10 Top Tips for International Students arriving at Middlesex
By Jeannette Carpenter, MA International Relations
If you’re an international student joining (or thinking about joining) Middlesex University this September, this blog is for you.
For me, the choice of which university to study at was easy — Middlesex University not only provides a welcoming community for international students, it also provides world-class education and employment opportunities.
However, starting at university, especially as an international student, can be a bit scary.
That’s why I’ve come up with these 10 practical tips to help make your transition from home to Middlesex as smooth as possible:
1. Schedule an Airport Pickup
Middlesex University organises airport pickups from Heathrow International for international students — and if you’re living in halls, they’ll take you straight there.
This can be extremely helpful when you’re coming off a fifteen hour flight and have three suitcases! Especially, if you’re anything like me and like big cosy jumpers that take up a lot of space — see my fav below!
2. Housing- choosing your Halls of Residence
I chose Platt Halls for its affordability and convenient location near campus. It’s a seven-minute walk to the tube, so central London is only a quick 30 minute tube journey away.
Once I arrived at my halls, I was greeted by really friendly staff who showed me the facilities and helped me with my luggage.
3. Attending the International Student Orientation Programme
This is a great opportunity to meet students from countries around the world and learn about the services and opportunities Middlesex University offers to international students. And let’s not forget the amazing freebies you can pick up such as the Middlesex Uni UK power adapter, headphones, USB drive and some scrumptious snacks!
4. Attending your Programme Induction
Mingle with fellow students on your course and talk with your Programme Leader about employment opportunities and graduation requirements.
5. Check out the campus and collect your student ID.
There are three essential things to collect as a new international student: your FREE National Union of Students Card (NUS), Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and your Middlesex student ID.
Your NUS card can be picked up at the Middlesex University Student Union which is in MDX House, downstairs by the gym. The BRP card and your Middlesex University ID can be arranged at UniHelp, which is located on the first floor of the Sheppard Library.
6. Set up a UK Bank Account
To set up a bank account you need to pay your tuition fee and then send yourself a letter, which the University will mail directly to you.
7. Purchase an Oyster card
London Underground, or as you’ll come to know it — the ‘Tube’, is the quickest way to travel around London. An Oyster card will allow you to easily get around the city on tubes, buses and trams. I don’t go anywhere without mine! Apply for a student oyster card to save up to 30% on travel.
8. Applying for a National Insurance Number
To ensure you can gain employment, you’ll need a National Insurance Number. To start the process, call 0345 600 06439 and do not forget to have your Biometric Permit Card number ready.
Unitemps, a service used by MDXworks is a great way to find part-time work on campus. The service provides excellent opportunities to place students with flexible work, ensuring studies are the first priority!
Check out how MDXworks helped Middlesex University graduate Carol Parkinson get a job in social work. I’ll definitely be using it once I graduate!
9. Register with the National Health Service
Register with your nearest doctor’s surgery. I found this to be a lot easier than I thought it might be! DO NOT wait until you’re sick to register with one.
10. Getting a UK Phone
We’ve all been there — when you’re missing home so much that all you want to do is speak to your family and friends back at home.
Setting up a UK phone number will help you to avoid data or long-distance calling charges from home. I chose giffgaff because I wanted to keep my current phone and get unlimited data at an affordable price. I pay £20/ month for unlimited data and calls in the UK.
Be sure to download WhatsApp to call, video chat, and text family and friends at home.
Find out more about arriving at Middlesex University as an International Student
Student Writer Jeannette Carpenter is a current MA International Relations student at Middlesex University. Originally from West Sacramento in the USA, Jeannette now enjoys life here in London and hopes that her studies at Middlesex will lead her to a career in international development, specifically in the promotion of women’s rights across the world.
