010. IST Welcome Event: Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 September 2010. NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS: New Years Day 1st January Valentines Day 14th February Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) 8th March St Patricks Day 17th March April Fools Day 1st April Mothering Sunday 3rd April Good Friday 22nd April Easter Sunday 24th April Easter Monday Bank holiday 25th April Early May Bank Holiday 2nd May Spring Bank Holiday 30th May Summer Bank Holiday 29th August Halloween 31st October Guy Fawkes (Bonfire Night) 5th November Remembrance Sunday 13th November Christmas Eve 24th December Christmas Day 25th December Boxing Day 26th December New Years Eve 31st December UNIVERSITY DATES Term dates 27 September 2010 - 17 December 2010 10 January 2011 - 8 April 2011 3 May 2011 - 3 June 2011 Semester dates 27 September 2010 - 28 January 2011 31 January 2011 - 3 June 2011 Medical students: Please note that term dates for medical students differ (see website). EXAMS Final exams usually take place in May. GRADUATION CEREMONIES December and July.

Checklist reminder
Accept your offer

Send us your proof of qualifications

Begin your application for your visa

Apply for your accommodation

Organise how to transfer your money for your tuition fee and living costs

Receive your visa

Book your flight

Book your place on our free airport Meet and Greet

Get packing

Arrive in Liverpool

Attend the Welcome Event

Register as a student and pay your fees

International dialing code for Liverpool T: +44 (0)151 When making a call to Liverpool from elsewhere inside the UK, first dial 0151 and then the remaining 7 digits of the telephone number. UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL CONTACTS University of Liverpool (general telephone number) T: +44 (0)151 794 2000 Contacting your academic department There should be a contact number for your academic department on your offer letter or other correspondence you may have received. If you do not have a telephone number for your academic department, just call the main University switchboard number (above) and ask to be transferred to the particular department. International Support Team (IST) http://ask.liv.ac.uk

International Recruitment and Relations Team (IRRT) http://ask.liv.ac.uk Student Administration and Support T: +44 (0)151 794 6759 E: studentenq@liv.ac.uk www.liv.ac.uk/students/studentadministration-centre/ Student Fees T: +44 (0)151 794 6777 E: feesenq@liv.ac.uk www.liv.ac.uk/feespayment/ Guild of Students www.lgos.org Accommodation Office (University accommodation) T: +44 (0)151 794 4715/4726/5873 E: accommodation@liverpool.ac.uk www.liv.ac.uk/accommodation Liverpool Student Homes (private accommodation) T: +44 (0)151 794 3296 E: lsh@liv.ac.uk www.lsh.liv.ac.uk Disability Support Team (DST) T: +44 (0)151 794 5863 E: disteam@liv.ac.uk www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/disability The University welcomes applications from disabled students.

22 Contacts

23 Other useful contacts

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION LIVERPOOL International Inn T: +44 (0)151 709 8135 E: See Contact Us on website www.internationalinn.co.uk Embassie Hostel T: +44 (0)151 707 1089 www.embassie.com YHA Hostel T: +44 (0)870 770 5924 E: liverpool@yha.org.uk www.yha.org.uk Visit Liverpool www.visitliverpool.com Hatters Hostel T: +44 (0)151 709 5570 www.hattersgroup.com/Liverpool Merseyside Police (information on police registration) www.merseyside.police.uk/index.aspx? articleid=795 LONDON International Students House T: +44 (0)20 7631 8300 E: accom@ish.org.uk www.ish.org.uk Visit London www.visitlondon.com MANCHESTER Follow the book hotels link on Manchester airport website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk all-unied Order all your student essentials online to be delivered to you in Liverpool on arrival. www.all-unied.com British Council T: +44 (0)161 957 7000 (Manchester office) www.britishcouncil.org

UKCISA (United Kingdom Council for International Student Affairs) www.ukcisa.org.uk UK Student Life (cultural information about the UK) www.ukstudentlife.com UK Border Agency Visas Services www.ukvisas.gov.uk HM Revenues and Customs T: +44 (0)2920 501 261 www.hmrc.gov.uk Immigration Advisory Service www.iasuk.org Gatwick Airport T: +44 (0)870 000 2468 www.gatwickairport.com Heathrow Airport T: +44 (0)870 000 0123 www.heathrowairport.com Liverpool John Lennon Airport T: +44 (0)871 521 8484 www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.com Manchester Airport T: +44 (0)871 271 0711 www.manchesterairport.co.uk National Express (coaches) T: +44 (0)8717 818181 www.nationalexpress.com Public Transport in the UK T: +44 (0)871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk Train Information in the UK www.thetrainline.com Arriva For bus timetables and route information for all Arriva buses including the Airlink 500 from John Lennon Airport and other useful information including How to catch a bus. www.arrivabus.co.uk

DEPARTMENT

BUILDING NO.

GRID REF. D6 D6 E7 D7 E3, B8 E4 D3 F3 D7 D7 D4 F8, G8 D8, E8, D11 E7 C8 C10 C9 C8 C11 E11 D6 E3 D10 G6 D10 E5 F2 G5 G5 D3 D11 D11 C8 E11 D2 D7 D10 F7 D8, D7 D7, F7 C4 D7 C4 E2 C10 C10 B8 G5 D11 B9 C5 D7 D10 D2 E7

DEPARTMENT

BUILDING NO.

GRID REF. E3 E11 E2 F4 D8 E2 D3 D7 F6 C9 D6 D11 C7 D11 D8 D6 B8 C8 E2 D3 E8 D6 D11 G5 D7 D4 D2 D7 B9 D8 C8 D2 E2 D8 F3 C4 F8 D2 B4 B5 C5

DEPARTMENT

BUILDING NO.

GRID REF. C1 D3 E5, F4 E8 D8 D7 E2 E2 C8 E3 D7 C8 D6 B9 E11 D2 C8 C8 C8 E4 D2 C9 C9 C9 C4 D7 E11 E2 C4 C4 F3 B8 D9 D2 D2 E2 D4 D6 D7 D7 D6 D5 D7 D6 D6 E4 E11

A
Accommodation Office 502 Aimhigher Directorate 502 Alsop Building 750 Alumni & Development Office 765 Archaeology, Classics & Egyptology 146, 147, 253 Architecture 149 Archive Studies 144 Archives Unit 433 Art & Heritage Collections 421 Ashton Building 422

G
Garstang Museum 147 Gastroenterology RLUH Geography 107 Geomagnetism Laboratory 208 George Holt Building 231 German 108 Gordon Stephenson Building 109 Graduate School 765 Graduate School Suite 221 Graduate into Employment Unit (GIEU) 353 Guild of Students 501, 502

B
Bedford House 505 Biological Sciences 215, 216 Biomedical Sciences 312, 313, 315 Blackwell Bookshop 750 Brodie Tower 233 Brownlow Group Practice 358 Business Gateway 354

H
Haematology Harrison Hughes Building Harold Cohen Lecture Theatre Harold Cohen Library Hart Building Hartley Building Health Sciences Hispanic Studies History Human Anatomy & Cell Biology Human Resources 315 238 315 431 766 253 301 108 144 312 766 315 213 765 141 108 421 201 304 303

C
Cancer Registry 232 Cancer Research Centre (CRC) 329 Cancer Studies RLUH Careers & Employability Service 502 Central & Eastern European Studies 145 Centre for Excellence in Medical Education 360 Centre for Materials Discovery (CMD) 213 Cedar House 360 Chadwick Tower 207 Chatham Building 425 Chemistry 213 Childrens Centre 507 Civic Design 109 Clinical Chemistry 315 Clinical Engineering 315 Clinical Psychology 302 Clinical Science RLUH Combined Honours 152 Committee Secretariat 765 Community Studies 360 Computer Laboratory 224 Computer Science 231, 422 Computing Services 765 224 Continuing Education & Professional Development 114 Corporate Communications 765 Counselling Service 436 Cypress Building 108

Philharmonic Court Halls of Residence 655 Philosophy 143 Physics 207, 208 Physiology 313 Physiotherapy 304 Planning & Development Division 765 Politics & Communication Studies 107 Popular Music 107 Population, Community & Behavioural Science 302 Port & Maritime History 145 Press Office 765 Primary Care 302 Procurement 766 Proudman Oceanographic Laboratories 259 Psychiatry 315 Psychology 106 Psychology, Clinical 302 Public Health 302

R
Radiotherapy 301 Reader, The 148 Rendall Building 432 Research & Business Services 354 Research Support, Regional Office 354 Research Finance 354 Research in Primary Science & Technology 114 Residential & Leisure Services 765 Royal Liverpool University Hospital RLUH Roxby Building 107

I
Immunology Innovative Catalysis International Recruitment & Relations Team Irish Studies Italian

J
Jack Leggate Theatre Jane Herdman Building Johnston Building Jones Building

S
Safety Adviser 444 Security 444 Senate Room 423 Shelley's Cottage 255 Sherrington Building 311 Sir Alastair Pilkington Building 152 Sociology & Social Policy 106 School of Cultures, Languages & Area Studies (SOCLAS) 108 Sports & Fitness Centre 511 Stanley Theatre 501 Student Administration & Support 765 Student Administration Centre 765 Student Support Services 502 Student Health Service 502 Student Recruitment & Admissions Office 765 Student Services Centre 502 Students' Union 501, 502 Surface Science Research Centre 210 Surgery & Oncology RLUH SWIMMER (Institute for Sustainable Water, Integrated Management & Ecosystem Research) 203 Sydney Jones Library 433

L
Latin American Studies 111 Law 120 Library, Harold Cohen 431 Library, Sydney Jones 433 Lifelong Learning 114 Life Sciences Building 215 Liverpool International College 152 Liverpool Medical Institution Liverpool Science Park Innovation Centre Liverpool Student Homes 776

24 Campus map & key

M
Magnetic Resonance and Image Analysis Research Centre (MARIARC) 310 Mail Room 887 Management School (ULMS) 427 Mathematical Sciences 206 Medical Education 360 Medical Microbiology & Genito-Urinary Medicine 315 Medical Statistics 255 Medicine Faculty Office 315 Melville Grove Halls of Residence 679 Mount Pleasant, 126 114 Mount Pleasant, 128 776 Mountford Hall 501 Mulberry Court Halls of Residence 670 Music 104 Muslim Prayer Room 501 Muspratt Building 232 E9 B9 F2 E6 D10 D11 B8 D11 G3 C4 C5 D6 C5 D3 D6 C8 B9 G8 D3 E8 G5 C8 G1 C4 D8 F4 C8 D11 E8

D
Dental Hospital Dental School Derby Building Donnan & Robinson Laboratory Duncan Building 322 322 252 213 315

E
Earth & Ocean Sciences 201, 203 Educational Development 776 Educational Opportunities 421 Edwards Building 321 Eleanor Rathbone Building 106 Electrical Engineering & Electronics 235, 236 Engineering (Active Learning Laboratory, Aerospace, Civil, Design & Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanical) 238 English 108 English Language Unit 108 Examinations Office 765

B9 F3 G1 D7 C8 C9 B10 C4 C4 E11 F2 F6 D3 F7 G7 F7 G7 F7, C8 D7 D7 C7 D9, C9 C9 C8

T
TAG Teaching Quality Support Division Thompson Yates Building Training & Development Tropical Medicine, School of Tudor Close Halls of Residence 426 765 301 354 346 675 444 316 427 221 115

U
University & College Union University Clinical Departments (UCD) University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) University Lecture Rooms Building (ULRB) University Press

C7 E2 E2 D7 D4

N
Nicholson Building Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre for Structural Biology (NMR) No. 5 Bistro Nuffield Wing Nursery Nursing 203 214 503 312 507 302

F
Facilities Management 505 Faculties Support Office (Arts, Engineering, Science, Social & Environmental Studies) 765 Faculty Office (Medicine) 315 Faculty Office (Veterinary Science) 242 Faith Express 765 Fern Grove Veterinary Practice 251 Finance Office 765 Foresight Building 353, 354 Foresight Centre 359 Foundation Building 765 French 108 Friends of the University 765

V
Veterinary Science Faculty Office 242 Veterinary Hospital 251 Veterinary Pathology 242 Veterinary Parasitology 251 Veterinary Preclinical Sciences 242, 301 Victoria Building 421 Victoria Gallery & Museum 421

D7 D11 F7 D7 G7 D7 C9 C10 D7 E2 D7

O
Octagon 112 Occupational Health Physician 444 Occupational Therapy 304 Oliver Lodge Laboratory 208 Orthoptics 301

W
Walker Building 237 Waterhouse Buildings 351, 352, 356, 357 Wellcome Trust Tropical Centre 355 Whelan Building 302

P
Pathology Pharmacology & Therapeutics 315 312

International Recruitment and Relations Team www.liv.ac.uk/international www.liv.ac.uk/connect/ Any questions? http://ask.liv.ac.uk International Support Team www.liv.ac.uk/studentsupport/ist Any questions? http://ask.liv.ac.uk A MEMBER OF THE RUSSELL GROUP