International students may find coming to a new country daunting. But we are always here to help you. Here are a few tips about your journey to the UK.
- Before you arrive use the Internet and discover as much as you can about living in England and familiarise yourself with our customs – for example we can get married at 16 years of age, drive a car at 17 years of age (with a valid driving licence and insurance) but we can’t drink until we are 18.
- Always carry copies of your travel documents and your passport’s data page – keep them separately from the originals.
- Don’t bring any valuables with you – if you would be upset to lose it, leave it at home.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you; bring just enough to cover your needs for the journey. Use a credit card to pay for hotels and train tickets.
- Never leave your luggage unattended and always make sure it is well labelled.
- Make sure you have travel and property / contents insurance
Driving in the UK (International students)
- To be able to drive a motor vehicle in the UK you will need to produce the following documentation.
- A full driving licence. This should permit the holder to drive legally in the UK without the need for a further driving test.
- A valid Certificate of Insurance to a minimum of Third Party cover.
- A current road fund licence (tax disc).
- A Ministry of Transport (MOT) Certificate of Roadworthiness (where applicable)
- If you do plan to buy a car in the UK please be aware that you will need all of the above.
- If you wish to look at any further information with respect to driving in the UK as an international student then please take a look at the following information:
http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/driving.php
Property marking
Don’t just think of doing it. As soon as you can after you arrive at Buckingham use a UV pen – available from the Students’ Union Office at the University – to write your name and University ID number on your valuables. You won’t be able to see it in normal light and it won’t damage your property, but if it is stolen and then recovered it will be identified as yours. Remember to record the make, model and serial number of any equipment to aid identification should it be necessary.
Contents insurance
It costs £900 to replace all the stuff stolen after an average burglary. Insurance is always much cheaper
Students often own plenty of items attractive to thieves – take a look around you. A selection of just 10 CDS can add up to £200.
Contents insurance policies provide the cover you need, taking into account your lifestyle and the fact your accommodation may be empty in the holidays, and would allow you to replace what’s stolen if you are unlucky.
Ask your parents if their contents insurance covers your property – sometimes it’s cheaper to add it on to their policy if that’s possible.
Shop around for the best price. If your bank balance can’t take it, think about only insuring your most expensive or irreplaceable items like your laptop or mobile phone individually.
Try to take your best things home with you in the holidays.
Security
The University of Buckingham is a safe rural campus, but even here you should take care. Be aware:
Laptops: If your laptop is stolen, how many weeks of hard work will go with it? Save yourself grief and cost by doing what you can to protect what’s yours… Laptops are mobile, but don’t carry yours around with you unless you have to. If you do need to take it with you, disguise it in a rucksack so people won’t know you have one. Never leave it on show in your room or car – nothing will secure it. Back up your work regularly and keep the discs separately from the laptop.
Mobile phones: Register your phone with your network operator – this makes it useless to anyone else if it is stolen. Record the number found behind the battery. These days it’s as easy to cancel a mobile phone as it is to cancel a credit card. The moment your phone is lost or stolen report it on 08701 123 123. Remember: If you make a call in a public place keep an eye on who is around you.
Cars: Believe it or not, most cars are stolen because they are left unlocked! Never leave the keys in the ignition, for example when paying for fuel. Hide keys and car documents at home. Get a car alarm, steering lock or immobiliser and use it! Always park in well lit areas where possible. Never leave anything in sight – even an old coat. Secure the sound system.
Bicycles: Use a sturdy lock; chains are okay but can be cut. Remove any extras like lights, etc. Mark your bike frame with the postcode of the University and your ID number.
TV & Music systems: Make sure that you don’t leave your TV, music system, personal CD, etc on show in your room or car. Make sure you have identified them with a UV pen (available from the Students’ Union Office). Make a note of the makes and serial numbers and keep in a safe place. If they are stolen it will be more likely you will get them back!