Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs rely on questions and feedback - send yours to M.Evans@ljmu.ac.uk
Application Process
Q: How do I apply for the 2013 Summer Semester Programme?
A: Applications for 2013 will be online.
Fees/Money
Q: How much are the tuiton fees?
A: Please email Maureen Evans on m.evans@ljmu.ac.uk for this information.
Q: How do I pay my tuition fees?
A: Tuition fees will be paid online.
Q: What does the tuition fee include?
A: The tuition fee includes your course fee, your accomodation costs and medical insurance.
Q: How much should I budget to spend while I'm in Liverpool?
A: Liverpool is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK. For your Summer Semester programme, you should allow approximately £1000 for food, travel and other necessary items. This amount will obviously depend on your lifestyle.
Q: How and with whom should we open a bank account in the UK?
A: We will include in your welcome pack all the necessary information regarding opening a bank account in the UK. We will also supply you with a letter from LJMU which the bank will need to prove that you are an LJMU student. In the past we have worked with Barclays bank and your seniors found them to be very good. You can only open a basic account however. You can go to other banks in Liverpool if you wish to.
Visas
Q: Do I require a visa entry for the UK?
A: Due to recent changes in rules regarding visa applications, we advise students to refer to the following websites for information regarding visas to ensure they have the most up to date information - UKBA or Visa for Malaysia
You can also seek guidance from our International/EU Welfare advisor Caroline O'Rourke at internationalwelfare@ljmu.ac.uk
Other useful websites include:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passports-and-immigration/immigration-policy/
http://www.ukcosa.org.uk
http://www.educationuk.org
Arriving in Liverpool
Q:When should I arrive in Liverpool?
A: You should aim to arrive in Liverpool between 24th- 26th May 2013. You must also have advised us of your travel details by 3rd May 2013 on the LJMU proforma. Please be advised that if you arrive outside these dates you will need to arrange you own transportation to the halls of residence and if you arrive before 24th May you will need your own accomodation.
Q: Will the university pick me up at the airport?
A: Yes, if you arrive during the LJMU arrivals weekend - 24th - 26th May 2013. You must also have advised us of your travel details by 3rd May 2013 on the LJMU proforma. Please be advised that if you arrive outside of this period or at any other UK airport, then you will have to make your own way to Liverpool.
Q: What if I'm making my own way to Liverpool?
A: You can arrive by train, details available at www.nationalrail.co.uk
You can also arrive by coach, details available at http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
There is an excellent section on Manchester airport's website on how to travel from the airport, www.manchesterairport.co.uk
Avoid the taxis at the airport as they will cost approximately £70 to bring you to Liverpool.
Q: Who should I give my travel details to?
A: Please email your travel details to m.evans@ljmu.ac.uk who will be collecting your details on behalf of the University.
Please do this as soon as your travel arrangements have been confirmed and before the deadline - 3rd May 2013.
Work
Q: Can I work during the Summer Semester programme?
A: No, you are NOT allowed to work during the programme under any circumstances.
Accomodation
Q: Can I change my accommodation group?
A: If you are unhappy with your group, please speak to the staff at the accommodation on arrival. They will deal with any room change requests once all students have arrived. They will do whatever they can to ensure that you are happy with your living arrangements.
Q: Does the accomodation have internet access?
A: Yes, Internet access is available at your accommodation.
Q: Do we have televisions in our rooms?
A: You have a television in the communal area of your flat that you share with your flatmates but there is not an individual one in each room.
Q: Is the internet access free and unlimited?
A: Internet access is free and unlimited. It should be used for your studies and research, downloading movies and games will cause problems with the service so please be considerate to your fellow students. Please note that the use of routers/wireless devices are not permitted at Liberty Atlantic Point.
Q: Do we have telephones in our rooms?
A: Yes there are telephones in your rooms that you can use to call each other, free of charge. You can also take incoming calls from family and friends. Full details will be available in the welcome booklet you will receive from the accomodation providers upon arrival.
What do we need to bring to the UK?
Q: Do we need to bring pillows and bed linen?
A: Duvets, pillows and bed linen are all provided by the accommodation providers so you do not need to bring any of these items.
Q: Do we need to bring electrical adaptors?
A: The voltage in the UK is the same as in Malaysia.
Q: Do we need to bring a printer to the UK?
A: You can buy printers here in the UK for as little as £30.00. Printers are available in the Learning Resource Centres but you need to pay for this service.
Q: Do we need to bring crockery etc?
A: Your room will be equipped with crockery and cutlery but you will need to buy pots and pans upon arrival. There are plenty of cheap shops where you can buy them in Liverpool. We suggest you buy them here and share with your housemates.
Q: What clothing should I bring for my stay?
A: Although you will be visiting in the summer, the British climate can be unpredictable and you will need to bring some warm clothes with you. A waterproof coat or jacket is essential. If you do not have warm clothes it is advisable to buy these once you are in Liverpool as they will probably be much cheaper in the UK.
Q: Can I bring some of my favourite foods with me?
A: It is illegal to bring meat, fish plants and honey into the UK. Please see the HM Custom and Excise website for prohibited good. Liverpool has lots of supermarkets selling a variety of foods from all over the world where you can purchase your favourite foods cheaply. Check out the village market website at http://www.thevillagemarket.co.uk/ which offers global foods to the general public here in Liverpool.
General
Q: LJMU has a lot of sites - how will I find my way around?
A: Don't worry about this, we will provide a map of all LJMU sites and Liverpool in your welcome pack which you will receive when you arrive at your halls of residence.
Q: What sporting facilities are available at LJMU?
A: LJMU offers a selection of sporting activites for students at the I.M.Marsh campus. In addition, LJMU students are entitled to free off-peak Lifestyles Fitness Centres membership. Check out the website for further details - Sport at LJMU
Q: Is there a limit to the amount of money I can bring into the UK?
A: There is no limit on the amount of money you can bring into the UK. You need to be sensible regarding the amount of cash you bring into the UK for your own safety. Do not bring lots of cash, instead bring travellers cheques, or bank drafts. You will need some sterling for your immediate expenses - about £100 should be enough.
Q: Is Liverpool welcoming to people of different Faiths?
A: The LJMU chaplaincy team are happy to help, advise, and support all students from faith traditions who wish to practice their faith whilst in Liverpool, for example help with finding places of worship, and are also available to offer spiritual support and guidance to those of all faiths and those of none.
For further information please contact the Rev. Dr. James Harding - james@liverpool-anglican-chaplaincy.org or phone: 07545451542 .
Full details are available at http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/spirituality
Q: Do we need to carry our passports around with us for identification purposes?
A: You do not need to carry your passport with you. Please leave your passport in your room in a safe place.
Q: Can I drive when I am in the UK?
A: If you hold a valid driving licence or international driving permit from your home country, you will be able to drive in the UK for 12 months. After that time the licence is not longer valid in the UK. Your car will need to be taxed, insured, registered and road-worthy. Hiring a car is easy and the nearest rental companies to your accomodation are:
Hertz Rent-a-car, 141 Vauxhal Road, Liverpool - Tel: 0151 227 2222
Europcar, Mount Pleasant Car Park, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool - Tel: 0151 708 7563
Q: Where can I get information about touring Europe?
A: STA Travel can advise you ~ see www.statravel.co.uk or call in at 78 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4HR - Tel: 0871 468 0631
Q: Are there services available for laptop or mobile repairs?
A: Yes, full details are available at http://www.liverpoolsu.com/content/572833/laptop_mobile_repairs
Q: Can we store belongings at the university if we go travelling?
A: The University cannot store your belongings for you I'm afraid. Contact Excess Baggage Shipping & Storage on freephone 0800 524 4675 or visit www.excess-baggage.com for further details.
Masters Programmes
Q: I want to continue with a Masters after the Summer Semester programme, what should I do?
A: LJMU offers a variety of programmes at Masters level. As one of our Summer Semester students you will receive an international award towards the Masters fee. A postgraduate fair for students on the Summer Semester programme will take place at the end of July and will provide you with all the information you need. If you have any questions at any time about the Masters programmes available to you, please don't hesitate to contact your programme leaders or the support staff at LJMU who will be able to help you.
Support/Health/Medical Care/Emergencies
Q: Who/where do I go for support if I have a concern or problem?
A: There are many people at LJMU to support you with any concerns, worries or problems. In the first instance, contact Maureen Evans on 0151 904 6480 or email - m.evans@ljmu.ac.uk.
Every Summer Semester student has a Programme Leader who can also be contacted for support. Details of how to contact your Programme Leader are contained in your welcome pack which will be in your accomodation when you arrive.
In addition the LJMU Student Advice & Wellbeing Team with specialist knowledge and experience are available Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm. Full details are available at http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentadvice/
Q: What vaccinations do I need?
A: It is advisable for students attending the Summer Semester programme to check their vaccination situation before travelling. Before leaving your home country you should have the following vaccinations:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella
- Meningitis
- Pulmonary tuberclosis (TB)
Q: When are Chemists/Pharmacies open?
A: Chemists (pharmacies) are open generally from 9am - 6pm with some stores being open untill 8pm. These are places where you can buy standard Western medication as well as get any doctor's prescriptions filled. If you have a minor ailment, a pharmacist can advise about treatment and recommend over the counter medications.
Q: Is tap water drinkable?
A: You can drink water from the tap in the kitchen areas but not from the tap in the bathroom areas.
Q: What is the number for the emergency services in the UK
A: Police, Fire and Ambulance services can be contacted free by calling 999
Q: Where is the nearest hospital and medical centre to my accommodation?
A: The nearest hospital is The Royal Liverpool Hospital Trust, Prescot Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 706 2000
The nearest medical centre is Liverpool NHS Walk In Centre, Unit 4, Row 52, Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool. Tel: 0151 285 3535
Q: What is my position as an International student with regard to medical services whilst I am here?
A: International students staying in the UK for less than six months are only entitled to basic emergency services free of charge on the National Health Service (NHS). Emergency treatment includes only the minimum requirement to save a life, any further treatment is defined as non-emergency and you will be charged for it. LJMU have taken out health insurance on your behalf which starts when you arrive in the UK and finishes on the day you leave your accommodation. You will receive details of the insurance cover in your welcome pack outlining where you need to go if you have a health problem and how to make a claim on the policy. If you fall ill and need to see a doctor or attend hospital, you will need to advise them that you have medical insurance via LJMU.
