HARTPURY_PASSPORT_2024

XX

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

#ComingtoHartpury2024

www.hartpury.ac.uk

DEPART

DESTINATION

>

Contents 4 Your passport to Hartpury 5 Key dates for 2024/25 6 Meet our international student ambassadors Before your arrive 8 Your journey to Hartpury

10 Planning your budget 11 Getting ready to travel 12 Your travel checklist 14 Arriving in the UK When you arrive 16 Welcome to Hartpury 18 Advice from our students 20 Your first week 22 Exploring Gloucestershire 23 Eating out, eating in 24 Exploring the UK and beyond 26 Making friends 28 Working in the UK 29 Your support services 30 Staying safe 31 Visa responsibilities 32 Key contacts

TRAVEL DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Flight or travel tickets Passport (check it is valid) Visa (if applicable) British currency Hartpury acceptance letter Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number Proof of travel insurance Original qualification certificates Proof of payment of your tuition fees Medical and prescription records (if you have any pre-existing condition – with English translation, if necessary) Vaccination record information Your Enrolment Guide (included with this passport) Your Passport to Hartpury (this document)

51° 55’ 26.796’’ N | 2° 17’ 36.636’’ W

>

>

HARTPURY

+

GLOUCESTER, UNITED KINGDOM

Do not forget to carry any medications that you are currently taking in your hand luggage

04

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Your passport to Hartpury We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Hartpury in September*. This guide contains everything you need to prepare for a smooth arrival into the UK. It will also help you when you are settling into your new life as part of the Hartpury family. Our outstanding support is just one of the reasons you have made a great choice to study at Hartpury. We’re committed to helping you get the best from your experience at every step. That means you will be collected from the airport, experience a welcome programme planned with you in mind, and benefit from our dedicated support teams.

How to get the most from this guide Keep this guide handy as you prepare to join us. It covers all the things you need to do before joining us in September and the key steps to take during your first few days in the UK. Don't forget to bring it with you. Use the checklists to help you prepare Visit your online enrolment hub to keep up to date with the latest information about #ComingtoHartpury2024 Hartpury College students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/comingtohartpury Hartpury University undergraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/ug-hub Hartpury University postgraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-hub If you are a Hartpury University student, join your Coming to Hartpury 2024 Facebook group to connect and make friends with other students joining Hartpury University in September www.hartpury.ac.uk/facebook-cth-2024 Password: #Hartpuryfamily

On campus you will find Hartpury students from more than 60 countries

*Subject to meeting entry requirements

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

05

26 July 2025 End of academic year – undergraduate 26 July – 23 August Holiday break – postgraduate 6 September End of academic year – postgraduate

Your key dates for 2024/25 Hartpury College (A-levels, diplomas, and Access to HE) 1 September 2024 Residential Move-in Day – please check your enrolment guide for the moving in timeslots for your accommodation. 2 – 6 September 2024 Enrolment – please check your enrolment guide for the enrolment date and time for your course. 26 October – 3 November 2024 Holiday break 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 Holiday break 15 – 23 February 2025 Holiday break 5 – 27 April 2024 Holiday break – BTEC and Access to HE 12 April – 27 April 2025 Holiday break – A-level 12 April – 27 April 2025 Hartpury University (undergraduate and postgraduate) 12 – 13 September 2024 Postgraduate Induction 13 – 14 September 2024 International Orientation 15 – 22 September 2024 Undergraduate Welcome and Freshers’ Week 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 Holiday break 5 April – 27 April 2025 Holiday break 14 June – 6 July 2025 Holiday break Holiday break – A-level 24 May – 1 June 2025 Holiday break – A-level 21 June 2025 End of academic year

“At Hartpury there are so many different people from so many different places all over the world. It is just incredible how many different people you meet. You come to the UK, and to Hartpury, and you realise that everything is so different. This teaches you more than you have ever learned before.”

Emily

Why not use your holiday breaks to get to know the UK better? On pages 24-25 you will find cities and regions you will love to discover.

Getting a part-time job is the ideal way to earn some extra money, enhance your employability and make new friends. Turn to page 28 for more details.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

06

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Meet Hartpury’s international student ambassadors Our international student ambassadors are here to help you. They have been in your shoes and have successfully settled into a new country. They have lots of helpful advice for you – both in this guide and when you arrive on campus.

STUDENTS’ UNION

Martyna Spain

Eliza Australia

Skai Latvia

“Moving to England was a truly life-changing experience. I travelled to Hartpury campus the year I turned 18 and it was my first time living away from home. It was daunting but, at the same time, extremely exciting because I knew I was on the path to making my dreams come true.”

“A lot of my worries in the lead up to coming to university were about making friends. I wish I hadn’t been so stressed! Whether you are living on campus or elsewhere, there are so many opportunities to meet new people. From Freshers’ Week activities, to the people in your tutor group and lectures, you will meet students from all around the world.”

“There are a lot of people from all over the world residing here. It is amazing to think how so many people with diverse and unique histories and experiences have been able to come together and coexist here.”

Ana Spain

Emily Lanzarote, Spain

Zuraiz Pakistan

“The main difference between home and the UK is that in the UK I have met people from all over the world, with very different cultures, which is amazing. At Hartpury, despite the different nationalities, everyone has one thing in common, our passion for our degrees and our hobbies.”

“The first few days were a mix of emotions. When I first got here, I was sad about leaving home, but I was so excited to finally be at Hartpury. Once I had moved all of my stuff in and settled down in my room, I slowly started getting more comfortable and used to my surroundings.”

“I felt at home from day one and supported by lecturers and other staff. The international admissions leader was fantastic, supporting with

my visa and helping me settle in. My experience is more than amazing.”

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

07

“When I arrived in the UK I settled in fairly easily. Just a heads up, when your friends ask you to join them for ‘tea’ one evening, it doesn’t mean you will be drinking tea in the evening, it means you will be having a meal. On a serious note, everyone is very friendly, warm and always asks if you are well.”

Dhruvpal India

We've been voted 14th in the UK for Student Experience. (Graduate Outcomes, 2023) 14th in the UK

Look for more great advice from our student ambassadors throughout this guide, as well as when you get here.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

Before we start, let’s check the following… By this point in your journey, you should already have:

2. Arranged your accommodation Get in contact with our Accommodation team now and they will let you know your options and provide advice: accommodation@hartpury.ac.uk

1. Accepted your offer Once you are confident that Hartpury is the right place for you, you will need to accept your offer to start your studies in September 2023. College, Top-up and Postgraduate : to accept your offer email international@hartpury.ac.uk Undergraduate : make us your firm choice in UCAS to secure your place. www.UCAS.com

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

09

4. Started your Student visa application (if you require one to study in the UK) If you need a visa to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a Student visa to cover your course. If you have not yet started your visa application, you will need to do this as soon as possible. You can start your application once you have paid your deposit, accepted and met all of the conditions of your offer. Go to www.hartpury.ac.uk/studentvisa to watch the video and read our guidance on applying for your visa. 3. Paid your deposit You will need to pay a deposit of 50% of your first-year tuition fees and confirm the payment method for the rest of fees to secure your place at Hartpury. If you have already accepted your offer, you should have already received an invoice from our Finance team with details on how to pay. If you have not received an invoice or have any questions on paying your fees, please contact our Finance team finance@hartpury.ac.uk

5. Book onto your Pre-departure briefing 25 July 2024, 2-3pm (UK time) Join your Pre-departure briefing to

ensure you are fully informed and prepared to travel to Hartpury in September. Book your place now: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pre-departurebriefing

If you have already completed these tasks – well done! If you still need to take one or both of these important steps, now is the time to do it.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

10

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Planning your budget Understanding your finances is a big part of your student experience. Being in charge of your budget is a good opportunity to gain an important life skill. Managing your own budget might be a new responsibility for you but it is easy to get organised.

How to make your money go further

Read our funding your studies guidance on living costs and budgeting. www.hartpury.ac.uk/uni living-costs

Download a budgeting app or see whether your bank offers one.

Visit the Save the Student website, which has lots of useful guidance about student budgeting, finance and money saving tips. www.savethestudent.org Earn while you learn. There are plenty of jobs available at Hartpury and the surrounding areas. Many offer flexible hours around your studies and Student visa requirements.

Here’s how some of our student ambassadors manage their money ...

“Some shops offer a student discount if you show them your Hartpury ID so it is always worth asking.” Dhruvpal

Have a cheap, fun night in by cooking with your housemates.

“It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the new things you see. My advice is, do not blow all your money in one go. Create a plan and stick to it so you can make the most of your time here and invest in your future.” Martyna

When buying books, check the library and go online to buy second-hand copies.

Ask yourself if you really need to buy that top, shoes or coffee!

“Give yourself a weekly or monthly allowance as this will help you keep on track. It is also important to keep in mind that you are here to learn and to have fun, so make sure you keep some money for doing activities with friends.” Emily

Always look out for shops that offer a student discount.

Our Finance team can help you manage your finances and give you more money-saving ideas.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

11

Getting ready to travel Booking your free collection from the airport We offer a free collection service from London, Birmingham and Bristol airports, for all new international students when you first arrive in the UK. Once you book your collection, our transport team will be in touch to provide all the information you need to meet your driver in the arrivals area. If you choose not to use our collection service, all three airports have rail links to Gloucester. Hartpury is just a short bus or taxi journey from the train station.

Birmingham : 1 hour

“Everything is well organised so transitioning from the arrivals,

immigration and grabbing luggage is very straightforward. Transport can be organised in advance through Hartpury and the communication is always reassuring.” Dhruvpal

Bristol : 1 hour

London Heathrow : 2 hours

Confirm your arrival Complete the student arrivals information form to confirm your travel and arrival details: www.hartpury.ac.uk/ internationalarrivalform

Book your airport collection Go to estore.hartpury.ac.uk and click on the Product Catalogue. Select Airport Transfer which is close to the top of the list.

If you are travelling from another destination in the UK, see more options for travelling to Hartpury at www.hartpury.ac.uk/findus

www.hartpury.ac.uk

12

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

What you need to bring with you Our international students tell us that making decisions about what to pack in your suitcase is a challenge! Try not to bring too much. You can buy lots of the everyday items you need at a reasonable price when you arrive. There are some things you definitely need to bring though. Here is our advice on tactical packing.

What to pack? What to buy in the UK? Although you are coming for a long time, remember you can buy all the basics in the UK. This will leave you with more room in your suitcase for items that have more meaning for you. If you have booked the all-inclusive package, you will have the following essential items in your room in time for your arrival. If you haven’t booked the all-inclusive package but would like us to supply these items for when you arrive, you can purchase these items in our online store estore.hartpury.ac.uk . Click ‘Product Catalogue’, select ‘Non-invoiced Student Charges’, ‘Welcome Packs’.

Important items for your hand luggage When you arrive in the UK, you may be asked to show some documents when you pass through immigration. You should travel with all the following in your hand luggage. Flight or travel tickets Passport (check it is valid) Visa (if applicable) British currency Hartpury acceptance letter Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number Proof of travel insurance Original qualification certificates Proof of payment of your tuition fees Medical and prescription records (if you have any pre-existing condition – with English translation, if necessary) Vaccination record information Your Enrolment Guide (included with this guide) Your Passport to Hartpury (this guide)

Bed linen standard single size Duvet Pillows Towels Basic cutlery/crockery/mugs Tea towels

Below is a list of additional items you will need in your first week. We recommend you either plan to bring these items with you or buy them in nearby Gloucester. Toiletries/stationery Cooking utensils and pans for self-

catered accommodation Laptop and mobile phone Adapter plug for electrical devices

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

13

What kinds of clothes should I pack? Students enrolling at Hartpury College, the kit list for your course is included in Your Enrolment Pack available at www.hartpury.ac.uk/comingtohartpury Hartpury University students can access the kit lists on your enrolment hub: Undergraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/ug-hub Postgraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-hub You will experience a range of temperatures throughout the year at Hartpury so plan for cold winter weather as well as sunny summer days. And, of course, bring your waterproofs!

Packing advice from our international student ambassadors

“Bring lots of photos with you. When you arrive, your room is a blank canvas and photos are the best way to make it feel like home without taking up too much room in your suitcase.” Martyna

“Make sure to account for changes in the weather – even in the middle of autumn we get warm weather or cold and rainy days, so be prepared for everything. Prioritise anything you might need that you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of money on buying in the UK, such as footwear and outerwear.” Skai “If you are coming from summer to winter, or from a warmer country, prepare for a cold winter. It may say seven degrees, but it really feels like two! Do not worry though, you will acclimatise!” Eliza “Hartpury organises a trip to Ikea during Freshers’ Week where you can buy cookware as well as homeware to make your room more cosy. Ikea also delivers.” Dhruvpal

More tips for a smooth trip

Bring some British currency in case you need to buy anything immediately.

Once you have packed everything, weigh your suitcase to ensure it is within your airline’s baggage allowance. If you have to change flights at another airport, depending on your nationality you may need a transit visa, so check in advance what is required. Check which items you are not able to bring into the UK. See www.gov.uk/guidance/ personal-food-plant-and-animal-product imports Check which items are permitted (and not permitted) in your room in the Residential Handbook Hartpury College: www.hartpury.ac.uk/college-accommodation Hartpury University: www.hartpury.ac.uk/accommodation

www.hartpury.ac.uk

14

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Arriving at the airport

When you arrive in the UK, you will have to show your passport or identity card as well as your entry visa (or temporary travel vignette) to a UK Border Force officer. .

TERMINAL

Can I use an ePassport gate? As it will be your first time entering the UK on your Student visa, we recommend you do not use an ePassport gate and instead go to an officer at an immigration desk.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

15

Passing through border control A Border Force officer will check your travel and visa documents so make sure you have everything you need in your hand luggage (refer to the list on page 12). They may ask you some questions, such as why you are coming to the UK to study or what your future plans are. Make sure you have hard copies of all your important documents and do not rely on digital versions.

Once you have cleared immigration, you can collect your baggage.

Customs and baggage checks After collecting your baggage, you must walk through the customs area to leave the airport. If you have nothing to declare, you can pass through the green channel. If you have goods to declare, you must pass through the red channel.

Customs officers can ask to inspect your baggage. If they make this request, you must co-operate. You can read more on UK customs at www.gov.uk/government/ publications/travelling-to-the-uk

Welcome to the UK! Once you have left the customs area you are free to find your driver (if you are being collected) and start your journey to Hartpury. If your flight is cancelled, delayed or you are not on your flight, you must telephone our International team on 00 44 (0) 1452 702344 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or our Transport team on 00 44 (0) 7975 951267 , so they can inform the driver.

>

HARTPURY

www.hartpury.ac.uk

16

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Welcome to our beautiful campus. This is the start of a very exciting time for you. You just have a few more steps to take to help you settle into your new life as a student in the UK. You have made it to Hartpury

Enrolment Enrolment is the physical process of registering on your study programme. During this procedure you will meet your classmates, members of the Finance, Accommodation and Wellbeing teams, as well as representatives from the Students’ Union and your programme leaders.

You will find your enrolment date and time in your enrolment guide. It is really important you attend so you can get started on your course with your classmates.

You can find your enrolment guide at: Hartpury College students:

www.hartpury.ac.uk/comingtohartpury Hartpury University undergraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/ug-hub Hartpury University postgraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-hub

Familiarise yourself with your new home before you arrive. Take a virtual tour of the campus at www.hartpury. ac.uk/uni-virtual-tour

Checking into your accommodation If you have Hartpury on-site accommodation, you will receive your key and Student ID card to move into your room. The student ID card opens the entrance door of your halls and a separate key is used to access your room. The fobs restrict access to on-campus accommodation and are an important tool in helping us keep our students safe. They must be used each time you enter and exit your residential hall. During enrolment, our Residential Support team and student ambassadors will be able to direct you and help you settle into your new room.

Pay attention to the Accommodation team’s advice. You should also take time to read the Residential Handbook and Accommodation guide so you can follow the guidelines in these booklets. College: www.hartpury.ac.uk/college-accommodation University: www.hartpury.ac.uk/accommodation

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

17

“As soon as I approached people and started talking to them, I realised it was not as scary as it seemed. Every single person was SO nice; they all felt the same as me and we all realised we were in the same boat.” Emily

International Welcome programme

From Sunday 1 September

Once you arrive on campus on 1 September, you will be welcomed by the International team who will do your visa checks and ensure you know how to access all the help you need. Within your first week you’ll be invited to the International Welcome lunch, with our support teams to ensure you are settling into your new life at Hartpury.

There are lots of people who can support you, not only during your first week but all the way through your time at Hartpury.

“Freshers’ Week was an opportunity to make lots of new friends at fun events, such as themed parties, movie nights and quizzes. The first week was pure excitement, I did not have much time to feel homesick and I made friendships that have made my Hartpury experience so much better.” Martyna

Hartpury University International Orientation

Friday 13 September

Your international welcome event is from Friday 13 to Saturday 14 September 2024 and will be full of activities designed just for you. You will meet Hartpury’s support teams, learn about what’s happening during Freshers’ Week, take a trip to the nearby city of Gloucester and make new friends on campus, you will also be moving into your university accommodation.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

Words of wisdom from our student ambassadors “Be prepared to learn quickly how British people greet each other in passing, for example “Hi, how are you?” and ”I’m good, thanks!” Get comfortable with these phrases so you do not end up in a situation where you are asking how the other person is after they’ve walked past you!” Skai “In your residential block, knock on people’s doors and introduce yourself. It is always nice to know you are not alone and that you are able to speak to your neighbour if you need anything.” Emily

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

19

“Most books required for our courses are available to borrow for long periods from the library, or can be downloaded in eBook form. You can even buy them second hand to save money.” Eliza “The Students' Union has plenty of clubs, societies and activities for you to choose from. To join, you do not need any previous experience and you will get to know a lot of people with similar interests. The Students' Union can even help you to create a new club.” Martyna www.hartpury.ac.uk

“There is plenty to see and do in Gloucestershire, including Gloucester Quays, the Cotswolds, Cheltenham, and Forest of Dean. I also enjoy spending time on campus by the lake.” Dhruvpal

20

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Getting organised

Your to-do list for your first week will look something like this:

Collect your biometric residence permit (if you need one)

Register with a doctor

Set up your phone and internet connections

Open a UK bank account

Learn how to get around

Get used to planning your own meals

Collecting your biometric residence permit (if you need one) A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is a card used to prove your right to stay, study and work in the UK. UKVI are in the process of phasing out BRPs in favour of the new eVisa online immigration system. However some BRPs are still being issued at this time. When completing your visa application form online, if you are presented with the question: ‘If you need a biometric residence permit (BRP) in the UK, where do you want to collect it from?’, please click the option ‘Collect from an alternative location (for example, our sponsor)’. You will then need to enter Hartpury’s Alternative Collection Location (ACL) which is 2FE252. This will ensure that your BRP will be sent directly to Hartpury and you will be able to collect it at enrolment. If you do not enter this, your BRP will be sent to the local Post Office for you to collect.

Registering with a doctor Student visa holders (who have paid the NHS surcharge as part of their visa applications) will be able to access the UK’s National Health System (NHS) and its services during their time at Hartpury. With access to the NHS, you will be able to register with a doctor (also known as a GP or General Practitioner). The form is easy to complete and the Wellbeing team can answer any questions you have. If you are feeling unwell, you can either see one of our on-site nurses or book an appointment with a local GP who will treat you and, if required, refer you for specialist care. If the GP surgery is closed and your health concern is urgent, you can contact the NHS by dialling 111 – this line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If it is a medical emergency you can call 999 .

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

21

Opening a UK bank account Opening a UK bank account is a good idea. You will need one for paying your rent and bills and transferring money from overseas. If you decide to work part-time during your studies, it is likely that your employer will pay your wages into your bank account. The HSBC Area team will be on campus during International Orientation and can help you to set up an account. Please see the arrival form for more details. Tips for opening a bank account Before deciding which bank you want to use, you should compare which services they can offer you and which fees and benefits they include. The Save the Student website has information on UK bank accounts for international students and on digital banks that you may find useful. When you decide which bank to open an account with, contact Hartpury’s International team and request a letter to submit to the bank. This letter confirms your address and course details and can only be issued once you are fully enrolled.

Set up your phone and internet connections

Some students prefer to keep their existing mobile phone, but if you decide to get a UK mobile, you will have two options: pay as-you-go or taking a 12, 18 or 24 month contract. There are several providers in the UK including EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. We have an EE mast on site. If you are looking to get a phone contract when you get here, this could give you a strong signal. Pay-as-you-go phone Purchase a phone and minutes/text/data bundle, which you can top up as needed with vouchers, online or in-store at the provider. If you are using your phone purely for communication in the UK, this may be the most cost effective option for you. Contract phone This option will require you to have a UK bank account in order to make regular monthly payments towards your chosen package. Shop around for the best deals. Internet access All students on campus have free access to the Hartpury network (Eduroam), which allows fast wireless internet access in all student bedrooms and various locations around campus. A wired network port is also provided in each bedroom to allow students to connect their desktop computer, games console or Smart TV to the internet. The required network cable (ethernet cable) can be purchased from Student Services for £5 or you can bring your own.

Ask your bank at home if they have a special agreement with a UK bank

Visit Save the Student website: www.savethestudent.org/ international-students

Students with off campus accommodation can also access Hartpury Wi-Fi when on site.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

22

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Destination Gloucestershire

As a Hartpury student, you will have world-famous festivals, international standard sports facilities and an incredible mix of music, venues and nightlife around you. Find out more about your new study destination: www.hartpury.ac.uk/gloucestershire

Getting around Public buses to Gloucester stop regularly on campus. From there you can travel easily to other local places. We have a preferential service with a taxi company whose drivers have been DBS checked (a public service to help employers make safer recruitment decisions) and know the campus well. If you plan to use a car to travel to and from campus, you will need to purchase a car park pass from the online store. Go to estore.hartpury.ac.uk and search for ‘car parking permit’ or find it under the ‘non-invoiced student charges’ section.

"There's so much to see and do at Gloucester Quays. There’s a shopping centre full of famous

brands and amazing places to eat. Over the Christmas holidays, you can go ice skating with your friends. It is such a nice day out in Gloucester.” Emily

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

23

“I’m sure you will not have too much trouble finding the kinds of food you like. There’s a wide range available in every grocery store. The chances are you will even be able to find authentic products from your home country here.” Skai

Eating out, eating in If you get hungry on campus or just want to meet friends for a coffee, there are plenty of places to choose from. Graze, our brand new campus refectory, and The Feed Room in the equine centre are the two best places to find main meals, and well as hot and cold food and drinks to grab on the go. There’s also Legends Bar (over 18s) and Subs Your Way for a mid-study drink or snack. There are lots of pubs, restaurants, cafés and street food outlets in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

If you are in self catered accommodation and plan to cook your own meals, there are several supermarkets in Gloucester including some within access of the local bus route. Well known food retailers include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. You will also find independent food shops in Gloucester selling ingredients from all over the world.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

24

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Exploring the UK and beyond Living in a new country is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. Once Hartpury and Gloucestershire start to feel like home, you can begin to explore all four of the nations that make up the UK. What’s more, the UK is a great springboard for exploring Europe; close to many fascinating cities, landscapes and cultures.

The Scottish Highlands

SCOTLAND

London, UK

Edinburgh’s Royal mile

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

Causeway Coastal Route

BELFAST

IRELAND

Lake District National Park

ENGLAND

MANCHESTER

“I have been here for two years and I have so much left to explore, it never gets boring.” Martyna

LIVERPOOL

BIRMINGHAM

Snowdonia National Park

WALES

OXFORD

CARDIFF

BRISTOL

LONDON

Our student experience team runs weekend bus trips at very cheap prices, to different cities across the UK.

BRIGHTON

Cornish Coast

ISLE OF WIGHT

ST IVES

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

25

Going further Fancy something completely different? These cities are all easily accessible from the UK.

Paris, France

Berlin, Germany

Madrid, Spain

Dublin, Ireland > 1hr Ireland’s welcoming capital famous for the ‘craic’, a Gaelic word that roughly translates to ‘good times’. You will discover traditional Irish music, make new friends and enjoy Irish hospitality at its best. www.visitdublin.com Paris, France > 1hr 20min The ‘City of Light’ is quick to access by air or, from London, by rail. Choose from hundreds of art galleries, gaze across the rooftops from the top of the Eiffel Tower and try world-famous French cuisine, from delicious patisserie to garlicky snails! en.parisinfo.com Do like the Dutch and grab a bike to explore this picture-perfect city on two wheels. Or you could take a tour along one of Amsterdam’s canals and admire the beautiful buildings lining the banks. www.netherlands-tourism.com Amsterdam, The Netherlands > 1hr 15min

Berlin, Germany > 3hr 20min Packed with museums and known for its edgy culture, Berlin is home to experimental art, quirky fashion, and cutting-edge bars and clubs. Take a guided cycling tour along a section of the Berlin Wall to learn more about the period when the city was divided in two. www.visitberlin.de Madrid, Spain > 2hr 15min With its street culture, stylish shops and late-night tapas bars, Madrid offers a truly Spanish experience. Thanks to the city’s metro system, it is easy to get around and is a great destination if you are missing the sunshine of your home country. www.esmadrid.com

www.hartpury.ac.uk

26

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Making friends Moving to a place where you do not know anyone can be daunting, so we try to make it as easy as possible for you to make new friends. During your first few weeks, you will find lots of special events where all new students can find people with similar interests and passions. The important thing is to be as involved as you can. Before you know it, you will feel like you have been part of the #HartpuryFamily forever!

Top tips for making new friends

Get to know your housemates: you are all in a brand new environment together, no matter whether you are from overseas or the UK.

Come along to as many Welcome and Freshers' Week events as you can. It is a great opportunity to meet everyone and have some fun.

The Students’ Union can play a big part in helping you settle in. Run by students for students, it is here to help you get involved in Hartpury life, meet new people and grow as a person. During your first few weeks, commit to trying something new. It might be a new sport, a volunteering role or a part-time job. Any of these will bring you new confidence and skills, and a wider social circle.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

27

Your Students’ Union When you enrol, you will automatically become a member of the Hartpury Students’ Union. With nearly 4,500 members, the Students’ Union is your hub for connecting with like-minded people and getting involved in activities, sports and hobbies. You will also find information about volunteering and paid jobs. Our current clubs range from from Equestrian Club, Green Leaders, and LGBTQ+, to Gaming Group, Polo and many more. We also have a International society for all students from outside the UK! There is something to interest everyone. While some of our students take their sport all the way to elite levels of performance through our Sports Academies, Hartpury is also a great place to play for fun. Many students widen their social circles through Hartpury Active, our dedicated programme for enjoying physical activity and recreational sport on a casual basis.

Missing home Homesickness is something that many students moving away from home for the first time experience, even those from the UK. For the majority, this feeling passes quickly as they begin to make new friends and settle in. We know that you will be getting to grips with many new things in the first few weeks at Hartpury. Try to remember that almost all of our students are in the same situation. In a few weeks you will be friends with people who will be in your life for longer than the duration of your time at Hartpury. If you do find that you are struggling with being away from your family and friends, please reach out to the Wellbeing team or the Residential Support team.

“My advice for making friends? Just go for it! Be kind and friendly and it will pay off. Everyone has had to leave their old friends and life behind when they started uni, so we are all keen on forming new friendships.” Skai

Visit the Students’ Union website to start planning at https://hartpurysu.co.uk/

“While many students cannot wait to enjoy the social side of university, there may be some who do not enjoy going out as much. I was exactly the same, and the great thing is that no one will judge you for your decisions. There are plenty of fantastic quiet social events that Hartpury organises for those who like to stay in.” Eliza

STUDENTS’ UNION

www.hartpury.ac.uk

28

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Working while you study Many of our international students choose to work part-time while they are at Hartpury. There are lots of good reasons to consider taking a part-time job: Make extra money to spend on social, cultural and travel activities Gain skills to impress your future employers Get work experience in your chosen area of interest Challenge yourself to do something new Make new friends and contacts outside your course

Some jobs will not even require you to leave campus. Many students take roles as student ambassadors, or work at the Equine Yard or in Legends Bar. There are lots of jobs available off campus too, in areas such as retail and hospitality. You will find plenty of companies advertising for new staff during your first few weeks.

“Finding a job as a Hartpury student is not difficult. The Innovation, Careers and Enterprise team is of great help, especially if you have a specific area of interest. I did not expect to find a paid job my first month, but I had the amazing opportunity to become a student ambassador.” Martyna

Need to know – working in the UK

On a Student visa, university students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. College students can work up to 10 hours per week during term time. To get a job, you will need a UK bank account and a National Insurance number, which is your unique tax and employment reference number. National Insurance numbers are free; you will receive information about applying for your National Insurance number at your enrolment. www.gov.uk/apply-national insurance-number

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

29

How we support you As part of the #HartpuryFamily , you will have lots of support around you to help you achieve your goals.

Support 1 #

University for Academic

NSS 2023, English Universities

“The sense of community is very reassuring. I absolutely appreciate the support provided by our lecturers. We are always encouraged to keep an open line of communication with them to discuss any issues.” Dhruvpal

Supporting you in your studies Your programme manager or subject lead and personal tutor are here to support you academically. In addition, you can also approach the Library team, based in your learning centre. Your academic, learning and wellbeing support teams are also here to help you when you need it.

“There is a high chance you may find yourself confused with visas, or your

eligibility to get a job, or even your payment plans. The International team is fantastic and will do everything in their power to help you and are always available for a chat.” Eliza

Ensuring your wellbeing and safety Each accommodation block is looked after by the Residential Support team who you can call on when you need help. For emergencies, the Residential Support team are on call 24 hours a day. The Student Wellbeing team is here to support your physical and mental health. The team includes qualified counsellors, nurses and wellbeing officers to provide guidance when you need it. We have spaces for quiet reflection or prayer and our chaplain will offer a reassuring ear to those of all faiths (or none). During office hours, the team in Student Services at the main reception can point you to the teams you need to help you.

Helping you navigate life in the UK The International team understands the issues that affect our international students and will be able to support you with everything from homesickness to visa issues.

Our most popular support expert is Ralph the Labrador. Our much-loved therapy dog has been assessed for his ability to provide companionship and emotional support and is registered with the charity Pets At Therapy.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

30

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

Keeping you safe We take your safety and wellbeing seriously and prioritise it at all times. The UK is a multicultural society; people from all over the world come to live, study and work here. Most towns and cities have a diverse mix of cultures and places of worship. Gloucester has been welcoming people from all over the world for decades. On campus security A barrier system monitors all vehicles entering the campus. Card controlled entry on all learning spaces ensures that only those with student cards may enter. Our accommodation halls also operate with card-controlled entry. Access is only granted to students who live within the hall and a key will be provided for your room. Card-controlled entry is one of the tools we use to help keep our students safe. You must use your Student-ID card each time you enter and exit your accommodation hall. Students at Hartpury College who are under 18 must register daily with our Residential Support team.

Online security The IT team and Safeguarding teams work hard to keep all our students and staff safe online. Everyone using on-site equipment must adhere to our robust internet safety measures.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

PASSPORT TO HARTPURY

31

Your visa responsibilities If you hold a Student visa to study with us, both you and your visa sponsor (Hartpury University and Hartpury College) have responsibilities to the UK Home Office. Together we must ensure you meet the requirements of your visa .

Before enrolment, you must notify Hartpury if: your visa is refused or cancelled you cannot start your course on the agreed dates you wish to cancel or defer your studies, or you wish to change course During enrolment, you must: provide a copy of your current valid passport and visa/documentation to show that a visa has been awarded complete immigration checks with the International team Throughout your studies, you must: adhere to the conditions of your visa make all relevant tuition fee payments keep your contact details up to date talk to your programme manager if you will be absent report any changes in your circumstances (including change

of address) to the UKVI and the International team abide by all other Hartpury Terms and Conditions

attend all lectures/seminars and fully engage with your study programme. Your attendance will be monitored carefully.

Hartpury’s responsibilities As your visa sponsor, we are legally obliged to fulfil a number of duties that include keeping a record of your contact details, recording and monitoring your attendance to ensure that you are engaging with your programme. and keeping copies of your visa documents. We also have a requirement to report information to UKVI for all students who have been issued a CAS by Hartpury, including the breach of any of the above conditions.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

Useful contacts

International international@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702344 Student Finance (university) studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702697 Finance (University & College) finance@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702148 Accommodation accommodation@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702352 Achievement and Success Centre asc@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702292 Learning Support learningsupport@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702478 Sports Academy sportsacademy@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702688

Wellbeing wellbeing@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702327

Residential Support team residentialsupportteam@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 7768 091041

Chaplaincy chaplaincy@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702194

Nurses nurse@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702109 +44 (0) 1452 702174

Absence Officer +44 (0) 1452 702525

Counsellors +44 (0) 1452 702326 +44 (0) 7788 148357 studentcounselling@hartpury.ac.uk Safeguarding and Wellbeing +44 (0) 1452 702495 +44 (0) 7788 148358 safeguarding@hartpury.ac.uk

Hartpury University and Hartpury College, Hartpury House Gloucester GL19 3BE T: 01452 702 100 | www.hartpury.ac.uk