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Advance information for International Students

Other useful information

Making a telephone call

You may need to make a telephone call soon after you arrive in the UK. There are normally well-signed public telephones at all main arrival points and in stations. In the street they are normally easily recognisable glass and steel kiosks.

For inland calls you will need either 10p or 20p coins. Some kiosks only accept a phonecard, which you can buy at shops near the kiosk, or at a Post Office. The different kiosks are clearly marked 'Telephone' and 'Phonecard' respectively. 'International' phonecards, specifically for overseas calls, are also available from Post Offices (cost £5 a card).

If you have difficulties making your phone call, dial 100 for the operator. Calls to the operator are free.

Climate and clothing

Britain has a very changeable climate. In general, summers are warm and winters are cool. However, conditions do vary from day to day; and you should be prepared for rain at any time during the year. A waterproof overcoat or jacket, waterproof shoes, and a warm sweater or jumper are essential. In winter, you will also need gloves, a hat and a scarf. These items can be purchased at reasonable cost after you arrive in Bradford but it is advisable to have a warm sweater or jumper with you on arrival.

If you are living in a University Hall of Residence the cost of heating your room is included in your rent. If you are living in private accommodation you will probably be responsible for the cost of heating your room. Remember that fuel for heating, particularly electricity, is expensive. You should try to ensure that your room is warm enough without being too hot, and that you have warm bedding.

The chart below indicates weather conditions that can be anticipated in Bradford, based on historical climatic data.

data provided by the Meteorological Office, Leeds

Health care

Whatever country you have come from, medical treatment under the UK National Health Service is free provided your course lasts longer than six months. There is a flat-rate charge (currently £6.00) towards the cost of each medicine (which British students also pay). A larger charge is made for dental and optical treatment. You must ensure that you have received all appropriate vaccinations against infectious diseases before you come to the UK.

Even if your course is less than six months, medical treatment will still be free if you have come from the EEA, or from a country with a reciprocal health care arrangement with the UK.

In addition, a number of other countries have reciprocal health agreements with Britain. The list includes Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and many others in Europe. A full list is available from the Student Information Service.

If you come from a country without a reciprocal arrangement, you should take out insurance to cover hospital care and return to your own country, should this be needed for medical reasons.

Soon after you arrive in the UK, you should register with a local doctor. You can register with the doctors at the University Health Service, or they can give you the names of other local doctors.

Students with a disability

If you have applied to study at undergraduate level, the Universities and Colleges Admission (UCAS) application form asks you to state if you have a disability and what your disability is. If you indicate a disability on the form, you will be invited to contact the Disability Office to discuss your particular requirements. If you have applied to study at postgraduate level, you will have applied directly to the Department of your area of study. You are advised to tell the Department of your disability so that the Disability Office is informed.

The University positively welcomes applications from students with disabilities. All applications are considered on the basis of purely academic criteria. The Disability Office staff work both with disabled students and staff, to help ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If you wish to get in touch with the Disability Office, please see this contact information.

Insurance

You should insure all your property against theft, loss or damage whilst in the UK, and you should also consider some form of personal accident cover. If you intend to drive while in the UK, then car insurance is compulsory. Endsleigh Insurance, with an office close to the University, is used to dealing with students. Endsleigh application forms can be obtained from the Student Information Service, Students' Union Reception and the Students' Union Advice Centre, when you arrive.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

If your first language is not English, then before you can be admitted to a course at the University you will have to prove that your English is good enough to enable you to follow your course.

However, tuition in English for students who need some additional help is provided in the University. International students whose first language is not English can take a short test, arranged by the University, soon after registration. This test will tell us whether you would find extra language courses helpful. In addition, the University offers a number of Academic Writing Courses to assist international students. No charge is made for any of this extra tuition.

British people

You may find it strange if British people don't greet you or speak to you in the same way as people in your home country might do. This British 'reserve' is not necessarily unfriendliness, nor is it only foreigners who experience it. The British are equally reserved with each other, as it is considered important to respect the privacy of others and impolite to intrude. It is frequently politeness, not rudeness, which prevents the British from making the first move. We can be very warm and friendly; but you must expect friendship to develop more gradually than you may be used to at home.

Academic dates 2000-2001

See also: Session Dates

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Content last updated 31 March 2000
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