Working During Your Studies

Part-time Work
You will be allowed to work part-time whilst studying in the UK providing you have a valid student visa with conditions that allow you to work. Have a look at your visa stamp/sticker.
You are allowed to work subject to restrictions if your visa stamp/sticker reads:
‘Work (and any charges) must be authorised’ or
‘Able to work as authorised by The Secretary of State’
You are not allowed to work in the UK if your visa stamp/sticker reads;
‘Work prohibited’ or
‘No work or engaging in business’ or
‘No work or recourse to public funds’
It is very important that you do not break the conditions attached to your visa as this can lead to serious consequences including immediate removal from the UK. Make sure you read and understand the important rules below. If you are in any doubt about your visa conditions or the work rules, or if you are currently not allowed to work during your studies but you would like to, then please see an International Student Adviser.
Important Rules
There are very strict rules about International students and work, so please note:

  • You must not work over 20 hours per week during term-time (except on a placement as part of a recognised sandwich course). The College  recommends that no student works for more that 15 hours per week as this can seriously affect your studies;
  • You must not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer.
  • You must not pursue a career by filling a full-time vacancy;
  • You will be automatically subject to UK tax and National Insurance contribution rules.
  • You are allowed to work more hours during vocational periods

Married students with dependants
If you have a husband or wife with you who holds a dependant’s visa, and your visa is for 12 months

or more, your husband or wife will also be allowed to work, providing you are not prohibited.
Practical training while on a placement – ‘Sandwich Programmes’ or ‘Placements’
You do not need to apply for a work permit to engage in work which is part of your programme. You can do a placement or ‘sandwich’ year without applying for permission to work. Please note however, that if you have a prohibition visa stamp on your passport you will have to apply to the Home Office to get this changed before you begin your placement. Please consult an International Student Adviser for information about how to do this.

Working After Your Studies
If you want to work in the UK after you have graduated, you need to have a valid visa to do so. There are different types of schemes that enable you to work in the UK: IGS (International Graduate Scheme), HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Worker), Work Permit,.... Below, you can find a brief introduction to these schemes. For more in depth information please visit the Working in the UK website (see link on right-hand side), download the relevant leaflet on www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
 International Graduate Scheme (IGS)

The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) was launched on 1 May 2007 and replaces the Science and Engineering graduate Scheme (SEGS). It enables international students who have successfully completed and obtained a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, PhD, or postgraduate certificate or diploma on or after 1 May 2007 to work in the UK for up to 12 months upon completion of their studies.
Under IGS, participants can take any type of employment or self-employment. If you want to remain in the UK after IGS you can switch into various employment or self-employment categories providing you meet the relevant requirements.
The International Student Advisers hold an IGS workshop every first Tuesday of the month. They can check your applications every Thursday in Student Services. However, they do not send off your applications to the Home Office.
For further information on the IGS scheme, please come and see an International Student Adviser, download the information leaflet on the right-hand side, or visit the Working in the UK website.

Highly Skilled Migrant Worker (HSMP)
This programme is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to or remain in the UK to look for work or self-employment opportunities.  You do not need a specific job offer in the UK to apply. This is a points-based scheme. 75 points need to be scored to be eligible for HSMP. Points are allocated in the following categories: Qualifications, Previous earnings, UK experience and Age. In addition to the 75 points, applicants also have to show evidence of their English language ability. HSMP visas are granted for a 2 year period initially.
For further information, please visit Working in the UK or come and speak to an International Student Adviser.
Work Permit Scheme:
An employer can apply for a work permit to enable you to work in the UK if the job is classed as a 'shortage occupation'. Please visit the Working in the UK website for an up-to-date list of 'shortage occupations'.
It is much harder to get a work permit if the job does not come under this category. The employer would have to advertise the post nationally and prove that no one from the UK or EU was found suitable for the position.
For further information, please go to the Working in the UK website.


Please note: you must check out if you can switch into any type of work permit visa in the UK. It depends on your current visa status whether you can switch in the UK or if you have to return to your home country to do so. Please ask an International Student Adviser for further information on your specific case.

 Visa Information

Your visa stamp/sticker in your passport is a very important document. It allows you to stay in the UK legally. There are different types of visas which have different rules and regulations attached to them. If you have any questions about your visa, please come to Student Services for further advice.
Information about Visa Extensions for International Students
If your student visa expires in the next six weeks and you wish to remain in UK to continue your studies or attend your congregation, read the information below to see how we can help you extend your stay.
STEP ONE
Download the relevant forms from the Immigration and Nationality website. Students continuing their studies should download form FLR(S). Students approaching the end of their studies who wish to attend their graduation ceremony or stay in the UK as a visitor - download form FLR(O). You can download these forms from the Immigration and Nationality website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk. Have a look at the form but DON'T FILL IT IN UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN TO A VISA INFORMATION SESSION (step 2).
STEP TWO
 Bring a blank FLR(S) or FLR(O) form with you. There will be an opportunity to ask questions but we will not collect any forms or documents from you at this stage. You will be given a VISA APPLICATION RECEIPT and an ADDRESS STICKER which you will need to bring with you at Step 4.
STEP THREE
Collect all required documents and fill in the application form in black ink. You can find further information on the required documents on the right-hand side of this page.

  • Exam results (from relevant department or previous college)
  • Enrolment Letter
  • Original bank statements (three months) - Sponsor
  • 2 passport-sized photographs (colour)
  • Police Registration Certificate – if required
  • Sponsorship Letter
  • Passport
  • Postal Order: £295/£395 payable to 'Home Office Leave to Remain'
  • Postal Order: £5 payable to Ideal

STEP FOUR
Come to the Office where we will check your application in full and, if all is correct, we will send it to the Home Office for you - you must bring your filled out application form, all required documents (step 3), your visa receipt and address sticker .
 

Your Finances

As an International student you are not eligible to apply for student loans in the UK and the College does not currently operate a hardship fund for International students. Therefore it is important to think carefully about how to manage your money well to avoid experiencing financial difficulties. There is important information on this page to help you.
For a guide on costs of living in the UK please click on the 'First Steps' leaflet at the right-hand side of this page.
Opening a bank account
You should open a bank account when you arrive in the UK to help you to control your finances. Due to strict UK government regulations it can sometimes be time-consuming and difficult for students from countries outside the European Union to open a bank account, but there are steps you can take to help you to ease the process. Please ensure you have the following before visiting a bank:

  • Evidence of your identity (normally your passport).
  • A “bank letter” from your School confirming that you are enrolled as a student at Brockley Ideal College (please note that you can only get this letter once you have enrolled on your course.)

Please also note that banks require evidence of your overseas residential address, agency or PO Box overseas addresses are NOT acceptable. ID such as a driver’s licence which shows your overseas residential address may be helpful.
In addition, if you are studying here on a course of less than six months, it is normally not possible to open a student bank account at first. Instead, you should be able to open a basic bank account, which you may then be able to upgrade to a student bank account when you have started on your degree programme.
For further information about bank accounts for international students in the UK and for information about identity checks that banks carry out, please read the leaflets below produced by the British Bankers' Association and the Financial Services Authority.
link iconBritish Bankers' Association leaflet (pdf)
link iconFinancial Services Authority leaftlet (pdf)

Running a bank account
Once you have opened a bank account keep a record of the money that you pay into the account (‘deposits’) and the money that you take out of the account (‘withdrawals’). This includes recording money you take out from bank machines, cheques that you write, items you buy with your debit card, standing orders and direct debits. Check your records against each bank statement you receive. This will help you to keep track of your money through the month, and help prevent any problems that might arise with the bank.

An overdraft is a method of borrowing money from your bank when you do not have enough money to cover your expenditure (the money you spend.) You may or may not be able to arrange an overdraft with your bank. An overdraft allows you to spend more money than you have in your account, up to a fixed limit. You may have to pay charges to use this service as well as interest on the amount you borrow. If you want to have an overdraft, you will need to go and talk to your bank. Use of an overdraft facility MUST be agreed with your bank before you use it, otherwise the bank will charge you a large fee every time you spend more money than you have in your account (e.g. £25 every time.)

 

Important Financial Information
·  Don’t carry around large amounts of cash as it can be risky. Find other methods for paying for goods such as by cheque, direct debit or debit card.
·  Keep your bank statements in a safe place. If you wish to extend your visa while you are in the UK you will be required to show them as evidence of funds.
·  Keep a record of money in your account. If you receive money and you don’t understand why, or if money seems to be “disappearing” from your account then please notify your bank and the police immediately.
·  Don’t accept money from someone you don’t know. They may be criminals asking for your help so that they can launder money through your bank account thereby hiding their identity and criminal activities. You will place yourself at risk if you accept this money. Notify the police if someone approaches you to give you money or asks you to look after their money.
·  Don’t allow anyone else to use your bank account. There should be no reason for anyone else to use your account. Allowing someone to use you bank account will place yourself at risk. Your bank may become suspicious that you are money laundering or aiding someone else to do so, which is a criminal offence. If someone approaches you requesting to use your bank account, notify your bank and the police immediately.
·  Do manage your money carefully as finding sources of funding for your studies once you have come to England is very difficult.
·  Don’t ignore bills or financial problems because they won’t go away. If you don’t understand a bill or a letter, or if you are concerned about your finances then come and speak to an adviser.
·  Do pay your fees on time. If there is a reason why you may not be able to pay your fees on time then contact the Finance Office on Ellison Terrace immediately.
·  Don’t lend large amounts of money to friends because they may not pay you back and there is very little you can do to recover your money.
·  Do consider taking out insurance to cover you belongings.

Budgeting and making the most of your Money
A budget is a plan that you make to work out how much money you have and how you are going to use that money. It is important to make a budget for yourself as early as possible so that you can plan your money for the year. When you are making a budget, do not rely on earnings from any part-time job, as such work is temporary and often subject to change.
Don’t forget that you can benefit from a range of discounts in some shops and restaurants by showing your National Union of Students’ card (NUS card). All students who are currently enrolled at Brockley Ideal College are able to get an NUS card form the Students’ Union reception.
link iconEducation UK (British Council)

Help with your Studies

The Study Skills Centre
You may find that the study methods used in the UK are very different from those you are used to in your own country. If you are finding it difficult to adjust to your studies the has it's own Study Skills Centre where you can get help and guidance on:

  • Essay writing
  • Grammar
  • Exam Technique
  • Time Management
  • Many other aspects of university study.

The Study Skills Centre can offer one-to-one tutorials for students who need specific guidance on a particular aspect of study. You will need to book a session through your course tutor who will inform you all the relevant details.

Healthcare in the UK

How to Access Healthcare
It is very important that you register with a doctor (sometimes called a GP or General Practitioner) as soon as possible after your arrival in London. Do not wait until you become ill!
If you feel unwell and you are unable to access immediate medical care for any reason, the National Health Service (NHS) provides a confidential help and advice line called NHS Direct. Nursing staff at NHS Direct can discuss your symptoms with you and can help to establish whether further medical attention is required. The telephone number for NHS Direct is 0845 4647.
link iconKeeping Healthy, Keeping Safe
link iconNHS Direct website

Healthcare Costs
If you are an International student who is enrolled on a course for six months or more, you are entitled to free healthcare under the National Health Service (NHS).
You do have to pay for any medicines that the doctor prescribes for you. The current cost for each item of medicine is £6.65. You may also have to pay for eye examinations, spectacles and dental treatment.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition (and illness which was diagnosed before you came to the UK) and you require specialist treatment, you may wish to consider taking out private health insurance, as such conditions are not normally covered by the National Health Service.
Private treatment is also available, but it can be very expensive.

Meningitis (Important - please read)
Meningitis is a rare, but serious illness, caused by inflammation of the lining of the brain. You should be aware of the symptoms of the disease and if you think that you may be suffering from meningitis, you should seek medical assistance immediately.
Common symptoms are:

  • Fever – cold hands and feet
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Dislike of bright lights
  • Joint/muscle pain
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion

Septicaemia (blood poisoning) can also occur, which may cause a severe rash, which does not disappear when pressure is applied to it. For a simple test, press a clear glass against the skin. If the rash does not fade, this may be a symptom of septicaemia and you should seek medical attention immediately.
Whilst you should not be too concerned about meningitis, you should take the precaution of familiarising yourself with the most common symptoms. Further information on meningitis can be found on the website of the Meningitis Trust and within specific health issues area of Keeping Healthy Keeping Safe.
link iconMeningitis Trust website
link iconKeeping Healthy, Keeping Safe

NHS Walk-in Centre
There are any NHS walk-in centres where you can go for medical attention for minor illnesses and injuries
 
link iconNHS in England website

Help in an Emergency
Please note: You should only dial 999 in the event of a real emergency. Please make a note of your GP’s telephone number and the telephone number of your local police station in case you need help for minor incidents.
The non-emergency number for the police is: 101
For further information on healthcare in the UK, look at the NHS Direct website (for 24 hour health advice from healthcare professionals) or NHS England (for lists of local GPs, dentists, opticians, hospitals and pharmacies).
link iconNHS Direct website
link iconNHS in England website

Driving in the UK

To be allowed to drive your own car legally in the UK, you need the following:
Valid Driving Licence
If you have a valid UK driving license you may drive in the UK. If you have a full driving licence obtained outside the EU, you may drive for up to 12 months from your date of entry in to the UK. Within the first 12 months, you must obtain a provisional driving licence and sit a driving test to obtain a full driving licence.

Please note: there are some variations to this rule for certain. nationals. For further details please see www.dvla.gov.uk.
link iconDriver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)

Car with Current MOT
All cars over 3 years old must obtain a new MOT certificate every year to prove that they are road worthy. Most garages can carry out this test and the cost is approximately £40.

To find out more about the MOT test, go to http://www.vosa.gov.uk/
link iconVehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)

Current Motor Insurance
You must be insured to drive a motor vehicle. There are many companies in the UK who offer motor insurance. Costs can vary according to the make and age of the car and the age of the driver. There are two main kinds of motor insurance

  • third party
  • fully comprehensive

Fully comprehensive offers the most cover.

For an insurance quote, please go to http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/
link iconEndsleigh Insurance

Car Tax Disc Displayed in Wind Screen
Your car needs to have road tax. To obtain this, you must take your
·  MOT CERTIFICATE
·  + INSURANCE CERTIFICATE
·  + CAR OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT (V5)
to the Post Office. You will pay a fee for either 6 months or 12 months of road tax and you will be given a tax disc, which you must display in your car windscreen.

Fees vary depending on the size of the car. Please see www.dvla.gov.uk
link iconDriver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA)

Very Important Information
·  All occupants of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt
·  Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and carries severe penalties
·  Vehicles must be road-worthy. The Police can issue fines for broken headlights/brake lights or other faults
·  Driving without car tax, MOT, valid insurance or a valid licence is against the law and can carry severe penalties
·  Exceeding the speed limit or other forms of dangerous driving can result in a fine and, in severe cases, loss of driving licence or imprisonment
·  Fines can also be issued for parking offences.
·  Fines and penalty points on your licence can be issued for using a mobile phone whilst driving.

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