Living and studying in a different country can be both exciting and challenging. To help, we have put together a short guide to some of the most important things you will need to know about life in the UK.
If you can't find what you are looking for on this page, do not worry. You can find lots more about life here and studying at 缅北禁地, in your International Student Handbook.
If you have questions or are still not sure of something, we are happy to help. Take a look at our contacts page to find out who is best to speak to.
Most students live on campus in their first year in halls of residence. If you are an international student, we will give you priority for this.
In your second, third and fourth years of study, you are eligible to stay on campus if we have enough rooms available for students in continuing years.
If for any reason we cannot find a place for you in our halls of residence on campus, our Student Services team will help you to find private accommodation that is near to the university.
Studying at university in the UK may be different to what you are used to in your own country. Courses are split into 'modules' which cover different topics within the subject you are studying. These modules are usually taught in lectures to large groups and followed up by tutorial sessions with smaller groups. You may get the chance to see what you are learning in action with a trip to a neighbouring farm, environmental project or something appropriate to your studies.
To help you get settled into academic life in the UK, we will invite you to a pre-sessional programme. This takes place before the start of the academic year. The programme is designed to introduce you to life in the UK and help you prepare to study at Harper Adams. For some students, attending the pre-sessional programme may be mandatory.
If English is not your first language, you can access our English language support services. These include classes, one-to-one sessions and pre-sessional English language courses. We will tell you more about these services when you apply, but you can also get in touch with us if you have any questions.
There are many mobile phone networks in the UK. They all offer 'pay as you go' SIM cards with no contract. It is best to look at the different offers and tariffs to find the best deal for you. We also include a free SIM card with every welcome pack, which you can use if you like.
The postal service in the UK is good value and reliable. To post letters or postcards, you will need to buy stamps (from a Post Office or shop), attach them to the top-right corner and post your item in a postbox. For larger items such as parcels or packages, you will need to take them to a Post Office. Here you can also send items using secure or quick delivery services.
Free WiFi is available across campus.
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides hospitals, doctors and dentists.
If you are from a country that is outside of the EU, you will need to pay fees to access the NHS. You can find out the specific cost when you apply for your visa. This gives you access to free health treatment (including emergency and hospital care) and NHS dental treatment at a reduced cost. Further information is available on the GOV.UK webpage.
If you are from a country inside the EU, make sure you have a , as you will need this to access the NHS.
The doctors that is used by the majority of students is in Newport. To register with the surgery you can either register online, call them or visit the surgery once you are here. You will need to make an appointment to see a doctor and this can be done over the phone. The address is: Linden Hall Surgery, Station Road, Newport, TF10 7EN. The telephone number is: 01952 820400.
The Princess Royal Hospital near Telford is the closest hospital (9 miles).
Banks in the UK are normally open from 9.30 to16.30, Monday to Friday. Some larger banks in Telford Town Centre are also open on Saturday mornings. To open a bank account, you will need:
The nearest banks to the university in HSBC in the local town of Newport.
If you need to exchange foreign currency, you can do this at most high street banks or at a Post Office. For Euros and US Dollars you can usually do this on the same day, but for other currencies you may have to call in advance.
Although crime is not as high in the UK as it is in some other countries, we still recommend that you insure your personal possessions. The National Union of Students (NUS) recommends . They have insurance policies designed for students.
The cost of living in the UK may be more than you are used to at home. We recommend using the to help you come up with an estimate for what your living costs might be.
The Students' Union at Harper Adams organises events all year round, both on and off campus. It is a great way to get to know other students, practice your English, and try new things.
The Students' Union is also home to many different clubs and societies that are centred around hobbies or sports. The International Society is one of the many organised clubs. It organises trips and events for international students to help them see the UK, get to know British culture, and make friends.
There is also a gym, sports hall, pitches and courts on campus for sports activities and training.
Visit the How to get to Harper Adams page for further information.
The nearest airport to Harper Adams is Birmingham Airport, from which you can take a train to Stafford or Telford, and a bus or taxi to the university campus. Alternatively, you could fly into Heathrow Airport, which has regular flights to and from countries all over the world. Other airport options include Manchester and Liverpool.
During term time we operate a shuttle bus service between the university and the nearby towns of Newport and Telford. You will need to show your student ID card to use this bus service and it may be busy in the mornings and evenings. You can purchase a ticket for this service via the online store.
To visit other parts of the country, you will need to take a bus or train. The local bus company is Arriva and you can find their . The three closest train stations to Harper Adams are:
You can find out more about train times, routes and fares on the .
If you are from outside of the EU, you will only be able to drive in the UK on an international driving licence for 12 months. After that, you will need to apply and take a test for a British licence. To find out more, visit the GOV.UK webpage.
If you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa, you can take on some part-time work in the UK. Depending on your visa, you will only be able to work at most 10 to 20 hours per week. On your student visa, you are not allowed to take on a full-time job or be self-employed.
If there is a work placement or internship as part of the course you are studying, you can do this, even if it is full-time work. You can also work more hours in the holidays, provided there are no specific restrictions on your visa.
Our on-campus cafes, restaurants, and pub also have openings throughout the year. Our can help you find these and other openings. Registered students will also have access to a dedicated jobs portal promoting vacancies for students and graduates.
Are you an International Student considering university? 馃帗 Hear from International Rep, Oli as he shares his insight into life as an International Student coming from Kenya to Harper Adams 馃檶
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