| Frequently Asked Questions
Do I
need to get a student visa?
Chinese/BNO/HKSAR passport holders need to obtain a student visa. Please visit the
British
Consulate-General for more information.
Please visit
this website for more immigration advice.
What’s
the weather like in the UK? Will it be very cold?
Autumn temperatures when the term starts will be around 12°C - 16°C
and chilly at night. Winter temperatures dip to around 4°C and in
summer rise to 20°C plus. Rain showers are to be expected any time
of the year. It is warm inside buildings so it is best to wear layers
that you can adjust to the temperature.
What will the food
be like?
There are some restaurants on campus serving different varieties of hot
meals as well as salads and sandwiches. Chinese food is available in specialized
restaurants, markets and shops in nearby towns and cities. Alternatively,
you may also choose to prepare food by yourself.
Are things expensive
in the UK?
Here is a very rough guide to
your likely weekly expenditure if you are living on campus (excluding your
tuition fees):
Accommodation: £73- 122 on campus
Books & materials: about £10
Food/general expenses: about £70- 90
Total estimated basic costs: £160-220 per week
How do I get to the
university?
If you arrive in London Heathrow, you can take either the coach or the
train to Coventry. Please click
here
for more information.
From Coventry, it is only a
short bus or taxi ride to the University. The bus will cost you approximately
£1.5, and a taxi approximately £12.
Where can my friends/family
stay when they come to visit me?
There are quite a lot of hotels and guest houses in Coventry. Please
click here
for more
information.
What are the nearest
towns/cities from the university?
The University of Warwick campus is about 5 km from central Coventry,
from where it takes only about 20 minutes by train to Birmingham. Other
nearby towns include Kenilworth and Leamington Spa.
Is it safe in the UK?
You should feel pretty safe in Britain. However, as in most countries,
you must use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
What facilities are
there on campus?
You can find most of things you need on campus, including supermarket,
restaurants, arts centre, music centre, sports centre, swimming pools,
library, bookshop, banks, post office, travel agency, launderette, copy
shop, hairdressers, gift shop, health centre pharmacy and so on.
What’s available
at the Students’ Union?
The Students’ Union runs entertainment programmes and manages a
number of services. There are also over 250 clubs and societies affiliated
to it.
When is the academic
year?
The academic year starts in September and finishes in June. There are
3 terms in each academic year. For details, please click
here.
Can I work in the UK?
Yes, you can. In the UK, students who are registered on a course that
is longer then 6 months can work 20 hours a week during term time, and
work 40 hours per week during vacations.
How do I get temporary
work on campus?
Warwick University has its own temping agency – UNITEMPS –
where you can sign up when you are ready to take on some extra work. The
rate of pay is around £5.10 per hour.
Can I work in the UK
after I graduate?
It is possible in certain circumstances to work in Britain after study.
You can find further information from the Advice and Welfare Office or
the Careers Advisory Service.
Do I need to register
at the police station?
You should check their passport on entry to the UK. A stamp in a student’s
passport will clearly indicate if police registration is necessary. Students
holding a Chinese National / HKSAR passport are usually required to register at
the police station while those with BNO passport are usually not
required to do so.
How do I open a bank
account?
There are two major banks on campus -
NatWest and
Barclays.
They will expect to see your offer letter, some ID and accommodation details,
including home and university addresses. There are also HSBC branches in
Earlsdon (15 minutes by bus) or Coventry city centre (25 minutes by
bus).
Will I need medical
insurance?
In the UK, no one is charged for emergency treatment at hospital accident
and emergency departments. Besides, if you are on a course lasting longer
than 6 months, you are entitled to free primary medical treatment under
the government-funded National Health Service (NHS). There is a flat rate
charge of approximately £7.20 for each medicine that is prescribed.
Please note that you must register with the doctor at the Health Centre
immediately at the start of your course to benefit from the National Health
Service.
How can I get an official
transcript after study?
Please click
here
Where can I learn more?
You can find out more from the following websites:
Warwick
International Office
British Council
British Tourist
Authority
Please feel free to contact
us if you have other questions.
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