my-cumbria-logo, my-cumbria-logo Toggle navigation

Life as a student in the UK

  • Opening a Bank Account

    You should try and set up a bank account as soon as you get to the UK as many places, including our campuses, are cashless and will only take card payments. Please be aware there may not be any physical banks near some of our campuses.

    International students will find useful information about opening a bank account in the UK on the UKCISA Website 

    To open a bank account you need:

    • Bank letter - which you can apply for here .
    • Student Visa share code 
    • Passport 

    You may be able to start the process of opening a bank account online (dependent on the bank). We recommend you research UK banks and choose a bank that meets your needs, you may want to find out about the currency transfer rates available to you. 

  • Working in the UK

    Student Visa working restrictions

    As an international student you have restrictions for working in the UK. You have restriction of hours and the type of jobs that you can work. Please be aware that unpaid voluntary work counts towards your limited working hours each week.

    • Up to 20 hours a week in term time if you are studying for a qualification at degree level or above. This means that your course is at RQF level 6 or SCQF level 9 or higher.
    • Up to 10 hours a week in term time if you are studying for a qualification below degree level.

     

    You can find out more information on the UKCISA website  and on the university visa information pages.

    You are responsible for ensuring that you do not exceed the maximum hours per week that you are allowed to work. If you work more than the permitted hours , this is a breach of your visa conditions and can have serious consequences. You must immediately report this breach to your employer and the university ukvicompliance@cumbria.ac.uk

     

    National Insurance Number

    The National Insurance Number (NIN) is a unique personal identifier used in the United Kingdom for tax and social security purposes. If you do not have a National Insurance Number, you will need to apply for this to be employed in the UK. Apply online 

     

    Right to Work check

    You have to prove to your employer that you have the right to work in the UK. This is known as a Right to Work check.

    You will need to provide:

    • Your valid passport
    • Your online share code
    • 'Employment' Letter from the university - Letter Requests 

     

    Careers Support

    The Careers team can provide you with help and support to access part time work, interview skills, CV writing and careers guidance for your post study journey. 

  • Transport

    BUS

    You can check what bus services are running using Maps on iPhone or Google Maps. You can see what routes are available, at what time, and where you need to go to catch them. Different bus companies provide different services across the UK, so using maps can be easier to work out what bus service to use, especially if you are visiting different areas of the UK.

    If you are commuting to campus using the bus, you might be able to save money by purchasing a bus pass.

    TRAIN

    For long journeys the best option can be travel via train. If you plan to commute to campus on the train, you could look at getting a railcard, as this will save you 1/3 off your train tickets.

    You can find more information about the 16-25 and 26-30 railcards by clicking here.

    Use National rail for live updates and to book train tickets online. You can also use individual train operators apps and websites to book tickets. If you experience train delays, you can submit a claim to get money back from your ticket by visiting the train company’s website. You can find more information about the delay repay process here.

     

     

  • Council Tax

    Council Tax is money paid to the local council for services such as rubbish collection, police, and fire services.

    People who rent or own a home usually have to pay Council Tax. However, full-time students are usually exempt and do not have to pay Council Tax.

    If you are a full-time student, you could be asked to provide a council tax exemption letter to your local council or your landlord, to show that you are exempt from paying Council Tax.
    If you live with adults who are not students, the household may need to pay Council Tax or may receive a discount. As a full-time student, you are usually exempt from Council Tax. This means that the other adults in the household are responsible for paying any Council Tax that is due.
    You can find out more information on the UKCISA website , you can also contact your local council for more information.
    Please be aware that council tax charges and exemptions may be different for students living in Scotland or Wales.

     

     

  • Keeping your self safe

    Keeping your self safe 

    The university provides lots of information about keeping your self safe on theHealth and Safety on Campus web pages. You can find out information such as ways to stay safe and the walk safe app. The app shows safe local venues on a map. It can also help you find a safer way to travel home after a night out.

    You can also find the campus security contact details and other apps on the Staying Safe web pages. 

     

    Scams and Fraud 

    International students are targeted by scammers. You may find the information below helpful to find out more about fraud and scams and keep your self safe. 

    Student Guide to Fraud 

    UKCISA Fraud and Scams information 

    Report fraud - information about protecting your self, help and support and how to report fraud, 

    Student Fraud Leaflet 

     

  • Child Care and Pregnancy

    Childcare

    Students must have suitable childcare in place to be able to attend university. Children cannot attend campus or placement with you if you have no childcare. You can find more information about these expectations in the student policies and procedures. 

    Nursery and child minding

    If you have a child/children below school age (0-4), you can find a nursery local to you using: www.daynurseries.co.uk.

    Our Lancaster campus also has a pre-school centre on site for children aged between 0-5. You can find more information and contact details here 

    Please be aware, you will have to pay full costs for nursery and before/after school clubs or childcare.

    Local schools for dependent children

    If you are bringing children aged between 5 and 16, they can attend government primary and secondary schools in the UK, if they are here as your dependants. You will not have to pay for this. Schools can refuse places to children if they consider their stay in the UK will be too short, or if the schools have no available places. 

    For more information:

    Westmorland and Furness Council (Ambleside)

    Cumberland Council (Carlisle)

    Lancashire County Council (Lancaster)

     

    Pregnancy

    If you are pregnant or become pregnant during your studies, you would be required to follow the university’s Student Pregnancy and Family Leave policy. 

     

  • Find your new University family

    Students Union - Clubs, Societies and Events

    Multicultural Cumbria  - Multicultural events 

    Chaplain trips and events - Visit the Chapel on your campus for more information 

    UOC active -  Activities and Gym

     

Edit page