International Students

Applying for a Student Visa:

When you apply for a Tier 4 general student visa via the UK Border Agency (UKBA) points based system you must include a confirmation of acceptance of studies (CAS) number:

• ICP will send your CAS details when you confirm your unconditional offer of a place to study and pay your deposit/tuition fee.

• The CAS number will be sent in the form of a 'CAS statement'. This will also include important information needed for your visa application.

• The earliest you can apply for your visa is up to three months before your course enrolment date. We advise you to apply as early as possible within this period to avoid any delays in commencing your studies.

• Your course start date is published on your CAS statement. If you plan to arrive on a different date you must let us know before booking your flights. This is very important as we must inform the UK Border Agency (UKBA) if you do not arrive on time.

• When your visa is issued it will include the University of Portsmouth's Sponsor License Number as is provided on your CAS statement.

Keeping and Understanding a Student Visa:

All international students must comply with current visa conditions and regulations determined by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA). It is the responsibility of each individual student to maintain up to date entry clearance to the UK. For more detailed information on current visa conditions and regulations visit the UKBA website - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Deferring the Commencement of your Pathway

If you are unable to complete the programme in which you are enrolled because of medical reasons or on compassionate grounds, then you may apply for a deferment from studies. If you wish to defer, you must first submit a Deferral form to Studentservices@icp.port.ac.uk. A deferment of studies will have implications for your visa therefore you will be requested to meet with the Director of Academic and Student Services for an interview to discuss your case. Your change in circumstances will also be reported to the Home Office.

Change of Pathway

If you wish to change to another programme altogether you must submit a Change of Pathway Request form to Studentservices@icp.port.ac.uk who will then take the request to the ICP Academic Board. Students can only submit a request to change a pathway up to Week 2 (the second teaching week) of a semester. If you do not possess the correct entry criteria for the programme sought, you may be offered an alternative solution. Students will be notified of the board's decision in writing.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence will only be granted for one (1) semester unless determined otherwise by the ICP Academic Board. If the absence/deferment is approved, ICP will hold all fees already paid (at least one (1) semester's tuition fees must have been paid) until re-commencement of the required programme actually occurs. In the event the student subsequently cancels the deferment and withdraws, the date on which ICP received written notification of the leave of absence/deferment will be considered the date of withdrawal for purposes of the ICP's Refund Policy. Failure to enrol within one (1) semester of the original application will result in the forfeit of all prior monies paid to the ICP, please see Payment and Refund Policy for further information.

Permission to Work

Most students are allowed to work in the UK provided they meet the conditions below:

• Work for no more than twenty (20) hours per week during term time
• Not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• Not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy

Generally, students do not need to get permission to work, but you must not take any paid work at all if your visa or passport stamp states, 'No work' or 'Employment prohibited' or that you 'must not engage in employment'.

National Insurance Number

You will need to apply for a National Insurance Number (NIS) but you do not need to have received your National Insurance Number before you start work. For more information speak with Student Services or visit the website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits

Students can obtain further information about applying for a job, your rights to work as a Tier 4 student, and National Insurance Numbers from ICP or visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php

Course Completion within expected duration

International students are required to complete their course within the expected duration as stated in your offer letter and the confirmation of acceptance of studies (CAS). A student must enrol full time to complete the course within the expected duration.

Under 18 Students

Under-18 year old students at the time of visa application must communicate with ICP and discuss the student's welfare and accommodation arrangements. Please see below ICP requirements for under-18 year old students:

• Appointment of a UK guardian - This can be either a friend or family member who is living in the UK and is over the age of 18 or a designated guardianship institution, such as Clarendon International. Please click HERE for more details.

• ICP will give priority rooms to all under-18 students within our own designated halls of residence (Sandringham Apartments). These halls of residence are located a short distance from ICP.

Student Visa Conditions

Student visas are granted subject to a number of mandatory and discretionary conditions. International students are required to comply with these conditions while studying in the UK. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information.

Academic Progress

Students must make satisfactory academic progress each semester. Failure to achieve this will lead to students being "at risk" of not completing the course within the expected duration as stated in your offer letter and the CAS statement. ICP is obliged to report students to the UK Border Agency for failing to meet satisfactory academic progress.

Attendance

While ICP fully endorses the idea that students must take responsibility for their own learning, ICP does have a minimum 85% Attendance Policy for academic classes and 90% required for English language which aims to limit the number of those individuals who fall unnecessarily into the bad habits of non-attendance or poor attendance. This also ensures that good study routines are established. This policy stipulates that successful progression is based on students maintaining an 85% or 90% attendance in all classes, and as such the policy is monitored closely. Students who do not comply will find that they will jeopardize their ability to pass module/s or their programme. Attendance is closely monitored throughout the semester by our Student Services Officers.

Accommodation

ICP offers a variety of accommodation options, notably our own popular halls of residence. Referral services can also be provided for a range of shared accommodation, from traditional terrace properties to luxurious waterfront apartments. All accommodation is located within easy reach of ICP.

Flight Bookings

Many students travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of each semester, therefore flights can be heavily booked. Once you have confirmation of your flight to the UK please forward the details to ICP so we can arrange airport reception if required.

It is a good idea to plan to arrive in the UK as close to or on the day of enrolment. This will enable you a few days to settle into your new environment, familiarise yourself with the city and meet other students before beginning your classes.

Airport Reception

Airport reception can be arranged for you by ICP once you have received your student visa and have emailed us confirmation of your flight details. You will need to fill in and sign the 'Application for Airport Reception' form and send it to studentservices@icp.port.ac.uka or fax on +44(0) 23 9284 8541 as soon as possible. If you book a transfer and wish to cancel it, please notify ICP at least 24 hours in advance or you may still be charged for it. Please note the taxi fare will be taken out of your ICP account. If you want airport pick-up please contact us in good time (at least 3 working days prior to departure) and during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). If you have any difficulty on arrival you can phone the ICP Emergency Phone: +44 (0) 7872 548496.

Enrolment and Induction

Upon arrival, all students undertake an orientation programme to familiarise themselves with ICP, the University of Portsmouth and the city. Enrolment is compulsory and you will only be able to get your timetable once you have enrolled.

Climate

As one of the country's sunniest spots, Portsmouth has much lower rainfall than the national average, making it the perfect place to enjoy great weather. Students will also need to have a range of clothing to cater for the seasonal climatic conditions. During winter you will need warm clothing.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Great British Pound (100 pence = £1.00). There are eight coins: £2 and £1 are gold; 50p, 20p, 10p and 5p are silver; 2p and 1p are copper. There are four notes: £50, £20, £10 and £5. Each note has a unique size, design and a different colour.
For currency conversion see: www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

Cost of Living

Portsmouth is an affordable city in which to live and study, close to London but with a cheaper cost of living. Aside from your tuition costs, you will need to budget for a minimum of £600 per month to cover your living expenses whilst studying in the UK.

The first few weeks in the UK may be costly, due to an outlay of 'one-off' expenses. These may include temporary accommodation, rental deposit, cooking equipment, bedding, books, clothing, furnishings, etc.

Banking

Banks are open from Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm. Some banks such as NatWest are now open on Saturday mornings.

The main banks in Portsmouth include Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, and NatWest. Many building societies also offer banking facilities and the Post Office operates a National Savings Bank. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) for cash withdrawal are widespread throughout the UK.

When opening a bank account you will be asked to provide the following:

• Your passport
• Your ICP Acceptance of Offer of Admission (and your Student Campus Card)
• Proof of your address in your home country
• Proof of your address in the UK such as your confirmation of accommodation letter from the ICP (we will only be able to produce this if you have provided proof of residency to us) or, if you living in privately-rented accommodation, your typed rental agreement / contract on letter headed paper
• A confirmation of enrolment letter which can be requested from ICP Student Services Office once you have completed enrolment, paid your tuition fees and moved in to your term-time accommodation
• Money, a cheque or a bank draft

Public Transport

If you apply for or obtain employment while in the UK you must apply for a National Insurance Number. Student Services can help you with your application.

Students can obtain further information about applying for a job, your rights to work as a Tier 4 student, and National Insurance Numbers from PDIC or visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_during.php

Safety and Security in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is generally a safe place but, as in any city it is important to understand personal safety. Students should take every precaution to protect themselves. If you need to walk around after dark, do so in groups and try to stay within well populated, well lit areas. If feeling vulnerable, personal alarms can be purchased at most supermarkets. Students are advised not to carry large amounts of cash with them. Important documents (especially passports) should be kept in a secure place at all times. All thefts of belongings should be reported promptly to the University Security Office on 023 9284 3418 (3333 on campus) and then to ICP Student Services.

Social, Sporting Activities and the Students' Union

As an ICP student you can become a member of the University of Portsmouth Students' Union and get involved in campus life through student societies, activities and events. Based in a central campus location with bars, a nightclub, an alcohol-free zone and an international lounge, the Student Centre has something for everyone. The University of Portsmouth also offers excellent sports facilities; its Athletic Union has over 50 different clubs that ICP students can join, with everything from football, tennis and cricket to skydiving, skiing and sailing on offer. Further information can be found at: www.upsu.net/.