STUDENT

SUPPORT
SERVICE

INTERNATIONAL PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
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CONTENTS
This directory can be navigated by using the menu
on the left or by using the Go back to Contents
button on the bottom right of each page.

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST.......................3

ARRIVING AT UEA ...................................... 28

Registration.............................................................30

What to Expect
When You Arrive

PREPARING FOR UEA....................................4

Travel Arrangements

Visas and Immigration.............................................. 6

International Orientation
and Discovery Week...............................................33

Accommodation...................................................... 12

Welcome Week........................................................34

Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA

Healthcare................................................................15

Registration

Money and Banking .................................................18

International
Orientation and
Discovery Week

ARRIVING IN THE UK..................................22

Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups

THE UEA EXPERIENCE................................35

The International Students Advisory Team..........37
Clubs and Groups...................................................38

What to Expect When You Arrive....................... 24

International Families..............................................41

Travel Arrangements.............................................25

Staying Safe.............................................................42

Passing through Customs

and Immigration.....................................................27

Useful Information..................................................44

International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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PRE-DEPARTURE
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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST

Accommodation
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What to Expect
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Valid passport
Your student visa (outside EU)

Travel Arrangements

Arranged your finances/planned a budget

Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

Applied for/arranged accommodation

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International
Orientation and
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Students
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Completed your UEA pre-arrival registration

tasks online
Arranged travel to UK
Booked your UEA Meet&Greet place
to arrive on UEA Arrival Days
Purchase medical insurance (if required,
see Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) for
more information)
Follow us on Twitter @UEA_intl for the latest
updates over the summer
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PREPARING
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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration

PREPARING
FOR UEA

Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week

Welcome to the University of East Anglia. We are

delighted that you have chosen to study with us
and look forward to meeting you. UEA is a truly
international campus with students from over
110 countries around the world. Located in the
beautiful city of Norwich in the east of England
we are ideally placed to help you make the most
of this beautiful part of the country and enjoy
your time here in the UK.

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Useful Information

In this guide you will find a

wealth of useful information to
answer any questions you may
have. Whether you need to know
about which visa to apply for or
what to pack, how to register
or where to live, you can find it
here. We have also included lots
of useful links where you can find
out even more about living and
studying in the UK and at UEA.

We recommend that you visit

the UEA New Students webpages
for more information.
If you are unable to find the
information you are looking for
or have any questions please
contact us at ISAT@uea.ac.uk
and follow us on Twitter for the
latest updates @UEA_intl
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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
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Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
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Passing Through
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Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

Many international students will need to apply for
a visa to study at UEA. If you are unsure whether
you need a visa you can check online by visiting
the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website.
There are a number of different types of visas and
you should make sure that your visa will cover the
full length of your course. However, many students
will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Visa.
European Economic Area (EEA)/Swiss Nationals
If you are a national of any country in the European Economic
Area or Switzerland, you may enter the UK without a visa by
producing a valid passport or national identity card.

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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
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Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

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Useful Information

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

STUDENT VISA TYPES
Tier 4 Visa
A student visa in the UK is called
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
A Tier 4 Visa will allow
you to:
- Study a full-time course
at the institution that
sponsors your visa
- Work a maximum of 20
hours per week during
term time (subject to UEA
course restrictions)
- Access to the National
Health Service (subject
to the course length
longer than six months and
a mandatory registration
with a physician)
- Extend your visa in the
UK if needed (subject to
some restrictions).

More details on applying for

your Tier 4 Visa are available
on our webpages.

Short-Term Study Visa

If you are studying a course
that lasts less than six months
you can apply for a Short-Term
Study Visa.
This is most common for
students on a Study Abroad,
Exchange or Erasmus
programme and:
- Is only valid for six months
- Cannot be extended
- Cannot switch to a different
type of visa
- Does not permit you
to work
- Does not provide access to
the National Health Service
(we recommend that you
purchase a private
health insurance).

Students from certain

countries (non-visa nationals)
do not need to apply for this
visa before coming to the UK
and can get a Leave to Enter the
UK by producing the relevant
documents, at the airport.
Their visa will be stamped onto
their passport. However, we
recommend students apply
for their Short-Term Study
Visa in their home country
before travelling.
More information on the
Short-Term Study Visa is
available online.

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CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

APPLYING FOR A TIER 4 VISA
You will need to apply online
for a Tier 4 (General) Visa.
The earliest you can apply is
three months before the start
of your course. You should try
to apply as soon as you can as it
can take a few weeks to process
your visa. The Universitys Visa
Support webpages have a lot of
information to help you prepare
and make your application.
We recommend that you read
all the information carefully
before you begin.

Important information about

your Tier 4 Visa:
- During the online
application you will need
to pay the Immigration
Healthcare Surcharge
- Please make sure that you
select the University as
an Alternative Collection
Location (code 2HE564)
for the collection of your
visa (BRP)
- You will need to attend an
interview and provide your
biometric details as part of
the application process
- If you come from one of
the high risk TB countries
you need the TB test in
order to proceed with
your Tier 4 application.

Once your visa has been

granted you will:
- Receive a 30-day vignette
on your passport that will
enable you to enter the UK.
You must travel within this
30-day period
- Receive a letter explaining
how to collect your visa.
It is important that you
bring the letter with you
to the UK
- Collect your visa (BRP)
when you arrive in the UK.

More details on applying for

your Tier 4 Visa are available
on our webpages.

Useful Information

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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
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Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
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Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

APPLYING FOR A TIER 4 VISA
Supporting Documents
Checklist
Here is a list of documents you
may need for your Tier 4 Visa
application if you are applying
for your visa from outside the
UK. All documents must be
originals and in English or an
official translation into English.
(The following list is only a
guide, the actual documents
you require will depend on your
individual application and on the
other evidence on your CAS).

- Passport(s)
- Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies
(CAS) Statement (issued
by the University)
- Bank statements, or proof
of your finances
- Financial Sponsor Letter
(if you are receiving
an official financial or
Government sponsorship)
- Two passport size
photographs
- Degree certificate
and/or transcripts
- ATAS certificate
(if required)
- TB certificate
(if required).

Dependant Visa
If you have a Tier 4 Visa and you
are planning on bringing your
family with you, your family
may be eligible to apply for a
Dependant Visa based on your
Tier 4 Visa.
To do this:
- You must have a Tier 4 Visa
- You must be studying
a course at Postgraduate
level that is 12 months
or longer,
or
- You must be government
sponsored on a course
lasting six months
or longer.

Staying Safe
Useful Information

For more information on

supporting documents visit
our webpages.

More information is
available online.

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International
Orientation and
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Welcome Week

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

APPLYING FOR A TIER 4 VISA
Financial Requirement
You must be able to show that
you have enough funds to pay
for your tuition fees (as stated
on your CAS) and for your
living costs in the UK during
your course. The living costs
are calculated on the length of
your first year. UKVI has set the
monthly living costs outside
London at 1,015. If the first
year of your course is for the
full academic year you multiply
1,015 by nine months, which
equals 9,135.

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Full details on the financial

requirements for your visa are
available on our webpages.

Ways to Provide Evidence of

Your Finances
There are a few ways you can
prove you have the required
amount of money for your
Visa application.
These include:
- A bank statement in your
name that:
shows funds have been
in your account for a
minimum of 28 consecutive
days before submission of
the application
cannot be more than one
month old and must be
issued from an official bank.
- Official sponsor, scholarship
or studentship letter
- Approved student loan

- Your parents or guardians

bank statement that must
meet all of the above
requirements, plus:
your original birth
certificate to prove
the relationship with
your parents/court
document naming
your legal guardian(s)
a letter from your
parent(s) or guardian(s),
declaring that the funds
in their bank are available
to you for your tuition
fees and living costs
whilst you are at UEA.
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PRE-DEPARTURE
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Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
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ARRIVING AT UEA
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International
Orientation and
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VISAS AND IMMIGRATION

APPLYING FOR A TIER 4 VISA
Already in the UK
If you are already in the UK
studying at another institution
and are going to start a new
course at UEA you must make an
application for a new Tier 4 Visa
before you can register at UEA.
If you are progressing from INTO
UEA, you must apply within
six weeks of the start of your
course (only for courses starting
before 1 November 2016).

The University will be able

to assist you with your
application through our Visa
Application Service. Find out
more about applying by visiting
our Visa Support webpages.

Resources
UEA Visa Support
GOV.UK Student Visa
Tier 4 Policy Guidance
UKCISA

Welcome Week

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PRE-DEPARTURE
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PREPARING
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Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
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Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
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Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE

ACCOMMODATION
Our award-winning accommodation makes
an important contribution to the sense
of community on campus and has been
voted as some of the best in the UK.
UEA Residences
If you are planning to live in
UEA accommodation you need
to apply for a room before
the 31 July 2016 deadline. The
Accommodation Office will send
your room offer to you by email.
You need to accept or refuse the
offer within three days, so check
your emails regularly. Further
information is available on the
UEA accommodation webpages.

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Visas and
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Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA

ACCOMMODATION
Off-Campus Housing
You may decide to live off
campus in a flat or house owned
by a private landlord, particularly
if you are bringing your family
with you. If this is the case it
is a good idea to arrange your
accommodation before you
arrive at UEA if possible.
Finding suitable accommodation
off campus can be difficult if

you are not in Norwich, but

help is available. Home Run is a
service run by the Student Union
which advertises private rented
housing for students. As well as
providing details of the available
accommodation, the Home
Run website gives lots of useful
information and advice to help
you find the right place to live.

Private landlords are now

required to check the
immigration status of the
prospective tenant(s). You will be
required to show your passport
and your visa before signing a
tenancy agreement.

Further information from the

Student Union Home Run Website.

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International
Orientation and
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Students
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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST

ACCOMMODATION

PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
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Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
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Orientation and
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Welcome Week

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EXPERIENCE
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Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

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Useful Information

Accommodation Top Tips

- If you are living in UEA
Accommodation you can
order a duvet, bed linen,
towels and essential kitchen
equipment in advance and
pay online. The items will
be delivered to your room
before you arrive
- If you watch or record TV
in the UK you will need a
valid TV Licence whether
you are watching on a TV,
computer, laptop, tablet or
mobile phone. Its the law
- Students studying at UEA
are not required to pay
Council Tax. However,
if you live in private
accommodation you are
required to provide a
certificate or letter from
the University to prove
your exemption. To find out
more visit our webpages on
Council Tax exemption.
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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

HEALTHCARE
In the UK there are two main types of healthcare,
the National Health Service (NHS) and private
healthcare. The NHS is the state healthcare
service which is mainly government funded
through taxation.
To access the NHS system
you are required to register
with a doctor called General
Practitioner (GP). Your GP is
the doctor you will make an
appointment to see for medical
advice or treatment and they
will refer you to a specialist
if required. You will need to
register at the University Medical
Centre (UMS) on campus after
you arrive.
If you are an EU student you
must apply for and bring with
you your European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) as this
will allow you to access stateprovided healthcare in the UK.

If you have an ongoing medical

condition that will require
regular care and/or medications
from a doctor in the UK; bring
with you a printed out summary
of your medical record from
your current doctor and give
it to the medical centre when
you register.

More details on healthcare

services are available on
our webpages.

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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

HEALTHCARE
Coverage
If you pay the Immigration
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
as part of your Tier 4 Visa
application, you will be covered
by, and have access to, NHS
care. Most treatments and
appointments will then be free
of charge. To learn more about
the Immigration Healthcare
Surcharge visit our visa
pages online.
Additional Costs Under the NHS
You will be expected to
pay for:
- Prescriptions currently
8.40 per item
- Dental treatment
- Eye exams, glasses and
contact lenses
- Some immunisations.

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PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

HEALTHCARE
Medical Insurance
If your visa is for six months or
less you will not be eligible to
pay the Immigration Healthcare
Surcharge, and will therefore
need to have private medical
insurance that will cover any
medical costs that you might
incur while in the UK. You will
still use the NHS services to
receive treatment, but you will
be responsible for these costs.
There are different insurance
companies that offer this service
in the UK such as Endsleigh, as
well as those in your country.

Please be aware if you are here

for six months or less and your
type of visa allows you to
extend your visa in the UK,
provided that the new Visa is for
longer than six months, the IHS
fee that you pay during your visa
extension application will not
give you access to the NHS free
of charge until your visa
is granted.

IMPORTANT
Please make sure you are
fully immunised to the
UK Department of Health
standards before coming
to the UK. You are strongly
recommended to ensure
you have had 2 x MMR
(measles, mumps, rubella)
vaccinations and a single
Meningitis C vaccination
(where possible), as these
diseases are more common
in a campus environment.

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Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
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What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

MONEY AND BANKING

Studying and living in the UK is an
exciting experience, and managing
your money is important to help
you avoid any nasty surprises.
The information below will help you
decide on how best to manage your
money while at UEA.

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Money and Banking

ARRIVING
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What to Expect
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Orientation and
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MONEY AND BANKING

Bringing and
Transferring Money
You should make sure that you
bring enough money to cover
your expenses in the UK for the
first few weeks while you open
a UK bank account as this can
take up to two weeks. If you do
not open an account in the UK,
you will need to plan how you
manage your money from your
bank in your home country.
You should be able to withdraw
cash using your bank card at a
cash point (ATM), but check with
your bank at home about any
fees. Budgeting and planning
your spending money will help
keep currency conversion and
withdrawal fees to a minimum.
Once you have set up a UK
account speak to your bank
about the best way to transfer
funds and how much the bank
from your country and the bank
in this country will charge.

Tips
- Bring a small amount of
cash in British Pounds to
cover any initial costs after
you arrive in the UK
- Consider bringing
travellers cheques
- Bring a cash/debit card
or credit card (check with
your bank or Post Office
in your country) to access
money from the UK
- Look for the best way to
transfer money from your
bank overseas
- Please be aware that
restrictions apply on the
amount of cash you can
bring to the UK.

Opening a UK Bank Account

If you are studying at UEA for
longer than six months, you
should be able to open a UK
bank account. However, not all
banks accept applications from
students who are in the UK for
less than 12 months.

More information
is available on
our webpages.

For more information

visit the government
Travel Abroad webpages.

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International Families

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MONEY AND BANKING

Cost of Living
We estimate that a single
student will need between 750
and 875 per month for basic
living expenses. This is expected
to cover food, accommodation,
books, laundry and other basic
day-to-day requirements. Tuition
fees and travelling home are not
included in this estimate. This
amount is a guide only and will
vary according to your choice
of accommodation and lifestyle.
You should also remember
that your costs could increase
or decrease with inflation or
the rise and fall in the value
of your currency against the
British Pound. It will also cost
significantly more if you have
dependants living with you in
the UK.

It is important to plan
and budget your money.
To help with this the online
International Student Calculator
is a useful tool.
Once you are here we also have
a team of advisers dedicated to
help you manage your finances.
Tips for saving money:
- Buying and cooking your
own food is cheaper than
eating out
- Do not buy new books
before you start your
course. Check the library
first or buy used books
if available
- Ask shops and restaurants
if they offer student
discounts (some will
require you to show
your NUS card)
- Research the best mobile
phone plan before buying
a phone or setting up
a contract.
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CONTENTS

20

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST

MONEY AND BANKING

PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

Here are some examples of

costs in Norwich:
Inexpensive restaurant
1225
Take-away dinner 1020
Laundry 4.20 per load
(wash and dry)
Cinema 8.20 with
student ID
Milk 1.30 for 4 pints
Bread 1.40 a loaf
Chicken Breast
10.00 per kg
Rice 1.80 per kg
Taxi from UEA to Norwich
one way 610
Train to London 1860
Return bus fare from
UEA to Norwich 4.30
Textbook average 4070
Paperback fiction books
average 10
Printing 3p per page,
30p per colour page
Photocopying 6p per page
per side on A4, 50p per
colour A4 page.

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CONTENTS

21

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
CHAPTER 2

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CONTENTS

22

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration

ARRIVING
IN THE UK

Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

We want you to have the best experience

possible when you arrive at UEA, our staff and
fellow students look forward to giving you a
warm welcome. We strongly advise that you
arrange your travel so that you arrive during the
International Students Arrival Days shown below.

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

Key Dates:
Wednesday 21 September 2016
10am 10pm, Arrival and Registration
Thursday 22 September 2016
10am 10pm, Arrival and Registration
Wednesday 21 September to
Sunday 25 September 2016
Orientation Events and Activities
Monday 26 September 2016
Start of the Academic Year

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CONTENTS

23

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Arriving in a new country is an exciting time,
but can also be daunting, especially after a long
journey. Here are some tips to help you know
what to expect when you arrive in the UK:
The weather in September
can be very changeable so
make sure you wear layers
that you can put on and
take off depending on the
weather on the day. You can
find regular weather updates
for the days you are arriving
on the Met Office website
If you have had a long flight
travelling between time
zones you might be jetlagged. Tips on how to avoid
jet-lag are available online
The British love to queue!
You might have to stand in
line to pass through customs
and in many banks, shops,
Post Offices, supermarkets
and at the University for the
registration. It is polite to join
the back of the line and wait
for your turn

Talk about the weather!

The British are fascinated
by it and almost always
begin a conversation by
talking about the weather
so dont be surprised if
someone asks you about it
Please, thank you and sorry!
We use these words a lot,
even when we may not need
to, but it is often expected.
Remember to say please at
the end of a request, thank
you when someone does
something for you (even
if it is just holding a door
open), and sorry if you
make a mistake
Smoking is not allowed
inside any public buildings,
on public transport,
in shops, bars, pubs
or restaurants.

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CONTENTS

24

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
It is a good idea to start planning your travel
as soon as possible once your place at UEA is
confirmed and you have received your visa.
There are a number of ways
to get to UEA. However, the
easiest way is to fly into Norwich
International Airport via
Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport)
where you can get a connecting
flight directly to Norwich.
This flight will take around 45
minutes. Norwich Airport is
small, making it easy to arrive
at and reach the UEA campus,
often in under an hour.

Alternatively, you can fly into

London Heathrow Airport.
You can use our Meet&Greet
Service. You can book online.
The journey takes approximately
four hours.
To help make your travel
arrangements visit the
Planning Your Journey
section of our website.

Or if you plan to travel to

Norwich independently by
train or coach visit these links:
Traveline
National Express
National Rail.

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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CONTENTS

25

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Meet&Greet Service
On Wednesday 21 and Thursday
22 September 2016 we will be
running a Meet&Greet service
for new international students
at Norwich Airport and London
Heathrow Airport (terminal
3), as well as at Norwich Train
Station. This will help you reach
UEA quickly and easily.
Norwich Airport
At Norwich Airport you can
expect shorter waiting times for
luggage collection and passing
through immigration, as well
as a warm welcome from our
student representatives who will
be waiting for you in the Arrivals
Hall wearing blue UEA t-shirts.
To find out more and to book
your free place visit our Norwich
Airport Meet&Greet webpage.

Heathrow Airport
On arrival at Heathrow Airport,
look out for our student
representatives in UEA blue
t-shirts at the Meeting Point in
Terminal 3. They will help you
with your luggage and make sure
that you reach UEA safely on our
dedicated coach service. To find
out more and to book your place
visit London Heathrow Airport
Meet&Greet webpage.
Norwich Train Station
If you are arriving in Norwich
by train our student
representatives, in UEA blue
t-shirts, will be there to meet
you and help you get a taxi or
bus for the short journey
to UEA.

Tips:
- Remember to book the
Meet&Greet service early
to guarantee your place
- If you are arriving late on
Wednesday 21 September
you might want to book
a hotel at the airport and
join the Meet&Greet the
following day.

To find out more visit our

Travelling to UEA guide.

Getting to UEA
If you are unable to travel on
arrival days, or if you are arriving
at a different airport, dont
worry. Reaching Norwich by
train, coach or bus is easy.
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26

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

PASSING THROUGH CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

When arriving in the UK all passengers will need to
pass through Immigration Control. You will have
to join the correct line depending whether you are
an EEA/Swiss National or from anywhere else.
If you are arriving from
outside of the EEA you can
expect an Immigration Officer
to ask you some questions,
this is perfectly normal and
might include:
- Why are you coming to
the UK?
- Where and what are
you studying?
- Do you have a CAS from
your university?
- How are you going to fund
your studies?
- Where will you be living?

You will also need to provide

these documents:
- A valid passport or
travel document
- A valid visa (your 30 day
vignette in your passport or
your short-term study visa
in your passport)
- A completed Landing Card
(given to you on the plane)
- Your CAS statement
from UEA
- All the documents (or
copies) you used to apply
for your visa, including
your bank statement
- A health or medical
certificate, including your
TB certificate, if required.

More information about what

you can bring to the UK is
available online.

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CONTENTS

27

ARRIVING
AT UEA

CHAPTER 3

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CONTENTS

28

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration

ARRIVING
AT UEA

Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

Staff and students will be delighted to welcome

you to UEA and to help you settle quickly and
to answer any questions you may have.
On Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September
you will be directed to our one-stop arrival
desk in Congregation Hall where you will be
collecting your keys for your accommodation
(on campus), collecting your BRP and completing
your registration. Staff and student helpers will
be available to support you through the process.

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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CONTENTS

29

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

REGISTRATION
Registration takes places in Congregation Hall on Wednesday 21
and Thursday 22 September. You will be able to register for your
course, meet the ISA Team and find all the information you need
about upcoming orientation and social events.
Information/Welcome Point
Staff from the International
Students Advisory Team and
UEA representatives will be
there to welcome you, to give
you all the information you need
and answer any questions you
may have.
Accommodation Desk
If you are living on campus
our Accommodation Team will
guide you through your license
(special tenancy agreement
for University) and ask you
to sign it before giving you
your room key and campus
card. We recommend that you
read through the Terms and
Conditions of your
license carefully.

Visa Collection and

Passport Checking
If you need to collect your Tier 4
Visa staff will be available to help
and to direct you to the correct
desk. All international students
will need to have their passport/
ID (including EU) and visa
(outside EU) checked as part of
the registration process. Once
your visa has been checked
and scanned you will be able
to register with your School of
Study and enrol on your course.
Orientation Desk
Pick up your copy of the
Orientation and Welcome Guide
to find out everything you need
to know about your first days
at UEA. Orientation events
and activities are important to
attend to familiarise yourself
with life at UEA and meet
other students.

Tips
- Get to know the UEA before
you arrive by looking at the
interactive campus map
- Complete the registration
tasks before arriving
- Have your passport to hand.

Further details on the

opening times for Arrivals and
Registration are available at the
UEA New Students webpages.

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CONTENTS

30

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team

REGISTRATION
Not Staying in a University
Accommodation on Campus?
Students who are not living
in UEA Accommodation can
collect their Campus Card
from the collection desk in
the Library.
Reaching Your Accommodation
(On and Off Campus)
Once you have completed
your registration our student
helpers will help you get to your
accommodation, whether it is
in UEA residences or private
off-campus housing. Our
walking, shuttle bus and taxi
services will take you to your
accommodation and give you
the chance to ask any questions
you might have.

Clubs and Groups

International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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CONTENTS

31

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

REGISTRATION
What to Expect
International students arrive
a few days before all other
students. These few days will
give you time to settle in, get
anything you need, and help
to make the transition to the
UK and UEA as easy as possible
before everything gets busy.
This means that campus will be
a little quiet for a few days and
your hall of residence may feel
empty. You might even be the
only student in your flat. Dont
worry, this will not last, so enjoy
the time, get involved with the
Orientation Programme and find
out more about life on Campus
and in Norwich.
UEA is truly international and
diverse and you will be sharing
your accommodation with others
from different backgrounds,
cultures and nationalities. Living
in University accommodation
will give you fantastic
opportunities and you will still
experience the British culture as
well as cultures from different
parts of the world.

Late Arrivals
If you are unable to arrive on
the Arrival Days and are living
in UEA accommodation, the
Accommodation Office will
be open between 09.00 and
17.00 from Monday to Friday
for collecting the keys for your
room. If you will be arriving
outside of these hours you
might want to arrange your own
accommodation, by booking
a room in our University Bed &
Breakfast (B&B) or B&B/hotel in
town, until the Accommodation
Office reopens.
During Arrival Days
Congregation Hall is open
from 10.00 to 22.00 (British
time) if you arrive outside of
these hours and you are living
in UEA Accommodation you
can collect your keys from the
Security Lodge.
Help with finding an
accommodation through
our Accommodation Office
(on campus) or SU Home Run
(off campus).

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32

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA

INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION
AND DISCOVERY WEEK

Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

We have an exciting programme of events and

activities taking place from Wednesday 21 to
Sunday 25 September for all new international
students. This five day programme is a great
opportunity for you to explore the campus and
the city of Norwich, helping you settle in to life
at UEA.

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

There is something for everyone

with plenty of opportunities to
socialise, meet others, find out
important information and to ask
any questions. To celebrate
your arrival we will be holding
two welcome receptions with
music, food and welcome
speeches. Details online
on our webpages.

Our friendly team of staff

and students will be available
throughout the week to help
you get the most out of your
Orientation and make UEA and
Norwich your home.

More information on the

Orientation and Discovery Week
will be available online with a full
programme from September.
Keep checking the webpage for
further updates.
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33

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA

WELCOME WEEK
From Monday 26 September the Student Union
(SU) will be hosting a range of events and
activities for all students to help you settle in and
get to know more about your Union. With events
taking place throughout the week it is your chance
to discover the Student Union at UEA. With sports
and society fairs, social activities and events it is a
great opportunity to get involved and to meet the
other students.

Tip:
- Remember to check for
updates regularly over the
summer as you may need
to purchase tickets online
to some of the Welcome
Week events before you
leave home.

Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

Full details are available

on the website.

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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CONTENTS

34

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE

CHAPTER 4

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CONTENTS

35

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE

Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE

UEA has a diverse and growing

international student population,
offering a lively place to both
study and socialise and one of the
best student experiences in the
UK. The International Students
Advisory Team (ISAT) is dedicated to
supporting all international students
studying at UEA, to help you
overcome any challenges and
make the most of your time.

The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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CONTENTS

36

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

ADVISORY TEAM (ISAT)

Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA

ISAT offer a range of

information and advice to all
international students and their
families including expert Visa
and immigration support,
non-academic language support,
buddy schemes, a social
programme and much more.

If you have any questions when

you arrive, or throughout your
time at UEA, our International
Student Advisers are here
to help.

To find out more visit the

International Students Advisory
Team webpages.

Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

GO
BACK TO
CONTENTS

37

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

CLUBS AND GROUPS

UEA has a wide range of groups and clubs to
help with your transition to life in the UK,
from one-to-one English language support to a
huge array of sports and hobbies. There really is
something for everyone, and here are just a few.
UEA Friends
Would you like to meet current
international and British UEA
students to help you settle in
and find out whats going on?
Then the UEA Friends scheme
could be for you.
This popular buddy scheme
matches you, and up to five
other new international students
with a current UEA student, who
will be happy to help answer
any questions you have. Your
UEA Friend will also arrange
opportunities for your small
group to meet up and socialise.

As current students they are

knowledgeable about UEA,
the local area, and social
activities and can help answer
those small questions that make
a big difference.
You will also be able to
contact your UEA Friend from
1 September to ask any questions
by email before you arrive.

To find out more and to request

a UEA Friend visit the
UEA Friends webpages.

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38

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups

CLUBS AND GROUPS

Language Support Buddy Scheme
The Language Support Buddy
scheme provides a unique
opportunity for you to be
matched with a native English
speaking student who can help
you develop your non-academic
English. In a friendly one-to-one
environment, your Buddy will
meet with you weekly to practise
English in fun and creative ways.
This is an extremely popular
scheme so sign up early to
guarantee your place.

Conversation Club
The weekly Conversation Club
provides an opportunity to
practise your everyday English
in a welcoming group setting.
These informal sessions are led
by two Student Coordinators
who introduce new topics and
themes for discussion each
week. From celebrations and
festivals to BBQ nights and
movies it is a great way to meet
others and make friends while
practising your English.

Further information and

details on how to request
a Buddy are available at
the Language Support
Buddy webpages.

To find out more visit the

Conversation Club webpages
or join the Facebook group.

International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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39

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week

CLUBS AND GROUPS

Trips and Tours
To help you make the most of
your time in the UK, we arrange
an exciting calendar of trips
for international students each
year, giving you the opportunity
to visit new places, try new
activities and meet other
students. Recent trips have
included a visit to the Harry
Potter Studios, a weekend in
Edinburgh, visiting the Hyde
Park Christmas market in
London and days out in
Cambridge and Oxford.

Union of UEA Students (SU)

As a new UEA student you are
automatically a member of the
Union of UEA Students. The
Union is an independent charity
run by students, for students
aiming to enrich the experience
for all members by representing
student interests and by hosting
events and activities. From
running the bars, shop and live
music events, to over 200 clubs
and societies, the Union is here
for you right from Welcome
Week to the end of year balls.

Full details of our

programme of trips and
tours are available online.

Find out more about how the

Students Union represents you
and get involved online.

Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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40

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week

INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
If you are bringing your family to
the UK, there are a number of
things you will need to consider
including immigration, healthcare,
childcare and local schools.
We suggest that you come to
the UK first and then make
arrangements for your family to
join you later. This will ensure you
are not distracted from the start
of your course and it may make
the transition easier for you and
your family.

Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups

Please contact ISAT at

isat@uea.ac.uk for further
help in this matter.

International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

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41

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive

STAYING SAFE
Norwich and the University campus are very safe
places to live, with much lower rates of crime than
other UK cities. However, it is important that you
are aware of your surroundings and to keep
yourself and your belongings safe.

Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

UEA Security
The Security Team on campus
is based in The Lodge, which is
open 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. The Security Officers
patrol the campus and respond to
all campus emergency incidents.
If you ever need assistance,
contact Security, go to The
Lodge or talk to an officer on
patrol. There are also extensive
CCTV cameras on campus, which
are purely for your safety.

Road Safety
It is important to remember
that traffic and road rules will
be different in the UK from
your home country. We have
produced a short guide to
staying safe on the roads which
you can find online.

Useful telephone numbers:

Norfolk Police (non-emergency)............................................101
UEA Security (open 24 hours a day).. ..................... 01603 592352
Emergency numbers:
All emergency services in the UK
Police, Fire & Ambulance..................................................... 999
UEA Security Emergency..................................... 01603 592222

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CONTENTS

42

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST

STAYING SAFE

PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week

Keeping your belongings safe:

- Keep your passport and
visa safe, especially when
travelling outside of the UK
- Keep a copy of your
passport, visa, credit card
details, and serial numbers
of any valuable items
- Close and lock doors and
windows before leaving your
house or room
- Keep money and other
valuables out of sight
of others

- Do not keep large amounts

of money in your room or
on you
- Register expensive
electrical items with the
Police and Immobilise
- Never leave your
belongings unattended in
public areas, such as the
library or when travelling
- If you buy a bicycle while in
the UK, lock it with a good
quality D lock.

Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Find out more by visiting our

Personal Safety webpages
and the British Council
safety first document.

Staying Safe
Useful Information

GO
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CONTENTS

43

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

USEFUL INFORMATION
What to Bring to the UK
Packing for a long period away
from home can be difficult so
here are some tips on what you
might need.
In your hand luggage:
- Any valuables
- A small amount of British
Pounds in cash
- All necessary documents
for immigration
- A change of clothes and
essential toiletries (in case
of lost luggage)
- Any medication required,
to cover at least one to
two months.

In your hold luggage:

- Towel
- Alarm clock
(battery powered)
- Essential toiletries
- Medication.
Things you can buy in the UK:
- Pillow(s) and bedding
- Pans and other
kitchen items
- Cutlery, cups, plates
and bowls
- Extra clothes
- Electric appliances, such
as an iron or hair dryer.

GO
BACK TO
CONTENTS

44

CONTENTS
PRE-DEPARTURE
CHECKLIST
PREPARING
FOR UEA
Visas and
Immigration
Accommodation
Healthcare
Money and Banking

ARRIVING
IN THE UK
What to Expect
When You Arrive
Travel Arrangements
Passing Through
Customs and
Immigration

ARRIVING AT UEA
Registration
International
Orientation and
Discovery Week
Welcome Week

THE UEA
EXPERIENCE
The International
Students
Advisory Team
Clubs and Groups
International Families

Staying Safe
Useful Information

USEFUL INFORMATION
Drinking Water
Tap water in the UK is safe to
drink unless it is labelled not
drinking water. You should only
drink water from the cold tap
and not the hot tap. If you want
warm or hot water, heat up cold
water in a kettle, microwave or
on the stove.

Useful Websites
UEA Information for new students

Electrical Equipment
The electricity supply in the
UK is 230 volts with a frequency
of 50 hertz.

British Council
pre-departure guide

Working While Studying

If you are planning on finding
work while you are studying in
the UK, you will need to consider
any restrictions of your visa.
More information about
working during your studies
is available online.
In order to be able to work you
need to apply for a National
Insurance Number, find out
more online.

UEA International
Students Support
UEA Student Union
UKCISA UK Council for
International Student Affairs

UK Home Office Immigration

Travel planner
Coaches Information for the UK
Train Information for the UK
Campus Map

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CONTENTS

45