GETTING STARTED AT UNIVERSITY Welcome from the International Office 2016
WELCOME FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE We hope you enjoy your time here at Portsmouth. The International Office is here to provide you with advice and support throughout your time with us and we re committed to making your stay a happy and enjoyable one. Throughout the year we organise sightseeing day trips to famous cities. Keep up to date with our social activities on our Facebook group University of Portsmouth Mix & Match. We also produce The Island e-newsletter for all international and EU students. Visit the International Office pages at www.port. ac.uk/internationalandeustudents for further advice and support. CONTACT US International Office First Floor, Nuffield Centre T: +44 (0)23 9284 3488 E: internationaloffice@port.ac.uk international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk WELCOME FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
WELCOME FROM THE EXCHANGES AND STUDY ABROAD TEAM Whether you are coming here for half or the whole academic year, we hope your Portsmouth experience is a great one. The Exchanges and Study Abroad Team is based in the International Office and it is your first point of contact at the University. We are here to help and support you throughout your stay with us. As an Exchange student, you are welcome to join our social events and day trips and meet other overseas students. CONTACT US Exchanges and Study Abroad Team International Office First Floor, Nuffield Centre T: +44 (0)23 9284 3149 W: www.port.ac.uk/studyabroad General study abroad enquiries: studyabroad@port.ac.uk General Erasmus enquiries: erasmus.incoming@port.ac.uk INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION When you arrive at the University, you will need to bring documentation to confirm your identity and you may need to provide evidence of your entry qualifications. This is an important part of registration. Registration is open from 12 30 September 2016 in Park Building. 1For identity purposes, one of the following documents must be shown at the point of registration: valid passport valid EU identity card Non-European Economic Area students must show: valid passport valid vignette/visa and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (where applicable) Entry Clearance Office decision letter (this will inform you if you are collecting your BRP from the University or the Post Office) 2For qualifications, students are required to provide, on request, original qualification certificates as detailed in your offer. Please note: Students who cannot provide proof of their identity by one of these means will not be registered. The University reserves the right to exclude any student that is unable to satisfactorily provide proof of qualifications obtained. INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION 1
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN THE UK If you are in the UK for more than six months, you will probably need to open a bank account. This may take up to three weeks, so make sure you have access to any money you will need during this period. As a guide, documents required for opening a bank account in the UK include: passport bank supporting letter (available from the International Office) proof of local address halls of residence allocation notice or tenancy agreement from an approved letting agency Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable to you) Due to the constant changing of regulations, you are strongly advised to visit the banks to obtain updated information on the various types of accounts and services offered before making a decision on where you will open your account. This is very important as you may find it difficult to change bank accounts later in the year. IMMIGRATION WHILE YOU ARE IN THE UK (FOR NON-EU STUDENTS ONLY) Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Don t forget that if you have applied for your visa outside the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) before your vignette expires or within ten days of your arrival in the UK, whichever is the latest. You will have received information when your visa was granted about where to collect your BRP, this will be either from the University or the Post Office. For further information please visit www.gov.uk/ biometric-residence-permits. Student visa extension To renew your student visa, please come and see the International Student Advisers for advice. Visa extension applications are handled on weekdays only (10am 3pm). You are advised to renew your visa at least one month before the expiry date. Police registration Some nationalities are required by law to register with the police. If you are required to do this, it will be shown on either your vignette or on your Entry Clearance Office decision letter, it will not state it on your BRP. (You can also check whether your country is eligible at www.port. ac.uk/internationalandeustudents). If it does not state on either document, but you are a country who must register, please contact the International Student Advisers. In order to register please make an appointment with the International Student Advisers, based in the International Office, as soon as possible after your arrival in Portsmouth. Documents required: passport Biometric Residence Permit CAS letter from the University proof of address (for example, your housing contract) Failure to register with the police within three months of arrival in the UK could result in you being arrested. If you fail to register at all when you are required to do so, you are committing a serious offence and you could be fined up to 5,000. 2 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN THE UK
USEFUL CONTACTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISERS International Office, Nuffield Centre Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm T: +44 (0)23 9284 5121 or 3524 E: international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) Monday to Friday: 1pm to 4pm T: +44 (0)20 7788 9214 W: www.ukcisa.org.uk UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) W: www.gov.uk/visas-immigration FIND OUT MORE For useful information, news and a full list of our social events and coach trips, please check: www.port.ac.uk/ internationalandeustudents. You can also see information for all students at www.port.ac.uk/students. Make sure you check this regularly for news, events and important information. GET CONNECTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL OFFICE You may also want to join the conversation and network with other students: Find us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/uopinternational Mix and Match group: search for University of Portsmouth Mix & Match Erasmus students group: search for University of Portsmouth Erasmus students Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ uopintoffice USEFUL CONTACTS 3
YOUR FIRST WEEK THINGS YOU MUST DO: (All events take place between 12 and 18 September. See your Orientation Programme for details.) 1. CHECK IN WITH THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (Main Hall, Nuffield Centre) You will receive important information about Orientation Week and the University. 2. FINALISE REGISTRATION ON TO YOUR COURSE Go to Park Building to get your qualifications and identification documents checked. You must have your original documents and passport with you to register. 3. COLLECT YOUR BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT (non-eea students only) Your Entry Clearance Office decision letter will inform you if you are collecting your BRP from the University or the Post Office. 4. GET YOUR STUDENT ID CARD Once you ve fully registered, you will receive your student card. 5. ATTEND THE WELCOME PRESENTATION Undergraduates only: Thursday 15 September. Find out important information about the University. Postgraduates only: Friday 16 September Opportunity to find out important information about the University and meet staff and current postgraduate students. 6. ATTEND THE INFORMATION FAIR: FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER Exhibitors to this fair include support services and banks. Enjoy free refreshments and snacks while you walk around! 7. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR POLICE REGISTRATION (for non-eu students only) Check your programme for dates. Check your BRP or visa to see if you need to register. 8. ERASMUS STUDENTS ONLY GET YOUR DOCUMENTS SIGNED Come to the International Office and get your proof of arrival and learning agreement signed. 4 YOUR FIRST WEEK
NOW THAT YOU VE DONE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS, HERE ARE SOME EXTRA SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED WITH UNIVERSITY LIFE. 1. OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT You need to have a UK bank account for day-to-day transactions such as purchases, withdrawing money and paying bills by direct debit. A supporting letter to open an account can be produced by the International Office upon request. 2. PAY YOUR TUITION FEE ONLINE AT www.port.ac.uk/webpay (Cash payments are taken at University House cash desk only.) You must wait until you have fully registered onto your course and received your invoice. 3. REGISTER WITH YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR AND DENTIST It s important that you register as soon as possible. Don t wait until you feel unwell. Visit www.port.ac.uk/students to search for a list of doctors and dentists closest to where you live. 4. GET INSURANCE FOR YOUR POSSESSIONS Get your valuables protected as it s more expensive to replace them! 5. ATTEND FRESHERS FAYRE IN RAVELIN PARK: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 September. Join sports clubs and cultural societies to enjoy the social side of university life and make as many friends as possible.visit www.upsu.net for more details. 6. JOIN OUR MIX AND MATCH SOCIAL NETWORKING SCHEME Join our Facebook group to make friends from around the world and keep up to date with all our social events, coach trips and culltural celebrations. 7. ATTEND AT LEAST ONE SOCIAL EVENT DURING ORIENTATION Most groups of friends are formed in the first few weeks of term and the social events are a great way to settle in to the University. See your programme for details. 8. JOIN THE STUDENTS UNION AND GET YOUR NUS CARD This card will give you student discounts in shops nationwide and services including National Rail and National Express coach trips. 9. FINALLY, LOOK FURTHER: volunteer develop your CV get work experience meet new people learn new skills For more information, visit Purple Door and the Students Union. YOUR FIRST WEEK 5
Middle Street University Quarter M275 Out of city Marketway University buildings City buildings Halls of residence University car park Public car park One way street Pedestrian route Alfred Road Unicorn Road Commercial Road Precinct To Historic Dockyard Edinburgh Road Arundel Street Precinct Queen Street St James Street Lion Terrace Anglesea Road Victoria Park Stanhope Road Commercial Road Station Street Park Road To Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Harbour station Burnaby Road St Michael s Road King Henry I Street White Swan Road Exchange Road Guildhall Walk Alec Rose Lane Alec Rose Lane Winston Churchill Avenue To Langstone Student Village (2 miles) High Street Pembroke Road Cambridge Road Museum Road To Seafront Ravelin Park Pier Road Landport Terrace Kings Terrace Southsea Terrace St Paul s Road University buildings 6 8 Hampshire Terrace 25 Anglesea Building 6 Buckingham Building 3 Burnaby Building 4 Burnaby Terrace 9 Dennis Sciama Building 8 Dental Academy 27 Eldon Building 31 Halpern House 23 James Watson West 13 King Henry Building 11 Lion Gate Building 1 Mercantile House 18 Milldam 7 Nuffield Centre 16 Park Building 10 Portland Building 2 Purple Door 14 Ravelin House 30 Richmond Building 5 Rotunda 29 Kings Road Castle Road Eldon Street Spinnaker Building 17 Spinnaker Sports Centre 22 St Andrew's Court 15 St George's Building 28 St Michael's Building 12 St Paul's Sports Centre 21 Union Building 24 University House 19 University Library 26 White Swan Building 32 Wiltshire Building 20 University halls of residence Bateson Hall 35 Burrell House 40 Greetham Street Hall 34 Harry Law Hall 36 James Watson Hall 37 Margaret Rule Hall 33 Rees Hall 39 Trafalgar Hall 38 City buildings Central Library F Civic Offices D City Museum I Courts G Guildhall E New Theatre Royal J Police station H Portsmouth and Southsea station C Post Office B St John s Catholic Cathedral A 0 200 metres Elm Grove MD12077 0816