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Pre-Arrival Guide

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“A degree from Robert Gordon is as near to a guarantee of a job as you can get. Few graduates were unemployed six months after leaving last year - just 3.8%- the lowest rate of any state funded university in the country. It’s the same every year at Robert Gordon, which has the best graduate jobs record of any university”The Sunday Times University Guide

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Hello!

And congratulations on gaining a place at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen!

We very much look forward to welcoming you as part of our University…

But before you arrive, we thought some useful information, tips and

advice would be helpful as you prepare to travel to Scotland. If there

is anything that we have forgotten though, please consult page 13

for the list of useful contacts to decide where to direct your enquiry

and we will be happy to help.

We are very proud of our international links and are expecting our

usual intake of over 800 international students all over the world to

arrive in 2013.

We hope you have the chance to meet fellow students from many

nationalities and backgrounds while you study with us, and go on to

join the many successful Alumni we have from all corners of the globe.

Riverside East Campus Facility, the new home for our Schools of Engineering, Computing and Digital Media and Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

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CONTENTS

When to arrive Page 4

How to get here Pages 5

What you must do when you get here Page 9

Where you will live Page 10

Campus map Page 12

International orientation and enrolment Page 14

Further information & contact list Page 16

What is it like for international students to study at Robert Gordon University Page 19

Aberdeen City and culture Page 20

How much money will you need Page 22

Additional information resources Page 24

Legal matters Page 26

What to bring Pages 28

When you get here Page 32

Final check list Page 34

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So first things first…

When To Arrive

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We recommend that you aim to arrive in the UK with time to spare

before the start of your course. This will allow you time to recover

from your journey, to settle in, and to familiarise yourself with the city.

Enrolment and orientation will run between Friday 20th September until

Wednesday 2nd October 2013 (not including weekends and 23rd September

2013). Full details on page 8.

HoW To GeT HeRe:By AIR:

Aberdeen has its own international airport with major international air carrier connections to London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris.

Please note that this is the only airport that services the North east of Scotland.

You can also fly to Aberdeen from some major UK airports, such as Manchester and Birmingham, however this would require a change of airline.

The official website for Aberdeen airport is: www.aberdeenairport.com

MeeT AND GReeT SeRVICe:

A Meet and Greet Service is available at Aberdeen Airport from Thursday 19th September to Sunday 29th September 2013 (inclusive).

A Student Ambassador will be able to offer you information and guidance on, amongst other things, onward travel to get to your accommodation. He/She will be easily identifiable wearing a purple RGU T-shirt.

Please note that the University will provide a free minibus service at advertised times during the day to take you to RGU Halls of Residence. Space is limited, therefore seats will be given on a first come, first served basis. you can also choose to pay for your onward travel by bus or taxi and you should ensure you have enough money to do so.

ToP TIPS

Please make sure you have some cash with you either in a currency which can be converted or ideally UK Sterling.

Have the address of your accommodation handy, to show a taxi driver or to get directions from the bus. Local maps to all of the student accommodation can be found on our website, this might also be useful to print off and keep with you.

www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation/locations

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Taxi:

Comcabs is the only authorised taxi company that can pick up passengers from Aberdeen Airport. There is a taxi stop right outside the airport where taxis will be waiting, they can take you directly from Aberdeen Airport to your accommodation.

Fares to the following destinations are approximately:

Aberdeen Airport to Garthdee - £30

Aberdeen Airport to City Centre - £25

Bus:

There are two bus companies that operate from Aberdeen Airport; Stagecoach and First Bus. Out of the two companies, Stagecoach operates the most regular service from the airport. sTageCoaCH

jET SERvICE 727Running seven days a week from Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen Bus Station (Union Square), with limited stops for a faster, more direct service. The service runs frequently from 04:40 on weekdays. On weekends the services commences at 05:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. Fares are £2.70 single.

firsT Bus

First Bus will take you from Aberdeen Airport to Guild Street (Aberdeen City Centre). First Bus only operates one bus service from the airport: Number 27. The service throughout the day is irregular and there is no Saturday or Sunday service. Cost for a single journey from the airport to the city centre is £2.50.

from THe CiTy CenTre:

arriving inTo aBerdeen Bus or Train sTaTion:

The bus and train station are situated together in the city centre. There are direct rail connections from London to Aberdeen. The average journey time is about 7 hours, and prices vary according to when you travel and how far in advance you book your ticket.

A good website for planning train travel within the UK is:

www.thetrainline.com

ToP TIPS

It’s not customary in the UK to tip a taxi driver unless you feel they have been really helpful.

Check with the bus driver that they are going in the right direction for your destination.

First Bus don’t give change so try to make sure you have the right fare to pay. You can ask in a shop to change notes into coins for you.

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Garthdee Flats Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Linksfield Hall Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Rosemount Hall Number 3 Cost: £2.00

St Peters Hall Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Woolmanhill Flats Number 5 or 12 Cost: £2.00

Ardmuir Trinity Court Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Ardmuir King Street Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.30

Craigievar Development Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Ramsay Development Number 1 or 2 Cost: £2.50

Crathie Student village Number 1 Cost: £2.50

For up to the minute information about timetables, routes and fares please visit http:/www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/aberdeen/

Both airport buses will take you to Aberdeen City Centre but only First Bus operates throughout the City Centre. The following buses will take you from the city centre to RGU student accommodation areas. Please note that we have endeavoured to give you the route that takes you as close to your accommodation as possible. You may however, still need to make a small journey on foot.

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What you Must Do When you Get Here:

It is compulsory that you…

• attend one of the orientation sessions for international students.

These will run from Friday 20th September 2013 until Wednesday

2nd October 2013 (excluding weekends and Monday 23rd September

2013). Full details on Page 8.

• fully comply with the UK Border Agency. You will be required to

present your passport and visa/biometric residence permit at this

orientation for photocopying. If you are unable to produce these

documents you will not be allowed to enrol on your course.

• formally enrol at the University. This will take place directly after your

orientation session. Full details on Page 8.

• attend your individual school induction. Information regarding these

will be send to you separately from your department. Please make

sure you bring transcripts or certificates of all your original academic

qualifications that you used to gain entry onto your course as you will

need to present these to your School office.

***

Students who hold a valid visa for another university must ensure

that a visa application to study at Robert Gordon University has

been made prior to enrolment. If the visa application is still with

the UK Border Agency on the date you wish to enrol, you will need

to produce either proof of posting (Post Office receipt) or a letter

from the UK Border Agency acknowledging receipt. Additionally,

you should also keep a copy of your passport/visa to show

at enrolment.

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Where you Will Live:universiTy aCCommodaTion

The University tries to provide accommodation to all non-UK students who apply in advance. You should therefore make sure that you apply for your accommodation early.

Application for accommodation is made online at www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline. For all information please see www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation

All enquiries regarding accommodation should be directed to Accommodation Services: accommodation@rgu.ac.uk And where possible you should make sure you have booked your accommodation before you leave your home country.

Please also note; you will not be permitted to move into University accommodation until the 14th September 2013 when your lease officially starts.

Please be aware that both the University and private accommodation will require you to sign a lease, this is a legally binding document so please consider what length of lease you would like before you sign this!

If you have any special requirements such as disabilities or you are coming to study as a couple then please inform the University as soon as possible and they will try and accommodate you.

Top TipAll leases will start from the 14th of September,

so bear this in mind if you plan to arrive sooner

than this and please either arrange for alternative

accommodation or notify accommodation.

accommodation@rgu.ac.uk

T: +44 1224 26 2130

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privaTe aCCommodaTion

If you would prefer to rent private accommodation the Robert Gordon University website has further information on how to do this, and the accommodation team can guide you if you need help, but they cannot book this for you.

See www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation under “alternative accommodation” for information on looking for private accommodation.

Normally you will be required to provide references to rent private accommodation and pay a deposit (this can vary from one to six months rent) in order to obtain the lease. In addition, we strongly recommend that students go to see the property before signing a contract or paying any money. Deposits are normally returned at the end of your lease.

important information for students Living in private accommodation:

COUNCIL TAx AND STUDENTS

Council Tax is collected by Aberdeen City Council to fund vital local public services (roads maintenance, waste collection, public facilities etc).

Full-time students do not have to pay council tax: exemption starts from the official first date of term which is 30th September 2013 this year.

Students who arrive prior to this date and who are in private accommodation, may be liable for a small fee covering their date of entry until the 30th September. For a two week period this would be approximately £20 to £30. We would however urge you not to delay your travel until 30th September because of this tax, as in our opinion the advantages of arriving early and attending induction presentations outweigh the minor inconvenience of this tax.

Students in University accommodation will not receive a council tax bill, regardless of the date on which they arrive.

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OUR CITY mapABERDEEN CITY CENTRE MAP

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International orientation and enrolment: All new international students must attend one international orientationsession before enrolling at the University.

As part of the UK Border Agency regulations, the University is required to retain valid copies of ALL international students’ passport, visa/biometric residence permit details. A copy of your passport and visa /biometric residence permit will be taken immediately after orientation presentations. it is extremely important that you bring these with you otherwise you will not be allowed to enrol.

Students who hold a valid visa for another university must ensure that a visa application to study at Robert Gordon University has been made prior to enrolment. If the visa application is still with the UK Border Agency on the date you wish to enrol, you will need to produce either proof of posting (Post office receipt) or a letter from the UK Border Agency acknowledging receipt. Additionally, you should also keep a copy of your passport/visa to show at enrolment. orientation presentations will be held daily from Friday 20th September until Wednesday 2nd october 2013 (not including weekends and the 23rd September 2013) at the Garthdee campus. Orientation presentations take place at 10 am. Students are asked to meet in the reception area of Riverside East Building, Garthdee Campus, at least 20 minutes before each scheduled presentation where a Student Ambassador will escort you to the presentation.

For map directions to Garthdee please see below.

TIMeTABLe FoR oRIeNTATIoN AND eNRoLMeNT IS AS FoLLoWS:

Every day (except weekends) - 10 am start.

Meet in the reception of Riverside East Building, Garthdee Campus by 9.40am at the very latest.

Date

Meet in the reception of Riverside East Building, Garthdee Campus by 9.40am at the very latest.

(see map on page 7 or click the link below)

Friday 20th September 2013 10am-2pm

Monday 23rd September 2013 - NO SESSION

Tuesday 24th September 2013 - 10am-2pm

Wednesday 25th September 2013 - 10am-2pm

Thursday 26th September 2013 - 10am-2pm

Friday 27th September 2013 - 10am-2pm

Monday 30th September 2013 - 10am-2pm

Tuesday 1st October 2013 - 10am-2pm

Wednesday 2nd October 2013 - 10am-2pm

If for reasons out-with your control you are going to miss this enrolment then you must contact the International Office IMMEDIATELY on +44 1224 262209 or email pgoffice@rgu.ac.uk. Many courses do not allow a late arrival so do your best to be here on time and have time to settle in before your studies start.

for map direCTions To garTHdee pLease CLiCk BeLow:

Click here for map directions to Garthdee

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Top Tip:

So IN oRDeR To CoMPLeTe eNRoLMeNT, PLeASe MAKe SURe oF THe FoLLoWING:

1. You attend orientation2. At the end of orientation ensure a copy of your passport, visa/ biometric residence permit is taken3. You formally enrol in the university4. You attend your school induction programme

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Further Information and Useful Contacts:

Put your mind at rest…

preparing To sTudy in THe uk

All students are expected to have reached a certain standard

in English before enrolling at Robert Gordon University. We do

understand, however, that some students may need additional help

with certain language skills.

We therefore offer all international students at Robert Gordon

University free English language skills and classes throughout your

time studying with us. For more information about this please click

this link:

Link to Study Support

Classes are held on a regular basis or you can attend individual tutorials. The courses are linked as much as possible to your own field of study. Particular emphasis is placed on the skills necessary to write academic texts and cope with authentic, spoken English in an academic context.

prepare for suCCess Prepare for success is an interactive pre-arrival learning tool for international students preparing to study in the UK. It contains twenty-two different learning recourses on themes connected with academic life in the UK.

www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk/

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We appreciate that the best way to help you understand what it is like to be an international student here is to put you in contact with other people who already made that journey - our current students and our alumni. Below you will find details of the different ways you can join

the RGU family before you have even left your home country.

TaLk To a CurrenT sTudenT

We offer the opportunity for to you be connected to one of our current international student ambassadors from either the course you want to study, or your home country - or both. This ‘buddy’ will hopefully be able to help you find the answers that the prospectus, the website and even this guide haven’t managed to give you. It is an informal scheme designed to allow you to ask the questions you really want to know the answers to, but would perhaps prefer to hear the reply from someone who was very recently in the same position as you are now reading this. It is a very simple process to be connected to your ‘buddy’ simply register via the link below and you’ll be contacted by the International Office a short while later with e-mail address of an appropriate international student ambassador.

www4.rgu.ac.uk/general/info/page.cfm?pge=93351

If you would like to be put in touch with one of our graduates to tell you about the steps they have taken since completing their studies at RGU, and how their time here prepared them to start or continue their career, we also offer an International Alumni Ambassador Service.

Talking to our alumni can help you get a better idea of the way in which your time at Robert Gordon University will equip you for developing the career of your choice. Alumni can also pass on tips and guidance about how to make the most of your time on campus and in Aberdeen and pass on some of the wisdom they picked up whilst they were here and also since they graduated.

The service is designed to promote helpful dialogue between graduates of the University and prospective students. It presents a great opportunity for you to link up with someone that has already been through the university student experience. Perhaps you would like to find out more about the university and student life in Aberdeen, or gain practical advice on what to expect when you arrive here. Whatever your query our ambassadors can help.

For more information or to register to use this service, please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni/involved

What is it like for international students to study at Robert Gordon University?

inTeraCT onLine wiTH rgu

There are loads of different ways you can learn more about RGU from our students by using our various social media platforms.

We have a number of student testimonials which you can watch on the RGU channel. Check out the International Student Case Study playlist to hear from some of our current students

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=pL83geree5oqJ2p8mCivLJnrdd0in0C_gm

There are also lots of other great videos about all kinds of things on the RGU YouTube channel so don’t forget to subscribe today.

You can also follow us on Twitter to keep up to date on all RGU’s news

Why not join the RGU community on Facebook! Here you can join the fun by liking posts, making comments or private mailing us questions. These will be answered by our students. colleagues and sometimes even your future classmates.

Finally LinkedIn is a great way to build your network of contacts and interact with Robert Gordon staff, students and graduates.

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Aberdeen City and Culture

When you are not studying, Aberdeen City

and the surrounding areas offer many things

to see and do. All up-coming events and

places of interest can be found here:

Link to Aberdeen City and Shire information

www.aberdeen-grampian.com

For local events keep checking this website

for different things coming up throughout

your stay in Aberdeen:

www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/xev_event.asp

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How much money will you need?

There is an International Student Finance Calculator available to help you estimate your expenses while you are in the UK. Visit the website if you would like more information about this:

www.studentcalculator.org.uk/international

inTernaTionaL sTudenT Bank aCCounTs:

If you would like to open a student bank account while you are here, please be aware that you will usually have to provide the following documents (these may vary depending on the bank):

• Your passport with your student visa

• A letter from your university (this you will get at enrolment so you cannot open an account until you have enrolled at at RGU)

• Proof of where you are living

roBerT gordon universiTy finanCe:

For information on how you will pay your fees,

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/finance-and-scholarships

ToP TIP:

It may take a few weeks before you

are able to set up a UK bank account

so remember to bring enough money,

or access to enough money to see

you through this time.

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Additional Information ResourcesTHe BriTisH CounCiL:

For many international students this will be your first time living away from home in an unfamiliar country. The British Council has therefore prepared a useful guide that gives practical advice about living and studying in the UK.

www.britishcouncil.org/eduk-safety-first.pdf

THe uk CounCiL for inTernaTionaL sTudenT affairs (ukCisa)There is a specific council set up in the UK who look after the interests of international students studying in the UK. For information

about them and how they can help you please visit their website:www.ukcisa.org.uk

roBerT gordon universiTyDon’t forget we are here to help too...

inTernaTionaL offiCe:+44 1224 26 2209

international@rgu.ac.uk

aCCommodaTion:+44 1224 26 2130

accommodation@rgu.ac.uk

sTudenT finanCe:+44 1224 26 2664

studentfinance@rgu.ac.uk

sTudenTs’ union:+44 1224 26 2263

union@rguunion.co.uk www.rguunion.co.uk

visa informaTion:+44 1224 262109

isa@rgu.ac.uk

for fuLL deTaiLs of our visa CounseLLing serviCe pLease visiT our weBsiTe:www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/international-students/visa-information

immigraTion adviCe:UKVisas: www.ukvisas.gov.uk

foreign and CommonweaLTH offiCe:www.fco.gov.uk

information ranging from issuing visas to providing a directory of the world’s British embassies and consulates.

Working in the UK:Our Careers and Employability Service can advise on part-time working during your studies and applying for jobs at the end of your course.

Careers CenTre:A guide to our Careers Service:

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/files/dmfile/careerscentreinternationalstudents.pdf

informaTion on working in THe uk:www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/

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CosT of Living guide:

a guide To THe CosT of Living in aBerdeen.

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/international-students/fees-and-costs

THe sCoTTisH governmenT:

The Scottish Government’s current policy is about creating the conditions to encourage people to live, learn, work and remain in Scotland.

For more information about advice, services and potential funding Talent Scotland can provide international students, please visit the website.

www.talentscotland.com/students.aspx

aLL sTudenT serviCes and supporT:

www.rgu.ac.uk/current-students/student-services-and-support/student-services-and-support

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Legal Matters:The laws in the UK may not be the same as in your own country. If you break the law and are found guilty of a crime, a successful prosecution could result in a fine, a prison sentence or even being deported from the UK.

You would also be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures and liable to be excluded from the University. So please be aware that UK laws may be different, and don’t assume you know them.

driving in THe uk:

There are strict laws in the UK about driving – these may be very different from the laws in your own country, so please check these before you drive. Breaking these laws will result in a fine and/ or imprisonment. Having a license which is valid for driving in your own country does not mean that you can automatically drive in the UK. In addition to having the correct licenses and all the necessary docu-ments, you must ensure you obey the motoring laws of the UK, with particular regard for those relating to drink driving and speeding.

For full details about driving in the UK please visit: www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers.aspx then click ‘driving in GB as a visitor or new resident’

working in THe uk:

During your studies (or after completion) you may wish to work. There are strict laws governing who is permitted to work, what type of work they can do and how many hours they are permitted to work.

Please note that you should not rely on earnings from working to fund your studies. You will have to provide evidence to the immigra-tion officers that you have sufficient money to fund your studies and maintenance costs without having to work. You should remember that the primary purpose of your time in the UK is to study for a degree or other qualification, not to work and earn money.

The University Careers and Employability Service can help you find part-time work while you are here and advise you about working regulations.

The rules relating to how many hours per week an international student can work is 20 hours for most students, although please refer to your visa in your passport for any limitations to your right to work part time on a student visa.. For advice on working during your studies full details are available: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work--more/Working-during-your-studies/

immigraTion ConTroL:

The UK offers a warm welcome to overseas students. However, the UK authorities need to make sure that anyone entering the UK is coming for legitimate reasons. For this reason, you may find that immigration control at your port of entry can be rigorous, and may result in a considerable delay at the end of your journey, especially during busy periods (like the start of term). To assist immigration officials please keep all your documents in your hand luggage and be prepared to wait patiently.

Make sure you have the following documents with you in your hand luggage:

Valid passport (with visa)

Notification of certificate of acceptance from the university

Scholarship information if you are being sponsored

Health and medical information

Biometrics residence permit

You may also be asked some questions about yourself, such as where you are from and where you will be staying while you are in the UK. It is wise to keep the address of where you are staying to hand. Please do not be worried, these are simply routine questions.

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What To Bring:

There is no need to pack heavy items such as books, winter clothes, cooking utensils, towels and toiletries etc. These can all be purchased cheaply in the UK. During your orientation presentation you will be guided on the best places to buy anything you are looking for.

Do NOT pack lots of food items – UK supermarkets offer a wide range of food from all over the world, and remember certain food items may be banned from import into the UK.

doCumenTs:

• Passport complete with visa (check all the details and dates are correct)• Bank reference, statements or letter from your home bank• Official proof of your home (non-UK) address (such as a utilities bill)• If a private company is sponsoring you, please bring evidence of this• International drivers license if you have one and intend to drive in the UK• Biometrics residence permit

It is essential that you keep all of these items in your hand luggage as you may be asked to show them when you first arrive in the UK.

money:

• Cash (in UK Sterling) or travellers cheques for your arrival and your first few weeks.• Provision for your living expenses for these first few weeks. You should bring around £500 (UK Sterling) in cash and travellers cheques for your first few days in Scotland. For safety reasons, do not bring it all in cash, and make sure that you record your travellers cheque serial numbers in case you need to make a claim. If you are planning to bring some of your home currency, please check that you are permitted to take it out of your country, and that it can be changed in the UK. Alternatively look into a debit or credit card which will allow you to access your home account whilst you are in the UK. In many countries it is now possible to get credit cards you can pre-load in your home currency, dollars or euros, which you can then withdraw in sterling once you reach the UK without excessive charges. Speak to your local bank or Google ‘pre-paid credit card’ or ‘international credit card’ to see what is available in your country.

Please be very careful about carrying large amounts of cash on your person, it is not safe to do this as once cash is lost is cannot be replaced.

For more information on goods that are restricted visit:

Click here for Customs Guide

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Top Tips:

Make sure you check before you

travel what your airline luggage limit

is; otherwise you might be liable for

charges.

Bringing goods and money into the

UK: There are rules about what

goods you can bring with you with-

out paying duty (tax). Some items

are also banned or restricted by

law. If you bring £8,000 in cash or

more into the UK (including travel-

lers cheques and currency) then you

must declare it to HM custom offi-

cials if you enter the UK from

a country outside the EU.

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CLoTHing To suiT THe weaTHer:

Without meaning to scare you, the weather here will

probably be slightly colder than you are used to.

In Aberdeen we have 4 seasons of weather:

auTumn: Is one of the nicest times of year in the UK. The weather should be pleasant when you arrive, but it will start to get colder in October. The days will also begin to get shorter, especially after the clocks go back one hour at the end of October.

winTer: Will be very cold, as cold as one or two degrees below freezing.

spring: Which is when the weather is starting to get warmer and again there are bright clear days and it’s very green.

summer: Is usually very sunny but not much warmer than 25 degrees. You’ll find that the days last into the evenings and during the longest day of the year (20th June) you can expect almost 18 hours of daylight.

Even though you will be arriving in late summer/early autumn, we would advise if you are coming from a country with a significantly warmer temperature that you bring some warmer items to see you through the first few days, and if you have one bring a warmer jacket. However, don’t worry there are many places where you can buy warm clothes in Aberdeen either very cheaply at Primark, or a number of supermarkets like Asda and Tesco. If budget is not an issue, there are also high end or designer shops situated all over the city.

CompuTers and eLeCTriCaL equipmenT:

The University has facilities for you to use the internet and PC’s, however if you would rather bring your own laptop then we recommend that you insure it before you travel.

Top Tip:

Remember to dress comfortably

for travelling and bring

something warm to wear when

you get off the flight, such

as shoes (if you are wearing

sandals) and a jumper or jacket.

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When you Get Here:

ELECTICITY AND vOLTAGE – Depending on your country of origin, if you

are bringing electrical equipment with you then you will need to purchase an

adaptor, you will easily get this at most UK airports when you arrive. These can

be expensive so perhaps have a look online before you leave your home country

so see if you can get them more cheaply.

eaTing:

It is important that you maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and the food

canteens throughout the university campus will provide a wide variety.

However, if you are looking for any specialist food to cook for yourself such as African supermarkets, Halal, Greek, Chinese supermarkets, Iranian, Eastern European and Indian vegetarian products amongst many others the best place to visit is George Street in Aberdeen city centre; it has a wide variety of ethnic food shops.

There are lots of supermarkets around Aberdeen city centre where students can get good deals of food and essentials. These include Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsburys,Aldl and Lidl. You can find out who gives you the best deal by visiting this website www.mysupermarket.co.uk.

Cinema:

There are four cinemas in the city centre each showing a variety of films.

The Belmont Cinema:www.picturehouses.co.uk/For Art-house cinema, showing the best in classic, foreign and independent film, located in the heart of the city. Includ-ing some Hollywood films and some Bollywood choices too.

Vue Cinema at the bottom of Union Street: www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/78For current blockbuster movies.

Cineworld in Union Square and at the Beach: www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/78For current blockbuster movies and Bollywood choices.

Cinemas often due student discounts, particularly on a Wednesday, or specialist showing for students. If you enjoy films, it is worth registering for their newsletters so you don’t miss out on any good deals.

Anything you would specifically like to ask about there will be an opportunity at your orientation presentation, and we will be more than happy to help you.

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Final Check List:

Before you leave home there are many important things you will have to arrange so,

we have prepared this check list to guide you.

Please ensure you have made arrangements for accommodation and you have all of the

documents you need to enter the UK with you, BEFORE you travel.

Top Tip:

Make copies of all of your

documents and leave them

with a family member at home.

34 35

doCumenTs required for TraveL:

• Passport (we recommend you also take copies of this with you, as well as

bringing the original).

• Student visa or entry clearance (if applicable)

• Tickets – to arrive into the UK and then onto Aberdeen,

(remember London is a 7 hour train from Aberdeen or a 1 hour flight)

• Medical Certificate, including TB test results, chest x-ray and list of

inoculation

(if applicable) Check if you need this before you travel.

• Travel insurance for the journey: This is up to you; you and your

belongings are not covered by University insurance until you enrol.

When you enrol, you will be entitled to NHS medical care,

and if you are staying in University accommodation then

your belongings will be insured through your lease.

• A pre-paid credit card would be a good idea to last you for your first few

weeks in the UK.

• Proof of sponsorship: if a private company or government

body is funding you, bring a copy of your award letters.

• Mobile phone: If you have a mobile phone that is unlocked to work

anywhere, bring this with you and we can provide you with a pay as you

go sim card. If you do not have a mobile phone, you can

pick these up easily when you get here.

• Currency: to last you for a few days when you arrive in the UK, until your

UK bank account has been set up.

• Medication: Any prescribed medication you are taking, remember to take

this with you and a letter from your doctor to describe what it is and why

you are taking it (translated into English) in case there is any confusion at

immigration.

• The address where you will be staying in the UK: If you are staying in

University accommodation you will have been sent details of this.

• Refreshments for your journey - especially of you have any favorites.

Buying food in airports and train stations can be expensive so consider

taking something with you. However, do remember there are strict rules

in the UK about flying with liquids.

• A pen in case you need to write any directions or details down.

• This pre-arrival guide.

36

International Office

Robert Gordon University

Schoolhill

Aberdeen

AB10 1FR

Tel +44 1224 262209

pgoffice@rgu.ac.uk

www.rgu.ac.uk/international

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