International Students

International Students' Services

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Applying for a Student Visa:

When you apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa via the UK Border Agency (UKBA) points based system you must include a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) number:

  • PUIC will send your CAS number and details once you confirm acceptance of your Unconditional Offer of a place to study, by completing the Acceptance of Offer Form and paying your Course Fee deposit.

  • Your CAS number will be sent in the form of a 'CAS statement'. This will also include important information needed for your visa application.

  • You can only apply for your visa three months or less before the start of your course, but we advise you to apply as soon as possible to avoid any delays in commencing your studies.

  • The start date for your course is published on your CAS statement. If you plan to arrive later than your course start date or on a different date you must let us know. This is very important as we must inform the UK Border Agency (UKBA) if you do not arrive on time.

  • When your visa is issued it will include your CAS number as supplied on the CAS statement.

Keeping and Understanding a Student Visa:

All international students must comply with current visa conditions and regulations determined by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA). It is the responsibility of each individual student to maintain up to date entry clearance to the UK. For more detailed information on current visa conditions and regulations visit the UKBA website - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Deferring the Commencement of your Course

Students who are unable to commence the course they have accepted should write to the PUIC Admission Office requesting a deferment of commencement of the course to the next available semester.

Change of Course

Students may be eligible to change their course at PUIC after arrival. To apply for a "change of course" the student must complete and submit the Change of Course application, which can be completed through the PUIC front desk. Changing your course may have student visa implications and this must be discussed with the Director of Academic and Support Services prior to submitting the application.

Leave of Absence

An application for a leave of absence outside the UK can only be approved on compassionate or compelling grounds when supported by substantial documentation. A student who is granted leave of absence will be required to depart the UK within 28 days of the approval date of leave and show evidence of this departure. It is the responsibility of PUIC to notify the UKBA when a student is granted a leave of absence.

Permission to Work

Students will automatically receive permission to work with their visa grant. This enables you to work up to 20 hours per week whilst classes are in session and unrestricted hours during the semester breaks.

Course Completion within Expected Duration

International students are required to complete their course within the expected duration as stated in your Offer Letter and CAS statement. A student must enrol full time to complete the course within the expected duration.

Finances

You must maintain enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses for yourself, your spouse and your dependent children, if applicable, for the whole duration of your stay in the UK.

Under 18 Students

The parent/legal guardian of a student under the age of 18 years at the time of Acceptance of Offer, must communicate with PUIC and discuss/implement the student's welfare and accommodation arrangements. Some of the PUIC requirements for under-18 year old students are noted below:

  1. Appoint a guardian in the UK - this can be either a friend or family member who is living in the UK and is over the age of 21 or a designated guardianship institution, such as Clarendon International. Please click HERE for more details.

  2. PUIC will assign the student a room within a safe and secure property within a five minute walk from the PUIC.

  3. If an under 18 year old student wishes to stay in privately managed accommodation, PUIC will need a confirmation letter from the parent/legal guardian with regard to this arrangement.

Student Visa Conditions

Student visas are granted subject to a number of mandatory and discretionary conditions. International students are required to comply with these conditions while studying in the UK.

Academic Progress

Students must make satisfactory academic progress each semester. Failure to achieve this will lead to students being "at risk" of not completing the course within the expected duration as stated in your Offer of Admission and the CAS statement. PUIC is obliged to report students to the UKBA for failing to meet satisfactory academic progress.

Attendance

Students must attend at least 95% of all scheduled classes during the semester. If illness or personal problems prevent you from maintaining 95% attendance at classes during the semester you must seek advice from a member of the Student Support team as soon as possible.

Accommodation

Students who require accommodation are given the opportunity to stay at a PUIC managed property or in high-quality, competitively priced accommodation provided through PUIC and a Plymouth University approved agent.

Flight Bookings

Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, therefore flights can be heavily booked. It is advisable to make a flight booking as soon as you have confirmed your enrolment with PUIC.

It is a good idea to plan to arrive at Heathrow approximately one week before Orientation and Enrolment to give yourself time to settle in, find permanent accommodation, open bank accounts and familiarise yourself with your new environment. This adjustment will be a major change to your normal routine and leaving your arrival to the last minute can create unnecessary difficulties.

Airport Meet and Greet Service

To assist you with your arrival in Heathrow, PUIC provides an airport meet and greet service. You will be met at the airport and escorted to a convenient mode of transport (train or coach) for your onward journey. A PUIC representative will then meet you at Plymouth. Please be advised that if you arrive on a weekend or after working hours (Monday to Friday 09:30-17:30) you will have to stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast within the Plymouth area. The PUIC Student Support team can provide contact details for convenient overnight accommodation. Throughout College working hours, Monday- Friday between 08:30 and 17:30, a representative from PUIC can meet you and escort you to your accommodation. If you require any further information please email the Student Support team on student.support@puic.plymouth.ac.uk.

Booking the Airport Meet and Greet Service

If you would like to take advantage of our meet and greet service you will need to provide the following information:

  • When you receive your pre-departure guide via email you will need to complete the application form which will ask for your personal details, flight information and your options regarding the meet and greet service. Once you have completed the form please send it to student.support@pdic.plymouth.ac.uk. You will then receive a confirmation email from the Student Support team. If you have any problems please ring: 0044 (0) 1752 411114 or the student support emergency number: 0044 (0) 7545 644257.

Information about Living in Plymouth

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Climate

The weather in Plymouth is temperate and mild with four distinct seasons. Students will need to have a range of clothing to cater for the seasonal climatic conditions. During winter you will need warm clothing.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Great British Pound (100 pence = £1.00). There are eight coins: £2 and £1 are gold; 50p, 20p, 10p and 5p are silver; 2p and 1p are copper. There are four notes: £50, £20, £10 and £5. Each note has a unique size, design and a different colour.
For currency conversion see: www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

Cost of Living

The cost of living depends on individual lifestyle. The UKBA and PUIC estimate that a single international student requires approximately £7,200 per year to live in Plymouth. This estimate does not include airfares, surplus travel or additional costs for those who choose to spend extra.

The first few weeks in the UK may be costly, due to an outlay of 'one-off' expenses. These may include temporary accommodation, rental deposit, cooking equipment, bedding, books, clothing, furnishings, etc.

Banking

Banks are open from Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings.

The main banks in Plymouth include Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Barclays and NatWest. Other financial institutions such as Building Societies, Credit Unions and Finance Companies can also be found. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for cash withdrawal are widespread throughout the UK.

When opening a bank account you will be asked to provide your passport and other forms of identification e.g. credit card, drivers licence, student ID card, and a letter confirming your attendance at the College. This can be requested at enrolment from a member of Student Services.

National Insurance Number

If you apply for or obtain employment while in the UK you must apply for a National Insurance Number. Student Services can help you with your application.

Students can obtain further information about applying for a job, your rights to work as a Tier 4 student, and National Insurance Numbers from PUIC or visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php

Public Transport

Plymouth's public transport system operates train and bus services throughout the city and generally operates between 5:00am and 12 midnight Monday to Saturday and 8:00am to 11:00pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The transport system offers a wide variety of fares which allow you to change from train to bus with the same ticket. Tickets are available through electronic vending machines at train stations, on board buses, and various shops.

Note: Student travel concessions are available in Plymouth on proof of valid ID as requested by the transport operator. Please check local travel websites for more information.

For more information about Plymouth's public transport visit: www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/transportandstreets/publictransport.htm

Safety and Induction

Being a student is an exciting time when you will make new friends and experience different learning opportunities. It is important to enjoy your city and your campus. Please take the time to read our Safety Flyer (available from Student Services upon request) for tips on assisting to protect yourself from unsafe situations. Ensure that you take note of the information supplied to you during the induction week concerning your safety and advice on what is available to students in Plymouth.

Social, Sporting Activities and the Students' Union

There are the usual social and sporting activities available in or around Plymouth. Of particular note is Plymouth's maritime heritage, which provides many opportunities to engage in a wide variety of water based attractions, such as the National Aquarium and water-sports - including sailing, wind-surfing and the like. Plymouth is very close to Dartmoor National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, to which regular excursions are arranged from the Plymouth University campus. Additionally, PUIC students are associate members of the Students' Union who organise a whole host of student oriented activities which you are encouraged to attend. Details can be found at www.upsu.com/.

For more Information on Plymouth