Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my partner and children to the UK?

The UK Council for International Student Affairs has an information sheet called ‘Your family's immigration’ which gives details of how to apply for dependant visas and the eligibility criteria. Please access this information by going to the link below. You can get evidence of your student status from one of the Student Help Points. This can be used as proof of your student status and may help your dependant’s application. Please note that if you are living in University accommodation it will not be possible for your family to join you as it can only accommodate one person.

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/your_family.php

How can I improve my English?

The Study Skills and Access Unit offers English language advice and support to all international students. Please contact the Study Skills and Access Unit on 263089, e-mail studyskills@rgu.ac.uk or visit their website:

www.rgu.ac.uk/studyskillsandaccess

English Language Support for International Students

How do I open a UK bank account?

If you wish to open a UK bank account you will need to prove to the bank who you are and where you live. The bank will require certain documents as evidence of this. The Bank Needs: Your full name + date of birth + nationality; Your UK residential address; Your home address + country of residence. To verify the above you will need to take: Your passport (original, not photocopy); Evidence of student status; Your original course admission letter/ ‘Unconditional’ offer. You can obtain a ‘Bank’ letter from one of the Student Help Points that will detail who you are, your course of study and detail your UK and Home Address. This will help you with the process of setting up a bank account. You should go to different banks to find out what they can offer you as some highstreet banks offer deals to students. Each UK bank will have different criteria that needs to be met before you can open an account with them. Although the above is standard some banks may require extra information.

Can I work part-time?

You are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during term-time as an International Student. During official University holidays (as detailed in the Academic Calendar) you are allowed to work full-time. However if you are writing up your thesis/dissertation or undertaking re-sits or any other University work you should only work a maximum of 20 hours a week. Please note that if you are a student from within the EEA (European Economic Area) you are allowed to work up to 40hrs a week. It is important that you get up to date information regarding this to ensure you do not breach your conditions to work in the UK. Please visit the following information pages via the UK Council for International Student Affairs website:

Workind During Studies - UKCISA

Academic Calendar

How do I extend my student visa?

You should make sure you start the process of extending your visa early. We recommend that you begin the process, if possible, at least 4 months in advance of your current visa expiring. If you have any travel plans you should take this into account and come as early as possible. The first step to take is to contact an International Student Adviser at isa@rgu.ac.uk.

The International Student Advisers currently run weekly Student Visa Extension workshops offering guidance and assistance in completing your application form. To book your place please email isa@rgu.ac.uk.

However please be aware that you will be required to post your application to the UK Border Agency yourself and ensure that it gets there on time (before your current student visa expires). Alternatively you can make an appointment at one of the Public Enquiry Offices to allow you to apply in person.

My visa is due to expire but I would like to stay to graduate. What should I do?

If you are unsure, you should contact the International Student Advisers by emailing isa@rgu.ac.uk as the advice and information depends on your individual situation. We are available through the Student Help Point, Student Central, Garthdee Campus Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1.30pm to 4pm, Tuesday 9.30am to 1pm and Thursday 10am to 1pm for help and advice. We normally also operate a twice-monthly drop-in service from Room 2, StudentZone, St Andrews Street from 2pm - 4pm. This normally takes place on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Emails are sent to students when these take place.

What visa can I apply for after graduation?

Students who are interested in applying for visas to remain in the UK after they have completed their studies should visit the following websites:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk

www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/working_after.php

I want to go on holiday or attend a conference abroad. Do I need a letter from the university?

Yes you will require a letter from the university. You can get this from the Student Help Point. The letter details that you are a student of the university and contains your course start and end date as well as your personal information.

Who should register with the police?

If your visa states "REGISTER WITH POLICE WITHIN 7 DAYS."

How do I register with the police?

You are advised to make an appointment to attend the Nationality Office at Grampian Police Headquarters. Appointments can be made in person by going to Grampian Police HQ Public Office or by telephoning (01224 306 105) or by emailing NationalityOffice@grampian.pnn.police.uk. You should attend your appointment with the following documents: Passport (Containing valid visa); one recent passport sized photograph; Confirmation of address (Utility bill, tenancy agreement, Letter from the University); RGU student ID card and a £34 fee (payable cash or cheque). It is important that you keep your police registration document safe as you will need it when you apply for any future visas or extend your student visa. You should contact the Nationality Office at Grampian Police Headquarters if you change address so they can update this on your certificate.