GIRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

CANTERBURY

WELCOME PACK

2014-2015

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Life in the UK:

The UK is a nation with many different cultures and beliefs. This makes the UK an easy place to live regardless of where you are from. The native language in the UK is English and almost everyone will expect you to speak in English to them.

Currency

Currency in the UK is the pound sterling. You can take cash from your bank account using any one of the ATMs/Cash Points that are situated around Canterbury City Centre, in supermarkets and many other places. (Check before using the ATMs/Cash Points to see if it is free of charge). You can also withdraw money from your bank account using the local branch. These are all located on High Street in Canterbury City Center

Budget

At GAU we understand that studying abroad (or in general) can come at a high cost. This is why it is essential that you construct a budget in order to help you ensure that you have enough funds to last you your time in the UK. It is essential that you construct a budget by ensuring that you have enough funds to support yourself when you`re in the UK.

Welcome

Congratulations and welcome to GAU-Canterbury. We hope that you enjoy your studies with us and settle in quickly. The aim of this pack is to give you as much assistance as possible to make the transition of moving away from home as easy as it can be. This pack will help you with many issues; medical insurance, the climate, healthcare, travelling, banks, shopping, the local area and much more.

If you do have any questions regarding Canterbury and need assistance or guidance contact the campus on 01227 455556 or email info@gauc.org.uk and we will endeavour to help you in any way we can.

Budgeting can help you gain an overview of what amount of funding you will have, how much your monthly outgoings are and how much money available to spend : www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international.

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Bank Holidays

Bank Holidays in the UK are public holidays where banks and many other businesses are closed for the day. Most shops and supermarkets remain open but use Sunday trading hours as the standard opening times.* Bank Holidays in 2014 are as follows: 18th April 2014 Good Friday21st April 2014 Easter Monday5th May 2014 May Bank Holiday26th May 2014 Spring Bank Holiday25th August 2014 Summer Bank Holiday25th December 2014 Christmas Day26th December 2014 Boxing Day

*it is worth taking note that public transport will usually operate a limited or no service on these dates.

Banks and ShoppingMonday to Friday, shops and post offices usually operate 9am to 5pm (possibly in the city this may be extended to 5.30pm or 6pm). Banks (main branches only) are open 9am-5pm. On Saturdays shops are open 9am-5pm, banks 9.30am-1pm. Post Offices may be open all day or half day on Saturdays. Main Post Office is also open half day on Sundays.Sunday shopping hours are 10am-4pm or 11am-5pm, but banks are closed.

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British Summer Time Please be aware that in the UK the clocks will change times twice in a year to allow for longer hours of sunlight during the daytime: On 30th March 2014 at 1:00am the clocks will go forward by 1 hour. On 26th October 2014 at 2:00 am the clocks will go back by 1 hour. You need to ensure that you change your clocks accordingly as the University will operate according to new time.

The Climate in the UKThe weather in the UK can contrast greatly from that of your home country.Spring is normally a dry and cool season with temperatures ranging from 9°C- 11°C.Generally, the summer month’s temperatures can range from 16°C-25°CDuring the autumn months the temperatures can be around 12C-16C, so although in the day time T-shirts may be suitable, the evening can become much colder and it is recommended that you take a jumper or jacket with you. Rain showers can happen at any time of the year so rain coats, umbrellas and waterproof clothing are a ‘must have’.

Voltage Requirements in the UKIn order to use any of your own electrical appliances in the UK such as hairdryer, laptop, shaver etc, you will need to ensure that they are in the correct voltage. The voltage in the UK is 220V.To convert any of your own electrical goods to this voltage you may need an International Voltage Converter.

Also you may need a plug adaptor that is compliant with British Standards (BS1363). These can be found in any electrical store, DIY store or even airports and duty free shops.

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Internet

The Internet will become a very valuable tool for you whilst you are at the university. You will be using it for your studies and also for communication with your friends and family back home. You can access the internet in a number of places including: at the university in our computer labs, “internet cafes” where you pay a small fee for a limited time, or via wireless internet within your accommodation (you will have to pay extra for this and set it up as you would in a house). Please note to set it up as you would in a house, you may find yourselves tied into a contract for a fixed term. You may also be able to take a contract out for a wireless “dongle” so you can have internet on the move. You will need to visit a mobile telephone provider in order to do so.

Contents Insurance

We recommend that you look into contents insurance specifically for students. Any belongings that you own will not be covered even if the landlord of your accommodation has insurance. A good insurance company for students is Endsleigh: http://www.endsleigh.co.uk.

Your contents insurance will be tailored to cover your needs and the items that you take to University. You can build a policy that will insure just your contents or a policy that can cover your laptop, camera, DVDs and much more.

Medical Insurance

If you are coming to the UK on a visa longer than 6 months then you will not need medical insurance. Any student with a visa over 6 months is entitled to some free health care in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS). www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

If, however, you are only on a 6 month visa you will NOT be entitled to this coverage and we strongly recommend that you have adequate medical insurance to cover any cost when you fall ill.

Whitstable can be reached by bus from the bus station - 2 minutes from our campus. You can also go by foot/bike along a route named the Crab and Winkle Way. It is a pleasant journey through the countryside and will take around 1 hour. Once there you can visit pretty boutiques, the castle, the harbour and the fish markets. In July, there is an oyster festival that is very popular with tourists. you have to give the cycle back

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Transportation

By Train

Canterbury is approximately 60 miles from London and 20 miles from Dover, making it easily accessible by train, coach or ferry. Canterbury has 2 train stations (Canterbury East and West) linking it with the coast and London. From Canterbury West station London St Pancras International can be reached in less than 1 hour. If you are aged between 16 and 25, you are also eligible for a young person’s railcard which will give you 1/3rd off all off-peak train travel. For more details on train times and fares you can visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 484950.

By Bus

Stagecoach bus service provides buses around Kent and Canterbury. For unlimited travel on local buses within the Canterbury area, you can purchase a 4 week Mega-rider ticket.More details can be found at: http://www.stagecoachbus.com/default.aspx

Canterbury and the local area

Canterbury offers vibrant city culture with plenty of activities to keep you busy. The city of Canterbury itself is a world heritage site renowned for its cathedral and historic buildings. Both buses and train will take you to the surrounding towns. The following details will give you an idea of what each town can offer. There are also leaflets in this pack with more details

Dover is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kent. You can get the train to Dover from Canterbury East railway station and visit the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle, which was founded in the 12th Century. There is also a Dover Museum which is a local history and archaeology museum situated in the town centre.

Ashford is a traditional English market town and home to Ashford Museum, which contains photographs of old Ashford, and Ashford at War, as well as local archaeological and geological discoveries. Ashford is also a great place to shop as it is home to the Ashford Designer Outlet Centre. You can travel to Ashford by bus or train from Canterbury West.

London has plenty to offer with access to many major free museums and galleries so you can easily spend a day there without spending a lot of money. http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-museums.aspx will give you details of all the free museums in London. These include:The Bank of England MuseumBritish MuseumImperial War MuseumNational History MuseumScience MuseumVictoria and Albert Museum

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GAU–Canterbury Campus

Located near the city centre, GAU-Canterbury is a short walk from the city centre, high street and local amenities. A map is enclosed for your convenience.

Upon arrival in Canterbury, you will be given a tour to familiarise yourself with the campus and its facilities such as the E-library, vending machines and student lounge. You will be issued with a student ID card. This must be carried with you at all times while on campus.

http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-galleries.aspx will give you more details on free galleries in London. These include: Tate Britain, Tate Modern and the National Gallery. A day travel card can be purchased at the Canterbury West train station and will give you unlimited travel on the London Underground. Underground stations are all over London and are a quick and easy way to travel around. Just look for the Underground sign.

Alternatively, a day coach pass allows you to see much of the city as you travel around on the top floor of a red double decker bus.

There are also coaches that connect Canterbury to London and surrounding areas.

The bus station is a short walk from GAU-Canterbury and more details can be found by visiting the ticket office at the bus station or the website www.nationalexpress.co.uk

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Student Counsellor

If you have any issues during your stay at GAU – Canterbury please visit our Student Counsellor Massimo Mozzati who will deal with all matters in confidence. Massimo’s office is located on the First Floor of the building near the stairs. Please check his office hours on his door and visit the admin office to book an appointment.

Telephone

The country code for the UK is 0044. If you need to dial abroad whilst in the UK you will need to add the county’s area code before the number. A list of country dialling codes can be found on the following website http://countrycode.org/

You can purchase phone cards from newsagents that will make your calls home cheaper when called from a landline. Or you could always use SKYPE to talk to friends and family for free.To reduce the cost of calling abroad visit http://www.callingabroad.co.uk/

This website will give you alternative codes for dialling international numbers.You can purchase SIM cards for your mobile phones at any mobile phone retailer. There is a large selection within Canterbury city centre.

Smoking is NOT TOLERATED inside the university campus building or any of the student houses to comply with the law. If you do smoke, you will be able to do so in the courtyard area of the campus. Students found smoking within their accommodation may be fined. Drugs are illegal substances in the UK.If drugs are found on you by the police this can potentially affect your visa status in the U.K

Smoking and drugs

You will need to register with your GP before consulting them for medical advice. (For emergencies only, you can call 999 free of charge from any telephone. This will take you through to an operator who will ask whether you need fire, ambulance or police. Explain which you need and the situation you are in. Please only use this in an emergency.

Dentists: Non-EU students are not covered by the National Health Service for any dental treatment. If you need a dentist urgently you will need to contact the emergency dentist on 01233 667977after 6pm. There will be a fee for any treatment or appointments.UK residents and EU students can sign up to a local dentist although there can be a waiting list and a fee for treatment or appointments. The following dentists are close to our Campus or you. Again, you will need proof of identification.

Doctors: If you need any medical assistance whilst in Canterbury, you can visit your local GP. The address of the GP surgery which is closest to the University is:

Canterbury Health Centre,26 Old Dover Road,Canterbury Kent,CT1 3JB 01227 597000

The Smile Centre,11 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury ,CT1 2NA. Tel. 01227 463574Dental Care Centre, 60 Dover StreetCantebrury, CT1 3HD. 01227 462521

Canterbury Health Clinic:Canterbury Health Centre,26 Old Dover Road,Canterbury,CT1 3JB

Health

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Clinics:

Canterbury Health Clinic is a 2 minute walk from campus and can give advice and guidance on any family planning matters and contraception. It is open the following times for drop in sessions:Monday - 4.30pm – 7pmTuesday - 9.30 – 12pm and 5pm – 7pmWednesday - 3.30pm – 6pmThursday – 9.30 – 12pmYou can call 01227 597033 during these hours to book an appointment or discuss contraception or family planning.

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Nightlife

Canterbury is home to over 100 pubs as well as many bars both in town and at the University of Kent Campus. There are several clubs in Canterbury the main ones being Chill, Club Chemistry, The Ballroom, Cuban, Venue (UKC Campus), The Brewery Bar and Alberrys. Most places shut at 2/3am. Canterbury also has a lively music scene and you can catch a gig pretty much any night of the week. The Lady Luck, Cherry Tree, The Black Griffin, The Ballroom, Canterbury Tales Pub and The Attic at University of Kent.

Social Activities

Kingsmead Leisure Centre offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities. To contact the centre call: 01227 769818 or visit http://www.activelifeltd.co.uk for more information.

Body and Mind Leisure offers pay as you go facilities and good student rates. Visit their website http://www.bodyandmindleisure.co.uk/index.php or contact them on 01227 766352 for further information

Odeon Cinema is a large cinema offering the latest films and located on St Georges Street. Prices start at £6.00 for students with the applicable discount card. 0871 22 44 007CURZON Canterbury Cinema is the brand new cinema in the City center, very close to Westgate Towers. For booking 03305001331

Canterbury Library is located in the centre of Canterbury and has a wide variety of books and free internet access. You can join the library free of charge, by visiting the library with some ID such as your passport and a letter from the University stating you live in Canterbury.

Canterbury Cathedral is situated in the centre of Canterbury and is open to the public. There is a fee to enter the grounds.

The Gulbenkian Cinema & Theatre is situated at the University of Kent campus, and shows a wide range of films, musical acts, comedians, dance shows and plays. They also have a cafe/restaurant. Student discounts available for most films/shows. The unibus runs about every 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes in the evening and leaves from the bus station.

The cathedral hosts large church services on Sundays and also celebrates traditional British festivals such as Christmas, Harvest and Easter. Evensong is free: Mon-Fri 5.30pm Sat-Sun 3.15pmMore details on this can be found at the website http://www.canterburycathedral.org/

The Canterbury Tales is located in St Margaret’s Street and is a step back in history and is a stunningly accurate recreation of medieval life. The Canterbury Tales is open throughout the year, although opening times do vary depending on the time of year:..........................................................................January - February 10.00am - 4.30pmMarch - June 10.00am - 5.00pmJuly – August 9.30am - 5.00pm

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Lounge on the Farm FestivalCanterbury hosts Lounge of the Farm Festival, every July at Merton Farm. Past years have headliners from the likes of Example, Ellie Goulding, The XX, and Roots Manuva.

Canterbury Attractions PassportYou can buy the passport that gives you free entry to the Cathedral, Canterbury Tales, the Heritage museum and Roman Museum. Discounts are also available on other local attractions including:St Augustines AbbeyCanterbury Westgate TowersCanterbury Tourist GuidesCanterbury Audio ToursCanterbury Ghost ToursCanterbury Historic River ToursCanterbury Punting CompanyCanterbury River Navigation CompanyThe FoundryThe HutchMcDonaldsYou will need Student ID to do this or the price will increase. Visit www.canterbury.co.uk for more information.

Museums and Arts:

The Roman Museum –11c Butchery Lane, Canterbury 01227 452747The West Gate Towers Museum – Westgate Canterbury CT1 2BQ 01227 789576Sidney Cooper Gallery – St Peters Street, Canterbury CT1 2BQ 01227 453264St Augustines Abbey – Longport, Canterbury CT1 1PF 01227 767345Museum of Canterbury – Stour Street, Canterbury 01227 452747Canterbury Ghost Tours – Outside Alberry’s Wine Bar and Bistro, St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury CT1 2TY 08455190267Canterbury Westgate Towers + City Gaol -St. Peters Street Canterbury CT1 2BQ 01227 789576

Shopping

Canterbury City centre boasts a wide range of clothes shops and jewellers ranging from large chains to little boutiques. The best way to shop around Canterbury is to wander around, especially off the main high street.Wednesdays and Fridays are market days within the city centre. There is a variety of stalls all of which are reasonably priced

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Churches

St Paul’s Church (Christian) - Church Street, Canterbury CT1 1NH01227 768072www.martinpaul.orgCanterbury Baptist Church (Baptist) – St Georges Place, Canterbury CT1 1UT01227 456204www.canterburybaptistchurch.org.ukCanterbury Cathedral (Church of England) – Cathedral Precincts01227 762862The Anglican Church (Catholic) – 5 Best Lane, Canterbury CT1 2JB01797 321704

Mosques

The Markaz – Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7LT01227 768225

Synagogues

Thanet & District Reform Synagogue, 293A Margate Rd, Ramsgate CT12 6TE 0184 851164

Campus Contact DetailsGirne American University Canterbury

9 St George's Place Canterbury

Kent UK

CT1 1UTTel: +44(0)1227 455556

Canterburyhttp://www.gauc.org.uk/

www.canterbury.co.uk

EmbassiesFor information regarding embassies throughout the world:

www.embassyworld.com

HealthFor any health related questions that may not require a doctor

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Immigrationwww.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/

www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf5students

Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php

InsuranceEndsleigh Insurance Company

www.endsleigh.co.ukSports Facilities and Clubs

www.activecanterbury.org

LanguageCambridge ESOL

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/index.html Test of English for International Communication

www.ets.org/toeicTest of English as a Foreign Language

www.ets.org/toefl International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

www.ielts.org

Tourist information on the UKInteractive map of the UK –

www.multimap.comTourist information – www.visitbritain.com

LondonLondon Guide - www.ukguide.org

London Tourist Board – www.londontown.comLondon Transport –www.tfl.gov.uk/journeyplanner

Accommodation in London – www.ish.org.uk

MoneyCurrency converter – www.xe.com/ucc

The budget planner – www.studentmoney.orghttp://www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international/index.asp

Travelwww.thetrainline.com

www.nationalexpress.com