Pre-Arrival Guide
Hello!
And congratulations on gaining a place at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen! We very much look forward to welcoming you as part of our university
But before you arrive, we thought some useful information, tips and advice would be helpful as you prepare to travel to Scotland. If there is anything that we have forgotten though, please consult page 13 for the list of useful contacts to decide where to direct your enquiry and we will be happy to help.
We are very proud of our international links and are expecting our usual intake of approximately 1,500 international students from all over the world to arrive this September. So we sincerely hope you have the chance to meet fellow students from many nationalities and backgrounds while you study with us. And join the many successful Alumni we have from have from all corners of the globe.
With a graduate unemployment rate that is lower than the most famous universities in the country, including Oxford and Cambridge, plus a flourishing reputation for research, high student satisfaction, rates and ambitious plans for its picturesque campus, Robert Gordon University is The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year.
The Sunday Times (5 September 2010)
CONTENTS
When to arrive How to get here What you must do when you get here Where you will live Campus Map International orientation and enrolment Further information & contact list What is it like for international Students to Study at Robert Gordon University Aberdeen City and Culture How much Money will you need Additional Information Resources Legal matters What to bring When you get here Final check list Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Pages 15 & 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 3 Pages 3 & 4 Page 5 Page 6 page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10
We recommend that you aim to arrive in the UK with time to spare before the start of your course. This will allow you time to recover from your journey, to settle in, and to familiarise yourself with the city. Enrolment and orientation will run between the 14th September and the 28th September (further details on page 7) and classes begin on the 27th of September.
So first things first
When To Arrive
HOW TO GeT HeRe:
BY AiR:
Aberdeen has its own international airport with major international air carrier connections to London, Amsterdam and Paris. Please note that this is the only airport that services the North east of Scotland. You can also fly to Aberdeen from some major UK airports, such as Manchester and Birmingham, however this would require a change of airline. The official website for Aberdeen airport is:
www.aberdeenairport.com
A Meet and Greet Service is available at Aberdeen Airport from Monday 12th September 2011 to Friday 23rd September 2011 (inclusive) between 9am and 9pm. A Student Ambassador will be present in Aberdeen airport to welcome you and will be clearly identifiable wearing a purple RGU T-shirt. He/she will be able to offer you information and guidance on, amongst other things, onward travel to get to your accommodation. Please note that the university does not provide transport. Therefore you will be required to fund your onward travel.
TOP TiPS
Please make sure you have some cash with you either in a currency which can be converted or ideally UK sterling. Have the address of your accommodation handy, to show a taxi driver or to get directions from the bus. Local maps to all of the student accommodation can be found on our website, this might also be useful to print off and keep with you.
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Taxi:
Comcabs is the only authorised taxi company that can pick up passengers from Aberdeen Airport. There is a taxi stop right outside the airport where taxis will be waiting, they can take you directly from Aberdeen Airport to your accommodation. Fares to the following destinations are approximately: Aberdeen Airport to Garthdee (incorporating Garthdee Flats/Riverside Cabins) - 30 Aberdeen Airport to City Centre (incorporating all other student accommodation) - 25
Bus:
There are two bus companies that operate from Aberdeen Airport; Stagecoach and First Bus. Stagecoach will take you from Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen Union Square (Aberdeen City Centre). Out of the two companies, Stagecoach operates the most regular service from the airport.
sTage CoaCH
SERvICE 10 Regular buses run from the airport to Aberdeen City Centre, seven days a week, but reduced service at weekends. A single ticket to Aberdeen bus station costs 1.70. jET SERvICE 727 Running seven days a week from Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen Bus Station (Union Square), with limited stops for a faster, more direct service. The service runs frequently from 04:30 on weekdays. On weekends the services commences at 05:00 on a Saturday and at 06:30 on Sundays. Fares are 2.00 single.
The airport buses will take you to Aberdeen City Centre but only First Bus operates throughout the City Centre. The following buses will take you from the city centre to RGU student accommodation areas. Please note that we have endeavoured to give you the route that takes you as close to your accommodation as possible. You may however, still need to make a small journey on foot.
firsT Bus
First Bus will take you from Aberdeen Airport to Guild Street (Aberdeen City Centre). First Bus only operates one bus service from the airport: Number 27. The service throughout the day is irregular and there is no Saturday or Sunday service. Cost for a single journey from the airport to the city centre is 2.20. Garthdee Flats Linksfield Hall Rosemount Hall Number 1, 2 or 9 Number 1 or 2 Number 3 Number 1 or 2 Number 5 or 12 Number 1 or 2 Number 1 or 2 Cost: 2.30 Cost: 2.30 Cost: 1.80 Cost: 2.30 Cost: 1.80 Cost: 2.30 Cost: 2.30
from THe CiTy CenTre: arriving inTo aBerdeen Bus or Train sTaTion:
The bus and train station are situated together in the city centre. There are direct rail connections from London to Aberdeen. The average journey time is about 7 hours, and prices vary according to when you travel and how far in advance you book your ticket. A good website for planning train travel within the UK is:
St Peters Hall Woolmanhill Flats Ardmuir Trinity Court Ardmuir King Street
www.thetrainline.co.uk
*Please note that all prices quoted are subject to change. **Please check with the Bus Driver that he is going in the correct direction for your destination.
What You Must Do When You Get Here:
It is compulsory that you Attend one of the orientation sessions for international students. These will run from Wednesday 14th September until Wednesday 28th September (excluding weekends & Monday 26th). Full details on Page 8.
To fully comply with the UK Border Agency, you will be required to present your passport and visa/Biometric Residence Permit at this time otherwise you will not be allowed to enrol.
Formally enrol in the university. This will take place directly after the orientation session. Full details on Page 8.
Your individual school induction. Information regarding these will be sent to you separately from your department.
Where You Will Live:
universiTy aCCommodaTion
The university tries to provide accommodation to all non-UK students who apply in advance. You should therefore make sure that you apply for your accommodation early. Please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline for options, information and instructions on how to do this. All enquiries regarding accommodation should be directed to Accommodation Services:
[email protected] And where possible you should make sure you have booked your accommodation before you leave your home country. Please also note; you will not be permitted to move into university accommodation until the end of January. Please be aware that both the university and private accommodation will require you to sign a lease, this is a legally binding document so please consider what length of lease you would like before you sign this! If you have any special requirements such as disabilities or you are coming to study as a couple then please inform the university as soon as possible and they will try and accommodate you.
PrivaTe aCCommodaTion
If you would prefer to rent private accommodation the Robert Gordon University website has further information on how to do this, and the accommodation team can guide you if you need help, but they cannot book this for you. The best websites to try are:
www.studentpad.co.uk http://www.ardmuir.co.uk/
or Aberdeen letting agents:
www.rentamatic.co.uk www.lettingweb.com www.jgcollie.co.uk www.citylets.co.uk www.ukhomelets.com www.matchlessflats.co.uk www.findaproperty.com www.pastures-new.co.uk
Normally you will be required to provide references to rent private accommodation and pay a deposit (usually equal to one months rent up front) in order to obtain the lease. In addition, we strongly recommend that students go to see the property before signing a contract or paying any money.
important information for students living in Private accommodation:
CoUNCIL TAx ANd STUdENTS Council Tax is collected by Aberdeen City Council to fund vital local public services ( roads maintenance, waste collection, public facilities etc). Full-time students do not have to pay council tax: exemption starts from the official first date of term which is 27th September 2011 this year. Students who arrive prior to this date and who are in private accommodation, may be liable for a small fee covering their date of entry until the 26th September. For a two week period this would be approximately 20 to 30. We would however urge you not to delay your travel until 26th September because of this tax, as in our opinion the advantages of arriving early and attending induction presentations outweigh the minor inconvenience of this tax.
ToP TiP
All leases will start from the 17th of September, so bear this in mind if you plan to arrive sooner than this and please either arrange for alternative accommodation or notify accommodation.
Students in University accommodation will not receive a council tax bill, regardless of the date on which they arrive.
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Campuses
APRIL 2011
G R E AT N O RT H E R N R O A D
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SAINT MACHAR DRIVE
A96 I N V E R N E S S / DYC E A I R P O R T
entrance
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LINKSFIELD ROAD
Garthdee Medical Centre
GART HDEE
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RGU: Sport
City CentreCampus
entrance
student services building
st andrew st building
ST ANDREW
STR
C R O O
EET
PE DE ST
ROBERT GORDONS COLLEGE
LANE
TECHNICAL building
HARRIET
RO
SE
MO
UN
T V IA
DU
clarkE building
CT
Art Gallery
SC HO OL
GATE
admin buildING
student union
PAY & DISPLAY
HIL
Garthdee Campus
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AD
YE
entrance
CH
entrance
GA
E R O
AD
ACCOMMODATION
student services building Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre Grays School of Art Aberdeen Business School Georgina Scott Sutherland Library RGU: Sport Faculty of Health & Social Care
Garthdee Medical Centre
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Rosemount Hall St Peters Hall Linksfield Hall Don Street Garthdee Flats
The Gatehouse
The Scott Sutherland Central School Services Building
kaim house
Woolmanhill Flats
The Gatehouse
RTH
DE
entrance
AU
pedestrial & cycle routes
AU
entrance
HI N
YE
IN
Robert Gordon University: Unilink bus stop
Treehouse Early Care and Education Centre
LL
G A R TH
DEE R OAD
RO
Garthdee Campus
regular (First) service bus stops
LL
GA
RO
RTH
Grays School of Art
City Centre Campus
DE
E R O
AD
The Scott Sutherland Central School Services Building
woolmanHILL FLATS
JOH
N ST
CHA
Garthdee Campus
kaim house
Georgina Scott Sutherland Library
Aberdeen Business School
AD
GR TS EA OU TH ER NR OA D
WO OLM AN HIL L
ST GEO RGE RLO TTE ST
Faculty of Health & Social Care
ROAD
BLACKFRIARS ST
DENBURN DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
RI AN
K E D
AR EA
UN ION TE RR AC E
ST
BELMONT ST
international Orientation and enrolment:
All new international students must attend one international orientation session before enrolling at the university.
As part of the UK Border Agency regulations, the university is required to retain valid copies of ALL international students passport, visa/Biometric Residence Permit details. A copy of your passport and visa /Biometric Residence Permit will be taken immediately after orientation presentations. it is extremely
important that you bring these with you otherwise you will not be allowed to enrol.
Orientation presentations take place at 10.00am. Students are asked to meet outside the InfoZone (beside RGU SPORT) Garthdee Campus, at least 20 minutes before each scheduled presentation where a Student Ambassador will escort you to the presentation
TIMETABLE FOR ORIENTATION AND ENROLMENT IS AS FOLLOWS:
Every day 10:00am start. Meet outside info-zone Garthdee beside RGU Sport - at 9:40 am at the very latest.
for maP direCTions To garTHdee Please CliCk Below:
Click here for map directions to Garthdee
TiMeTABLe FOR ORieNTATiON AND eNROLMeNT iS AS FOLLOWS:
Date Wednesday 14th September Thursday 15th September Friday 16th September Monday 19th September Wednesday 21st September Thursday 22nd September Friday 23rd September Monday 26th September University Closed due to a public holiday Every day 10:00am start Meet outside info-zone Garthdee beside RGU Sport - at 9:40
ToP TiP:
SO iN ORDeR PLeASe MAke SURe OF THe FOLLOWiNG: 1. You attend orientation 2. At the end of orientation ensure a copy of your passport, visa/ biometric residence permit is taken 3. You formally enrol in the university 4. You attend your school induction programme 15
Term Starts Tuesday 27th September
Tuesday 27th September Wednesday 28 September
th
Every day 10:00am start Meet outside info-zone Garthdee beside RGU Sport - at 9:40
If for reasons out-with your control you are going to miss this enrolment then you must contact the University immediately. Many courses do not allow a late arrival so please do your best to be here on time and have time to settle in.
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Further information and Useful Contacts: Put your mind at rest
PreParing To sTudy in THe uk All students are expected to have reached a certain standard in English before enrolling at Robert Gordon University. We do understand, however, that some students may need additional help with certain language skills. We therefore, offer all international students at Robert Gordon University free English language skills and classes throughout your time studying with us. For more information about this please click this link:
Link to Study Support
Classes are held on a regular basis at different campuses, or you can attend individual tutorials. The courses are linked as much as possible to your own field of study. Particular emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to write academic texts and cope with authentic, spoken English in an academic context.
PrePare for suCCess
Prepare for success is an interactive pre-arrival learning tool for international students preparing to study in the UK. It contains twenty-two different learning recourses on themes connected with academic life in the UK.
www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk/
What is it like for international students to study at Robert Gordon University?
inTernaTional alumni amBassador serviCe
If you would like to hear from other international students that have studied and graduated from Robert Gordon University then why not make use of our International Alumni Ambassador Service. Established by the university, our ambassadors are here to answer any of your questions to help you prepare for your arrival. The service is designed to promote helpful dialogue between graduates of the university and prospective students. It presents a great opportunity for you to link up with someone that has already been through the university student experience. Perhaps you would like to find out more about the university and student life in Aberdeen, or gain practical advice on what to expect when you arrive here. Whatever your query our ambassadors can help. For more information or to register to use this service, please visit
roBerT gordon universiTy on you-TuBe
Some of our marketing students made a video of a day in the life of a Robert Gordons student, so why not watch this video for another point of view.
Click here for You-Tube clip
www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/involved
and select International Alumni Ambassadors, or contact the Alumni Office direct:
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Aberdeen City and Culture
When you are not studying, Aberdeen city and the surrounding areas offer many things to see and do. All up-coming events and places of interest to give you some ideas can be found here: Link to Aberdeen city and shire information
www.aberdeen-grampian.com
And for local events keep checking this website for different things coming up throughout your stay in Aberdeen:
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/xev_event.asp
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How much money will you need?
There is an international student finance calculator available to help you estimate your expenses while you are in the UK. Visit the website if you would like more information about this:
www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international
inTernaTional sTudenT Bank aCCounTs:
If you would like to open a student bank account while you are here, please be aware that you will usually have to provide the following documents (these may vary depending on the bank):
Your passport with your student visa A letter from your university (this you will get at enrolment
so you cannot open an account until you have enrolled at the university)
Possibly proof of where you are living
For full details on this please click on this link
Click here for International Student bank account advice
roBerT gordon universiTy finanCe:
For information on how you will pay your fees,
Click here for information on how to pay your fees
TOP TiP:
It may take a few weeks before you are able to set up a UK bank account so remember to bring enough money, or access to enough money to see you through this time. 22
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Additional information Resources
For many international students this will be your first time living away from home in an unfamiliar country. The British Council has therefore prepared a useful guide that gives practical advice about living and studying in the UK.
THe sCoTTisH governmenT:
The Scottish Governments Fresh Talent Initiative is about creating the conditions to encourage people to live, learn, work and remain in Scotland. To support this work the Scottish Government has produced a briefing document that provides further information on: Fresh Talent and what it means for Scotland
THe BriTisH CounCil:
www.britishcouncil.org/eduk-safety-first.pdf THe uk CounCil for inTernaTional sTudenT affairs (ukCisa) www.ukcisa.org.uk roBerT gordon universiTy
And dont forget we are here to help too
There is a specific council set up in the UK who look after the interests of international students studying in the UK. For information about them and how they can help you please visit their website:
How Fresh Talent fits in with growing the Scottish economy Information and contact details for the Scottish Governments Relocation Advisory Service (RAS). This is a free service with experts on hand to help navigate the immigration maze as well as offering more general advice about living, learning, working and remaining in Scotland. The following document contains all of this, and much much more. This will be updated on a regular basis so please re-visit at regular intervals for all the statistics and information on Fresh Talent and the work of the RAS.
inTernaTional offiCe:
+44 1224 26 2209
[email protected] aCCommodaTion:
+44 1224 26 2130
www.talentscotland.com/students.aspx
+44 1224 26 2664
all sTudenT serviCes and suPPorT:
www.rgu.ac.uk/current-students/student-services-andsupport/student-services-and-support
+44 1224 26 2263
[email protected] www.rguunion.co.uk visa informaTion:
+44 1224 262109
[email protected] for full deTails of our visa Counselling serviCe Please visiT our weBsiTe: www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international-students/visa-information immigraTion adviCe: UKVisas: www.ukvisas.gov.uk foreign and CommonwealTH offiCe: www.fco.gov.uk
information ranging from issuing visas to providing a directory of the worlds British embassies and consulates.
Our careers centre can advise on part-time working during your studies and applying for jobs at the end of your course.
Working in the UK: Careers CenTre:
+44 1224 262110
A guide to our Careers Service:
www.rgu.ac.uk/files/dmfile/careerscentreinternationalstudents.pdf informaTion on working in THe uk: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/
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Legal Matters:
The laws in the UK may not be the same as in your own country. If you break the law and are found guilty of a crime, a successful prosecution could result in a fine, a prison sentence or even being deported from the UK. You would also be subject to the universitys disciplinary procedures and liable to be excluded from the university. So please be aware that UK laws may be different, and dont assume you know them. driving in THe uk:
There are strict laws in the UK about driving these may be very different from the laws in your own country, so please check these before you drive. Breaking these laws will result in a fine and/ or imprisonment. Having a license which is valid for driving in your own country does not mean that you can automatically drive in the UK. In addition to having the correct licenses and all the necessary documents, you must ensure you obey the motoring laws of the UK, with particular regard for those relating to drink driving and speeding. For full details about driving in the UK please visit:
www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers.aspx
then click driving in GB as a visitor or new resident
working in THe uk:
During your studies (or after completion) you may wish to work. There are strict laws governing who is permitted to work, what type of work they can do and how many hours they are permitted to work. Please note that you should not rely on earnings from working to fund your studies. You will have to provide evidence to the immigration officers that you have sufficient money to fund your studies and maintenance costs without having to work. You should remember that the primary purpose of your time in the UK is to study for a degree or other qualification, not to work and earn money. The university Careers Centre can help you find part-time work while you are here and advise you about working regulations. The rules relating to how many hours per week an international student can work is 20 hours for most students. For advice on working during your studies full details are available: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php
immigraTion ConTrol:
The UK offers a warm welcome to overseas students. However, the UK authorities need to make sure that anyone entering the UK is coming for legitimate reasons. For this reason, you may find that immigration control at your port of entry can be rigorous, and may result in a considerable delay at the end of your journey, especially during busy periods (like the start of term). To assist immigration officials please keep all your documents in your hand luggage and be prepared to wait patiently.
Make sure you have the following documents with you in your hand luggage: Valid passport (with visa) Notification of certificate of acceptance from the university Scholarship information if you are being sponsored Health and medical information
You may also be asked some questions about yourself, such as where you are from and where you will be staying while you are in the UK. It is wise to keep the address of where you are staying to hand. Please do not be worried, these are simply routine questions. 14
What To Bring:
There is no need to pack heavy items such as books, winter clothes, cooking utensils, towels and toiletries etc. These can all be purchased cheaply in the UK. During your orientation presentation you will be guided on the best places to buy anything you are looking for. Do NOT pack lots of food items UK supermarkets offer a wide range of food from all over the world, and remember certain food items may be banned from import into the UK.
doCumenTs:
Passport complete with visa (check all the details and dates are correct) Bank reference, statements or letter from your home bank Official proof of your home (non-UK) address (such as a utilities bill) If a private company is sponsoring you, please bring evidence of this International drivers license if you have one and intend to drive in the UK
It is essential that you keep all of these items in your hand luggage as you may be asked to show them when you first arrive in the UK.
money:
Cash (in UK Sterling) or travellers cheques for your arrival and your first few weeks Provision for your first instalment of tuition fees, in order to enrol at the university and commence your studies you must have paid at least 40% of your tuition fees for the year. We would strongly recommend that you pay this from your home country before leaving, and bring evidence of the payment. In order to ensure we can identify your pay ment please include your university reference number. And provision for your living expenses for these first few weeks. You should bring around 500 (UK Sterling) in cash and travellers cheques for your first few days in Scotland. For safety reasons, do not bring it all in cash, and make sure that you record your travellers cheque serial numbers in case you need to make a claim. If you are planning to bring some of your home currency, please check that you are permitted to take it out of your country, and that it can be changed in the UK.
Please be very careful about carrying large amounts of cash on your person, it is not safe to do this as once cash is lost is cannot be replaced. Bringing goods and money into the UK: There are rules about what goods you can bring with you without paying duty (tax). Some items are also banned or restricted by law. If you bring 8,000 in cash or more into the UK (including travellers cheques and currency) then you must declare it to HM custom officials if you enter the UK from a country outside the EU.
For more information on goods that are restricted visit: A Customs guide for travellers entering the UK - Notice 1 (Acrobat PDF, 330KB)
ToP TiP:
Make sure you check before you travel what your airline luggage limit is; otherwise you might be liable for charges.
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Click here for Customs Guide
CloTHing To suiT THe weaTHer: Without meaning to scare you, the weather here will probably be slightly colder than you are used to. In Aberdeen we have 4 seasons of weather: auTumn:
Which is when you will arrive, it is starting to get cold and there may be a lot of rain and wind, but you can also expect days of bright sunshine.
winTer:
Be prepared for very cold weather, as cold as one or two degrees below freezing.
sPring:
Which is when the weather is starting to get warmer and again there are bright clear days and its very green.
summer:
Is usually very sunny but not much warmer than 25 degrees.
If you have warm clothing bring some items to see you through the first few days, and if you have one bring a waterproof jacket. However, dont worry there are many places where you can buy warm clothes in Aberdeen either very cheaply at Primark, or medium priced at a variety of stores in the shopping malls and also high end or designer shops situated all over the city.
ComPuTers and eleCTriCal equiPmenT:
The university has facilities in both campuses for you to use the internet and PCs, however if you would rather bring your own laptop then we recommend that you insure it before you travel.
ToP TiP:
Remember to dress comfortably for travelling and bring something warm to wear when you get off the flight, such as shoes (if you are wearing sandals) and a jumper or jacket.
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When You Get Here:
Adaptors depending on your country of origin, if you are bringing electrical equipment with you then you will need to purchase an adaptor, you will easily get this at most UK airports when you arrive. eaTing: It is important that you maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and the food canteens throughout the university campuses will provide a wide variety.
However, if you are looking for any specialist food to cook for yourself such as African supermarkets, halal, Greek, Chinese supermarkets, Iranian, Eastern European and Indian vegetarian products amongst many others the best place to visit is George street in Aberdeen city centre, it has a wide variety of ethnic food shops. For a google map of how to find it click here
For a google map of how to find it click here
Another option is King Street where you also might find some good ethnic food, clothing and remedies.
For a google map of how to find it please click here
Cinema: There are 4 cinemas in the city centre each showing a variety of films.
The Belmont Cinema:
www.picturehouses.co.uk/
For Art-house cinema, showing the best in classic, foreign + independent film, located in the heart of the city. Including some Hollywood films and some bollywood choices too. Vue Cinema at the bottom of Union Street:
www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/78
For current blockbuster movies Cineworld in Union Square and at the beach:
www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/78
For current blockbuster movies and bollywood choices Anything you would specifically like to ask about there will be an opportunity at your orientation presentation, and we will be more than happy to help you.
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doCumenTs required for Travel:
Final Check List:
Passport Student Visa or entry clearance (if applicable) Tickets to arrive into the UK and then onto Aberdeen, (remember London is a 7 hour train from Aberdeen or a 1 hour flight) Medical Certificate, including chest X-ray and list of inoculation (if applicable) check if you need this before you travel. Travel insurance for the journey: This is up to you, you and your belongings are not covered by university insurance until you enrol. When you enrol, you will be entitled to NHS medical care, and if you are staying in university accommodation then your belonging will be insured through your lease. Tuition and living fees: you should pay your 1st instalment of your tuition before you travel where possible, but if you are unable to do this you will have to bring provision for this. Please remember if you bring a bank draft make it payable to Robert Gordon University and not in your own name as it may take weeks before you are able to open your own bank account. A pre-paid credit card would be a good idea to last you for your first few weeks in the UK. Proof of sponsorship: if a private company or government body is funding you. Mobile phone: If you have a mobile phone that is unlocked to work anywhere, bring this with you and we can provide you with a pay as you go sim card. If you do not have a mobile phone, you can pick these up easily when you get here. Currency: to last you for a few days when you arrive in the UK, and for getting around. Medication: Any prescribed medication you are taking, remember to take this with you and a letter from your doctor to describe what it is and why you are taking it (translated into English) in case there is any confusion at immigration. The address where you will be staying in the UK: If you are staying in university accommodation you will have been sent details of this. A drink and something to eat for your journey A pen in case you need to write any directions or details down And this pre-arrival guide
Before you leave home there are many important things you will have to arrange, we have prepared this check list to guide you. Please ensure you have made arrangements for accommodation and you have all of the documents you need to enter the UK with you, BEFORE you travel.
ToP TiP: Make copies of all of your documents and leave them with a family member at home.
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International office Robert Gordon University Schoolhill Aberdeen AB10 1FR Tel +44 1224 262209 [email protected] www.rgu.ac.uk/international
