Postgrad UK 2008/2009 - (Page 32) 32 Advice and Information www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK At your service Moving to another 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. BEFORE YOU SET OFF Before you have even left home, universities will have information ready to send to you on what to bring with you and what to expect when you get here. At Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), for example, students receive a guide to life at the University and what services are there to help them. Discover MMU contains information on accommodation, healthcare, immigration, bank accounts and childcare. It also has a handy checklist on what you need to bring with you, such as your passport, visa, acceptance letters and details on where you are going. Most universities have an airport pick-up service to collect you from the airport but it is still a good idea to have the address of where you are travelling to, just in case you get lost. ‘The guide follows a student’s journey from arriving in Manchester to starting their first class and settling in to life,’ explains MMU International Officer Rachel Knutton. ‘It gives students details on what they need to prepare before they leave home and what they need to do when they arrive here.’ Jia Wang is studying an MA in International Human Resource Management at the University. She says the information provided by MMU was extremely helpful. ‘Before I came to the University, I received regular newsletters with details on how to apply for accommodation, how to pay my fees and what I needed to bring with me,’ says Jia. ‘I was also collected from the airport when I arrived and taken to my accommodation. It really helped to be met by a friendly face after such a long trip.’ WHEN YOU GET 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 includes a tour of the University, an introduction to the student support services and day trips to visit other parts of the UK. There is also an induction week run by each department and organised activities take place throughout the year. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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