Advance planning is crucial when preparing to go to university (especially if you do not live in the UK) - the more you sort out before you leave home, the easier it will be for you

below is a list of the things to bring with you to university (or buy once you get there). We've broken each section into 'essential' and 'desirable' things where the essentials are those items you really need straight away and the desirables are those items that you can buy at your leisure (if you feel you need / can afford them)

there's obviously no need to get every item listed here. Many universities provide some of these things so check with them beforehand.

It is also worth considering buying the desirable items with your new flat mates to cut down on the cost and to save duplication (there is no use having 6 kettles!)

Click here to download a printable version of this whole checklist.

Documents and Paperwork

Essential a valid passport (or recognised travel document / card) entry visa / entry certificate (if applicable) unconditional offer letter or admission certificate from your university / college documentary evidence of financial support for fees and maintenance driving license passport-sized photographs (at least 4) for use at registration etc. medical certificate (if applicable) / NHS number medical insurance if you are in the UK for less than six months National Insurance number (if applicable) bank account details enough travellers cheques to support yourself until you can open a bank account in the UK a small amount of cash to spend in the first few days CV and references address book and email contacts list separate list of important/emergency phone numbers room contents insurance documentation (if applicable) details of fees and living expenses that have been paid in advance into your university's bank account a letter sent to you at your home address by the university for if you open a UK bank account - the bank will require it as proof of your home country residential address all other necessary university/college documents your home doctor and dentist details all relevant exam certificates Desirable diary and/or calendar discount travel cards More info TV license (if you have a television) More info Map / tourist guide of new location stamps and envelopes

Study Room

Essential duvet and duvet cover/s pillows & pillow case/s sheet/s clothes hangers (not too chunky!) photos of family and friends desk lamp Desirable pin board or small message board with erasable markers mattress cover blow-up mattress (and pump) sleeping bag bed cover blanket potted plant/s duster laundry bag clothes horse posters non-marking wall stickers (such as 'White Tac') for posters etc. poster hangers rugs floor cushion / beanbag door wedge dustpan and brush (should be provided) iron & ironing board (normally provided in the kitchen) mini fridge (only if your halls allow it)

Bathroom

Essential face cloth / flannel hand towel/s bath towel/s toilet roll toothbrush and toothpaste deodorant hairbrush / comb liquid soap shower gel shampoo & conditioner Desirable basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, etc.) box of tissues jewellery hair dryer hair straightners wash bag nail clippers make up perfume / after-shave hair gel / hair spray razor shaving cream/gel lip balm bath mat

Kitchen

Essential plates (large and medium) bowls mugs glasses (one tall and one tumbler) cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) small / medium frying pan 1 or 2 saucepans with lids tin opener chopping board cutting knives (paring, utility/vegetable & chef's) scissors vegetable peeler cheese grater (flat) wooden spoon wooden spatula tea towel/s lidded food containers colander / sieve corkscrew / bottle opener basic cupboard ingredients (tea, coffee, milk, sugar, eggs, butter / margarine, cooking oil, pasta, salt and pepper) washing-up items (washing-up liquid / dishcloth / scrubbing brush) simple recipe book Desirable microwaveable bowl potato masher oven gloves kitchen utensil set (non-scratch nylon) egg cups small casserole dish baking tray (non-stick) wine glasses breadknife chopsticks roll of polythene bags cling film tin foil tray shot glasses cleaning products washing powder / liquid / tablets kettle (if not provided) toaster toasted sandwich maker

Studying

Essential course books course notes / pre-reading materials diary / day planner dictionary translation book / computer application (if applicable) pad of lined paper basic stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, highlighters, etc.) desirable post-it notes scissors printing paper sticky tape stapler hole punch paper clips files / sleeves A4 folders sticky labels thesaurus book stand / support

Healthcare

Essential glasses / contact lenses personal medication (if applicable) anti-allergy pills (if applicable) birth control Desirable headache tablets painkillers cold / flu remedies multivitamins

Electricals

Essential mobile phone (and charger!) UK visitors adaptor plug (for dual voltage items such as mobile phones / laptops) laptop or desktop computer ethernet network cable alarm clock radio calculator (simple or advanced depending on your course requirements) multi plug extension lead (preferably surge protected) USB memory drive/s Desirable bedside lamp printer (basic or advanced depending on your course requirements) small CD player / music system small television (ideally with built-in DVD player) camera headphones batteries CDRs / CDRWs rice cooker (only if your halls allow it)

Special Clothing

Essential raincoat formal eveningwear (including your national dress - if appropriate) Desirable dressing gown & slippers swimwear flip flops (for showers / communal wash areas)

Miscellaneous

Essential umbrella spare light bulbs earplugs safety pins small sewing kit matches clock Desirable bicycle sports clothing sports gear (rackets, bats, balls, frisbee, etc.) torch fan extra storage (cardboard or plastic boxes) large suitcase

Although it is very tempting to bring every piece of your favourite bedding and cooking/eating items with you, you need to carefully consider whether it is worthwhile carrying it all and paying the various weight surcharges.

You also need to consider the opportunity cost - for every Essential household item you bring with you, that is one less favourite T-shirt or pair of jeans you can fit in your case/s.

You can of course wait until you arrive at your accommodation to buy everything you need from the local shops (assuming they are 'local' or even open at the time / on the day you arrive!) but going out shopping in the first few days will mean you will take longer to settle in and will therefore undoubtedly cause you to miss out on important opportunities to meet new friends.

To save you the hassle, All-Unied has put together a comprehensive range of 'Essentials' packs for you to choose from - all of which can be supplemented with additional items.

Things to pack

it is hard to decide what to pack and when you arrive you may find your room is small with very little storage space. Things you may want to pack include:

alarm clock backpack / rucksack torch good English dictionary camera

Although you are encouraged to pack lightly it is important that you bring some things to remind you of home. Your room will be bare with little or no decoration so pack pictures, photos and posters to brighten your room and help you feel more at home. Do not bring anything that is valuable or too bulky

Books

if you are planning to bring books, remember that you will have to carry them. Recommended books will normally be available from the campus book-shops or high street stores. It may also be worth you contacting the International Office or Students Union at your intended university / college to see if any students are selling their second-hand books

Safety Precautions

It is unwise to bring very valuable possessions like jewellery. If you do, make sure they are insured and stored securely at all times. You should list traveller cheque numbers, insurance policy numbers and passport numbers in a separate and safe place in case the originals are lost or stolen. To be extra safe, leave the numbers with friends and family as well

Banned and Restricted Goods

what you can and cannot bring to the UK depends on where you are travelling from. There are strict penalties for bringing in items that are prohibited or restricted in the UK. To explain:

prohibited goods - are goods banned completely in the UK restricted goods - are goods that cannot be imported into the UK without the appropriate legal documentation

You must not bring any drugs with you to the UK. The British government takes drug smuggling extremely seriously and there are severe penalties for anyone found with drugs or found to be importing them. Also, you are not permitted to import items to sell, you cannot bring any weapons, meat, milk and other animal goods, and it is advisable not to bring any plants. For more details on bringing personal or restricted goods into the UK see the HM Revenues and Customs website.


For details of food and plants that you must not bring to the UK see the DEFRA website. If you know you have brought any prohibited goods, you will need to declare them on arrival at the airport.


The rules apply to all travellers, whether travelling within the European Union (EU) or from outside the EU

Electrical Items

Check the compatibility of any electrical equipment you are bringing with you (hair-dryers / straighteners / tongs, razors, phone-chargers etc.) with the British system. It will be cheaper and easier to pre-purchase many of the items you desire from our store [CLICK HERE] before you leave home or once you arrive. It is well worth buying a multi-plug extension lead as few study-rooms ever have enough electricity sockets. And if you are bringing your lap-top computer, we would recommend you buy a surge-protected extension lead to be safe

Shipping or Freighting your possessions

You may need to bring more than you can carry. If so, use a freight company to bring your belongings by sea or by air. Most universities will only accept delivery of students' belongings if they are there in person to take delivery. You should bring enough hand luggage to meet your immediate needs and arrange for the rest of your belongings to arrive just after you do.

If you have the details in advance, address all packages to your allocated room, floor, block, and hall of residence or to your personal address; do not simply put the name of the university as your package could get lost or take a lot longer to get to you. Fill all the forms in thoroughly and state what is packed and that the items are your personal effects; part of your temporary move to Britain as an international student.

You should ensure you complete all the necessary customs declarations when sending your luggage to minimise delays once it arrives in the UK; Customs may choose to open and inspect your belongings but they are less likely to do so if you give full details on the forms. All-Unied can arrange the shipping or freighting of your possession back home once you graduate

We have complied a very useful Links Page for you - on there you will find many British Government websites (and others) with up-to-date news and advice which will all help improve your experience.

overview
many people get confused between Great Britain (Britain) and the United Kingdom (UK). Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales and together with Northern Ireland they make up the United Kingdom, which is one of the 25 member states of the European Union (EU). Slightly smaller than Oregon, the UK covers an area of 244,820 sq km (94,525 sq miles). The only land border that the UK has is with the Republic of Ireland although it is also linked with France via a 35km tunnel under the English Channel

population
the population of the United Kingdom is approximately 60million (England: 49million, Wales: 3million, Scotland: 6million, Northern Ireland: 2million) and is now growing by more than 300,000 a year. Population density in the UK is 246 per sq km (England: 383, Scotland: 65, Wales: 142, Northern Ireland: 125)

language
English is the main language spoken in the UK and is also one of the most widely used in the world. Approximately 310 million speak English as their first language with a similar number speaking it as a second language. Modern English is derived primarily from an Anglo-Saxon dialect but has also been greatly influenced by other languages. There are many regional dialects and variations in the English language. Welsh and Gaelic are also spoken in Wales and Ireland

opening hours
banks and offices are open Monday to Friday, usually from 09:00 to 17:00. Increasingly, large branches of banks and offices also open on Saturdays. Shops are usually open from 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Saturday, and many shops now also open on Sundays. Supermarkets tend to open 7 days a week, some days until 19:00 or 20:00

climate
British weather is well known for being unpredictable, so you should come prepared. There are four distinct seasons, although these vary in different regions. November to February can be cold and / or wet so jumpers / sweatshirts, a warm coat, boots, a raincoat and an umbrella are advisable purchases once you have settled in. Most properties in the UK are usually well insulated and have heating systems so the cold is not always so noticeable indoors. Southern parts of the UK do not see much snow, whereas the north and Scotland regularly have heavy snow falls in winter. In spring and autumn there are many bright, sunny days but the evenings can be cool. British summertime is usually extremely pleasant, although shorter / less reliable than in many other parts of the world. The average temperature range in the UK varies from 0 Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) in winter to 24 Celsius (75 Fahrenheit) in the summer. Some British winters see the temperature fall below freezing in places, whilst in some summers the daily high can reach the mid-30s Celsius

money
although the UK is a member state of the EU, as yet it has not adopted the Euro as its currency. Instead the UK uses a metric system of pounds and pence known as 'sterling' or the Great British Pound (GBP). Below is a table showing the coins and notes in circulation:

coins			notes
called	short name	colour
1 penny	1p	copper	£5
2 pence	2p	copper	£10
5 pence	5p	silver	£20
10 pence	10p	silver	£50
20 pence	20p	silver
50 pence	50p	silver
1 pound (100p)	£1	gold
2 pounds (200p)	£2	gold/silver

You are advised not to carry large amounts of cash; and for safety, do not carry in one place - keep half on your person and half in your hand luggage so that, in the unlikely event that you were to be pick-pocketed or have your bag stolen, you would not lose everything.

It is safest to bring travellers cheques and convert them at a bank or a 'bureau de change' - if possible, check and compare the exchange rates and commissions as they vary widely from place to place. To give you an approximation of the exchange rate (although it is highly unlikely to be exactly the same due to currency fluctuations and the amount you are going to convert) you might want to use a currency converter before you even leave home.

Scribble some approximate exchange amounts (for example $1 = £0.61, $5 = £3.05, $10 = £6.10, $20 = £12.20, $50 = £30.50) on a piece of paper and keep it handy (in your wallet / purse) until you get used to the exchange rate. Long-stay students are able to open a UK bank account but be warned, in some cases this can take upwards of a month.

Your university / college will advise which the nearest bank or which bank students usually use. US dollars, Euros and other currencies are not generally accepted at high-street stores.

VAT (value added tax) at 15% is payable on most items bought in shops (with the exception of 'non-luxury' items such as food, books etc.) as well as on invoiced / billed services, such as telephone charges.

working
since May 1999 it is permissible for foreign students with a student visa, studying in the UK to enter into part-time work. Students from EU countries can work as many hours as they wish; students from non-EU countries can work up to 20 hours per week if they are studying at least 15 hours per week. Students who enter Britain on a tourist visa (not a student visa) may need to have their passports re-stamped to allow them to work. Finding a part-time job in Britain varies in difficulty depending on the time of the year and the location; for instance it will always be easier during the summer in areas that attract tourists. Many students take service industry jobs in restaurants, bars and shops. This kind of work is usually poorly paid (the minimum hourly wage in the UK is £4.83 for workers aged 18-21 inclusive and £5.80 for 22 and over) but can be a good way to meet people and practise your English. Most universities / colleges have a member of staff in their Student Welfare office who can advise students about the best local places to look for work

public holidays
there are currently 8 'Bank Holidays' in Great Britain and 10 in Northern Ireland. Half of these fall over the Christmas (Christmas Day and Boxing Day - the day after Christmas Day) and Easter (Good Friday and Easter Monday - which fall either side of Easter Sunday) periods

post
most post offices are open between 09:00 and 17:30 from Monday to Friday and until 12:00 (midday) on Saturdays. Letters and parcels to overseas destinations are sent airmail; this may take 5 to 10 days outside Europe, depending on the postal services overseas. There is normally one postal collection / delivery per day from Monday to Saturday (large business often get a second delivery during the week). First class letters within the UK should take one working day to be delivered

electricity
electrical appliances in the UK are rated for 220-240 volts, and 50 Hz. Electrical adaptors can be purchased from our store [CLICK HERE] but please note, these are not voltage converters; they simply convert the plug's pin configuration. If you are bringing electrical items with you to the UK you should always check what voltage they run on beforehand. The vast majority of modern laptops, PDAs, mobile-phones etc. nowadays are compatible with all inputs from 100-240 volts but cheaper electrical items (hairdryers, razors etc.) are much less likely to be.
Note: you should always check the universities' / colleges' electrical products policy as you may be required to have items tested before using them in your Halls of Residence.

television
there are five main readily-available 'terrestrial' television channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5). Satellite systems and cable are used to boost the available channels into the hundreds. Students thinking of buying a television should note that a TV licence must be held (a colour licence costs £139.50 and black and white one is £47). Fines for being caught watching your TV without a valid licence can be up to £1,000! If you are unsure, contact the TV licensing website (includes a whole section especially for students) or call their helpdesk on 0870 241 6468

phoning
public phones may be operated by coin, phone-card or credit-card. There are normally public phone boxes in or close to campus and faculty buildings. There are a wide range of discounted call-providers available that will make your calls home a lot cheaper than by using public pay phones. In the UK, telephone calls are cheapest at the weekend and most expensive from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00. You can make international reverse charge calls by dialling the International Operator on 155 and asking to reverse the charges. It may prove very expensive to use your own mobile phone here in the UK. Many students bring their own phone and swap to a UK SIM-card once they are here. If you are not bringing your mobile phone with you, there is a massive range of providers here in the UK but be careful what tariff you sign up to; most international students go for a 'pay-as-you-go' tariff

we have complied a very useful Links Page for you - on there you will find many British Government websites (and others) with up-to-date news and advice which will all help improve your experience

public transport
there is a very extensive rail and coach network around the UK, as well as local bus services within towns and cities and the efficient underground network (known as "the tube") in London. Below are some basic details (your university / college will probably provide you with more detailed local information on arrival):

campus buses - many universities / colleges run their own bus systems to transport you in and around the local area, particularly between your accommodation and faculty buildings buses - local bus services operate in all towns and cities. Weekly or monthly 'Saver Tickets' are the cheapest and most flexible form of local travel; prices very from £5 - £10 per week according to location trains - trains are normally comfortable and faster than coaches, though more expensive. As a student, you will qualify for a 'Young Persons Railcard', giving you a third off standard train fares. Click here for more details coaches - there are coach services linking all major towns and cities in the UK

Travel Cards (daily, weekly or monthly) are ideal for travel within London as they allow you unlimited travel by bus, train or underground. If you are travelling by train to London from another town you can buy a return ticket which includes a travel card. Very popular in London nowadays is an Oyster Card - which is a pre-paid smartcard that you can use (with a simple swipe) in the vast majority of stations. These Oyster Cards are far more convenient if you are a regular traveller on the London transport network as you can simply top them up as you need to. They can be used on the Tube, trams, buses, DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services in London.

driving
one of the most important (and confusing) points for many visitors to the UK is that the British drive on the left side of the road. If you buy and drive a car in Britain you are required by law to have:

a full driving licence appropriate insurance an MOT (vehicle test certificate to prove vehicle roadworthiness) road tax licence

Cars can be hired, if the hirer has a full driving licence

food and eating
with the UK generally being a very multi-cultural cosmopolitan nation, there are many different styles of cooking available throughout the country; each town / city hosts a wide variety of international restaurants - no longer are Britain's most popular dishes roast beef or 'fish and chips'. Few people eat a 'traditional English breakfast' (fried food) nowadays; people tend to have a lighter 'continental' breakfast. Lunch is generally a light meal (for example, a sandwich) and evening meals are usually eaten between 18:00 and 20:00. Visitors to the UK may find the many different customs associated with food and eating curious and that the British have different ideas about acceptable table manners and eating habits

drinking
students are prohibited from buying and / or drinking beer, wines or spirits unless they are 18 or over. Public houses (pubs), bars, clubs etc. and shops may ask you to produce identification to prove your age. Students who are over 18 may not buy drinks for a person under 18.

smoking
on the July 1st 2007, following the lead set by Scotland and Northern Ireland, England introduced a new law to make virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in Britain smoke-free. Anyone who wants to smoke now has to go outside. A fixed penalty of £50 (or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court) can be imposed on a person breaking this law. The legal age for purchasing and smoking tobacco in Britain is 18

newspapers
in the UK, a wide variety of newspapers are available. A distinction is made between the broadsheet (large, serious newspapers such as The Times) and the tabloid (smaller papers which concentrate on sensationalist gossip). Regularly reading a newspaper will help improve your language skills. News magazines such as Time or Newsweek, which are widely available overseas, are also very useful to students. There are many foreign language newspapers and magazines available in the UK, particularly in the larger towns and cities

we have complied a very useful Links Page for you - on there you will find many British Government websites (and others) with up-to-date news and advice which will all help improve your experience

You must register with the police if you are from one of the following countries:

Afghanistan	Algeria	Argentina	Armenia
Azerbaijan	Bahrain	Belarus	Bolivia
Brazil	China	Colombia	Cuba
Egypt	Georgia	Iran	Iraq
Israel	Jordan	Kazakhstan	Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan	Lebanon	Libya	Moldova
Morocco	North Korea	Oman	Palestine
Peru	Qatar	Russia	Saudi Arabia
Sudan	Syria	Tajikistan	Tunisia
Turkey	Turkmenistan	Ukraine	United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan	Yemen

AND your visa is endorsed with "Register with the Police". You will usually be informed by the Immigration Officer at your port of arrival if you are required to register with the police, or upon issue of the visa at the British Embassy

you will need to register within seven days of arriving in the UK. If you intend to travel directly to your College or University you can register with the Police when you get there. If you are accompanied by dependants - your spouse or civil partner and/or children - each will have to pay a registration charge

you will also need to update your police registration any time you have a change of circumstances such as a change of course, a new address or if you extend your visa. Again this has to be within seven days but is free of charge for all

you may also be required to register if, exceptionally, an immigration officer considers it necessary

if you are required to register with the Police the endorsement stamp in your passport will state within seven days of your arrival in the UK. If you plan to spend more than seven days in the UK before arriving at your College or University you will need to register with the Police in the area where you are staying. If you are staying in London before going to your College or University you should go to:
The Overseas Visitors Records Office, Ground Floor, Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1LH. (Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday - Friday). Recorded information line: +44 (0)20 7230 1208. Tel: +44 (0)20 7230 1286

if you are staying in another part of the country before going to your College or University you should go to the nearest police station

YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER if:
you come from the EU, EEA, a Commonwealth country, or any other country not listed above;
or if you will be here for less than 6 months

to register for the first time with the Police you will need:

confirmation of your UK address with postcode your passport 2 passport sized photographs a registration fee of £34 confirmation of your name and address in your home country

For more details, go to the UK Border Agency website

We have complied a very useful Links Page for you - on there you will find many British Government websites (and others) with up-to-date news and advice which will all help improve your experience

what is culture shock?
the term comes from Schumann's "Theory of Acculturation" which aims to explain the stages that someone goes through from the time they arrive through to their eventual integration. Our culture is our way of making sense of the world around us. Our culture is influenced by where we live, by our family, our religion, our political and economic background, our language, our gender and many other, often intangible, factors. It makes us feel safe because it tells us who we are. When we step outside of the safety of our own culture, it can make us feel uncomfortable - this is commonly known as culture shock. Coming to study in a different country and in a different education system is a big challenge; at times exhilarating and at others trying but hopefully, always rewarding

fours stages of culture shock
1. the euphoric stage
when you in the UK the first stage that you will go through is the euphoric stage. At this stage everything about the new culture will delight and amuse you. The country from which you have travelled will be constantly compared to the UK in unfavourable terms. It is normal for you to try to adopt the new culture even if the language seems hard to master. You will study the English language with enthusiasm and will progress rapidly in the first few months. This "honeymoon period" commonly lasts a few months, but for some students it can last up to a year

2. the hostile stage
after the first stage, you will be shocked to find yourself becoming antagonistic to everything about the UK culture. This second stage is the hostile stage. It arrives with little or no warning, and can be triggered by a seemingly small incident or even have no apparent cause. This stage is characterised by depression and in some cases aggression towards your fellow students. You are likely to attempt to reconnect with your home culture, by watching films or reading books and papers that are connected with your homeland. Cultural differences will no longer be celebrated, but seen as a source of conflict. Familiar or comfort food from your home country will be sought out and consumed with delight. Language study will stall or even go into reverse as you decide that your own language is quite acceptable for most situations. This stage will often last for several months, but it varies from student to student

3. the acceptance stage
the third stage is the acceptance stage. In this stage a kind of equilibrium is reached where you learn to accept the differences between the UK culture and your home culture and to celebrate those differences where appropriate. There are certain customs that the UK culture admires that will become part of your everyday student life

4. reverse culture shock stage
finally, in the vast majority of cases you will return to your own country. Once there the fourth, and most unexpected, stage occurs and this is referred to as the reverse culture shock stage. Upon arriving back home, you will be eager to share your experiences of the UK culture that have made you a subtly different person. However, you will have returned to a group of people, and indeed a country, that has changed in the interim. These changes can be slight or far-reaching, but they will affect the way that you are accepted by, or accept, your own country and its residents

recognising culture shock
starting your new university life in the UK will be an exciting time. Many students will have a good idea of what to expect after seeing friends or relatives enjoy similar experiences; others will be discovering it new for themselves. Either way, there is an enormous amount of information to take in and the pace can become hectic at times with plenty on offer socially as well as academically. One of the first hurdles you will face is the sheer volume of things you will need to organise as soon as you arrive. However, the difficulty comes in carrying out all these actions in a language foreign to you and in a system you do not yet understand. It is little wonder therefore that many students display some (if not all) of the typical symptoms of culture shock:

loneliness extreme homesickness feelings of vulnerability, anger and irrational frustration desire to avoid social settings which seem threatening or unpleasant hostility towards the host culture stereotyping the UK whilst idealising your home loss of self confidence depression and feelings of helplessness loss of your sense of humour stress boredom or fatigue preoccupation with health physical complaint and sleep disturbances loss of sense of proportion difficulty with coursework and concentration

coping with culture shock
the most important factor in coping with culture shock is to accept that, however well you prepare, it will affect you to some extent. As Schumann found in the course of his research, the four stages outlined above can never be avoided, but the length of time spent in each of the stages can be greatly reduced by taking certain courses of action

firstly, it will help if you study the culture and language of the UK before you leave home. This may sound obvious, but in the euphoria of moving and sorting out your affairs it is often forgotten. Also the realisation that there is highly likely to be some negative elements to your life at university / college can help to lessen the effect of the euphoric stage

before you leave, arrange a future time with your family when you will ring and stick to it. This will provide you with a link and will help to anchor you. Make a deal with close friends to write, or email, regularly. A letter or email from home can lift your spirits enormously if you're feeling lonely

when the hostile stage affects you it is pointless trying to fight through it. Although it seems counter-productive it is actually important to immerse yourself in your home culture. The hostile stage is an expression of the confusion of identity that overtakes a student adjusting to a new culture. To lessen the effect of this confusion, you should allow yourself to reconnect with your home culture. At the same time elements of the UK culture should be actively enjoyed and the friendship of some UK students should be cultivated. This will serve to remind you that there are positive aspects of the UK culture to be appreciated

the acceptance stage is a marvellous period of discovery that allows you to appreciate and learn from the differences between the UK and your home culture. The reverse culture shock can be dealt with in part by updating yourself on your home culture. In the period between when you first left home and your return a number of things may have changed, especially if a number of years have elapsed; you should find out what these changes are. On a more personal note you should get back in touch with old friends and organise to meet them upon your return. Be prepared to find that they have noticeably changed or indeed that they have not changed at all. Some of them may want to hear all about the experiences you had, whilst others will take a polite interest then show irritation as you continue to talk about "when I was in the UK . . ."

all international students should try to get the most out of their experience in the UK. It can be easy to become locked into a bedroom - lecture-theatre - library - bedroom cycle. It is important to study hard, but it is also important to keep fresh and healthy in body and in mind. You can do this by taking regular exercise and by socialising. You may wish to join a sports society or participate in a day trip run by your University to places of interest in the UK

try not to label the differences that you come across as 'wrong' or 'bad', but rather as 'different' from what you are used to. By not dismissing the differences, you can learn more about the UK whilst maintaining your own values and culture

One aspect of UK culture that you might find different from your own is the importance of the individual compared to that of the family. In the UK, once individuals reach the age of 18, they are legally adults and therefore responsible for their all of their actions. They expect to be treated as adults and this means being consulted on all decisions affecting them. They are also expected to seek help if there is a problem, rather than waiting to be asked if help is needed. Asking for help in the UK is not considered as a weakness; it is viewed positively as an example of an individual taking responsibility for him or herself. If you come from a culture in which it is normal for your extended family to be consulted on decisions that affect you, or where you are not used to asking for help, you may find this aspect of UK culture to be quite challenging and it could make you feel vulnerable. Your university International Student Advisers, mentors and your tutors are there to support you. Most students say that after a while they enjoy the independence they experience as a student in the UK

finally, the golden rule for first-time students, when you are not sure and when something strikes you as confusing or even rude, please ask. Culture is so much a part of our way of life that it is contained in unspoken rules - which is difficult and can be frustrating for an outsider trying to understand. Usually, asking for clarification is the quickest way to learn and to share information about your culture and it can prevent misunderstandings turning into bad feelings

we have complied a very useful Links Page for you - on there you will find many British Government websites (and others) with up-to-date news and advice which will all help improve your experience

glossary of terms

do you find the words and phrases used in the UK education system confusing? Below is a glossary to help you find out what they all mean

a

A-level
qualification normally first gained in the UK at the age of 18, but without a formal age limit. Available in many subjects. Two or three a-levels are often used to meet university entrance requirements

academic
any member of teaching or research staff at a degree-awarding institution; or sometimes used as a general term for any study which is not related to preparing for a career

academic year
year running from September to September of the following year. Most UK courses start in September or October

access course
one-year full-time course for students who are not ready to enter degree programmes. Usually features study and writing skills, English language and some study of the subject to be studied at degree level

accreditation
process of examining various aspects of a course, such as teaching methods and facilities, to ensure they meet agreed standards

accredited
describes a course that has been examined and approved as meeting an agreed standard

admissions tutor
academic officer, such as a lecturer, at a college or university who decides which applicants will be offered places. Each course or discipline at an institution has its own admissions tutor

alumni association
association of the graduates of an institution. Means of keeping in touch with fellow-students, and getting news about the college where you studied. some associations have overseas branches

APEL
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. Establishes the equivalent in formal qualifications of knowledge and ability gained through work and other experience. Can be used to assess whether an applicant meets entrance requirements, or whether they may be allowed to directly enter the second year of a degree programme

APT
Advanced Placement Test. Graded test taken in the US for university entrance

ARELS
the association of recognised English language services. Organisation that jointly runs (with the British council) a scheme of accreditation for private English language schools

AS level
qualification equal to one half of an a level

assessment
process of considering a student's academic ability and work through essays, examinations, interviews or other methods

assignment
any piece of work, such as an essay, which a student must complete and submit by a specified time for marking and grading

b

BA
abbreviation of the first-degree qualification bachelor of arts

bachelor's degree
first degree usually obtained after three years or more of full-time study

BACIHFE
British accreditation council for independent further and higher education. Organisation that runs an accreditation scheme for UK private colleges

BALEAP
British association of lecturers in English for academic purposes. Organisation that works to develop the provision of English-language teaching for international students in higher education institutions in the UK

BASELT
the British association of state English language teaching. Association of state universities and colleges in the UK. Responsible for quality assessment of English-language courses for international students and teachers. Accredits numerous courses

block release
continuous period (usually several weeks) where an employer allows an employee time away from work to attend an educational institution

bridging course
general name for any course preparing students who need to improve their academic study skills or language ability before they progress to higher level study

BSc
abbreviation of the first-degree qualification bachelor of science

BTEC
business and technician education council. Body which validates BTEC certificates and diplomas

BTEC certificate and diploma
vocational qualifications available at various levels

bursary
financial award granted by an institution to a student. Bursaries have strict selection criteria, and are usually for a fixed amount, very often less than the full cost of a course

glossary of terms - continued

c

CAE
certificate in advanced English. Widely accepted English high-level language qualification. Managed by UCLES

campus
university or college grounds

CELTA
certificate in English language teaching to adults. Teaching qualification validated by Cambridge University

certified
of educational and other documents, officially stamped and signed by an authorised officer to prove that a document is genuine and accurate

CFE
college of further education. College that offers academic and vocational courses ranging from GCSEs or equivalents to diploma or certificate courses that approach the level of first degrees. May also offer degrees validated by other institutions

chaplaincy
Christian organisation within a college or university, holding meetings and religious services

CHE
College of Higher Education. College that offers academic and vocational qualifications from a levels and equivalents to HNDs. Some also offer degrees validated by a partner university

city & guilds
broad range of vocational qualifications, validated by city & guilds institute. These qualifications are not generally used to meet university entrance requirements

civic university
one of the universities established in the 19th and early 20th centuries in major industrial centres such as Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and other big cities

clearing (recruitment)
process allowing applicants with no offers of places for degree programmes to secure places at institutions, which have vacancies, shortly before the start of the academic year. Begins mid-august each year

closed examination
examination where students are not allowed to refer to books or notes and have a specific time to complete a certain number of questions

common room
room used by students or staff for relaxation

continuous assessment
system whereby academic work is marked and graded throughout a course, rather than just at the end

core
compulsory subjects or modules as opposed to optional subjects or courses

course materials
any material or items used on a course of study. Includes printed matter, stationery, and items specifically used for one subject, such as oil paint for fine art

coursework
work that is done in the student's own time, rather than in seminars or tutorials. Coursework usually counts towards a student's final mark in their course or module. Coursework can be continually assessed

CPE
certificate of proficiency in English. Widely accepted English language qualification. Managed by UCLES

CSYS (Scotland)
certificate of sixth-year studies. Scottish school-leaving qualification, taken at the age of 17 or 18. Equivalent to GCE A level qualifications

CU
Christian union. Society in an educational institution for Christians working or studying there

d

day release
arrangement whereby an employer allows an employee to attend a part-time course, usually by taking the same day or days off work each week for the length of the course

DELTA
diploma in English language teaching to adults. Advanced teaching qualification validated by Cambridge University

DfES
department for education and skills. Government department that administers and funds education in the UK

DfID
department for international development. Government department responsible for administering UK aid programmes for developing nations. Makes academic awards to qualifying students each year

Dip HE
diploma in higher education. Qualification approximately equal to two years of a three-year degree. Often available in work-related subject areas such as nursing or accountancy

dissertation
long essay, usually contributing to the overall mark or grade for a course

distinction
special honour or recognition for excellent work, as an examination grading

DLitt
doctor of letters. Higher doctorate qualification

doctorate
any research degree resulting in the successful candidate being able to use the title doctor (e.g. PhD, DPhil)

DSc
doctor of science. Higher doctorate qualification

e

ECTS
european credit transfer system. European system of grading academic work in different countries so students can use work done abroad as a credit towards their degree

Edexcel
examination board that validates some vocational qualifications

EFC
English for commerce. Widely accepted English test, on use of English in business

enrolment
process of registering as a student at the start of a course

entrance examination
examination or essay test set by an institution to assess an applicant's academic ability

ents
student society within an institution that organises entertainment events

essay
assignment consisting of an extended piece of writing. May put forward an argument and draw conclusions

examination board
1) regional or national board that validates qualifications such as GCSEs, a levels etc. 2) committee set up within a university to oversee the marking and grading of examinations and other work by students on degree programmes

extended essay
essay with a word limit greater than a normal-length essay

extension degree
four-year bachelor's degree that includes a foundation or preliminary year

external examiner
academic from another institution who checks the marks and grading of degree awards, in consultation with an institution's own examination board

f

FE
further education. Typically A-level education stage between GCSEs and first degrees
fellow
senior member of the academic staff of a college or university

field trip
trip that students go on as part of their studies. Students usually have to do practical work while on the trip

first-class honours/first
highest grade given for first degree. An overall mark of at least 70% is needed to gain first class honours

foundation course
one-year full-time course to prepare a student for entry to a degree programme in a particular subject

freshers' week
see 'intro week'

full-time
for a study visa, full-time means attendance for at least 15 hours of organised study each week. Generally, a full-time course is one where you may be expected to attend all or part of every weekday

glossary of terms - continued

g

GCSE
general certificate of secondary education. The first qualification obtained by students, at the age of about 16. There is no age limit, and mature or international students may take GCSE examinations

GMAT
graduate management admissions test. Examination often taken to meet entrance requirements for MBA programmes

GNVQ
general national vocational qualification. Vocational qualification, approximately equal to a level standard

Grad Dip
graduate diploma. Qualification equivalent to a bachelor's degree, awarded by a small number of institutions

graduation
successful completion of a degree or course. also the ceremony where students are officially given their awards

grant
money awarded to a student or researcher to assist their studies

GSVQ
general Scottish vocational qualification. Scottish equivalent of GNVQ

GTTR
graduate teacher training registry. UK national organisation that administers applications for entry onto postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) courses

h

hall of residence
institutional accommodation for students. Also called 'halls'. Halls provide kitchens, bed linen and other facilities. In some halls, meals are provided; others are self-catering

hardship fund
fund administered by a UK university or college, making small payments to students with financial difficulties

HE
Higher Education. Education stage following on from FE

HESA
Higher Education Statistics Agency. UK national agency that collects and publishes statistical information on higher education throughout the UK

higher doctorate
degree occasionally awarded some time after a PhD

higher grade
Scottish qualification taken by students aged between 16 and 18

HNC
higher national certificate. Vocational course approximately equal to two or three a levels

HND
higher national diploma. Vocational course approximately equal to the first two years of a three-year bachelor's degree

honorary degree
degree title (usually a higher doctorate) awarded as an honour not for academic work, but for an outstanding contribution in another field such as entertainment, philanthropy or community work

honours
bachelor's degrees are generally awarded as honours degrees in one of three classes, first, second or third, depending on the overall marks awarded. Those who reach the pass mark, but fail to attain a high enough mark to gain honours graduate with a pass degree

i

IB
international baccalaureate: a two-year course approximately equal to three a levels. It is available in several countries including the UK, and is accepted as an entry qualification by British universities

IELTS
international English language testing system. English test managed by the British council and partner organisations. Available worldwide. One of the most widely accepted qualifications in the English language

IGCSE
international general certificate of secondary education. Equivalent to GCSE

in-sessional
during a course. for instance, you may take an in-sessional English language course during term-time to complement your other studies

intermediate
level above basic but below advanced

internship
employment a student (especially of medicine) takes to gain experience for a qualification

intro week
an introductory week for new university or college students which enables them to become familiar with their institution, its facilities, their course and the town or city they will be studying in

j

JCR
junior common room. Room or area set aside for the use of students. Also an organisation within a hall of residence that organises events for student residents

joint honours
type of first degree where a student studies two subjects in equal depth. For example English and French, or maths and computer science

k

KET
key English test. Basic English language qualification. Managed by UCLES

l

LCCI
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Examination board validating some English language and other tests

LEA
Local Educational Authority. Part of local government in the UK that administers education up to college level in a particular district. Universities are not governed by LEAs

lecture
educational talk given by a member of teaching staff to a (usually large) group of students

LEONARDO
exchange programme that enables students to study or work in another European country

LINGUA
part of the Socrates programme which aims to increase people's competence in modern European languages

live in
living on campus e.g. in a hall of residence

live out
living off campus e.g. in a private house, or rented flat

LLB
bachelor of law

LLM
master of law

long vacation
the vacation between years of a first-degree course, usually lasting for three months between July and October

m

MA
postgraduate degree qualification, or Scottish first degree, master of arts

manuscript
hand written document. Completed set of examination answers, or other assignment

mature student
students above the age of 21 in England Wales and Northern Ireland, or above 20 in Scotland

MBA
master of business administration. Postgraduate degree in management, finance and other aspects of business

MEng
master of engineering

merit
grade below a distinction but above a pass

modular
programme of studies that consists of a number of discrete units or short courses. Students are given a mark or grade for each module, and accumulate points for an overall grade for their course

module
short course taken as part of some degree programmes. Students can customise their degree programme by their choice of modules

MPhil
master of philosophy

MSc
master of science

glossary of terms - continued

n

NARIC
national academic recognition information centre. UK NARIC is an organisation that gives advice on the comparability of international and UK qualifications, and promotes UK qualifications overseas

new university
any of the universities established in the 1960s

newsletter
small magazine or booklet, describing events in a particular institution or society. Alumni associations regularly send newsletters to members throughout the world containing news items about their college

nightline
student-run telephone service that offers information, listings and discusses personal issues in confidence

NMAS
nursing and midwifery admissions service. UK national organisation that administers applications for entry onto courses in nursing

NUS
the national union of students. if an institution's students' union is affiliated to the NUS, their students automatically become members of the NUS

NVQ
national vocational qualification. a first qualification related to an area of employment

o

old university
type of institution historically linked to the church, and established between the 13th and 15th century. Oxford and Cambridge are old universities

open examination
examination where the student can refer to books or notes and may be able to take the question paper away and return it by a certain time

ordinary degree
degree programme where successful students are not graded, but simply pass or fail. sometimes also used in same sense as 'pass degree'

ORSAS
overseas research students awards scheme. annual UK governmental scheme making awards annually to pay the difference between 'home' and 'overseas' fees for selected research students

overhead projector
device that projects and enlarges acetates on a white screen or wall using an overhead mirror

p

part-time
course where students attend a limited number of days or evenings each week. any course that requires less than 15 hours attendance a week is part-time for the purposes of visa regulations

pass
satisfactory mark in examination or course

pass-degree
bachelor's degree grading with insufficient marks to earn honours

PET
preliminary English test. English test managed by UCLES. Not advanced enough to meet university entrance requirements

PG Cert
postgraduate certificate

PG Dip
postgraduate diploma

PGCE
postgraduate certificate in education. Qualification allowing holder to teach in primary or secondary in the UK. Taken as a one-year full-time programme after completing a bachelor's degree

PhD
doctor of philosophy

plagiarism
to take the work/words/ideas of someone else and pretend it is your own. Universities and colleges heavily penalise anyone caught plagiarising another person's work

polytechnic
former type of degree-awarding higher education institution in the UK. All polytechnics were elevated to university status in 1992

portfolio
collection of original work. May be assessed to contribute to the mark a student receives on their course

practical
non-written work that is performed by a student either alone or as a member of a group

pre-degree course
any course, especially an access, foundation or certificate course taken to meet university entry requirements for a degree programme

pre-sessional
short course that runs before another longer course. For example, a pre-sessional English language course may run in July and August, to prepare students for a degree programme beginning in September

private college
college that is not subsidised by the government but is owned and run by private individuals

professor
title sometimes given to a senior academic following several years successful teaching and research, and election by the senior academics at an institution

prospectus
brochure published by a university or college to advertising their institution and courses and to encourage student recruitment

q

QTS
qualified teacher status. necessary qualification to teach in primary or secondary education in the UK obtained by taking a bachelor's degree in education or bachelor's degree in another subject followed by a PGCE

r

rag
student society that raises money through fund-raising holding events, often taking place during an annual 'rag week'

reading list
list of books students are expected to read for their particular course

reading week
week during term-time when students are expected to concentrate on reading and studying for their course. There are usually no lectures or seminars during this period

redbrick
universities that were founded in the late 19th and early 20th century

refectory
any cafeteria, restaurant or dining room for general use in a college or university

referee
person to whom enquiries about your academic and other abilities and character can be made

reference
statement (usually written) about a person's abilities and character

research assistant
person (usually a postgraduate student) appointed to help an academic or team on a research project

research associate
co-worker on a research programme. Often someone who already has a research degree

research councils
UK national councils which administer funding for research programmes in their respective disciplines

research fellow
senior academic whose work at an institution is mainly research and supervision of other researchers

resit
to re-take an examination, usually because of failure or gaining a low mark in the previous examination

RSA
Royal Society of Arts. UK national organisation that validates several vocational qualifications

glossary of terms - continued

s

sandwich course
course that includes a long period of work experience. Degree sandwich courses usually last four years, with one whole year spent on a work placement

SAT
scholastic aptitude test. US test used as college entrance examination

SCE
Scottish certificate of education. Equivalent to a GCSE

scholarship
money award made to support a student's education. It is often awarded on the basis of academic achievement

SCR
senior common room. Room or area set aside for staff within an institution. Social organisation for staff of an institution

second-class honours
most graduates of bachelor's degree programmes achieve second-class honours. this grade is therefore divided into two divisions, upper and lower, written 2 i and 2 ii, or 2:1 and 2:2, and usually call 'two-one' and 'two-two'

SEFIC
spoken English for industry and commerce. Type of English language test. Widely accepted

self-catering halls
halls of residence where students have to prepare their own meals. These residences have kitchens that students share

self-contained
accommodation in a larger building which has its own kitchen and bathroom and a private entrance

semester
term lasting half an academic year

seminar
small class where students discuss a topic with a lecturer or tutor. Questions are encouraged, but discussion is less free than in a tutorial, and not everyone present will necessarily be expected to contribute to the discussion

single honours
type of first degree awarded for study in only one subject, such as law or medicine

Socrates Erasmus
exchange scheme which enables European students to spend time studying or working in another European country

special needs
general term for any condition, physical or mental that results in someone needing special educational facilities

sponsor
person or organisation that accepts responsibility for all or part of a student's fees or expenses

SQA
Scottish qualifications authority. Body that is responsible for accrediting, awarding and developing academic and vocational qualifications in Scotland

SQE
Special qualifying exams. Entrance exam normally taken when standard entry requirements are not quite met

student societies
groups with a shared general interest that students join e.g. rowing, Christian, sociology. Student societies can be political, cultural, departmental, religious or sports societies

SU
abbreviation for students' union. Also called union of students

summer school
courses and lectures that are held during the summer vacation

t

taught masters
postgraduate degree that is taught in a similar way to first degrees, and does not include original research

TEMPUS
the trans-European mobility programme for university students. Encourages students to study part of their course in a different European country

term
period of continuous study without vacations. In the UK, the academic year is normally split into three terms. In universities, these terms are between eight and twelve weeks long, with a long vacation in the summer months

TESOL
teaching English to speakers of other languages. High-level certificate and diploma qualifications validated by trinity college London

thesis
dissertation containing results of original research to support a particular argument, usually written by a candidate for an academic degree

third-class honours
lowest honours grading for a bachelor's degree. Called a 'third'

TOEFL
test of English as a foreign language. Internationally recognised English test, available in over 100 countries. Widely accepted by UK institutions

transcript
detailed list of classes or courses a student has taken at college or university, with marks or grades for each subject

tutor
university or college lecturer who supervises the welfare and studies of assigned undergraduates

tutorial
class for a small number of students, led by a tutor, where one topic is discussed in depth. The topic may be introduced by a student, and everyone is expected to contribute to the discussion

u

UCAS
universities and colleges admissions service. UK national organisation that administers applications for entry onto full-time first degree and similar programmes

UCLES
university of Cambridge local examinations syndicate. Examination board that validates and manages several English language and other tests

UKCOSA
the council for international education. UK organisation offering advice to international students

unit
single item or element which is part of a whole. Many courses in the UK are divided up into units

university college
degree-awarding institution equivalent in status to a university

v

validation
process of defining academic level of a course, and of setting the syllabus and standards for marking and grading. UK universities validate their own degrees

viva (voce)
interview between members of an examination board and a student, on the material studied on a course to confirm a degree grading

vocational qualification
qualification aimed at preparing students for employment, usually with practical experience as part of the course

w

warden
person responsible for the supervision of halls of residence

word limit
limit to the number of words that can be written in an essay or dissertation. Varies from about 500 words to over 20,000 depending on its value in a student's overall mark or grade for a course

work experience
practical experience gained on a work placement

work placement
the part of a course which gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience of working in their chosen profession before graduation. Students may spend up to a year on work placement, especially on a sandwich course

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if there are other words or terms that you think would be helpful on this list, please let us know
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