International Welcome Guide 2014

International Student Welcome Programme 2014

2 | International Student Welcome Programme 2014 International Student Welcome Programme 2014 | 3

Welcome to Wales (or in the Welsh language ‘Croeso i Cymru’). International students are a very important part of our University. Our Welsh, and indeed, all our UK students will learn from you as you bring the world to Wales and, with it, different cultures and different ways of life. Many of you will be studying in your second or even third language and for that we salute you. I wish you luck in your studies and I hope that you enjoy your student experience in Swansea, Carmarthen, Lampeter and in Wales.

Professor Medwin Hughes DLVice Chancellor

What is the International Student Welcome Programme all about?

The first few weeks can be an exciting period of adjustment for you. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David International Office has put together an orientation programme called the International Student Welcome Programme to help you get off to a good start. The Programme is a great way for you to make new friends, and find out important information about your studies and local environment.

The International Student Welcome Programme runs all week from Monday 15th September. The main event taking place on Thursday 18th September where you will have an opportunity to meet senior and important University of Wales Trinity Saint David staff, as well as other International students across the campuses. Throughout the rest of September and October there is a mix of events and outings that you can participate in.

What is in my welcome pack?

You will have received a welcome pack when you register onto the International Student Welcome Programme. It contains important information, such as, living and studying in Wales, doctors and dentists, banking etc. We have also included some nice free gifts for you. If you have not received your welcome pack you can obtain one from the International Office based at all three campuses.

What sessions should I attend and should I reserve a place?

Please refer to our website for the most up to date information on events. It is essential that you attend all the events from the 15th September onwards.

What are the International Student Ambassadors and how can they help?Our International Student Ambassadors are friendly and helpful current students who have been studying at UWTSD for the past year or more. They too have been through the same or similar experiences as you and are here to help you settle in. Our student ambassadors have experience and knowledge of student life, and can help point you in the right direction for particular services within the University. They also have knowledge of life around campus and in town and can help you on matters such as social activities and where to buy cultural products for example.

Croeso I Gymru/Welcome

to Wales

Information during yourInternationalStudentWelcome Programme

4 | International Student Welcome Programme 2014

Please use this table as a helpful planner.

Event Calendar Planner Airport Pick-Up Service 2014

Event Date Time Comments To Do

Event Airport Pick Up Gatwick

Time 11.00 am – 3.00 PM North Terminal

Information UWTSD staff and ambassadors will be present at Gatwick Airport on the above times to ensure your safe transfer to your new campus

Preparation Please ensure that you have arranged your accommodation before arriving in the UK

Event Airport Pick Up Heathrow

Time 11.00 am – 2.00 pm Terminal 3 Under the Meeting Point Sign

Information UWTSD staff and ambassadors will be present at Heathrow Airport on the above times to ensure your safe transfer to your new campus

Preparation Please ensure that you have arranged your accommodation before arriving in the UK

Monday15 September

Tuesday16 September

International Student Welcome Programme 2014 | 5


Calendar of Events 2014Lampeter Campus Students

Event Lampeter Student Orientation Programme

Time 08.00am

Campus Lampeter

Venue Library

8.00am Student Ambassadors Student breakfast in the Lloyd Thomas Dining Hall9.00am Bethan Brown, International Assistant Meet & Greet9.15am Mirjam Plantinga, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Performing Arts, Welcome to Lampeter Campus9.30am Bethan Brown, International Assistant An introduction to UWTSD & Lampeter Campus, including who’s who, University Regulations, Attendance Policy, the Cultural Programme and timetables10.15am Mel Thomas, Student Finance Pay your tuition, cultural trip and accommodation fees10.30am Ann Harris, Accommodation Officer Your accommodation contract11.00am Chaplain11.15am Bethan Brown, International Assistant General wellbeing11.30am Sarah McIntyre, Academic Registry Enrolment12.30 LUNCH BREAK1.30pm Lynda Lloyd Davies, Student Services Finance & Scholarships available1.45pm Valerie Davidge, Careers Advisor Careers Advice2.00pm Bethan Brown, International Assistant

Your Tier 4 visa responsibilities

Wednesday17 September

Calendar of Events 2014Lampeter Campus Students


2.15pm Dr Jeremy Smith, Assistant Dean of Faculty of Humanities &

Performing Arts

Academic Induction

3.00pm Dolly Yang & Peter Hopkins, Learning Resource Centre

Tour of Libraries

4.00pm Bethan Brown, International Assistant

Group photo outside the University

4.10pm Student Ambassador

Tour of the Campus and Lampeter Town


Calendar of Events 2014Carmarthen & Lampeter Campus Students

Event Orientation Programme - Carmarthen

Time 9.15am – 5.00pm

Campus Carmarthen

Venue D1 Computer Room

9.15am Group 1 – Moodle Orientation9.50am Group 2 – Moodle Orientation10.30am Undergraduate students to meet with their advisors10.30am All Study Abroad/Exchange students to meet for timetabling12.00pm Lunch break1.10pm Bus to depart Carmarthen for Swansea5.00pm Leave Swansea for Carmarthen Campus

Event Orientation Programme - Lampeter


Campus Lampeter

Venue Blue Room

9.00am Welcome back to the Second Day with Dr Kevin Higgins9.15am IT Log in with Huw Evans9.45am Library with Dolly Yang10.30am What is Moodle and how to use it11.30am Break12.00pm Bus to depart Lampeter for Swansea, Meet bus outside Arts Hall5.00pm Leave Swansea for Lampeter campus

Thursday18 September


Calendar of Events 2014Carmarthen Campus Students

Event Carmarthen Student Orientation Programme


Campus Carmarthen

Venue CJ4

9.45am Louise Salmon, International Assistant International Office Welcome10.00am Gruff Owen, International Student Officer The cultural Programme10.15am Sarah McIntyre, Academic Registry Enrolment10.50am Kath Griffiths, International Officer Your Tier 4 visa and Academic responsibilities11.15am Jean Thomas, Accommodation Your accommodation contract11.30am Louise Salmon, International Administrator Module options and general wellbeing11.45am Meet your Student Ambassadors Including a general tour of the campus12.30pm LUNCH BREAK1.30pm Group 1 - IT Orientation2.00pm Group 2 - IT Orientation2.30pm Attend the Finance Office to pay your fees2.45pm Group 1 - Library Induction3.45pm Group 2 - Library Induction4.45pm End of Programme



Calendar of Events 2014Swansea Campus Students

Calendar of Events 2014Swansea Campus Students

Event Coffee morning with the international office

Time 10.00am

Campus Swansea

Venue Mount Pleasant (MR203)

Event Your Tier 4 Visa Responsibilities

Time 2.00pm

Campus Swansea

Venue Mount Pleasant (MR203)

Event Enrolment and payment of fees

Time 9.00am - 11.00am

Campus Swansea

Venue Ty Bryn Glas (open access room)

Event Enrolment and payment of fees

Time 9.00am – 11.00am

Campus Swansea

Venue Mount Pleasant (open access room)

Event Your Tier 4 Visa Responsibilities

Time 2.00pm

Campus Swansea

Venue Ty Bryn Glas (report to reception)

Wednesday 17 September

Wednesday 15 October

Thursday 25 September

Wednesday 24 September

Swansea students orientation programme will be delivered in Faculty week commencing 22 September 2014

Wednesday 08 October


Calendar of Events 2014Main Event All International Students

Event International Student Welcome Programme

Time 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Campus Swansea

Venue Townhill Theatre

An important event where you can meet other new international students and university staff. This event gives you the opportunity to find out more about the range of support services at University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

2.00pm Student arrival and refreshments2.15pm Richard Thomas, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) International Office Welcome2.30pm Professor Ian Wells, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) A warm welcome to University of Wales Trinity Saint David2.45pm Dr Dai Rogers, Head of Student Services An overview of our student support services3.00pm Dr Richard Knapp, Executive Head of Corporate Services An overview of the UK Academic system and university academic expectations3.15pm Alun Thomas, Compliance Officer Positive advice on staying safe whilst you are studying in Wales3.30pm Student Union An overview of what the student union can offer and how you can join in the clubs, societies and events.

Traditional afternoon tea to follow

Bus will depart for Carmarthen and Lampeter campuses at 5.00pm


Calendar of Events 2014

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/international

TSD International Office

www.twitter.com/studyinwales

How can I keep in touch?


A Sense of Place:The Cultural Programme for International Students

A Sense of Place:The Cultural Programme for International StudentsThe Cultural Programme is an important part of your time at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The Programme provides a variety of excursions to various locations in Wales and England throughout the academic year. Excursions take place on weekends and you are accompanied by members of staff from the International Office and student buddies who provide historical and cultural information. This is a great way to get to know your host country in a safe and friendly environment.These excursions can include some of the following:

Pembrokeshire Wales boasts some of the most spectacular coastline in Great Britain. The Pembrokeshire Coast has miles of natural attractions - cliffs, beaches, caves and of course wildlife. Visitors can spot seals, puffins, wild horses and many other wild creatures in their natural habitat in the National Park. This trip also includes a

visit to St David’s, Britain’s smallest City! This is home to a splendid 12th Century Cathedral named to celebrate the patron saint of Wales, St. David or Dewi Sant as he is known in the Welsh language.

Llansteffan and the Dylan Thomas Boathousein LaugharneLlansteffan is a small village just seven miles from the Carmarthen campus. Nestled on the shore of the Tywi Estuary, this village is home to a 12th century Norman Castle. Views from here across the bay towards the Gower Peninsula are breathtaking. Nearby is Laugharne, home of the Dylan Thomas Boathouse. Dylan is probably Wales’ most famous poet. He spent the last four of his short 39 years writing poetry including his major piece of work, Under Milk Wood, in this picturesque village.

CardiffThe capital city of Wales, Cardiff, was once the world’s leading coal-exporting port. Now, it is a destination for tourists and native Welsh alike. An inviting new waterfront, set along Cardiff Bay, is home to the Welsh Senedd (Parliament) and the Millennium Centre (a state of the art theatre/opera House). You can also visit the Millennium Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby!

Cardiff has a rich history dating back 2,000 years. Its famous castle, built in Roman times, was ‘recreated’ as a medieval-styled showpiece in the nineteenth century. Other popular attractions in the area include the striking Civic Centre, which houses the National Museum, and the city’s Victorian arcades, which offer great shopping.

Big PitCoal mining is an integral part of Welsh History. Big Pit was a working coalmine until it closed in 1980. Then in 1983 it became a museum of the South Wales mining industry and is now known as

the National Mining Museum of Wales. The highlight of the visit is the hour-long underground tour, led by ex-miners, which takes you down in the pit cage to walk through underground roadways, air doors, stables and engine houses built by generations of mineworkers. On the surface you can explore the colliery buildings, the engine-house, the blacksmiths’ workshop and the pithead baths. This is always a very popular trip with all students.

LondonStudents spend the whole weekend exploring London. Among the many places of interest are Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square Oxford Street and Knightsbridge. Students are free to plan their own activities from sightseeing to attending a West End Musical. You can also join the International Office lead walking tour that takes in all the main sights on the Saturday as well as a Beatles inspired walk to Abbey Road on the Sunday.

BathFor two thousand years Bath has been a spa town, built around the site of Britain’s only hot mineral springs. The Romans were the first to realize the value of the hot mineral water and built their religious spa, Aquae Sulis, here. The Roman Baths and the Georgian Pump Room are prime tourist destinations. Bath is also known for its shops and was once the home to literary figure, Jane Austin. Bath presents some of the finest architectural sites in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collections of museums. This visit is always a favourite among international students!

If you would like to participate in the cultural programme, please check our web site for campus specific trip information and costings. To book a place on the programme please contact Gruff Owen at [email protected]


Cultural ProgrammeCarmarthen CampusStudents

Part 1

Student Arrival Days: Gatwick: Monday 15th September Heathrow: Tuesday 16th September

Trip 1: Friday 19th September – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Llansteffan Castle and visit to superstore to buy essentials

Trip 2: Saturday 20th September – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Whitesands Bay and Saint David’s

Trip 3: Saturday 27th September – (Bus leaves at 9.30am) Saint Ffagans - Museum of Welsh Life and Cardiff City Centre

Trip 4: Saturday 4th October – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Dylan Thomas Boat House and Tenby Coastal Town

Trip 5: Saturday 25th October – (Bus leaves at 7.30am) City of Bath

Trip 6: Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November (Bus leaves at 12noon Friday and departs London at 2.00pm Sunday) London Weekend. Students book and pay own hostel accommodation.

Trip 7: Saturday 15th November – (Bus leaves at 9.30am) Big Pit (Museum of Coal Mining)

Trip 8: Saturday 22nd November – (Bus leaves at 10.30am) Dinefwr Park and Newton House

Trip 9: Thursday 27th November – Thanksgiving Dinner – Hosted by Carmarthen


Student Arrival Day: Heathrow Wednesday 21st January

Trip 1: Friday 23rd January – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Llansteffan Castle and visit to superstore to buy essentials

Trip 2: Saturday 24th January – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Whitesands Bay and Saint David’s

Trip 3: Saturday 1st February – (Bus leaves at 9.30am) Saint Ffagans and Cardiff City Centre (Wales v Italy rugby match will be played on this date)

Trip 4: Saturday 14th February – (Bus leaves at 7.30am) City of Bath

Trip 5: Thursday 26th February – Saint David’s Day Celebration hosted by Carmarthen

Trip 6: Saturday 7th March – (Bus leaves at 9.30am) Big Pit (Museum of Coal Mining)

Trip 7: Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March – (Bus leaves at 12noon Friday and departs London at 2.00pm Sunday) London Weekend. Students book and pay own hostel accommodation.

Trip 8: Saturday 9th May – (Bus leaves at 10.00am)Dylan Thomas Boat House and Tenby Coastal Town

Trip 9: Friday 16th May – Farewell Event – Hosted by Lampeter

Cultural ProgrammeCarmarthen CampusStudents

Part 2


Cultural ProgrammeLampeter CampusStudents

Part 1



Trip 2: Saturday 20th September – (Bus leaves at 9.00am) Whitesands Bay and Saint David’s

Trip 3: Saturday 27th September – (Bus leaves at 8.30am) Saint Ffagans - Museum of Welsh Life and Cardiff City Centre

Trip 4: Saturday 4th October – (Bus leaves at 9.00am) Dylan Thomas Boat House and Tenby Coastal Town


Trip 6: Friday 31st October to Sunday 2nd November – (Bus leaves at 11.00am Friday and departs London at 2.00pm Sunday) London Weekend. Students book and pay own hostel accommodation.

Trip 7: Saturday 15th November – (Bus leaves at 8.30am) Big Pit (Museum of Coal Mining)




Cultural ProgrammeLampeter CampusStudents

Part 2

Student Arrival Day: Heathrow Wednesday 21st January

Trip 1: Friday 23rd January – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Llansteffan Castle and visit to superstore to buy essentials

Trip 2: Saturday 24th January – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Whitesands Bay and Saint David’s

Trip 3: Saturday 1st February – (Bus leaves at 9.30am) Saint Ffagans and Cardiff City Centre (Wales v Italy rugby match will be played on this date)

Trip 4: Saturday 14th February – (Bus leaves at 7.30am) City of Bath



Trip 7: Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March – (Bus leaves at 12noon Friday and departs London at 2.00pm Sunday) London Weekend. Students book and pay own hostel accommodation.

Trip 8: Saturday 9th May – (Bus leaves at 10.00am)Dylan Thomas Boat House and Tenby Coastal Town



Cultural ProgrammeSwansea CampusStudents






Trip 5: Saturday 1st February – (Bus leaves at 10.00am) Saint Ffagans and Cardiff City Center (Wales v Italy rugby match will be played on this date)



Trip 8: Friday 20th March to Sunday 22nd March – (Bus leaves at 12.45pm Friday and departs London at 2.00pm Sunday) London Weekend, Student book and pay own hostel accomodation.


26 | International Student Welcome Programme 2014

International Office Swansea Campus

Email: Internationaloffice@sm/uwtsd.ac.uk

+44 (0) 1792 481036

Carmarthen Campus

Email: [email protected]

+44 (0) 1267 676656

Lampeter Campus

Email: [email protected]

+ 44 (0) 1570 424711

Documents

International Welcome Guide 2014