STUDENT SERVICES

A wide range of support and advice is available for students in TASMAC. Programmes and services are designed to help students to adjust to life in London; to develop an appreciation for diversity; to gain independence; to improve leadership, planning and life management skills; to learn to work well in group settings; to develop self-confidence; and to develop purpose and direction in their lives. The Student Government Association works with the Students Services Department to initiate activities and programmes to meet student needs.

In an effort to create an environment that is both challenging and supportive, the Director of Students Department provides personal and career counselling, internship placement and job advice, housing, activities, programmes, trips, organisation advisement, and general advice and support.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Career preparation is an important component of TASMAC education. The School provides student with a framework to prepare for their careers as effectively as possible through a variety of opportunities including workshops, testing, internship placements, and one-on-one advice. The staff strives to equip students with the skills necessary to successfully transition from the academic world to a career position shortly after graduating.

It is important to note that students who are not citizens of an EU-member country may experience difficulty in acquiring UK work permits and visas, but in TASMAC Career Services will be able to advise on this issue.

ISSUES CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

international students must be aware of terms of their visas and the requirements set forth by the British government. Several areas of concern are outlined below.

Extensions of Stay or Extension of Leave to Remain

On arrival in the United Kingdom, all full-time students who are staying at the School for longer than six months should have a stamp placed in their passport by the immigration officer which states that they have been admitted into United Kingdom for the purposes of study and will specify the length of time for which a student is given permission to stay. Any additional restriction with regard to employment will also be indicated.

The length of time for which a student is given permission to stay in the United Kingdom will vary according to the circumstances of the student. In general, however, most students will obtain permission to stay at least 12 months and, in few cases, for a longer period of time. Most students will, therefore, be required to extend their leave in order to remain in the United Kingdom.

All students should check the date on which their leave to remain is due to expire and make applications to the Border and Immigration Authority for an extension of stay at least one month prior to the expiry date. When applying for an extension, the student must present the following documents;

• A letter requesting an extension to stay

• A valid passport

• A letter from TASMAC stating the student has been accepted for a further period of study.

• Documentary proof of financial support, e.g., recent bank statements, evidence of sponsorship, or other documentary proofs.

• Application forms for visa extensions can be acquired from TASMAC Administration Office.

• Students will not be given leave to remain for full-time employment after completion of their studies.

Immigration Advice

The Border and immigration Authority (BIA) and Work Permits UK can provide valuable assistance in obtaining work permits, Home Office extensions, visas, entry certificates, and letters of consent.

Additional detailed information is available from TASMAC Administration Office.

Working in the United Kingdom as a Student

Full-time students who have a student visa stamped in their passport and who will be studying in TASMAC for at least six months are eligible to work on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week) during term time and on a full-time basis during vacations.

Students who are only here temporarily (i.e., less than six months) or on a part-time basis (i.e., fewer than 15 credit hours per term) are not eligible to work. In this case, the stamp in the passport will include a condition prohibiting employment. Those who enter the country under the condition prohibiting employment will never be allowed to work while the condition applies.

Students whose passports indicate merely a restriction on employment may work on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week) once they have obtained a National Insurance Number. To find out the appropriate office for obtaining a National Insurance Number, please phone the Employers Help line on 08457-143-143. Any questions about working part-time can be directed to the TASMAC Administration Office. 

Working in the United Kingdom after Graduation

Non-EU citizen seeking permanent positions after graduation may find it difficult to acquire a position due to the need for a work permit. Any question about full-time working after graduation should be directed to TASMAC Administration Office.

HOUSING

Obtaining satisfactory accommodation is the earliest priority the new student has to address. The TASMAC housing service is designed to facilitate access to appropriate sources to enable students to overcome this daunting hurdle at the earliest opportunity. By forging links with specialist student housing providers, TASMAC provides students with professional support without the need to pay agency or finders fees. The major sources of student accommodation for TASMAC both have websites with substantial detail concerning their services for TASMAC.

Students seeking accommodation are advised to choose one of the options described in the housing pack and complete the housing application form accompanying the welcome pack.

Additional information can be obtained from the office of the Director of Students.
 

MONEY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Bank Accounts
Most British banks have branches throughout the country and offer all services; however, policies may vary between them. Banking hours are normally 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Students who wish to set up a bank account should seek advice from TASMAC Administration Office.
 

HEALTH INFORMATION

All students are travelling to the UK should ensure that their health insurance is valid in this country. For an additional fee, most health insurance companies will arrange extra coverage, but you may have to undergo a medical examination.

The British health care system is called the National Health Service (NHS). This service gives free health care to residents of the UK. Some countries have reciprocal agreement with the UK, but students from these countries are still required to register with a doctor. All full-time students who will be in London for at least six months are eligible to register with an NHS doctor, regardless of whether their country has a reciprocal agreement.

TASMAC strongly encourages every full-time student to register with the NHS Clinic nearest his/her residence upon arrival in London. Students can obtain a list of general practitioners in their area from the Health Authority at 020-7725-3333, or by contacting the NHS Direct service on 0845 4647 or by email www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

This registration will provide ready access to medical attention when and if required. If medical attention is required and the student has not already registered, he/she will probably have to wait at least a day for an appointment.

Students who have a medical emergency but who do not meet any of these requirements are still eligible for free emergency care in the UK.