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www.hartpury.ac.uk

Contents

4 Your passport to Hartpury 5 Key dates for 2021/22 6 Meet our international student ambassadors

Before your arrive 8 Your journey to Hartpury 9 Hartpury and Covid-19 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 international student ambassadors 20 Your first week 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

DEPART

DESTINATION

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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 Enrolment guide

Proof of payment of your tuition fees Medical and prescription records (If you have any pre-existing condition – with

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

English translation, if necessary Vaccination record information

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Don’t forget to carry any medications that you are currently taking in your hand luggage

GLOUCESTER, UNITED KINGDOM

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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’re settling into your new life as part of the Hartpury family. Our outstanding support is just one of the reasons you’ve 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’ll be collected from the airport, experience a welcome programme planned with you in mind, and benefit from our award-winning 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 you join us in September and the key steps you need to take during your first few days in the UK. Use the checklists to help you prepare Visit your online enrolment hub to keep up to date with the latest information about #ComingtoHartpury2021 Hartpury College students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/comingtohartpury Hartpury University undergraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/enrolment Hartpury University postgraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-enrolment If you are a Hartpury University student, join your Coming to Hartpury 2021 Facebook group to connect and make friends with other students joining Hartpury University in September www.hartpury.ac.uk/facebook-cth-2021

On campus you’ll find Hartpury students from more than 60 countries

*subject to meeting entry requirements

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Your key dates for 2021/22

“At Hartpury there are so many different people from so many different places all over the world. It is just incredible howmany 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.”

Hartpury College (A-levels, diplomas and access) 6 - 9 September 2021 Enrolment – please check your enrolment guide for the enrolment date and time for your course. You’ll find it at www.hartpury.ac.uk/comingtohartpury 25 - 29 October 2021 Holiday break 20 December 2021 - 2 January 2022 Holiday break 21 - 25 February 2022 Holiday break 4 - 22 April 2022 Holiday break – diploma students only 11 - 22 April 2022 Holiday break – A-level students only 30 May - 3 June 2022 Holiday break – A-level students only 27 June 2022 End of academic year

Emily

Hartpury University (undergraduate and postgraduate degrees) 18 September 2021

International Welcome Day 19 - 24 September 2021

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

Enrolment andWelcome and Freshers’ Week 20 December 2021 - 2 January 2022 Holiday break 4 - 22 April 2022 Holiday break 27 June - 8 July 2022 Holiday break 1 August 2022 End of academic year

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.

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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 myworries in the lead up to coming to university were about making friends. I wish I hadn’t been so stressed! Whether you’re 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’ll meet students from all around the world.”

“There are a lot of people from all over the world residing here and they each bring their own unique accent to the English language. It might be difficult navigating daily conversations at first but don’t give up, you’ll adapt soon enough, I’ve now learnt to appreciate this and find it beautiful. It’s 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

“The main difference between home and the UK is that in the UK I 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.”

Zuraiz Pakistan

“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.”

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“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’ll be drinking tea in the evening, it means you’ll be having a meal at 5pm!! On a serious note, everyone is very friendly, warm and always asks if you are well.”

Dhruvpal India

We’re in the top 10% of UK providers for student satisfaction (90% of our

students are satisfied with the quality of their course and would recommend us to others) NSS 2020

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 two things… By this point in your journey, you should already have:

1. Started your Student visa application if you require one to study in the UK

2. Applied for your accommodation*

Student visa application 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. Go to www.hartpury.ac.uk/studentvisa to watch the video and get more guidance on applying for your visa.

Application for accommodation Get in contact with our Accommodation team now and they will let you know your options and provide advice: accommodation@hartpury.ac.uk *If you’ve already applied for Hartpury-managed accommodation, you will have already received your room allocation. If you have chosen to live off site, do keep in contact with your accommodation provider.

If you’ve 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.

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Hartpury and Covid-19 We always prioritise the wellbeing of our students and staff. Our commitment to providing the highest quality education and student experience means that Hartpury students benefit from small class sizes and a spacious rural campus. Over the past year, we have been able to deliver campus-based learning when the government has allowed – this has been complemented by online classes. Despite the changes to student life, many of our students have continued to do the activities they love on campus due to our practical approach to developing skills. Your first term You may have read that some universities and colleges are continuing with full blended learning – a mix of online and in person teaching – in the next academic year. This is not our plan for Hartpury; based on the current UK government guidance, we are planning on a delivering the vast majority of teaching onsite in September. During the pandemic, we have learned a lot about online teaching and there will be a very small amount of delivery online where we believe there is a benefit to you and your academic experience. We are, of course, planning for every scenario and should there be national restrictions we will be able to adapt effectively, as we did last year. Our hope is for your student experience to be as close to ‘normal’ as it can be, with a focus on supporting students to make the most of their studies and all that Hartpury has to offer. As well as your timetabled academic sessions, you will be able to engage in social activities alongside extra-curricular activities in sport and wellbeing. International travel Students can still travel to the UK, but you will need to comply with border measures depending on which country you have departed from/travelled through in the preceding 10 days. At the time of writing, the UK government has categorised countries into travel groups - red, amber and green - with different entry rules, restrictions and quarantine requirements applying to each colour. All travellers from a ‘red’ country are currently required to quarantine in a UK government- designated hotel. If you are from an ‘amber’ country, we would encourage you to complete any quarantine needed in accommodation of your choice or with friends/family, before you arrive on campus. If you do need to quarantine, you will need to arrive in the UK at least 10 days prior to theWelcomeWeekend (University) or Enrolment (College), so that you can complete your quarantine as per the requirements above. If you’re unable to travel to Hartpury for the start of your course, we have plans in place to deliver short-term teaching online until you arrive on the majority of courses. However, if you believe you will miss a significant amount of onsite delivery, you should contact international@hartpury.ac.uk as soon as possible to discuss your options in advance.

At present, the UK government reviews which countries are categorised as red, amber or green every three weeks, which means travel advice for September is still subject to change. Please ensure you regularly check the UK government’s website for the latest travel information. If you are currently planning on booking your flights, we recommend you book a flexible flight. This will give you more options should your country of origin or transit move to the red or amber list. Vaccinations The UK’s vaccine rates are amongst the best in the world. All adults aged 18 and over have now been offered their first vaccination, and the majority of adults have nowhad both doses. As with all other students currently in the UK, as an international student arriving from September you will be eligible for a free vaccination, if you haven’t already received both your doses. You can find more information in our Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions. In order to benefit from the most effective protection against Covid-19, it is a mandatory requirement that all eligible students** in onsite residential accommodation engage in the Covid-19 vaccination programme and have both doses of the vaccine when made available to them. This also applies to students who wish to join Hartpury’s sports activities outside of timetabled academic sessions, and those who wish to use Hartpury’s livery. **(this currently applies to those aged 18 and over in England and does not apply to those who cannot have a vaccine due to medical exemptions).

Stay up to date on Covid-19 restrictions Regularly check your emails and keep in contact with the International team at international@hartpury.ac.uk UK government travel guidance Travel and quarantine rules are subject to change so it’s important to keep checking the latest rules on the UK government website: www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and- green-list-rules-for-entering-england Hartpury Covid-19 FrequentlyAsked Questions Visit www.hartpury.ac.uk/coronavirus to stay up-to-date information about Covid-19 at Hartpury

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Planning your budget Understanding your finances is a big part of a student’s 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’s easy to get organised.

How to make your money go further

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’s 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, don’t blow all your money in one go. Make yourself 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, pair of trainers or coffee!

“Give yourself a weekly or monthly allowance as this will help you keep on track. It’s 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.

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Getting ready to travel When booking your flights, it’s useful to know the closest airports to Hartpury. These are Bristol, Birmingham International and London Heathrow. We offer a free collection service for all new international students when they first arrive in the UK. If you choose to not 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. Following government regulations on Covid-19 Depending on the pandemic guidelines, there may still be rules around testing and quarantine in your home country, any transit countries or in the UK. Please ensure you regularly consult your own government’s rules and the UK government’s rules for the latest travel information. If you are planning on booking your flights, we recommend you book a flexible flight. This will give you more options should your country of origin or transit move on to the red or amber list. Booking your free collection from the airport The easiest way to get to us from the airport is to book your free airport collection. Once you book your collection, our transport teamwill be in touch

“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

Birmingham : 1 hour

Bristol : 1 hour

London Heathrow : 2 hour

to provide all the information you need to meet your driver in the arrivals area.

Confirmyour arrival Complete the student arrivals information form to confirm your travel and arrival details: Hartpury College students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/ collegearrivalform Hartpury University students: 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’re travelling from another destination in the UK, see more options for travelling to Hartpury at www.hartpury.ac.uk/findus

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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, so here’s 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. You can buy your basics once you arrive at Hartpury, or you can purchase some of the following items identified with a *through our online store estore.hartpury.ac.uk . Search for ‘Welcome packs’. If you booked the all-inclusive package, these items will be placed in your room in time for your arrival. Bed linen standard single size* Duvet/blankets* Pillows* Towels* Basic cutlery/crockery/ mugs* Tea towels* Toiletries, toilet rolls, stationery** Cooking utensils and pans for self-catered accommodation** First aid kit including plasters, bandages, and a thermometer** Laptop and mobile phone Any medication you are prescribed on a regular basis Items to help you feel more at home, e.g. photos, a cuddly toy, your favourite hoodie ** These can be bought cheaply in Gloucester The basics

Important items foryour 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 Enrolment guide 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

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Packing advice from our international student ambassadors

What kinds of clothes should I pack? Students enrolling at Hartpury College, your kit list is included in your enrolment guide available at www.hartpury.ac.uk/ comingtohartpury. Hartpury University students can access the kit lists on your enrolment hub: www.hartpury.ac.uk/enrolment You’ll 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!

“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’re 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! Don’t 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’ve 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 which is available at www.hartpury.ac.uk/accommodation

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Arriving at the airport

When you arrive in the UK, you’ll have to show your passport or identity card as well as your entry visa (or temporary travel vignette) to a UK Border Force officer. EU, EEA or Swiss nationals will not be able to use an ID card to enter the UK from 1 October 2021, except under certain conditions. You’ll need to prove that you meet all current entry requirements in relation to Covid-19, including any tests, as advised by the UK government. You can check the government travel guidelines at www.gov.uk/uk- border-control

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. It is possible to use an ePassport Gate if you have a biometric passport and are also an EU citizen.

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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’re 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’ve left the customs area you are free to find your driver (if you’re 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.

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HARTPURY

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You’ve made it 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.

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

You’ll find your enrolment date and time in your enrolment guide. It’s 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/enrolment Hartpury University postgraduate students: www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-enrolment

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 Once you arrive on campus on your set arrival date and have confirmed payment of your fees with the Finance team, you’ll receive your key and electronic fob so you can move into your room. The fob 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 block. During enrolment, our wardens and student ambassadors will be able to direct you and help you settle into your new room.

Do 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.

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“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

Hartpury College International welcome Before enrolment, we’ll arrange for you to meet your International team. After a visa check, we’ll ensure you know how to access all the help you need in your first few days and weeks 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 didn’t have much time to feel homesick and I made friendships that have made my Hartpury experience so much better.” Martyna

Hartpury University Welcome Event

Saturday 18 September

On 18 September 2021, there will be a jam-packed day of activities designed just for you. You’ll have lunch with our student ambassadors, learn about what’s happening during Freshers’ Week, take a trip to the nearby city of Gloucester and be welcomed by our Vice Chancellor Russel Marchant. To end the day, you’ll be able to make new friends at the pub quiz! If you’re living on campus, this is also the day you’ll move into your accommodation.

www.hartpury.ac.uk

Words ofwisdom 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 don’t end up in a situation where you’re 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’s always nice to know you are not alone and that you are able to speak to your neighbour if you need anything.” Emily

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“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 Student’s Union has plenty of clubs, societies and activities for you to choose from. To join, you don’t need any previous experience and youwill get to know a lot of people with similar interests. The Student’s Union can even help you to create a new club.” Martyna

“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

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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 the police (if required)

Set up your phone and internet connections

Register with a doctor

Open a UK bank account Learn how to get around

Get used to planning your own meals

Collectingyour biometric residence permit (if you need one) Your biometric residence permit (BRP) is proof of your right to stay, work and study in the UK. It can also be used as a form of identification, for example when you go to open a UK bank account. If you provided the alternative collection location (ACL) code as part of your visa application, your BRP will be sent directly to Hartpury and you can collect it as part of your enrolment. Remember to bring your passport to the enrolment session so we can take copies for immigration purposes.

Registeringwith the police (if required) Students from some countries are required to register their visa with the Gloucestershire Police within seven days of arrival in the UK. If this applies to you, it should be indicated on your temporary entry visa vignette or BRP. The cost of registration is £34. Police registration will be organised to take place within your first week on campus. You will be provided the date, time and location for this event at your enrolment. At the end of the registration process, you will receive a police registration certificate (PRC) to prove you’ve complied with this requirement of your visa.

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Set upyour phone and internet connections

Registeringwith 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’s a medical emergency you can call 999 .

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 3. On our rural campus, you may find that EE and Vodafone offer the best coverage. Pay-as-you-go phone Purchase a phone and minutes/ text/ data bundle, which you can top up as neededwith 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 residential 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. Awired 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 £4 or you can bring your own.

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

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Opening a UK bank account Opening a UK bank account is a good idea. You’ll 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. It is also useful for students who need to make a visa application in the UK.

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’ll 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. Exploring Gloucestershire Once you arrive, you’ll understand why we love this part of the UK so much. Gloucestershire offers the best of both city and country living. It’s a vibrant and innovative place to study and live, but also historic and beautiful. As a Hartpury student, you’ll have world-famous festivals, international-standard sports facilities and an incredible mix of music, venues and nightlife around you.

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 which 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.

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

“You never run out of things to do at Gloucester Quays, there is so much to see and do. 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

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

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“I’m sure you won’t 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’ll 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 campus refectory – and the Equine Arena restaurant are the two main places to find main meals. There’s also Red & Black, Costa cafe, Legends Bar (over 18s), Subs Your Way and Heroes common room (for college students only) for a mid-study drink or snack. There are lots of pubs, restaurants, cafés and street food outlets in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

If you’re in self catering accommodation and planning 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’ll also find independent food shops in Gloucester selling ingredients from all over the world.

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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; we’re 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

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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’ll 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’s easy to get around and is a great destination if you’re missing the sunshine of your home country. www.esmadrid.com

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Making friends Moving to a place where you don’t know anyone can be daunting, so we try to make it as easy as possible for you to make new friends. During your first fewweeks, you’ll 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’ll feel like you’ve 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 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’s here to help you get involved in Hartpury life, meet new people and grow as a person During your first fewweeks, 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.

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Your Students’ Union When you enrol, you’ll automatically become a member of the Hartpury Students’ Union. With nearly 4,000 members, the Students’ Union is your hub for connecting with like-minded people and getting involved in activities, sports and hobbies. You’ll also find information about volunteering and paid jobs. Our current clubs range from equestrianism to media to LGBT+ to gaming! There is something to interest everyone. While some of our students take their sport all the way to elite levels of performance, 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 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 fewweeks at Hartpury. Try to remember that almost all of our students are in the same situation. In a fewweeks you’ll 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 Warden team. Our Student Wardens will be familiar with your situation and are here to support you.

Visit the Students’ Union website to start planning at hsu.unioncloud.org

“My advice for making friends? Just go for it! Be kind and friendly and it’ll 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

“While many students can’t wait to enjoy the social side of university, there may be some who don’t 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

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Working while you study Many of our international students choose to work part-time while they’re 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 won’t 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’ll find plenty of companies advertising for new staff during your first fewweeks.

“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 didn’t 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 you are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week in the holidays. To get a job, you’ll 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’ll receive information about applying for your National Insurance number at your enrolment.

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Howwe support you As part of the #HartpuryFamily , you’ll have lots of support around you to help you achieve your goals.

“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 student ambassadors and 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’s 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. They are a short walk away and are always available for a chat.” Eliza

Ensuring your wellbeing and safety Each accommodation block is looked after by a warden who you can call on when you need help. For emergencies, the Duty Warden is 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.

Two of our most popular support experts are Ralph, the labrador, and Bailey, the cocker spaniel. Our much-loved therapy dogs have been assessed for their ability to provide companionship and emotional support and are registered with the charity Pets As Therapy.

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Keeping you safe We take your safety and wellbeing seriously and prioritise it at all times. Gloucestershire is one of the safest places in the UK and we do everything we can to ensure your safety while you are here. 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, and Barton Street in the city centre is celebrated as one of the most multicultural streets in the UK. 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 blocks operate with a similar fob and key system so that only those who reside in each block have access.

Gloucestershire has the third lowest figure out of 38 English regions for reported crimes. Source ONS: 2021

The electronic fob is one of the tools we use to help keep our students safe. The fob must be used each time you enter and exit your residential block.

Students at Hartpury College who are under 18 must register daily with our Wardens.

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.

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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. Togetherwe 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

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 your attendance, 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 studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk +44 (0) 1452 702515 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 702515

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

Wardens wardens@hartpury.ac.uk

+44 (0) 1452 702610 +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