Current Students - Life in the UK

Opening a Bank Account

You must open a bank account as soon as you arrive in the UK.

Your chosen bank will ask you to provide photo identification, confirmation that you are a student at ҹɫֱ²¥ and your postal address. Therefore, once you have chosen a bank, go to Academic Administration in the University and they will prepare a letter confirming your student status and your postal address. Please make sure you give at least 48 hours notice! We can only issue one bank letter per student.

If you bring a banker’s draft in your name, in Pounds Sterling (£GBP) with you, please ensure that the draft is drawn on a UK bank as this speeds up transactions and ensures that commission payments are dealt with locally in your own country. Once you deposit the draft it should take between seven to ten days to clear. Do not bring personal cheques as many banks will not accept them.

Currency

Notes: £100, £50, £20, £10, £5, and £1

Coins: £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p

In Scotland, three different banks can issue bank notes: the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank. In England, only the Bank of England issues banknotes. If you are visiting England and using cash, it is recommended that you take English bank notes.

ATMs will accept Visa, MasterCard and most other cards. There are a number of banks nearby in Musselburgh where you can open an account, including:

There are more banks in the centre of Edinburgh. Banks are usually open from 9.00am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays, and some branches will also open on Saturdays, although often on reduced hours.

Since the COVID pandemic, contactless payment has become widespread and will be accepted by most shops and businesses. Some shops no longer accept cash.

The Finance Office aim to issue you with an invoice for your tuition fees by the end of October for September starts and end of February for January starts. If you are a sponsored student and require an invoice earlier, please email Registry@qmu.ac.uk.

From the date of invoice you will have 21 days to pay your fees in full or set up a payment plan to pay in instalments via the ҹɫֱ²¥ Portal.

Students requiring a Student visa may be required to pay a tuition fee deposit. For further details please see our Immigration section. Students on a Student visa are required to maintain tuition fee payments with the University in order to maintain their Student visa status.

Local Services

Shops

There are several shops within walking distance of the University and on close-by public transport links, including supermarkets Tesco, Asda, Lidl and Aldi. These shops sell many homeware items together with food, toiletries and clothing.

There is a retail park close to the University calledÌý which offers a range of high street stores such as Boots and Marks & Spencer, as well as a cinema and various restaurants. There is a wider variety of shops in Edinburgh’s city centre, ranging from small independent shops through to large chain stores.

Many shops, bars and entertainment venues offer a discount to full-time students. You will have to show your student card to claim any discounts that are on offer.

Post Office

The nearest Post Office to the University is:

Musselburgh Post Office,Ìý

80 High Street,

Musselburgh,

EH21 7BX

Ìý

Getting around Edinburgh and Beyond

As a student, you can apply for rail and bus discount cards which will give you a reduction on standard fares.

If you are under 22 and living in Scotland, you may be entitled to nationwide .

Two main bus companies operate throughout Edinburgh: Lothian Buses and First Bus. To find out more about the various bus routes you can visit their websites: and .

Two buses run from Edinburgh city centre to ҹɫֱ²¥: Lothian No. 30 and No. 45. The 30 bus runs approximately every 10 minutes, with a journey time of 20-30 minutes. Sunday service tends to be every 30 minutes. The 45 runs a little less frequently. It is possible to travel between Edinburgh and ҹɫֱ²¥ by train in under 10 minutes. Timetables can be found on the .

Edinburgh is extremely accessible by road, rail and air.

Bus

You can purchase student discount cards, which will offer you up to 30% discount on fares (visit the bus companies' websites for further details). The main bus station is in St Andrews Square, behind Princes Street.

Train

You can also use the app to book tickets across the UK.

Alternatively, visit Waverley Station on Princes Street for further information. You can purchase a young persons/student railcard that lasts for one year and gives you up to 1/3 discount off all rail travel.

Air

Edinburgh is well-serviced by several airlines, including budget airlines such as and – visit their websites for details of special offers.

Remember to check if you require a visa for your chosen destination if you decide to travel outside the UK – even within Europe. Don’t leave this until the last minute!

Car

Please note that in accordance with the University’s Green Travel Plan, there is no on-campus parking for students in University accommodation who wish to bring their own cars. Exceptions can be made for students with mobility impairments.

Travel Accommodation

You may wish to become a member of the (SHA) which gives you access to budget accommodation across the country.

Leaving home to study in a foreign country can be a very exciting experience but we recognise it can also be challenging, particularly in the early days. Often students are surprised by the effect that travelling to another country can have on them. However, it is important to realise that many of your reactions are perfectly normal, regardless of where you are from or what you are studying.

Culture Shock can be caused by several things:

• The shock of a new environment
• Different study methods
• Constantly meeting new people
• Being separated from your loved ones and the people who you would usually turn to for advice
• The climate
• The food
• Being immersed in a foreign language
• Social customs that challenge what you have always accepted as ‘normal’.

It is important to recognise the symptoms of culture shock and look after yourself. It is perfectly normal, and to be expected, that you may feel homesick, and you may be surprised when it hits you. You may have difficulty sleeping, or want to sleep all the time; you may get headaches or be overanxious. Often your concentration span is affected, and your emotions may fluctuate more than normal.

Remember that there are support networks in place to help you through any difficult times. Here is some basic advice:

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• Take regular light exercise
• Keep in touch with your friends and family at home by email or make a few extra phone calls or video chats 
• Make friends with other international students, as often they will understand what you are going through
• Join some societies, or get involved with your local community as this is a way of keeping yourself busy and also getting to know other Scottish students who can in turn help you to understand the culture better
• Speak to someone from the International Office, the Wellbeing Adviser or a Student Counsellor
• Ultimately, look after yourself and remember that culture shock is a perfectly natural reaction to life in a new environment

It is very common for international students to suffer from culture shock at some point during their studies. UKCISA have produced a useful , which you might find helpful and reassuring.

It has even been known for students to suffer from reverse culture shock when returning home. More information about reverse culture shock can be found on .

English Language and Study Skills Support

Free English language support is available from the Effective Learning Service (ELS), which is based in the Learning Resource Centre. The Effective Learning Service provides support for all students who wish to develop their English language skills.

The Effective Learning Service can also help you with your study skills and with making the transition from high school to undergraduate study, or from undergraduate to postgraduate study in your home country, to studying the UK.Ìý

For information on the support available and how to make an appointment with one of the team visit the Effective Learning Service.Ìý

You can also contact the Effective Learning Service at ELSinternational@qmu.ac.uk.

Student Services

The Student Services Team acknowledge the diversity of students’ backgrounds and experiences and has established a range of support services designed to meet your needs and requirements.

ҹɫֱ²¥ has a dedicated team of specialists in the areas of transition and pre-entry guidance, careers and student employment, disability advice, counselling and wellbeing, financial advice, and for students who are living on campus, a medical service linked with Riverside Medical Practice in Musselburgh.

All services are confidential and free.ÌýFurther information about student servicesÌýcan be found on our website.

International Team

The International Team are available to help answer any questions, particularly if you need information about immigration and extending your visa. We offer information and advice on a range of topics and can also provide you with supporting letters for extending your visa, inviting a family member to visit you, and for visiting another country.

During term time, we run regular drop-in sessions. At the start of each week, you will receive a link to the online drop-in session by email. The dates will also be published on our website.Ìý

If you have any questions throughout the year, you can also email the team at international@qmu.ac.uk.

The International Team organise several social events for international students. These usually include a familiarisation tour of Edinburgh, a Christmas lunch, and a bus tour.

Students' Union

ҹɫֱ²¥ Students’ Union is a not-for-profit organisation led by students. It offers advice and support, student representation, extra-curricular activities and volunteer opportunities.

Find out more information, including a full list of the sports and societies the union offers

Term Dates

A full calendar of the academic yearÌýis provided on our website.

Teaching and Learning Methods

During your studies at ҹɫֱ²¥, methods of teaching and learning may differ from what you are used to.

Lectures

Traditional teaching, where a lecturer speaks on a particular subject to many students.

TutorialsÌý

This is where you will meet your tutor, in a small group of your fellow students. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the topic and contribute to discussions.

Independent Study

You are expected to undertake some independent study, either alone or in small groups. You will be required to read about your subject so that you can contribute in class and write assignments. Reading lists are provided for guidance.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out through examinations and coursework. Do not put your studies and preparation off to the last minute as pressure soon mounts.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a very serious matter in the UK. You should NEVER copy someone else’s work or even repeat it in different words without stating where you found the information and who it came from. Guides about referencing are available from the Learning Resource Centre.

Remember, if you are struggling with your studies, you must seek advice from academic staff as soon as possible, rather than wait for them to approach you.

Further information about study methods used in the UK is provided on theÌý.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)

Your Personal Academic Tutor is the member of staff who will be your guide and mentor for academic issues throughout your time at ҹɫֱ²¥. Your PAT will be:

• a friendly and helpful first point of contact within the institution
• a source of advice and guidance on all matters relating to academic progress
• a link with other academic staff
• aware of the broader network of support services at ҹɫֱ²¥ and advise you as appropriate.

All Student Route students who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the visa application process are entitled to free medical advice and hospital treatment under the National Health Service in Scotland. The cost of dental care and eye tests are not covered by the NHS.

It is advisable to register with a doctor once you are settled in your accommodation. If you are living on campus you can register with our local GP by picking up a form at our Student Services reception desk.

Student medical services are delivered in partnership with:

Esk Medical Centre
Ladywell Way
Musselburgh
EH21 6AB
0131 665 2267

Most international students studying for longer than six months do not require a work permit to work part-time. As a full-time international student, you are permitted to work in the UK for up to 20 hours per week as long as the work meets certain conditions:

• You must not work for more than 20 hours a week during term time, except where a work placement is to be undertaken as a necessary part of the course of study as agreed by the education institution.
• Your BRP must not say 'prohibition on taking employment'.
• You cannot engage in business, self-employment, the provision of services, or take work as a professional entertainer or sportsperson.
• You should not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

Further details about the regulations on employment can be found on the .

If you are on a short-term study abroad or exchange programme from a country which does not require a UK entry visa, you will need to obtain a student visa if you want to work part-time while studying. If you are a study abroad or exchange student, please contact StudyAbroad@qmu.ac.uk for further guidance.

If you decide to work, you will need to obtain a National Insurance number. .

Student Visa Attendance Requirements

If you hold a Student visa it is vital that you attend all classes as per your personalised timetable. Your attendance must be recorded by swiping your student card against the card reader outside the relevant teaching room. Engagement with online sessions will also be monitored. Please see the Attendance Policy for more information.

Student visa holders will also be required to participate in a monthly face-to-face Sign-In at the Registry Information Desk. You will be emailed Sign-In dates for the academic year at the start of your academic year, and be sent email reminders for each Sign-In week.

If you have placement for the duration of Sign-In week, your attendance will be monitored on placement, and you will not be required to report to the Registry Information Desk. If you are absent and unable to attend Sign-In you must complete an Absence Form on the ҹɫֱ²¥ Portal.

Ìý

Student Visa Work Conditions

If you hold a Student visa, there will be work conditions attached to that visa to which you must adhere.

Those on a Student visa are allowed to work (if stated on your visa) as follows:

• Part time during term time up to a maximum of 20 hours per week
• Full time during vacations
• On a work placement as part of your course
• As a Students’ Union sabbatical officer for up to two years

You are not allowed to:

• Fill a full time permanent vacancy
• Be self-employed
• Be employed as a doctor or dentist in training (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme)
• Be employed as a professional sportsperson (including coach)
• Be employed as an entertainer

If you are on a Visitor visa you are not permitted to take any form of employment.

Ìý

The vacation periods are as follows:

Undergraduate Students

• Christmas/New Year
• Summer

Taught Postgraduate Students

• Christmas/New Year
• Two year programmes may have a summer break in the first year of teaching
• January start students may have a summer break for a one year Masters programme

Research Students

• Christmas/New Year
• Six weeks annual leave entitlement to be agreed with supervisor, with absence forms must be completed. Further guidance available from the Graduate School.

For semester dates, please see the Academic Calendar.

If you need more time on your visa to complete your degree, please get in touch with the International Office to discuss.

The International Office will assess whether you meet the requirements for the visa extension before issuing you with a CAS.

Please complete a CAS Request form and supply any relevant supporting documents to the International Office. A CAS request cannot be processed until the International Office has received all relevant documents.

Please ensure that you come to the Registry Information Desk with your Biometric Residence Permit so that the International Office can take a record of this.

When you issued with a visa, you will either receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a digital immigration status which you can view online it is important that you check your visa carefully:

Personal Details

Check that your name, sex, date of birth, and nationality and correct.

University Sponsor Licence Number

The sponsor licence number for ҹɫֱ²¥ is N43WB67P9.

Work Permission

Programmes taught at degree level should have 20 hours per week work permission.

Visa Expiry

Your visa should be issued for the duration of your studies, plus an additional wrap-up period as per the table below:

Ìý

If you think any information on your BRP is incorrect, or your BRP does not arrive you can .

If you applied for your Student visa within the UK and the error on your BRP is related to your length of leave or the conditions, then you must apply for an administrative review.

If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024 but your immigration permission should be valid for longer, this is not an error, but rather due to a change in UKVI processes. UKVI will publish details about proving your immigration status beyond December 2024 in early 2024. You will still be able to check that your leave has been granted correctly in your Student visa decision letter or access this information via .

It is important that you report any errors within 10 days of receiving your BRP. If you report beyond 10 days you may be required to pay for a replacement BRP.

Upon completion of an error report, UKVI should be in touch with you within five days of receiving the report to provide further guidance.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to report the loss to the police in the country where the loss or theft occurred and make an application for a replacement passport to your Embassy or High Commission where you currently are.

If your BRP is lost or stolen please follow .

If your passport and or BRP are lost or stolen, please also report this to the International Office.

We understand that there may be some occasions where you need a letter from the University to support a range of different activities. Where you need a student status letter, you can download this from the ҹɫֱ²¥ Portal.

If you are planning to travel overseas and need to apply for a visa, you may need a letter of support from the University. Please complete the International trip letter request form (web form), and forward permission from your PAT in an email to the International Office.

If you require a letter to attend graduation, please email Registry@qmu.ac.uk.

We aim to issue letters within 48 working hours of details and approval (where required) being received.

Graduate Visa

On successful completion of your degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate visa. This visa allows you to work in the UK at the end of your studies for up to two years with no employer sponsorship required. The Graduate visa will be reduced to 18 months for any applications on or after 1 January 2027. For PhD or doctoral students, the Graduate visa is valid for 3 years. At the end of your studies your successful course completion will be reported to UKVI, and Registry will email you to confirm that this has been done. Upon receipt of confirmation of the report being made to UKVI, you are free to submit your Graduate visa application. To check eligibility requirements and application process, please check the .

Ìý

Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker

With a graduate qualification, you may be eligible for the Skilled Worker or Health & Care worker visa. These visas allow you to remain in the UK, with employment tied to visa sponsorship from an employer. To check eligibility requirements and application process, please check the and .