FAQs

Will I be able to work in the UK?

• If you are a full-time student and have a student visa, you can work for up to 20 hours during term-time and 40 hours during the vacation.

How much should I budget for to cover my living expenses?

• Apart from tuition fees, we recommend that students living in London should allocate a minimum of £600 per month to cover living expenses, such as accommodation, food, travel, books, etc. However, this is purely a recommendation and is entirely at the discretion of the individual.

Apart from tuition fees, are there any other expenses?

• Unlike some other colleges in the private sector, we do not make any charge for exams, or to join the library, the Student Union or use the computer facilities. We do make a small charge for letters, completion of Home Office forms and grade reports. In most cases, we do not charge for supplemental English classes.

I have been delayed and will not be able to join on time. What should I do?

• If you are unable to join the programme in the term you have been accepted for, we can normally defer your enrolment until the next term. However, if you have arrived in the UK, we would expect you to come in to the College and enrol.

ENROLLED STUDENTS How do I open a bank account?

• Once you have arrived at the College and have completed all the enrolment procedures, you will be given a letter confirming your name, UK and overseas addresses, as well as the dates of your course. You may then use this to apply to open an account at most high street banks. Our administrative staff will be able to advise you about this.

How do I find a doctor?

• Overseas students who are following a programme of study in the United Kingdom of at least six months' duration are entitled to free care on the National Health Service (NHS). You must register with a Doctors' practice in the local area where you live. Practices are listed in the phone book or on the internet at http://www.nhs.uk. You can phone or visit a practice and ask if the doctor will accept you as an NHS patient.

Do I have to pay Council Tax?

• You do not have to pay Council Tax if you are following a full-time course for at least six months and sharing with other full-time students. Your council will send you a bill for council tax. When you receive this, go to the College administration office and ask for a letter request form. Tick the box for Council Tax letter and when you get the letter, send it to your council.

I need a letter. What do I do?

• Go to reception and ask for a letter request form. Complete the form, pay the fee and hand to a member of staff. Please remember that a letter will take at least three working days to process; transcripts take at least five working days.

How do I use the library/computer facilities?

• Once you have enrolled, you may register to use the library and computer labs. Registration cards are kept in the library.

Can I use the Internet?

• Yes! Internet use is free.

English is not my first language. Will I need extra classes and will I have to pay for them?

• Unless you have a recognised qualification, such as IELTS or TOEFL, or you have graduated from an English or American High School or University, we would normally require that you take an English Placement Test on enrolment. If necessary, we may recommend that you enrol in the English Language programme, either at the same time as your studies or prior to starting. We normally would not charge you for this service.

How do I register for classes?

• Registration week is prior to the start of each term. You will be given an appointment time to meet with your advisor, who will help you choose appropriate classes for that term. Most students will take three courses during each term, with an examination at the end of each term.

How is my course assessed?

• Most courses are assessed by a mixture of assignment, coursework and final examination. Attendance will also count towards the final mark.

Do I have to attend all my classes?

• You are expected to attend all classes unless you are ill or have personal problems, such as a bereavement. Other factors, such as moving house, travel problems or getting up late will not be accepted as excuses! If you have a student visa, the Home Office expects you to attend for at least 80% of the time.

I have failed a subject! What can I do?

• There is the possibility to resit the exam when the subject is next available, usually within two or three terms. We may recommend that you retake the entire subject again.

What do I do if I am ill?

• You must let us know on the first day of illness that you will not be attending. You must also give us a written note when you return to class. If you are ill for more than three consecutive days, you must provide a self-certificate, which is available from your doctor's surgery. Please remember that if you do not inform us of your illness at the time this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and may affect your final grade and your attendance record with the Home Office. Please note that we cannot accept doctor's notes after a long period.

How do I apply for a visa extension?

• Apply four to six weeks before your current visa runs out. You will need to complete a visa application form which are available in the administration office. Please note that we need at least seven working days to complete the section on attendance and issue a letter confirming your course details, so please leave plenty of time to apply.