It is important that you start preparations to come to the UK as soon as your place at the University is confirmed. Many overseas students need to apply for a student visa. This process can be very time-consuming and it is important that you follow the instructions given to you by the Visa Office very carefully.
At least four months before your course starts you need to start planning for entry clearance to study in the UK. Residents of many countries need to hold a student visa or gain a residence permit for their stay in the UK. Applying for a student visa can take a long time, so you need to ensure you start doing this as soon as possible. To find out if you will need a visa please see www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
For more information visit Immigration and Visas.
A student who is on a full-time degree course and has a valid student visa will be allowed to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and longer hours during holidays. A student who is on a course below degree level (for example, a HND, Foundation Degree, or Extended Degree programme) and has a valid student visa will be allowed to work up to a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time and longer hours during holidays.
In London you will find lots of part-time work available to you and the University has an Employability and Careers service that will help you find a suitable role. Although there is a lot of work in bars, shops and restaurants you may be able to find part-time work that is relevant to your area of study.
The UK Government has announced that it will be introducing a new visa category that will enable international students to work in the UK after their graduation. Full details of this new scheme will be announced in early 2012. For the most up-to-date information on this, visit the UKCISA website at www.ukcisa.org.uk. Our Employability & Careers Service can help you find graduate-level employment.
If you normally live outside the UK, accommodation in our halls of residence is guaranteed provided you apply for accommodation before 1 August. Application forms and information on University halls of residence are available from the LSBU accommodation website.
Remember that you will be limited by your airline on how much you can bring with you and you will be able to buy books, study materials and clothes while you study. You should make sure that you bring with you all the documents you need to enrol, and all the correspondence you have had with the University. You will need to show your documents to the Immigration Officer on arrival so make sure you bring this in your carry-on luggage.
You will be arriving in September so bring appropriate clothing for your first few days. British weather is changeable but the average maximum temperature in September is 19 degrees, which may be cooler than you are used to.
If you do not have a UK bank account to transfer your living expense money to you should consider bringing travellers' cheques rather than cash with you. Travellers' cheques will enable you to deal with immediate expenses until you are able to open a UK bank account. The University will advise you how to open a bank account at your Induction Day. You, or your sponsor, should not transfer money for living expenses to the University account as it will not be possible to transfer this money on to a UK bank on your behalf.
