Pre-departure Guide

for International
Students
www.lboro.ac.uk

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Congratulations
Congratulations on your offer to study at Loughborough University. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the university,
and hope that you will enjoy your time studying with us. This guide has been designed to help you prepare for leaving home,
arriving in the UK and your first weeks at Loughborough University.
Loughborough University is one of the UKs top 10 universities, and
has recently been awarded first place in the THE Student Experience
Survey. In choosing Loughborough you will benefit from excellent
teaching, world-class facilities, and support and guidance from
academic staff at the forefront of their disciplines.

The Universitys International Office is here to help you, both before

you arrive and during your course.
International Office
Loughborough University
Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK

We offer a comprehensive Careers Network service to help you realise

your career ambitions, and a wide-range of sport and non-academic
social activities to really help you settle in and meet people from
across the globe.

7
RANKED 7TH

IN THE COMPLETE
UNIVERSITY GUIDE
2017, OUT OF 127
UK UNIVERSITIES

T: +44 (0)1509 222201 E: international-office@lboro.ac.uk

www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders

TOP 10
UNIVERSITY

IN ENGLAND FOR
RESEARCH INTENSITY
(REF 2014)

RANKED 4TH

1ST FOR STUDENT

EXPERIENCE

TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION

STUDENT EXPERIENCE
SURVEY 2016

IN THE GUARDIAN
UNIVERSITY GUIDE
2017

SEVEN QUEENS
ANNIVERSARY
PRIZES

ONLY OXFORD HAS MORE

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Contents
Our location

04

On arrival in the UK

12

Preparing to study in the UK

05

Travelling to Loughborough

13

Planning ahead

07

Arriving at Loughborough

14

Students with families

09

Your induction at the university

16

Preparing to depart

10

UK - A to Z

18

Checklist

11

Useful contacts

20

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Our location
Our campus is located approximately two miles away
from the centre of Loughborough, which is a busy market
town with a population of approximately 55,000 people.
Loughborough enjoys a great location in the middle of
England; ideal for exploring the rest of the UK and Europe.

Glasgow
60 min

Edinburgh
75 min

Newcastle

Loughborough is located in the county of Leicestershire,

between Leicester, Nottingham and Derby - three nearby,
larger cities - and is just 90 minutes from London by rail,
where you can then hop on another train direct to Paris!

180 min

Belfast
60 min

Leeds

Our campus

On campus you can find all the amenities and facilities

required for student life, such as a grocery store, a bank,
gyms and fitness centres, sports halls and pitches,
restaurants and a nightclub. In Loughborough itself
youll find a scenic park, a theatre, a cinema, large
supermarkets and a bustling market, and high street
shopping.

100 min

Manchester
Dublin

130 min

Liverpool
120 min

Nottingham

Derby

60 min

Loughborough

East Midlands
International Airport
Birmingham

45 min

Leicester

Oxford

90 min

90 min

Bristol
180 min

Exeter

London
London

Cardiff

Southampton

Dover

WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Preparing to study in the UK

Obtaining your visa

Unless you are a British Citizen or an EEA or Swiss national, or you already hold immigration permission that allows you
to live and study in the UK, you will most likely need to obtain immigration permission before travelling to the UK to study.
All students aged 18 or over who are coming to study for longer than six months must obtain entry clearance as a Tier 4
(General) student from the nearest British Embassy/High Commission.
As part of your visa application you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Information on obtaining a
CAS from the University is available from www.lboro.ac.uk/international/visa-immigration/cas. You will need information
from your CAS statement to complete your visa application; the CAS statement will also help you calculate how much
money you need for any outstanding tuition fees and which documents you need to provide as evidence of how you secured
your course offer.
When you receive your visa, it is advisable to check that all the details are correct before travelling to the UK, as it may be
easier to have any necessary corrections made by the UK visa service in your home country rather than trying to do that
after arriving in the UK.
The Student Advice and Support Service provides information on the Tier 4 visa application process and can be contacted
direct for free individual advice on this and other visa matters. www.lboro.ac.uk/services/isas/visa-advice/outsideuk

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Names on documentation

Occasionally, problems occur with the spelling of names and addresses, especially
in connection with students from countries that use a different alphabet from
English. It is best to decide on how you wish your name to be spelt in English and
then use this spelling at all times. Preferably, this should be the spelling that is
given in your passport.

Students studying for less than six months

If you wish to stay in the UK for less than six months, it may be appropriate to apply
for a short-term study visa: www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

In order to take a course of study in some science and technology subjects, you
may require ATAS clearance. Your offer letter and CAS will confirm whether ATAS
clearance is required. If it is, you must apply for an ATAS certificate and include
a copy of your ATAS certificate with your visa application. Further information
about the ATAS clearance scheme, including the programmes that require ATAS
clearance, can be found here: www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technologyapproval-scheme#overview

Tuberculosis (TB) screening

TB screening is compulsory for those applying for a visa for longer than six months
in certain countries. Further information can be found here:
www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa

06

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Planning ahead
Where to live in Loughborough

The types of accommodation available are University

halls of residence, private halls, shared houses, flats and
self-contained properties. Further details can be found on
our Student Accommodation website: www.lboro.ac.uk/
services/campus-living/accommodation
University halls of residence offer catered or non-catered
packages. In catered halls, most of your meals are cooked
for you and served at times that are convenient for your
classes. Self-catering accommodation enables you to cook
for yourself, or you may choose to eat at one of the many
catering outlets on campus.

Caring for you in Halls

All halls have Hall Managers and Hall Wardens to offer

advice and information during office hours and a
Sub-Warden is on duty at night. If you have any special
needs (e.g. dietary, religious) then please inform the
Student Accommodation Centre by describing them
on your Personal Information Sheet which should
be completed online when you accept your offer of
accommodation.
Whilst we will do our best to meet your accommodation
preferences, students with particular cultural or religious
requirements should take note that our policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunities leads to a mixed
environment within our Halls. Whilst some areas are
specifically designated male or female, socialisation is
common. Please contact the Student Accommodation
Centre to discuss particular requirements.
The University has residential rooms which are
specifically adapted to meet the needs of students who
have disabilities. If you need further advice concerning a
disability or other concern, please contact our Counselling
and Disability Service: T: +44 (0)1509 222770 or
E: disability@lboro.ac.uk

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Accommodation starter pack

Students staying in University halls of residences may wish to order

a Starter Pack which includes bedding (duvet and cover, sheets, and
pillow-cases), plus crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils at a very
reasonable cost. This must be ordered in advance and it will then be
delivered to your room prior to your arrival at Loughborough.
Information about the Starter Pack can be found here:
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/campus-living/accommodation/
prospectivestudents/starterpacks

How to apply for accommodation

Undergraduates
First-year students coming to study in Loughborough in 2016-17 who
make Loughborough their firm choice and apply for accommodation
prior to the end of July 2016 will be guaranteed a room in University
Halls accommodation.
At Loughborough we provide an online room reservation system for
undergraduate students. Once you have your academic offer and you
have made Loughborough your firm choice, you will be able to register
and reserve a room from the end of May 2016 (Unconditional students)
or early June 2016 (Conditional students). You will receive an email
from the Student Accommodation Centre to advise you when and how
to apply.

Postgraduates
You can apply online once you have a firm offer for your course but you
can register your preference for University Hall accommodation online
using your University application number from April. You will receive
an email from the Student Accommodation Centre to advise you when
and how to apply.
Registering your preference does not guarantee you an offer of
accommodation, but priority is given to international students. Subject
to room availability, successful applicants will receive an offer via
email once their academic place at Loughborough has been accepted
and confirmed.

Off-campus accommodation

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining University hall accommodation,

please view our available off-campus accommodation or email
findahouse@lboro.ac.uk

Contract checking service

The Student Advice and Support Service offers a free contract checking
service to help you understand your rights and responsibilities when
renting. It is highly recommended that you seek advice from them
before you sign any contract or pay any money to a private landlord
or letting agent. Email advice@lboro.ac.uk
or call +44 (0)1509 222058 for an appointment.

International undergraduates are guaranteed a University Hall room

for any two years of their study programme, provided that they stay in
the same hall of residence throughout.

Living costs

Loughborough is not an expensive town to live in by UK

standards. Students (and their sponsors) must budget
for their time in the UK and should allow at least 1040
per month for the duration of their studies to cover
expenses such as accommodation, food, clothing, books
and local travel.
We suggest that you bring no more than 550 in cash
or travellers cheques for your first few weeks at the
University, and ensure you have some low denomination
notes, for example 5 or 10 notes (try to avoid 50 notes
if possible as it may be difficult to obtain change for them
in shops.)

WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Students with families

There are limited circumstances in which family of Tier 4 students are allowed to come to the UK as
dependants and stay throughout studies. The Student Advice and Support Service provides information
on visas for family and can be contacted direct for individual advice.
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/isas/visa-advice/family

Accommodation for families

Any student considering bringing their family with them to Loughborough is advised to contact the Student
Accommodation Centre for advice. It might be helpful to consider travelling to the UK alone initially, ahead
of your family, before term starts, and arrange for your family to follow once you have found somewhere
to live.
Contact the Student Accommodation Centre at sac@lboro.ac.uk

09

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Preparing to depart

Onward travel: book your free coach

pick up from Heathrow in advance

Most students tend to reach the UK by flying into one of the major
London airports, and we offer a free coach pick up from Heathrow
on certain days before the beginning of the academic year. The
coach will bring you and your luggage directly to the campus.
Find out more here: www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders/
getting-here/heathrow-coach-service
To use our free airport coach service you must book online here:
www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders/getting-here/
heathrow-coach-service/new-students at least 14 days before
your flight or call the International Office on +44 (0)1509 222201.

Top tip: Travel insurance

You are advised to take out adequate travel

insurance to cover your journey including
the cost of medical expenses and personal
possessions cover.

Not flying into Heathrow?

Birmingham International and East Midlands Airport are located

closer to Loughborough, or you may be flying into Gatwick (located
in London). We do not operate a pick-up service from these airports,
so please organise your onward travel to Loughborough in advance.
See page 13 for more information.

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Top tip:

Checklist
Before you leave home

Please remember when youre packing your suitcase that you

will have to carry your bags around the airports and to your
accommodation building. A key rule is, if you cannot carry it do
not pack it!
You will be able to buy most things you need after arriving in
Loughborough. We recommend that you do not bring more than one
suitcase and one carry-on bag.

Tick:

Clothes (dont forget a warm jumper)

Toiletries for your first few days
Medicines and a first-aid kit
English dictionary
Photos of friends and family
National or traditional dress for formal
occasions and the International Day

Keep copies of travellers cheque numbers,

insurance policy numbers and passport
numbers in a separate and safe place in case
they are lost or stolen. Also leave the numbers
with friends and family to be extra safe.

Dont forget

Your valid passport (or recognised travel document/card)

Entry visa/entry certificate
Photocopies of your UK visa and your passports photo/personal
details page
Unconditional offer letter or final offer letter from
Loughborough University
Documentary evidence of financial support for fees and
maintenance
If your fees and living expenses have been paid in advance into the
Universitys bank account, a letter from the person who has made
the transfer authorising the University to refund to you the amount
allocated for your living expenses
Medical certificate, if necessary
Enough cash/travellers cheques to support yourself until you can
open a bank account in Loughborough
Travel insurance documents

Prohibited items

There are certain goods that are prohibited or restricted in the UK. For
information on prohibited and restricted items, please see the Border
Control information here: www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Top tip:

Leave behind valuable items such

as jewellery. If you cannot do
without them, make sure they
are insured and stored securely
at all times.

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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On arrival in
the UK
Immigration

When you arrive you will first have to go through immigration control
and a Border Force Officer will check your passport (or national
identity card for EEA and Swiss students), scan your fingerprints and
date stamp your visa. The Border Force Officer may ask your purpose
for coming to the UK and try to find out if you can speak English
without the aid of an interpreter. It is recommended that you have
the following documents available in your hand luggage in case
they are needed:
Valid passport (with visa or entry certificate as required)
Admissions correspondence confirming acceptance
onto your programme
Evidence that you can pay your fees and support yourself
for the duration of your course (letter from sponsor/funder
or bank statements)
Health certificate (if appropriate)

Customs

It is illegal to bring certain items into the UK from outside the EU,
while restrictions apply on other items. If you are arriving from outside
the EU and are bringing more than 10,000 Euros (or the equivalent in
another currency) you are required formally to declare this on arrival.
If you have to bring any medication which has been prescribed by a
doctor for your personal use, you are advised to bring documentary
proof of the nature of the drugs. More information on customs control
is available here: www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods.

Lost luggage

If any of your luggage is lost in transit then report it to the staff of the
airline you have travelled with as soon as possible. If you lose any of
your belongings at the airport, rail or coach station then ask a member
of staff for help in finding the Lost Property Office to see if it has been
handed in. If you think it may have been stolen then report it to the
police as soon as possible.

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Travelling to Loughborough

Travelling from the airport to Loughborough

There are a number of ways to get to Loughborough.

Free coach pick up from Heathrow

We offer a free coach pick up from Heathrow on certain days before the
beginning of the academic year. To use this service you must book in
advance: www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders/getting-here/
heathrow-coach-service/new-students or call the International Office
on +44 (0)1509 222201.

By coach or bus

National Express Coaches: +44 (0)8717 818181 (from UK only)

or see www.nationalexpress.com
Eurolines (agents for National Express) www.eurolines.co.uk
Skylink (East Midlands Airport only)
www.trentbarton.co.uk/services/skylinknottingham
When you arrive in Loughborough, connect with the local Sprint bus
onto campus.

By train

National Rail Enquiries: +44 (0)8457 484950 (from UK only)

or see www.nationalrail.co.uk
East Midlands Trains: www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk
Train line: www.thetrainline.co.uk
When you arrive at Loughborough train station it is a short journey by
taxi from the train station to the University. It will take approximately
10 minutes to reach campus and will cost about 7. Alternatively, you
may travel from the train station to the University on the local Sprint
bus.

By taxi

Travelling from the international airports to Loughborough University

by taxi can be very expensive. We would recommend you either travel
by train or coach from these airports to the University, but if you
would rather travel via taxi we suggest pre-booking, which often saves
money.

Staying over in London

If you are due to arrive in London too late for any bus or train service,
it may be less expensive to spend the night in London and travel to
Loughborough the following day instead. You can book accommodation
in advance.
International Students House: www.ish.org.uk
The British Tourist Authority: www.visitbritain.com
London Tourist Board: www.visitlondon.com

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Arriving at Loughborough
Welcome! Were delighted to have you here, and we want to help you settle
in as quickly as possible. Before you head out and explore your new home
though, there are a few things to do:
Register with the University

Approximately six weeks before the start of your

programme of study at Loughborough University, you
will be sent an email inviting you to complete your Online
Registration. You will be guided through a series of
screens and asked to upload a photograph of yourself.
It is important that you complete this process BEFORE
your arrival in order that we can then produce your
University ID Card and have it ready for you to collect at
the International Student Registration event.
Further information related to Registration can be found
at www.lboro.ac.uk/welcome
In addition to registering centrally, you may also be
required to register with your academic department.
Each department/programme has a specific registration
session and you will be informed of the date/time and
venue upon arrival.

Pay your fees

Fees can be paid for all programmes in one sum by the

fourth week of the first term. The preferred method of fee
payment is through the secure online portal which can
be found on the Student Finance web page. Payment of
fees can also be made by bank cheque or bankers draft,
made payable to Loughborough University. We also accept
payment by credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard/
Switch/Delta). The University cannot accept cash.

Payment in instalments
Instead of paying your fees in one sum, you may pay them
in three equal termly instalments from October to May by
Direct Debit from a UK bank account. If you wish to pay by
this method then a Direct Debit form can be downloaded
from the Student Finance web page below.
Paying through a sponsor
You should provide the University with proof of your
sponsorship in advance of your arrival in Loughborough.
The best way to do this is by sending a copy to the
Admissions Office. This should be an official letter stating
who your sponsor is and how much they are sponsoring
you for. The full fee can be paid at the start of the
academic year and, if the University has received proof of
your sponsorship, your sponsor will be invoiced for your
fees. If your sponsor is unable to pay your fees, you will
become liable for the payment.
Statements will be sent for tuition fees (for self-funding
students) to your term-time student e-mail address at the
beginning of each term. There are many different ways
to pay your fees. If you have been awarded a bursary or
scholarship by the University, this will be deducted from
your tuition fees when you are invoiced. These details can
be found on the Student Finance website below.
Find out more about paying your fees:
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/finance-office/students

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Open a bank account

It can take up to five working days to open a bank account, so it is advisable to have some sterling in cash and travellers cheques
on arrival to meet immediate expenses during your first weeks in the UK. To open an account you will need to provide documents
including your identification, proof of student status, and details of your UK and home address. If you need any advice on opening
a bank account, you can contact Student Enquiries:
T: 01509 222491 E: studentenquiries@lboro.ac.uk

Register with the Medical Centre

Search for and complete the Registration Form from

www.lborounimedicalcentre.co.uk and send it to the
Medical Centre (either by post, or by handing it in when
you arrive). If you are currently taking medication please
bring one months supply of medicine with you when you
leave home.

Register with the Police

Certain nationalities who come to the UK for over

six months will be required to register with the local
police. This may be confirmed on your initial visa and/
or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) issued in the UK.
If this applies you must register to comply with visa
requirements. The Student Advice and Support Service
provides information on police registration and may be
contacted direct for individual advice:
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/isas/policeregistration

Make savings on UK travel

If you think you will travel within the UK, then you can purchase a 16-25 Railcard which entitles
you to travel by rail anywhere in Britain at a 34% discount. To buy a rail card you will need to
provide proof of your age (e.g. passport) and a passport-size photograph.
Find out more: www.16-25railcard.co.uk
Student Coach Cards are available for full-time students and allow you to buy National Express
coach tickets at a reduction of 30%.
Find out more: www.nationalexpress.com/offers/coachcards/young-persons-coachcard.aspx

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

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Your induction at the university

Induction and welcome

All new International, European and Exchange students

are invited to attend an induction and welcome meeting
organised by the International Office. This event is an
excellent opportunity to meet other students from your
home country and from across the world. You can also
meet members of the International Office and the Student
Support Centre, who will be available to answer any
questions you may have.
Details of the induction sessions are available on the
website: www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders/
arrived/inductions
Your academic departments will run their own individual
induction sessions, which you must attend. There is also a
separate induction programme for Postgraduate Research
Students, which will include an international dimension.

International Student Welcome Week

The Welcome Week, also known as Freshers Week, is
designed to introduce you to the fantastic lifestyle at
Loughborough University and provide you with all the
essential information and support that you will need to
start your studies.

Freshers Week offers an action packed week with many

activities, ranging from a visit to local landmark Beacon
Hill to the amazing Freshers Ball at the Loughborough
Students Union (LSU)! We also offer Alternative Freshers
Week, which is open to any student who wants to meet
and socialise with other new Loughborough students who
do not drink alcohol. There will be plenty of sporting,
social and cultural activities organised by your hall
and the Students Union to help you settle in and make
new friends.
Find out more:
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/isas/events/welcomeweek

Student support

The Student Advice and Support Service has advisors who

can help you with a range of issues including immigration,
extending your visa, police registration, travelling abroad,
work and information on other support services in the
University. They will also be able to give advice on various
student issues including housing, finance, employment,
academic issues, consumer rights and council tax.

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Counselling Service

Our experienced counsellors are all professionally trained and the

service, which is concerned with psychological and emotional
difficulties, is entirely confidential. It is quite normal for someone who
moves from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar to experience
culture shock. Some helpful advice on how to recognise and cope
with the causes and effects of culture shock can be found on the
UKCISA website: www.ukcisa.org.uk and on our Counselling Service
website: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/cds/counselling/students

Faith and Spirituality

Followers of any religious group are free to practise their own

beliefs and the worlds main religions are all represented within the
University community. The University Chaplains can give advice on
places of worship off-campus and on other spiritual matters. On
campus there is a non-denominational Chapel and a Muslim Prayer
Room and there is provision in Loughborough for Christians,
Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus.
Find out more: www.lboro.ac.uk/services/cfs

Students Union

The Students Union offers a diverse programme of skills

development and employment opportunities, alongside entertainment
and activities to really help you get involved in university life. When
you arrive at Loughborough, there will be various welcome activities
to help you to get to know the English culture, including trips to
popular tourist destinations, sporting activities, parties and an annual
International Day.
Some of the international societies that the Students Union supports,
to name just a few, include: the African-Caribbean Society, Hellenic
Society, Indian Society, Iranian Society, Singapore Society, Malaysia
Society and the Brunei Society.
Find out more: www.lsu.co.uk/societies/socslist

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UK - A to Z
Banks

Most banks are normally open daily between 09.30 17.30 hrs,
Monday to Friday inclusive. In addition, some banks open later on one
day each week and/or on Saturday mornings.

Bus

There is a regular bus service (Sprint) which operates between

Loughborough railway station, the town centre and the University
campus. The journey from the University into the town centre
costs approximately 1.60 and the journey to the train station costs
approximately 1.90.

Cash

Notes are in denominations of 50, 20, 10 and 5 while coins are

available in 2, 1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. Try to avoid 50 notes
if possible. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

Child care

Our Students Union runs a day nursery on campus. Please contact

the nursery at the earliest possible to enquire about places.
T: +44 (0)1509 234126 E: nursery@lborosu.org.uk

Clothing

During the day for your classes you may dress informally. However,
you would be expected to dress appropriately for formal occasions
usually women wear dresses and men wear suits. Depending on
where you are travelling from, you may need to buy items of clothing
suited to the British climate, such as a warm and waterproof coat,
pyjamas, sweaters and socks. Such items may be more easily
available to buy in Britain when you arrive.

Council Tax

Council Tax is a type of property tax charged on residential dwellings,

but most students are exempt from paying this charge.

Cycling

Make sure that your bicycle is in good working order; you must have
working lights on your bicycle a white one at the front and a red one
at the back. It is an offence to cycle at night without lights. Lights can
be purchased from the on-campus bike shop, COGZ, or any cycling
shop at very little cost.
Do not ride on the pavement unless it is a designated cycle path
(indicated by a blue sign with a bicycle on it. There may also be
markings on the pavement showing a bicycle.)
If you are cycling on the road make sure that you follow the flow of
the traffic cycling on the left hand side and always wear a cycle
helmet. These can be purchased from COGZ. Make yourself as
visible as possible when cycling by wearing reflective and fluorescent
clothing. For further information on cycling please refer to:
www.gov.uk/highway-code

Driving

Before driving any vehicle (car, motorbike, van, etc.) in the UK you
should check that you meet all of the legal requirements which apply
to the driver and the vehicle and that you are aware of the correct
licensing and taxation procedures, which may be very different from
your home country.
Students from countries outside the European Economic Area and
students who hold a non-Community licence or an International
Driving Permit may drive here for up to 12 months. It is advisable to
take a few driving lessons in the UK as this will assist you with the
driving rules and regulations in the UK. Detailed information about all
aspects of using a car etc can be found on the website of the Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA): www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla
In the UK, vehicles are driven on the left-hand side of the road.

Electrical equipment

The standard electricity supply in Britain is 220/240 volts, 50 cycles

AC, and the standard socket is designed to take a 13-amp square
three-pin plug. If you intend to use a two-pin socket or plug, you will
need to buy an international voltage or plug adapter. You should be
able to buy an adapter on arrival in the UK. You can buy many items of
electrical equipment when you arrive in the UK (e.g. a hairdryer costs
about 20).

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Laundry

If you do not have a washing machine or drying facility where you are
living, you can take your washing to a launderette where there are
coin-operated washing machines and dryers.

Medical insurance

If you are not an EEA/Swiss national and are coming to the UK for
less than six months you may not have access to full National Health
Services and should take out medical insurance for the duration of
your stay.

Part-time work

After you have enrolled on your course in the UK, you can register
with Loughborough Student Employment to find local part-time and
vacation work. Information about jobs that are currently available can
be seen on the Loughborough Student Employment Exchange website
website: www.lsu.co.uk/jobs/browse

Shopping

Loughborough has a popular street market on Thursday and Saturday

for groceries, clothing and other items, and a bustling high street
with a variety of shops. Large supermarkets and smaller groceries
stocking international goods can be found in the town centre. Items
for sale are marked with a price and you will be expected to pay that it is not possible to bargain over prices at British shops.

Spelling

Its important to decide on a way to spell your name using the

English alphabet, and then always stick to that spelling. If there are
differences in spelling across your documentation this can cause you
difficulties in opening a bank account, travel tickets etc.

Telephone

Queuing

British people love to queue! Well, not really, but we do so in order to

ensure fairness - if you go to the beginning of a queue, you will cause
offence to other shoppers.

If you have brought your mobile phone with you, we recommend

purchasing a UK Sim card. There are network providers at all airports,
railway stations or at stores near to your accommodation. The rate
will vary depending on the network provider but will start from 5 for
minutes and text bundles. The network advisor will ensure that you
are provided with the appropriate Sim card and all the information
you need for setting up on your UK number.

Schools

Walking

Children from 5-16 must go to school (or receive comparable

education at home) and are expected to attend regularly and arrive
punctually. Attendance at state schools is free of charge. Our
Student Support Centre (SSC) runs a school liaison scheme for all
international students who wish to place their children in a nearby
school.

Always use the pavement. If there isnt a pavement, then it is safest

to walk on the right-hand side of the road so that you can see any
oncoming traffic. When crossing the road, always use a crossing when
there is one and be extra careful looking both ways before stepping
into the road.

More details can be found by contacting the Student Support Centre

T: +44 (0)1509 222058 E: advice@lboro.ac.uk
www.lboro.ac.uk/services/sass/international

The weather in the UK is varied and changeable with warm summers

and cool winters. In summer, temperatures tend to vary between
about 19 and 23C, with daylight of around 16 hours a day. In winter,
the temperature generally varies between 0 and 10C, though it can
very occasionally drop to a little below 0C at night, and the daylight
hours shorten to around 8 hours.

Weather

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WELCOME AND PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Useful contacts

Undergraduate
Admissions Office

T: +44 (0)1509 223522

E: admissions@lboro.ac.uk

Postgraduate Taught
Admissions Office
T: +44 (0)1509 222496
E: pgtaught@lboro.ac.uk

Research Student Office

T: +44 (0)1509 222036
E: pgresearch@lboro.ac.uk

Student Enquiries

T: +44 (0)1509 222491/222472

E: studentenquiries@lboro.ac.uk

Student Accommodation
Centre
T: +44 (0)1509 222258/222259
E: sac@lboro.ac.uk

Student Support Centre

T: +44 (0)1509 222058
E: ssc@lboro.ac.uk

Finance Office

T: +44 (0)1509 223538

E: student-finance@lboro.ac.uk

UK Airports
Heathrow Airport, London
T: +44 (0)8443 351801
www.heathrowairport.com

Gatwick Airport, London

T: +44 (0)8448 920322
www.gatwickairport.com

Stansted Airport, London

T: +44 (0)8443 351803
www.stanstedairport.com

Birmingham Airport

T: +44 (0)8712 220072

www.birminghamairport.co.uk

East Midlands Airport

International Office
Loughborough University
Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK
T: +44 (0)1509 222201
E: international-office@lboro.ac.uk

www.lboro.ac.uk/international/offer-holders

@lborouniversity

/lborouniversity

/lborouniversity

lborouniversity

/lborouniversity

lborouniversity

/lborouniversity

lborouniversity

65083/C&PS/June2016

(Nottingham - Leicester - Derby):

T: +44 (0)8712 710711
www.eastmidlandsairport.com