1 Welcome! 2-3 Supporting you who are we? 4 Settling in the first things to do! 5 Settling in your questions answered! 6 Where you live Birmingham!

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1 YOUR WELCOME GUIDE

2 1 Welcome! 2-3 Supporting you who are we? 4 Settling in the first things to do! 5 Settling in your questions answered! 6 Where you live Birmingham! 7 Maps Birmingham & the Chinese Quarter 8 Travelling around Birmingham transport 9-10 Getting to know Birmingham things to see & do! 11 Personal safety 12 Where you live Your accommodation Pritchatts Park 13 Your accommodation The Vale Village 14 Your accommodation Jarratt Hall (Selly Oak Village) Shared living learning to live together 17 Managing your money 17 Registering with a local doctor 18 Recycling & rubbish made easy 19 Contacts ISAS & BIA 20 Contacts Living (Accommodation), Student Support & The Guild of Students 21 Other useful contacts 21 A final message from us

3 WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM

4 HELLO & WELCOME FROM YOUR STUDENT MENTORS (INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT) & YOUR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM! We re really excited to welcome you to the University of Birmingham and to our lovely city! You should be very proud of yourself for achieving the qualifications required to study here and being brave enough to leave friends and family to live in a different country! All of the student accommodation team, including the Student Mentors and Student Engagement Team are here to help you settle in to your accommodation and make sure you have the best first year possible at the University of Birmingham! Over the next few days, you will receive lots of information about living and studying here this booklet can act as your reference guide if you forget anything. The following pages include information about your accommodation, campus and local area, covering everything you need to know about getting around and using local transport, to locating your nearest supermarket to stock up on those cupboard essentials! We ve also provided some information about the types of facilities on offer at your accommodation site, such as the launderette and social space, as well as tips on handling rubbish and recycling and how to handle any shared living issues that may arise. In addition to this booklet you will also receive a handy wall planner. Not only is this a fantastic study tool, but it will also provide you with a list of events and activities, including social events and weekly drop-in sessions, taking place throughout the summer. Don t forget, that as well as having lots of fun and socialising, it s important to register with your local Doctor as soon as possible in case you feel unwell during your stay. More information on how to register with a Doctor is provided in this booklet. It s also important to know about who you should contact if you feel you need some support, sometimes just having someone to talk to can help to ease any worries you may have and this is why we are here to help. All that is left to say is that we hope you have a great time at the University of Birmingham. This day marks the start of a life-changing experience for you we hope you are as excited about it as we are! We look forward to meeting you all! 1

5 SUPPORTING YOU WHO ARE WE? SETTLING IN IT S OK TO ASK FOR A HELPING HAND WHEN YOU GET HERE! STUDENT MENTORS (INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT) The first few weeks at University are undoubtedly an exciting time, but it s also inevitable that some challenges will appear along the way. You are absolutely not alone and we are here to help. Student Mentors are trained to provide free advice and guidance to students living in university accommodation. They specialise in supporting international students just like you and can help you with a range of issues including: Shared living and accommodation issues Your academic course Financial matters Your general wellbeing whilst living and studying at the University LILY Customer Service Manager and the Student Engagement Team Lily, a Customer Service Manager within accommodation who specialises in supporting international students, is here to help you settle into university life and to ensure you get the best experience living in university accommodation. Lily can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Lily is assisted by The Student Engagement Team who are a student group of volunteers who can also provide extra support and guidance to you during your stay in accommodation. Many of the volunteers are international students themselves who will understand some of the challenges you may face. Student Mentors can meet with you on a one-to-one basis, for however long you need. They can support you with settling into university life and adjusting and familiarising yourself with your new surroundings. For example, finding where your lectures will be taking place, getting to know the library, understanding your timetable, as well as finding out what events are taking place across campus and in the local area, plus much more! Student Mentors can also offer a mediation service to help you work through any flat issues, guidance on keeping yourself safe (including free personal attack alarms) and general advice if you re worried about a friend or flat mate. There is no problem too big or too small, so whatever you need help with, and whenever you need it, your Student Mentors can help.

6 CONTACTING US Your Student Mentors and the Student Engagement Team will be visiting you regularly and will be your main source of support throughout your time here. To contact your Student Mentors, including booking a meeting with them then please mentorwelfare@guild.bham.ac.uk or call: If you wish to contact the Student Engagement Team or Lily (Customer Service Manager), please l.e.badger@bham.ac.uk or call: (Pritchatts Park reception). Don t forget to follow the Student Mentors on Twitter and like their Facebook page studentmentorscheme Other Customer Service Managers In addition to Lily (who is located mainly at Pritchatts Park), there are other Customer Service Managers within accommodation who can support you during your time here. Please find their details below: AMY CHURCH Located mainly at Jarratt Hall a.church.1@bham.ac.uk Call: (Jarratt Hall reception) CHARLOTTE BROUGHTON Located at The Vale, responsible for Tennis Courts c.broughton@bham.ac.uk Call: (Vale reception) LOUISE TWIGG Located at The Vale, responsible for Maple Bank, Elgar Court & Shackleton l.twigg@bham.ac.uk Call: (Vale reception) ANDY LEE Located at The Vale, responsible for Chamberlain & Aitken a.j.lee.1@bham.ac.uk Call: (Vale reception) JULIA COVERDALE Located at The Vale, responsible for Mason j.coverdale@bham.ac.uk Call: (Vale reception) 3

7 FIRST THINGS TO DO! SETTLING IN BEAT YOUR JETLAG One of the hardest things to cope with initially will be adjusting to the time difference in the UK. Firstly, make sure your watch is set to local time. We recommend you stay awake until it is night time in the UK. It may be very tempting to have a nap, but it is important to establish a new sleeping pattern straight away. SET UP YOUR INTERNET You can connect to the internet in your bedroom for free. Most of our accommodation has Wi-Fi - please see the ASK4 leaflet in your welcome pack for more details. MAKE SURE YOUR MOBILE PHONE WORKS You may have to swap your SIM card when you arrive in the UK. Alternately, you may have to buy a new phone all together. It is easiest to buy a Pay As You Go phone, which means you top up credit as and when you need it. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS The easiest, and cheapest, way to do this is by downloading Skype and getting in contact with your loved ones via the internet. However, you could also sign up to Rebtel, who offer cheap rates for international calls from any mobile or landline. Find out more here:

8 YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED! Q How do I collect my post? A Post will be delivered to your accommodation. If you are unavailable to accept your parcels, you will have to contact your courier to arrange to pick it up yourself from another location, or to arrange an alternative delivery date. There is also a service called Doddle, where you can arrange to collect your post/parcels from the University Centre. Handy when you re in classes all day. Take a look at for more information. Q How do I do my laundry? A There is a launderette on site, you will be given a laundry card for you to apply credit to and use as and when you like. You are required to bring your own detergent. The on-site launderettes are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See the relevant Your accommodation section for the on-site location of your launderette. Q Can I connect to Wi-Fi? A You can connect to Wi-Fi in your block ask at your reception for more details. Q What can reception do for me? A You can ask reception about: Your accommodation (including reporting faults or anything that is broken) The local area Collecting post Finding someone to help you if you are worried about something/have a problem Pritchatts Park - Reception is open from 8am until 7.00pm on weekdays, during term time (8am-4pm out of term). However, other site staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The reception staff will be able to help you with a variety of different queries. The Vale Village - Reception is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The reception staff will be able to help you with a variety of different queries. Jarratt Hall - Reception is open from 8am until 7.00pm on weekdays, during term time (8am-4pm out of term). However, other site staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The reception staff will be able to help you with a variety of different queries. 5

9 WHERE YOU LIVE SUPPORTING YOU WHO BIRMINGHAM! ARE WE? WHERE YOU LIVE It s Facts ok about to ask Birmingham! for a helping hand when you get here! The first few weeks at University are undoubtedly an exciting time, but it s also inevitable Birmingham that some is located challenges in the West will appear Midlands along of the United way. You Kingdom. are absolutely not It alone is the and second we are largest here city to help. in the country (in terms of population) after London. Lily Birmingham Customer has Service a reputation Manager for and being the at Student the forefront Engagement of technological, Team economic and scientific development; it has been called the first manufacturing town in the world. Lily, a Customer Service Manager within accommodation who specialises in supporting People who international were born students, in Birmingham is here are to help called you Brummies. settle into university life and There to ensure is also you a distinct get the regional best experience accent which living you in university might notice accommodation. while you re here! Lily can help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Lily is assisted by The Bullring, Student Engagement located in the Team city centre, who are is a the student busiest group shopping of volunteers centre in the UK who in terms can also of provide numbers extra of visitors support per and day. guidance to you during your stay in accommodation. Many of the volunteers are international students themselves who Culturally, will understand Birmingham some is of home the challenges to a wide range you may of music, face. theatre and art venues. The Barclay Card Arena (city centre), the O2 academy (Bristol Street), the Hippodrome (Hurst Street) and Student the Birmingham Mentors (International Museum and support) Art Gallery (Chamberlain square) are just a few! Student The weather Mentors in are the trained UK is generally to provide unpredictable, free advice and but guidance it is often to fairly students cold! living Here in are University the average accommodation. temperatures They for specialise the year in in ºC supporting (Celsius): international students just like you and can help you with a range of issues including: Shared living and accommodation issues Your academic course Financial matters Your general wellbeing whilst living and studying at the University Student Mentors can meet with you on a one-to-one basis, for however long you need. They can support you with settling into university life and adjusting and familiarising yourself with your new surroundings. For example, finding where your lectures will be taking place, getting to know the library, understanding your timetable, as well as finding out what events are taking place across campus and in the local area, plus much more! Student Mentors can also offer a mediation service to help you work through any flat issues, guidance on keeping yourself safe (including free personal attack alarms) and general advice if you re worried about a friend or flat mate. There is no problem too big or too small, so whatever you need help with,

10 BIRMINGHAM EDGBASTON HARBORNE SELLY OAK CITY CENTRE Pritchatts Park, the Vale Village, Jarratt Hall and university campus are located in Edgbaston. Nearby areas are Selly Oak, where most students live after their first year at university, and Harborne, which is mainly populated by young professionals. The city centre is just under 4 miles from your accommodation, or minutes by taxi, bus or train. For more information about transport, please see the next page. CHINESE QUARTER The Chinese Quarter is located in the city s Southside. It spans Hurst Street, The Arcadian, Ladywell Walk and Pershore Street. The Chinese Quarter has a variety of supermarkets, restaurants and social venues. 7

11 TRAVELLING AROUND BIRMINGHAM TRANSPORT WALKING Pritchatts Park, The Vale Village and Jarratt Hall are all within walking distance of the main Edgbaston campus and even the city centre (if you re feeling adventurous). * It takes minutes to walk from Pritchatts Park to campus, 30 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street and 20 minutes to walk to Selly Oak. * It takes 10 minutes to walk from Jarratt Hall to campus, 30 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street and 5 minutes to Selly Oak train station. * It takes minutes to walk from The Vale to campus, 20 minutes to walk to Fiveways/Broad Street and 30 minutes to walk to Selly Oak. TRAIN TRAVEL We have our own university train station on campus so travelling by train is easy and convenient. University station is only two stops from Birmingham New Street (here you will find the famous Bullring Shopping Centre and many other places of interest), and the journey takes approximately 8 minutes. You can also travel to lots of other regional and national destinations from University station. Trains to and from the city centre also go from Selly Oak, which is a 5 minute walk from Jarratt Hall. Ask a member of staff within your accommodation or on campus for directions to your nearest station. BUS TRAVEL If you live in Pritchatts Park then there is a bus stop at the exit of Pritchatts Park, opposite the blood transfusion centre. From there you can catch buses which travel all around Birmingham. They take you to the supermarket at Five Ways, the city centre and New Street station. If you live on The Vale then your nearest bus stops are on Church Road and Edgbaston Park Road. They provide direct links to the city centre and campus, with buses running every minutes. If you live at Jarratt Hall then there is a bus stop on Bristol Road immediately outside Aldi supermarket, from there you can catch bus number. 61, 63 and 98 to the city centre. For further information on bus and train routes visit: Travel West Midlands at co.uk or National Rail at co.uk or phone TAXI TRAVEL If you want to book a taxi, the university and the Guild of Students recommends Castle Cars. You can call them on (0121) It should cost you around 6 to travel from Pritchatts Park or The Vale to the city centre and around 7 from Jarratt Hall (based on a car of up to 4 people).

12 GETTING TO KNOW BIRMINGHAM THINGS TO SEE & DO! There is something for everyone in Birmingham and you will get a warm welcome in one of the most culturally diverse cities in Britain. Weekends & evenings are a great time to get out and about with your new flatmates/ friends, giving you the opportunity to get to know your vibrant new city and to form lifelong friendships. Here are a few ideas of things you can do with your new friends; there is so much on offer and definitely something for everyone! Cadbury World The National Sealife Centre Millennium Point (hosting a 3D cinema) & the Think Tank (Science) Museum Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery SHOPPING If you fancy a bit of retail therapy then the Bull Ring is Birmingham s biggest shopping destination, with over 160 shops and 30 restaurants, including Selfridges and Debenhams. For something a bit more unique then you can always visit the rag market, which is right next to the Bullring by St Martin s Church. If you enjoy shopping then make sure you pay Grand Central a visit too; this is located around New Street train station and the Bullring and hosts a number of high end shops, boutiques and restaurants. For somewhere a little bit more upmarket, head to the Mailbox (located on Commercial Street), where you will find a Harvey Nichols, as well as other high end shops, restaurants and bars. RESTAURANTS AND BARS In addition to the Mailbox, most of the bars are located on Broad Street in the city centre. You will also find restaurants and bars in the Arcadian (China Town) and Brindley Place, which sits on the Birmingham canal, just off Broad Street. Selly Oak Selly Oak is a popular student area. There are numerous curry houses, pizza places and Chinese takeaways dotted along the Bristol Road. There are lots of pubs and bars such as The Soak and The Goose, all catering for student s budgets and requirements. There is also a library, swimming pool and gym (located on Tiverton Road). Harborne Harborne is an upmarket residential area, located about 3 miles from campus. Being close to the medical school it is popular with medics and young professionals. It has a bustling high street with everything you might need, including a number of popular coffee shops, bars, pubs and chain restaurants. 9

13 MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! There are numerous cash points located on main campus. At the Guild of Students, there is a Santander cash machine in Mermaid Square. You will also find four cash machines at University Centre (next door to Costa in the main square), plus a NatWest Bank. Finally, on Edgbaston Park Road, a stone s throw from the Guild of Students, there is a Lloyds TSB. A number of cash points can also be found in Selly Oak and along Harborne High Street. SUPERMARKET OPENING TIMES: Tesco Express Aldi Sainsbury s 24hrs a day, 7 days a week 8am-9pm Monday to Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday 8am-10pm Monday to Friday 7am-10pm Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday LOCAL SUPERMARKETS AND ON SITE/ CAMPUS FOOD OUTLETS At the heart of The Vale Village is The Hub which boasts fantastic facilities for the entire Vale. There are a variety of different food outlets located in The Hub as well as the shop Costcutter where you can buy your groceries. If you live in Pritchatts Park then in addition to The Vale Village, you are in close proximity to Harborne high street, only a 20 minute walk away, which has an array of shops, including Iceland and a Sainsbury s local. Regardless of where you live and particularly for those living in Jarratt Hall, nearby Selly Oak hosts various pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also supermarkets such as Tesco Express, Aldi and Sainsbury s along the Bristol Road.

14 PERSONAL SAFETY THINGS TO REMEMBER Selly Oak Villages, Pritchatts Park and The Vale Village are all very safe places to live. However, you should always be aware of the potential for crime and take your personal safety very seriously. Please read the following advice carefully: DO Carry a personal safety alarm. Walk during day light hours and travel in groups Book taxis in advance. Taxis should NOT pick you up from the side of the road if you haven t called for one, unless they are black cabs. Mark your valuable items with a UV pen. This means the police can return them to you if they become lost or stolen. You can get a personal attack alarm and a UV pen for free from a Student Mentor, so just drop them an or ask them about this when they visit you. DON T Walk home alone, especially at night Get in unmarked or private taxis. We recommend Castle Cars. You can call them on: Advertise your valuables. Make sure you keep laptops and phones hidden when you are walking to and from campus. Carry a lot of cash on you at one time If you have any questions or concerns regarding your personal safety, then you can speak to the campus Police Officer. Over the summer months (out of term time) the Police Officer is available Monday to Friday 10am- 2pm in the Police Room, which is located in University Centre on campus. Remember! When out and about we always advise that you do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. Also, if you get a taxi make sure that it is a pre-booked and licenced one. The University of Birmingham and Guild of Students recommend Castle Cars. IN AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT CONTACTS ON PAGE 21 FOR SECURITY/EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBERS 11

15 ACCOMMODATION Pritchatts Park call: Welcome to Pritchatts Park, which is home to a blend of undergraduates and postgraduates from all around the world. Pritchatts Park has its own social centre which contains a large lounge area where many of your social activities will take place. The Snack Shack is located close to the bar with vending machines for hot and cold drinks and food. LOCATION Pritchatts Park is located in Edgbaston and is only a 10 minute walk to main campus. It is also within walking distance to the suburb of Harborne, this is where you will find a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. (See Maps on page 7). CLEANING You will be expected to keep your own bedroom clean and tidy. You will also be required to undertake your share of cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment will be provided for this purpose, but you will be expected to provide your own cleaning materials. FIRE SAFETY Your safety is our number one priority. It is VERY important that you read and understand the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be sending you more information once you have settled into your accommodation. FACILITIES The social centre at Pritchatts Park is called The Park Social and it comprises of a bar and has plenty of social space and is used by students for a variety of social activities. The Park Social also has a pool table and TV. There is a Study Zone located in Pritchatts House which can be used by all residents if you need a quiet space to work. There is also the Snack Shack in Pritchatts House where you can purchase drinks and snacks. There is a laundry room in Pritchatts House.

16 The Vale Village call: Welcome to The Vale, which is home to a blend of undergraduates and postgraduates from all around the world. The Vale has its own social space called The Hub. The Hub is located in the heart of The Vale Village and is situated below Shackleton. It provides recreational facilities including bars, restaurants, a convenience store, The Vale 24 hour reception and a coin operated launderette. The Hub is available to all students who want a meal, sandwich, coffee or relaxing drink. Chamberlain, our newest accommodation, also has a small restaurant which is available for all students. LOCATION The Vale is located in Edgbaston and is only a 20 minute walk to main campus. It is also within walking distance to the city centre and Broad Street, this is where you will find a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. (See Maps on page 7). FACILITIES The Duck & Scholar is the main bar at The Vale. It hosts a number of events and is equipped with pool tables and a television. There is also The Melt (Panini bar), Pizza Shack, InFusion (dining area) and The Hungry Duck (in The Duck & Scholar). There is a free cash point located in the Vale Hub Foyer area (Shackleton). There is a launderette in Shackleton and Tennis Courts. There is also a launderette for Maple Bank and Elgar Court which is located opposite Maple Bank Block 1. CLEANING You will be expected to keep your own bedroom clean and tidy. You will also be required to undertake your share of cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment will be provided for this purpose but you will be expected to provide your own cleaning materials. FIRE SAFETY Your safety is our number one priority. It is VERY important that you read and understand the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be sending you more information once you have settled into your accommodation. 13

17 ACCOMMODATION Jarratt Hall (Selly Oak Village) call: Welcome to the Selly Oak Village, which is home to a blend of undergraduates and postgraduates from all around the world. Selly Oak Village comprises just one property Jarratt Hall, situated just south of the main campus, close to the University and the large student community of Selly Oak. LOCATION Selly Oak Village is located in Selly Oak and is only a 10 minute walk to main campus. It has a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. (See Maps on page 7). It has excellent links to the city centre. CLEANING You will be expected to keep your own bedroom clean and tidy. You will also be required to undertake your share of cleaning in the communal areas. Equipment will be provided for this purpose but you will be expected to provide your own cleaning materials. FIRE SAFETY Your safety is our number one priority. It is VERY important that you read and understand the fire safety notices in your flat. We will be sending you more information once you have settled into your accommodation. FACILITIES Jarratt Hall has its own social room with a TV (speak to a member of site staff about booking this room) and a launderette that is open 24 hours a day.

18 SHARED LIVING LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER As a tenant living in university accommodation you now have equal responsibility over things that may not have mattered before, such as the cleaning and who puts the bin bags and recycling out for collection, and what is or isn t acceptable in regards to noise and using your accommodation as a social space. For all the excitement of living together, there will inevitably be a few problems along the way. Use these tips to prevent some of these problems. If everyone in your accommodation is in agreement, then initial troubles should be easily dealt with and long-term issues prevented. Once you have moved in try and have a flat meeting with your new flat mates. Get together in the communal area to discuss how you think this area should/ shouldn t be used and what is or isn t acceptable behaviour. Talk about security Everyone has an equal responsibility to keep the flat safe, ensuring you lock all of your doors when leaving for the day or if you head out in the evening. Study habits and times Be considerate of each other s space and need for privacy at certain times. Sleeping habits Do some of your housemates like to get a good eight hours of sleep and wake up feeling fresh at 6am? Are there others in the house with a preference for staying up late, chatting with friends and then lying in until lunchtime? Preferences vary, so be considerate of others if they are trying to rest or if they need some quiet time. Lifestyle differences Some like to party into the small hours, others prefer to relax at home and get an early night. Discuss this when you move in and think about ways in which you can socialise together so that everyone feels included. Cleaning Discuss cleaning and cleaning standards. Make sure you are all responsible for your own rooms and you take a fair share in cleaning the communal areas. It would be beneficial to draw up a cleaning rota making sure that this is flexible and fits in with each other s timetables and deadlines. Having friends over to stay Is this acceptable within the group? How long is too long? Kitchen and equipment Make sure that the kitchen space and storage, both in the cupboards and the fridge/freezer is allocated fairly and that food is labelled to avoid confusion when preparing meals. Basic items Think about whether or not you will be sharing any basic items such as milk, tea, coffee, toilet roll etc. If so, then who is responsible for replacing them, will you be taking it in turns to replenish the stock? Do not waste resources Remember, every time you leave a light on unnecessarily or leave the heater on in an unoccupied room, you are wasting money. These bills are included in your accommodation cost; however it is important that you take an active role in looking after your environment. 15

19 WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS IN YOUR FLAT MEDIATION Mediation is a safe place for everyone to express their concerns and address any issues they have before they escalate. Typically, you and your flatmates will meet as a group to discuss the issues that are concerning you. A Student Mentor or a member of accommodation staff will be there to help the discussion move forward and look at ways of resolving the issues. Don t worry! Mediation meetings are designed to help to ease the problems in your flat, not create them! Therefore please don t hesitate to get help. PLEASE REMEMBER If you are experiencing any issues whilst living in your accommodation and you feel you would like someone to talk to, then please speak to a Student Mentor (International Support), a member of accommodation staff at your site (visit your site reception for help) or you can also contact Lily, your Customer Service Manager responsible for the Student Engagement Team. For contact details, please see page 21 in this booklet.

20 MANAGING YOUR MONEY It is important that you understand the hidden costs of university and budget for these when you arrive to make sure that you don t run out of money! Below are a few expenditures that you should be aware of to help you budget for the first term. 1 Course expenditures including trips, books, equipment and printing costs estimated average 10 per week 2 Travel (buses/taxis/trains) estimated average 7 per week 3 Signing up to societies ( 3-5 on average) and sports clubs ( on average) 4 Money for general expenditure Laundry ( 2.60 Washing Machine, 1.40 Dryer) 6 Weekly food shopping estimated average 25 per week 7 Socialising (alcohol/nights out/eating out) estimated average 13 per week 8 NUS Card 12 9 Joe s Loyalty card 1 10 Deposit for next year s house normally equivalent of one month s rent (if you choose to live in the private sector!) * Prices stated above subject to change. For more money saving tips please visit: guildofstudents.com/support/studentmentors/finance/ REGISTERING WITH YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR S SURGERY It is really important to register with a doctor as soon as you start university. Although you may not need to see a doctor straight away, it will make things much simpler when you do. If you receive regular care from your doctor at home, it is even more important to register with a doctor here too so that your care can continue. The University Medical Practice is the local practice for most students living in halls of residence. To register with them visit click on New patients, How to Register and download a Student Registration Form. You can either post your completed form to the practice or return it directly. For information on other local doctors and how to register with them, visit 17

21 RECYCLING & RUBBISH MADE EASY THINGS TO KNOW We take great pride in recycling stuff, wherever possible. This helps to keep our carbon footprint low, which in turn helps keep our university campus looking green. Here is what happens to items that we recycle here in the UK. 1. Collection Recycling facilities gather available recyclable plastic materials in their area, from roadside collections, special recycling bins, or even directly from industries. 2. Manual Sorting All plastic items that are collected are then sorted according to the various plastic types. 3. Chipping After sorting, the sorted plastic products are chopped for melting. 5. Pelleting The cleaned and chipped pieces of plastic are then melted down into pellets. These pellets are then sold to manufacturers who melt them down and use the material to make new products. 4. Washing A particular wash solution consisting of an alkaline, cationic detergent, and water is used to effectively get rid of all the contaminants on the plastic material, stripping adhesives and shredding labels. THINK BEFORE YOU THROW general WAste Mixed Recycling Glass Carrier bags Food cartons Yoghurt pots Food waste Old clothes Paper Cardboard Magazines Cereal boxes Greeting cards Plastic bottles Drinks cans Milk bottles Toiletry bottles Wine bottles Spirit bottles Beer bottles Jam jars For more information on rubbish and recycling, please Matt in Environmental Services: m.j.beveridge@bham.ac.uk

22 ISAS & BIA INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ADVISORY SERVICE (ISAS) The International Students Advisory Service (ISAS) provides support for all international students at the University of Birmingham. Their advisers offer free advice and guidance before and during your studies. Coming to study in another country is a huge decision and you may find that being part of another culture is very exciting, whilst at the same time missing the things that feel familiar to you. The Student Engagement Team & Student Mentors, alongside other support services at the university, will help you adjust to your new life. However, ISAS are the experts on international matters. ISAS CAN HELP YOU WITH Applying for Entry Clearance as a Student Visitor, Tier 4 Student or Student Dependant. Applying for and submitting applications for extension of Leave to Remain as a Student or Student Dependant. Applying to switch your visa from your previous sponsor to the University of Birmingham sponsorship. Immigration implications of taking a leave of absence from your studies or changing course or mode of study. BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY (BIA) The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) runs the Pre-sessional Programmes for international students. These are intensive, motivating and challenging Academic English courses. They focus on the language, concepts and study skills necessary for academic success in your degree courses. During term time, the BIA provides in sessional English language support to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying on their main programmes at the university, such as guidance on essay writing, time management and exam techniques. CONTACT ISAS as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/international (0121) CONTACT BIA birmingham.ac.uk/international/bia (0121) presessional@contacts.bham.ac.uk The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) provides English language support and is located in the Priorsfield building on Edgbaston Park Road. Changing your immigration status. Working during your studies and schemes for work after study. 19 Applying for Entry Clearance as a General Visitor for friends/relatives to visit or attend graduation ceremonies or visit you during your studies.isas provide a range of different services and will help you with everything from Visas to working in the UK and social activities.

23 IMPORTANT SERVICES ACCOMMODATION SERVICES Student life at the University of Birmingham is so much more than your bedroom. Not only are you far away from home, but for most of you, student accommodation will be your first time living independently. The university strive to offer you a welcoming environment so that your new room instantly feels like home. Birmingham offer a fantastic choice of living, all which provides a safe, secure and sociable start to your university experience. However, if you encounter any problems with your accommodation during your stay here, please don t hesitate to contact Living. Call: living@contacts.bham.ac.uk Visit: accommodation STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY If you are currently receiving specialist support at home, or if once you arrive you feel that you would like some support, then rest assured that the university provides a wide range of support for its students. Student Support has a professional team of Counsellors, Wellbeing, Disability and Mental Health Advisors that can offer support and advice in specialist areas. THE GUILD OF STUDENTS The Guild is a popular place to go any time of the week. There is a Spar convenience store, a Subway and a Costa as well as other services such as FixIT (IT and printing services), STA Travel and Santander Bank. The Guild also provides a number of services for students, including: Guild Advice offers free, impartial and confidential advice, they specialise in five main areas; academic, finance, immigration, housing and employment. The Community Wardens aim to make the local area safer, cleaner and greener for all residents in Selly Oak. Jobs, Skills & Volunteering offer job skills workshops and help you to find part-time work and volunteering opportunities. Student Voice represents students and helps them to voice issues that affect them. Student Groups provides support to student groups and societies, as well as the Residents Association (RA) scheme. For more information about the Guild please go to guildofstudents.com Call: Visit: Aston Webb Building, Edgbaston Campus Online: intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/ support.aspx (info. & opening times)

24 OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Lily, Customer Service Manager and the Student Engagement Team) Tel: Student Mentor Scheme Tel: Online: studentmentors Pritchatts Park reception Tel: ac.uk The Vale reception Tel: Selly Oak Village (Jarratt Hall) reception Tel: Security (non-emergency) Tel: Police/Ambulance/Fire If you have an emergency then please call 999 for immediate assistance BIA Tel: UKCISA Tel: Online: NHS Direct medical non-emergencies and healthcare advice Tel: 111 Online: Ask4 (Internet provider) Tel: A final message from us Finance (resident fees) Tel: We hope this guide has helped you to start getting to know your new home! There will be a lot to learn and to familiarise yourself with when you arrive at university but if at any point you feel overwhelmed or even just clueless about using the laundrette then just ask a Student Mentor, a member of your Student Engagement Team or a member of accommodation staff! No problem too big or too small, just give us a call, or drop in to a Student Mentor support drop-in session (details of which you will find on the wall planner) and we can help make sure you get the best out of your time here. Have a great summer and we ll see you soon! Love from, The Student Mentors and the Student Engagement Team x