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first for training & skills

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

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Cambridge Regional College is a large, Further Education institution situated in the historic town of Cambridge which is 45 miles north east of London with excellent rail links to the capital. The College provides education and training opportunities for over 3600 full time students aged 15-18 and 6700 part-time learners, aged 19 and over, and 5000 apprentices. The College also welcomes over 1650 international students from 55 countries each year.

CRC’s place in the city, region and country

The City of Cambridge has an expanding population and is the centre of many high technology industries, many of them based at the Cambridge Science Park near our Science Park Campus. The surrounding area is primarily rural and is served by a number of schools, village and community colleges which offer full-time education. Cambridge’s long history as a university town means that it is rich in amenities with excellent shops and libraries as well as a range of recreational facilities. Cambridge Regional College complements other institutions in the locality and contributes to an education system which, in terms of high quality, diversity and choice, is probably unmatched in the country.

The College’s vision is to be acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading

Colleges, providing high quality education and training which excels regionally and is nationally and internationally renowned.

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Preparing for your Journey

Please pack in your hand luggage:

• Your passport with the correct visa

• All correspondence with Cambridge Regional College, including letter of acceptance

• Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs • Health certificates

• Insurance documents

• Original documents of your existing qualifications • Enough money in sterling for the first couple of weeks

Please, pack in your suitcase:

• Clothing

The United Kingdom has cool to mild winters and warm summers with moderate variation in temperature throughout the year. We recommend comfortable, casual clothes for school.

• Toiletries

You must supply your own toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner. Of course Cambridge has plenty of stores that sell these items should you need to purchase them whilst here.

• Stationery

Please, bring pens, pencils and paper for note taking.

• Electrical appliances

The standard voltage in the UK is 240 volts; make sure that your electrical equipment is compatible. You may need an adaptor for items such as hairdryers.

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Your Journey to Cambridge

If you have booked a transfer

If you have booked a taxi/airport transfer, your driver will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals hall, carrying a sign with your family name on it. They will take you to the College or directly to your accommodation (depending on your arrival time, this will be confirmed to you in advance).

If you have not booked a transfer but would like to, please get in contact with the International Office, who would be happy to arrange this for you. Please try to give us at least 48 hours’ notice before arrival.

What to do if you cannot find your transfer

It is very unlikely that you will not find the taxi driver, but if this happens go to the airport information desk and ask the staff there to make an announcement. Give your name and the name of the Cambridge Regional College. Stay at the information desk so the representative can find you. If after some time you are still unable to find the representative remain calm and call the 24 hour emergency number at +44 (0) 7854 210472. Someone at this number will be able to help you.

If you have booked a transfer, the College representative will know the address you are going to and he/she will have been paid in advance. DO NOT get into a taxi with someone who doesn’t know where you are going, or asks you for money. If you are uncertain, the helpdesk in the airport will be able to advise you.

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If you have not booked a transfer

If you have NOT booked a transfer you can reach the school in the following way:

Train

• Connecting from Stansted Airport…

The train to Birmingham New Street stops in Cambridge and will take you just 30 minutes. These trains run once an hour.

• Connecting from London airports…

London Gatwick: Take the train from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria. Then, take the Underground ‘Victoria’ line to Kings Cross Station.

London Heathrow: Take the underground ‘Piccadilly’ line from Terminals 1, 2, 3 or 4 to Kings Cross Station.

From London Kings Cross station: Take any train to Cambridge: these usually depart from platforms 9 or 10, which are accessed from half way along platform 8. Allow plenty of time to find your platform, if possible, as it can be confusing for the first-time visitor. During peak times trains depart to Cambridge at least three times an hour. Direct trains take approximately 45 minutes and only stop at major stations.

From Cambridge station: 15 -20 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by bus

Useful links:

National Rail (mainline trains): www.nationalrail.co.uk

Underground tube map: www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/

standard-tube-map.pdf

Coach/Bus www.nationalexpress.com

Coaches are available with National Express from all major airports and London Victoria train station

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Taxi

The nearest airports to Cambridge are Stansted and Luton. Taxis from Heathrow and Gatwick will be more expensive. Average journey times to Cambridge Regional College are:

• London Stansted - 45 minutes • Luton - 1 hour

• London Heathrow - 2 hours 30 minutes • London Gatwick - 3 hours

Travel in Cambridge

In Cambridge it is easy to get around on foot and bicycles are a popular way to explore the city. You can also find timetables on the following websites:

Buses: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/around/buses

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Your first day

Please come to the college reception (main entrance) at 9.00am. You will be met by a staff member of the international office who will look after you.

Your course will begin with an all-day introduction that will include:

• Completion of forms and collection of any outstanding payments • A Placement Test to determine the level of the course you require • A welcome talk by the Manager of Cambridge International Centre • Information about your classes

• Information about the College and area • An overview of College activities and excursions • A tour of the College and facilities

• A walking tour of Cambridge (this may depend on the number of students that have enrolled)

You will also receive information about your class schedule, classroom number, study level, and the hours you are to attend class. We will put you in the most suitable class for your level of English. Please bring your Cambridge Regional College documents, your passport, and pen and paper for note-taking purposes. You will also need to bring your original certificates with you. If these are not in English they must be translated with the name, address and telephone number of the translator clearly provided.

International Admissions Office Room B008

Cambridge Regional College Kings Hedges Rd

Cambridge CB4 2QT

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Sample Timetable

Class timetables are subject to change and you should only use this timetable as an example of what type of structure to expect. Classes are from Monday to Friday and you could have morning only classes or a full day depending on your programme of study. The below is an example of a General English course.

9:30-11:00 11:00-11.30 11.30-13.00 13.00-14.00 14:00-16:00 Monday General English General English Grammar

Tuesday General English General English Writing

Wednesday General English General English Presentation Skills

Thursday General English General English Speaking and Listening

Friday General English General English Activities

LUNCH

B

RE

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College Facilities

Classrooms

There are 20 large and airy classrooms which can comfortably seat up to 15 students. All classrooms are fully equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, bringing the very latest technology into the learning environment.

Resource Centre

Cambridge Regional College has a 2 floor Learning Resource Centre. In addition to the large range of books (text and fiction), magazines and newspapers, Cambridge Regional College also has computers available for all registered students to utilise their free internet access and personal e-mail addresses. Students can also utilise an on-line Learning Resource Centre which is available 24/7.

We also have a Silent Study Room in the International Teaching Block that students can use on specific days and times of the week.

Sports facilities

2 large indoor sports hall which are able to accommodate four badminton courts, 5-a-side football, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, plus many more sports • A viewing gallery

• Two squash courts

• Fitness suite and free weights room • Excellent changing and showering facilities • Floodlit outdoor 5-a-side all weather pitch. • Climbing wall

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Food Outlets

There are 3 college cafeterias offering hot and cold meals and snack items. There are also vending machines based around the college

The campus also boasts a more formal place to eat called The Bistro. Created by catering students and open to both the public and the college, The Bistro offers light bites and contemporary mains for a quick snack or a longer meal with friends and colleague or a more formal experience with a 3 course lunch on weekdays, evening fine dining on Tuesdays and theme events every Thursday.

Newsagent/Stationery Shop

There is a shop on the campus which offers a full range of newspapers, magazines, snacks, drinks and stationery.

Hair and Beauty

There is a hair and beauty salon based on the college campus. It has been created by students at CRC and runs on a professional basis offering high standard treatments to both students and members of the public.

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Local Information

Many of you will be away from home for the first time and it is not uncommon to miss your family and friends. Our team at Cambridge Regional College is here to help you settle in to life in Cambridge. A wide variety of modern and traditional cultural activities are on show all year round including concerts, stage plays and art exhibitions. The colourful Cambridge market is a key feature of the central square and the city boasts two major shopping centres, The Grafton Centre and the recently developed Grand Arcade.

Entertainment

Cambridge offers a wide range of clubs and societies, covering the arts, entertainment, performance and sport, together with a wide range of social and cultural events and festivals including the annual Strawberry Fair and Cambridge Folk Festival.

There is a wide range of entertainment available in Cambridge with a wide variation of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The restaurants range from traditional English food to Greek, Turkish and Vietnamese cuisine.

• Drinking

You must be at least 18 years old to drink in England. If you are under 18, you are not allowed to purchase alcohol or enter a bar or nightclub unless you are with a parent or guardian. Photo identification which shows your age is often requested before you are allowed to enter a bar or club. This photo ID must be one of the following:

• Passport

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• Official 18+ card

• Smoking

Cigarettes are available to anyone aged over 18, however in some ways smoking is less acceptable than drinking, and since September 2007 smoking has been banned in all pubs, clubs and restaurants in England.

Smoking is illegal in many public places including buses and the London Underground. If you smoke in these places you will have to pay a fine. Some non-smokers find smoke unpleasant and uncomfortable. If you are eating or drinking with friends, especially at someone else’s house, it is polite to ask before you light up your cigarette. If you are staying in homestay accommodation make sure you ask where you can and can’t smoke.

Religion

Cambridge has centres of worship for all religions. The International Office can help you locate the closest one to you.

Banks

There is a cash machine on the campus, along with a wide selection of banks spread throughout the city, all of which are familiar with the needs of international students studying in the UK. If you are studying a course for 6 months or more you will be able to open a bank account on arrival.

How to open a bank account

In order to open a bank account you will need to go to the Student

Administration office (C105b) to request a Bank Letter. They will require your address in your home country and in the UK. When you go to the bank they will require:

• Valid passport (or ID card)

• Confirmation of enrolment from the college

They will then issue you with the required letter to take to the bank of your choice.

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Medical treatment in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is the state health provider in the UK and provides a range of services.

Treatment on the NHS is free (except for prescriptions, eye tests and glasses and dental treatment), if you are an EU/EEA student. The Home Office introduced an Immigration Health Surcharge on 6 April 2015 for non EEA nationals who apply to come to the UK to work, study or join family for a time limited period of more than six months. It will also be paid by non EEA nationals who are already in the UK and apply to extend their stay. The health surcharge will be set at £150 a year for students and this will be charged in full up front at the time of the immigration application.

You should register with a Doctor as soon as you arrive. Please ask the

International Office if you need assistance. If you are in homestay accommodation you may find it easier to register with your host family’s GP and dentist.

Police registration

The British government requires foreign nationals aged 16 years and over from certain non EEA countries to register with the police.

It will clearly state in your visa if you have to register with the police and the time you have to register once you have arrived in Cambridge. Please ask the international office if you have any questions about how to do this.

Once you have your Police Registration Form you need to bring a copy to the Admissions Office (B008).

Safety

As in any country it is important to keep safe. • Do not carry large sums of money.

Do not handle large sums of money in public.

• Ensure you do not walk home alone at night, or walk through dark areas. • If you have any problems, please let the

Security office in College know.

Working during

your studies

All international students in the UK on a Tier 4 visa are allowed to work 10 hrs during term time and full time during the holidays. EEA and Swiss nationals do not need permission to work.

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Contact Us

We look forward to welcoming you to Cambridge Regional College. If you have any questions please contact us:

Cambridge Regional College

Kings Hedges Road

Cambridge CB4 2QT Tel: +44 (1223) 226317 E: [email protected] W: www.camre.ac.uk/international A14 A14 M11 A1307 A603 A1307 HUNTINGDON ROAD HISTON ROAD

KINGS HEDGES ROAD ARBURY ROAD

MILTON ROAD

MILTON RD VICTORIA ROAD

CHESTERTON ROAD ELIZABETH W

AY

BUS STATION

RAILWAY STATION MADINGLEY ROAD

BARTON ROAD

TRUMPING TON ROAD

HILLS ROAD

FEN CAU_SEWAY GONVILLE PL. EAST RD. NEWMARKET ROAD MILL ROAD COLDHAMS L ANE BARNWELL RD BROOK ROAD A1134 M11 HUNTINGDON A14 HISTON (B1049) ELY A10 CRC THE BUSW AY NEWMARKET (A1303) HAVERHILL BEDFORD (A428) LONDON (M11) ROYSTON (A10)

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Cambridge Regional College Kings Hedges Road Cambridge CB4 2QT T: +44 (1223) 226317

first for training & skills