Emma Montague International Officer Royal Holloway International

1. Emma MontagueInternational OfficerRoyal Holloway International Final steps towards UK Education – it’s not too late for 2011!

2. Why study in the UK? • Internationally recognised qualification • Diversity of institutions and courses • Focussed degree study • Three year Bachelor’s and one year Master’s programmes • Cost benefits • Great learning and cultural experience • UK centre for arts, music and sport • Gateway to Europe

3. Royal Holloway, University of London

4. A Federal University, founded in 1836 Federation of 19 Universities and 9 specialist institutes Royal Holloway became member of the UoL in 1900 Several UoL institutions, including Royal Holloway, are consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities Royal Holloway students receive a UoL Degree The University of London

5. An international reputation Founded in 1886, long tradition of providing education 8,000 students with over 30% from overseas One of top universities in UK Ranked 88th in the world in THES World Rankings 2010 In top 25 in Complete University Guide 2010 Ranked 16th in the UK for Research in 2008 RAE Department specific successes: Friendly and supportive campus International Student Support rated top in London in International Student Barometer (Summer 2009) High scores in National Student Satisfaction survey

6. The campus

7. The location Short walk from Egham 40 mins to central London 7 miles from Heathrow Airport

8. 3 Faculties, 19 Academic Departments

9. What if I haven’t applied yet? • Choices! • Check university websites for your chosen course • Contact universities to check the course is still available • Application process (foundation and postgraduate) • Many applications online – probably quickest way! • Educational agencies may be able to help speed up process • Undergraduate courses – UCAS • Before 30 June – application processed normally • After 30 June – application goes straight into ‘Clearing’, and you should contact chosen universities directly regarding whether they can offer you a place still

10. What happens next? • After you apply you’ll receive your offer: • Conditional offers: conditional on certain grades or English language requirements • Unconditional offers: you already meet all requirements for your chosen course • Reply to your chosen university as soon as possible – it doesn’t matter if you’re still conditional! • May be required for accommodation applications, to receive further information from university etc. • Undergraduate – UCAS procedure • Reply to offers online • Make sure you tell universities when you meet the conditions - once all conditions are met, and student has accepted university as firm, visa letter (CAS) generated

11. What if I don’t do well in my exams? • English language requirements • Pre-sessional courses: if you miss the IELTS requirements you can sign up for language courses (4 week, 8 week or 12 week at RHUL) • Check individual requirements on university websites • Academic requirements • Don’t panic – call or email us! • Applications are generally considered as a whole, so there may be a chance • Alternative courses could be offered, or other preparation courses • UCAS procedure for undergraduate students • Application will be considered by firm choice if you don’t make grades • If rejected by firm choice, goes automatically to insurance choice for consideration • If rejected by insurance choice, application goes into ‘clearing’

12. Deadlines! • Accommodation: • Foundation/UG students – deadline in June at RHUL • PG students – deadline in July at RHUL (different deadlines apply for students taking pre-sessional courses, and deadlines vary greatly by university!) • Deposits (not all courses): At RHUL, £400 to be paid by June (if offer made before May), or within 4 weeks of offer if after May for popular postgraduate courses (Management, Media, Drama, Foundation) • Scholarship deadlines – there may still be some available, check websites! • Early payment discounts (£400 at RHUL, if fee paid before early September) • Other fee deadlines – instalment payments

13. Accommodation • Wide variety of on-campus accommodation • High quality facilities • Priority given to international students • On-campus accommodation • Catered / self-catering • En-suite bathrooms • Shared bathrooms • Kitchen facilities • Private accommodation • Privately managed student halls • Private houses • University can help!

14. Cost of studying at Royal Holloway • Less expensive to live outside city centre • Competitively priced on-campus accommodation (3,754.98 to 5,209.90 38wk let in 2011/12) • Tuition fees: • Foundation programme - £10, 200 • Undergraduate & postgraduate courses - £11,555 to £13,120 (overseas students)

15. Applying for your visa • Finance:- Need to show financial ability by having tuition fees and living expenses (set amount) for one year of course readily available and in account for one month prior to applying- If sponsored, need to show proof of this • Main documentation:- CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Study) – produced0 when offer is confirmed - financial documentation- original certificates • Take a look at www.ukvisas.gov.uk for most up to date information and further information on how to apply in your country

16. Arriving in the UK – you’ve made it! • Most universities offer free airport collection • RHUL students - best to arrive into Heathrow Airport (just 7 miles from campus) • International student orientation • Department inductions • Enrolment • Payment of fees • Opening a bank account • Police registration

17. Freshers’ Week – enjoy! There’s something for everyone: 36 Sports teams Indoor facilities Outdoor facilities Fitness classes 62 societies Learning news skills Meeting new people • Events • Social venues on site • Live bands and DJs • Weekly fresh produce markets

18. Balancing social and academic life - A different way of learning • University – independent study • Lectures • Seminars • Tutorials • Approximately 15 contact hours per week • We don’t abandon you! • Individual consultations with lecturers • Online resources and discussion forums • It can help you in the future! • Independent learner = independent thinker • People won’t tell you what to do in the world of work!

19. Support available • As well as welcoming you to campus and your orientation you can make use of: • English language & academic study skills support • Academic support from departments through Personal Tutor • Counselling & welfare services • Comprehensive on-site health centre • Programme of social events and visits around UK/Europe

20. Preparing you for your future career • University of London careers service • Dedicated International Student Careers Advisor • International Student Careers Fair • Part-time job fairs • Guest lectures from experts in specific fields

21. In summary… • It’s not too late if you haven’t applied already – but be quick, and don’t leave it any longer! • If you have applied, make sure you read the emails from your chosen university and stick to the deadlines! • Prepare and pack carefully – and make sure you don’t wait once you’re ready to apply for your visa (although make sure your application isn’t rushed!) • Once you arrive – make the most of it!

22. Any questions? Emma MontagueInternational OfficerEmma.Montague@rhul.ac.uk