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Welcome Handbook
2012-2013
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Cardiff College International Welcome Handbook 2012-2013
Welcome to Cardiff College International
We hope that you will find the information in this handbook useful. It
contains important information about getting to Cardiff, living in
Cardiff and websites where you can find out more details, including
the most up-to-date information. Not all parts of this handbook may
apply to you, but there should be some useful information for
everyone.
Before, during and after your studies here, the
International Office can provide you withassistance, information and support.
If you would like any information that isnt in
the handbook please speak to the
International Office team and we will do our
best to help you. You can email us at
[email protected], call us on (0044)
02920 908 004, or visit us on the ground floor of
35 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3UK.
If there is an emergency whilst you are in Cardiff there is also an out of
hours emergency number: 02920 250 251. This number is for
emergencies only, so please do not contact is with general enquiries
or questions about your course as they will not have access to
information about the courses or your application.
We are really happy that you have chosen to study at Cardiff
College International at Cardiff and Vale College. We look forward to
welcoming you here and hope that you enjoy your time studying with
us.
See you soon,
The International Office Team
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Cardiff College International Welcome Handbook 2012-2013
Contents
Introduction 2
The International Office Team 4
Visas 5
Travelling to the UK 6
Arriving at a UK Airport 7
Getting to Cardiff 9
Insurance 10
Money 11
Living Costs in Cardiff 12
Accommodation in Cardiff 14
Life in Cardiff 15
Meeting People in Cardiff 17
Working in the UK 19
Laws in the UK 21
Other Information 22
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The International Office Team
Gemma Calbet
International Office Manager
Natalia Mulley
Carol Rowlands
Naquita Hall
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Visas
If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland you do
not need a visa, but if you do need a visa it is very important you understand
what you need to do.
The European Union and European Economic Area countries are: Austria,
Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
If you are not clear on what type of visa you need and the requirements please
speak to the International Office or have a look at the following:
UK Border Agency
For information and regulations about visas:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.ukvisas.gov.uk
www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
For information and advice about visas:
www.ukcisa.org.uk
You can also contact the UKCISA telephone helpline information on(0044) 020 7107 9922
This helpline is open Monday-Friday 13:00-16:00 very popular so be
prepared to ring several times before you get connected.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
To find out where your nearest visa section is seewww.fco.gov.uk/en/
If you pass through another European airport before arriving in the UK, please
check if you need a visa to do this before leaving your country.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Travelling to the UK
Cardiffs local airports are:
Cardiff International Airport(12 miles west of Cardiff City)
www.tbicardiffairport.com
Bristol International Airport(30 miles southeast of Cardiff City)
www.bristolairport.co.uk
It may be easier for you to fly into one of the London airports.
London is about 150 miles from Cardiff.
Londons airports are:
London City Airport(Central London)
www.londoncityairport.com
London HeathrowAirport(20 miles southwest of London)
www.heathrowairport.com
London Gatwick Airport(35 miles south of London)
www.gatwickairport.com
London Luton Airport(35 miles north of London)www.london-luton.co.uk
London Stansted Airport(45 miles northwest of London)
www.stanstedairport.com
If you fly into London, there is no need for you to travel into London, unless you
have a particular reason for wanting to do so, as you can get to Cardiff directlyfrom the airports (See page 9).
http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.stanstedairport.com/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/http://www.gatwickairport.com/http://www.heathrowairport.com/http://www.londoncityairport.com/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Arriving at a UK Airport
When you arrive in the UK you will need to
present your passport. If you are a non-EEA(European Economic Area) or Swiss national
you will also be asked for any supporting
documentation necessary for your visit, such
as:
Passport and Student Visa Proof of admission to the college Evidence of financial support Medical certificate/chest x-ray
Electronic screens will tell you which Passport Control
desk you should use as EEA and Swiss nationals will be
asked to go to separate control points to all other
nationals.
If you have problems with your English then you havethe right to ask for an interpreter.
If you are non-EEA or Swiss national you may be
asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the
airport doctor. This may include an X-ray as part of a
short medical examination. The health check is done
in a separate room so if you are asked to have one,
you have to return to immigration control when it is
done.
If you have problems at passport control and are unable to contact the
International Office at the College, you can seek free advice from:
IMMIGRATION ADVISORY SERVICE (IAS)
Website:www.iasuk.org
(0044) 020 7967 1200 (09:30 -13:00)
(0044) 020 8814 1115 (14:0016:45)
(0044) 020 7378 9191 (Helpline)
http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/http://www.iasuk.org/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Once you are through the Immigration Control, you can go to the Baggage
Reclaim Area. At each baggage carousel there is an electronic sign displaying
the flight number and the departure airport of the luggage being unloaded
there.
At Heathrow or Gatwick airports blue-uniformed Skycaps porters are available to
help you with your bags. There is a charge of around 9 for up to 5 items for this
service. For more information, you can contact them on (0044) 020 8745 6011 or
access their website:www.skycaps.com
After collecting your luggage, you must proceed through customs. There are 3
channels:
BLUETravellers arriving from another European country
GREENTravellers arriving from outside the EU who have nothing to declare
REDTravellers arriving from outside the EU who have items to declare
You have goods to declare if you are carrying more duty-free or tax-free goods
than you are allowed to bring, or if you are carrying any prohibited goods.
The British Consulate or High Commission in your home country will be able to tell
you about restricted goods and duty-free allowances, or you can refer to HM
Customs & Excise for more information. You will also find information on the
aircraft.
Some students are required toregister with the police when they
arrive in the UK.
If you have this instruction stamped in your passport you must register
with the police within 7 days or arriving in the UK.
Staff at the International Office will be happy to help you arrange this.
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Getting to Cardiff
Travelling from the airports listed on page 6 is quite easy. On each airport website
there is information about how to get to and from the airport. Below we have
given a short summary, but you can look at the websites for each airport for moreinformation or you can plan your journey from the airport to where you are going
to stay in Cardiff on these websites, which give you step-by-step directions for the
journey:
www.transportdirect.info www.traveline-cymru.org.ukor call (0044) 0871 200 22 33
From Cardiff International Airportwww.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airport
Buso Travelling by bus to and from Cardiff Airport is easy and convenient,
with good connections between the airport and Cardiff city centre.
The bus pick up and drop off points are situated in front of the
terminal building. See Cardiff airport website or www.traveline-
cymru.org.ukfor more information about the buses available.
Traino You can get the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport
Station to Cardiff Central. Trains run every hour from Monday to
Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. A shuttle bus service is
available for passengers, which connects with all trains to carry
passengers on the short journey to the airport terminal.
Taxio Checker Cars is the airports official taxi operator and offers a 24
hour service. A taxi booking office is located outside the arrivals hall.
The approximate cost of a taxi from Cardiff Airport to Cardiff Central
is 26 and Checker Cars operate a fixed fare system which is the
same 24 hours a day. Taxis are available on arrival or can be booked
in advance by calling (0044) 01446 711747 or by e-mailing to
Bristol International Airportwww.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airport
London HeathrowAirportwww.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/
London Gatwick Airportwww.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/
London Luton Airportwww.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/
London Stansted Airportwww.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/
From London City Airport
www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransport
If you have difficulty finding the information you need please contact theInternational Office on (0044) 02920 908 004 or [email protected].
http://www.transportdirect.info/http://www.transportdirect.info/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airporthttp://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransporthttp://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransportmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.londoncityairport.com/visitingtheairport/page/publictransporthttp://www.stanstedairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking-transport/http://www.heathrowairport.com/transport-and-directions/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/getting-to-the-airportmailto:[email protected]://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.tbicardiffairport.com/en/airporthttp://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/http://www.transportdirect.info/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Insurance
Travel
This covers you and your luggage during your journey. Ask about this when you
book your ticket to travel to the UK. Most travel agents and banks should be ableto recommend a policy.
Personal Belongings
This covers valuable items such as jewellery, musical instruments, cameras, CD-
player or iPods while they are with you in the UK. If these items are covered by an
insurance policy at home, check whether they will still be insured while they are
abroad. If not, you should arrange insurance for them once you get to the UK.
Health
This covers you against the cost of sickness or injury while you are in the UK. Youneed to find out whether you will be covered by the UKs National Health Service.
If you are not covered, take out a medical insurance policy before you leave
home and check the excess clauses. Please look at
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php for more
information about the NHS, medical insurance and keeping healthy whilst in the
UK.
The following NHS treatment is free for everyone:
some emergency treatment (but not follow-up treatment)
family planning services diagnosis and treatment of certain communicable diseases compulsory psychiatric treatment
If you are eligible for NHS treatment:
you can register with a local Doctor -also referred to as GeneralPractitioner (GP). Doctors are based in Surgeries or in a Health Centre.
you are also entitled to free treatment in NHS hospitals.GPs are often unable to give appointments to people not registered at their
Surgery, except in a real emergency. So get yourself registered when you feelwell and energetic. To register at the Doctors Surgery or Health Centre, you will
need your passport and a letter from the College to confirm student status. The
International Office will give you a list of your nearest surgeries, dentists, hospitals
and help if there are any problems.
All European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family should obtain a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to the UK. This card
entitles the holder and their family to full NHS treatment.
Visit the European Commission's website for more information on the EHIC at
ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/education/university/health/index_en.htm
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.phphttp://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en#National_information_and_contactshttp://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=563&langId=en#National_information_and_contactshttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.php7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Money
Before you leave your country you should think about how you are going to
access & handle your money in the UK. Please note, if you are in the UK for less
than 6 months it can be difficult to open a bank account here.
You must make sure that you have enough money
to cover the cost of your studies throughout your
stay. Be realistic about these costs as living and
studying in the UK is expensive. You will need to
order British currency or travellers cheques and
bring enough money with you to cover your
immediate needs when you arrive, including
customs charges, rail fares and any emergencyexpenses.
It is not a good idea to bring large amounts of
cash with you or to keep cash in your
accommodation so please do open a bank
account as soon as possible.
Please note that it can take several weeks to open a bank account in the UK.
Before you leave home, check with your bank in your home country whether it
has a special relationship with a bank in the UK and if it can assist you with the
process of opening a UK bank account. At some international banks you can
open an account in your home country (or online) and access the account from
the UK making it easier for funds to be transferred from your home to the UK. (For
example,www.hsbc.co.ukandwww.barclays.co.uk)
If you have not already arranged your banking before you arrive in the UK then
you will need to open a bank account once you arrive in Cardiff. Be aware that
if you bring large amounts of money into the UK you may be asked by the bankfor evidence of the source of these funds.
Please remember that it is likely that you will have to pay a deposit for your
accommodation before you move in. This is normally the equivalent of one
months rent, but it can be a great deal more, depending on the type of
accommodation that you are renting so you need to have funds immediately
available to cover this cost.
To find out more about British currency and for further information please go to
www.bankofengland.co.uk
http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/http://www.barclays.co.uk/http://www.hsbc.co.uk/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Living Costs in Cardiff
Living costs and spending habits will differ considerably according to your
individual lifestyle and expectations. Please remember that you might have extra
expenses when you first arrive in the UK such as temporary accommodation. Ifyou can, it is a good idea to budget to keep 500 a year aside for unexpected
expenses.
The International Student Calculatorwww.studentcalculator.org/international
is an online tool developed by UKCISA with students from 13 different countries. It
enables students to:
Build a lifestyle budget and see how it balances by week, month or over ayear
Understand how they will spend their time as well as their money in the UK Get information on areas like insurance and banking as well as guidance
on the costs of living
Get top tips from other studentsFood
The average weekly shop for 1 person in the UK is around 30, but this can really
depend on what you like to eat. Have a look at www.mysupermarket.co.uk to
compare the cost of different items.
Eating out can be expensive, but most restaurants display menus outside and ontheir websites so you can see the price beforehand and they may also have
special offers on week nights and at lunchtime.
Transport
Currently (July 2012) a bus ticket in Cardiff costs 1.70 one-way and 3.40 for the
day. These can be used on all Cardiff Bus buses. Tickets are bought on the bus
and you must have the exact change (correct money) to buy them. See
www.cardiffbus.comfor more information.
If you are under 25 and are planning on visiting different places whilst in the UK,
you should consider getting a young persons travelcard. The Young Persons
Railcard gives you up to 1/3 off train tickets and you can also buy this railcard
with a discount if you have an NUS extra card (see below) - www.railcard.co.uk.
The Young Persons Coachcard gives you up to 30% off coach travel with
National Express - www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.
There are also travelcards available for those over 60 and for those travelling with
families.
http://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.studentcalculator.org/internationalhttp://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/studentcoachdeals.aspxhttp://www.railcard.co.uk/http://www.cardiffbus.com/http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/http://www.studentcalculator.org/international7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Bills
If you are renting a private room or a property you may have to pay utility bills
as well as your rent, although sometimes this is included in your rent. Bills you
may have to pay include:
Electricity Gas Water and Sewerage TV Licence Phone line Broadband/Internet TV subscription e.g. Sky Council tax
You should be able to ask whomever you are renting your room or property
from what these bills will roughly cost as this varies from property to property. Ifyou cannot find out this information, please contact the International Office
and we will try to help give you an idea of how much this will be each month.
Council Tax is a system of local taxation, which is collected by local authorities.
It is a tax on the properties in which people live. If you are a full-time student for
more than 24 weeks you may not have to pay Council Tax. But you must also be
aware that if you are living in private accommodation, if just one person in your
household must pay Council Tax, it will make the rest of the residents liable for
payment of the tax. For more information about Council Tax please contact us
or seewww.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdf
Student Discounts
You can find many special offers as a student in the UK. Have a look at
www.studentbeans.com
It is also worth asking if there is a student discount available when you go out for
food, go shopping or visit places around the UK.
For most student discounts your student ID cardfrom the college will be enough, but for some
discounts you will need to have an NUS card. For
more information about NUS cards see
www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra. You will have to
pay a small charge for this card but it will give you
discounts on various places including
www.amazon.co.uk, Easyjet and McDonalds.
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdfhttp://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=nus+extra+card&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&biw=1024&bih=503&tbm=isch&tbnid=umViyxvPjNdOtM:&imgrefurl=http://www.ccsushop.co.uk/product/NUS_Extra_Card_NUSExtra&docid=9KMZIrMFXUgCzM&imgurl=http://www.ccsushop.co.uk/pub/files/NUS%20Extra/.thumbnails/1252926286_nus_400_w450_h400.gif&w=400&h=400&ei=X50OUP76OcGh0QWtv4GoDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=752&vpy=159&dur=62&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=146&ty=173&sig=112053538426043876071&page=2&tbnh=132&tbnw=132&start=8&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:8,i:113http://www.amazon.co.uk/http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/http://www.studentbeans.com/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/council_tax_print.pdf7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Accommodation in Cardiff
Choosing the right accommodation for you will go a long way to ensuring that
your time in Cardiff is as enjoyable as possible. You must consider how much
independence you would like and how much you are able to spend each week
on accommodation.
There are several options available
in Cardiff:
Homestay (Cateredaccommodation in a home)
Self-catered accommodationin a home
Student Halls of Residence Private sector accommodation
(suitable for students with
families)
The College can arrange either Homestay or self-catered accommodation in a
home for you and all our providers are inspected regularly by our
Accommodation Officer in line with the British Council code of practice. Bookings
are for a minimum of 1 month.
We cannot arrange halls of residence or private accommodation for you but we
will be happy to give you useful information, which may help you find the right
place for you.
For more information about accommodation please see our websitewww.cci.ac.uk/accommodationor [email protected]
For further information about accommodation in the UK as an international
student please see:
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overview
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_know
www.cardiffdigs.co.uk
http://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodationhttp://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodationmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffdigs.co.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_things_to_knowhttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/accommodation_overviewmailto:[email protected]://www.cci.ac.uk/accommodation7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Life in Cardiff
Cardiff is a small capital city. We have a wide range of food, sporting, leisure and
shopping facilities and it is easy to get around the city and to other parts of the
UK by public transport.
Food and Drink
There is a good range of restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs in Cardiff. The best
way to find out about them is to explore but here are a few examples:
AJs A nice and friendly cafe opposite the City Road campus (20 CityRoad, Roath, CF24 3BJ)
Clwb Ifor BachAlso known as Welsh Club. A popular club over multiplefloors.www.clwb.net/eng (11 Womanby Street, CF10 1BR)
MilgiPopular student cafe/bar. Serves a good range of vegetarian foodand delicious cocktails.www.milgilounge.com(213 City Road, CF24 3JD) Red Hot World BuffetA fairly new buffet restaurant in Cardiff which serves
a wide range of food. There should be something for everyone.
www.redhot-worldbuffet.com(3-6 Hills Street, St Davids Centre, CF10 2LE)
The Live Lounge Live music with 4 cover bands playing every dayfollowed by DJs playing classic rock, pop and party music until 4am. Great
place for cheap drinks and late nights. They also serve food until 9pm.
www.thelivelounge.com(9 The Friary, CF10 1BR)
The Pear Tree This place offers great food and drinks in a relaxedatmosphere. You can also find a selection of board games to keep you
entertained!www.peartreecafebar.co.uk(Wellfield Road, Roath, CF24 3PB)
The Potted Pig Opened in 2011, this restaurant has become an extremelypopular place to go for good British food. You must book a table in
advance.www.thepottedpig.com(27 High Street, CF10 1PU)
Y Mochyn DuVoted one of the best pubs in Britain, Y Mochyn Du (TheBlack Pig) is known for its distinctly Welsh atmosphere. ITs a great place to
go for excellent traditional pub grub (food). www.ymochyndu.com
(Sophia Close, CF11 9HW)
Shopping
The main shopping areas are in the city, where you can
find large shopping centres (www.stdavidscardiff.com),
popular chains and small arcades with independent
shops. We also have a large indoor food market and
weekly markets with local products in different parts of
the city (www.riversidemarket.org.uk).
http://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.clwb.net/enghttp://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.riversidemarket.org.uk/http://www.stdavidscardiff.com/http://www.ymochyndu.com/http://www.thepottedpig.com/http://www.peartreecafebar.co.uk/http://www.thelivelounge.com/http://www.redhot-worldbuffet.com/http://www.milgilounge.com/http://www.clwb.net/eng7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Safety
Cardiff is one of the safest cities in the UK but it is always a good idea to be
careful with your belongings to ensure your safety. Always lock your room when
you are leaving and make sure that your window is closed, especially if your
room is on the ground floor. If you have a bicycle, make sure you lock it up when
you leave it outside. Above all, just take the same care that you would use when
you are in your own country and you should be fine. If you have any worries at
all, please contact the International Office.
Culture and Customs
Coming to live and study in a different country can be a culture shock. We hope
you find your time here exciting and enjoyable but you may at first find that you
are more tired than usual. This is partly because you will be concentrating more
whilst you adapt to living in Cardiff and probably focussing on using your English.
Please have a look at this website for some guidance:www.educationuk.org
We all have preconceived ideas about other countries and cultures and we
hope that you enjoy finding out about the reality of living in the UK.
You are probably aware of our more common cultural norms, but we hope that
a reminder of these will be helpful:
It is common to see women in roles of authority and women expect to betreated with the same respect as their male counterparts
It is uncommon in the UK for people to have servants Cleaners, technicians and porters are considered employees rather than
servants Punctuality is importantif a lecture starts at 9am arrive at 8.55am People say please, thank you and sorry a lot and they may think other
people are rude if they do not
Queuing is part of British culture and to queue jump can cause problems People try to keep a personal space around them and may be
uncomfortable when others stand too close
When people answer no to a question then usually no is meant it isnot a starting point for discussion
British people enjoy small talk and their favourite topic of conversationtends to be the weather. People will often start conversations bycommenting on the temperature, the amount of rain that we have had or
the fact that it is unusually sunny.
Culture is so much part of a way of life that it is contained in unspoken rules and
this can be difficult and frustrating. Usually, asking for clarification is the quickest
way to learn about another way of life and also to share information about your
culture. This can prevent misunderstandings from turning into bad feelings.
Everyone in the UK, whatever race, gender, class, religion, disability or sexual
orientation has equal rights under the law. It is illegal to discriminate againstanyone on these bases.
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Making Friends in Cardiff
Cardiff is a very friendly city. We hope that whilst you are studying with us you
make friends with the people on your course. There are also many different
places you can meet new people.
If you are allowed to work this can be a great opportunity to meet new people.
Even if you do not need or want to work to make money, you could do voluntary
work in and around Cardiff. Please be aware that you must be allowed to work in
the UK even to do voluntary (unpaid) work. You can find out about voluntary
work in and around Cardiff here:www.volunteercardiff.co.uk
Another good way to meet new people is to do activities you enjoy. Think about
what sports or activities you like to do and try to find a club in Cardiff. See some
of the following examples:
Acting:o Amateur dramatic societies in Wales:www.theatre-
wales.co.uk/amdram/index
Arts and craft:o
Craft in The Bay:www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopso Llanover Hall Arts Centre:www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094
Dance:o The Gate Arts & Community Centre:
www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/
Tennis:o Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club:www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk
http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/http://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.cardifflawntennisclub.co.uk/http://www.thegate.org.uk/category/dance/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/Content.asp?ID=3094http://www.makersguildinwales.org.uk/workshopshttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk/amdram/indexhttp://www.volunteercardiff.co.uk/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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If you dont have any hobbies, or are looking to just generally meet people, these
are some groups who organise different social activities or simply just offer you
the chance to meet and talk to new people:
Meetupwww.meetup.como On this website you can find a variety of groups in Cardiff, some with
specific interests and some which are more general. For example
www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialis a social group started in January
2012 and so far they have organised a variety of activities including
a pub quiz, visiting an international food festival and going on a
ghost walk.
City Socialisingwww.cardiff.citysocialising.como This website is aimed at people who are new in Cardiff to meet
people and make new friends. It has a wide age range of people
from 18 to 70 years old (or possibly older!) and they organise various
social events, from the new members meeting once a month, to
bowling, going out for dinner or even travelling abroad!
FAN Groups-www.thefancharity.orgo This is a charity with no political or religious view, which organises free
meetings for people to meet new people and simply talk about
things, e.g. experiences, stories or ideas.
http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/http://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.thefancharity.org/http://www.cardiff.citysocialising.com/http://www.meetup.com/Cardiff-Socialhttp://www.meetup.com/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Working in the UKNot every overseas student is allowed to work freely whilst in the UK. Students from
countries in the EEA before 2004 and Swiss nationals can work freely in the UK
either for an employer or as a self-employed person. Their family members can
also work in the UK as well, no matter what their nationality.
Students from Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and
the Czech Republic are required to register with the Worker Registration
Scheme as soon as employment is found.
Students from Bulgaria and Romania currently have a restriction on the number
of hours that they can work during term time.
For more information please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizensor ask
at the International Office when you arrive.
Other nationals: restriction on working
If you come for a course on a Tier 4 Student Visa then the immigration authorities
should automatically put a restriction on working stamp in your passport. This
allows you to work under certain conditions:
During term time you can work up to 10 hours a week and full-time duringvacations
You cannot run your own business, be self-employed or work as aprofessional sportsperson or entertainer
You cannot take up a permanent full-time job however, you can do a full-time, short-term job during holidays
Student visitors are not allowed to work or volunteer.Seewww.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_duringfor more information.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizenshttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizenshttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.phphttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Finding Work in Cardiff
Government Job Centres - The nearest job centre to 35 The Parade is atthe bottom of Charles St (off Queen St)
owww.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk
Employment Agencies - There are many agencies in Cardiff and we arenot in a position to recommend one. Agencies include:
o Acorn www.acornjobs.co.uko Adecco www.adecco.co.uko Blue Arrow www.bluearrow.co.uko Hays Recruitment www.hays.co.uk/o Pertemps www.pertemps.co.uko Reed www.reed.co.uko
Select www.select.co.uk
Other useful Websites:o www.cardiff.gov.uko www.careerjet.co.uko www.hotrecruit.co.uko www.cardiffjobs.co.uko www.justjobs4students.co.uk
Paying Tax, National Insurance and other legal requirements
You can find information about the working in the UK from the websites below
and the International Office will be glad to help you when you arrive:
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
www.ukcisa.org.uk
There are different levels of National Minimum Wage, depending on your age.
The current rates (from 1st October 2011) are:
6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
4.98 - the 18-20 rate
3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
From 1st October 2012 the rates are:
6.19 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
4.98 - the 18-20 rate
3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://citynas/DATAPOOL/International%20Office/International%20Office%202007/Pre%20arrival%20docs/www.ukcisa.org.ukhttp://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk/http://www.cardiffjobs.co.uk/http://www.hotrecruit.co.uk/http://www.careerjet.co.uk/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/http://www.select.co.uk/http://www.reed.co.uk/http://www.pertemps.co.uk/http://www.hays.co.uk/http://www.bluearrow.co.uk/http://www.adecco.co.uk/http://www.acornjobs.co.uk/http://www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Laws in the UK
DrivingIf you would like to drive whilst you are here in the UK please look at
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencefor information on what you are and arent allowed to do. Students from the EEA
and Switzerland have different permissions than students from other countries.
Please note:
Your car must have a valid 'MOT' certificateif it is over three years old. (An'MOT' is a test which must be carried out by a certified garage - they test
that your car is safe to drive)
There are strict penalties for drinking and driving You should purchase and familiarise yourself with the 'Highway Code'
which lists all the rules and regulations that apply to driving in the UK. It isavailable in all good bookshops.
See The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency www.dvla.gov.uk for more
information.
Drinking
Pubs, bars and clubs are very much a part of British culture. Many people like to
meet friends, talk, eat and relax with an alcoholic drink. Some people in the UK
drink far too much when they go out for an evening and it is not unusual to see
people drunk on the streets when the pubs and clubs close at night.
It is against the law for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence,
supermarket, or other outlet, or for anyone to buy alcohol for someone under 18
to consume in a pub or a public place. It is wise to carry identification with you if
you wish to buy alcohol. Pubs, bars and shops are very vigilant against underage
drinking. They may refuse to serve you alcohol if you cannot prove your age.
The Police have the right to arrest someone who is drunk in public and behaving
in a disorderly manner.
Smoking in public areas
Smoking is not allowed in enclosed public places. The law applies to all public
premises, including restaurants, pubs, bars, private clubs, shops, cinemas,
shopping centres, leisure centres, workplaces and public transport.
It is illegal to possess or supply hard or soft drugs.
It is illegal to possess an offensive weapon for example knives or guns, even if
they are for self-defence purposes.It is illegal to make racist comments about people around you.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencehttp://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicencehttp://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.dvla.gov.uk/http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence7/28/2019 Welcome Handbook v3
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Other Information
Until you are settled at a permanent address in the UK you may direct your mail
to the college. Please make sure your mail has your name written clearly on it
and is addressed to:
YOUR NAME
c/o International Office
35 The Parade
Cardiff
CF24 3AD
UK
If you do ask people to send mail to you at the college you will need to come to
the International Office to check if we have received any mail for you. As soon asyou have a permanent address please tell us at the international Office and also
let your friends and family know.
If you are looking for more information about coming to and living in the UK as a
student there are many websites available, including:
www.ukcisa.org.uk www.lazystudent.co.uk www.studentuk.com www.ukstudentlife.com www.britishcouncil.co.uk
If you would like any information that isnt in the handbook please speak to the
International Office team and we will do our best to help you. You can email us
at [email protected], call us on (0044) 02920 908 004, or visit us on the
ground floor of 35 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3UK.
You can find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-
International/146825368673971 . Like us, and meet some of the students coming to
study with us before you arrive!
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/http://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cardiff-College-International/146825368673971mailto:[email protected]://www.britishcouncil.co.uk/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/http://www.studentuk.com/http://www.lazystudent.co.uk/http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/