Student Services
General Information
We provide our students:
1) A professional and dedicated service, fair and respectful treatment, safe and a clean environment.
2) Guidelines on teaching arrangements, facilities and student responsibilities.
3) Course material, and computers and software for use within college opening hours.
4) Timetable and prompt return of assessed course work.
5) Information about course regulations and their implications as regulated by the government or awarding bodies.
6) Assistance in choosing the right course to study.
7) Feedback on progress and any recommendations that could enhance a student’s academic career.
We expect our students to:
1) Ask for information regarding any issues that are unclear and make sure they acquaint themselves with all aspects of their course and College regulations in general.
2) Follow their course of study with enthusiasm, attain punctuality and commitment.
3) Complete coursework and assessments on time and attend all exams according to the schedule.
4) Demonstrate high standards of personal conduct towards fellow students and College staff. Remember: “Being mindful and courteous is a virtue”.
5) Update the College about changes in personal details including any change of address.
6) Seek advice regarding any academic or personal problems.
7) Keep us informed about their views, comments and suggestions, and not hesitate about registering any complaints.
Funding your course
You will need to make sure they have adequate funding available for their chosen course. It is vital that the student ensures they have funding available prior to applying for the course. This includes not only ensuring that enough funds are available for the course fees but you have enough funds available to cover maintenance costs including living and accommodation costs.
The UK Border Agency acknowledges that it is not reasonable for a person on a 3 or 4 year course to have all their funds in place before they come to the UK so it the following is accepted as evidence of sufficient funds:
- For students on courses of less than 12 months:
sufficient funds to cover the full costs of their course fees plus £600 per month for each month of the course up to a maximum of 12 months.
- For students on courses which are more than 12 months:
sufficient funds to pay the first year of fees only plus £9,600 to cover their first year in the UK.
The above is a rough guide to give you an idea of the expenses involved whilst living in the UK. It is advisable to have additional funds available in case of any emergencies or unexpected costs that may arise.
For courses lasting more than 4 months, you will be able to open a bank account. You may either transfer money from your home bank overseas to a bank in the UK or bring in a bankers draft (ideally in pound sterling) that you can deposit into a bank account here.
The bank will need the following documents in order to open a bank account for you:
· Your passport
· Letter of reference from your bank at home (sometimes required at the discretion of the bank)
· Acceptance letter from UKCOE
Accommodation
It is advisable to arrange your own accommodation prior to coming to the UK, however
we are able to assist in providing you with accommodation near to the college. If
you would like us to arrange this for you then please notify us in writing within
one month of starting the course. You will require one month’s advance rent (usually
non-
Rates vary and can cost from £60 – £100 per room per week in shared accommodation depending on the location and local amenities.
Health Care
Overseas students who are on a course of study lasting 3 months or longer are eligible for medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS). It is recommended that you register with a Doctor as soon as possible. We can provide you with details of your nearest health centre. The Health centre will need to evidence of your enrolment at the College, your student visa, passport and a utility bill or bank statement to show proof of address.
Working as a Student
Students from the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland are permitted to work in the UK.
International Students who are on a course of more than 6 months are normally allowed to work for up to a maximum of 20 hours during term time and full time during holidays. You will need to check your passport sticker to see if you are eligible to work in the UK. If it says “Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State", you are allowed to work during your studies. If your identity card says "Restricted Work. P/T term time. F/T vacations" or "Restricted work term time", you are allowed to work during your studies.
The minimum wage is £5.80 per hour for anyone over the age of 22 and £4.83 for anyone
between the age of 18-
Some courses will require you to gain full-
Students are liable to pay Income Tax and national Insurance at the standard rates.
Airport Pickup & Immigration
The nearest airport to UKCOE is Heathrow International Airport. We can arrange to pick you up from the airport. You will need to notify us of this in advance (at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival) and in writing, outlining your travel itinerary including flight details and arrival time. We charge £50 for this service and this will need to be paid in advance.
When you arrive at the airport you will most likely need to show the following documents to the immigration officer:
- Passport
- Acceptance letter from us to confirm that you have been enrolled on a full time course.
- Evidence that you will be able to financially support yourself in terms of course fees and living expenses (e.g. bank statement, letter of sponsorship).
- Evidence that you have already arranged accommodation.