Living and working in the UK

International Students

If this is your first time living in the UK, you may find it useful to attend our International Students' Orientation Evening. These are held at the start of the academic year across all of our campuses. Not only is this a good chance to meet other international students who will be in the same position as you, but you will also have a chance to ask questions about living in the UK and get the chance to meet your International Student Officer.

Leeds, London and Manchester are cities well-known for their multiculturalism. There are many preconceptions of "what the British are", but in general we're a friendly, welcoming nation who enjoy sharing our own culture with visitors to the UK. Don't be put off by what you may have read somewhere or seen on the TV, we're really very nice!

Given the phenomenon of the "global village", it is unlikely you will experience culture shock in the same way you might have done if you were coming to study in the UK 30 years ago. However, attitudes to things such as religion and relationships may be very different from what you have experienced in your country and we appreciate that you may be unfamiliar with these. Your International Student Officer will be happy to guide you through any procedures or cultural differences you may be struggling with as you settle in, and our teaching staff are always keen to ensure you ease into your studies as smoothly as possible.

Can I work when I'm in the UK?

You can work while you are in the UK providing it is not for more than 20 hours per week during term time. Some of the programmes offered by BPP are very intensive and it is not advisable to be working whilst on these programmes. Please speak to your International Student Officer, who will be happy to advise you, before you take on any work outside of your study programme.

Health

When you come to the UK to study, it is especially important to be aware of your physical, mental and sexual health. You are living in a different climate, perhaps eating a different diet and preparing your own food for the first time. Even the laws and expectations about drinking alcohol, dating and sex may be different from what you are used to. All the changes and differences you will find can be more difficult when you do not have your normal network of friends and family around you.

The National Health Service (NHS)

The UK has a free National Health Service (NHS) and if you are studying full-time and have permission to be in the UK as a student for longer than 6 months, you are entitled to use it. Your sticker in your passport will probably say 'no recourse to public funds'. Using the NHS is not using 'public funds'.

Registering with a Doctor

Registering with a doctor (a GP) simply means going to your local GP surgery putting your name on the list of patients. You will need to show your passport and evidence of your address. Ensuring you register with a doctor is very important and does not costs anything. Do not wait until you are sick because you may then have to wait to get an appointment.

Emergencies

For an ambulance, call 999. This service is free. If you have an accident, you should go to the 'Accident and Emergency' (A+E) department of the nearest hospital (not all hospitals have A+E). This department is very busy and you will probably have to wait so you should only go there if it really is an emergency. Do not go to A+E if you are ill or need medicine - you should make an appointment with your GP.

Other NHS services

Walk-in centres offer healthcare advice and treatment without having to make an appointment. You can go there and see a nurse on the same day. They can help you with minor injuries and illnesses (for example colds, flu, stomach upsets) and minor injuries (for example strains and small cuts and bruises). They can also give you health advice and information. There are eight walk-in centres in London.

NHS Direct is a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. NHS Direct nurses will give you advice and support on self-treatment or if you need further help, they'll put you in touch with the right service. If it is a serious condition or an emergency, the nurse will give you speedy advice on what you need to do, and will call an ambulance if needed.

You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on the NHS Direct website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647

Medical help for Chinese students in the UK

The Chinese National Healthy Living Centre was set up to help support the Chinese community in the UK. They can help you find your way around the NHS and they also offer a counselling service - all in your own language. The Centre, which is based in Soho, offers the following:

  • Multi-lingual Helpline - 0845 601 6030

  • Sunday Surgery - free NHS doctor on Sundays from 11am to 4 pm

  • Traditional Chinese medicine

  • Disability and carers support

  • Interpretation support - help communicating with your GP

  • Internet cafe

  • Counselling services

  • Information service

For more information, visit the www.cnhlc.org.uk or contact them at:

29-30 Soho Square
London
W1D 3QS
Tel - 0207 287 0904 or 0207 534 6546
e-mail - general@cnhlc.org.uk

Useful Websites

 

Opening a bank account

Potential newcomers to the UK should try and organise a bank account before they leave. Also, check whether your home bank has an affiliation with a UK bank as this can make the process smoother when you arrive. Be sure to bring as much documentation as possible - must-haves include a passport, driver's licence and, if possible, a birth certificate, as well as evidence of your UK address (if you have one) such as a utility bill. It's also worth bringing an original bank/credit card statement from home that is dated within the last three months.

Students should contact the International Students Office for information on how BPP College can help them with their financial affairs - they usually have links with all the local high street banks and building societies. But remember, it could take at least two weeks for your account to become operational and many arrivals find it takes as long as five weeks, so be financially prepared.

If you want to obtain a credit card, you might have to wait until you have been resident in the UK for six months or more, depending on the bank.

Major UK banks

Finally, always remember that no matter how difficult it might be to open a UK account, it is your money you are about to deposit, so you should always look at the interest rates on offer and try the bank paying the highest. Be sure to also check building societies - popular examples include Nationwide Building Society, Birmingham Midshires, and Chelsea Building Society.

The British Bankers' Association provide information about opening a bank account and this can be found in this leaflet.