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Joining us on campus

We're looking forward to welcoming you

Whether you are getting ready to join us on campus for the start of your programme or arriving on campus after starting your course from home, we are really looking forward to welcoming you to the International Study Centre. When you join us on campus, you will benefit from a high-quality blended learning experience ensuring you get the best of both worlds: with some classes taking place face-to-face, and some activities taking place online.*

*This excludes students enrolled on the Online Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme.

Here to support you

From visa application through to booking accommodation, you’ll be fully supported by our dedicated team every step of the way. We’ll support you with:

What to pack
Planning for your arrival
Visa
Accommodation
How to make the most of your time with us

Studying in Centre

The International Study Centre is open for you to begin your studies and start your journey to achieving your university and career ambitions. In order to create the safest possible learning environment, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, you will benefit from blended learning. You will also receive one-to-one support, giving you help and guidance every step of the way.

When you choose to join us on campus, it is important that you are able to regularly attend your face-to-face classes. It is a UK visa requirement that you attend all face-to-face classes at the International Study Centre. To help with this, please ensure you choose accommodation which is within a one hour travel time of the International Study Centre.

I'm travelling from a country on the UK's red-list, what support is there for me?

All students who choose to travel to the UK from a country on the UK red list can access the UK Quarantine Support Fund. More information is available here: https://www.studygroup.com/support/ukquarantinesupportfund

Is there a deadline to arrive on campus?

If you are issued a CAS to study in the UK, you can arrive on-campus in the UK at any time until the 6 April 2022.

If I’m under 18 years old, what are my options?

Students under the age of 18 who are on a green or amber list country: You can travel to the UK for the start of your programme; or can start your programme online and join us on-campus at a later date; or you can study your whole programme online.

If you are under the age of 18 and are from a UK red-list country, you are able to quarantine within our Bellerbys college residences, as an alternative to using a UK Government Quarantine Hotel facility. We recommend you utilise this quarantine service for the 10 days prior to starting your course. Please refer to our guidance here: https://www.studygroup.com/study/UK-U18 which includes information about our quarantine support packages.

What equipment do I need to study?

As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. Whilst it is possible to access and interact with most course content using a tablet or smartphone, these devices will not work for assessments. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.

Computer

While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.

Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
Webcam
Microphone
Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Mac

Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
Webcam
Microphone
Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Internet Connection

Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.

Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed

Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed

Zoom Restricted Countries

Zoom is used for access to virtual classroom and is therefore an important part of all courses. Zoom is unavailable or restricted in several countries, with the full restricted list available here. While Zoom may still work from the countries listed, individuals should test Zoom using their own equipment to ensure connectivity.

What is blended delivery?

You will learn through a mixture of as many live teacher-led classes as possible, as well as interactive activities and resources delivered in a virtual learning environment. Your health and safety is important and we will observe social distancing guidelines at all times.

What is a VLE?

A VLE is a virtual learning environment, the online hub for your programme. Here, you will find recorded lessons, collaboration tools, helpful materials, and more.

What safety measures are you putting in place on campus?

Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff communities, as well as providing a quality blended learning experience, is at the heart of all of our planning and decision-making. By listening to your feedback and by following guidance provided by the government, public health authorities and the University, we have put the following measures in place to help you feel confident ahead of arriving on campus:

Risk assessments of all our International Study Centre buildings
Hand sanitisers in all our International Study Centre spaces
Face coverings are available to you
Regular deep cleaning for all our buildings
International students over the age of 18 will have access to a COVID-19 vaccination, once they have arrived in the UK and are registered with the International Study Centre and National Health Service (NHS)

We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.

If I am in country and studying face to face or with blended learning, what would happen to me if new restrictions were introduced that stopped or limited teaching in this way?

While currently regulations allow us to offer a choice of study options, including joining us on campus for face-to-face teaching (usually as part of a blended learning approach which is a mixture of face-to-face and virtual teacher-led learning) we have planned for a number of scenarios should government regulations and requirements change at any stage meaning we can’t deliver courses on campus as intended.

Your experience, education, safety and welfare will always be our number one priority, and our centres already have additional health and safety measures in place, as well as experienced teachers and support staff - offering one to one support at every stage.

Should any social distancing restrictions be introduced, we would make all appropriate changes to the ISC, for example through the introduction of one-way systems and updated signage and rules in the centre. This would of, course, limit the amount of students we can accommodate for face-to-face teaching, so you may need to undertake more of you studies online during any period of social distancing. This will be clearly communicated to you by the ISC staff and our teaching and welfare teams will be there to fully support any transition of learning delivery you may have.

In the event restriction are introduced which means we are unable to deliver any face to face teaching for any period of time during you studies, you learning will be delivered completely online while this is the case. Delivered through a virtual learning environment, you'll remain part of an engaging international community online where you will experience different cultures and make new friends.

While we hope for no significant changes during your time with us, we have an experienced team who have dealt with these restrictions previously and will make sure you will experience the same level of exceptional, high-quality teaching regardless of whether you study virtually or face to face. Academic guidance, tutorial sessions, careers support and personal and welfare support is all available virtually from the same specialist staff. Where necessary you’ll be part of a community of students, connected through live classes, discussion groups, and online social events and activities where needed and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Keeping you safe on campus

Essential pre-arrival tasks

Before you arrive at Royal Holloway International Study Centre, you need to complete all the tasks in our pre-arrival checklist. Contact us with any questions.

If you applied directly through us, your Student Enrolment Advisor can answer any questions you have about arriving at Royal Holloway. They can offer advice on living in the UK and support you with organising airport transfers on arrival to the UK. We will also provide you with pre-arrival reading and preparation materials so you are fully prepared for your study abroad adventure.

Pre-arrival checklist

Confirm your offer

View Undergraduate or Postgraduate fees to see what you need to pay to confirm your offer and to be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

Arrange your visa

You can apply for your UK study visa once we have issued you with your CAS. Contact us if you have any questions.

Confirm your accommodation

Please confirm your accommodation with our Accommodation Team as soon as possible.

Book your travel to the UK

You can book your travel to the UK when you receive your visa. London Gatwick airport is only about an hour and a half away by public transport. Make sure you are on time for induction.

For more information about the transfer options and prices please visit the fees page.

You can view our most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance here.

Organise your insurance

It is essential that all international students have health, medical and personal insurance. Find out more about StudyCare insurance.

Your first day

You should aim to arrive at your accommodation up to two days before the start of term.

What to pack

Essential documents

Your passport and visa
UKVI decision letter
Confirmation of Acceptance for Study letter (CAS)
Your offer letter
IELTS certificate or other original Secure English Language Test result
Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)
Accommodation documents, including your signed tenancy agreement
Four passport-sized photographs
Insurance documents
Medical certificates (including vaccination records)
If you are under the age of 18, a copy of your UK guardian's details

Medications

Prescription medications, with prescriptions translated into English.
Essential toiletries for your first few days, such as toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel. There are shops on campus and in Guildford where you can buy more.

Clothing

Bring essential clothing for all weather conditions, including a warm coat. There is no dress code at the International Study Centre, so bring comfortable clothes like jeans, t-shirts and jumpers. Guildford has plenty of shops where you can buy any other clothing you need.

Other items

Computers: The International Study Centre has a fully-equipped IT room, so you do not need to bring your own computer. However, if you bring your own computer you will have the freedom to study in your bedroom and to access the Wi-Fi on Queen’s Campus. You can also buy a laptop from several shops in Guildford
Travel adapters: It is a good idea to bring a travel adapter with you, so that you can charge your phone and computer as soon as you arrive.
Personal items: You may also want to bring a few personal items, such as photos and books, to make you feel at home.
Cash: It's useful to have some money in cash when you are travelling. We recommend about £50.
Guardianship letter (if you're under 18).

What will your first week be like?

Whether you start online or on campus, you’ll benefit from an Induction Week to help you settle in and make friends.

Frequently asked questions on joining us on campus

Question	Answer
What facilities are available on campus?	Visit our student life pages to find out more about what to expect on campus.
What should I do if I need support when I arrive in the UK?	Once you confirm your place we will send you a link to our Welcome Hub which will have all the information you need ahead of your move to the UK, including emergency contact numbers.
Can I arrange a taxi from the airport	We can arrange a pick-up from the airport. Once you have confirmed your place, you will receive a link to our Welcome Hub and your Pre-Registration form. You need to provide your details and can request a transfer via the form and book directly online. Visit fees to find out about the cost of a transfer.* We recommend that you take a pre-booked taxi and avoid public transport, particularly if you need to quarantine. See safer travel guidance for passengers. *if you are from a red list country and are required to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel, your quarantine package includes transport to your quarantine hotel. Once your quarantine period is over, we will help you to book a taxi to the Centre/your accommodation.
What should I do if I am in the UK and I need health advice or welfare support?	If you show the symptoms of COVID-19 then you should follow official UK medical advice. You should also contact the International Study Centre for further information. View the government’s advice on what to do if you are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus.
What should I do if I am in the UK and need medical care?	If you are coming to the UK to study for 6 months or longer on a Student visa, you will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application fee. The immigration health surcharge will entitle students in the UK under the Student visa route to access NHS care at no additional cost in the same way as a permanent UK resident. The National Health Service (NHS) provides a wide range of health care services including: Registration with a GP practice (family doctor) for non-urgent appointments and health checks. You will receive information about how to register with a doctor when you arrive. Once you have registered with a GP you will be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Emergency care in local hospitals Referrals to specialists if and when required (waiting lists may apply depending on the urgency of the problem) On-going medical support and care for any long term medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma Not all treatments are covered by the NHS. For example; non-emergency dentistry, orthodontics, routine eye tests and prescriptions for medicines need to be paid for. If you are studying in the UK for less than 6 months on a short term study visa, you are not required to pay the health surcharge as part of your visa application and are therefore not eligible for full NHS support. In these circumstances, you are advised to take out medical insurance as you will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency. If you already have medical insurance in your home country, you may wish to check whether this can be extended to cover your stay in the UK.
I'm travelling from a country on the UK's red-list. What support is there for me?	All students who choose to travel to the UK from a country on the UK red list can access the UK Quarantine Support Fund. More information is available here: https://www.studygroup.com/support/ukquarantinesupportfund
What if I need to quarantine on arrival?	Before you travel, you should check to see if you need to quarantine when you arrive into the UK. You will not be able to leave your accommodation during quarantine so it's important that you are prepared. You should make plans to ensure you have what you need including bedding, kitchen equipment and food. You can pre-order the items you need. For bedding and kitchen equipment: Uni Kit Out - Visit www.unikitout.com/study-group and benefit from a 10% discount using code STUDYGROUP10 You can order food directly from supermarkets. Make sure that you check your accommodation address on their website ensure that they deliver to your area Sainsbury's Tesco Morrison's Asda If you cannot wait for your food delivery, and would like a takeaway, the delivery services below operate in most areas of the UK: Just Eat Deliveroo Finally, consider some entertainment to keep you busy, active and happy during your 14 days. You can always bring a couple of good books or consider an online streaming service for films and TV but remember to do this before you arrive as some companies do not accept non-UK bank accounts or credit cards for payment. Staying at home for a long time can be difficult. If you are struggling, the staff at the International Study Centre will be there for you if you need any help.
What if I start or enrol late on my course?	All students should attend their Induction Week, whether already at the Centre or in quarantine.
What happens during Induction Week?	Our Induction Week programme will introduce you to your Centre, our staff, and welfare and support services. You will also receive full guidance on maintaining your health and safety whilst studying in the UK. You will find out about your timetable, as well as important information about how we deliver your course through a mixture of classroom teaching and virtual learning There will also be events to help you get to know your fellow students. If you are not required to quarantine, then some of the Induction Week activity may take place with our staff in the Centre, for example registration sessions for the Biometric Residence Permit.
How can I guard against fraud?	From time to time, scammers may specifically target international students by pretending to be the Police, Visa issuing authorities, education agents or other regulatory bodies. It is important to be able to recognise common signs of fraudulent activity and know what to do if you come across it. The best way to protect yourself from any kind of fraud is to protect your passwords, regularly update your devices with the most up to date security software and never share your bank details or transfer money to an account you don’t recognise. Make sure you tell a teacher or a member of student services team if you receive a suspicious message or phone call, or if you have any concerns about fraudulent activity. It is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can help to protect you and other international students in case they are targeted in the same way.