What do you need to bring with you?
Going to study in a foreign country is always a big adventure. It is exciting, but do not forget to prepare for it. You will be away from your family and friends for a while, and you will have to get used to being on your own. It is easier to be resourceful and independent when you are prepared.
The Weather - Changeable
The British weather can be highly unpredictable, one minute raining and the next sunny. In the summer months of June to August, the weather can fluctuate from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. In the winter months, depending on where you are in the UK, it can get extremely cold.
Clothing - Dress Code
You will need to be prepared for cold weather, so make sure you pack warm and waterproof clothing. Most people wear several layers of clothing to keep warm outdoors. Clothes and other items may be purchased in Canterbury, and it has a wide range of shops and department stores. Students taking professional qualifications will need to adhere to our strict dress code for classes, formal events and for job interviews. Gentlemen will need a suit, sports jacket, trousers, white shirt(s) and tie; and ladies will need modest dresses. You may bring along your national costume for special events.
Dictionary, Computer - 'tools for the course'
You must bring a dictionary with you. Also, if you have a notebook, netbook, iPad computer this will be needed for class/homework/research use. These may be purchased in Canterbury for about £200. All college buildings have free internet access, and staff who will help you with computer issues. Voltage in the UK is 240V so make sure any electrical items you bring conform to this standard. Do not bring any items that are unnecessary, as many things can be bought in the UK. You might wish to bring along things like photographs of family and friends, posters and other mementoes that can help you feel more at home.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Pound Sterling. Each pound is divided into 100 pence. Please make sure that you bring enough funds with you to cover your fees, accommodation, travel and other living expenses. It is safer to err on the side of more, rather than less. Do not assume that you will be able to make enough money doing part-time work to cover all your expenses. You can change your own currency into Pound Sterling at your local bank or money changer. Travellers cheques are a good idea if you intend to bring a larger amount of money. However, you can also change the currency at a UK port of entry. You should bring at least £200 into the UK to allow for food, fares and other things. There are cash machines all over the UK which allow the use of international credit, debit and charge cards.
The list below estimates weekly costs for single students:
- Accommodation (£80-110 per week): £90
- Travel: £20
- Food: £28
- Personal toiletries: £5
- Laundry & Housekeeping: £4
- Books, equipment & material: £10
- Clothes: £7
- Leisure/Social activities: £15
- Telephone (including international calls): £10
- Contents Insurance (recommended): £1
- Contigencies and Emergencies: £5
- TOTAL: £195
Obviously, these figures are only estimates, and not every one of the costs listed above will be incurred each week. They serve to provide an average snapshot of expenses incurred over each academic term.
Accommodation
For students who are unable to find their own accommodation, Warnborough College is able to arrange accommodation with an English host family. Staying with a host family is a unique way to learn even more about the UK and its people. Students must live within easy access to Canterbury since classes start at 9am sharp.
Insurance - Required
All overseas students MUST take out insurance to cover them for accidents, medical care, and any unforseen circumstances that may prevent them from arriving in the UK or continuing with their programme of study.
Health Care
All international students who are studying on a programme for six months or more may apply to receive free health care from the National Health Service (NHS). The College's Student Services Department can provide you with more information on this.
Customs and Your Luggage
Ensure that all your luggage is clearly marked with your name and your address in the UK. There are limits to what you can bring into the country, either before, during, or after you arrive in the UK. Some items may be prohibited. For a full set of rules and regulations about what you can or can't bring into the country, please visit: HM Customs and Excise website. New Window
English Language Proficiency - required before any official examainations are taken.
You should have a good command of both written and spoken English before embarking on an educational programme in the UK. There are many accents and colloquial expressions which can flummox even native speakers! Normally, you will be asked to provide proof of English proficiency during the course application process (usually in form of a recognised test score like TOEFL or IELTS). Warnborough College is able to offer top-up or advanced English proficiency courses upon your arrival if there is a need for that. You will not be able to sit for any professional examination (ABE) unless you have an IELTS score (or similar) of 6.5+. Exam preparation classes are provided. IELTS exams are held regularly in Canterbury.