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Pre-Arrival Information

RVC Student

Settling in to life in a new country can be daunting, but there are staff on hand at the RVC to help you find your feet. Below is some brief advice on some commonly encountered issues; detailed advice on a range of topics is also available at www.ukcisa.org.uk. The British Council also publishes an online pre-departure guide for students coming to study in the UK, available here.

A third year student on the BVetMed programme, Jennifer Yarin, speaks about her experiences of settling in to life in the UK on our podcast 'The International Experience at the RVC'.

Orientation at the RVC

All new students at the RVC attend a programme of induction events in Freshers Week, the first week of term. Included in Freshers Week will be sessions aimed specifically at international students, providing financial guidance and information on support services, the Students’ Union and the chaplaincy, as well as an opportunity to meet current international students. These events are all free and it is highly recommended that you attend.

Academic Issues

Methods of teaching and the way the course is assessed at the RVC, and in the UK in general, may differ from the way you have previously studied. For example, marking schemes may vary greatly to your previous studies: in the UK a 65% can be considered a good mark, whereas elsewhere this would be a cause for concern! For further guidance on studying practices in the UK, please visit the UKCISA website at www.ukcisa.org.uk, where you can download a leaflet entitled ‘Study methods used in the UK’.

Throughout your studies at the RVC you will have access to academic and welfare support. Our Learning Support Officers provide sessions throughout the academic year on revision and study techniques, and are also available for one-to-one consultations.

Registry staff assisting a student Anatomy staff guiding students through their learning

Opening a UK Bank Account

The process of opening a bank account in the UK can take several weeks, so it is important that you bring enough funds to cover your expenses for this time. The safest way to do this is by using travellers cheques. To open a bank account, you will need to provide

  • Your valid passport (containing your student visa)
  • A letter from the RVC confirming your course and UK and overseas address
  • An ‘overseas reference’ from your bank at home would also be useful
  • Your previous six months statements from your bank at home

Healthcare in the UK

International students in the UK are entitled to free healthcare on the National Health Service (NHS), provided you are studying for a course over six months in length. You should register with a local doctor as soon as possible after your arrival, as in some cases local surgeries operate waiting lists. Listings of doctors and dentists in the UK are available at www.nhs.uk. If you plan on bringing your spouse and/or children, they will also qualify for free healthcare. There is however a small charge for prescriptions, currently £7.20.

Bringing your family to the UK

If you are considering bringing your spouse or children to the UK with you, you will have additional arrangements to consider. If you have been granted permission to remain in the UK for over 12 months, your spouse should be eligible to work or study in the UK. From the age of 5 children can attend a state school in the UK. UKCISA provide detailed information on bringing your family to the UK in their Guidance Note ‘Your Family’, available at www.ukcisa.org.uk.

If you are bringing your family to the UK it may be useful to talk to current RVC students with families about their experiences. Please contact our Student Support Manager, Fiona Nouri, who can put you in contact with a current student. Email fnouri@rvc.ac.uk for further information.

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