Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week we are welcoming many of our new international students…
POINT ONE: SETTLING IN
Welcome to Worcester! We know moving to a new country can be an exciting but challenging experience. If you need some support settling in, we’re here to help, and there is lots of helpful information to get you started on the When You Arrive webpages.
We hope you get involved in Worcester University’s Welcome Festival, however the International Experience team are also here to support you and organise trips and interesting events throughout the year to help you make the most of your time at University. Make sure you check your university emails, join the International Experience Instagram page and check the international student pages for further information regarding these.
There are regular sessions in firstpoint called “Fancy a Cuppa” where you can meet staff and other students for a chat, free drink and a biscuit, and if you need to, you can speak to someone privately to discuss anything affecting you during your studies here.
If you would like to meet with other students who share similar interests, why not join a society? You can find lots of information about this on the Students Union webpages. If you can’t see one you like and you have a few friends who would be interested, why not start your own sports club or society?
POINT TWO: GETTING ONLINE
We understand that being able to connect with your family and friends back at home is important. Keeping in touch will allow you to share your experiences and can help you feel less homesick.
The university has lots of computers that are free to use across the campuses and at the library which is called the Hive. You can log in using your University username and password. Your username is the first part of your University email address, up to, but not including the @ symbol e.g. SMIJ1_21.
If you have your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, you can also attach it to the Wi-Fi by connecting to Eduroam. Follow the IT guide for quick and easy access to the Wi-Fi. If you need help to do this or would prefer to speak to someone, you can visit the IT Helpdesk in the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre, at the St Johns Campus.
The university also offers short and longer term (up to 2 weeks) laptop loans. You can find more information on the IT webpages here.
POINT THREE: OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
You can normally open a free UK bank account if you are going to be in the UK for more than six months. Some banks will offer promotions such as 0% interest on an overdraft, an Amazon gift card, store vouchers or a railcard. It’s best to shop around and investigate which one is the best for you; don’t just choose the first one you find. Worcester has a wide range of the UK’s most popular high street banks in the city centre, so do visit when you’re exploring your new city to speak to the staff if this is helpful to you.
To open a bank account, you will need your passport and a letter confirming you are a student. You can download the bank/student status letter from your SOLE page after you have registered, under the ‘Living’ tab. More guidance is available on the firstpoint webpages.
POINT FOUR: FINDING PART TIME WORK
We understand that you may need to find part time work to complete alongside your studies.
If you need any help finding part time work, look at your ‘myCareer’ portal. myCareer is managed by our specialist Careers Service and hosts a wide range of helpful information about finding and preparing for work in the UK!
Whether you’re searching for a job, booking a careers appointment or event, or just want to ask a question – myCareer is the place to go. You can find a link on your myWorc page.
If you have a visa, make sure you know the restrictions on hours you can work during your studies and ensure you get a good balance so that you can still focus on your studies and wellbeing. You can seek support with confirming any details to your employer by contacting our International Student Advisers.
If you need to apply for a National Insurance Number, you can find application guidance online here.
POINT FIVE: IF YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS
If there is anything you feel unsure about or something you need to ask, come and speak with us at firstpoint, your student helpdesk. Visit us on the ground floor of the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre, St Johns Campus, phone 01905 542551, or send us an email to firstpoint@worc.ac.uk. You can also find our opening hours on the firstpoint webpages.
There are many support services across the university and we can help you get in touch with the right people.
Don’t forget, you may also find the answer to your question on the firstpoint website.
Welcome to our university community and we wish you all the best for your studies!
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