The document provides information for Mr. Pete Ryan, a regional office manager, about an upcoming pre-departure briefing for 2015. It includes details like term dates, rankings for the University of East Anglia, and an outline of the contents to be covered in the briefing, such as obtaining a CAS statement and visa, accommodation, travel to the UK, and orientation activities. The briefing aims to prepare new international students for arriving and settling in at UEA.

1. July 20, 2015
Pre-departure Briefing 2015
Mr Pete Ryan, Regional Office Manager

2. July 20, 2015
News from Norwich ….

4. www.uea.ac.uk

5. www.uea.ac.uk
Norwich City Football Club

6. www.uea.ac.uk

7. University of East Anglia
- Excellence – quest of all students and academics
- Challenging Convention – exploration and discovery
- Pioneering – innovation through adventure
- Collaboration - interdisciplinary teaching
- Community – collective responsibility
- Space – unique and inspiring
- Experience – unrivalled student experience

8. 20/07/2015 Presentation footer 8
RANKINGS
UK TOP 15
14th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
14th in the Guardian University Guide 2015
15th in the Complete University Guide 2015
UK TOP 3 FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2014
WORLD TOP 1%
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2013-14
WORLD TOP 100
Leiden Ranking 2014

9. Part 1. Before You Leave Your Country
2015/6 term dates
UK visas: your ‘CAS’ statement
International Student Deposit
Accommodation Guarantee Procedures
UEA Friends Scheme
Course Pre-Registration
What to bring to the UK
Part 2. Arriving in the UK
Arrivals and UK Immigration
Travelling to the UK, Norwich and campus
Meet & Greet Service
Arriving for INTO Pre-sessional English courses
Part 3. Welcome to the University of East Anglia
Orientation, Discovery and Registration Week
Working in the UK, Cost of Living & Money Saving Advice
UK Study Skills – what to read in advance
Culture Shock – how to prepare
Final to do list
Q&A session
UEA Pre-departure Briefing: contents
Qian
ZhengYi,
China,
PhD Film
Studies

10. Autumn Semester
21 September 2015 to 11 December 2015
(Christmas Break: 12 December 2015 to 10 January 2016)
Spring Semester
11 January 2016 to 29 April 2016
(Easter Break – 12 March 2016 to 10 April 2016)
Assessment / Examination Period
2 May 2016 to 10 June 2016
Norwich Business School – Summer Semester
16 June 2016 to 31 July 2016 (tbc) (August - Assessment period)
July - Congregation (Graduation) Ceremonies (dates tbc)
UEA Academic Year Term Dates 2015/6
1. Before you leave you country: important dates
Estee, Hong
Kong, MBBS

11. Visas for the UK
• All non-EEA nationals planning to study in the UK for more than six months must apply for
‘entry clearance.’ A student visa for the UK is called a ‘Tier 4 visa’.
• Your Tier 4 visa is connected to the institution you are studying at. If you intend to study at
UEA, then your Tier 4 visa must be for UEA.
• Your passport will need to be valid for 6 months when you apply for your visa.
More Information on UK Visas
International Student Advisory Team’s visa support website:
www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international/visasupport
Home Office Website: Tier 4 Policy Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa
2. Before you leave: visas

12. The CAS number is unique to each
student and allows to the UKBA to access
your information.
UEA can only show £1,000 paid
towards your accommodation, even if
you have paid more.

13. To obtain a UEA CAS, applicants need:
to meet any outstanding conditions of their UEA offer
to formally accept their offer via the online application portal
to pay the £2,000 International Student Deposit (PGT & PGR
students only).
applicants holding an offer of a place on a 12, 8, 6 or 4 week
INTO Pre-sessional course, who are applying for a joint CAS,
are required to pay a £2,000 deposit to INTO University of East
Anglia only.
2. Before you leave: obtaining your CAS
Jonathan,
Brazil
MSc Applied
Ecology and
Conservation

14. Maintenance/ Finance requirement
You must be able to show that you have enough money to pay your fees and fund yourself in the UK.
Any payments you have already made will be shown on your CAS statement.
You must be able to show:
you have one year’s tuition fees (or full tuition if less than one year)
living costs of £7,380 for Norwich, unless you are studying for less than 9 months
For all the requirements and how to apply for your visa, please visit our visa support pages:
www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international/visasupport
2. Before you leave: your CAS

15. Capability Interviews
You may be asked to attend a 5 - 10 minute interview as part of your visa application, via video-
conferencing. The interview will be conducted in English. Please note that if you are asked to
interview but do not attend (and there is no reasonable explanation), your application will be refused.
The officer will question you about your reasons for studying in the UK – including questions about
your course, the university and Norwich, future plans. They could also ask you about your background
and immigration history; about your previous education; why you wish to study in the UK, and/or about
your financial circumstances.
2. Before you leave: visas

16. International Student Deposit Deadline (PGT & PGR)
Postgraduate taught applicants: 31st July 2015
Postgraduate research applicants: 3 months prior to the start of the course (for
courses starting on or after 1 April 2016).
There is no deposit required from undergraduate applicants
After payment of the International Student deposit you can expect:
• a confirmed place on your chosen course (subject to meeting conditions)
• a confirmed room in residential accommodation (subject to terms & conditions)
• release of your Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), needed to obtain
a student visa, if applicable.
Applicants can pay the International Student deposit via UniPay, Direct Bank
Transfer or by Credit Card over the telephone to the UEA Cashier’s Office
(+44 1603 592687).
2. Before you leave: Paying your deposit
Emmanuela,
Nigeria
LLB Law

17. New Health Surcharge
Applies to all Tier 4 applications made 6th April onwards
• Non-EEA nationals
• Studying for more than 6 months
• Includes applications to extend stay in UK (but not returning students on their original visa)
Payment:
• Based on maximum period of stay
• £150 per year for students
• Pro-rata for part years
Application:
• Must be made prior to Visa application
• Generally paid online via credit card
Refunds:
• Visa refusals – full refund
• Decision not to travel – no refund
• Return home early – no refund
• No illness / use of NHS services – no refund
2. Before you leave: health surcharge

18. New BRP system
• 30 day vignette with letter
• UEA will distribute BRP card (Sept 15)
• Must collect within 10 days
Completing the Visa Application
When completing their visa application, students are asked to complete their “Date of Planned
Arrival in the UK” (question 17 in the Travel Information section). This is then used as the start
date of the 30 day travel vignette, and the earliest date that they will be allowed to enter the
UK. It is therefore recommended that a date 10-14 days prior to the course start date is used,
to allow students to arrive in the UK, get settled and register on time.
2. Before you leave: BRP card

19. Accommodation Diary 2015/6
April 2015: Applications Invited. Students with any type of
offer (unconditional or conditional, firm or insurance) are prompted
to apply online.
31 July 2015: Guarantee deadline for postgraduate (taught &
research) and undergraduate students. UEA will continue to accept
applications for accommodation after this time, but late applicants
will not be guaranteed a room.
August to September 2015: Main Allocation Period. During this
time, the Accommodation Office will notify applicants by email with
an accommodation offer.
You must respond to this accommodation offer within three days!
3. Before you leave: accommodation
Harlen,
Mexico,
MSc
Marketing

20. Norwich Single En-suite Premium Accommodation - £5,011.44 (£131.88 per week)

21. Two Bedroom Unit - £4,471.46 per room (£117.67 per week, per person)

22. Standard Single/ Standard Twin (sharing) - £3,907.54 (£102.83 per week)

23. Crome Court: Modern, Eco-friendly, en-suite Campus - £143.08 per week

24. UEA Friends Scheme
A very popular ‘buddy scheme’ to help new international students adjust
to life and study in the UK.
A current British student will be your UEA buddy for the first ‘6 weeks’.
More information online at:
www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international/ueafriends
4. Before you leave: UEA buddy scheme

25. Course Pre-Registration
Complete you pre-registration at home:-
25 days before the start of your course or when you are accepted, you will
receive an email from the University with a link asking you to complete the
pre-arrival registration task.
Click on the first part of the link to complete the first part of the registration.
The link will be valid for 45 days from the receipt of the email.
5. Before you leave: Pre-Registration
Amay, India
BSc Economics

26. Essential Information for New International
Students Guide 2015, issued by the Dean of
Student International Advisory Team available at
www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international/arrivals
On arrival at UEA all international students will
receive a International Student Handbook and
specific course information.
6. Before you leave: Pre-departure Guide 2015

27. Items to bring:
Previous study transcripts/certificates
Alarm clock
Essential toiletries
Medication
Laptop
Photos/ personal items for your room
Items to buy in the UK:
Pillow and bedding
Pans and other kitchen items
Cutlery, cups, plates and bowls
Extra clothes
Electric applicants, such as iron or
hair dryer.
7. Before you leave: what to bring to the UK

28. Plan your journey and book as soon as possible, although not before your place is confirmed
Travel with others going to UEA if you can
Investigate appropriate travel insurance before leaving your home country
Public transport is easy and economical, but can be difficult with lots of luggage
Part 2. Arriving in the UK
Travel Plans

29. All passengers arriving at a UK airport or port of entry must be checked at Immigration Control. It is
important you have all your required documents for entry to the UK. Non-EEA nationals will need to
provide:
.
UK Border Controls
8. Arriving: UK immigration
a copy of their CAS statement from UEA
all the documents (or copies) you used to apply for your visa, including bank statements
a valid passport or travel document
a valid visa
Very few students have problems at
immigration, however if you do have
problems contact the International
Student Advisory Team on 01603
592761

30. Examples of questions a UK Immigration Officer may ask students on arrival into the UK
Why do you want to study in the UK?
What are the benefits of studying in the UK compared to your home country or USA/Canada?/Australia?
Which other college or university you have considered?
Where is the college/university?
Do you know roughly how large the college/university is?
What is the relevance of the course to your future career path?
What qualification will you receive?
How is your chosen course assessed?
Does this course offer any professional recognition?
Are you planning to stay in the UK on completion to study for a higher award?
What facilities are you expecting at the college/university?
Do you need a meet and greet service?
UK Border Controls
8. Arriving: UK immigration

31. International Student Arrival days – Meet and Greet Service
Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September 2015 (11 January 2015 for MBA)
Designated days for new international students to arrive
Accommodation Desk: collect your room key and finding your room
Welcome from the International Student Advisory Team
Visa Scanning & Police Registration Desk.
Orientation programme and programme of events
UEA Meet and Greet Service (only on 16 and 17 September 2014)
UEA coaches collect students from London Heathrow and
Norwich International Airport.
UEA staff at Norwich Train Station to help with taxis and local buses
For more information about the Meet and Greet Service including times and costs and how to book,
please visit www.uea.ac.uk/services/students/international
9. Arriving: travelling to Norwich

32. The closest airport to the University is Norwich International Airport.
KLM via Amsterdam (Schiphol Airport)
3 to 4 flights to Norwich from Amsterdam daily
queues are short and immigration officers friendly
20 minutes by taxi to the University
From London Airports: Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted airports:
National Express coach runs directly to UEA every 2 hours
www.nationalexpress.com
Train from London Liverpool Street Station to Norwich every 30 minutes. The subway to
Liverpool Street is very difficult to manage with a suitcase . We recommend the train to London
from Heathrow or Gatwick airports, then take a taxi to Liverpool Street Station.
Travelling to Norwich
9. Arriving: travelling to Norwich

33. From Norwich Train Station
bus 26 travels to the University and costs about £2.50
a taxi from the train station will cost approximately £7 (ABC)
From Norwich Airport
A taxi from Norwich Airport will cost approximately £9 (ABC)
Taxis are usually available from the city. Black cabs wait at taxi ranks and do
not need to be booked. You can also call to pre-book a taxi from one of the
many taxi companies in Norwich.
UEA generally uses student friendly company ABC taxis
+44 (0)1603 666333 www.abctaxisnorwich.co.uk
Assel, Kazakhstan
BSc Economics
9. Arriving: travelling to Norwich

34. Part 3: Welcome to University of East Anglia

35. Make sure that you complete and return your completed Arrivals Form and email a passport sized
photo (in JPEG format) to Mr Bob Parsons bob.parsons@uea.ac.uk.
Arrange to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before your start date. Your accommodation license
starts from the Saturday before your course start date. If you flight arrives earlier, please arrange to
stay in a hotel for the extra nights. Please email Mr Bob Parsons for local hotel information:
bob.parsons@uea.ac.uk.
For the 12 week Pre-sessional English Course you are allowed to arrive up to one week late. There
is no late arrival allowed for the 8, 6 and 4 week courses. Students who have not arrived on time will
be reported to UKVI.
.
INTO UEA Norwich Arrival Procedures
9. Arriving: travelling to Norwich

36. The INTO centre is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week so there will always be
someone there when you arrive.
Pay your full fees to INTO prior to your arrival. This will enable you to register without delay and to
confirm your INTO accommodation (if appropriate).
INTO induction programme will take place during first two days of the course and will include student
services and health and safety presentations. Ms Ros Boote is the Pre-sessional English
Programme Manager.
INTO Emergency Number: +44 (0)1603 592977
9. Arriving: travelling to Norwich

37. Orientation and Discovery Week
International Student Support Services
Visa renewals, Employment, Financial Issues, Welfare matters,
Immigration.
Health Services
Medical Registration, Services you are entitled to, Dental services,
What to do if you feel unwell
Living in the UK
How to adjust to living and studying in the UK, Culture shock,
Working and volunteering, how to stay safe.
Library and IT Services
Introduction to library services and systems,
Briefing on developing your academic skills and how to
become an effective learner
Laura,
Lithuania
BA Film and
TV Studies
10. Welcome to UEA: orientation & induction

38. Student Union Freshers’ Week
International welcome reception
Societies and Sports Fair
Guided tours of the campus
Sightseeing tours of Norwich
International Quiz and Karaoke
Meeting for organised dinners
Coffee mornings
UEA Friends party
and much, much more …. Find out more
about the Student Union Freshers Week
on their website www.ueastudent.com
10. Welcome to UEA: orientation & induction

39. Student Registration
You will be required to bring the following documentation
on your first day to allow you to register:
Passport and Visa/identity card
Visa (with sponsor licence number XNU1 YRCC2)
IELTS or other relevant evidence of English
proficiency (original)
All payment receipts or fees if not already paid
Academic Transcripts (original)
Academic Certificates (original)
Course confirmation letter
Up-to-date address from your home country and next
of kin details
Contact details for your residence in the UK,
including a UK mobile telephone number
10. Welcome to UEA: orientation & induction

40. Opening a Bank Account
If you are studying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will be able to
open a bank account in the UK. Family can easily wire money to your
account. If you choose to work, you must have a UK account to be paid.
Please note that it can take up to 2 weeks to open an account, so you
should bring a small amount of cash to cover any immediate costs.
Consider bringing travellers cheques and/or carry a cash card or credit
card with you.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you or keep large amounts of
cash in your room.
Elena, Greece
BA English
Literature
10. Welcome to UEA: orientation & induction

41. Working during study
You should not rely on the money you might earn to help fund you whilst you are in the UK!
Those with visas for longer than 6 months are usually allowed to work up to 20hrs a week during
term time and 40 hours per week during vacations (spouse may work full time). Pre- university level
students studying at INTO are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week.
The Employability Student Job Shop on campus advertises for paid, voluntary,
part-time, campus, casual and vacation work.
.
10.Welcome to UEA: working in the UK

42. Cost of Living
The UK Border Agency recommends students should allow
approximately £820 per month outside of London. This
includes single en-suite accommodation, food, books,
transportation and social life. Actual costs will vary
depending on individual circumstances.
To help with this the International Student Calculator is a
useful tool: www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international
Elizaveta,
Russia, BSc
Business,
Finance and
Economics and
10. Welcome to UEA: cost of living

43. Food: students
usually pay
around £25-50 per
week on food and
£5-10 per week on
cosmetics.
UK Student Average Weekly Expenditure
Travel:
An annual bus
pass costs £210.
A return train ticket
to London costs on
average between
£20 - £50.
Entertainment:
£20 -£50 per
week.
Study Items:
books, stationary,
photocopying:
around £200 per
year.
10. Welcome to UEA: cost of living

44. Helpful money saving websites for students
www.studentbeans.com
www.milkround.com
www.moneysavingstudent.com
www.moneyexpertise.co.uk/StudentFinanceCategory
Gabbyta,
Indonesia,
BSc Business,
Finance and
Economics
10. Welcome to UEA: cost of living

45. www.studentbeans.com

46. UK Academic System
It may take some time for you to adjust to studying in the UK. Academic culture and
expectations vary according to the subject, the level of study and the type of institution.
General trends:-
Students often work independently, studying on their own for
significant periods of time.
Students are expected to develop critical judgement, which
means an ability to asses whether an argument is coherent
and well supported by evidence.
Learning large amounts of factual data is important in some
subject areas, but in many cases a critical approach is
considered more important.
In the UK it is rare to receive a mark above 80%, A mark of between 60-70% is
considered good, and a mark between 70% -80% considered excellent.
Plagiarism is regarded as a serious academic offense. www.uea.ac.uk/plagiarism
UKCISA have many useful resources for preparing for UK study.
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/study_methods.php
10. Welcome to UEA: Study Skills
Abbas,
Pakistan,
Actuarial
Sciences

47. Prepare for Success: www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk

48. Preparing for culture shock
Experiencing culture shock is quite normal and can effect you whatever culture
you come from. It is usually unavoidable and not a sign that you have made a
mistake or that you won’t manage.
10. Welcome to UEA: culture shock?
Climate: many students find the climate affecting them, especially in winter months
Food: British food may be strange. Try not to rely on fast food – learn how to cook a
few home dishes
Language – tiring communicating in a different language
Social roles - social behaviours may confuse, surprise or offend you.
Rules of behaviour – Unspoken rules may be disorientating
UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) has many useful resources on international students and culture
shock: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/culture_shock.php

49. http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

50. A recommended book to read if you would like to
find out more on the British people and culture . .
Watching the English
The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour
Kate Fox

51. Prepare for the variable British climate !
Further information and weather forecasts online: www.metoffice.gov.uk
10. Welcome to UEA: the weather

52.  Accept your UEA offer online
 Pay your £2,000 international student deposit to hold your place
 Apply/ arrange your accommodation
 Meet any outstanding conditions of your offer (remember to send us your
references, final transcripts, degree certificate and your latest TOEFL/IELTS
 Obtain your CAS and apply for your student visa
 Research and arrange your travel to the UK
 Get appropriate travel insurance
 Research British culture
 Pack your bags
 Photocopy important travel documents
11. Pre-departure Checklist

53. Ms Tracey Hearn
International Officer (Japan)
tracey.hearn@uea.ac.uk
+44 (0)1603 592110
UEA Switchboard
+44 (0)1603 456161
UEA International Office
intl.office@uea.ac.uk
Dean of Students & Visa queries
isat@uea.ac.uk
Accommodation Office
accom@uea.ac.uk
INTO-UEA Pre-sessional
intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk
INTO UEA Emergency number
+44 (0)7850 930 394
Out of office hours for emergency use only
Emergency Numbers
All emergency services in the UK (Police, Fire
Brigade or Ambulance Service)
999
Immigration Advisory Service
+44 (0)207 967 1200
www.iasuk.org
If you have problems at Immigration Control,
please call this number for free advice.
Taxis in Norwich
ABC Taxis +44(0) 1603 666 333
Canary Taxis +44 (0)1603 414243
12. Important Telephone Numbers and Contacts

54. Ms Serena Okawa, Japanese Student Ambassador
japanesestudents@uea.ac.uk
UEA Student Ambassadors
www.uea.ac.uk/international/ambassadors
12. Important Contacts
Japanese Students : University
of East Anglia (UEA)

55. Important Contacts
www.uea.jp

56. Visa information
www.ukvisa.gov.uk
UKBA
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
British Council – studying in the UK
www.educationuk.org
www.britishcouncil.org
UKCISA advice for International Students
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student
UK weather
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukeather
International Student Calculator
www.studentcalculator.org/international
National Health Service
www.nhs.uk
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Transport for London (underground/tube,
buses etc.)
www.tfl.gov.uk
12. Important Websites
Amilin, Brunei
BSc Business Management

57. July 20, 2015
Pete Ryan
Regional Office Manager
Pete.ryan@uea.ac.uk
+60149613427