Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 30) 30 ADVICE AND INFORMATION www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK SPONSORED BY SERVICE AT YOUR WHEN YOU GET HERE Studying in a strange country can be a daunting experience but universities understand that there are certain issues that will concern you, which is why they have dedicated support services in place to ensure you get the most out of your time here. Once you’ve arrived at the university, there will be an orientation programme to help you settle in. Programmes will differ depending on where you study. At MMU, the orientation is a three-day programme of events, which BEFORE YOU SET OFF includes a tour of the University, an introduction to the Before you have even left home, universities will have student support services and day trips to visit other parts information ready to send to you on what to bring with you }of the UK. There is also an induction week run by each and what to expect when you get here. department and organised activities take place At Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), for throughout the year. example, students receive a guide to life at the University ‘There were activities planned through the week to and what services are there to help them. Discover MMU help us get to know each other and to find our way contains information on accommodation, healthcare, around the city,’ says Jia. immigration, opening a bank account and childcare. ‘We were taken to the best places to shop for food It also has a handy checklist on what you need to bring and shown how and where we could use our library and with you before you leave home, such as your passport, visa, student cards. acceptance letters and details on where you are going. Most ‘They also took us to Alton Towers, a big theme park, universities have an airport pick-up service to collect you and to other cities, like York and Oxford, so we got a when you arrive but it is still a good idea to have the address chance to see other parts of the country.’ of where you are travelling to, just in case you get lost. Nicola Walton is the International Students’ Welfare ‘The guide follows a student’s journey from arriving in Officer at MMU. She says the orientation programme is Manchester to starting their first class and settling into life,’ explains MMU International Officer Rachel Knutton. to encourage students to make friends and to feel a part of the University. Jia Wang is studying an MA in International Human ‘We give our students as much information as they Resource Management at the University. She says the need, as well organising activities to make them feel information provided by MMU was extremely helpful. welcome,’ explains Nicola. ‘Before I came to the University, I received newsletters ‘We make sure students know we are here and that with details on how to apply for accommodation, how to pay there are services to help them. We don’t want them to my fees and what I needed to bring with me,’ says Jia. ‘I was also collected from the airport when I arrived and be lonely or to worry about where to go if they need taken to my accommodation. It really helped to be met by a help. We also have student ambassadors for students to friendly face after such a long trip.’ talk to if they do have any problems.’ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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