QMU-Postgraduate Prospectus QMU PG Mini Prospectus 2019 sp | Page 26

The international student experience QMU has a growing and vibrant international community which is sure to enrich your student experience. Our friendly international team welcomes you We recognise that studying in a different country is often a completely new experience for international students and we are keen to ensure that we make your transition to living and studying in a new country as easy, informative and welcoming as possible. Our International Office staff will be your first point of contact at QMU if you are interested in studying with us here in Scotland’s capital city. You can meet the team at numerous events which they attend overseas each year, or chat with them through Skype, phone or email. The team members are approachable and responsive and want to ensure that you have all the information you need before you move to Scotland. For more information on events that our International Office team will be attending during the forthcoming months, please visit our website at www.qmu.ac.uk/ study-here/international-students/ Orientation programme and social events Before joining us, you will receive our pre-arrival guide. This is designed to answer any questions you may have prior to departure and also prepares you for your journey to QMU. To help ease you into student life and help you become familiar with your surroundings, we host a comprehensive international students’ induction programme prior to your course start date. This will include information on settling in and what you can expect during the year ahead, as well as an opportunity to meet some of your fellow students. We organise a tour of the city of Edinburgh, which is very useful and always great fun. To help you make friends and enhance your student experience, we also organise a programme of social events throughout the year. We recognise that studying in a different country may be a totally new experience for our international students. We hold drop-in sessions throughout the year to ensure that you have access to all the information you need to make your time at QMU enjoyable and successful. Accommodation Staying on campus is a great way to meet people and make new friends quickly. It also means that the teaching, learning, support and leisure facilities at QMU are easily accessible to you. We would recommend that you apply for a place in our accommodation as soon as possible. For more information on accommodation, see pages 34-35. 24 Visa and immigration advice As an international student, depending on the country that you come from, you may require a UK Tier 4 Student Visa to study with us. The University can provide you with advice, support and guidance before applying for your student visa, as well as answering any questions that you may have during your studies. We can also provide guidance on extending your student visa if required and on the options if you wish to work in the UK upon completion of your studies. The Scottish Government also has a website offering advice to students studying in Scotland - visit www.talentscotland.com Employment while you study If you require a UK Tier 4 Student Visa to study with us, you will normally be allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holiday periods. We advise you to refer to any restrictions stated in your passport or visa documentation and check that the employment meets your visa criteria.