International

Pre-arrival Guide
 International Student Centre

What our students say

“My course has a dedicated team of

lecturers and up-to-date equipment.
I believe that IT plays a major role of
our daily lives. In our generation today,
we rely most on the internet and Web
development plays a major part.

I chose Staffordshire University because

it has a really good reputation in
degrees in Computing with really high

Welcome
job prospects.

It has taught me to be independent and

to be a hard worker and the university

Congratulations on being offered a place at Staffordshire University! We helps me to develop my full potential.”
look forward to welcoming you to England and hope you have a happy
and successful time here. This booklet will provide useful information as Phillip Estoesta,
you make your preparations to come to the United Kingdom. BSc(Hons) Web Development

2 3
 International Student Support
The International Student Centre (ISC) is part of Staffordshire University’s
Student Office and provides a wide range of support for international
students, including English language teaching, academic and cultural support
as well as specialist immigration advice.
The Centre is staffed with a team of highly qualified, very friendly and
experienced English language teachers and International Student Advisors.
Many of our members of staff have extensive experience of working overseas.
We aim to make your study and life in Staffordshire University enjoyable and
memorable.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about:
• pre-arrival information
• travelling advice and meet and greet service
• immigration advice
• life in the UK
• social events
• workshops for international students
• supporting your subject study to enable your successful adaptation to
British Higher Education
• English Language support.
For further information, please check the International Student Centre website:
www.staffs.ac.uk/isc
There is more information for new students at: www.staffs.ac.uk/newstudent
Here you will find Faculty activities to prepare you before you arrive in the UK,
so take a look. The website is updated frequently, please take time to check it.
When you arrive at the University, you will receive a welcome pack which
contains lots of useful advice and information to help you during your studies
at Staffordshire University.
You will also have access to a book of contact details called A2Z4U which is
available to view at: www.staffs.ac.uk/a2z4u.
4 5
Contents
Pre-arrival preparation (Important checklist) 7
Immigration advice 8
Extending your student visa 9
Working during your studies 10
Money Matters 11
Restrictions – What not to bring 12
Arriving in the UK 13
Meet and Greet 14-15
What to bring with you (checklist) 16
Safety and security whilst travelling 17
Arriving at the airport 18
Immigration problems 19
What if my luggage is delayed? 20
Where should I go when I arrive on campus? 21
Mobile phones 22
Living in the UK 23
Accommodation 24-27
The Weather 28
Cost of living 29-33
Culture shock 34-35
Key contacts 36-37
Maps 38-41
 Pre-arrival preparation
Important checklist

check your passport – if it is close to expiring you should find out how
to renew it or apply for a new passport

organise your finances – think about how you will pay tuition fees and
living expenses

apply for entry clearance (visa) – if required

book flights (after you have received your visa)

buy travel insurance

arrange how you will get to the University

ensure you are clear which campus you are studying at

(Stoke or Stafford)

book a seat on the Meet and Greet coach (if using this service)

if living on-campus: confirm your accommodation and arrival date/time

with the Accommodation Office

all students (living both on-campus and off-campus): inform the

Admissions Office of your arrival date/time
email: enquiries@staffs.ac.uk

check with your Government for restrictions on taking money out of the
country

order Sterling travellers’ cheques or British currency for the first few
weeks of term

make sure your luggage weight does not exceed the maximum limit set
by your airline

have a set of passport photos taken as these can be useful at the start
of term

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 Immigration advice
Do I need to get a visa (entry clearance) before I travel to the UK?

Anyone entering the UK must comply with the UK immigration rules. Students
from certain countries have to apply for a visa before they leave their home
country. If you need a visa to study in the UK, then you must apply under Tier
4 (general student) of the Points-based System. It is important that you first
apply for this before you leave the country where you live. Processing times
for visa applications vary depending on the country – remember that certain
times of the year can be very busy, so start doing this now.

To find out whether you need to apply for a visa to study in the UK, you should
ask your nearest British Diplomatic Post or you can find details on the UK
Government website, www.ukvisas.gov.uk by clicking on the link Do I Need
a UK Visa?

If you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss National, you are free to
enter the UK to study. Updated lists can be accessed from the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk/en

Once you are in the UK and if you need to extend your student visa, the
International Student Advisors in the ISC can help you with this process. Full
details on how to do this will be available in your Welcome Bag, which you will
receive upon arrival.
Further information about UK immigration rules for students and what
arrangements will need to be made before travelling to the UK, is provided
through UKCISA Advice for International Students (Immigration, including
visas) www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php
Extending your student visa
If you need to extend your student visa in the UK in order to continue your
studies, you will again apply under Tier 4 of the Points-based System. It is
very important that you can show you have sufficient funds available. If you
are using bank statements as evidence, the account must be in your name.
The funds need to have been maintained for at least 28 days prior to your
application. You will need to have enough money in your account to cover the
first year of your fees (or the remaining balance of your tuition fees), plus the
required maintenance funds. You may use more than one bank account and
your account/s can be in the UK and/or overseas if you wish. However, you will
need to provide original bank statements that are no more than one month
old, prior to submitting your Tier 4 application.

The International Student Advisors will be able to help you with the visa
extension process and full details on extending your visa or switching to
another category will be available to you upon arrival.

8 9
 Working during your studies
If you are an EEA student you are allowed to work during your studies in the
UK without restriction on the number of hours or the type of work that you
do. Many students do find part-time or vacation work and it is an excellent
way of meeting new people, practising English and gaining valuable skills to
use in later employment. However, you must not rely on finding a job to form
a substantial part of your income. In the current economic climate, it can be
difficult to find work.

For non-EEA students according to the immigration rules, you should

have access to sufficient funds to pay for your tuition fees, accommodation
and living expenses without needing to work in the UK. If you have a Tier 4
(general) student visa, you may work up to 20 hours per week (in some cases,
up to 10 hours) during term-time and full-time during University holiday
periods, but you should not take a full-time permanent job. You can work
full-time on a work placement but only if it is part of your course.

If you do need immigration permission to study in the UK, once you receive
your visa or Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN), check what it says. If
you are coming to the UK with student immigration permission and your visa/
passport sticker says “Work (and any changes) must be authorised” or “Able
to work as authorised by the Secretary of State”, you are allowed to work
during your studies (in accordance with the rules laid down by the UK Border
Agency). You are also allowed to work during your studies if your visa or ICFN
says “Restricted Work, part-time, term-time, full-time vacations” or “Restricted
work term-time” or “Work 20 hrs max in term-time” (or in some cases “Work
10 hrs max in term-time”).
If your visa or ICFN says “No work”, you must not work in the UK. This would
be a breach of your immigration conditions, which is a criminal offence. If your
immigration permission does not allow you to work, this means that you must
not undertake paid or unpaid employment, including work placements which
are part of your course. This can include voluntary work.
Full advice on how to find a part-time job is available from the University
JobShop based within the Careers Centres at both Stoke and Stafford
campuses. Please see www.staffs.ac.uk/jobshop for further information.
Money Matters
You will need to pay a proportion of your fees in order to enrol. Before you
can open a UK bank account you will need to enrol, so make sure you can
pay your fees once you arrive. You should consider paying all your tuition fees
immediately – you will not have to worry about paying it later and you will
also receive an early payment discount! Expect it to take two to three weeks
to open a bank account in the UK – so you need to think about how you will
support yourself until then. We advise that you bring about £200 to pay for
immediate essentials – travel, food etc.
You should not carry large amounts of cash. It is easy to change money once
in the UK – you can find a Bureau de Change in Post Offices, banks and
travel agencies. However, they are likely to be closed in the evenings and at
weekends. Many international credit cards are accepted in UK shops and at
cash machines (ATMs). Check with your bank – they can advise you if you will
be able to use your card in the UK and how much commission you will be
charged. UNIAID and UKCISA have developed an online calculator to help
international students plan and manage their money for studies in the UK and
this can be accessed at: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international

10 11
Restrictions – What not to bring
What you can and cannot bring to the UK depends on which country you
are travelling from. The UK has strict penalties for bringing in restricted or
prohibited items. 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, dairy products or 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 Heathrow Airport’s guide at www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk.
For details of food and plants that you must not bring to the UK see the DEFRA
website www.defra.gov.uk. If you know you have brought any prohibited
goods, you will have to declare them on arrival at the airport.
Arriving in the UK
Making your travel arrangements

The closest airports to Staffordshire University are Manchester and

Birmingham – both have good rail and coach links to Stoke-on-Trent and
Stafford. You may choose to land at a London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick
or Stansted). If you do, then you will need to decide how to travel to the
University. You can travel by train (which is quicker than by coach but more
expensive) or coaches (which are slower than rail, but tends to be cheaper).

It is very important to think about the time your flight will arrive in the UK.
Many facilities are only open 9.00 - 17.00, Monday - Friday. Trains and coaches
are most frequent during this time – there are very few trains and coaches
during the night or very early morning.

Remember that we organise a Meet and Greet service from London

Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, where we will meet you and take
you to the University – this service is FREE! 

You should allow at least one hour to go through immigration and retrieve
your bags.

How will you get to the University once you arrive?

The first thing you should do is to make sure you know which campus you
are travelling to. It is always easier to travel straight to the correct campus,
as Stoke and Stafford are 20 miles apart – it is a 40 minute journey by bus to
travel between the sites.

12 13
 Meet and Greet The table below will provide you with some guidance on the journey
times and costs to help you in planning your arrival:

The easiest way to travel to the University is to book a seat on the Meet and
Greet coaches. This is a FREE service that will pick you up at the airport and To Stoke To Stafford
take you to the accommodation blocks in both Stoke and Stafford.
Train Cost Time Cost Time
Please note that Meet and Greet is only available on certain dates and
times. London Euston Check 2-3 hours Check 2-3 hours
London Heathrow online 3-5 hours online 3-5 hours
To book, simply return your Meet and Greet form – once we have received it,
Airport for for
we will confirm by email that a seat has been booked for you. The Meet and
Greet form can be downloaded from our website: Manchester Airport prices 1-2 hours prices 1-2 hours
www.staffs.ac.uk/international/international_welcome/#meet Birmingham Airport 1-2 hours 1-2 hours

There will be refreshments on the coach and staff will be able to answer any
questions you might have.
If you arrive outside of this time, then we will not be able to meet you and you
will be responsible for arranging your own way to the University. If you are not
going to use the Meet and Greet service, you should plan how you will get to
the University before you travel and you should let us know when you will
be arriving in Stoke or Stafford. Please email enquiries@staffs.ac.uk with your
arrival details.
Coach Cost Time
Heathrow Airport Check 5- 6 hours
Manchester Airport online 2-4 hours Service not available
Birmingham Airport for 2-4 hours
prices
Taxi Cost Time Cost Time

Travelling to Staffordshire University on your own Heathrow Airport £200+ 3-5 hours £200+ 3-5 hours
Manchester Airport £35+ 1-2 hours £55+ 1-2 hours
If you do not use the Meet and Greet service, you will be responsible for
arranging your own way to the University – look at www.nationalrail.co.uk; Birmingham Airport £50+ 1-2 hours £50+ 1-2 hours
www.thetrainline.com and www.nationalexpress.co.uk to see what services
are available.
Most travel companies will allow you to book tickets in advance (and this is
sometimes cheaper than buying the tickets on the day). When you purchase
tickets online (or from outside UK), please book by using your credit card, as
cheques are not accepted.

After booking, you will be issued either with an e-ticket which you must print
out and bring with you to show, or, you will have the option to collect your
ticket from the station by using a FastTicket machine when you arrive – you
must remember to bring your booking reference number with you to enable
you to retrieve your tickets.

14 15
 What to bring with you Safety and security
a print out of this book (as it contains important contact information and
whilst travelling
it will help you to find us)
It is very important that you take special care of your passport and/or identity
our name, address and travel notes card. Make sure you always know where they are. If you discover that your
passport/identity card is missing, you must report it to the Police immediately.
money in pounds (£) and pence (p) – also known as sterling You will then need to contact your Embassy in order to get a new passport.
Before travelling, it is useful to make a photocopy of all the pages in your
multiple passport-sized photographs for ID cards etc passport (except the blank pages) and keep them in a safe place while
travelling.
personal organiser / diary
• Keep the copies separate from your passport
camera
• Keep your tickets and other travel documents safe
photos from home – to remind you of friends and family
• Do not carry large amounts of cash
clothing
Clearly label your luggage and keep it with you at all times, British airports
electrical items and UK power converter (240 voltage) have very strict security and unattended luggage can be taken away for
inspection. Always check with the airport a few days before travelling to see if
your passport with correct visa or ID card (and photocopies of these they have put any new security measures in place.
documents)

your travel tickets

Medical Card/History:
vaccination/x-ray certificates if required (check at the British Council)

any medication you take – with a letter from your Doctor explaining
what it is and why you take it

your offer letter

your previous qualification certificates (originals or certified copies)

confirmation of your accommodation, if booked

pen and paper

your driver’s licence (if you plan on driving in the UK)

16 17
 Arriving at the airport
Immigration Control

Whether you arrive by air or by sea, when you get to the UK, your first step
is to pass through Immigration Control. The UK offers a warm welcome to
international students. But, as in all countries, the authorities have to ensure
that everyone who enters the UK has a legitimate reason to be here.

Step-by-step guide

When you enter the terminal building, follow the signs for Arrivals. These signs
will lead you to the Passport Control area (if you are transferring to another
flight at the same airport, follow the signs for Flight Connections instead.
Then, at your final airport, follow the signs for Arrivals).

As you approach Passport Control, you will see electronic screens indicating
where you should queue. There will be two types of queue: one for travellers
with British or EEA (European Economic Area) passports and another for all
other passport holders. Make sure you join the correct queue or you could
waste a lot of time.

At some major airports, arriving passengers are also sorted by flight number
as they enter the immigration control area, so you should have this number to
hand. You can find your flight number on your boarding card and ticket stub.
You will also need to know your flight number later, in order to collect your
baggage, so do keep this information with you, even after you leave the plane.
When you reach the front of the queue, the Immigration Officer at the desk
will want to see that your documents are in order, so make sure you have them
ready. In particular, you should have ready, your letter of acceptance from
Staffordshire University and evidence of your funding, such as a sponsor’s
letter or bank statements. The Immigration Officer will check that you have an
up-to-date passport and if required, a valid visa or entry clearance. You should
also be prepared to answer some questions about yourself, including where
you will be staying and what you intend to do during your time in the UK.
You may be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the airport
Doctor, which might include an X-ray. The health check will take place in a
separate room. Afterwards, you will need to return to immigration control.
What should I do if the
Immigration Officer refuses me
entry at the UK port or airport?
As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigration
smoothly. But if you find you need help for any reason, you should ask the
Immigration Officer if you may telephone the International Student Centre at
Staffordshire University (01782 294711 or 01785 353818).
If an International Student Advisor is unavailable, call the Immigration Advisory
Service (IAS) for free advice on telephone number 0207 967 1200 (daytime:
Monday to Friday). If it is night-time, leave a message on their emergency
answer service by telephoning 0207 967 1299. The IAS is a registered charity
that can assist you with your appeal www.iasuk.org

Once you arrive at the University, you can then contact the International
Student Advisor for any additional support you may need.

18 19
 What if my luggage is delayed? Where should I go
when I arrive on campus?
Don’t Panic!

Go to the helpdesk or luggage enquiries desk and tell the Official that your
luggage has not arrived. You will need to give them an address for your
luggage to be delivered to. If you are staying in University accommodation,
you should ask for the luggage to be sent to the relevant campus, addresses
below:
For students living on campus:
If you intend to live in University Halls of Residence it is very important you have
confirmed with the Accommodation Office your acceptance of a place in our
Halls, together with your arrival date and approximate arrival time. If you fail to
do this, you may find that your room will not be ready for you when you arrive.

For students staying at the Stoke campus the address is: Stoke students please email: accommodation-stoke@staffs.ac.uk
Residences Office – Stoke Stafford students please email: accommodation-stafford@staffs.ac.uk 
Staffordshire University
Leek Road Arrangements for key collection are as follows:
Stoke on Trent
Staffordshire Stoke Campus
ST4 2YJ Students arriving Monday - Friday (9am - 4.30pm): Go to the Accommodation
t:+44 (0)1782 294223 Office, First Floor, Flaxman Building, College Road, Stoke.

For students staying at the Stafford campus, the address is:
Residences Office – Stafford
Staffordshire University
Stafford Court
Beaconside
Staffordshire
ST18 0AB
t: +44 (0)1785 353592
Make sure you get a reference number and a telephone number to call for
news about the whereabouts of your luggage. Proceed to the University and
inform accommodation staff that your luggage has not arrived so it can be
delivered to your room when it arrives from the airport.
If you are staying in private accommodation, then you need to give the
address where you will be staying. If after two days you have still not received
your luggage, come to the International Student Centre where we will help
you to call the Airport for an update.
Students arriving out-of-office hours: ie after 4.30pm (Monday - Friday) or any
time over the weekend – please go to the Residences Office, Coalport,
Leek Road, Stoke.
Please note: If you arrive out-of-office hours, your key will only be available
from Residences if you have confirmed your arrival date and time (otherwise you
will have to wait until the next working day to receive your key).
Stafford Campus
Students arriving Monday - Friday (9am - 4.30pm): Go to Residences, Stafford
Court, Beaconside, Stafford.
Students arriving after 4.30pm (Monday - Friday) or over the weekend: Go to
Residences, Stafford Court, Beaconside, Stafford.
For students living off campus:
If you are living off-campus, you must inform the admissions office of your
arrival date and time, so they can log this information on our system. Please
email enquiries@staffs.ac.uk with these details.

To find out about your welcome activities and when you need to be on campus
for your induction programme, please check regularly our website which will
have the welcome programme for you to download:
www.staffs.ac.uk/international/international_welcome/#welcome
20 21
 Mobile phones
Make sure your mobile (cell phone) is compatible
Make sure that your mobile phone is compatible with the British mobile phone
network and if possible, try to get your phone ‘unlocked’ (this means that it
can be used on any network in the UK) you can then use a British SIM card in
your phone.
When you arrive at the University, we will give you a free SIM card for your
mobile phone. Many local shops have a wide selection of phones so you can
always buy one when you arrive. Full details about phone networks and calling
home will be included in the International Welcome Pack.
22
Living in the UK
Legal issues
The Laws in the UK are likely to have some differences to the laws in your own
country. Equally, if you travel to another country, they will have different laws
again. Not knowing that something is against the Law is not an excuse for
breaking it. It is very rare for international students to have serious problems
with the Law but just in case, here are some things that you should know:
The Police
The Police have the right to stop and search anyone they believe is behaving
in a suspicious way. You should be polite if you are approached by the Police –
answer any questions they ask truthfully and do not try to bribe them.
A Police Officer, who does not wear a uniform, (plainclothes) should always
show you their identification (ID) – if not you can ask to see it. If you are
arrested or have witnessed a crime, you will be asked to make a statement
to the Police. If this happens, you will tell your story to a Police Officer, who
may ask many questions in order to make the statement exact. Once this is all
written down, you will be asked to sign it and say that it is accurate.
You must never sign a document if you do not understand it.
Smokefree legislation
On 1 July 2007, England joined the rest of the UK in becoming smokefree.
This means that it is illegal to smoke in virtually all enclosed (and substantially
enclosed) public places and workplaces. The University and individuals will
have to pay substantial statutory fines if the new legislation is breached.
Further information about the Smokefree Legislation is available at:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/HealthAndWellBeing/HealthyLiving/DG_4002727
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 Accommodation
You should arrange your UK accommodation before you travel. Most
international students will use Staffordshire University Halls of Residence
however, private accommodation is available as well.

University Halls of Residence

International students are guaranteed a place in University managed

accommodation provided that they have returned a completed
Accommodation Application Form to the Accommodation Office by the
1 September 2010. You must also have received and accepted an
unconditional offer of a place on a full-time course of study, paid the tuition
fees deposit (if applicable) and this must be your first year of study at
Staffordshire University.

We strongly recommend you have a look at the accommodation website:

www.staffs.ac.uk/study_here/student_services/accommodation - which will
give you lots of information and answer any questions you might have. You
will also receive a guide in your room called Home...but not alone, which will
give you information on where you live, how to get your post and what to do if
there are any problems.

It is very important that you read and fully understand the Accommodation
Services Agreement. This is a legal contract and once you have signed it
to say you agree, it is very difficult to change your mind afterwards. The
agreement very clearly states the fees, regulations and conditions of living
in University accommodation – be aware that it is for 38 weeks, you will not
be allowed to move out of accommodation during this time. If you do, you
will still be responsible for the fees. You can read the licence agreement in
the following languages: English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, German,
Hindi, Spanish and Urdu at:
www.staffs.ac.uk/facilities_management/accommodation/
accommodationcontract/accommodationcontract.php

Although you can read the translated documents, you must sign an English
copy.

24 25
 Accommodation starter pack
All students living in University accommodation will receive a starter pack. This
will be in your room when you arrive. The pack contains:
• quilt, pillow, quilt cover, pillowcase and a bed sheet
(all of which comply with current fire retardant regulations)
• bath towel and hand towel
• chopping board, microwaveable oven dish, slotted spoon, vegetable knife,
frying pan, a saucepan a can-opener and a corkscrew
• plate, side plate, bowl, mug, drinking glass, teaspoon, knife fork, spoon,
• washing up liquid, scouring pad, dish cloth, tea towel, clothes washing
powder.
Private accommodation
Students in their second year of study may prefer to rent a house privately.
This is popular for groups of 2-6 students per house. This will usually cost
between £40-£60 per person, per week – this does not include paying for
amenities such as electricity, heating or telephone bills. You will usually have
to pay a deposit, which is around one month’s rent – approx £200, this will be
returned to you when you leave if you have not caused any damage to the
house and providing your rent and all your bills have been paid.
If you prefer to live in the private sector, the Accommodation Office can help
you find safe, secure, affordable accommodation. The University operates
an advice service and Registration Scheme for private sector landlords, in
conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Stafford Borough Council,
which tries to ensure that landlords comply with certain legal standards and
other requirements deemed necessary by the University and to provide you
with help before signing contracts.
Only properties registered with the University are advertised to students by
the University through the Landlord Register and we strongly recommend that
you only view properties on this list. The list is updated regularly and can be
obtained from the Accommodation Office or
www.staffordshirestudentpad.co.uk
Accommodation advertised by the University, includes shared student houses
or flats and rooms in an owner’s own home, which can be either self-catered or
catered. If you require accommodation for you and your family, the University
has contacts with local Housing Associations and other landlords who can
provide more suitable accommodation.
26
When you agree to rent a house, you will have to sign a tenancy agreement.
This is a legal contract between you and the Landlord (the person who owns
the property that you wish to rent). The tenancy agreement will usually state,
amongst other things, what the rent is and how long you will rent for. You
should not sign any document if you do not fully understand it – you can ask
for help at the Students’ Union Advice Centre: www.staffsunion.com/advice
It is useful to make an inventory – this is a list of all the items that come in the
house. You should also make sure you note any damage and tell the Landlord,
so that he/she knows it was not made by you.
Council Tax
Most properties in England are liable to Council Tax. This is an annual fee to
pay for rubbish collections, the Police and Fire Service. As a student, you are
usually exempt from paying Council Tax – if everybody who rents with you is
classed as a full-time student (this includes students on placement) or if you
are a student and your husband/wife/child lives with you and has a dependant
visa. You can ask at the Information Centre for a letter to confirm that you are a
student (a student status letter). You must then send this to the local council so
that you are not charged any Council Tax.
For further information you can go to:
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/council_tax.php
If you are in University Halls of Residence, you will be exempt from this charge
and you will not have to pay, or make a claim to stop being charged any
Council Tax.
27
 The Weather
If you have a conversation with a Briton, it is almost guaranteed that you will
discuss the weather at some point. It is a very clichéd stereotype but is still
true! This is because the British weather is very changeable. It is not unknown
to have sun, rain, snow and a thunderstorm all in the course of a single day.
The UK has a seasonal calendar, meaning the weather is very different in each
season and knowing something about the weather will help you know what
type of clothing to bring with you.

Spring March, April, May

Summer June, July, August
Autumn  September, October, November,
Winter December, January, February

Spring is a bright time of year, often with cool, sunny days, some wind and
rain. It can get quite warm towards the end of this season. Summer will
usually have temperatures in the mid - high 20s, although recent years have
pushed the temperatures to the high 30s. Autumn brings cooler temperatures
and Winter usually brings frosts and snow - expect the temperatures to be
Cost of living
between -5ºc and 7ºc.
Apart from the fees for your course itself, how much will it cost you to live in the
This is just a guideline though; there really is no way of knowing what the UK? As a rough guide, for a nine-month academic year, you should allow (on
weather will be like tomorrow. The trick to dressing is to wear layers – if it is average) £5,400 (or £600 per month). These figures are based on 2009 prices
a warm day, you can take off coats and jumpers to cool down but can put and include the cost of accommodation, heating, lighting, food, clothing,
them on again if it suddenly goes cold. It is advisable to always carry a small books and daily travel for one person for a nine-month academic year.
umbrella!
Here are some typical prices for specific items and services in the UK (see
pages 30-31). At discount stores and street markets, you may be able to find
many of these things for less than the prices given below and it is a good idea
to look for special offers and supermarket own brands.

Special reductions are offered for students at many local shops, theatres,
cinemas, museums and galleries; and special student fares are available on
buses and trains. Some stores operate loyalty schemes offering a range of
rewards, from cashback to money-off vouchers. Ask at your Students’ Union for
details.

Entertainment expenses vary a great deal from student to student. Also,

remember that in addition to these entertainment expenses, you’ll have
monthly expenses such as rent and heat, and occasional expenses such as
clothing and textbooks.

28 29
 Food shopping
Average item cost based on www.mysupermarket.co.uk/ prices:
• Bread 800g £1.28
• Oranges each £0.30 - £0.40
• Milk 2 pints/1.14ltr £0.85 - £2.00
• Bananas each £0.15 - £0.89
• Rice 500g £0.68 - £2.50
• Coffee 100g (instant) £0.49 - £3.50
• Chicken per kg £8.00
• Tea 80 bags £1.17 - £3.50
• Lamb per kg £11.00
• Sugar per kg £0.99
• Beef per kg £6.00
• Cheese 500g £3.00 and upwards
• Pork per kg £6.00
30
• Wine 75cl £3.50 - £5+
• Onions per kg £0.89
• Beer 4 x 500ml £3.50+
• Potatoes per kg £1.00+
• Soap 125g £0.50
• Tomatoes per kg £0.75+
• Shampoo 300ml £2.00+
• Carrots per kg £1.00+
• Razors 4 x disposable £1.00+
• Apples each £0.24 and upwards
• Toothpaste 100ml £0.57 - £5.50
• Eggs x 6 £1.00 - £2.00+
• Detergent 800g £2.78+
Other items (these are average costs – often many of the following items can
be cheaper due to special offers or sales)
• Heat and light (if charged separately): £20 - £40 per month, depending on
the season
• Personal hygiene items, cosmetics etc: £10 per month
• Haircut: £7 - £20
• T-shirts, underwear: £5 +
• Shirts and tops, lightweight sweaters, lightweight shoes: £25
• Jeans and other casual trousers, skirts, lightweight outdoor jackets, heavier
sweaters, heavier shoes: £35
• Raincoats and other outerwear, boots: £60
• Winter coats: £100
• Laundry: £16 - £20 per month
• Dry cleaning: £4 for skirt or trousers; £9 for heavy coat
• Small electrical appliances eg hairdryer, kettle £20
• Second hand Textbooks: £10 - £50 or more; new textbooks will cost more
than this.
• Paperback books to read for leisure: £5 - £10; second-hand books as little as
£1 or less
• Newspapers: 30p - £1.20 per issue
• Magazines: 60p - £3
• CDs: £5 - £15
• Phone card (for use in public telephones): choice of £2, £5, £10 or £20.
Some excellent deals may also be available online.
• Restaurant meal: £5 per head minimum; £15 per head average (drinks extra)
• Cinema ticket: £5 - 10
• Theatre ticket: £10 - £30
• Concert ticket: £5 - £30
• Swimming pool use: £2.50
• Tennis/squash court: £3 - £5 per hour.
31
 Insurance

You may want to consider purchasing insurance when you arrive in the UK.
If you are moving into accommodation managed by the University, a level
of insurance will be included by Endsleigh as part of the rent, this covers
your possessions (up to £3,500). You can find further information about what
is covered at: www.cover4students.com/student_insurance/products/
contents/campus_blockhalls/staffordshire/index.html

If you are staying in private accommodation, you are advised to take out your
own personal insurance cover so that your personal belongings are covered in
the event of loss.

However, it is advised that you check the insurance cover you have carefully.
For example, you may want to extend the cover to include protection for your
laptop outside of your room. 

We would also advise that you consider before you leave home, purchasing
travel insurance to cover your journey to the UK. Most travel insurance
policies cover problems such as delays, emergency medical treatment and
lost or stolen luggage. Often, you can buy insurance at the same time as your
airline ticket and if not, most airlines will be able to advise you on reputable
insurance companies to use. 

Researching bank accounts

If you arrive at the start of the Autumn term, it may take several weeks to
open a bank account and be able to transfer funds from overseas. 

The more research you can do prior to your arrival about the bank accounts
available to you, the easier it will be.

For more information on opening a banking account, go to www.bba.org.uk/

content/1/c6/01/45/96/International%20Students%20Opening%20a%20
UK%20Bank%20Account.pdf

32 33
 Culture shock helpful and keeping in touch with home - by phone, letter or email - will help.
Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning such as
photographs and try and find a supplier of familiar food. It is also important to
eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise. Try joining one of the Students’
Travelling to a new country can be a stressful experience. Culture shock is a
Union Societies where you can take up a new sport or activity or continue
term used to describe the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one
an interest from home. This will also help you make new friends. Try to find
which is unfamiliar. It can affect anyone and can happen if you travel abroad
someone to talk to who will listen uncritically and with understanding rather
to work, live or study and even when abroad on holiday. You miss important
than isolating yourself.
people in your life – maybe friends, family and colleagues who would normally
give you support and guidance. You may find areas of your new life very
Remember, culture shock is entirely normal, unavoidable and not a sign that
different to what you are used to, such as the weather or food.
you can’t manage!
If your first language is not English, then it can be tiring to constantly hear
Make sure you spend time out of your room. It is very easy to become isolated
and speak in a foreign language. You may find that people speak to you
when you are in a foreign country. Although you might be nervous trying
too quickly or with a strong regional accent so you might have difficulty
something new, joining a society or sports club – you’ll soon find that you
understanding them at first.
didn’t need to worry! Students are generally a very happy bunch of people
who are friendly and easy to approach. Telling people you’re from another
These differences to your home life and many others will contribute to your
country will always spark some interest around you. There are lots of things
sense of culture shock. Sometimes your health can be affected and you may
to do – you just have to find them. Going to concerts or the theatre or simply
find it difficult to concentrate or find it harder to focus on your coursework.
meeting friends for a drink in one of the Students’ Union venues, can make
You may also find that you become more irritable or tearful.
you feel happy and more relaxed. University is not only about studying
(although that is very important) – it’s a whole new way of life to experience.
Although culture shock is normally a temporary phase, it is important to know
there are things you can do to help so that some of these worrying effects
Further information on Culture Shock is available from:
can be minimised: accepting that this is a normal experience may, in itself, be
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/culture_shock.php

34 35
 Key contacts Information Centre

Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 295705
Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353253

Multi-faith Chaplaincy Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294974

University Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353382

If you wish to write to the University, you can use either of these addresses: Counselling Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294977
Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353302
Staffordshire University Staffordshire University
College Road Beaconside University Security (24hr) +44 (0) 1782 294444
Stoke-on-Trent Stafford
Staffordshire Staffordshire More contacts can be found online at www.staffs.ac.uk/a2z4u
ST4 2DE ST18 0AD
UK UK
Useful external links
Please remember that Staffordshire University is split across many campuses,
but the two main campuses are in Stoke and Stafford.
Home Office UK Border Agency:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

International Student Centre UK Council for international Student Affairs UKCISA: www.ukcisa.org.uk

The International Student Centre is at both College Road (Stoke) and Useful information sheets:
Beaconside (Stafford) www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/information_sheets.php
t: +44 (0) 20 7107 9922 (open from Monday to Friday 1pm - 4 pm)
International Student Centre Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294539
British Council: www.britishcouncil.org
International Student Advisors Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294711
Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353818 Education UK (part of the British Council): www.educationuk.org
fax: +44 (0) 1782 294498
email: isc@staffs.ac.uk Host UK (offers you a chance to visit a host family in the UK:
www.hostuk.org.uk

Other important numbers Prepare for Success: www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk

Accommodation Office Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294219 UNIAID International Student Calculator:
Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353563 www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international

Residence Office Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294223

(out of hours arrival) Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353599

Students’ Union Stoke: +44 (0) 1782 294629

Stafford: +44 (0) 1785 353311

36 37
 Key to Buildings
 Ashley Building
 Brindley Building

Finding the Stoke Campus Key to Features and Landmarks

 All-weather Sports Pitch
 The Pavilion and Courtyard
 Cadman Building
 Thompson Library
 Dwight Building/Stoke Creative Village
 Flaxman Building
Restaurants and  Fitness Suite
DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar  Henrion Building
 Bush House Restaurants  Federation House – Student Health Service
The coach stop for Stoke-on-Trent is in Hanley. You will need to get another  Co-op/Lloyds TSB Cash Machines  2 and 3 Winton Square
 Film Theatre  4 and 5 Winton Square
bus from Hanley to the University (bus numbers 24, 23, 23A, 25 from stands 21  Security Lodge  Law Building
and 22). Ask the bus driver which stop to get off at for the University on Col-  Post Room  Mellor Building
 The University Quarter Project Office
 Social Centres
lege Road (10-15 minutes) or alternatively you can take a taxi (5 minutes). 9 Staffordshire University Nature Reserve  Bush House
A5009 to Leek
 Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre
0 Bus Stops and Macclesfield  Leek Road Students’ Union venue. On campus Police Office
Stoke train station is within 5-10 minutes walking distance from the University.  Trent Building/Stoke Business Village
 Student Accommodation
Student Residencies
You will need to check what part of the University you need to visit first.  Leek Road Houses 6  Students’ Union Building and EmberNLounge
 Royal Doulton Hall  Domestic Services
 Minton Hall   Faith House – Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
 Studio One Drama Studio
A local taxi company (recommended by the Students’ Union) is ‘AutoCabs’  Aynsley Hall
 The Performance Centre
 Spode Hall 
they can be contacted on +44 (0) 1782 332211  Wedgwood Hall 1
 Coalport Hall/Conference Office/
Residences/Catering Services
9
 Clarice Cliff Court
To Hanley 
3
 
8
 
2 1




  S
To Hanley
 
8
 

6 4

5   
2 
 7

A500/M6 Jct 16
Stoke campus

Cadman Building/Cadman Yard Media Centre Brindley Building

Customer Contact Centre Lloyds Bank Cash Point Faculty Recruitment Centre
Thompson Library Learning Exchange – Business School/Law School
Student Bookshop Film Theatre Business
Information Services Mellor Building Computing
Arts, Media and Design Activity Space Faculty Recruitment Centre Health
The Courtyard and The Pavilion – Sciences Information Services
Restaurants and DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar Sciences DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar
Careers Centre Students’ Union Trent Building
Staffordshire Regional Access Centre Reception and offices Stoke Business Village
(SRAC) Student Advice Centre Federation House
Disability Student Service Student Shop Estates
Student Recruitment Ember Lounge Health and Safety
Admissions Endsleigh Insurance and InVOLve Student Health Service
Schools and Colleges Office Henrion Building National Westminster Bank (part-time)
International Office Arts, Media and Design 2-3 Winton Square
Personnel Ashley Centre Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Flaxman Building Business Evolution Dean of Students
Higher Education Shop General Teaching Rooms and Alumni
Approach route to the Stoke campus Finance Department Lecture Theatres Marketing
Student Information Centre Law School 4-5 Winton Square
38 and Accommodation Office Law and Law Library Childcare Service
39
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design Counselling Service
Finding the Stafford Campus
Stafford campus A518
TO UTTOXETER,
A50, A51, M1
There is no coach stop in Stafford. You could get a coach to Stoke-on-Trent
and then either a bus (£3-£5, 40 minutes, www.bakerbus.com/timetable/
pdf/774.pdf or train (£3-£6, less than 1 hour) or taxi (£30, 30 mins) to Stafford. 

Stafford train station is in Stafford Town Centre. The University campus is a few

miles out of Stafford town centre. You can get a bus (£1-£2, 15 mins, 9 Arriva or
Baker Bus X1) from the train station. Alternatively, you could take a taxi (£4-£6,
10 mins) to the University from Stafford town centre. A local taxi company is 
‘Kaminski Hire’ - they can be contacted on +44 (0) 1785 603030.






 




A51
3 to 
M6
J14

Stafford Town Centre

Key to Buildings E The Octagon Key to Features and Landmarks

 The Beacon Building Business  All-weather Sports Pitch
Student Information Centre Computing  The Terrace Cafe
Careers Centre Information Services  Food for Thought Restaurant
Student Recruitment Centre (FCET) General Teaching and Lecture Rooms  DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar
– Faculty of Computing, Engineering F Student Accommodation  Security Lodge
and Technology G Accommodation Reception
Terrace Cafe H Nelson Library Bus Stop
DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar I Health Centre
The Gallery Restaurant J Childcare Service S1 Yarlet
Counselling Service K Aston Common Room S2 Stafford Court
Disability Advisory Service On campus Police Office
Multi-Faith Chaplaincy L Sports Centre, including Fitness Suite
Student Guidance Officer M Stafford Business Village
Students’ Union Facilities: N Recycling Centre
Reception and Union Offices O Blackheath Lane - Services
Student Shop, Student Advice Centre Vice-Chancellor’s Office
 Students’ Union Building – Faculty of Health
Legends and The Lounge Sales and Student Recruitment
General Teaching and Lecturing Rooms SURF
Television Centre Enterprise and Commercial Development
The Ruxton Technology Centre Food for Thought Restaurant
DolcHe Vita Coffee Bar General Teaching and Lecture Rooms
Approach route to the Stafford campus P Car Parks

40 41
We look forward to welcoming you!
If you have any questions please contact us.

International Student Centre

Staffordshire University
College Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 2DE
United Kingdom

e: isc@staffs.ac.uk
t: +44(0) 1782 294539
f: +44(0) 1782 294498
www.staffs.ac.uk
M2414 CBS 0410