CCL Student Handbook

Student Handbook

2010 - 2011

Central College London

The statements and policies contained in the Central College London Student Handbook are for

informational purposes only and should not be construed as the basis of a contract between a

student and this institution.

While every effort is made to provide accurate and current information, the management of the

institution reserves the right to change, without notice, any provision in this handbook without

actual notice to individual students. Every effort will be made to keep students advised of any

changes.

In order to make your time at CCL and your stay in the UK as trouble free as possible, please read

this handbook carefully and contact us if you have any queries.

CONTENTS

WELCOME 3

OUR PROGRAMMES

OUR PROGRAMME STAFF

Business Department

Health and Social Care Department

English Department

TERM SCHEDULE

Spring Term

Winter Term

Summer Term

STUDENT SUPPORT

Counselling

Visa for Foreign Students

Assistance in Employment

Pastoral Support

STUDENT RESOURCES

REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

Programme Policies

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS

Academic Assessment

End Assessments

Attendance and Academic Policies

Quality Assurance System

POLICIES AND COMMITMENTS

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

Our Commitments to You

Your Commitments

Health and Safety

Access and Fair Assessment Policy

Academic Misconduct Policy

Complaints

Disciplinary Procedure

International Students

YOUR LIFE IN THE UK

Accommodation

o Choosing a Location

o Cost of Renting

o Checking the Property

o Tenancy Agreement

o Council Tax

o Change of Address

Working in the UK

o National Insurance

o Income Tax

Health

o Free Treatment

Transportation in London

o Buy an Oyster Card

o Student Oyster Photocards

Bank Account

Emergency Contact

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Central College London, a young college offering a range of courses to help you

develop your intellectual capabilities and vocational career. We give great importance to the

development of English language skills as we see these as the tools of success for international

students. Our Foundation English and English for Academic Purposes courses provide the student

with the confidence to progress to our programmes in business and health & social care. Our

programmes are taught in English, examined in English and the successful student receives an

English academic award. So English is important!

As you are visiting our web site you would have noticed that our building was part of the historic

Ealing Studios where the British film industry was founded. We have developed this charming

location to provide a modern, well equipped learning environment which we are justly proud of and

where students can reach their full potential. You are warmly invited to visit us at one of our open

day events to experience them for yourself and meet our students. Our students are important to us.

They are regularly consulted and involved in decisions to improve the student experience.

Although we are a relatively new college we have developed good links with the university sector.

Having entered into articulation agreements we are now seeking validation for top-up degrees and

post-graduate diplomas to extend our business and health & social care portfolio. The college has a

number of start dates for its courses to provide as much flexibility for the student as possible. At

Central College London we employ full-time well qualified staff with experience of supporting

international students to provide a strong foundation that will be with you throughout your future

career.

The good location and resources we provide will take you through each level of your higher

education so that you can fulfil your potential. I recognise the importance of education in changing

lives and improving life chances. Enrol with us at Central College London and we will provide you

with a friendly, supportive study environment where you can flourish!

We are a young college – grow with us!

Mike Cuthbert

Academic Principal

O

LICIES AND COMMITMENTS

OUR PROGRAMMES

Central College London currently offers the following programmes:

Business Studies

HND in Business Management

Advanced Diploma in Business Management

Graduate Diploma in Business Management

Pre-Masters in Business Management

Health and Social Care Studies

HND in Health and Social Care

Advanced Diploma in Health and Social Care

Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Care

English Studies

Foundation English Course

English for Academic Purposes

Business Department

Head of Department

Bhairavi Tarkas

Room 3C

[email protected]

“Education is not constricted by the walls of classroom. Education requires worldly exposure and

practical experience to develop your skills. It is necessary to get into right job and business.

Welcome to Central College London.”

Lecturer

Keeshon Holmes

Room 3C

[email protected]

“I would like to encourage all students and say that a strong and positive attitude towards academic

study will assist with achievement.”

Lecturer

Lydia Harrel

Room 3C

OUR PROGRAMME STAFF

mailto:[email protected]


[email protected]

I firmly believe that “I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.”(Socrates) and

“the only kind of learning which significantly influences behaviour is self-discovered learning or

self-appropriated learning.”

Health and Social Care Department

Head of Department

Karen Buckwell

Room 3C

[email protected]

It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts

…….. it is to teach them to think…. teaching them to think for themselves (Robert Hutchins –

Philosopher)

Lecturer

Michelle Duggan

Room 3C

[email protected]

You cannot simply read about a subject – you must read around the subject in order to truly

understand.

English Department

Tutor

Magdalena Magiera

Room 3C

[email protected]

To me, teaching English is like breaking barriers, opening to my students new worlds of

opportunities - be they personal, cultural or professional. It's a challenge, an adventure and a

journey at whose end lies a world without limits.

Tutor

Clare Loxey

Room 3C

[email protected]

The easiest way to learn anything is to try and enjoy it as much as possible, make it interesting for

you! English is incredibly important, globally and can open up the whole world for you!

“If you can or you can‟t your probably right”






TERM SCHEDULE

2011 / 2012 Term Schedule

Spring Term

January 10th, 2011 to April 29th

, 2011

Summer Term

May 2nd

, 2011 to August 26th, 2011

Winter Term

August 30th, 2011 to December 30

th, 2011

STUDENT SUPPORT

Central College London provides ongoing support for its students in all aspects related to their

current and future studies or work related endeavours. Students should contact our Student Welfare

Officer when in need of any service that might aid them in their studies.

Counselling

Our Student Welfare Officer is ready to help students to plan their study path and advise them on

choosing the right set of classes in order to help them accomplish their aims. The student advisor

helps the students both during their studies and also in the future, by providing them with valuable

advice about options for pursuing further studies or entering the job market.

Students must identify any disabilities during the application process, however if you need to

discuss any other disabilities you may consult our Student Welfare Officer or any other member of

staff. Central College London will be made aware of any disability and the appropriate measures

will be taken to accommodate them within the college‟s guidelines.

Visas for foreign students

Central College London is able to provide visa application support for international students that

require Tier 4 Sponsorship through our partner immigration firm, Inno-Ship International. Please

contact them for advice and assistance at:

Inno-Ship International Ltd.

Unit 2C Walpole Court

Ealing Green

London

W5 5ED

Ph: 0203 355 7777

Email: [email protected]

Assistance in employment


Central College London is often approached by employers for part-time, full-time or volunteer work

opportunities. Central College London maintains a section of our website that aims to help our

students to secure part time work opportunities in the UK during their studies. Students should be

aware that part-time work during studies should only be supplementary and cannot impact on your

full-time studies. It is vitally important that you abide strictly by your visa conditions and only work

the number of hours allowed. CCL has a mandatory obligation to report any breach of visa

conditions to the UKBA.

You can access this information at: http://www.centralcollegelondon.co.uk/#

Alternatively, our Student Welfare Officer is prepared to counsel and advise students regarding

employment issues such as CV preparation assistance, job searching, employment rights and

various employment related issues. Pastoral Support

Pastoral support for students can take a variety of forms such as departmental support, tutor support,

administrative support and support that can be provided via our Student Welfare Officer.

Our Student Welfare Officer provides a route of communication that a student can turn to for

friendly, informal advice often before approaching official support channels such as administrative

or departmental support.

The most common role of our Student Welfare Officer in regard to pastoral support is to provide

advice and support when a student is experiencing academic, disciplinary or personal problems.

This may include liaising with a student‟s department regarding their academic struggles,

attendance or any other difficulties that the student may be facing in their class. This will often

involve the Student Welfare Officer acting as a liaison and/or mediator between the student and the

various departments involved as appropriate.

It is understood that personal data may often be processed by the Student Welfare Officer and this

may occasionally include the processing of sensitive personal data, e.g. data relating to the physical

or mental health of a student. In all situations involving student personal information the Student

Welfare Officer will adhere to the Data Protection Policy of the College and the 1998 Data

Protection Act of the United Kingdom.

Welfare / Health Service Provision

The Student Welfare Officer is able to advise students on the various procedures involved in

registering for and accessing health services in the United Kingdom and refers students to their

local NHS providers. The Student Welfare Officer is further able to advise students on a variety of

welfare issues such as registering for National Insurance, Career counselling, employment

assistance services and accommodation issues that are requested by our students.

Student Welfare Officer Jeff Chen Tel: 02080998877 / 02033272240 Email: [email protected]

http://www.centralcollegelondon.co.uk/

Central College London Unit 1 Walpole Court

Ealing Green, London W5 5ED Tel: 020 3397 0667 Fax: 020 3051 5212


8

STUDENT RESOURCES

IT Facilities

Computers are available for email and web access during regular college hours in the IT lab room 2B. The

computer lab is available for student and faculty use during the week except when in use for classes. Please

speak with the college reception staff to arrange access. You are obligated to use the computers in fair and

reasonable way, including the use of the Internet for academic or personal purposes. All students need a valid password and username to sign in to any computer at Central College London. Contact the reception desk for more information.

Virtual Learning Environment

As a support system to your study, CCL has developed a web portal that will allow you to exchange ideas

with lecturers and receive study materials necessary for individual courses. This system will allow you to

download the syllabus, individual lecture content, assignments, grades, chat with your lecturer, and perform

other functions necessary for effective lecturer/student communication. The system offers many interactive

features, helping to make your learning more effective.

In order to enter the Learning Centre you will be given personal password and username. If you have not

received your password and username yet, please contact our Student Welfare Officer who will provide you

with the information. Training on how to use the VLE is provided for students.

Online Learning Centre – Teesside University

Business Management students will also have access to the Teesside University online system (Blackboard),

from which they can access the periodical database and other research tools that will be essential to use

during the programme.

E-learning@Tees is the University‟s online learning environment powered by Blackboard. Lecturers use

this system to support learning and teaching. The system facilitates communication between staff and

students and can enable structured learning content.

E-learning@Tees is a web based system and therefore is available both on and off-site using the following

address: http//eat.tees.ac.uk. Your username and password will be required to gain access to this secure area.

Library Facilities

Central College London utilizes both an online and on-site library in which students can access a variety of

books, papers and publications to support their studies.

Our online library is operated via EBSCO and hosts a wide selection of international materials and

publications. Students are able to access this library via their student IT account both on-site in our student

IT facility or off campus via any internet connection through the Virtual Learning Environment of our

college website.




9

Our on-site library is currently under further renovation to allow for more student private study areas and

provisions.

Textbooks and class materials

Class materials will be regularly distributed during lectures and workshops, and they will also be posted on

the VLE. Extra copying is the responsibility of the student.

Textbooks and additional course materials can be purchased in the college reception.

Message boards

Message boards remind the students of important events, announce news and provide information of general

interest to all students. Message boards are located in the stairwells as well as in reception of the college and

serves as one of the most important communication tools at the college. Students should always check the

message boards, as critical information is posted there regarding their studies. The message boards are

reserved only for posting information with educational content.

Student ID Cards

Students are issued with photo student ID cards. These cards are your ID while you are in the college.

They enable access to Central College London during college open hours, and are used to borrow materials

from the library once an account has been created by the operations desk.

ID cards are required for all students (part and full-time)

If a card is lost or stolen, please contact the Operations desk immediately to cancel the old card and

have a new card issued.

POLICIES AND COMMITMENTS

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Central College London (CCL) is committed to promoting and celebrating diversity and equality of

opportunities. We welcome diversity and differences as a great source of strength.

★ We want your time at CCL to be enjoyable, successful and stimulating.

★ Racism, sexism or treating people disrespectfully because of their age, class, sexuality, religion, physical

or mental differences is unacceptable. We reject any behavior which allows this to happen, or which

suggests that one group of people is superior to another.

Our Responsibilities

We will:

★ Support and respect all our students and staff in the college.

★ Enable you to study and work in a safe and motivating environment to the best of your potential.

★ Celebrate your efforts and successes and support you if things do not go well.

★ Treat you with respect and value you as an individual.




10

★ Make sure that all facilities are as accessible as possible.

★Our Race Equality Policy states that we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for

all our students and raising their success levels. In doing so we wish to :

o Work towards ensuring our student population is reflective of the local community.

o Work towards ensuring our admissions and assessments procedures are fair and that any

barriers faced by students or prospective students are addressed.

o Work towards ensuring that all student inductions promote an understanding of racial

equality and providing information on how students can take action to challenge

discrimination as part of an equal opportunities program.

o Ensure that students are aware that any form of discriminatory or unacceptable behavior will

not be tolerated.

o Ensure that students who make racist remarks or commit racial harassment will be subject to

investigation and may face disciplinary action.

Central College London welcomes students with additional learning and /or access needs and provides:

★ Specifically designed programmes.

★ Support on any courses, for example, signers or scribes.

★ Appropriate admissions arrangements.

★ Special examination and assessment provision.

★ Links with support agencies.

★ The college premises is accessible by wheelchair users.

★ Evacuation Procedures for those with restricted mobility.

Your Responsibilities

As a student at Central College London you are responsible for adhering to CCL‟s policy. It is your

responsibility whilst at CCL to:

★ Value and respect teachers/tutors, staff members, fellow students and others as individuals.

★ Respect the fact that as individuals we are all different and may have different experiences and needs.

★ Abide by the CCL‟s procedures and codes of conduct which uphold the spirit of this policy.

We are all responsible and actions speak louder than words. If you have any reason to feel our policy is not

working for you or others, please tell us. All feedback will be directed to the Head of Centre who monitors

and assesses the effectiveness of our Equal Opportunity Policy.

Our Commitments to You

We will:

★ Help you identify your personal goals and choose a learning programme which best meets your aims,

taking into account your existing qualifications, skills and experience.

★ Provide an ID card so that you can gain access to the school facilities.

★ Provide you with an induction at the start of your learning programme and a learning plan which




11

identifies your learning aims and how to achieve these.

★ If you have indicated that you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, provide you with an

interview with a specialist member of staff to agree on the level of support you need.

★ Provide help and advice at the time you join CCL and during the time you are studying with CCL.

★ Make sure that information is available to you about financial matters, such as fees and financial support.

★ Make sure that you have the information you need about the services, facilities and support that will be

available to you.

★ Provide clear and accurate information in your course handbook about your learning programme, about

what you will need to do to succeed, and how and when you will be assessed.

★ Provide teachers and support staff that have the skills, qualifications and commitment to support you, and

encourage you to succeed.

★ Provide additional learning support where a need for that support has been identified and agreed.

★ Provide all full-time students with a minimum of three written progress reviews or reports per year.

★ Support you on work placements, where relevant.

★ Provide you with appropriate classroom, equipment, and facilities, including new technologies, within

available resources.

★ Provide a complaints handling procedure which is easy to follow and understand.

★ Be given the opportunity to be involved in the processes we have in place to review and improve our

services.

★ Inform you when reports and the results of surveys are published, and where you can find them.

★ At the end of the program, help you to prepare for your future by providing career-related information,

advice and guidance.

Your Commitments to Us

We have made commitments to you to help you achieve your goals. You will also need to make

commitments to us, other students and visitors to Central College London, and yourself if you are to

succeed.

The Student Code of Conduct for Central College London is that you will:

★ Support and respect all staff in the work they do. Discrimination and bullying in the form of racism,

sexism or treating people disrespectfully because of their age, class, sexuality, religion, physical or

mental differences is unacceptable.

★ Make sure you attend classes and other activities which are part of your programme on time.

★ Complete your assignments and meet the agreed deadlines for handing in your work. Be aware of the

college‟s academic misconduct policy.

★ If, for any reason you are unable to attend a class or any other scheduled event, inform the appropriate

member of staff, by the time agreed with your assessor/tutor.

★ Always behave in a way which respects the needs and rights of others.

★ Your health, safety and well-being is important to us. Please familiarize yourselves with our Health &

Safely Regulations, Equal Opportunities Policy and other college regulations. Comply with them and act

at all times with due regard for your own safety and that of others.




12

★ Respect the accommodation, equipment and property of the college.

★ Help and support staff and other students in keeping a clean and tidy environment.

★ Ensure mobile phones are switched off during teaching and learning sessions. Any misuse of phones

could result in disciplinary action.

★ Do not possess or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or carry weapons in CCL premises.

★ Always carry your ID card to gain access to the college premises and to show it when asked on college

property.

★ It is very important that you continually update us on your status including change of address, phone

number, visa status, etc. In case there is ever a need for CCL to get in contact with you, it helps if we

have the correct and updated information.

The above responsibilities apply equally to students when on work placements, trips and any other college

activities.

Health and safety

General Intent

Central College London, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the management of

Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and other relevant related legislation acknowledges its

responsibility to provide, and maintain as far as reasonably practicable, a working environment which is

conductive to the health and safety and welfare of its employees, learners and anyone else who may be

affected by its undertaking.

Objectives

★ To promote a positive health and safety culture within all college business undertakings.

★ To be proactive by management strategies to prevent injury or decay of health as a result of the business

of the college

★ To introduce control measures to minimize or eliminate risks to health.

★ To ensure a healthy and safe working environment.

★ To comply with Health and Safety legislation.

★ To provide arrangements for safety of persons in situations of imminent danger and provide First Aid

arrangements

★ Where health is affected, to provide prompt corrective measures to remedy and control re-occurrences.

★ To inform, train, and educate staff and students in health and safety matters.

★ To maximize the opportunity of education, instill an understanding of risk management and health and

safety into students for their benefit both now and in their future working lives. Being involved in the

institute‟s H & S matters when appropriate.

★ To accommodate as far as reasonably practical those with special requirements to ensure equality in an

approach to maintaining health and safety for all people.

In Case of an Emergency

Fire




13

★ In case of a fire, you will alert one of the members of staff. There will then raise the alarm.If you hear

the alarm you should stop what you are doing, leave your belongings and then proceed (remember walk

don‟t run) to the nearest emergency exit in a calm and orderly fashion. Exit signs have been placed to

direct you to the closest exit. Once outside you will gather at the evacuation point until a proper head

count has been taken.The current evacuation point is on the grassland 10 meters opposite the college

reception.

Accidents ★ If you have an accident or witness that an accident has happened please alert a member of our staff team

who will contact our onsite First-Aider (Paul Labelle). If you have a small accident and only require the

first aid kit it can be found in the reception area.

★ REMEMBER ALL ACCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED NO MATTER WHAT THE SEVERITY OF

THE ACCIDENT IS.

Access and Fair Assessment Policy

Central College London is committed to upholding fair and equal access and assessment opportunities

through the implementation of the Access and Fair Assessment Policy.

Central College London promotes the reasonable adjustments that can be made for students with disabilities

and, as such, the following arrangements can be arranged:

★ Learning support assistant

★ Extra time for exams or assessments

★ Rest breaks during an exam or assessment

★ Specifically prepared exams on coloured paper or with enlarged print

★ A reader or writer

★ An interpreter of British Sign Language

★ Disabled access entryway

Central College London has an Equal Opportunities Policy which is reviewed at 6-month intervals at our

overall policy review meeting. This meeting is attended by our staff team including senior management

team and by two nominated students.

Central College London has a unique Mentorship Programme, which will further ensure that students with

learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully supported to achieve their learning goals.

Fair Assessment

Central College London‟s assessment process will take into account the individual needs of learners with

disabilities and learning difficulties and reasonable adjustments can be made as described above, where

candidates supply formal evidence of their disability.

Assessment practice will be monitored through assessor induction, observation of assessors in the workplace

and monthly meetings attended by the Head of the Centre and Heads of the Programmes. The internal

review strategy and appeals procedures will also help ensure assessment is fair and consistent.




14

Academic Misconduct Policy

Central College London takes academic misconduct very seriously and will seek at all times to protect its

academic standards. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating constitute academic misconduct, for which

there is an explicit range of penalties depending on the particular form of academic misconduct.

The penalties that can be applied if academic misconduct is substantiated range from failure in the assessed

work or module to expulsion in very serious cases. It is the responsibility of students and to ensure that they

understand the academic misconduct policy of Central College London to ensure that work submitted for

assessment is their own.

In any academic activity at the College, students are responsible and accountable for academic integrity.

Academic misconduct will be disciplined according to the severity of the offence. Those who are found to

have repeated offenses will be progressively disciplined, as per our published disciplinary procedure.

The following areas constitute the major types of academic misconduct and are subject to penalties. Please

note that misconduct on one or any portion of a work constitutes misconduct; there are no partial culpability

or penalty options. No fees are refunded to students who are dismissed from the College for misconduct.

Cheating

Cheating is the use of inappropriate or unacknowledged materials, information or aids in any academic

work.

Fabrication

Fabrication is the falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic work.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the representation of the words or ideas of another as one‟s own in any academic work. To

avoid plagiarism, every direct quotation must be identified and properly cited in the text of the submitted

work.

What students should do

Students must submit only their own work for assessment/evaluation. Students are not to copy other work

and claim it as their own. Students are not to quote other authors as their own work ie: if a student wishes to

include a sentence or phrase from a book, website or other publication they may do so, but they must name

the original author that they are quoting. For further information on plagiarism and how to avoid it please

see college academic staff for further discussion.

Facilitating Academic Misconduct

Students who knowingly or negligently allow their work or portions of their work or

drafts of their work to be used by other students or who otherwise aid others in

committing academic misconduct are violating academic integrity. Such students are as guilty as a student

who receives and uses the material or is involved in the incident directly, even though they may not

themselves benefit from that act of misconduct.




15

Misconduct in formal examinations

This includes having access, or attempting to gain access to, during an examination or assessment, any

books, notations, unauthorized material or attempting to gain or offer aid to or from another candidate

during the examination.

Academic Misconduct Process

In all instances, the instructor will keep and secure any and all documents related to an incident until the

process is complete. When an instructor suspects an offence has occurred, the student(s) will be required to

meet with the instructor within five working days to discuss the incident. If the situation is shown to be free

of academic misconduct, no record will be kept of the incident.

If the instructor or programme coordinator determines that an offence has occurred, perhaps without

identifying the offenders or severity of the offence completely, an investigative process will start and

records will be kept.

Appeals

If dissatisfied with the result of the investigative process and the College‟s findings, the student may appeal

following Central College London‟s Complaint / Student Appeals procedure.

Penalties to be applied

The penalties that may be applied vary depending on whether the misconduct is minor or major.

Minor Misconduct

For cases which are technically proven but believed to be unintentional / trivial, no further action

than a caution will take place.

For cases in which the work should be resubmitted the student will be required to correct their work

by including references, etc. The work will then be reassessed.

Reduction of mark to an extent that will not cause overall failure of the course.

Major Misconduct

Deduction of marks which may lead to the course failure

Directly reducing the mark for the course to zero

Reduction of mark average for the course by up to 10%

Disqualification from candidature for the award for the course

Complaints

Stage 1: Informal Complaint

We ask you:

Before making a formal complaint (or if you have a minor complaint) we ask you to discuss it with your




16

personal assessor or member of staff concerned.

CCL will:

★ Explore ways of resolving the problem.

★ Explain the formal procedure and give you a copy of the complaints procedure.

If your complaint is not resolved within one month:

Stage 2: Formal Complaint

We ask you:

★ To write a letter or complete a Complaint Form and send it to the Student Services Administrator, or give

it to the Reception.

★ You should then attend any necessary meeting(s), accompanied by a friend if you wish.

CCL will:

★ Pass details to the Director who must:

★ Send a written acknowledgement within 2 working days.

★ Investigate the complaint.

★ Hold meeting(s) to resolve the complaint.

★ Send a written (initial or final) response as soon as possible but within 10 working days.

If you are not satisfied, you must lodge an appeal within 5 working days.

Appeals

We ask you:

★ To write to the Director to state your appeal.

★ Attend any necessary meetings, accompanied by a friend if you wish.

CCL will, under the supervision of the Director:

★ Send a written acknowledgement within 2 working days.

★ Investigate the complaint and the way it was handled.

★ Send a written response as soon as possible but within 10 working days.

Disciplinary Procedure

This procedure applies to all students of the College. The purpose of the procedure is to ensure consistent

and fair treatment for all in relation to disciplinary action taken in response to allegations of unacceptable

conduct or performance.

Stage One – Oral Warning

If conduct does not meet acceptable standards, the student will normally be given a formal oral warning by

his/her assessor/tutor. The student will be:

★ Informed of the nature of the misconduct.

★ Informed of the improvement required.




17

★ Informed that it is the first stage of the disciplinary procedure.

Stage 2 – Written Warning

A written warning will be given to the student by his/her assessor/tutor if:

★ The student fails to comply with a formal oral warning, given under Stage 1, or;

★ Despite having been given a formal oral warning, under Stage 1 for misconduct, the student commits a

further offence of misconduct.

Stage 3 – Exclusion

The Principal may give notice of exclusion to a student if:

★ The student fails to comply with the final written warning, given under Stage 2 or;

★ Despite being given a final written warning for misconduct, under Stage 2, the student commits a further

offence of misconduct.

The student should be informed that he/she has a right of appeal to a Student Disciplinary Appeals

Committee.

Stage 4 – Appeals against Exclusion

A student who wishes to appeal against exclusion must inform the Head of the Programme in writing within

five working days of the date of the exclusion decision which forms the subject of the appeal. The decision

of the Appeals Committee will be final and binding.

Suspension, pending disciplinary action

When the Principal is of the view that a student‟s continued attendance at CCL, because of the severity of

the misconduct, cannot be permitted, the principal may suspend the student, pending further disciplinary

action.

Major disciplinary offences

CCL may be required to take urgent action against a student for major disciplinary offences such as: violent

or aggressive behavior, destructive behavior against CCL property, systematic and /or frequent racial, sexual

harassment or verbal abuse towards staff or fellow students, persistent refusal to comply with reasonable

requests from staff, taking, being under the influence of or being in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs or

weapons on CCL premises. These may result in the immediate expulsion from the college without prior

notice and at the full discretion of the college.

International Students

UK Border Agency (UKBA) under UK Home Office is the only government department responsible for

immigration matters. UKBA has very stringent regulations on student visa compliance. It is necessary for

students to keep up to date with the standards set forth by UKBA, it is mandatory that we report the

following:

★ Attendance: You must have cumulative attendance of at least 80% or we must report absence to

Home Office and cancel student registration

★ Satisfactory progression: Student must be progressing through the course satisfactorily. If not,

we are under a duty to report their lack of progress to the Home Office and cancel student registration.

★ Withdrawal of student registration: Either voluntary or involuntary we are under a duty to

report a student's withdrawal from our academic programme to the Home Office.




18

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS, POLICIES

AND PROCEDURES All students enrolled in the BA (Hons ) Business Management programme are students of Teesside

University, and are thus obliged to adhere to the general and academic regulations of the university. Central

College London has fully integrated the following policies into its own.

Teesside University documents are available online at www.tees.ac.uk , and the regulations that apply to

students can be accessed directly at:

http://www.tees.ac.uk/docs/index.cfm?folder=student%20regulations

Teesside University Student Policies in Brief

Admissions Policy

This explains the University‟s responsibility to operate a fair admissions system, one which provides equal

opportunity for all individuals, regardless of background, to gain admission to a course suited to their ability

and aspirations.

Applicants with Disabilities

The University is transparent in terms of the requirements of a programme to all students, without making

assumptions about disabilities and being positive about the mechanism by which the University can make

reasonable adjustments. This policy reflects the University's commitment to widening participation to all

those who will benefit from a higher education. It aims to demonstrate a proactivity in removing barriers

and promoting equality of opportunity.

Policy and Procedure for Handling Applications from Students with Previous Criminal Convictions

This regulation describes the criteria and procedures to be followed when considering applicants with

criminal convictions.

Recording of Lectures

It is University policy not to permit the recording of a lecture/seminar/tutorial without the prior consent of

the lecturer. This regulation explains the procedure for obtaining consent and the penalty for breach of the

regulation.

Regulations for the Submission of Assignments

This Regulation explains the procedures for submitting assessed work and the penalties for late submission.

Regulations Relating to the Examination Disciplinary Committee

This Regulation explains the conduct and procedure for considering all cases where there has been an

infraction of the examination regulations and penalties for breaching these Regulations.

Examination Regulations — Instructions to Candidates




19

This Regulation explains the conduct and procedures to be followed by students in examination conditions

and the penalties for breaching the Regulations.

Mitigating Circumstances Regulations

Under this Regulation, students who have experienced circumstances outside their control, which they

believe have affected their academic performance, may make an application under the Mitigating

Circumstances Regulations.

Assessment, Award and Progression — Regulations for Post-graduate Degree Programmes

This Regulation governs how the University determines the progression of a student in their post-graduate

programme of study or the conferment of an award.

Assessment Review Regulations

This Regulation explains the circumstances under which a student may appeal to the University Assessment

Review Committee to review an assessment decision or other decision of an Assessment Board. An appeal

application may only be submitted on specific grounds, as cited in the Regulations, and not where a student

is dissatisfied with their mark/grade awarded. An Application for Assessment Review must be started within

ten calendar days of the date of publication of results by the Assessment Board.

Regulations Relating to Academic Misconduct (Taught Programmes)

This Regulation explains that work submitted by a student for assessment must be their own work and any

passage quoted, paraphrased or opinions relied upon must be properly attributed. It also explains the

procedure to be followed when a suspected case of academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, and the associated

aspects of cheating) is identified. Where a student is found guilty of academic misconduct the penalty

recommended to an Assessment Board may include module failure, a reduced degree classification award,

failure or termination of studies. If a student is in any doubt as to how to present material then they should

seek support.

Work submitted by students may be checked by the University using electronic systems that assist in the

prevention and detection of plagiarism.

Withdrawal from the programme

Students seeking to withdraw or suspend their students are required to formally communicate their decision

using the appropriate documentation.

Attendance

Students must attend classes in order to maintain participation in the module. If the student misses too many

lectures and workshops then the module must be repeated. It is the responsibility of the students to attend

their classes, and the lecturer is required to monitor attendance. Disciplinary policies regarding attendance

are those determined by Central College London.

Policy on lateness

Students are requested to make every effort to be in class on time. It is disruptive to everyone in the class if

students come late. Each lecturer will determine if late students will be considered as absent for the

attendance calculation. As a matter of “business courtesy,” please let your teacher know beforehand if you

will be absent, and if you are late attempt to communicate this in an appropriate manner to the lecturer.

Policy on academic freedom




20

Academic freedom applies to every student. The student is free to raise any issue pertaining to the subject

matter taught, and convey his or her ideas in a classroom setting, research and publications. The student

cannot, however, force his or her opinions on other students or require students to adopt his or her ideas.

The student must be sensitive to the opinions of all the students and the lecturer and cannot raise issues that

could be perceived as discriminatory toward other students/lecturer (e.g. age, sex, religion, nationality etc.).

YOUR LIFE IN THE UK

Accommodation

TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION

Homestay Homestay means living in someone's home with a "host family". Breakfast and evening meals are provided,

usually eating together with the family. The bathroom is probably shared with other members of the family.

Bedsit

A single room in which you live and sleep; the room is both a bedroom and a sitting room (living room).

The cooking area (if there is one) is usually shared. There is usually a wash basin in the room, but the

bathroom may be shared. Services such as cleaning and changing of sheets are often provided.

Studio flat

A small flat where the living room and bedroom are combined (a flat is known as an "apartment" in

American English). Usually the room has its own entrance and you are free to come and go when you want.

There is usually a small bathroom, but this may only contain a basin, toilet and shower. A 'maisonette' is

similar, but is usually not all on one floor.

Flatshare / shared house A "flatshare" is when you share a flat with one or more other people. You may have your own room, or

alternatively you may share a twin-bedded or double-bedded room with another person.




21

A "student house" usually refers to a private house which is occupied by a group of students (sometimes

called "student digs")

B&B ("bed and breakfast"), guest house

A room, usually part of someone's home, which the owners are renting out to make some money. Breakfast

is provided, but not lunch or an evening meal. The bathroom is often shared with other guests

CHOOSING A LOCATION

Some of the factors to consider when choosing an area in which to live:

Transport: Availability of transport to and from the school, workplace or places to socialize with friends.

Being near to a transport route can be convenient and could be safer. Note that buses may not run in the

evenings or late at night in some areas.

Social life: You may want to live near where your friends live

Local maps: You can find street maps and aerial photographs from: http://www.streetmap.co.uk or:

http://www.multimap.com

Local facilities: Check if there are local facilities you need. You can use the Find My Nearest tool at

http://www.upmystreet.com (based on the Thomson directories), or you can search Yellow Pages online at

http://www.yell.com

COST OF RENTING

Calculate the maximum amount that you will be able to pay. Remember to consider travel costs as well as

the rent: you may be able to find somewhere with a lower rent if it is far from the college or workplace, but

travel costs could be higher.

Rents are often quoted as weekly amounts ("pw" or "per week"), even though they are often paid monthly

instead ("pcm" or "per calendar month"). To calculate the monthly cost, multiply the weekly cost by 52 and

divide by 12 (or simply multiply by 4.33). You will underestimate the cost if you simply multiply the

weekly cost by 4, thinking that there are about 4 weeks in a month.

If renting a private room, remember that at the start you may need to pay a deposit (of perhaps one month's

rent) as well as the first month's rent. You may need to pay an agent's fee after you have signed the rental

agreement (ask for the cost including VAT - value added tax). Check whether you have to pay bills for gas /

electricity (for heating and lighting), telephone (for line rental or installation, internet access or telephone

calls), water (for water delivery or sewage removal), laundry or council tax (for local services). You will

probably have to buy a TV licence if you use a television in your room. Make sure that you consider all of

the costs when you are comparing different rooms.

CHECKING THE PROPERTY

If you go to see a room or flat, you will need to make an appointment first. If you are using an agent, it may

be possible to view the property during the day, if the owner has given a copy of the keys to the agent. If

you are finding a room independently, you may need to see it during an evening or at a weekend, because in

most cases the landlords will be at work during the day (even if you have already made an appointment, you

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/

http://www.multimap.com/

http://www.upmystreet.com/

http://www.yell.com/




22

may want to phone just before going to visit, to make sure that the person will be there). If you can, go with

a friend when you visit a property. If you are a woman and will be going by yourself, think about carrying a

mobile phone and/or a personal alarm for your safety. If you are seeing many rooms, you may want to take a

digital camera to take a photo of each one, so that you can remember them later (always ask for permission

before taking a photo, and do not photograph private areas). Always take a notebook and pen with you, and

make notes as you make the visits (you will quickly forget the details).

These are some of the things you may want to check when you see the property:

Money / Contract

Do you have to pay a deposit, and when do you have to pay rent?

Which bills are not included in the rent? water / gas / electricity / council tax / telephone line rental

If you want to move out of the accommodation, how much notice do you need to give the landlord? Do you

feel you can trust the owner?

If you are with a host family, what is their main reason for wanting to accept a student into their home? If

the main reason is to make money, in some cases the family may not speak to you often, may provide very

cheap meals, or may argue about small matters such as the amount of toilet paper that is being used.

Problems are more likely to occur in popular student locations at time when there are many students in the

town (for example, in a town on the south coast of England in the summer) - there may be a lot of demand,

and too little supply of quality host families

House rules

Can you wash yourself every day if you want to (some houses have a small hot water tank)?

Can you use the telephone? Is there a separate line for your computer (if you have one) for internet

connections?

Can you bring your friends back? Can you have a friend stay overnight; if so, is there a charge?

Which rooms can you use? Can you smoke cigarettes?

Services Is there any laundry or cleaning services provided? How can you clean your room, and wash/dry your

clothes? If there is a washing machine, are there any charges for using it?

Are meals provided? If you do not want to take the meals that are offered, can you pay a lower rent? If

meals are provided, what type of meals are they? If you cannot eat some types of food, check that you can

be offered something else

Facilities

Can you use equipment such as a cooker/microwave oven, washing machine, fridge or dishwasher?

Is there a shower or a bath, or both (many studio flats only have a shower)? How many people share these?

How many toilets are there?

Is there a telephone line you can use, and if so are there any restrictions about when you can use it? If you

do not have your own telephone line in your room, will the landlord allow you to install a new line? This

may be important if you need personal access to the internet.

Location

Will you feel safe walking back to the accommodation at night? Are the roads well lit? Is it a safe area?

How near is the accommodation to your school? Is there a park nearby?




23

House

How many other people share the property? Can they speak English?

Will you have any social contact with them; how much common space is there?

Are there other people of your own nationality? If so, it may make you feel less lonely, but you may not

speak English as much.

Are the other occupants all men, all women, or a mixture of men and women?

Are there smoke detectors, and is there a safe way to leave if there is a fire?

Room How much noise is there from the road or from neighbours? Is there a shared telephone near your room?

How much privacy do you have? Is your room secure? Are there locks on the doors and windows?

How much space do you have? What is the quality of the mattress and sheets? How clean is the room? Note

that British people usually wear shoes inside rooms?

Will the room be warm enough in winter? Is there central heating, and are the windows "double glazed"?

Will the room be cool enough on a hot summer's day? Can you open the windows?

Are there any signs of damp on the walls? Are there any unpleasant smells, for example from the kitchen or

toilet, or from cigarettes?

If you are sharing a room with someone, do you think you can get on well with that person?

Is there enough storage space for your clothes, books and other belongings? Is there a desk, light and chair

for studying in your room?

TENANCY AGREEMENT

It is risky to rent somewhere without a legal agreement between you and the landlord (or accommodation

agency).

The most common type of agreement is known as an assured shorthold tenancy (AST). As long as you

pay the rent and do not break the conditions in the tenancy agreement, you have the right to stay for 6

months. After 6 months, if your landlord wants you to leave, he/she should give you details (in a written

letter) at least 2 months before the date on which you are expected to leave.

If you have a licence agreement (you are living in the same place as the landlord), the notice period may be

shorter than for a tenancy agreement, for example 1 month.

You should read the agreement carefully before you sign it. If you do not understand something, ask for

someone to explain it to you. If necessary, you can ask for advice at a Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Below are some of the things you need to make clear before you sign:

Term (period)

How long does the agreement last?

Is there a minimum period that you can rent the accommodation?

Will you have the opportunity to rent the accommodation for a longer period?

How much warning do you need to give the landlord if you wish to leave?

Rent and bills

How much is the rent? When must the rent be paid?




24

How often are rent reviews (when the amount of the rent can be increased)?

Does the rent include council tax? Does the rent include water charges? If not, how much are these?

How are charges for gas, electricity, telephone line rental or calls or the charges for the television licence for

a shared TV divided between the people living in the accommodation?

Deposit and inventory

How much is the deposit?

When you leave, how quickly will your deposit money be returned to you? Will you earn interest on the

deposit while you are renting the room?

Under which circumstances will the landlord keep your deposit?

Check the inventory carefully before you sign the tenancy agreement. Make a list of anything that is

damaged (for example, note any scratches, cracks or stains) and give a copy of this to your landlord. You

may want to take photographs as soon as you move into the room, to prove that any damage was not caused

by you. If anything is missing or damaged when you leave, your landlord may try to keep part of your

deposit to pay for these.

COUNCIL TAX

Council tax is a local tax in Britain. It is used to pay for local services such as libraries, the police, the fire

brigade, and rubbish collection. When you rent a new room, ask whether the council tax is included in the

rent.

In some types of accommodation, there is no council tax to pay. You do not have to pay council tax if all the

adults in your accommodation are 'full-time students' (usually this means people on a course lasting at least

1 year who study at least 20 hours per week and at least 24 weeks per year). You also do not have to pay if

you live in student accommodation owned or managed by a recognized school or university.

The amount of tax depends on which local authority or borough you live in, and the value of the property.

A typical level of council tax in London is about £30 per week for each property (a place with its own

entrance), but this can vary a lot between boroughs.

A single person who lives on his/her own in a property may pay less than the full standard charge (perhaps

25% less).

If you live in a block of bedsits, the owner pays the tax but may ask each of the residents to pay a share of it.

You can find out the council tax bands for your borough or local authority using UpMyStreet:

http://www.upmystreet.com. Enter a postcode, select Home review then Council tax.

UKCOSA produce guidance notes for students on "Council Tax and international students" at:

http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/advice.htm.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Once you have found new accommodation, you need to inform people about your change of address:

Take your existing TV licence to the post office and ask for the address to be changed.

http://www.upmystreet.com/

http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/advice.htm




25

Tell your doctor your new address in case he/she needs to write to you or visit you at home. You will

probably need to change your doctor if you have moved to a new area; take your medical card to your

new doctor.

Tell your school and/or workplace.

If you have a national insurance number, you should tell your local office of the DHSS (the Department

of Health and Social Security - you can find the address at your local post office).

You may want to change your bank branch, or make sure that your existing branch sends statements to

the correct address.

Ask your previous landlord to forward any mail to your new address.

Tell your own family as soon as you have moved, in case they need to contact you.

If you needed to register with the police when you arrived in the UK, you must tell them your new

address.

Working in the UK

NATIONAL INSURANCE

National Insurance is a tax which is taken from pay for the UK's health and social security system. Your

payments are known as National Insurance contributions (NICs). Most people working in the UK need to

pay this: there are a few exceptions (for example, if you are from an EEA country with a reciprocal

agreement with the UK and you continue to pay National Insurance in your home country).

After you have been offered a job in the UK for the first time, you will need to obtain a National Insurance

(NI) number (this is two letters followed by a 6-digit number and a final letter). If your employer has a

computerized payroll (payment system), a temporary National Insurance number is sometimes used to allow

the computer to work, but this is not a real number and you must still apply for a permanent National

Insurance number. Your employer or an adviser at a Job Centre can tell you which telephone number you

need to call. You will be asked to give some personal details, including the address and telephone number of

your workplace and of your accommodation and you will need to make an appointment at the correct local

office of your Benefit Agency (now called the Department of Work and Pensions). At the Benefit Agency's

office you will be asked to complete an application form and there will be a brief interview. You will be

expected to take two types of identity with you to prove your name, UK address and date of birth: usually a

passport and a letter from your employer (containing your name and address and confirming that you have a

job offer). After your interview, it may take one or two months (or sometimes longer) before you are issued

with your National Insurance number. When you have received your number you should tell your employer.

http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Links/EEA.htm




26

Further information:

Applying for a National Insurance number: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/ni_number.asp

Finding your nearest Job Centre:

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/AboutUs/OurOffices

HM Revenue & Customs: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nic

National Insurance Helpline: (0845) 302 1487

INCOME TAX

If you work in the UK, you will have to pay income tax. This tax is collected by the government department

known as the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Tax is paid based on your income during the tax year,

which starts on April 6th and ends on April 5th in the following year.

Income Tax Allowances

The Chancellor announces the rates of allowances at the Pre-Budget Report which precedes the start of the

tax year to which they relate. Generally speaking, Pre-Budget Report takes place in November or December.

Taxable Bands

The Chancellor announces the taxable bands and the rates of tax at the Budget Report which precedes the

start of the tax year to which they relate. Generally speaking, Budget takes place in March.

From 2008-09 there is a 10 per cent starting rate for savings income only. If your non-savings income is

above this limit then the 10 per cent starting rate for savings will not apply.

Pay-as-you-earn (PAYE)

You normally have to pay tax each time you are paid by your employer. This system is known as pay-as-

you-earn (or PAYE). You may be sent a PAYE Coding Notice which shows your tax code, which is used

by your employer's pay system to calculate how much tax you pay (it will show your personal allowance,

which is the amount you can earn during a tax year without paying any tax, and it may show the value of

some benefits from your employer on which tax is payable).

At the end of the tax year (some time after 5 April), you should receive a P60 (End of Year Certificate)

from your employer. This shows how much you have earned during the year and how much tax you have

paid on these earnings.

Soon after you have left you should be sent a form P45 by your employer. You will need to keep this and

give it to your next employer if you start another job.

Tax reclaim

You may believe that you have paid more tax than you need. For example, this may happen if:

- you did not have a National Insurance number, or did not tell the number to your employer;

- your total taxable income in a tax year is less than your personal allowance;

- you left your job before the end of the tax year and stopped working in the UK after this.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/benefits/ni_number.asp

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/AboutUs/OurOffices

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nic




27

To apply for a tax refund ask your Tax Office for a tax repayment claim form (P50).

Further information

For more information about tax see the HM Revenue & Customs site: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

There is a special section for students: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/students.

P50 form: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payetaxpayers/fagp50.shtml

Medical TREATMENT

If you are in the UK with a visa which lasts for six months or more, you should be able to have free

treatment from the NHS from the start of your stay in the UK. You have to be accepted as being an

"ordinary UK resident", which means being in the UK for a "settled purpose" (a short-term course of study

may not be considered enough for this).

To be able to obtain free NHS treatment, you need to register with a doctor. You can then register with a

dentist who accepts NHS patients (check-ups or treatment are not free, but the cost will be lower than if you

are accepted as a private patient). Eye check-ups may sometimes be cheaper if you can show that you are a

NHS member (by showing your medical card).

Even if you can have free treatment from the NHS, you will probably have to pay some charges for

medicines ("prescription charges"), and for dental and optical check-ups or treatment.

If you cannot receive free treatment from the NHS, you should buy health insurance (if possible, before you

arrive in the UK).

Treatment at GUM ("genito-urinary medicine") clinics, which deal with sexual diseases, is free for anybody.

Note that there may be some advantages in paying for private health care instead of relying on free NHS

care. For example, you may be able to receive treatment more quickly, and the quality of service may be

better (for example, a dentist providing private treatment may be able to use more expensive materials for

filling your teeth).

There is a detailed guide for overseas visitors on this site:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors

You should register with a doctor in your local area as soon as you have found a permanent place to live.

The doctor's surgery and your accommodation may need to be in an area covered by the same health

authority.

When you register with a doctor, you should ask for details of when the doctor's surgery is open, how to

make an appointment, and what to do if you need to contact your GP when the surgery is closed.

You should apply for a medical card, which contains your NHS Number (make a note of this number, as it

Health

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/students

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payetaxpayers/fagp50.shtml

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/payetaxpayers/fagp50.shtml

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors




28

will allow you to get free medical treatment from a National Health Service doctor or dentist). Your medical

card is an official document containing your name and address, so you may also be able to use this card to

prove where you are living.

To find a doctor, optician, dentist, pharmacy or hospital in England:

Doctors: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Doctors

Dentists: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists

Opticians: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Opticians

Pharmacies: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Pharmacies

Hospitals: http://www.nhs.uk/England/Hospitals

To find a doctor, optician, dentist, pharmacy or hospital in Wales:

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/directory.cfm

To find a doctor, optician, dentist, pharmacy or hospital in Scotland:

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/findnearest/healthservices

To find a doctor, optician, dentist, pharmacy or hospital in Northern Ireland:

http://www.healthandcareni.co.uk

When you feel ill, you can telephone your doctor's surgery to make an appointment to see your GP. (If you

are not near your home, you can get free treatment from any family doctor if you tell them your NHS

number).

If necessary, your GP may recommend that you make an appointment to see a specialist (this is called

making a "referral").If you need medicines, your GP will write a "prescription"; you fill in the back of the

form and take it to a pharmacy. If you are very ill and you cannot go to the surgery, it is possible to ask a

doctor to visit your house.

If you have had an accident and need immediate treatment, you can visit the accident and emergency (A&E)

department or minor injuries unit of your local hospital and wait for a doctor to become available. You do

not need to make an appointment.

For sexual health problems, you can visit the GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic at your local hospital.

You do not have to make an appointment, and you do not have to give your real name (the service is

confidential, and free).

Transportation in London

BUYING AN OYSTER CARD

The cheapest and most convenient way to travel on public transport (buses, Tubes, DLR or trams) in

London is with an electronic card called an Oyster card. Cash fares are much higher: even if you are a short-

term visitor to London (for example a tourist on holiday) you are likely to save both time and money by

getting an Oyster card.

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Doctors

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Dentists

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Opticians

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Pharmacies

http://www.nhs.uk/England/Hospitals

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/directory.cfm

http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/findnearest/healthservices

http://www.healthandcareni.co.uk/




29

To get your Oyster card, ask for an application form at any underground station in London. You will be

given a short form to complete and will need to pay a deposit (in 2007: £3) plus some money to add to your

card's credit (you can choose the amount, for example: £5). You can add extra credit to your card at any

time either at a ticket office or by using one of the ticket machines which has an Oyster card reader. You can

also use these to check your balance (this is also displayed at many ticket gates and when you use your card

on a bus): if your balance is too low to make a journey your card will be refused at the entrance and you will

need to add more credit. If you are leaving the UK and don't want to keep your Oyster card, you can return it

to a ticket office at an underground station and you will get back your deposit and any credit which remains

on your card (this can only be paid to you by cash if you used cash to buy the card).

Visitors to the UK from some countries can buy an Oyster card before coming to the UK, using

VisitBritain's online shop: http://www.visitbritaindirect.com

STUDENT OYSTER PHOTOCARDS

If you have a Student Oyster Photocard, you can buy a discount travelcard period ticket (for 1 week or

more) or a discount bus pass period ticket (for 1 week or more) from a ticket office. These cards are about

30% cheaper than the normal travel passes, and are put electronically onto your Oyster card. The discount

travelcard allows you to travel on the Tube, bus, DLR or railway services within Greater London (excluding

the Heathrow Express service from Paddington to Heathrow Airport). The discount bus pass allows you to

travel on most bus services.

You should buy a Student Photocard if:

- You are going to a school or university in London which deals with Student Photocards (or if you are

studying at a university outside of London on a course which includes a work placement within London)

- You are aged 18 or over

- You have enrolled on a course for at least 14 weeks

- You attend lessons for 15 hours or more each week (ie you are a full-time student).

- You regularly travel in London by bus, Tube, tram or DLR

The Photocard usually expires at the end of course finish date. You should apply the Student Oyster card

online: www.tfl.gov.uk. You can buy the card at any time of the year, but the cost of the card is always the

same.

Bank Account

Ask if your home country bank has a special relationship with a bank in the UK, and whether this can help

you with setting up an account or in any other way.

This information covers only the major banks. Many building societies also offer banking facilities.

Banks offer many different financial services. You may wish to compare the services and costs of several

banks before choosing one at which to open an account. Banks are competing for your business, so don‟t be

afraid to ask questions. When choosing a bank, you need to consider the following:

1. How easy it is for you to visit or contact the bank.

2. The services the bank will offer and what charges it will make.

http://www.visitbritaindirect.com/

http://www.visitbritaindirect.com/

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/




30

3. What arrangements there are for transferring money from your home country, and the costs

involved.

4. What documents are required by the bank in order to open an account. In all cases, to open an

account you will need your passport and a letter from the management institute, addressed to the

bank at which you want to open an account confirming the following:

Your full name

Your UK address

Your home address

Title of course you enrolled on

Start and end dates of course

TYPES OF ACCOUNT

The main types of account are the Current Account, which provides immediate access to your money but

may not pay you interest, and the Deposit Account which pays interest on your savings but you may not be

able to withdraw money on demand. Check with various banks what kind of accounts they will allow you to

open. Many students open both types of account, especially if they have all their funds at the beginning of

each academic year. In this way, most of the money can be earning interest while there is just enough

money in the current account to pay immediate expenses. Money can then be transferred from one account

to the other as required.

Cash Card

This is used to get money from cashpoint machines (also called cash machine, autobank or ATM). You will

be given a Personal Identification Number (PIN) so that you can use the card. Make sure you memorise it,

destroy the letter telling you the number and don‟t tell anyone your PIN.

Remember that this card is not a credit card. You can only withdraw as much as you have in your current

account and no more. Although it may be possible to arrange an overdraft if you need one, banks will

charge you a lot of interest on any overdraft you have not arranged.

Debit Card

This allows you to spend money from your account without having to use cash or write a cheque. Certain

shops, such as the main supermarkets, will allow you to get cash in addition to the purchase you are making.

This is called „cashback‟.

Credit Card

You may also be eligible for credit cards e.g. Access, Visa, Barclaycard etc. Credit cards allow you to spend

money even when you have no money in the bank. Banks and other financial institutions all issue credit

cards. You get a bill every month and you have to pay a part of the balance. If you do not pay the full

amount, interest builds up on the amount you have not paid and the interest rate can be quite high. Credit

cards are convenient, but you should be very careful.




31

Front of debit card

Back of debit card

Front of credit card

Back of credit card

All UK and European debit/credit cards now include a microchip that stores data on the card. When you use

the card in a shop you will be asked to enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on a

keypad. Make sure that nobody can see the number which you type and that nobody else knows your PIN.

Signatures are not accepted for cards which contain a microchip (you may still be able to sign if you are

using a card which has been issued outside Europe). The system is known as chip and PIN. If you enter an

incorrect PIN three times in a row your card will be locked - you will need to contact your bank to unlock

your card.

Make sure you sign the back of any new cards you are given as soon as you receive them. Write down the

telephone number which you should call if your card is lost or stolen.

The last 3 digits printed on the signature strip on the back of a credit or debit card do not appear on the front

of the card. They are a security number, which you may be asked to type when you order goods online using

your card.

Cheque Book

Cheques allow you to pay for goods and services without having to use cash. Payment of large sums of

money in cash is unusual and it is better to use a cheque. You can also take money out of your account using

a cheque. If you are given a cheque book when you open your account, ask the bank to tell you how to

complete a cheque. When your cheque book is almost finished, the bank will send you a new one

automatically.

Cheque Guarantee Card

When you pay for something with a cheque, you will have to show a cheque guarantee card as proof that the

bank will pay the money written on the cheque up to a fiex amount. A cheque guarantee card guarantees

payment up to the limit shown on the card (eg £50). Some people will not accept a cheque without seeing a

cheque guarantee card at the same time. Even without a cheque guarantee card, cheques can be used for

postal payments.




32

Bank Statements

This is a record of all transactions on your account over a period of time. You can also request a statement

from some cashpoint machines. Keep bank statements as you may need them to verify your financial

status for immigration or other purposes.

Emergency Contact

In case of an emergency, on any public telephone, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO DIAL 999 FREE OF

CHARGE.

The operator will ask you: “Which Emergency Service-Fire, Police, Ambulance or Coast Guard?”

The operator will then ask you for:

The telephone number shown on the public phone from which you are ringing

The location of the emergency

A short description of what is wrong

I ___________________ acknowledge that I have read and understand this Student Handbook.

Signed _________________________ Dated____________/_______/_____________

Date post:	28-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	peng-wang
View:	225 times
Download:	0 times

CCL Student Handbook

Documents