Hello!

Congratulations on gaining a place at University of the West of Scotland,

we very much look forward to welcoming you as part of our University!

We want you to make the most out of your time studying here with us, and so advise you to take the time to read this guide, which has been designed to help you prepare for your student experience at UWS and living in Scotland!

Best wishes,

Elaine Robertson,

Head of International Recruitment

Preparing for

UK /Scotland!

Before you fly

When booking your travel to move over to the UK, make sure you allow yourself enough time to settle in and recover from your journey. We recommend travelling over on the Saturday before your course start date.

 

Packing

Make sure when you are packing you only bring as much as you can carry! Most airlines allow 20-25kg of checked luggage and strict size and weight restrictions on hand luggage, so please check these restrictions with your designated airline when you are packing.

 

For your new home 

If you have chosen to live in UWS student accommodation, you will receive a bedding pack, which includes; a quilt, quilt cover, pillow, pillow case, bottom fitted sheet and kitchen pack. We also recommend you bring some items for your room that will remind you of home, to help you settle in. Food and drink can mostly be found locally, as well as this there are some customs restrictions on products which are brought to the UK and so food may be confiscated when you arrive through immigration.

 

Clothes

The weather in Scotland can be quite variable. Our best weather is usually between May and August so we recommend you bring some lighter clothing and then add more layers as the colder weather comes in. Remember we do get colder weather as well so some outer clothing, waterproofs and an umbrella would also be useful!

 

Students in the UK usually dress informally to attend class. You may want to bring a few smarter outfits for any occasions you may attend as well as your national costume for any international events.

Shipping items

It can often be cheaper to buy items in the UK rather than shipping them. You can ship any extra belongings to your accommodation by sea or air freight, however you must arrive before your packages as the accommodation office will be unable to store them for you. We advise you to insure your belongings against damages.

 

Electricity

The electricity supply in the UK is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. Ensure your appliances are connected to a plug fitted with a fuse of the correct rating.

What should I carry in my hand luggage?

1. This guide.
2. Valid passport and visa.
3. Copies of documents used to apply for your visa, including your bank statement.
4. Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs, including a sponsor letter if required. 
5. Enough money or travellers cheques for the first month.
6. Any relevant health certificates, including vaccination certificates.
7. Any insurance documents you require.
8. Any valuables

 

What should I not include in my hand luggage?

·Do not bring any sharp objects, such as scissors or a penknife, or liquids and gels, as these will be confiscated by airport security.

Do not bring any food items prohibited by HM Revenue and Customs.

Details of prohibited items can be found online at:www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods

 

Before you travel to the UK

It is advisable to have a health check before you leave your home country. When you arrive in the UK, you may be asked to provide health certificates detailing your vaccinations, so carry these documents in your hand luggage in case you need to show them at UK immigration.

Arriving at UWS

When you arrive at your UWS accommodation you will receive a Welcome Guide for your relevant campus, which has information on what to do when you arrive including; induction, enrolment, campus facilities and a campus map.

If you are not staying in university accommodation, this guide will be available at the enrolment stage of your arrival process. Alternatively you can download the guide on our website at: http:// www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/services-for-students/international-student-services/

 

Student Support

As a UWS student, you will have access to a wide range of support services to help you through your studies.

Our dedicated student services team will help you settle into student life and can ensure that you make the most of your experience with UWS.

Manage Your Money

Bringing your money to the UK

You should bring enough money to live on for the first few weeks in the UK. However, please do not bring large amounts of cash with you. Once you have an account here in the UK, you can talk to your bank about the best way to transfer money. We advise using traveller’s cheques, as they are a safer way of carrying money when you travel.

 

Evidence of your money

If you are on a tier 4 visa you will have already shown your financial status when you applied for your visa. Students on a Short Term Study Visa must produce evidence of money to pay fees and living costs, if any, at UK immigration.

 

You must show evidence that you:

1. Have paid all or part of your course fees and (if relevant) accommodation fees to your Tier 4 sponsor, and/or,
2. Are receiving official financial support; and/or,
3. Have enough money to cover your remaining course fees and living costs, if any.

Opening a bank account

If you bring a banker’s draft in pounds sterling with you (payable to yourself) or arrange for it to be sent, you can open a bank account after you have registered on your course. In order to open a bank account, you will need:

1. Your passport. 
2. Proof you are a student.
3. Proof of your UK address.

For more information about opening a bank account in the UK, visit:www.ukcisa.org.uk