International Student Pre-Arrival guide 2015

Pre-Arrival Information for International, EU and Erasmus Students 2015-16

Leeds College of Art

Pre-Arrival Guide

Cover image by Abbie Withington BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design

side

Welcome from the Principal 5 International Office Contacts 7Visas and Immigration - non EU/EEA Students Applying for an International Tier 4 (General) Student Visa 8

Biometric Immigration Document 9Police Registration 10Working in the UK 11Tier 4 Visa responsibilities 12Banking and FinanceOpening a bank account 13Other financial matters 14Healthcare 15Term Dates 18

Student Welfare Team 19Students’ Union 20

Useful Links 21College Facilities 22Transport 23Leeds 24Accommodation 26 Map 27

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— Pre-Arrival Information —

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— Leeds College of Art —

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I am delighted that you will soon be joining us as a student of Leeds College of Art and hope that you will enjoy your time with us.

This pack is full of important information to help your transition from applicant to student and will help familiarise you with any visa procedures and responsibilities, College services and the city of Leeds. It also gives details of your enrolment and term dates. Detailed information about your welcome, induction programme and social activities will be provided when you arrive in Leeds.

It is an important document which I hope you find useful, and I look forward to meeting you in person at the International Welcome Buffet.

Simone Wonnacott, Principal

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First of all, a very warm welcome to Leeds and the UK from the International Office; Jenny Oxley, David Braham and Emma Trevaskiss. Along with all other support and academic staff our aim is to help make your time here rewarding and enjoyable. This year we are looking forward to welcoming around 100 overseas students to the College to join many thousands of others in this vibrant multi-cultural city of Leeds in which more than 100 nationalities are represented.

Part of our role is to help you with the transition from applicant to student, but we will also continue to keep in contact with you throughout your time with us and we will arrange events where you can meet other UK, International, European and Erasmus students and share your experiences and make friends.

Together with the Student Welfare team, the International Office is here to help with any issues you face, so please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice or support from us during your studies. I wish you the best of luck with your new course and hope that you enjoy Leeds and all it has to offer.

Emma Trevaskiss, International Officer

International Office Contacts

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Certain rules, regulations and obligations apply to exclusively to International (non UK/EU students) who will be studying with us under a Tier 4 Student Visa.

The important visa information below is for such students and should be read in conjunction with information provided by:

• the Home Office UKVI https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa

• the Leeds College of art website http://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/international/visas-immigration/

It is very important that you read and understand all of this information very carefully and if you have any queries please contact the International Office email: international @leeds-art.ac.uk

Before you can start your visa application, you must have received a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study) reference number from Leeds College of Art.

When you receive the CAS will depend on several factors. We can only issue CAS once we have received confirmation of your exam results – sometimes this is as late as August, however this should still be enough time to apply for and obtain your visa.

Here is a timeline of events that will help you to understand what will happen, and when:

• Deposit AND exam results received

• If your results meet the conditions, we make your offer ‘unconditional’

• We email you information on the visa application and a ‘Pre-CAS Questionnaire’ which we ask you to complete

• Pre-CAS Questionnaire returned to Leeds College of Art, together with any evidence (i.e. financial) that you plan to submit with your visa application

• CAS issued to UK Visa & Immigration department

• CAS information and CAS reference number emailed to you

• Pay NHS surcharge

• Submit online visa application (not more than three months before the course start date on your CAS)

You can then:

• Attend embassy appointment to provide your documents to an Entry Clearance Officer

(You should receive your visa approximately 3 weeks later. To see standard processing times in your country, please check https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times)

• Enter the UK with your visa ‘vignette’

• Collect your Biometric Immigration Document (BID) from a local Post Office within 10 days

• Enrol at Leeds College of Art

VISAS AND IMMIGRATION – NON EU/EEA STUDENTS

Applying for an International Tier 4 (General) Student Visa

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The Home Office is introducing a new system regarding the issue of your visa. You will first receive a special visa sticker (vignette) in your passport which allows you to travel to the UK and then collect your BID (also known as a BiometricResidence Permit or BRP). Under a new practice, when you make your Tier 4 visa application overseas you will have to state what town you are going to stay in when you first arrive in the UK. You will be given a short-term entry clearance in your passport that gives you 30 days in which to travel to the UK. You will also be given a letter which tells you where to collect your BID.

Once you have arrived in the UK you will need to go to the designated Post Office in Leeds to collect your BID which shows your permission to be in the UK for the rest of your course (plus a short amount of time afterwards). You should collect your BID very soon after arriving, as it is likely to be needed for many purposes. You may get a penalty or your leave can be cancelled if you don’t pick up your BRP within 10 days of your arrival in the UK. You will need your BID in order to enrol on your course at the College.Find more details at www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits

Biometric Immigration Document (BID)

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You are required to register with the police if your passport is stamped by the Immigration Officer with “Register with UK Police on arrival” or “Register with the Police within seven days”, if you are from any of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan or Yemen

You must then report your change of address and any other changes to the Leeds Immigration and Nationality Department within seven days of your arrival in Leeds.

Where can I register with the police?

Overseas Registration DepartmentPudsey Police Station Dawsons Corner Bradford RoadPudseyLS28 5TA

Email: [email protected]

You can travel by bus by taking the number 508 or the number 72 from Eastgate in Leeds City Centre and both buses take you very close to Dawsons Corner where the Police Station is located. If you wish to travel by train, which is a longer journey than by bus, you should depart from Leeds Train Station to New Pudsey train station and then walk to the police station. This office is open between 9am - 1pm and 2.15pm - 4pm Monday to Thursday. The office is very busy at lunch times so it is better to go either earlier or later in the day - the last registration time is at 3:30pm.

You will need to take:

• Your passport

• Your completed police registration form obtainable from the West Yorkshire Police (www.westyorkshire.police.uk) website by downloading the Registration with the Police (PDF document)

• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one

• 1 passport sized photograph

• Confirmation of your status in the UK (i.e. study letter)

The administration fee of £34 for each passport. You can pay with cash or credit

card.

Police Registration

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Working in the UK

Both paid work and volunteering provide a great opportunity for you to mix with people from the local community, improve your language skills, get an insight into UK workplace culture and gain experience.

Before you apply for voluntary or paid work, it is essential that you check whether you have permission to work in the UK and any restrictions on working which apply to you, as the law on restrictions is very strict.

If you are in the UK with a Tier 4 student visa (NOT a student visitor visa) you may be able to work part-time as follows while studying during term-time and full-time during vacations.

• up to 20 hours a week if you are studying at degree level or above

• up to 10 hours a week if you are studying any other type of course

All EU/EEA and Swiss national students can work in the UK, however, nationals of Croatia may be subject to the ‘Worker Authorisation Scheme’ see http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work--more/Working-during-your-studies/EEA-and-Swiss-students-working-while-studying/ If you are a national of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia, you no longer need to register your work under the Worker Registration and are free to take up employment without being subject to any special requirements. If you are a national of Bulgaria or Romania you are no longer subject to the Worker Authorisation Scheme, and are free to take up employment without being subject

to any special requirements.

See http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work--more/Working-during-your-studies/Can-I-work/

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Tier 4 (General) Student Visa Responsibilities

If you use a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Leeds College of Art successfully to obtain a student visa, the College is then considered to be your sponsor (for immigration not financial purposes).

The College must keep the following records or documents, and make them available to UK Visas and Immigration officials on request:

• a copy of your passport, identity card for foreign nationals or United Kingdom immigration status document (you should keep the original)

• your address and contact details

Your obligations whilst you are being sponsored by Leeds College of Art under the Points-Based System: you must inform the College if you:

• Obtain a student visa using a CAS from Leeds College of Art and then do not enrol on your course as expected.

Once you are enrolled you must inform the College if you:

• Leave your course (for any reason)• Temporarily suspend your studies (for

any reason)• Change your immigration status• Change your address• Change your course• Transfer to a different institution

You must also allow the College to take copies of your passport/visa/UK Biometric Residence Permit and hold these on file.

In addition you must not breach the conditions of your student visa or allow your visa to expire. You must remain in full-time study and you must not work more than you are allowed (see below). You must not suspend studies or switch to part-time study without first seeking advice from the College. If you do breach any conditions of your visa, this could incur serious consequences including detention, fines or possible removal from the UK.

Leeds College of Art has an obligation to report to the Home Office any students who fail to register as required, fail to attend as required or who are found to be in breach of any other student conditions.

What happens when my visa is due to expire?

If your studies are continuing, then you should inform the International office and contact the Student Welfare service at least two months in advance of your visa expiry date. We will give you information to help you fill in the online application form and go through the requirements of UK Visas & Immigration so that you can provide the documents to support your application.

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BANKING AND FINANCE

Opening a bank accountWhat do I need to open a bank account?

What you require to open a bank account will depend on which bank and which bank account you choose. Generally you will need to provide:

• Proof of your identity:Passport or EU national identity card

• Proof of your status as a student (if you are opening a student account):Your offer letter or a bank letter from the College

• Proof of address:Some banks will require proof of your UK address and/or your home/overseas residential address.

• Minimum deposits and fees:Some banks require a minimum deposit to open certain accounts and charge a monthly fee. (Some bank accounts also require you to maintain a minimum balance in your account).

Where can I get the bank introduction letter from the College?

Please see your Programme Administrator or the Student Advice team.

Important information about bank accounts

• Keep your bank statements. You will need these original statements if you have to extend your visa/leave to stay in the UK. Most banks charge for duplicate statements and it may take them several weeks to produce the documents.

• Only use a bank account for which you are a named holder.

• You should not allow others to use your account to do their banking.

• Keep your personal details and account details secret to prevent someone stealing your identity. For more information visit: www.identity-theft.org.uk/protect-yourself.htm

• If you pay bills by direct debit you must have the money in your account the day before the direct debit is due to go out of your account. If not, you will be charged penalty fees by the bank and often also by the organisation that is expecting to receive the direct debit payment.

• Do not go into debt on your account unless you have a pre-agreed overdraft facility with the bank.

• It can take between 10 – 15 days before your new bank account is fully operational with a printed chequebook, cash card and PIN (Personal Identification Number – you will need this number to take money from an ATM cash machine).

On our website you will find information comparing some popular bank accounts open to students from overseas which may be of use. Information may change so please check with the bank first. http://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/international/

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Other financial matters

Transferring money

The easiest way to send money is by electronic transfer of funds from a bank in your home country into your UKaccount. To do this the bank in your home country will need:

• Your UK bank’s name and full address• Your name as given on your UK bank

account• Your UK bank account number and

sort code

If you are transferring money to the UK by a banker’s draft, it is strongly recommended that it is made out in pounds sterling. A draft in another country’s currency can take 3 – 4 weeks to clear in your bank account.

Managing your money

There is very little help available to international students who get into financial difficulties and it is therefore essential that you are able to budget your money very carefully. If you find yourself in financial difficulties, please speak to the Student Advice team.

The figures below represent a reasonable estimate for the Academic Year 2014 – 2015 and may help you to budget for the year ahead. To allow for inflation you should expect an annual increase of 3 to 4%.

What if I am here for less than 6 months?

If you are here for less than 6 months, you will have a limited choice of accounts to open. As of January 2015, you may be able to open an account with Yorkshire Bank or Barclays (Cash Card Account), or with NatWest (Basic Account) if you are an EU national.

Weekly costs

The International Student Calculator will help you plan and manage your money for your studies in the UK, and Case Studies and many saving tips. This is an independent financial calculator from UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) and Brightside.

Visit: http://www.international.studentcalculator.org/

Each student has his or her own lifestyle and spending patterns so it is not possible for us to say with accuracy what your likely expenditure will be per week. A survey of Leeds students carried out in 2013 however provided a table of the most common amounts spent on each item.

Expenditure Amount per weekRent £90+Food £20 - £30Bills £7 - £10Leisure £20Toiletries around £10

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HEALTHCARE

European citizens are entitled to free healthcare with the NHS (National Health Service).

If you are not a European citizen, you will need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, and you will need to pay an immigration health surcharge before you submit your visa application.

Find further information at:www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

This is a mandatory fee and will apply to you and any of your family members applying to come to the UK with you. The charge will entitle you to free health services under the National Health Service (NHS) once you are inside the UK.

At present the fee is £150 per person per year and it will be charged for the maximum period of leave which could be granted under the immigration rules. For example, applying for a visa for a three year course would incur a £525 fee

because a further 4 months is added to the end of a visa for courses of 12 months or more.

Failure to pay the health surcharge will result in your application being refused or returned as invalid. When making this application, please enter your course start and end date as indicated on the CAS. The overall amount you need to pay will be calculated automatically.

You are advised to ensure that in addition to the having sufficient money available to cover the visa application fee, you also have access to a credit or debit card which can be used to pay the health charge online. There is no requirement to hold the health fee for 28 days or to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover the health fee in the visa application. However if you are using same account to pay the visa application fee and health charge as the one to evidence your tuition fees and maintenance, you should ensure that there is enough money available to cover everything.

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Register with a Doctor

To register you will need to go to a doctor’s surgery and take the following documents:• proof of your identity (e.g. passport,

driving licence etc.)• proof of your student status (e.g.

student ID card, offer letter)• proof of your Leeds address (e.g.

accommodation contract)

Leeds Student Medical Practice staff can help you register with the Medical Practice and are available to answer any questions you have about healthcare facilities and services.

http://www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk/contact-us/

24-Hour Telephone Health Advice

For health advice at any time of the day or night, call the NHS helpline on 111.

Pharmacies

If you have a minor health problem such as a cold, sore throat or dry skin, you can visit a pharmacy (chemist) to get advice and buy medication.

If your local pharmacy is closed you can buy medication every day of the week until midnight at Boots Pharmacy, LeedsCity Rail Station +44 (0) 113 242 1713

Local Doctor / General Practitioner (GP)

For non-emergency medical treatment, you should see your local doctor (GP). You can find a list of doctors on the NHSwebsite: www.nhs.uk/Service-Search

Leeds Student Medical Practice is the closest doctor’s surgery to the College. Their website has health advice and information about booking an appointment to see a doctor:www.leedsstudentmedicalpractice.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

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Hospital

You should only visit a hospital if you need emergency care or if your GP refers you for specialist treatment.

Accident and Emergency department (A&E). The nearest A&E department to campus is in the city centre:Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) Jubilee Wing, Clarendon Way+44 (0) 113 243 2799

In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance.

Dentists

Services from dentists are not usually free, but there are many dentists in Leeds if you need treatment. Search for alocal dentist online or contact the Leeds Dental Advice Line:www.nhs.uk/Service-Search+44 (0) 800 298 5787

For emergency dental care call the NHS helpline on 111.

Opticians

If you need eye care, glasses or contact lenses, services from opticians are not usually free. For a list of local opticians,visit www.nhs.uk/Service-Search

HEALTHCARE

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TERM DATES

Date

w/c 31 August 2015

7 September – 17 December 2015

w/c 7 September 2015


11 September 2015





18 September 2015

Event

Extended Diploma enrolment

Extended Diploma Autumn term

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Enrolment

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Autumn term

International Welcome Day for Further Education Students

MA Creative Practice enrolment

MA Creative Practice Autumn term

Undergraduate BA(Hons) degree courses Induction and enrolment

Undergraduate BA(Hons) degree courses Autumn term

International Welcome Day for Higher Education Students

Location

Blenheim Walk building

City Centre Building Vernon St


City Centre Building Vernon St







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The Student Welfare team consists of the following members of staff:

Jackie Groves Student Support and Advice Manager

Nicola Sheehan Counsellor and Welfare Officer

Ann Trusson Counsellor and Welfare Officer

Emma Helliwell Student Information and Welfare Administrator

Deborah Powell Student Information and Welfare Administrator

Kate Parker Student Information and Welfare Administrator

You will find the team at the Blenheim Walk building, Mondays to Thursdays from 9.00am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.00 to 4.00pm.

Alternatively, call 0113 202 8111 or email the team: [email protected].

You can also see us at the City Centre building in Vernon Street from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and Friday 9.00 to 4.00pm, Wednesday the office is closed all day.

We are here to discuss any of the following:

• General information & advice• Finance• Accommodation• Personal issues

We will try to help with any other problems or queries you may have, or we can put you contact with other someone who can.

If English is not your first languageLeeds College of Art has a specialist EAL tutor who provides English language classes and support with your study skills development.

This includes support with the planning and structure of written work, use of academic language and time management skills.

You can contact Sheila Hirst by emailing her: [email protected] or call into Room 216, Monday - Thursday at our Blenheim Walk building.

STUDENT WELFARE TEAM

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THE STUDENTS’ UNION (SU)

We look forward to welcoming you to the College. The Students’ Union team will be available at your enrolment to give you information on what we have planned for the year. We organise activities and events, run societies and sports teams that bring students together and represent students’ views across the college. There are many ways in which you can get involved with us; allowing you to have your say, have fun and meet new people.

Your representation

Elected Executive Officers help to ensure that the Students’ Union is representative of every student in the College. Each course/programme also elects its own set of Student Representatives who provide a valuable link to College staff and management; enabling feedback, opinions

and the thoughts of the students to be heard.

The NUS campaigns nationally on student issues such as course costs, safer accommodation and fair access to education. The NUS Extra card is a great way for you to take advantage of hundreds of exclusive deals and discounts online, in shops, in bars and in entertainment venues.

Your welfare

Your Students’ Union works with the Student Welfare team, other local Universities and external organisations on initiatives and projects which benefit you as a student.

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Your enjoyment

Joining a Club or Society is a great way to meet other students and have fun. We currently offer all sorts of societies such as; Cheese, Christian Union, Comic Book, Film, Language Classes, Leeds Arts Party, Life Drawing, Raise and Give [RAG], Snow Sports and Conscious Creatives [Sustainability].

Our calendar of events and activities will help you to settle into College life and allow you to get to know your fellow students and this brilliant city.

Sports and fitness

Throughout the year, there’ll be a number of opportunities for you to get fit and get involved.

Our various fitness sessions are open to all students upon membership.

We also run a male football team and female netball team that compete against other Universities. Students are also able to enter individual championships in a number of events throughout the year.

Contacts

• Email: [email protected] • Tel:

Blenheim Walk [main] office: 0113 202 8296 Vernon Street office: 0113 202 8250

• Twitter: @leedsartsu• Facebook: leedsartsu • Instagram: @leedsartsu• Pinterest: @leedsartsu• Web: www.lcasu.org.uk

Staff

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @lcasu_president

USEFUL LINKS

THE STUDENTS’ UNION (SU)

• British Council ‘Life in the UK’: http://www.educationuk.org/global/

• UK Council for International Student Affairs: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

• UK Home Office Visas & Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-

immigration

• Prepare for Success - an interactive web learning tool for international students

who are getting ready to come to the UK for study in further or higher education.

http://www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk/

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COLLEGE FACILITIES

Library

You will find books, journals, newspapers, DVDs, computers with scanners and printers, and photocopiers in the College Library. There are a number of on-line subscriptions to databases such as ArtSource, JStor and Worth Global Style Network. The Library is a member of the SCONUL scheme which will allow you to access libraries at other universities and Library staff can also help with access to other books and information sources, locally and nationally.

The College has two libraries (at Blenheim walk and Vernon Street). Within both areas there are quiet places for private study and personal assignment work. Opening Times: Mondays to Fridays 8.30am – 8.00pm; Saturdays 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Both College Libraries also contain a shop where you can obtain art materials and stationery at discounted prices.

Computer Suites

These are located at:

Vernon Street: Apple Macs for desktop publishing.Multimedia, video and animation.

Blenheim Walk: PCs and Apple Macs for 2D/3D, Fashion Design and Graphics. You will receive an introduction to the Computer Suites during your Induction Period.

Food & Drink

Both buildings have a café which provides breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks.

Opening Hours:Monday to Thursday: 8.00am to 7.00pmFriday: 8.00am to 4.00pm

Vending machines are situated in all buildings for hot and cold drinks.

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Before you make any travel plans, check when you should arrive in Leeds. When you plan the details of your journey and travel connections remember to allow time for any delays and queues at immigration control.

There is further information on our website about transport links to Leeds form various UK airports which is useful to as you make your travel plans. http://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/international/

Transport in Leeds

Leeds CityBus service links up key locations around the city centre. The cost is 50p per journey.

Find out more at www.wymetro.com/BusTravel/Leeds

For full-time students who regularly use buses and trains, Metro offers a Student Plus MetroCard, currently priced at£21.50 per week or £80 per month, providing unlimited travel throughout West Yorkshire:www.wymetro.com/TicketsAndPasses

You can find travel maps and bus timetables online at www.wymetro.com/bustravel/mapsandguides

Trains are often faster but usually more expensive than coach travel. If you book a week or more in advance, you are more likely to get a cheaper fare.

Also, you can save money by being flexible with your travel dates and times or with a railcard: www.railcard.co.uk

Buying two single tickets may sometimes be cheaper than buying a return ticket. You can buy tickets at Leeds City RailStation or through the National Rail Enquiries website at: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Coach travel is generally cheaper than train travel but takes longer. Most coaches arrive and depart at the Bus and Coach Station in the city centre. National Express and Megabus both offer travel between major cities in the UK. For more information visit:www.nationalexpress.com http://uk.megabus.com

If you are aged 16-18, you can apply via the College for a Scholar’s PhotoCard which gives you discounted travel. If you are eligible, please ask about this at your enrolment session.

TRANSPORT

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LEEDS

Based in the centre of the UK, Leeds has excellent transport links and is the ideal place from which to travel around the country. From Leeds City railway station you can get a direct train to cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

When you want to escape the city life, you can be in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales

countryside in half an hour, and the Lake District and Peak District National Parks are both nearby. The seaside resorts of Whitby, Scarborough & Blackpool make a great day trip from Leeds too.

Leeds-Bradford International Airport also connects you to a large number of European destinations.

HEREWE ARE

Manchester

LiverpoolSheffield

Leeds

Nottingham

Birmingham

Cambridge

LondonBristol

Brighton

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Art & Culture

Leeds has a thriving arts scene that has inspired the likes of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth & Damien Hirst (who all studied at Leeds College of Art). Places of interest include Leeds Art Gallery, the Henry Moore Institute for Sculpture and, just outside of Leeds, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There are also various temporary exhibitions and events such as ‘Light Night’; a multi-art form festival which takes place across multiple venues in the city for one night each October.The city centre is home to a multi-screen cinema and an annual Film Festival. There are also two smaller, independent cinemas situated in the popular student housing areas that show more low profile & some foreign films; Hyde Park Picture House & Cottage Road Cinema (Headingley).

The West Yorkshire Playhouse & Leeds Grand Theatre are two of several theatres in the city, showing a variety of works from Shakespeare to comedy & musicals.

The National Media Museum in Bradford holds the national Photography, Cinematography, Television & New Media collections.

Music & Nightlife

Leeds offers a lively nightlife with hundreds of bars, cafes & clubs that cover all music genres (most offer student nights & discounts). The live music scene is particularly good, with venues including the 13,000 seat Leeds Arena & the 2000 seat O2 Academy, alongside a large number of smaller venues where you can discover local bands & artists. There is also a large choice of restaurants including Thai, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Spanish tapas & several cuisines from China.

Sport

There are many local sports centres, gyms & swimming pools. Millennium Square hosts a temporary outdoor ice skating rink in the winter. If you love watching sport, Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road Stadium & Headingley Rugby and Cricket Ground are all nearby.

Shopping

The newly-built Trinity Shopping Centre in the middle of the city is home to a range of chain stores as well as independent shops & bars. The popular student area of Headingley has a large number of charity shops & boutiques. Several large supermarkets selling food & other essential items are also within walking distance of the College.

LEEDS

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ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES

If you still have to arrange accommodation in Leeds be reassured that there is an abundance of good quality student accommodation available to meet all tastes and all budgets. We work closely with Unipol, a not for profit student housing organisation, that can advise you on all accommodation options from halls to house share. Unipol have an Accommodation Bureau near Leeds College of Art and they are open 9.30am-4.45pm Monday to Friday should you wish to visit. Alternatively you can search for accommodation on their website.

Unipol Halls of Residence

www.unipol.org.uk/leeds/accommodation

If you would like to consider halls accommodation we recommend you start by looking at what Unipol offer.

Rent: variesTelephone number: 0113 2430169

The three accommodations listed below are all on the Unipol website and are available for rent to 2015/2016

• Westfield Court, Burley• Mill Street, City Centre• Garden House, Headingley

In addition to Unipol you can also have a look at the following accommodation providers.

IQ Student Accommodation

www.iq-student-accommodation.com/student-accommodation/leeds

Rent from £90 per weekTelephone number: 0113 8877084 Broadcasting Tower information

www.downingstudents.com/locations/leeds/broadcasting-tower/

Rent from: £129 per weekTelephone number: 0151 707 2666

Unite Properties

www.unite-student.com/leeds/

Rent from:£123 per weekTelephone number: 0113 2426135 The Triangle

www.triangle/parklaneproperties.com

Rents from £115.99 per weekTelephone number: 0113 2304949

The accommodation providers listed above are just a few, but there are many more types of accommodation available.You can also search on the Accommodation for Students webpages: http://www.accommodationforstudents.com/Leeds.asp.

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MAP

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Leeds College of Art Blenheim Walk Leeds LS2 9AQ

Tel. +44 (0) 113 202 8000 [email protected]

www.leeds-art.ac.uk

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Documents

International Student Pre-Arrival guide 2015