107 Years Of Excellence. - University of Sheffield

107 Years Of Excellence.

Pre-Departure Briefing.

NIGERIA 2014

11/06/2014 © The University of Sheffield / Department of Marketing and Communications

Tomi Lasebikan Regional Officer – West Africa International Office


Today’s aims • Key dates

What will happen when?

• Before you leave home Preparations before you travel to Sheffield

• Travel to Sheffield

• Your first weeks in Sheffield - Meet and Greet Scheme - Residential Orientation Programme - Intro Week - Registration

• Accommodation / Finances

• Practical Tips / What to bring with you

• Questions?


Publications


Key Dates.

What will

happen when


Orientation Programme for International Students Monday 15 – Saturday 20 September

Intro Week Monday 22 – Saturday 27 September

Meet and Greet Scheme / Manchester Airport Pick-Up Sunday 14 – Sunday 21 September

Students are expected to arrive by Sunday 21 September at the latest!

University accommodation contract holders – Arrive by 19 September!

Academic teaching begins on 29 September

Key dates


Key dates

• Two semesters in the academic year:

• Autumn Semester - 29 September to 20 December 2014

- 19 January to 07 February 2015

• Spring Semester - 09 February to 21 March 2015

- 13 April to 13 June 2015

• Followed by dissertation for PGR and PGT students

• Total study period: 9 months for UG and 12 months for PGT students

• Semesters are separated by vacations • Christmas vacation 4 weeks (20 Dec 2014 – 19 Jan 2015)

• Easter Vacation 3 weeks (21 March 2015 – 13 April 2015) • No formal teaching in vacations although most facilities are open


Before you leave home.

Your checklist


Before you leave home

• Have you met the conditions of your offer?

• Have you accepted your offer ?

• Have you paid your deposit ?

• Obtained a Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance Certificate?

• Have you obtained your CAS number?

• Have you obtained ATAS* clearance (if required) ?

• Have you Read the Essential Guides available online:

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome

* Academic Technology Approval Scheme



• Obtain a valid passport ensure name in passport is the same as one on offer letter

• For the visa application you require a ‘CAS statement’ and ‘TB certificate’ The CAS Statement is not issued until you’ve paid your deposit (if requested to do so)

• Obtain study visa/entry clearance before you leave Nigeria.

• Ensure you are clear about when to arrive so your visa is issued accordingly Will you be attending International Orientation or Fresher’s Week ?


Before you leave home • Visit www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/newstudents/before-you-arrive

• Find somewhere to live and apply online for University accommodation by the deadlines given

• Pre-register on line - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/registration/newstudents/before/internationalstu

• Complete University Health Service Registration online : http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/newstudents/before-you-arrive/medical/check

• Prepare for module choice (UG only – Arts and Humanities, Social Science and Science)



• Health Immunisations

- Tuberculosis (before obtaining a visa) - In addition, students below the age of 24 should have Meningitis C and MMR (before coming to the UK)

– Dentistry, Nursing, Speech Science and Medicine students (Hepatitis B, MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)

• Book plane tickets

• Buy travel insurance to cover your trip to Sheffield and for your stay in the UK when you study for less than 6 months

• Bring extra passport photographs


Visas

Where to get advice

How the University can help


Visas • You must obtain a study visa to come to the UK

• University provides a CAS statement

• You obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) clearance certificate

• Show financial documentation as well as previous Educational qualifications

• Paying deposit will help greatly

• Seek local advice if required (West Africa Regional Officer and other local representatives like Agents can help)

• University can help (though not the International Office)

• For visa amendments while in Sheffield help is available from the University and the Students’ Union

- The University employs a special visa officer


Travel to Sheffield.


Please fly to Manchester Airport


Travel to Sheffield Manchester Arrivals

• Meet and Greet Scheme (Sunday 14 – Sunday 21 September)

- Cost: £25 with £5 refund for early payments

- Apply by 26 August – Application form is online on https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/international/before/meet-greet/booking

• Direct National Express coach from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (~£9.90)

• Direct train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (75 minutes ~ £18-£19.80)

London Heathrow Arrivals

• Direct coach to Sheffield - National Express Airlink coachservice from airport - www.nationalexpress.com - £25/30 – 5/6 hours

• Travel to Sheffield by train

Take “tube” to Kings Cross -St Pancras Railway Station and then take train from St Pancras to Sheffield or

• Take National Express coach from Victoria coach station


Travel to Sheffield

• For those that arrive with Meet and Greet in Sheffield they will be dropped off at the University campus

• Please note that the Meet and Greet scheme does not include accommodation

• For those that arrive by coach/train in Sheffield • Take a taxi – approx £6 to University

Your First Weeks in Sheffield.


Meet and Greet Scheme. 14 – 21 September


Meet and Greet Scheme

• Operates from 09 – 16 September 2012

• For students only

• Students will greet you in the arrivals hall

• Collection from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (08:00 – 19:00 hrs)

• Outside these hours you have to make your own travel arrangements

• Cost: £25 (£10 from Doncaster Sheffield Airport) with £5 discount for prompt payment - Payable on arrival in Sheffield

• Only for Pre-bookings – booked by 31 August

• Confirmed bookings will receive a confirmation email


Meet and Greet Scheme

• Sheffield Train and Bus Station Meet and Greet Friday 20 – Sunday 21 September, 11am-6pm

• All buses from London and London Airports will be met but walk to Train Station for other arrivals

• Free mini-bus to Halls of Residence or Accommodation and Campus Services


Orientation Monday 15 – Saturday 20 September

• For students only

• Optional introduction to University life

• Allows for easy transition (Introduction to campus, cultural, social and practical issues)

• Change to meet other international students before the crowds arrive

• 4/3/2 night packages available

• Cost: £20 – 25 per night

• Information sessions, seminars/lectures, campus tours, evening activities, entertainment, trips, social events incl. formal dinner with VIP guests.


Intro Week (Freshers’ Week) Monday 22 – Saturday 27 September

Events for all new students (both UK and international)

• Registration

• Departmental introductions

• University Meetings

• Health Service interviews

• A social week – “Union of Students” organises lots of fun events on campus, live music, discos, barbeque

• International Student Fair (your chance to join new societies and sports clubs)

• Meadow-hall shopping trip


Our campus


Our main library


Information Commons


USport

Nanoscience & Technology Centre


Student Accommodation.


University accommodation Self-catering accommodation – Halls of Residence

• Individual study bedroom

• Shared with approx 3-11 other students

• Single or mixed gender accommodation

• You must provide your own meals although meal card is optional

• Includes all bills and 10Mbps wired or Broadband wireless internet access (In Victoria Hall, Opal One and Opal Two internet comes at a separate charge)

• Contract length 42 weeks (unless otherwise stated)

Catered accommodation - Halls of Residence

• Individual study bedroom

• Approx 500 – 800 other students

• Popular with first year students

• Meals provided (breakfast & dinner) although in some locations a meal card is optional.

• Includes all bills and 10Mbps wired or Broadband wireless internet access

• Contract length 42 weeks (unless otherwise stated)


Housing guarantee UNDERGRADUATE

• Need to have selected Sheffield as your firm choice by 06 July

• Apply for accommodation by 08 August and complete form correctly

• Return UCAS AS12 from by 31 August

• Make University Owned or Managed Partnership your first two preferences on the application form

• Hold an Unconditional Firmly accepted offer with us by 31 August

POSTGRADUATE

• Accept conditional/unconditional offer by 06 August

• Apply for accommodation AND return confirmation slip by 08 August

• Do not make private sector accommodation one of your first two preferences on the application form


Housing deposit

• Follow instructions as emailed to you by Campus and Accommodation Services

• A deposit of £150 is required to reserve your accommodation

• Pay up to 7 days after receipt of your accommodation contract by:

- Credit card by phone

- Credit card online (receipt issued automatically)

- Bank transfer

• Deposit is returned when you leave the accommodation

• Move into your accommodation by date given by Accommodation Office ! (19 September probably) or, if this is not possible, pay advance rent of £250 when arriving late to secure your room.

• Any problems? CONTACT ACCOMMODATION & CAMPUS SERVICES – [email protected]


Housing guarantee

• Apply online

http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective/apply/guarantee

No need to worry as there is sufficient private sector student accommodation in Sheffield


Private sector accommodation

• Good range of private accommodation in Sheffield

• Contract with private landlord or lettings agency

• You pay rent plus additional bills (electricity, gas, food)

• Help from the University in finding accommodation (Lettings Office) once you’ve arrived in Sheffield.

• Cannot be organised in advance of your arrival (you must come to Sheffield in person)

• There is sufficient private sector accommodation in Sheffield

• http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/propertywithus


Temporary accommodation For parents, relatives and friends

• Good range of guest houses, B&B, hotels

• You must arrange temporary accommodation if you have no other arrangements BEFORE you come to Sheffield

• University cannot provide accommodation for parents, relatives or friends.

http://www.shef.ac.uk/housing/temporary_accommodation.html



Finances

Fees

Living expenses

Work during your studies


Living Expenses This is set at £820 per month.

UNDERGRADUATE - 9 months = £7,380

POSTGRADUATE - 12 months = £9,840

Dependants = £460 each per calendar month

This covers all expenditure apart from tuition fees


Tuition Fees (Payment options)

1. Part or full payment before visa application Overseas students should pay a deposit as high as possible before they apply for their visa.

2. You need to pay at least 25% before or as at enrolment. -on arrival during registration week.

3. Four instalments maximum, payable at the beginning of Oct ‘14, Dec ’14, Feb ‘15 and Apr ‘15


• Different rules apply to sponsored students.

• All payments can be made by:

- Credit card (online, or by phone)

- International Bank transfer (BACS transfer form)

- Bank draft made out to ‘The University of Sheffield’

- Through sponsor (we can invoice the sponsor) (complete Financial Guarantee Form)

• Payments can only be accepted in British Pound Sterling

Tuition Fees (Payment options)


• Can be done at most high street banks (HSBC, Natwest, Yorkshire Bank, Lloyds-TSB, Coop, Halifax, Barclays, RBS)

• Opening an account can take several weeks

- Current Account / Student Account

- Cash Debit Card

• To open an account you need:

- International Passport

- (Bank statements from home)

- Proof of address

- Proof of student status (certifying letter or letter issued by SSiD after registration or to students during Residential Orientation Programme.

Opening a Bank Account


Part-time work

• International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies

• We recommend 10-12 hours max. per week

• Help available from Student Union Job shop / Job Agencies

• Working in the UK after your studies: • Please contact the careers team for more information

• What support do we offer to find part- or full-time work?

What to Bring.

The essentials you need to bring to Sheffield


Essentials for hand luggage

• CAS letter from the University

• Accommodation confirmation letter (if you have one)

• Medical certificates (TB Test)

• All your original transcripts and certificates

• Copies of Bank statements, a sponsor’s letter or bank draft

• Your passport

• Valuables, medicines

All these must be carried in your hand Luggage.


• Personal possessions, i.e. family photos

• Contact email addresses and phone numbers

• Warm jumpers/coat

• Good pair of shoes

• Nigerian traditional costume for festivals and international events that will be arranged throughout the year.

• Laptop (if you have one) and adaptor There are Wifi Access Points throughout the campus

• £300 - £500 to cover personal expenses in your first few weeks after arrival (please bring small denominations)

• A happy positive attitude and some patience during the first weeks

Other Essentials


Electricity • UK Mains Voltage is 230V

• Ensure you obtain an adaptor if you bring any electrical equipment.

• Most electrical equipment has a transformer (i.e. laptop power supplies) that can cope with 110-240V but please check!


What to buy on arrival • There’s no need to bring everything you own!

(there are shops in Sheffield …)

• Airlines will charge for overweight

• Bedding can be provided by the University or purchased in Sheffield

• Cooking equipment and utensils can be purchased in Sheffield

• Don’t carry books for your studies (Students’ Union organises second-hand book fair, Amazon, Library)

• Some fresh foodstuffs cannot be imported into the UK


When you arrive

Practical tips on what to do when you arrive


When you arrive

• Remember to call home immediately after you’ve arrived in Sheffield !

(UK data protection legislation prevents us from informing relatives about your whereabouts)

• In front of luggage belt 1 at Manchester Airport is a machine that issues calling cards (get hold of some pound coins)

• Consider a Lycamobile or a Lebara sim card and bring your mobile

You will be able to use a UK sim in your mobile.


Nigerian

Students


Nigerian students in Sheffield

• Nigerian Student Society/African Caribbean Student Society

(Both have a stall at the Societies Bazaar during Intro Week)

• The Nigerian Students are a very active group

• Nigerian Students organise social events throughout the year

• There are regular showing of Nollywood films in student Union cinema

• Nigerian Students Forum take part in annual Nottinghill carnival and other celebrations


University Medical Centre .


University Medical Centre

• During Intro Week you will attend a registration interview

• Ensure you bring name, address and contact details of your current doctor

• Ensure you bring details on any medical conditions, medicine


And Finally …


Climate • The temperature in Sheffield can during summer be as high as 37 degrees Celsius (June to August) and below freezing, though usually not so cold, in the winter months (November to March) • You can expect snow at some stage during winter

• You will have to get used to the UK weather but in the end you’ll probably learn to appreciate it


Any questions? • Carefully read the information contained in your Pre-departure guide

Please visit - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/welcome

• Visit the Ask Sheffield website for general questions http://www.shef.ac.uk/asksheffield

• Contact the Nigeria Team:

Tomi Lasebikan-Afilaka

[email protected]

Nigeria Ambassador

Chineze/Bassey/Damilola - [email protected]

• FAQ: www.sheffield.ac.uk/asksheffield


See You Soon In Sheffield.


Plagiarism

Plagiarism is “passing off others’ work as your own, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to your benefit. The work can include ideas, compositions, designs, images, computer code, and, of course, words”. “Any attempt by a student to gain unfair advantage over another student in the completion of an assessment, or to assist someone else to gain an unfair advantage, is cheating.” Sheffield adopts innovative technologies to detect plagiarism which includes the use of special detection software. Information is checked against a national database.

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107 Years Of Excellence. - University of Sheffield