Reading University Malaysian Bruneian Singaporean

Association presents

THE RUMBSA GUIDE TO SURVIVAL IN READING

YOUR CUSTOMIZED STARTER PACK TO UOR

Making your way to Reading

Things you don't want to forget!

Setting up your new crib

Makan Places

RUMBSA Flagship Events

2018/19 Committee

HELLO! WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF READING

Hello and welcome to the University of Reading! Studying in a foreign country

for the first time can be very daunting! We’ve all been there before and we

certainly know how it feels like. That twisting feeling in your belly, the fear of

being lost in a town where you don’t know anyone!

Hence, we’ve created this starter guide to help you wiggle your way from the

beginning such as preparations before arriving to the UK and of course, surviving

the first few weeks of your arrival in Reading. Trust us when we tell you that as

much as it is a scary thought, the experience you will gain is priceless!

In this guide, we will show you the general location of Reading and the important

landmarks such as places to eat, where to get your housing things and much more!

So please do spend some time looking through the guide, we also recommend

printing this out for your convenience.

Thank you and we hope you have an exciting adventure! It’s hammer time! *Credits

to the 2015/16 committee for providing us access to this guide

BEFORE ARRIVING TO THE UK As you all know, you will need to apply for a VISA to be able to study in the UK. And there’s so many things to think and prepare about it. Therefore, we are providing useful guidelines on the process of applying a student VISA in this section and the important bits that you would want to know before flying!

A) VISA application

• To get started, you will need to register yourself at

https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/home/welcome this is where you will manage your VISA

online application. You will be applying for a Tier 4 (General) student VISA (this is the

usual student VISA that most student would go for). However, this might vary for some,

hence, please visit, https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas to review

other types of student VISA(s) available.

• All payments regarding on your VISA application will be made online such as Healthcare

Insurance (NHS) and VISA. The price would vary depending on your preference,

whether you would like to take the Standard or Express VISA application.

• Just a quick heads up, the payment would be made in US dollars. Therefore, your/ your

parents’ card will be charged according to their banks and the rates on the day you make

your payment.

• Once, payments are made you will have to book an appointment to pass your required

documents to complete the VISA application.

• Documents required for VISA appointment:

i) A current passport or other valid travel documentation

ii) Proof that you can support yourself and pay for your course: usually a bank

statement or a bank letter regarding on your/ your parents’ account that would

be use to support your studies in the UK

iii) Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18

iv) Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian: this would be your

birthcert or a short letter saying that that is your guardian with a signature.

v) Your tuberculosis (TB) test certificate: it is important to ensure that you go to

an approved test clinics to get the TB certificate. Please click,

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-

clinics-in-malaysia/tuberculosis-testing-in-malaysia (for Malaysian),

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-

clinics-in-brunei/tuberculosis-testing-in-brunei (for Bruneian).

*Note that: Singaporean does not require a TB test for VISA application

*Please take note that all documents must be in English. This includes your birth

certificate.

B) Tuberculosis Test

• Before going for the test, please make sure that you call the hospital and ask about the

VISA tuberculosis (TB) test. This is to avoid any disappointments on over bookings on

that day as there will be many students would get their TB test.

• Moreover, you will required to bring the documents listed below before going for the TB

test:

i) Valid current passport (original)

ii) 1 recent VISA/ passport size photo (of any background colour)- this will be

used for your medical certificate

iii) Address in UK (i.e. university/residential)

• After you have received the certificate, you might need to make photocopies of it, in case.

C) Before flying to the UK

• This section is the most important of all upon entering to the UK because without it, you

will not permitted to stay more than 1 month. Hence, please do read it attentively!

• As you are preparing and packing your things to fly to the Great Britain and still wondering

what you might have forget, these are the crucial things that you will need to prepare first:

i) Valid current passport and 3 photocopies of it

ii) VISA letter: you will receive this once you collect together with your passport

from the VISA centre

iii) CAS confirmation email (print it out)

iv) Bank letter/ bank statement (plus consent letter if funding is from your

parents’ account)

v) Tuberculosis test certificate

vi) Birth certificate (in case)

• Keep these documents properly after you have passed the immigration at Heathrow

airport. You might need it for other purposes such as opening a bank account, applying

for part time job etc.

HOW TO MAKE PAYMENT Unsure on how to make payment for your tuition fees and accommodation? This

section is where we will guide you on how and where to pay for the fees, whether

you want to do it before you arrive or when you arrived.

A) Card/ Online Payment

• For card payment before you arrive, please visit,

https://www.webpay.reading.ac.uk/StudentPayments/ws_welcome.asp. This is a student

web pay online direct to the University. Ensure that you choose the correct payment type

as they will display “Guest Login”, “Student Login” and “Link to RISIS portal”.

• PayPal: The University have also partnered with PayPal so that you could make

payments for your tuition and accommodation fees.

• All card payments online are free from any charges by the Univerisity. This is a new ruling

in May 2018 for the student web pay website.

• Card payment upon arrival: Do note that this method will only be available on your first

week of term. You will need to go to the Receipts Office at the Whiteknights House in

University of Reading to make your payment.

• With the Receipts Office available, they will tell you separately the amount of your tuition

and accommodation fees before payment. This method is recommended for your 2nd

(Spring) and 3rd (Summer) term in Reading because you will have your money ready in

your UK bank account and you can pay directly from your card without extra charges.

• If you are going with your parents and plan to pay with your parents’ card first on the first

week of term starts is also plausible. However, ensure that there is no extra charges

from the your parents’ bank when making transactions in the UK.

B) Cheque Payment

• Please make all cheques payable to “University of Reading” and ensure that your 8-digit

student record number is written on the reverse of the cheque. These can be sent by

post to:

Receipts Office,

University of Reading,

PO Box 217, Whiteknights,

Reading, RG6 6AH

• Please note that if a cheque is dishonoured, an administration charge of £15 will be

added to your account.

C) Bank to Bank Transfer

• This is another method of paying your fees before your arrival in Reading and also most

parents prefer to use this method.

• Please ensure that you quote your 8 digit student number (found on RISIS) and details of

what is being paid on the payment reference (e.g., accomodation/ tuition fees or both).

Otherwise, the University unable to allocate your payment to your student account.

• The University’s bank details are:

Account name: University of Reading Receipts Account

Bank name: Barclays Bank

Bank address: 90-93 Broad Street, Reading, RG1 1AP

Sort code: 20-71-29

Account No.: 10468509

IBAN: GB48 BARC 2071 2910468509

Swift Code: BARCGB22

THE MAP OF READING

Please visit http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/UoR-and-

town-map-2012-COLOUR.pdf for the online version.

Shinfield Road

A 3 minute walk from the university entrance brings you to Shinfield Road, which offers a

variety of shops such as convenience stores (Today's Local, Costcutters), restaurants (Cafe

Metro, Greggs, Unigrill, Sizzling spice), a pub (Queen's Head) and a pharmacy.

Whitley Street 15 minutes walk from those who lives in Northcourt halls (Benyon Hall, Sherfield Hall, and

St. Patricks Hall). Whitley Street has Tesco Express (a smaller version of Tesco), a post

office, a few restaurants and a halal butcher.

Wokingham Road: most Halal shops

5 minutes walk from Wessex Hall. There are many shoplots located around this area

and most of them are halal, with several halal restaurants, halal butcher and

convenience stores. It is definitely a great place for our muslim members!

P/S: There’s a really good kebab shop here. Trust us, the kebab in UK is different.

They are originated from Turkey and its called Doner Kebab (lamb, specifically). You

don’t want to miss this when you go to Wokingham Road!

GETTING TO READING FROM THE AIRPORT (TO AND FRO GUIDE)

A) From London Heathrow (LHR)

RailAir

RailAir coaches provide direct services to and fro London Heathrow and Reading.

RailAir coaches from Heathrow to Reading only

picks-up passengers at Heathrow Central Bus

Station (stands 6-15a) and Terminal 5 (stop 9).

● There are several terminals in Heathrow

Airport; Terminal 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. ● Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights

disembarks at Terminal 4. ● Depending from which terminal you are

arriving at, the directions may differ. ● Use the FREE Heathrow Express rail shuttle

service to the Heathrow Central Bus Station at

Terminals 2&3.

We highly recommend that you visit this website

http://www.railair.com/wheretoboard.php to get more detailed information.

Standard Ticket Prices - including RailAir Lounge and Heathrow

The following ticket options are available on the day (before you board) at Reading (RailAir Lounge)

and Heathrow (Central Bus Station and Terminal 5), from any UK rail station or in advance from any

UK rail station or rail ticketing website. Reading Buses also sell combined bus/RailAir tickets for those

boarding Reading Buses within the SimplyReading area and travelling to Heathrow. Please visit

www.reading-buses.co.uk/offers for more details.

E-ticket Prices - online at www.railair.com

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.railair.com/index.php the day before travel. An e-

ticket will be emailed to you which must be printed out and brought along to show a member of staff

when required.

Early Bird tickets can be singles, day returns or period returns and are automatically generated

when booking online between 2 and 3 months in advance.

Please visit http://www.railair.com/timetables.php for the latest timetable.

GETTING TO READING FROM THE AIRPORT (TO AND FRO GUIDE)

B) From London Heathrow (LHR)

Taxi Services

• In the event that you may have a lot of luggage, the alternative is to take a black cab

from Heathrow Airport. However, this method is rather costly as a black cab would

normally charge around GBP 100.00 from Heathrow to Reading. • Alternatively, you can book for a taxi upon arrival, please click

http://www.heathrow.com/transportand-directions/taxis-and-minicabs for

more information.

TIP: Don't consider Uber unless you don't mind incurring international rates on your credit/debit card

By Train (via Trainline)

• If you are planning to go back for the end term holidays (Winter break, Easter break) from Reading to London Heathrow and carrying back only a small luggage, taking a train ride would be a convenient choice for you as the train ride would be quick (about 30-40 mins)

• You can check the time and price at the Trainline website, please click, https://www.thetrainline.com/

• You will have to make sure that you select Heathrow Terminal 4, if you are flying with Malaysia Airlines and other termials such as Terminal 1, 2, 3 for other airlines. This is to ensure that when you book your tickets through the website, you select the right terminal to go to.

• To know which terminal you should get on for your respective airline, please visit, https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/which-terminal.

C) From London Gatwick (LGW)

• Direct trains run to Gatwick Airport to Reading Station every hour and take about 1hr 30

minutes. A single ticket costs around £15 and can be purchased at the station in Gatwick

airport.

• There are two different terminals in Gatwick Airport;

- The North Terminal:

http://www.gatwickairport.com/globalassets/documents/maps/gatwick_north_march16.pdf - The South Terminal:

http://www.gatwickairport.com/globalassets/documents/maps/gatwick_south_march16.pdf

• Similarly, please look through the map to familiarise yourself and how to get to the train

station. We recommend downloading the National Rail or the Trainline app for train timing

as well as purchasing tickets.

GETTING TO UNIVERSITY FROM READING STATION Bus 21/21a

• Bus no: 21/21a @ Bus stop EJ (next to where RailAir buses stops, just outside of Reading train station)

• The Bus 21/21a is usually Claret (red). You’d

want to stop at the University of Reading stop,

the bus usually displays the name of the stop.

• On the day of your arrival there are volunteer

students who will guide you to your halls.

TIP: Ask for Boost (Single or Day) Tickets for cheaper fares if you think you can pull off the "under 19" look.

Reading Bus Fares

Type of fares Single trip (one-way)

All day

Adult £2.00 £4.00

Boost (student) £1.50 £2.50 *Purchase tickets from the driver and prepare the exact fare as buses do not give change.

Taxi

• Black cabs are just beside the train station. • You can take these London-styled taxis directly from the taxi stand at the station

for around £8-£12.

SET UP YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

The banks above are examples of popular banks in the UK and that are easily

accessible in Reading Town Centre. Santander and Barclays are the only banks

that have an in-campus branch, but there are several free cash withdrawal ATM

machines around campus that allows you to withdraw from any bank.

TIP: It is highly recommended to SEPARATE bank drafts/cheques that you bring between LIVING COSTS and TUITION FEES and ACCOMODATION fees.

This is because setting up bank accounts usually takes around 2 weeks to process, and you will usually need to make payment to the University and your accommodation in your first week.

Failing to do so, you may end up needing to settle the payments with unfavorable exchange rates using credit cards or E-transfer.

Always carry enough cash in case of an emergency for the first two weeks. Also, before setting up your bank account, you will NEED to bring your passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card, and bank letter from University (it is obtainable through RISIS portal).

BUDGETING FOR EXPENSES

Personal expenditure varies largely by individuals. There are catered and non-

catered halls and this might affect on how you spend your money while you are

studying here. Therefore, below is a suggested living costs as part of your student

life here in the UK.

*Note that you may ask one of our committee members to advise on your expenditure if you still have any

questions about it.

GETTING YOUR MOBILE SET

UP

One of the first important things to get settle with when you are in Reading is your

mobile, as it helps you connect with your family, friends and loved ones. In this

section, you will find a few mobile providers in the UK and we will suggest the best

you could use in Reading.

A) EE

• EE is one of the mobile providers that student used (not very common) because of the

limited line coverage. EE is located in town at Broad Street, opposite Primark.

• Address: 114/115 Broad St, Reading, RG1 2BA, UK

B) 3 (Three)

• Most students in Reading uses “3” and it has good coverage in most parts of Reading,

except when you are shopping in ASDA. It really depends on your luck, because some of

us have a good line coverage whereever we go.

• Inclusive of roaming in most EU countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands,

Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal) and Singapore, which means you would not

have to trouble yourself to get new SIM card when you go travelling. Just on your data

roaming and you are good to go!

• They also offer many cheap and afforadable plans rather than taking their monthly pay as

you go.

• You can go to Reading branch which is located beside EE for more information.

Address: 21-22 Broad Street, Reading RG1 2BH, UK

C) Vodafone

• Vodafone also has good line coverage in Reading and other places as well. They offer

good and cheap plans especially the VOXI plan.

• The VOXI plan includes endless social data + 15GB for everything else, endless calls

and texts, endless European roaming, endless picture messages and it Is a flexible 30-

day rolling plan.

• Vodafone also includes roaming for most EU countries. Morever, their internet is a really

good substituition for immediate WiFi for students who are last minute in submitting their

assignments when the University’s WiFi crashes.

• You can visit the store in The Oracle, a shopping mall in Reading town.

BUYING YOUR ROOM SUPPLIES

After settling down into your room, you may want to buy supplies. If you

did not buy the bedding pack (from http://www.reading.ac.uk/bedding-

pack-order.aspx, ONLY if you live on-campus accommodation), you might

want to order for your convenience, but quality isn't great. If you prefer to

buy on your own, there are a few shops in Reading town you can buy

from:

• Wilko's (located at Broad Street Mall) and Clas Ohlson (located at Broad St.) offers cheap

and good value household items, including kitchen utensils and washing liquid and many

more.

• House of Fraser - Plenty of selections, price may vary a lot, however, there should be

discounts around September.

• IKEA - That's right, Reading's new IKEA outlet is a 50 minute bus ride away from the

university. It is recommended to take a 20 minute taxi ride there and only when you are

fully settled down. Get all sorts of DIY furniture and of course, meatballs.

• Poundland - Once you stop laughing at this funky name, you'll discover a hidden world

of £1 items that you can't get enough of. The quality of household items may not be the

best but some of the items are worth buying here, such as food, washing items etc.

Just have a look around and it’s a splendid place to go if you’re on a tight budget!

Essentials Checklist

1) Beddings: Duvet (similar to a blanket), duvet cover, bed sheets, pillows and pillow cover.

2) Kitchenware: Plates, cups, pots, pans, fork, spoon, knife, chopping board,

baking tray (be advised you may be asked for ID when purchasing a knife).

3) Some of the kitchens on-campus uses induction stove, so if you are looking to

buy pots and pans, make sure they are suit the purpose.

4) Toiletries: Toilet rolls, shampoo, body wash etc

STAYING ON-CAMPUS HALLS?

If you are staying on-campus, this section might be helpful for you as it will inform you what you have to know about on-campus halls, what to buy and what not to buy for your essentials while staying on campus!

YOUR ROOM

Your room is fully furnished and contains at minimum:

• A bed

• Desk and desk chair

• Shelves

• Lighting

• A wardrobe

• Drawers

• A waste bin

• If you have an ensuite room, a bathroom bin and toilet brush is provided

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

• Bedding (duvet and pillows, sheets, duvet cover, pillow cases- we suggest two sets)

• Towels and a bath mat

YOUR KITCHEN- SELF-CATERED ACCOMODATION

• A hob and oven

• Microwave

• Fridge and freezer

• Cupboard

• Storage space for each resident

• Kettle

• Toaster

• Ironing board

• Dust pan and brush

• Vacuum

- Be reminded that some hall kitchens are fitted with induction hobs which need special induction pans available from most online and high stree retailers. These are:

• Stenton Hall

• Stenton Townhouses

• Mackinder Hall (not Dunsden Crescent)

• Childs Hall

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING

• Crockery

• Cutlery

• Cooking utensils

• Pots and pans to cook with

SUPERMARKETS AND GROCERY SHOPPING

• Tesco Express - Drop by around 8pm to find reduced price items. You'll be surprised!

• Sainsbury's local - Situated right on high street or another one near Costa in town, you won't miss it.

• Marks & Spencer - Wide selection of your favourite British products situated opposite Primark. Go to their bakery section aroung their closing time and you’ll be amazed with their bake goods reductions as they can go as low as 10p!

• Co-op on campus- Although slightly pricey, there's 10% off with NUS card. (You can apply the NUS card online)

• Today's Local / Costcutter - The nearest stores to University that sells

oriental products (maggi and indomee) and Asian food.

• Asda - Although located a bit far from campus, their groceries are reasonably

cheaper. Opens 24 hours except Sundays.

- You can also buy your room supplies here as there would be reduced

price for students in September.

Acccessible on any Scarlet 21 bus that heads to Lower Earley.

MAKAN PLACES Malaysian

YAN YAN TAKE AWAY Kill off that homesickness! Only do take aways They can cook Malaysian dishes upon order 1 The Parade Silverdale Road, Reading RG6 7NZ

Chinese GOLDEN RICE CHOPSTIX NOODLE : Halal

A Chinese takeaway in Reading It’s a place for noodle-lovers! Serves in big portions Serves in big portions too! If you ever feel extra hungry, this is the place! 31 Whitley Street 80 Broad St, Reading Reading RG1 2AP RG2 0EG

CHINA PALACE If you ever crave for a good dimsum, this is the place! 43-45 Oxford Road

Reading RG1 7QG

Indian VEL A great place to try South Indian food

with affordable price! 73-75, Whitley Street Reading RG2 0EG

Thai

THAI CORNER Missed eating tomyum? Then go try out this Thai restaurant in Reading town!

47 West St, Reading RG1 1TZ

Korean GOOI NARA SOJU BBQ 39 Whitley St, Reading RG2 0EG 9-11 Kings Walk, King Street

Reading RG1 2HG

Japanese

SUSHI MANIA KOKORO Half price every lunchtime! Finding another good Japanese Great price for students place to eat in Reading? who’s on a tight budget! Try this one out! 9 Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7QF 12 Queen Victoria Street Reading RG1 1SY

YO SUSHI ITSU

Offers Monday Blues! Want something quick and 45 selected dishes for only Japanese? Go to this fast food £2.90 on every Monday Japanese chain store in town! House of Fraser, The Oracle, 31 Queen Victoria St, Reading RG1 2AS RG1 1SY

OTHERS

FINN'S PIWNICA PUB

Your go-to for Fish n Authentic Polish food

Chips tucked away in a secret hideout 5 Hatherley Rd, Reading RG1 5QA 81 London Rd, Reading RG1 5BY

BAKERY HOUSE: Halal

Halal Lebanese

cuisine in a humble

shop

82 London St, Reading RG1 4SJ

SAVERS PERFECT FRIED CHICKEN (PFC): Halal A fast food store like KFC but with a lil bit of twist in their menus. You can get a huge masala fish and naan for only £6 (according to our President) 51 Wokingham Rd, Reading RG6 1LH

RUMBSA FLAGSHIP EVENTS

FRESHER’S MEET 3.10.2018

RUMBSA AGM 15.03.2019

AND… MANY MORE! Just keep checking for our updates on our Facebook, Instagram and our website page

HALLOWEEN NIGHT Oct 2018 (TBC)

RUMBSA BALL 29.03.2019

POTLUCK 3.11.2018

RUMBSA GAMES 16.02.2019

YOUR 2018/19 COMMITTEE

JUDSON LEE President

JO HANN Vice President

SARAH Secretary

CHIANG LIM (CL) Treasurer

NAFIZ Sports Rep

SHARLEEN Social Rep

SHER MINN Events Manager

ANIS Events Manager