GETTING STARTED GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2020 - INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' Welcome to Oxford Brookes University - Oxford Brookes ...
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ GETTING STARTED GUIDE SEPTEMBER 2020 Welcome to Oxford Brookes University Includes information on: n Arrivals weekend and Induction programme n Social events n Opening a bank account
WELCOME TO OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY The International Student Advice Team warmly welcomes you to Oxford Brookes and we hope you have a fantastic time while you are here. This guide will give you lots of useful information about starting out at Brookes and in the UK. Throughout your time at Brookes, you are always welcome to come and see us in Student Central, JHBB or check our website for information at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat Social Media You may wish to join some of the Brookes and Oxford groups on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for example: facebook @isat.brookes Brookes Sports instagram @brookes_isatsocial BBC Oxford Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes Exchanges Brookes Union
3 CONTENTS COVID-19 For the most up-to-date Arriving at Brookes 4 information please use the web links supplied throughout Travel around Oxford 5 this booklet. For university-wide information Arrivals weekend and induction please see www.brookes.ac.uk/ week activities: September 2020 6 alerts/coronavirus Induction week workshops and activities: September 2020 7 Checking your visa and registering with the police 8 Staying safe 9 Social events programme 10 Activities 11 Opening a bank account 12-15 Headington Campus Map 16 Shopping 17-19 Adapting to life in the UK 20-21 Support while you are here 22-24 Studying at University 25 Checklist of things to do and people to meet 26-27 Map of Accommodation 28 Headington Shops 29
4 ARRIVING AT BROOKES If you are starting your programme from your country or in Oxford, we recommend that you attend our induction events as they will help you to make friends and introduce you to life in Oxford and studying at Brookes. If you have any questions, or need any help, please contact the International Student Advisers (isat@brookes.ac.uk) The International Student Tier 4 Students that need to collect their Advice Team (ISAT) Biometrics Residence Permit Our International Student Advisers and If you requested that your Biometric International Student Helpers are here to Residence Permit (BRP) was delivered to answer any questions you have via emails the University as part of your visa application isat@brookes.ac.uk, phone, and virtual then you will receive your BRP from us during appointments and during Q&A sessions. ISAT Arrivals and Induction Week. also runs social activities and informative From the 20 August onwards, information workshops (see Arrivals Weekend Activities explaining how to gain access to your and Social Events Programme pages). BRP will be available on the New Students www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/ website, under ‘Welcome Weekend’. arrivals www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students/ Online Induction Team welcome-weekend-for-everyone The Online Induction Team will be able to help you with any questions you have and tell you who to contact if you have missed your induction events. Please see www.brookes. ac.uk/new-students for further information WiFi about the Online Induction Team. Brookes WiFi is available when you are on any of our campuses. The password is often displayed outside the IT Service helpdesk in the Forum, Ground Floor, JHBB. You can also obtain the password from your hall office, other students/staff or, alternatively by phoning the IT Service helpdesk. They are currently working remotely during semester time 8.00am- 8.30pm Mon-Fri and during the holiday 8.30am-5.00pm Mon-Fri. Enrolled students can also use Eduroam which allows them to access WiFi across all the Oxford Brookes Sites. To find out more please visit the You can find lots more information for University Wifi page new students, including enrolment www.brookes.ac.uk/it/essentials/ information, at wi-fi www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students
5 TRAVEL AROUND OXFORD The BROOKESbus timetable varies between The BROOKESkey App semester and vacation periods. Timetables The BROOKESkey App is new for students are online at brookesbus.oxfordbus.co.uk/ starting this academic year (20/21) and timetables, on the screens around campus exclusively available to only Oxford Brookes or in the timetable booklet. Make sure you University. It offers discounted travel for Oxford know when the last bus leaves. Bus Company services and their coach To access discounted travel in Oxford, use services to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. your University photo ID on local Oxford Bus Apply online before you arrive: Company and Stagecoach bus services. You can make your application as soon as Simply show your valid University ID card to you have your Oxford Brookes University the bus driver for the discounted fares. Student Number. To create a BROOKESkey Please remember to follow the current account and for further information on all government travel guidelines. Travel products and routes, visit the following Oxford Bus Company link. brookesbus.oxfordbus.co.uk/brookeskey BROOKESkey App process: After completing your application you will receive a verification email. You will then be provided with a unique code to download the app for your mobile device. This will allow you to access discounted travel products. If you have a query about your application, please contact brookesbus@oxfordbus. co.uk Extra Inclusive Travel Pass: In addition to the BROOKESkey offers, some students are eligible for an extra Inclusive travel pass. This pass allows students to travel on the public BROOKESbus services at no charge. Eligibility for this extra pass is dependent on accommodation and course status. Details on the eligibility criteria are available here. www.brookes.ac.uk/travel/brookeskey For further queries and support please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/travel
6 ARRIVALS WEEKEND AND INDUCTION WEEK ACTIVITIES: SEPTEMBER 2020 Saturday 12 September Introduction to ISAT and virtual chat: Every day, Induction Week 13.00 – 14.00 (14-18 September) Online session. See How to Join below. Q&A with current Brookes students: International English Club introductory TBC session: 16.30 Other activities Sunday 13 September Scavenger Hunt in Oxford: Go on a hunt around Oxford – a fun activity Introduction to ISAT and virtual chat: to familiarize yourself with the city. 13.00 – 14.00 £30-voucher to be won! Online session. See How to Join below. Compulsory Introductory Sessions Instagram competition: Join us on See pink box below. Instagram (@brookes_isatsocial) for some fun activities and competitions. International Students’ Welcome Quiz: £30-voucher to be won! 17.30 – 19.30 Time to relax and have fun! Join us for an Tours online quiz (with a £50 prize for the winner!) – Visit the ISAT Social Activities pages for see How to Join below. more information about the tours organised by our favourite guides in Oxford! SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ Quarantine INTRODUCTORY SESSIONS Do you have to quarantine when you All students MUST attend these online enter the UK? We have created an Online sessions – see “How to Join” opposite. Activities webpage full of useful resources for you! We will also be hosting some 14.00 Undergraduate students (EU live online sessions from Wednesday and International) including the following 26 August, to help you socialise during Pathways students: University English and your isolation period and to give you the International Foundation opportunity to ask us questions. 15.00 Postgraduate students (EU www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat and International) including the following Pathways Students: Pre-Masters Diploma and Two Years Masters HOW TO JOIN Go to the ISAT Arrivals Activities webpage 16.00 Exchange students and Study for: Abroad Students (EU and International) n More information about the activities n The links to the virtual sessions www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/ social/arrivals
7 INDUCTION WEEK WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES: SEPTEMBER 2020 WORKSHOP DATE TIME SESSION TYPE Life as an international Monday 14 12.00-13.00 Live online session student (ISAT) Monday 21 10.00-11.00 Live online session Money and employment for Tuesday 15 13.00-14.00 Live online session international students (ISAT) Tuesday 22 13.00-14.00 Live online session UK culture and lifestyle – Thursday 17 16.00-17.00 Live online session what to expect (ISAT) Thursday 24 16.00-17.00 Live online session The links to join all of the above online sessions can be found on the New Students’ website. New students’ website As well as your online course induction there will be lots of other events and activities going on during Induction week. Please see the events calendar on the new student webpages and the ISAT activities webpages for further information. www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social/arrivals
8 CHECKING YOUR VISA AND REGISTERING WITH THE POLICE (TIER 4 VISA STUDENTS) Important information for You must take the following documents to Tier 4 students your appointment: n Valid passport and visa When you receive your visa, please check the following things: n £34.00 in cash n Your name, nationality and date of birth n Attendance letter (you can get this from are correct. Student Central) n The end date of your visa is correct. If your n Proof of address (Tenancy Agreement or course is over 12-months long, your visa Oxford Brookes Licence to Occupy) should end 4 months after your course Instructions for downloading your attendance finishes. If your course is between 6 and certificate, which has your local address 12 months, you should have 2 months on it, can be found on this Student Central after your course finishes. webpage n Whether you need to register with the www.brookes.ac.uk/students/student- police. This will either be on your visa or central/faq/attendance-certificate your visa letter. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/visas/ Updating your Police important-information-for-tier-4-students Registration Certificate You must also update your Police Registration Registering with the police for Certificate every time you change your address, the first time get a new visa, passport or BRP card or change any anything listed on the back of Some nationalities who have a Tier 4 visa your certificate. To do this, update your details need to register with the police. This should online and book an appointment. You will need be written on your vignette, BRP or the letter to take evidence of your change (eg your new you received from the UKVI. visa or evidence of your new address) to the You need to register online within 7 days appointment. You will also need to take your of receiving your BRP, then book an passport, visa and police registration certificate. appointment to show your documents and We recommend that you keep your passport collect your certificate. Information and the and BRP card together. If you lose your BRP link to the online form are available at: card, it can take 8 weeks to replace and www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/visas/ costs £56. police-registration [These instructions are subject to change as Keep copies of your documents a result of the COVID-19 situation and face to face meetings may be slightly changed or Keep copies of your passport, BRP and bank completely changed so that communication cards in case you lose them. Keep your BPR is online, by email, by phone, or by post, card with your passport but not in your wallet. instead of face to face. Please visit the If you lose it, it can take up to 8 weeks to webpage listed or email us to find out the replace. latest arrangements]
9 STAYING SAFE Personal Safety Oxford is a very safe place to live and study but, like any other city, there are risks. Below are just a few pointers which, if followed, will go a long way to aid your safety: n Trust your instincts, they will usually be in September 2019. Details of this can right – if you feel nervous or frightened be found on the Student Union website. move away from the threat and seek www.brookesunion.org.uk/safetaxi safety with others or a safer location. n Use a personal safety app, such as n Know where you are going; plan your https://hollieguard.com journeys. How are you getting there? n Students are being targeted by fraudsters. More importantly, how are you getting Students are contacted on their mobile back? Not all public transport in phone by people claiming to represent their Oxford runs 24/7. bank, the embassy, police or other reputable n Don’t carry on you or display large agency and are told they own funds amounts of cash. Keep valuables out of immediately, often being offered preferential sight, eg phones, laptops, money. exchange rates on currency conversions. If n Do not go into parks after dark. Whenever you suspect you are being scammed, in this possible, do not go out alone. Stay in well- way, please contact ISAT. lit areas. n Do not accept lifts in vehicles from people you don’t know. COVID-19 n Always keep a list of emergency contact For the most up-to-date numbers in your mobile phone. information please use the web links supplied n If threatened with violence for property do throughout this booklet. not fight for it – hand it over. Property can For university-wide be replaced; you can’t. information please see n The Students’ Union launched a new www.brookes.ac.uk/ Safe Taxi partnership with a local taxi firm alerts/coronavirus SECURITY CONTACTS Internal 24/7 Security services 01865 483060 security@brookes.ac.uk EMERGENCY CONTACTS For further information about Security Police, Fire, Ambulance – Services at Brookes and for advice Emergency 999 and support services information visit the web page www.brookes.ac.uk/ Police – Non Emergency 101 security
10 SOCIAL EVENTS PROGRAMME The International Student Advice Team (ISAT) organises social events every semester. Here are some of the highlights of the programme for Semester 1, September-December 2020. Check our website for the full programme, as well as Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates! Themed weeks During themed weeks, we organise a variety of events around a specific topic such as studying in the UK, cultural awareness, Halloween and Christmas. The programme usually includes competitions with great prizes to win, workshops, activities in Oxford and fun quizzes. Reccurring events Google Meet chat with an ISAT Adviser Every Wednesday until Week 3, and every other Wednesday afterwards. Join other international students for an informal chat with an ISAT Adviser about various topics. ISAT British Book Club Every 3 weeks Focusing on British literature, the ISAT British Book Club will help you make friends and learn about Oxford & the UK through fiction! Facilitated activities ISAT helps students with similar interests get in touch with each other. We will regularly make activities suggestions; you will be able to tell us if you’d like to join and we’ll put you in touch with all the other students who have registered their interest for this particular activity. More about ISAT events For more information about the events, check the ISAT website www.brookes.ac.uk/ students/isat/social/ events-and-trips
11 ACTIVITIES Photo Competition Take part in our photo competition for a chance to win amazing prizes! n 1st prize: £30 Amazon voucher n 2nd prize: £20 Amazon voucher n 3rd prize: £15 Amazon voucher Opening date: Global Buddies Tuesday 13 October 2020 Closing date: Welcoming new international students to Wednesday 4 November 2020 Oxford Brookes Winners announced: The Global Buddies How to register? Tuesday 10 November 2020 programme brings together n Go to www.brookes. The theme is: our current UK and current ac.uk/students/isat/ Travel and discoveries international students with social/global-buddies newly arrived international You will need to submit one students. Our current n Check whether the photo and a short paragraph students can share their programme is right for (100 to 200 words) to tell experience with you and you us about your experiences provide tips about how to and discoveries, whether in n Sign up online settle into life at Brookes. Oxford, further afield in the UK or abroad. It might be, There will be a number Successful completion for example, something you of free and subsidised n Get a Certificate of found beautiful, surprising, organised events that you Participation or different whilst exploring a can go to with your group new place. n Complete a STAR entry as well arranging your own on BrookesEDGE For more information and activities! n Develop new skills the full Terms & Conditions, such as intercultural go to our website communication www.brookes.ac.uk/ students/isat/social/ events-and-trips
12 OPENING A UK BANK ACCOUNT You must have a UK address before you can leading UK banks. Again we don’t have direct open a bank account so you will need to find experience so you will have the check them accommodation first. There are three banks out for yourself. in Headington, which is a 20-minute walk https://transferwise.com/gb/borderless from the main Oxford Brookes Headington Talk to the banks and choose the best one campus on Gipsy Lane. Details of these for you. If you received regular payments from banks are listed on the three following pages. abroad, it may be best to choose an account You can find the location of these banks on that doesn’t charge for international transfers. the map on page 29. Make sure you are aware of any other bank Bank accounts generally take 2-3 weeks to charges. UK banks do not usually allow open. Since the Covid-19 outbreak most overdraft loans to international students, and banks prefer international students to make so some banks will send you text warnings if their application for an account online and your money is running out. not face to face at the bank branch. Some If you want to get your debit card instantly banks will allow you to upload scanned when opening your bank account you might documents (mobile phone photos are often want to check out Metro Bank, 4-5 Queen permitted.) However, you may be asked to Street, Oxford. It is open Mon-Sat 10.00 – visit the bank for a face to face interview 16.00. following your online application. The documents that you will need for your Things to Remember application are listed in the tables on pages n Always tell your bank if you change 13-15. Instructions for downloading your your address. If you don’t, your bank attendance certificate, which has your statements may get lost or returned to local address on it, can be found on this the bank, and they may then close your Student Central webpage, www.brookes. account. ac.uk/students/student-central/faq/ attendance-certificate n Talk to the Students Union for advice on managing your money. We are aware of an online banking company called Unizest, www.unizest.co.uk. They don’t have a branch you can go into but you Find out more… can open an Aspire bank account before International students – Opening a UK you leave home and deposit money ready bank account for when you arrive. We haven’t got direct www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/ experience but they have a helpful customer Studying--living-in-the-UK/Opening-a- services team at info@unizest.co.uk and bank-account other universities recommend them. You The Which Student Calculator would need to check they are right for you. www.which.co.uk/money/university- Transferwise is a company that allows and-student-finance/student-budget- customers to spend in any currency, receive calculator money for free and send money around If you have any difficulties in opening an the world with a customer foreign currency account or getting statements for your visa, account – It claims to be 8x cheaper than contact ISAT (see page 22).
13 Banks in Headington SANTANDER 116 London Rd Headington OX3 9AS OPENING HOURS – Mon-Fri 10.00 – 15.00, Sat & Sun – Closed Account Who can apply Documents Documents required For visa applications Making your application to required for EU for non-EU students open an account students (this may change in 2021) Basic Bank Account Open to all students n Valid passport n Valid passport The bank will provide a No accounts are opened in the n No monthly fee including those on n Brookes n Valid visa OR statement of account on Bank branch. You must make short courses under attendance Biometric headed paper. your application online. n Bank card for withdrawing cash 1 year certificate with Residence Permit They will also stamp Webpage n Top up debit card (to make local address (BRP) transactions online the card needs to This is a standalone statements printed at www.santander.co.uk/ be pre-loaded) account which n Brookes home from your online personal/current-accounts/ can be opened by attendance account or printed at the basic-current-account n Free receipt of online international those with a limited certificate with bank. transfers or negative credit local address Uploading Documents n Free sending of online international history. This branch of the bank If you don’t have a scanner, transfers does not provide letters Leopard Press in Headington (12, Windmill Rd.) provides n No contactless card or digital payment photocopying and scanning n No overdraft facility or a check book services. Alternatively you may choose to photograph your ID documents with your phone for your application Essentials Current Account Open to students n Valid passport n Valid passport The bank does not write Webpage n Monthly fee £1 on courses over n Brookes n Valid visa OR letters www.santander.co.uk/ 1 year attendance Biometric personal/current-accounts/ n Contactless Visa debit card essentials-current-account Students can certificate with Residence Permit n International transfers local address (BRP) Bank needs upgrade to this 48 hours notice to stamp Uploading Documents n Free to send and receive for EU account which n Brookes statements printed As above Students allows them to attendance from your Online n Free to receive only for non-EU access additional certificate with Banking international Students facilities including local address n No overdraft or checkbook facilities a contactless visa debit card available on this account Bank information correct at time of issue
14 Banks in Headington NATWEST 91 London Rd Headington OX3 9AF OPENING HOURS – Mon-Fri 10.00 – 15.00, Sat & Sun – Closed Account Who can apply Documents Documents required For visa applications Making your application to required for EU for non-EU students open an account students (this may change in 2021) International Student (Basic) Bank Open to n Valid passport n Valid passport Up to 5 months of bank Online applications only but the Account International OR an EU ID n Valid visa* statements can be students may have to visit the n Visa debit card students who are card (note ID OR Biometric printed in the branch and bank branch following their online 17+ who have lived cards from Residence Permit stamped. application for their documents n Choose 1 of 3 offers: Amazon Prime in the UK for less Romania not to be verified. Student membership, National (BRP) Online statements can than 3 years accepted) Express Coachcard or a Tastecard n Brookes n Brookes also be printed up https://personal.natwest. n Manage your money on the go with Students need to attendance at home and will be com/personal/current- be either: attendance certificate with stamped by the bank. accounts/international- easy to use mobile app certificate with (i) A full time local address or student-account.html n Tap and pay with your phone using local address UCAS letter Any more than 5 months Apple Pay and Google Pay™ undergraduate of bank statements must The student will need a UK student (on at least *the visa must cover be ordered. mobile number to apply as the n £10 monthly account fee a 2 year course at a a period of over 6 bank may need to call them n For both EU and Non-EU students UK university) months This bank does NOT about setting up their account. free to send money with mobile (ii) Completing a full write letters They must also have an email banking app or online banking with time postgraduate address. 2-4 day transfer time or £15 with 1-2 or nursing course working day transfer time. There is a lasting a year or charge in the branch more n Free to receive online international Students may apply transfers (For both EU and Non-EU within 6 months of students) their course start n Online statements only date. Select Account Open to students n As above n As above As above. As above n Easily use our mobile banking app who are 18+ and a n Also, a council n Also, a council UK resident Tax or utility Open a Select account at n Multiple ways to pay: Apple Pay, Tax or utility bill is https://personal.natwest.com/ bill is accepted accepted as proof Google Pay™ as proof of personal/current-accounts/ of residence select_account.html n Contactless Visa Debit Card. Limits residence. n With an apply. n With an attendance n Arranged overdraft available (subject attendance certificate to eligibility) certificate alone only an n No monthly fee alone only an International International Student account n No student offers Student can be opened account can be opened. Bank information correct at time of issue
15 Banks in Headington HSBC 108 London Road,Headington OPENING HOURS – Mon-Fri 10.00 – 14.00, Sat & Sun – Closed Account Who can apply Documents Documents required For visa applications Making your application to required for EU for non-EU students open an account students (this may change in 2021) Bank Account/Basic Bank Account Course length must n Valid passport n Valid passport Visa confirmation letters Currently, appointments to open n Visa debit card be 6 months or OR an EU ID n Valid visa* on headed paper new accounts cannot be made in more card OR Biometric available stating the the branch. n No monthly fee previous days balance n Brookes Residence Permit n Fees for international transfers and the lowest balance New account applications must attendance (BRP) be made online: n Printed statements posted certificate with within the last 90 days n Brookes www.hsbc.co.uk/current- monthly or printed online local address attendance Statements can be accounts * Tax Identification certificate with printed but must ask for For recent Bank announcement see local address the bank logo and the IMPORTANT below: number may be required bank does not stamp Apply for a “Bank Account,” *The attendance these. NOT a “Student Account”. “Services in our branches and contact signature must be centres are currently limited because of signed by hand by a If you apply for a “Student the coronavirus outbreak. Unfortunately university official (ie a Account,” you will be turned we are unable to offer new products in wet signature) down. branches or contact centres, or set up appointments at the moment. Documents for verification can be uploaded. However, you may If you’ve applied for a new account online be asked to visit the branch to recently, please allow extra time for your provide further documentation. application to be processed as the queues are longer than usual – no need to call us, When you apply online the we’ll let you know when it’s ready to use.” system will choose whether to issue you with a bank account or basic bank account. Bank information correct at time of issue
16 HEADINGTON CAMPUS Stop B6 JP Buses towards Paul Kent & Crescent Halls, Parade Green GIPSY LANE & Cowley Road AB. Abercrombie P P U5 P Brookes G INT. International Centre Print £ P Avo Café Oxford Brookes International P FH WA LK Architecture P Brookes P E NE Y P JHB. John Henry Restaurant CH Built Environment SNA Western Brookes Building Cheney Courtyard TO Student BCK. Buckley Main Reception Village Stop B7 SNC P Academic Office Brookes Union Buses towards JHB Finance & Legal Services Marston Road P Sir Kenneth Café Central Wheare Hall P P Marketing & Communications Careers Centre INT Multifaith Rooms U5 Central Deli Courtyard JHB Research & Business Development IT Service Desk SIDE WALK Lecture Theatre Strategic Change & Planning Library Student Finance Student Central GIPSY LANE CLC SC P Glass Tank Reception Wellbeing Taylor’s Yard P The Terrace P V AB Health Oxford City Centre Approx 30 mins walk CLC. Clerici Upgrade Business School COL 24-hour computer rooms LLD Stop B4 Clerici Café Buses from London/Tube £ Piazza Stop B5 Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall JP. John Payne BCK Buses towards Harcourt Hill Campus, Marston Road Site & Oxford City Centre/U1 & U5 Vice-Chancellor’s Office Architecture workshops ROAD P P U1 U5 TUBE GTON Estates & Campus Services COL. Colonnade P IN HEAD Technology Laboratory ON ROAD Main Entrance Bank HEADINGT GH U1 TUBE Approx 2 mins walk Colonnade Store LLD. Lloyd Stop B2 Buses towards Wheatley Campus/U1 Medical Centre Accommodation Bureau Area closed Stop B3 Buses towards London/Tube for campus OxINMAHR Admissions redevelopment Studental Transport Services E PULLENS LAN UK Recruitment & Partnerships P P FH. Fuller Brookes Restaurant SNC/SNA. Sinclair & Annex Harberton Mead Print, Post & Distribution PRICRY Health & Life Sciences CLO E SE Approx 2 mins walk HHH MA G. Gibbs TO. Tonge PLA CABE Humanities & Social Sciences CE P Bioinnovation Hub MC P English & Modern Languages P P P History, Philosophy & Culture P RO RHB CU CK P P HEADINGTON HILL MARSTON ROAD Visitor Entrance OO P P LA NE DS DS. Drama Studio MRA. Annex P Oxford City Centre MRM GH. Gatehouse MRG. Gym P Approx 30 mins walk P V Headington Approx 20 mins walk Clinical skills and simulation labs MRG via John Garne Way HHH. MRA Buses towards JR Hospital Headington Hill Hall MRM. Main Building Confucius Institute Clinical skills and simulation labs P U5 X13 Clive Booth Student Village Law IT Service Desk Approx 2 mins walk Marston Road Jane Ashley Lecture Theatre RO. Red Oak P AD P Approx 20 mins walk Nursing and Midwifery O via John Garne Way NR RHB. Richard Hamilton Restaurant and Cafe TO Buses towards RS Staff Car Park JAC KS City Centre Pick up and £ Arts MA TR AW Information Drop Off Library Cash Point ’S L and Headington ANE U5 X13 P Cycle Parking Bus Stop Shop Multifaith Room SC. Centre for Sport MARSTON Car Parking Café Toilets Baby Change ROAD P Accessible Accessible Halls of Parking Restaurant Toilet Residence Visitor Gender Neutral Walking P V Parking Bar Toilet Steps Distance
17 SHOPPING Food Most people buy ingredients for cooking at ac.uk/students/isat/preparing-your- home from a supermarket. You can either visit arrival/shopping-in-oxford. These shops the supermarket, or buy online and have your may sell food from your home country or groceries delivered. you may be able to buy things which are not Popular cheaper supermarkets include Aldi, available in the larger supermarkets. On the Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Co-op and Iceland. Other web page, you will also find food shopping supermarkets, such as Waitrose, M&S and tips from international students. Sainsbury’s, have arguably better quality food If you are new to cooking for yourself and but are more expensive. You can also buy from want some fun tips and healthy alternatives, the online supermarket, Ocado. visit www.studentcooking.tv. Most supermarkets will give you a points card Typical foodstuff costs: Source: Tesco which will get you discounts on your shopping. Milk (2 pints, semi- 80p In the Coop students get 10% discount with skimmed green top) their NUS card. In the larger supermarkets, you will usually find a range of gluten-free and Loaf of fresh white bread £1.00 lactose-free products and a continental food A dozen eggs £1.69 section. Chicken breasts (1kg) £5.85 Headington is the closest shopping area to Rice (1kg own brand) £1.20 the Headington University Campus and the Potatoes (2.5kg) £1.45 map on page 29 shows the most popular Apples £1.20 shops available there. There are also many (x6 Golden Delicious) shops and restaurants on the Cowley Road Oranges (x5) 89p selling food from around the world, including Carrots (1kg) 49p halal products. For a list of smaller food Tomatoes (1kg) £2.09 shops in Oxford which are popular with Brookes students, visit www.brookes.
18 International Student Food Survey To help new students make decisions about where to shop for food in Oxford, we asked first year international students from the 2019 cohort to answer a short survey about where they shop for food. 153 students responded, including 60 different nationalities. Students were asked for the name Just over 50% of students who of the main supermarket they use. responded to the survey, said they also liked to shop at smaller food shops. Here are a selection of the shops: 19% 22.9% Sainsburys Headington Indian Headington Others* Food and grocers Wine Euro European Cowley 15% Supermarket food Aldi Brasileiro Brazilian Cowley 43.1% meat and Tesco grocers Seoul Plaza Korean Cowley grocery shop Jing Jing Mixture of Cowley Oriental Food Asian foods *Other supermarkets: Lidl, Co-Op, Store Iceland, M&S, Waitrose, Asda Erdem Food Fresh fruit Cowley Centre and veg, halal meat We also asked students to share Thong Heng Mixture of Windmill Rd, their top tips for shopping: Oriental Asian foods Headington Uhuru Whole Organic Cowley ✓ “Organise your meals for the week Foods vegetarian/ and do one big food shop. This will vegan save you money and make you cook Tahmid Stores Indian Cowley healthy filling meals.” grocers/ halal meat ✓ “There are many different grocery Zubr Polish Cowley shops in Cowley: for people from supermarket many different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.” ✓ “Use loyalty cards and then you can The main reason given by students collect points for discounts.” for shopping at these stores was: ✓ “Go at a late time for reduced food.” ✓ to find food from their home countries, ✓ “Have a check list when you go ✓ to buy foods they cannot find in the shopping so you don’t over spend.” larger supermarkets, ✓ for religious purposes Survey performed by Jasmin Da Silva.
19 Household Goods providers at the Carphone Warehouse in Oxford www.carphonewarehouse.com. You may need to buy things for your room or Talk to our International Student Helpers, house. If you are living in a hall of residence, who you will meet if you join the virtual Q&A your bedding and cooking utensils are not sessions in week 1 (see page 4). They will be included but bedding and kitchen packs can able to tell you what they use and whether be pre-ordered from your home country via they recommend it. They will also be able to UniKitOut and delivered to your door. give you lots of advice about other aspects of www.unikitout.com/?partner= life in the UK. Oxford%20Brookes%20University You can also buy these products locally when Charity Shops you arrive. In the Oxford City centre, shops such as Primark, Argos, M&S, Debenhams There are some charity shops in Headington and Poundland stock household goods. You which sell second hand clothes, shoes, can order them before you arrive and go and furniture and lots of things you might want for collect them once you are here. In Cowley a new house. These have been donated by centre, shops such as Matalan, Wilko, B&M, people who can no longer use them. Asda Living or TK Maxx will sell these things You can also find second hand things on You can find further information about www.gumtree.com/oxford accomodation at www.brookes.ac.uk/ www.dailyinfo.co.uk/free studying-at-brookes/accommodation/ prospective-students/moving-in uk.freecycle.org Mobile Phones Most international students use a pay as COVID-19 you go or SIM card only. Mobile phone For the most up-to-date companies will give these free when you top information please use the web links supplied throughout up with credit for your phone eg O2, 3, EE this booklet. or Vodaphone. Giffgaff, ID mobile, VOXI and other online only companies can be good For university-wide information please see value www.giffgaff.com, www.idmobile. www.brookes.ac.uk/ co.uk or www.voxi.co.uk. You can check alerts/coronavirus prices at www.moneysupermarket. com/mobile-phones or compare different
20 ADAPTING TO LIFE IN THE UK Moving to a new country can be challenging and you are likely to experience highs and lows while you are here. Settling in can take some time and can be tiring as you will be learning new things all the time. Here are some things that can help you make the UK your second home. Making friends Finding things to do in Oxford ✓ Join our Global Buddies scheme. Oxford is a historic city with fantastic museums See page 11. and architecture. It has theatres, cinemas, clubs ✓ Come to ISAT international social events. and live music venues as well as lovely parks to See page 10. explore and relax in. There are lots of places to eat and drink, with food from around the world. ✓ Meet people with similar interests through We publish some of these on our website at: Brookes Union clubs and societies www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat/social. www.brookesunion.org.uk/societies ✓ Join Oxford Brookes Erasmus Student Find out more at: Network (ESN). They run events www.dailyinfo.co.uk throughout the semester and all students www.oxfordcityguide.com are welcome brookes.esnuk.org www.livinginoxford.com ✓ Join Oxford University’s Union (OUSU) and take part in their activities www.oxford- union.org/joining/oxford_brookes ✓ Meet new people from the community and from all over the world, practise your English through games, and learn about British culture and customs at the International English Club, (IEC.) The IEC is run every week by a friendly group of local Christian volunteers from the Multifaith Chaplaincy and local churches. It is open to people from all faiths and those who do not follow a particular religion. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/ wellbeing/chaplaincy/whats-on/ international-english-club ✓ Use www.meetup.com to find groups and activities in Oxford which you can join. This can be a great way to meet British people.
21 Being polite in the UK toilets and sometimes even to enter class. People will be annoyed at you if you do ➤ Most people shake hands when they are not wait in the queue. If someone is there first introduced but as you get to know before you, let them go first. If you forget them better, they may greet you with a to queue, just apologise. kiss on the cheek or a hug. ➤ The British sense of humour can be ironic ➤ Being late is seen as bad manners in the and confusing. Don’t worry. As you get UK. Aim to arrive five minutes early for to know the people better, you will start classes so there is time to sit down before understanding the jokes. If you are not they begin. If you are going to be late for sure, just ask. an appointment, let the person you are meeting know. You can be a little late if ➤ Some people, clubs and societies meet you are going to someone’s house for a in pubs (public houses). All pubs serve party or dinner. non-alcoholic drinks so you don’t need to worry if you don’t drink alcohol yourself. In ➤ You will often hear the words ‘excuse me’, the UK, it is legal to drink alcohol if you are ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ and it’s 18 years old or over. Alternatively, people good to use them yourself. meet in the many cafés in Oxford. ➤ People like a lot of space around them so ➤ Tips are usually only given when you don’t stand too close to them. receive table service for example in cafes, ➤ Try not to ask personal questions, for pubs, or restaurants. You do not need to example, about age, their salary, religious tip if you are just buying drinks at the bar. beliefs or politics until you know them very Tipping is normally around 10%. well. ➤ We queue (stand in line) for everything here; for buses, to pay in shops, for
22 SUPPORT WHILE YOU ARE HERE There are lots of staff on campus who are here to help so make the most of them. Ideally, it’s best to seek out help before an issue has become too large so it can be resolved more easily. International Student Advice of your experience here at Oxford Brookes and Team (ISAT) that nothing gets in the way. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/support- See back cover for contact details services/ssc ISAT offers information and advice on issues such as immigration, employment, financial Exchanges & difficulties and general academic matters. Study Abroad Team We’re a good place to start if you’re not sure All exchanges and study abroad students who to ask. During Arrivals Weekend and will be contacted by the team about how to the Induction and Enrolment week, ISAT access support at Oxford Brookes. will be available by sending an email to isat@brookes.ac.uk or by calling us 11.00- The Exchanges Team is working remotely: 15.00. You can, also, contact us to arrange Monday to Friday 9.00-17.00. To schedule a a virtual meeting with an adviser via Google meeting via Google Hangouts contact us at meet, Skype or Zoom. studyabroad@brookes.ac.uk You will find any updates to our contact Research Degrees Team details on the website. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/isat The Research Degrees Team works closely with the faculty Research Offices to provide a Student Support comprehensive professional support service for all research students; from first enrolment Co-ordinators (SSCs) to conferment of your degree. If you have Each faculty has a network of Student Support any queries or need advice about your Co-ordinators (SSCs) at Brookes to support programme, we can be contacted during you during your time here so help is never far normal office hours by email: away. They can help with any problem or issue rd-enquiries@brookes.ac.uk you may face during your time at University. or phone 01865 484244 They want to make sure you get the most out
23 Academic Development Team of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Chaplains and benefits from good relationships with Students on courses from foundation to other local faith communities. PhD level are welcome to see an Academic www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/ Development tutor for advice on study chaplaincy skills, maths or statistics. The Academic Development Team is a friendly, confidential service which offers advice on a wide Someone to talk to privately range of issues including understanding the The Counselling Service offers you the task, planning, researching and structuring opportunity to discuss anything important to essays and assignments. The Academic you or troubling you in confidence. Development Team also has many online This could be fear of failure, bereavement, resources. Find out more at: homesickness, relationship problems or www.brookes.ac.uk/students/academic- depression. development www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/ counselling Academic English If English is not your first language Brookes Support for students who offers a range of Academic English have a disability or a specific modules and courses. Undergraduate and learning difficulty postgraduate students can take credit bearing If you have a specific learning difficulty, modules or short courses at any stage of such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia their degree and one-to-one or online writing or AD(H)D, information about reasonable consultations are always available. Find out adjustments and support is available on the more at: www.brookes.ac.uk/students/ Dyslexia/SpLD website: upgrade/academic-english. www.brookes.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/ dyslexia-spld. If you would like an advice Religion, belief and spirituality appointment to arrange your support, please The Multifaith Chaplaincy offers support, email dyslexiaspld@brookes.ac.uk or call friendship, hospitality and information to 01865 484653. people of all faiths and none. We keep details of churches, mosques, temples and Financial difficulties other faith communities in Oxford. Regular Although students are expected to have Christian services are held in the Multifaith enough money to pay their fees and support Chaplaincy Rooms in the Buckley Building, in themselves, we know they can sometimes the Catholic Chaplaincy (London Road), and have unexpected problems with money for in the chapel on Harcourt Hill Campus. Friday a variety of reasons. It is very important to Prayer is said in Headington every Friday. talk to someone as soon as possible, and to To meet the Chaplains on another campus, let the Student Finance Team know if this is please send us an email. The Chaplains run going to affect your fee payments. Students discussion groups, worship, meditation, and may be able to apply for Financial Aid. more, and all activities are open to everyone. www.brookes.ac.uk/studying-at- There are dedicated prayer and quiet rooms brookes/finance/financial-aid on each campus. The University has a team
24 Careers are only available at our main surgery, St Bartholomew’s Medical Centre. The careers service offers one-to-one advice and guidance and practical support in job If you are being treated for a long-term searching, applications and preparing for medical condition, register as soon as interviews to international students. possible and make an appointment to see your new doctor. Take your home doctor’s ISAT can advise you on how many hours name and address, copies of your previous of paid work your visa will permit you to do medical records and a list of any of your inside and outside of semester time. medicines when you go to the appointment. You can find out more at Your can find more details at www.brookes.ac.uk/students/careers/ www.brookes.ac.uk/students/support- international-and-eu-students services/medical-centre Brookes’ Union Advice Dental The Union Advice Service can give advice on Dental work is subsidised by the NHS but a range of issues including financial difficulty there is a charge each time you use the and financial aid, housing issues, university service. Studental is our dental clinic in the processes such as mitigating circumstances, Colonnade Building on Headington Campus. appeals and complaints and general matters To book an appointment visit the website such as, healthcare, consumer, employment www.studental.co.uk or phone 01865 and tax and civil legal matters. We can also 689997. Email reception@studental.co.uk signpost to Wellbeing, Counselling and Disability services. www.brookesunion.org.uk Medical Your name while you Most students have access to the National are in the UK Health Service including seeing a General n Always write your name in the same Practitioner doctor (GP) for non emergency way (spelling and order) – as it is appointments or the hospital for emergencies. printed in your passport. To access this, you will need to register with a n When you receive your student card, doctors’ surgery. Brookes has a Medical centre check that your name is in full in the on campus. It is located in the 3rd floor of the way you want it to appear on your Colonnade Building on Headington Campus certificate/diploma, and make it clear and is open from 8.30am – 6.00pm, Monday to which name you want us to use as Friday (semester time only). GPs are available your surname (family name). to talk to you via telephone, (01865 242334) or video consultation and if necessary, they will n If your country does not use first then arrange for you to be seen. Please note name and surname, decide in you can order repeat prescriptions via email. advance which part of your name you will use as your surname and always During semester time, appointments use it in the same way. are available both on campus at the Medical Centre and at the main surgery, St Bartholomew’s Medical Centre, on the Cowley Road. During vacation, appointments
25 STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY In the UK, students often work independently large lectures) at Oxford Brookes. Instead, which may be different to what you might such activity will be delivered through high have been used to in your own country. Your quality, online learning. The lecturer will give a Oxford Brookes tutors will expect you to general overview of a topic and you will need develop a critical approach to your studies, to take notes. If there is something you don’t analysing what you read, and offering your understand, make a note and ask your tutor own arguments based on a wide range of about it later. evidence. Face-to-face teaching in the form of seminars Plagiarism, which means presenting and tutorials, will still take place but it will be someone else’s work as your own, is strictly restricted to small groups or individuals. forbidden and can result in you failing your A seminar is a class of up to 15 students. The course. When using information from books, tutor will give you the topic in advance and you or other sources, write it in your own words may need to read about it or prepare a short or put it in quotation marks and reference presentation to discuss in the seminar. the original book or article. Ask your tutor or Academic Adviser if you do not know how The aim of the seminar is to analyse the topic to reference your work. To do well, you will through debate. Your tutors will encourage you, need to compare different books and articles so don’t be afraid to speak out and challenge that you have read, commenting on whether others and offer your own ideas. their arguments make sense and making Independent study will help you learn skills judgements about the quality of their evidence. such as research, critical analysis and problem Successful students do not claim to know solving, which will help you develop your own all the answers, but they do ask the right ideas and confidence. questions. Your tutor or Academic Adviser will have Oxford Brookes will follow all government a regular office hour when you can go to guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of all ask them questions one-to-one. This is an students and staff in response to Covid-19 opportunity to discuss how your work is going alerts. Nevertheless, we intend to work and any problems you are having with the topic towards our campuses being open as fully as or with studying in general. possible from 2 September 2020 onwards. This will mean that there will be some adaptations to the method of delivery for some courses, in order to comply with public health guidelines. COVID-19 It is generally the case that most courses will For the most up-to-date include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical information please use the work, independent study and assessments. web links supplied throughout this booklet. A lecture is a large class, sometimes with For university-wide over 100 students that lasts around one information please see hour. However, as a result of Covid-19, in the www.brookes.ac.uk/ academic year 2020/2021 there will be no alerts/coronavirus large-scale, face-to-face teaching delivery (eg
26 CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO DO AND PEOPLE TO MEET People to find at Oxford Brookes Who are they? What can they help with? Where are they? Online n Here to help with any questions. Please see www.brookes.ac.uk/new- Induction Team Make sure you contact them if you students for further information about the have missed your induction events. Online Induction Team. Student n Collecting your BRP card Information will be available on the new Central Team students welcome weekend pages that will explain how you will get your BRP card. www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students/ welcome-weekend-for-everyone n Enrolling (you need to do this by the You will receive an email to alert you that 2 October deadline) online enrolment has opened. More details n Getting an Attendance Certificate can be found at (needed to open a bank account) www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students/ before-you-arrive/online-enrolment Instructions on how to download your Attendance Certificate can be found on the following student central page www.brookes.ac.uk/students/student- central/faq/attendance-certificate Student n Choosing modules and making a In your faculty. Support full programme Check with the Student Welcome Team if Coordinators n Adding and deleting modules you’re not sure n Information on free language www.brookes.ac.uk/students/support- modules services/ssc n If you arrive late, they can let you know what you have missed Academic n Learning about your programme and Your timetable will tell you where and when Advisers what is expected of you to meet them. If you have missed this, check with the Student Welcome Team Programme n Postgraduate students need to see In your faculty. Administrators these staff during subject specific Check with the Student Welcome Team if induction sessions you’re not sure n Answering any queries you may have about your course Global n Certificates of Arrival for Erasmus You can find the Global Exchanges and Exchanges students Study Abroad Team contact details on and Study n Questions about life as an their webpage. Abroad Team Exchange student at Brookes. www.brookes.ac.uk/international/ study-abroad-and-exchanges Research n All Research Degree programme Student Central, the Forum, ground floor Degrees Team enquiries and matters related to of JHBB admissions Can be contacted during normal office n Enrolment and other programme hours by email: rd-enquiries@brookes. related queries and supporting ac.uk or t: 01865 484244 www.brookes.ac.uk/students/ documents research-degrees-team
27 As well as your online course induction there will be lots of other events and activities going on during Induction week. Please see the events calendar on the new student webpages for further information. www.brookes.ac.uk/new-students Things to do ✓ Collect your BRP COVID-19 ✓ Collect your student card For the most up-to-date ✓ Open a UK bank account information please use the web links supplied throughout ✓ Register with the Police, if this is a requirement of this booklet. your visa ✓ Register with a UK doctor For university-wide information please see ✓ Check the ISAT Social Events and join as many as www.brookes.ac.uk/ you like alerts/coronavirus ✓ Decide if you would like a NUS card for discounts and a Pass card for ID
28 ACCOMMODATION MAP 40 N A4 0 M IN S W AL A3 K JOHN RADCLIFFE 4 H O S P I TA L WHEATLEY CAMPUS S HEADINGTON 4 MILES 15 A40 M IN MARSTON ROAD S SITE W AL K 5 MIN S W 3 8 AL K OXFORD CITY 4 TRAIN CENTRE HEADINGTON S TAT I O N CAMPUS 5 BOTLEY CO 6 WL EY RO AD 12 HARCOURT HILL CAMPUS 7 11 A 1 2 34 TEMPLE COWLEY 10 9 1 Westminster Hall 8 Dorset House All of our halls and BUS ROUTES U1 2 Harcourt Hill Hall 9 Crescent Hall campuses are connected by 3 Clive Booth Postgraduate Centre 10 Paul Kent Hall U5 4 Clive Booth Student Village 11 Parade Green our BROOKESbus services. W H E AT L E Y CAMPUS U5* 5 Cheney Student Village 12 Slade Park Times vary between weekdays and weekends, 6 Sinnet Court 13 Lady Spencer Churchill Hall *Monday to Friday, 7 The Mews during semester periods and vacation periods. daytime only 13 You can find further information about accomodation at www.brookes.ac.uk/studying-at-brookes/accommodation/prospective-students/moving-in
29 HEADINGTON SHOPS Accommodation Restaurants and takeaways Household goods For more information please go to www.headington.org.uk 1 Dial House 21 Posh Fish 45 Headington Fairtrade 2 Red Mullions 22 Shanghai House 46 Headington Homewares 3 Sandfield House 23 Mojo’s 4 Pickwick’s 24 La Croissanterie Charity Shops 5 Mount Pleasant* 25 Jacobs & Field 47 Sobell House 26 Dragon Express 48 Oxfam Banks 27 Starbucks 49 Cancer Research 6 HSBC 28 Beirut – Lebanese 50 British Heart Foundation 7 Santander 29 Subway 51 Marie Curie OLD HIG 8 Natwest 30 White Horse 52 Sue Ryder 31 Coco Noir 53 Helen & Douglas House Restaurants and takeaways 32 Buongierno & Buonasera 54 Cancer Research STEPHE 33 Heavenly Desserts 55 Helen & Douglas House H STREET 9 Bhoomi Kitchen 34 Acropolis Greek Taverna 10 Britannia Inn* 56 Children’s Air Ambulance 11 Royal Standard* Food shops Other 12 Café Nero 25 N ROAD 13 Greggs 35 Iceland 57 Headington Shark 14 Queen’s Bakery 36 Thong Heng Oriental Supermarket 58 Mail Boxes 42 37 OSLE 15 Craft Burger 37 CO-OP 59 Boots (Chemist) 62 (60) 38 Tesco Express 22 43 16 Domino’s 60 Post Office 23 ST 39 Sainsbury’s Local 24 47 40 19 21 17 Café Bonjour 61 Catholic Chaplaincy for 34 18 R RO 41 ILE 18 Yummy* 40 Headington Food ‘n’ Wine Oxford Brookes University (Kerela Foods) 17 RO 19 Asian Mama 62 Robert Stanley Opticians HO 41 Polish Shop 16 AD 20 Adria pizzeria & gelateria 63 Gardiner’s Opticians 66 AD LYO 42 Waitrose 64 Holland & Barret 55 63 8 43 Headington Butchers 65 Savers 13 12 14 WI AK 44 Little Waitrose 7 66 Pen to Paper 38 54 ND 28 48 65 52 15 ER 35 67 Card Factory 26 51 20 HO 49 MIL 6 56 46 68 Leopard Press 31 69 OA 33 45 68 64 67 RW 69 Launderette 27 LR 39 D 59 53 KENN 36 O 50 OA 29 58 OD 44 32 D CL ETT R NEW H 11 OS 5 E 10 OAD SA JR Hospital IGH ST LIME 9 ND 57 FIE A40, WAL 1 LD REET Ring Road, H EA London RO K D D 61 Headington Shops 2 OA LE AD R MARSTON ROAD and Services AD ON Y NE W RO 3 ND N A LO O LA ND Y Headington LO P ULL ENS 4 Campus W IN Headington Hill A D ITY LA DM O R S HE ER N TIM IV TO IL G N G AD SU IP IN L KE S) D ER EA SY RO O LE RO MPU H 30 DB RO Y Headington LA AD A OR ON C OLD RO AD WA F N OX NGT Campus AD E TO I Y Headington AD To City (HE Centre Road M BR OR RELL AV E NU E OO KS IDE
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