0 andbook 201 tH hange Studen Exc

Contents

1. 2.

CalEndar for tHE aCadEmiC yEar Examination dates and information

induCtion and oriEntation n orientation week n induction and welcome meeting immigration, Entry and viSa information n European union, EEa and Swiss nationals n Students from non EEa countries
n n n n n

6.

3.

n n n n n n

aCCommodation booking your accommodation Paying accommodation fees full year students Single semester students accommodation contract living costs

4.

travElling to lougHborougH arrival airports frEE airport Coach Service temporary accommodation in london Student rail and coach cards university campus bus service

7.

5.

doCumEntation on arrival at lougHborougH n registration n attendance certificates

mEdiCal SErviCES and mEdiCal inSuranCE n national Health Service (nHS) charges n Students in the uK for 6 months or longer n Students in the uK for less than 6 months n disabled students n loughborough university medical Centre

Hazlerigg Hall and fountain

11. gEnEral information n Climate and clothing n religion n Electricity n telephone information 12. uSEful ContaCt numbErS n Emergencies n Exchange Student office n Student Support Centre n Student accommodation Centre 13. CHECKliSt bEforE lEaving HomE

8.

EngliSH languagE n English language requirements n Pre-sessional English language courses

n n n n n n n

9.

Studying at lougHborougH teaching methods independent study Written work Examination and assessments ECtS Plagiarism university terminology WorKing during your StudiES Eu and EEa students non EEa students

10.

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Welcome to Loughborough!
Loughborough University is delighted that you are coming to study here on a student exchange programme. We hope you will find the information in this handbook useful, both in preparing for your journey and during your stay in Loughborough. (Please note costs are accurate at the time of going to print but you are advised to check websites). European students can also access information about exchange programmes at Loughborough University at the following web address: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/

admissions/ects/index.htm

1. Calendar Dates for the Academic Year 2010/11

The Academic Year runs from the start of session (September) to the end of session in the following June. It is made up of 3 terms Autumn, Spring and Summer or two semesters from October to February and February to June. Exchange students normally attend one or two semesters. SEmEStEr onE: 4 October 2010 - 11 February 2011 (Seasonal vacation: 17 December 2010-17 January 2011) SEmEStEr tWo: 14 February 2011 - 24 June 2011 (Spring vacation: 4 April 2011-3 May 2011) Examination datES and information Examinations take place between January and February for the first semester and in June for the second semester. Details of all exam dates and times are dependent on the department in which your study is based. Further information can be found at

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/student/exams/dates/

2. Induction and Orientation

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orientation week

The orientation week offers a social programme enabling you to settle in and meet other students before the main term starts. It does not provide English language teaching but provides general information and practical advice about the University and its facilities (e.g. the Library, Students Union, IT systems, student support services). You will also receive advice and information about the following:
n n n n n n n n n n

Registering with a doctor and dentist Opening a bank account Finding accommodation and living in University Halls of Residence Personal safety and insurance Looking for part-time work Visas and immigration Adapting to new academic cultures Dealing with culture shock Strategies for integrating and making friends Developing time management skills

For the Orientation week students must arrive and register on Monday 20 September 2010. The cost which covers tuitions, materials, all food and accommodation and the social programme is approximately 315 or 160 excluding accommodation. Further information can be found on www.lboro.ac.uk/service/ studentsupportcentre/presessional/orientation.html You can book a place by contacting the Student Support Centre by e-mail: elsu@lboro.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)1509 222058.
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induction and welcome meeting

All exchange students are invited to attend a free induction and welcome meeting organised by the International Office and the Student Support Centre during the first week of October. Departments run their own individual induction sessions for their students, which you are expected to attend, but we would very strongly advise you to attend the International Office welcome meeting as it provides an excellent place to make new friends from other countries. Each meeting will be held for Undergraduate and Postgraduate

students (including exchange students) and will consist of an induction presentation followed by a buffet reception as follows: monday 4 october 2010 undergraduate students 18.15 Induction (including exchange students) presentation (James France Lecture Theatre CC0.11) 19.30 Buffet reception (James France Exhibition Area) tuesday 5 october 2010 Postgraduate students Induction presentation (including exchange students) (James France Lecture Theatre CC0.11) 19.30 Buffet reception (James France Exhibition Area) Wednesday all 2nd Semester 9 february 2011 Exchange Students Venue to be confirmed

Students who have attended the orientation or pre-sessional courses are advised not to attend the induction presentation, but will be very welcome to attend one of the buffet receptions.

3. Immigration, entry and visa information

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Exchange students from Europe

EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss nationals do not need any form of entry clearance to come to the UK. You may enter the UK by showing your passport or national ID card. You will have a general right to reside in the UK for up to 3 months but may stay longer for the duration of your studies. If you intend to bring family who are not EA nationals they will normally require a family permit before travelling. Further information can be found at: www.ukba.

homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/rightsandresponsibilities/
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visas for non Eu international exchange students studying in the uK for more than 6 months

Unless you are a British Citizen or an EEA or Swiss national or you already hold immigration permission that allows you to live and study in the UK, you will most likely need to obtain immigration permission before travelling to the

UK to study. All students aged 18 or over who are coming to study for over 6 months must obtain entry clearance (sometimes called a visa) as a Tier 4 (General) student from the nearest British Embassy/High Commission. The entry clearance certificate or visa is issued as a sticker (or vignette) placed in your passport or travel document. The UK Border Agency Visa Services website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ gives up-to-date information on how and where to apply as well as local application procedures. You should read through the information note on Tier 4 students: www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf29pbsstudent. The UK Border Agency has prepared a quick guide to Tier 4 of the points-based system: www.

ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/quickguideforstudent/adultstudents/ applyingforanadultstudentvisa/
The full Tier 4 policy guidance sets out the requirements in detail including specific instructions on the type and form of supporting evidence that is required: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/site content/applicationforms/pbs/

Tier4migrantguidance.pdf.
The immigration rules and Tier 4 policy guidance are frequently changed and you must rely on the up-to-date version at the time of applying. There is no discretion within the points-based system and if your application and evidence do not comply with the prescribed format your application will be refused. As part of your visa application you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Information on obtaining a CAS from the University is available here: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/international/visa/. You will need information from your CAS statement to complete your visa application. The CAS statement will help you calculate how much money you need to show for any outstanding tuition fees and which documents you need to provide as evidence of how you secured your course offer. If your application is successful an entry clearance vignette or visa will be placed in your passport. This should indicate that you are a Tier 4 General student. Your visa should confirm your details and the sponsor licence number of Loughborough University (as confirmed within your CAS statement). The visa will give a start and expiry date for your permission to stay in the UK. It will include mult to show that it is valid for multiple entries to the UK throughout the period of validity. The visa will also confirm that you have no recourse to public funds, whether you are able to work as allowed under the Tier 4 rules and whether you have to register with the police. Check your

visa is correct before travelling to the UK because it can be easier for any corrections to be made by the visa section in your home country rather than in the UK. If your application for entry clearance is refused you have the right to request an administrative review as explained in the Tier 4 policy guidance. If your application has been correctly refused because you did not submit the correct information or evidence you should consider reapplying.
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non Eu international exchange students studying for less than 6 months

If you wish to stay in the UK for less than 6 months you can apply for entry clearance as a student visitor. Non-visa nationals can also apply for this kind of visa on arrival in the UK if they meet the requirements of the immigration rules. Student visitor visas cannot be extended in the UK and cannot be switched to another kind of visa (including Tier 4 student visas). Student visitors are not allowed to work in the UK. You should therefore consider very carefully if it will be suitable for your needs before applying for this kind of visa. More details are available from: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

studyingintheuk/student-visitors/eligibility/
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academic technology approval Scheme (ataS)

In order to take postgraduate study in some technology subjects you may require ATAS clearance. Your offer letter and CAS will confirm whether ATAS clearance is required. If so, you must apply and include a copy of your ATAS certificate in your visa application. Further information for research students is available here: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/rso/students/atas/index.htm. Taught postgraduate students (e.g. MSc programmes) can find out more here: www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/admissions/pgt/student/ATAS/index.htm It can sometimes take up to a month or longer for an initial decision, therefore you should apply in good time before your visa application. Further information can be found at: www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/atas/

4. Travelling to Loughborough

There are several London airports the main ones being Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. There are also direct flights from some countries to Birmingham and East Midlands (Nottingham Leicester Derby) Airport. The following table gives information on travel to Loughborough from these airports. *Journey times vary and ticket costs are approximate.
arrival airports train/Coach University coach service (dates and times see below) Heathrow Express to Paddington, and/or underground tube (Piccadilly line), to St Pancras then train to Loughborough. Or National Express Coach to East Midlands Airport (every 2 hours). Journey time* Cost of single ticket* 2-3 hours Free

London Heathrow

www.heathrowairport.com
+44 (0)870 000 0123

1 hour tube; 45.00 1 hour 50 min train 4 hours 36.00

London Gatwick

+44 (0)870 000 2468 See also and

www.gatwickairport.com

Thameslink train change Bedford Station for Loughborough.

2-3 hours

52.00 60.00 45.00

www.midlandmainline.com www.nationalexpress.com
London Stansted

Or train to Victoria Station, tube to 2-3 hours St Pancras and train Loughborough. Or National Express coach service 4-5 hours to East Midlands airport.

www.stanstedairport.com
+44 (0)870 000 0303 See also

Train changing at Leicester or Birmingham for Loughborough. Or National Express 777 coach to Loughborough via Milton Keynes.

2-3 hours 4-5 hours

45.00 30.00

www.nationalrail.co.uk/ldb www.nationalexpress.com
East Midlands
(NottinghamLeicesterDerby)

Taxi to Loughborough University. Or Skylink bus outside Arrivals to Loughborough University (every half hour during the day, hourly at night). From Birmingham International Railway Station by train via Birmingham New Street Station, Coventry or Derby.

20 minutes 30 minutes

25.00 2.30

www.eastmidlandsairport.com
+44 (0)871 919 9000

Birmingham

www.centraltrains.co.uk

1 hour 30 min 19.50

+44 (0)870 733 5511

frEE airport Coach Service only from london, Heathrow

The Loughborough University coach service is offered to all new students arriving for the summer pre-sessional English courses and the new academic session only. Book online at least 14 days before your flight at: www. lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/international/predeparture/coach/index.htm or call the International Office +44 1509 222201. The meeting point for the coach will be in Heathrow Terminal 3 for departure at 11am on the following days. (Please note these dates are subject to change and you should check for updates on the list below): WEdnESday 14 July 2010 WEdnESday 18 auguSt 2010 monday 13 SEPtEmbEr 2010 monday 20 SEPtEmbEr 2010 WEdnESday 29 SEPtEmbEr 2010 tHurSday 30 SEPtEmbEr 2010 Saturday 2 oCtobEr 2010 10 week pre-sessional course (C) 5 week pre-sessional course (D) 2 week study skills course (E) 1 week orientation course New undergraduate and postgraduate students New undergraduate and postgraduate students Postgraduate students NOT undergraduate

Information about the cost of pre-sessional courses and how to apply can be found under item 6 English Language Requirements. a note on using national Express coaches: only two medium-sized suitcases (max weight 20 kilos each) per passenger are permitted in addition to one small piece of hand luggage. Open-dated return tickets on National Express coaches generally cost only a few pounds more than a single ticket and are valid for 3 months, so if you plan to travel at the end of the autumn term they are worth considering. taxis: It is very expensive to take a taxi from the London Airports to Loughborough and we would not recommend this.
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temporary accommodation in london

If you are due to arrive in London too late for any bus or train service the airport Information Desk will be able to provide information about bed and breakfast accommodation. You can also book accommodation (4-6 weeks in advance) by contacting the following organisations: International Students House, 229 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PN (Telephone: +44 (0)20 7631 8300, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7631 8307, Web address: www.ish.org.uk). The British Tourist Authority (BTA), British Visitor Centre, 1 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4XT (Web address: www.visitbritain.com) London Tourist Board (Telephone: 0871 222 3118 Web address: www.visitlondon.com)

Student rail and Coach Cards

Prices quoted for rail and coach travel can be reduced on the production of a Student Rail Card and a Student Coach Card. A rail card can be purchased from any major railway station and costs approximately 25 (for one year) and saves you 1/3 on rail fares throughout Great Britain. A coach card costs about 10 purchased from a National Express coach station. To buy a rail and/or coach card you will need to provide proof of your age and two passport size photographs. You should ask about the card bEforE you buy a rail or coach ticket.
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university Campus bus Service

There is a regular bus service (no.7) running between Loughborough railway station, the town centre and the University campus. Cost from town centre is (single) 1.20p Journeys within the campus cost approximately 60p, on production of your student ID card.

5. Documentation on arrival at Loughborough

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registration

Please refer to the registration documentation in your pack. You should plan to arrive in Loughborough a day or two before you need to register to find your accommodation and acclimatise yourself to your new environment. Your academic department will also provide you with information about how to register. Registration takes place in the Student Enquiry Desk in Admin 2 if you havent done so already please remember to take two passport photographs with you for your ID card to be processed.
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attendance certificates

It is the policy of Erasmus for students to provide host Universities documentation for them to sign proving attendance. Please do not bring these to the Student Enquiry Desk or International Office. A member of staff in your department can sign these for you.

6. Accommodation
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new information on applying for your accommodation online

All accommodation preferences are now done online. Once your application to study has been approved by your department you will receive an email from the Student Accommodation Office explaining how to apply for your accommodation. For information about the type of accommodation available to exchange students please refer to http://accommodation.lboro.ac.uk and read the section on How to Apply for Your Room as a First Year Undergraduate Student. If you do not receive a place in University Halls you will be referred to the Off Campus Accommodation Team who will help you to secure accommodation in either private halls or houses. Please see web link http://accommodation. lboro.ac.uk/off-campus.php where you can apply for a private hall or view the wide range of private accommodation off campus conveniently located in Loughborough. If you have enquiries about accommodation On or Off campus you should contact the Student Accommodation Centre directly by e-mail. For On Campus SAC@lboro.ac.uk and Off Campus Findahouse@lboro.ac.uk or telephone

+44(0)1509 222258/53.
Please note that you will not receive confirmation of accommodation until July/August. Second Semester students will not receive confirmation of accommodation until after Christmas.
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Paying your accommodation fees

Accommodation fees can be paid in advance or can be paid in three instalments at the beginning of each term in October, January and May. You can pay your fees by debit or credit card before arriving in Britain by paying online at www.lboro.ac.uk. Click on current students and then online payments for students. You can pay by cheque (made payable to Loughborough University and drawn on a UK bank account) or by transfer direct into our bank account: Account name: Account no: Bank Name: Loughborough University 50682047 Barclays Bank plc., Bishop Meadow Road, Loughborough LE11 5RB

Branch sort code: 20-52-69

you can also pay by credit or debit card by telephoning the Finance Office, Loughborough University Tel: +44 (0)1509 223538. All fees are payable in sterling only and any costs of payment by bank transfer (e.g. handling charges or conversion costs) must be borne by the student. Payments should be mailed to: The Income Section, Finance Office, Student Services Building, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU.
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full year Students

full year Erasmus Students For full year Erasmus students coming to Loughborough in September 20010, we will have limited accommodation available in both catered and self-catered halls. When your application to the University has been approved and you have received an email from the Student Accommodation Centre, you can register a preference for accommodation online from 1 June 2010. Accommodation will be allocated from the first week of August 2010. Please note that preferences do not guarantee a room type or location, our accommodation team will use them as a guide to allocate you a room depending on availability please see web link http://accommodation.lboro.ac.uk.
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Single Semester Students

one Semester Erasmus Students For one semester Erasmus students coming to Loughborough in September 2010, we will have limited Self Catered accommodation in single and shared bedrooms, and Catered accommodation in single bedrooms. Following approval of your application to the University and an automatic email from the Student Accommodation Centre you will be able to log a preference for accommodation online from 1 June 2010. Subject to availability, a room will be reserved for you and an accommodation offer will be emailed to you. For second semester Erasmus students coming to Loughborough in February 2011, we will have accommodation available in both our catered and self-catered halls. The accommodation contract commences on Sunday 13 February 2011 unless separate arrangements are made with the Student Accommodation Centre to arrive earlier. You will be able to apply from December 2010, please check the website for further details at that time

http://accommodation.lboro.ac.uk.
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your accommodation licence agreement

Your accommodation licence agreement is legally binding. If you are late arriving at your accommodation or wish to move out early, you will still be required to pay for your room as stated in your licence.

late applicants: If there is not sufficient time to send your details to you before you begin your journey, you will be given assistance when you arrive at the University. We will still try to find you a place, although it may not be your first choice. If you have any queries or are at all anxious concerning your on-campus accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Student Accommodation Centre sac@lboro.ac.uk.
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living Costs

Loughborough is not an expensive town to live in by UK standards. However, students and their sponsors must budget appropriately for their time in the UK and should allow approximately 600-700 per month for the duration of their studies. This amount includes accommodation and should be sufficient to cover all major living expenses, including food, clothing, books and local travel. Please note Exchange Students do not pay tuition fees.

7. Medical Services and Medical Insurance

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national Health Service (nHS) treatment and charges

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UKs health service. It is funded by the state and provides the majority of healthcare to UK residents. If you are an exchange student studying in the UK you will be able to have access to NHS care on the following bases:
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Students in the uK for six months or longer

Students who are enrolled for a continuous period of study of six months or longer are entitled to free medical treatment from the National Health Service (NHS). Most NHS treatment is free but there is a standard charge of 7.10 for prescriptions. Charges are made for dental and optical treatment and they can be expensive so we advise you to arrange your own home medical insurance to cover yourself while in the UK. EEA nationals and students from Switzerland should ensure they have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). It entitles you to full NHS treatment on the same basis as students who are studying for six months or more.
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Students in the uK for less than six months

If you are a student staying in the UK for less than six months, you are not eligible for free health care under the NHS and will have to pay the full cost of medical treatment unless you are from the EEA, or a country which

has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. To check if your country has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK refer to www.dh.gov.uk/ PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors/fs/en Those not covered by the NHS are strongly advised to take out medical insurance. Please refer to http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/files/pdf/info_sheets/keeping_healthy.pdf for information about UK medical treatment.
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disabled students

Loughborough University is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and access and welcomes applications from disabled students. If you have a disability you are strongly recommended to contact the Disabilities and Additional Needs Services (DANS) http://www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/ before accepting the offer of a place to study at the University to discuss any support services that may be required. Please note that Erasmus students are not entitled to a grant from the UK government to cover any support costs and you are expected to make every effort to secure funding in your own country to pay for any support requirements.
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loughborough university medical Centre

The Universitys Medical Centre is located centrally on campus and provides for the medical needs of all students and staff registered with the practice. Please complete the Medical Centre Registration Form which is with your pack and bring the completed registration form to the Medical Centre on your arrival.

8. English Language
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English language requirements

It is ADVISED that your proficiency in English is at least at the level of Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) and preferably Cambridge Advanced Certificate. It is important that you have a good level of English so that you are able to understand and participate in your studies without difficulty.
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Pre-sessional English language courses

If you feel your English is not up to the above standard, it is strongly recommended that you attend a minimum of 5 weeks pre-sessional English language course. Full details of our English Language tuition can be found on:

www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/elsu/index.htm.

9. Studying at Loughborough
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teaching methods

These vary depending on the subject you study but most will include some of the following teaching methods, lectures, seminars and tutorials. Some courses may also have practical workshops and some may have training in a working environment. Please be aware that if you are coming to study in one department of the University it is unlikely that you will be able to study in another department at the same time.
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independent study

You will be expected to do some independent study and this is an integral part of UK academic culture. Independent study is intended to help you develop critical analysis and problem-solving skills, to develop your research skills and allows you to investigate a topic in more detail and develop your own idea.
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Written work

You will almost certainly be asked to produce written work which may include essays, a project or dissertation or assignment questions. Written work is often assessed.
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Examinations and assessments

UK institutions use many different forms of assessment for example, closed and open exams, assessed essays, projects and dissertations, group work projects, presentations, practical assessments.
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ECtS

The European Credit Transfer System or ECTS provide 60 credits per full year of study or 30 credits per semester. Credits are only awarded when the course, all required examinations and/or coursework has been completed. At the end of the study period you will receive from your department an official transcript listing all units taken and credits and grades achieved.
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Plagiarism

This is a means of presenting someone elses work as your own. If you present the words or ideas of an author or another student without acknowledging the source you could be accused of plagiarism. Acknowledging the source of your work is known as referencing. Penalties for plagiarism, especially in assessed work and examinations, can be very severe and may include failing the course or module.

Further information about academic conduct in exams and assessments can be found in the Student Handbook http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/student/ handbook/. If you have further questions about methods of teaching, courses and modules please contact your Departmental Coordinator. other university terminology you should familiarise yourself with: Faculty The academic departments at Loughborough University are divided into three faculties: Social Sciences and Humanities, Engineering and Science.
ProgrammE unit or modulE ElEmEnt SESSion tErm SEmEStEr/ tEaCHing bloCK lECturE A specific structured course which leads to a degree, certificate or diploma. Units or modules are the building blocks of programmes and may be either compulsory or optional. A self-contained body of teaching, for instance group of lectures or tutorials on a particular topic. Academic year made up of three terms. A teaching period of about 10 weeks. The academic year is divided into two teaching blocks of 12 weeks each with a 5 week examination period at the end. A presentation held in large lecture theatres or classes, usually lasting around one hour. Students are expected to take notes of the main points made in the lecture and are not usually asked to contribute. Every detail of the subject will not necessarily be covered but will provide a basic framework of knowledge that you can then fill out by further reading. Smaller classes of between 6-12 students led by a tutor or lecturer. Students are expected to take an active part in the seminar and to discuss with the tutor a pre-prepared topic. An informal meeting between a tutor and 3 or 4 students. Discussion points are usually arranged beforehand and may be focussed on work you are in the process of doing. An academic nominated as contact person within your department during your time at Loughborough. A member of staff assigned to a postgraduate research student who will give academic advice and support. A member of staff assigned to an undergraduate student to give academic supervision and support. A student who is working for a first degree (Bachelors). A student who is working for a second degree (Masters or Doctorate). A student new to the university, generally in their first year of study.

SEminar

tutorial

PErSonal tutor SuPErviSor tutor undErgraduatE PoStgraduatE frESHEr

10. Working during your studies

Many students wish to work part-time during their period of study in the UK. The University regards 12 hours work per week as a maximum if studies are not to be adversely affected.
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Eu and EEa students

EU and EEA students have no restrictions on the type of employment or numbers of hours worked (except new member (A10) countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia). Nationals of A10 countries may be required to register as workers under the Accession State Worker Registration Scheme. More information can be found from the UKBAs website: at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/eea/
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non-EEa students

All international students from outside the EEA studying in the UK for more than 6 months are allowed to work part-time in the UK. Further information is available from ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php

11. Useful Contact Numbers

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Exchange Student office

Tel: +44 (0)1509 222475 Sally McKinley (Institutional Exchange Coordinator) email: s.j.mckinley@lboro.ac.uk Trish Swift (Admin Assistant Exchanges) email: p.j.swift@lboro.ac.uk or Please note all enquiries on academic matters should be directed to Departmental Coordinators in their respective departments. Departmental Coordinators names and email addresses can be found at the following web site: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/admissions/ects/coordinators/index.htm
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Student Support Centre

Tel: +44 (0)1509 635072 email: International Student Adviser Tel: +44 (0)1509 222764 Louise Waldron email: l.m.waldron@lboro.ac.uk
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Student accommodation Centre

Please direct all accommodation enquiries to the following: Tel: +44 (0)1509 222258 Fax: +44 (0 1509 223906 email: Elaine Henson (Full year students) e.henson@lboro.ac.uk or Rachel Havens (Single semester students) r.havens@lboro.ac.uk

Emergencies

If an emergency needing the police, fire or ambulance should arise outside the University, you should dial 999 on the nearest phone. This is a free service. If you are on University premises call the University Reception where Security Officers are on duty 24 hours: 01509 222141.

12. General Information

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Climate and clothing

The UK climate is temperate, with warm damp summers and cool wet winters. It is unpredictable and very changeable and the temperature can very considerably within one day. The longest night of the year is 22nd December, when it is dark for about 15 hours. The coldest months of the year are usually January and February. Average temperature during winter months is about 4C. The shortest night is 21st June, when it is dark for a little more than 5 hours. July and August are usually the warmest months with the average temperature being 18C. Dress in Britain, especially at university, is mostly informal.
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Student support

Student support services such as careers and employment information, welfare guidance and religious and spiritual matters can be found on the following web site: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/
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Sports and recreational facilities

Loughborough University has the best sporting facilities in the UK and the largest independently run University Students Union. Further information can be found at the following web addresses: http://www.lufbra.net/
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Electricity

British electricity work on 230 volts/50 cycles, and most sockets take 13 amp square pin fused plugs. If you are bringing your own electrical equipment with you find out if it can be used safely on this voltage or whether you will need an adaptor.
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telephone information

International calls can be made from all payphones. All rooms in University halls and student houses have access to a phone. Internal calls within the University system are free. Should you wish to use a mobile phone whilst in the UK, there are plenty of options and good deals can be found by shopping around Loughborough. If you bring your mobile phone from your home country make sure your phone has dual band capabilities. Another option is to purchase a SIM card in the UK but check with your mobile phone company prior to leaving your home country to decide the best option for you once you are in the UK.

13. Checklist before leaving home

If applicable the below may be useful to check before your leave: Your Erasmus/Exchange application form, accommodation form, medical form, registration and student card form have been sent. Passport photos for use at registration. Your letter of acceptance. A letter sent to you at your home address by your home University for your use when you wish to open a UK bank account (the bank will require it as proof of your residential address in your home country) Check the cost of living in Loughborough to make sure you have adequate finance. Documentary evidence of financial support. If you have a disability, contact DANS )

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/
Buy travel tickets and travel insurance. Check your governments restrictions on taking money out of the country. Check with your bank about regulations concerning transferring money to the UK. Check regulations on bringing belongings to the UK. Check your luggage weight against your airlines and coachs allowance. Travel insurance. Obtain travellers cheques and British currency for use during first few days or weeks. Obtain a letter of explanation from your doctor for any prescribed drugs you may need to bring with you. Medical insurance if you are here for less than 6 months. Visit the dentist/optician as care can be expensive in the UK. Medical certificate if necessary. If you are arriving into London in the evening, consider pre-booking a hotel in London for your first night. Entry visa if applicable. Remember your passport!

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