Pre-Departure Briefing China June 2012

1. Pre-Departure Briefing China June 2012

2. Welcome to Edinburgh Congratulations on receiving your Offer! Edinburgh continues to be one of the UK’s most popular study destinations Essential information for New Students and Welcome Pack available online www.ed.ac.uk/new-students

3. The University Historic & Prestigious An ancient university, founded in 1583 Ranked 20th in the World by QS World University Rankings 2011 One of the world’s leading research universities(RAE 2008) One of the largest universities in the UK Over 30,000 students, 20,000+ undergraduates, 10,000+ postgraduates 36% students from outside the UK 140 different nationalities Associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners - in areas such as Physics, Medicine, Economics Numerous networks and global partnerships Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city

4. What Happens Next? Pre-departure Planning Replying and accepting your offer Accommodation Applying for your visa Payment of tuition fees Cost of Living and Banking Health and Insurance Arriving in Edinburgh Induction week Key Dates

5. What Happens Next? Reply to your offers Undergraduate • UCAS Firm acceptance / Insurance acceptance • Remember to reply by the deadlines www.ucas.ac.uk/students/importantdates Postgraduate • As soon as you meet your conditions, update your application in MyEd • Provide documents ASAP and accept offer online (Euclid)

6. What Happens Next? Admission and Joining • UCAS / University sends confirmation letter • Visa requirements / applying for your visa • Supply passport information when requested • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the University • University issues joining instructions: • Available online / hard copy • Formal letter of admission • Information about the School you have applied to and the University’s services to help you prepare for life at Edinburgh • Introductory meetings with your School

7. What happens next? Apply for Accommodation online Whether accepting as UF, CF, UI or CI Application deadlines - UG must apply by 16 August - PG must apply by 31 July (£250 deposit payable on application) Accommodation is only allocated once an applicant’s place has been confirmed (UF), from June onwards Limited time to accept the offer www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services

8. University Accommodation Guaranteed housing for first year Over 6,000 residential places for students in a wide range of accommodation Centrally located, easy access to teaching facilities and city centre 95% single rooms En-suite rooms / shared facilities Flats / apartments Catered / self-catered residences 24-hour residential wardens Private housing alternatives www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services

9. The University in the city Scale = 0.5 mile

10. Catered Accommodation for Undergraduates Based at Pollock Halls, accommodates over 2,000 first year students within 9‘Houses’ Mixture of single rooms (with either ensuite or shared facilities), twin rooms depending on house selected All Houses have common rooms and shared pantries Facilities include 2 squash courts, shop, computing microlab, bar and cafes Resident Assistants (RAs) organise social and sporting events for residents; help new students to mingle with others

11. Self Catered Accommodation Over 2,200 self-catered rooms in University flats specifically reserved for freshers, visiting undergraduates and new postgraduates All centrally located Mix of purpose built & recently renovated On average 150 students per block of flats with 3-6 people per flat Single rooms / some twin rooms available Shared bathroom & kitchen/living area Rooms have 24 hour access to the Internet Flat Managers in charge of maintenance and welfare of students, helped by RAs (Resident Assistants)

12. Costs of Accommodation • Cost per week depends on the accommodation you choose • Self-catered: £57 (twin) - £102 (single) • Catered: £110 (single) - £230 (single en-suite) • Rent includes central heating, electricity, • cleaner, phone and data facilities, personal contents insurance & 14 meals a week (catered only) • After first year, majority choose to live in private accommodation • Accommodation Office can offer guidance and advice on finding a place to live • Virtual Tours: • www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/new-students/accommodation/virtual-tours

13. Immigration and Visa requirements Tuberculosis screening and Applying for your visa • Please check the UKBA website for updates: • Countries requiring TB screening - UKVisas website • UKBA, Points Based System, Tier 4 General • The University of Edinburgh is a ‘Highly Trusted’ sponsor • When to apply: No more than 3 months before course start date • Students cannot enter the UK more than 1 month before the start of their course • How do I apply: To begin the process of applying for your visa, visit the UKBA website • www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk • Scoring the points: 40 out of 40 points • 30 points for admission, 10 points for finance • Step 1: Complete the online application • Step 2: Attend biometric data collection appointment • Step 3: Submit your application • All supporting documents must be originals, including passport • International Office Advice: www.ed.ac.uk/immigration

14. International students are eligible to work Part time (max. 20 hours per week) Full time during the vacation International students are entitled to free NHS Health care and subsidised dental care At present your Tier 4 visa allows you to... www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php

15. Matriculation Registration New students will be sent a Registration pack containing a Matriculation form by post or email by mid-August Complete and return enclosing relevant documentation If you do not receive your Registration pack in the post before you arrive, email Registry@ed.ac.uk requesting a replacement copy (sent by email)

16. Payment of Tuition Fees • Payment options • Paid in advance in full or part, balance settled at registration • Paid in full at registration • Instalments by direct debit • If you pay by instalment you must pay one • third (33.33%) before or at registration • For more information on how to pay your • fees and methods of payment: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/finance/students/fees

17. Tuition Fees Undergraduate Annual fees for academic year 2012-2013 Most courses £12,650 (class based) £16,650+ (laboratory) £16,650+ (studio arts) Medicine £20,600 (Year 1 & 2) £34,850 (Year 3, 4 & 5) Veterinary £19,950 to £26,400 Medicine (varying for each year) For up to date information on course fees and any additional programme costs: www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/fees

18. Tuition Fees Postgraduates Annual fees for academic year 2012-2013 Postgraduate £13,050 (class based) Taught £17,200+ (laboratory) £13,050+ (studio arts) Postgraduate £11,450 (book based) Research £15,000+ (laboratory) £11,450+ (studio arts) For up to date information on course fees and any additional programme costs: www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/fees

19. Cost of Living and Banking www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/cost-of-living • Estimated living costs £8,000 for the academic year (includes accommodation) • Allow £180 - £260 per week • Plan your budget - International Student Calculator www.studentcalculator.org.uk • Usually eligible for a basic bank account • May take several weeks for your account application to be processed • Bring enough money to cover your expenses during this time www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/banking

20. Health and Insurance International students are entitled to free NHS Health care Bring supplies of existing prescribed medicines with you (there may be charges for dental and eye care) You may want to arrange personal insurance to cover laptop, baggage, books (if you are in University accommodation, insurance is included in the rent) Ensure that you are covered for the period until registration (matriculation) at the University www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php

21. Arriving in Edinburgh Route Planning Daily flights from all London airports to Edinburgh airport Options to fly to Edinburgh via Paris Amsterdam, Frankfurt or other European cities Option to fly to Glasgow and take a bus to Edinburgh

22. Arriving in Edinburgh Arrival Weekend • We ask all students commencing their studies on 17 September 2012 to arrive at the University during arrival weekend: • Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 September 2012 • University Welcome Service at Edinburgh Airport • International and Domestic Arrivals Halls • 8am – 10pm • Moving into your Accommodation • Earliest date you can access accommodation is Saturday 8 September at 9am • you will need to arrange temporary accommodation if you come before

23. Induction week Complete Matriculation • Complete Matriculation on arrival • Register your attendance • Pay your tuition fees • Meet with your Personal Tutor or Supervisor to agree your courses

24. Induction week Health and Welfare • Register with a GP soon after arrival • University Health Service provides comprehensive medical care under the NHS • Register with the Police within 7 days of arrival in the UK • More advice: • The Advice Place • Drop-in centre • The Student Counselling Service • www.student-counselling.ed.ac.uk

25. Key Dates 8-9 September Arrival Weekend 8 September Access to accommodation (from 9am) 9 September International Day 10-14 September Freshers’ Week 13-14 September Societies Fair 16 September Study orientation day for international PGT students 17 September Term Begins!

26. Learning Facilities 17 libraries Main library undergoing a £60 million refurbishment Special collections UK’s largest campus computer network Located close to key learning resources, including the National Library and National Gallery of Scotland Well established links with professions and industry State of the art facilities and the opportunity to work with top academics

27. Academic matters Support for your studies Personal Tutor / Supervisor First point of contact if you have any concerns or problems Institute for Academic Development (IAD) Workshops, resources, one-to-one support for studying effectively, planning for exams, writing essays Self-Study Support Online resources to aid self-study (writing assignments, good grammar, recommended English learning websites) Peer Proofreading Trained, reliable volunteers proofread assignments, spot basic grammar and spelling errors www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/language-support/overview

28. Careers Service Provides an online database of employers offering temporary, part-time, summer internships and voluntary opportunities for students, in addition to graduate vacancies Helps students develop career plans, provides advice and guidance on interview techniques, CVs and application forms Hosts a wide range of employer presentations on campus, careers seminars, workshops and careers fairs Provides information for international students who want to work in the UK or to return to their home country after their studies www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers

29. Employability • University of Edinburgh was ranked number 1 out of all Russell Group universities in the HESA Employability Performance Indicator table for 2009/10 • 94.5% of our graduates enter employment or further study within 6 months of leaving the University • Edinburgh ranked 26 (out of 300) in the last QS World University Rankings Employer Reputation Index • Information on Tier 2 Sponsored Skilled Workers Visa • www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers/global/work-uk/visas/types-visa

30. Student Experience Over 260 student societies 65 sports clubs, 5* rated sports facilities Student radio station, weekly newspaper and the UK’s oldest student-run theatre company The University has finished in the top 5 in the British Universities and Colleges Sport rankings every year for the last 5 years 5 student union buildings International students’ centre The University of Edinburgh: voted the best UK university for clubs and societies by international studentsISB Summer 2011

31. A-Z of Student Societies www.eusa.ed.ac.uk Chemical Engineering Society Chemical Society Chess Club Chi Soc Childrens Holiday Venture Chill Out Society Chinese Cultural Society Chinese Students' Association Choc Soc Christian Union Classics Society Clinical Psychologists in TrainingComedy and That Composers' Orchestra Computer Society Confucianism Study Society Conservative & Unionist Association Create Society Debates Committee Diabetes Society Diagnostic Society Dirty Weekenders (Conservationists) Drumming Society Duke of Edinburgh Award Economics Edinburgh Exchange Support Society Edinburgh Global Partnerships Edinburgh Worshippers of Cthulhu Society Engineering Engineers Without Borders Edinburgh English Language and Linguistics Society English Literature Society Aberdeen FC Supporters Club (EU) African & Arabic Dance Society African & Caribbean Society African Relations Circle AIESEC Air Squadron Amnesty International Anime and Animation Society Archaeology Society Architecture Sans Frontier Society Art Society Baha'i Society Ballroom Dance Society Barnardo’s SocietyBhangra Crew Big 2 BioSoc Bisexual Lesbian or Gay BLOGS Brass Band Bridge Club Bright Futures EdinburghBuddhist Bulgarian Society BUNAC Capoeira Society Catholic Students' Union Celtic Supporters Club Chamber Choir Chamber Orchestra Changeringers (Guild of) Charity Fashion Society Cheerleading Society 'The Vixens' Entrepreneurial Society Exmoor Pony Trekking Section Exped Fair Trade Café Film Society First Aiding Society Flamenco Folk Song Society Fonelisco Orphanage Project Society Football Supporters Association Footlights Formal Attire Running Club of Edinburgh Frequently Asked Questions Society Fresh Air (Student Radio) GameSoc GEAS (Roleplaying) Geography Society Geolsoc German Society Goth and Rock Society Hellenic Society Highland Society History Society Hitch Hong Kong International Society Humanist Society Hung Ga Appreciation Society iCUE Indie Ink Magazine International Relations Forum

32. A-Z of Student Societies continued…! www.eusa.ed.ac.uk Snooker SocietySouth Asian Society Spanish and Latino Society Standing Ovation Stop Aids String Orchestra Student Action for Autism Student Action For Refugees (STAR) Student Cancer Fund Student Christian Movement Student Newspaper Student Scout and Guide Organisation Students Supporting Street Kids (SSSK) Studio Opera Swahili Club Swing Dance Society Tai Chi Chuan Taiwanese Society Tango Tennent's Lager Appreciation Society Theatre Company (Bedlam) Tibet Society Trading & Investment Club Travel Society Twisters Association Untapped Talent Vedic Society Veterinary Zoological Wargames Water of Life Welsh Society Yoga Society Oxvol (Oxfam Volunteers) Palestine Solidarity Society People & Planet Persian Society Philosophy Society Photographic Society Physics Society Pizza Hereos Poker Society Politics Society Pool Society Portuguese & Brazilian Society Postgrad Society Pro Evolution Soccer SocietyPsychology Society Reeling Club Renaissance Singers Revelation Rock Gospel Choir Romanian Society Russian Society Save the Animals Campaign Savoy Opera Group Scandinavian SocietyScience Fiction & Fantasy Scottish Ethnology Society Scottish Romanian Language Link (SCROLL) Scottish Socialist Students' Society Self defence Society Shekter Soc Sign Society Singapore Students Singers (EU) Irish Islamic Society Italian Society Japanese Jazz Orchestra Jewish Society Juggling Society Korean Society Labour Club Law Society Liberal Democrats Malaysian Students Marrow Society Mathematics & Statistics Mature & Grad Medics Mature Law Students' Society Meadow’s Half Marathon Medics Mediterranean Gastronomic MedSIN-UK Mexicanos En Edimburgo Middle Eastern Society Model United Nations Modern Dance Society Movie Production Society Music Society Musical Medics Society New Scotland Country Dance Nightline Nomad Magazine Nursing Society Officers Training Corps

33. Student Sports Clubs www.eusu.ed.ac.uk Archery ClubAssociation Football Club MAssociation Football Club FAthletics ClubBadminton ClubBasketball ClubBoat ClubBoxing ClubCanoe ClubCricket Club Cross CountryCurling ClubCycling ClubExmoor Pony Trekking S.Fencing Club Gliding ClubGolf ClubHare & Hounds Hillwalking ClubHockey Club (Male) Hockey Club (Female) Hot Air Balloon ClubIce Hockey ClubJudo ClubJu Jitsu ClubKarate Club (Shotokan)Karate Club (Shukokai)Kendo ClubKorfball ClubLacrosse Club FLacrosse Club MMotor Sport ClubMountaineering ClubNetball ClubOrienteering ClubRifle Club Roller Hockey ClubRugby Club (Male) Rugby Club (Female) Sailing ClubShinty ClubSkydiving Club Snowsports ClubSquash ClubSub Aqua ClubSwimming & Water Polo ClubTable Tennis ClubTennis ClubTrampoline ClubTriathlon ClubUltimate Frisbee ClubVolleyball ClubWeightlifting ClubWindsurfing & Surfing Club

34. Edinburgh’s Climate Edinburgh enjoys a moderate year-round climate Warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer… Same annual rainfall as New York and Rome...

35. Student Life Edinburgh University Chinese Student Association (EUCSA) Email: eucsamail@gmail.com Edinburgh University Chinese Students and Scholars Association (EUCSSA) Email: EUCSSA.UK@gmail.com and EUCSSA@sina.cn Social gatherings Pre-departure events Guest Speakers

36. Social Networking Follow the Edinburgh University Chinese Students and Scholars Association (EUCSSA) 爱丁堡大学学联on Sina Weibo and Ren Ren Wang: www.weibo.com/eucssa http://page.renren.com/600917494 Follow the Edinburgh University Chinese Student Association (EUCSA) 爱丁堡大学华人社团on Sina Weibo and Ren Ren Wang: www.weibo.com/eucsa http://page.renren.com/600710459/index

37. Pre-Departure Checklist • Read joining instructions from your College carefully • Check that your passport is valid and not about to expire • Refer to the New Students Immigration Guide 2012-13 to ensure you have all the correct entry requirements in place • Make a photocopy of your passport (pages with your personal details and your visa) • Make your travel arrangements and remember your travel tickets • Arrange appropriate insurance: Travel, Personal, Health • If you take regular medication, bring enough for your first few months in Edinburgh • Arrange to bring some UK currency (GBP); you should bring enough to cover about 4 weeks • Pack warm and waterproof clothing, clothes that can be worn in layers and a good pair of walking shoes • Pack a change of clothing just in case your main baggage is delayed

38. Documents to Bring in your hand luggage • Your passport • Original offer letter from the University • Proof that you can pay your fees and support yourself financially • Letter of accommodation offer (if applicable) and/or information about • where you are spending your first night • Tuberculosis screening certificate • Health certificates and vaccination records • Marriage and birth certificates, if you are travelling with family • Original certificates of prior study

39. We’re Here to Help Esther Sum International Officer The International Office The University of Edinburgh 57 George Square Edinburgh Scotland, UK E-mail: esther.sum@ed.ac.uk Call: +44 (0)131 650 4301 www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international