Student Information
All you need to know to make the most of your time with us
Welcome to the UK ...
and to the Bournemouth and Poole College!
The information below should provide you with all you need to know to start finding your way around and to make the most of your time as a member of our student community.
Buses and Bus Passes
Both main College campuses are well served by local bus routes.
- More Buses operate in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and beyond. They have an office and travel shop at Poole Bus Station.
The bus company offers bus passes that will save you money if you are a regular traveller.
Campus Map
Bournemouth – The Lansdowne
Meyrick Road, Bournemouth BH1 3JJ
Download a pdf copy of the campus map
Documents to take to the International Office on arrival
The International Office will need to have a photocopy of your passport details page and student visa page.
Whilst in the UK it would be a good idea for you to carry with you at all times:
- a copy of your passport details page;
- a copy of your student visa;
- your Student Card.
Health and Healthcare
When you arrive in the UK you should register with a local doctor (a GP) as soon as you can. Do not wait until you are ill.
Please download and keep our Health and Healthcare leaflet, it is full of practical information on how to obtain medical treatment and also explains international students’ entitlement to free medical treatment under the UK state health system. It describes the different options such as Accident & Emergency, visiting your GP and hospital appointments.
Reminder: the accident and emergency department is for emergencies only, if you are unsure you should call NHS 111 first or visit your pharmacy, they will be able to advise you.
Health Insurance
If you apply for a short study period and for a student visa for less than six months, you are required to take out medical insurance as you will be liable for the UK National Health Services (NHS) charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency and this is limited.
Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK which may entitle you to some free healthcare on the NHS.
It is your personal responsibility to arrange Health Insurance for your stay in the UK. You will be required to submit an evidence of your insurance arrangements for the duration of your stay before a place on a course can be confirmed.
How to access College computers
- Your username: enter your student number
- Your password*: college
*When you first access College computers you will use the password college; you will then be asked to change the password to a personal one.
How to access College wi-fi
- Locate the service called collegewifi and enter the passphrase collegewifi when requested
- When you first browse the internet you will be prompted to enter your student number and your college password.
If you need help connecting your device please visit the Learning Resource Centre or contact the Help Desk by email at helpdesk@bpc.ac.uk or by phone on 01202 205566.
Please remember to always have your Student Card with you when on College premises.
International Student Activities
Student activities can be arranged on request or for groups.
Holidays and Nights Away
Please remember that you are not allowed to take holiday in term time. You need to book excursions and holidays at the weekends or when there are no classes – this year’s Term Dates are listed below
Opening a Bank Account
If you are studying in the UK for a year or more it is absolutely essential to open a Bank Account as soon as possible.
When opening a Bank Account in the UK you will need your passport and a letter from The College. The process may take up to 3 weeks to complete.
HSBC UK offers a current account for International Students aged 18 years and over – details can be found at www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/international-student/
Staying Safe and Well – advice and support
Safeguarding contacts
You have the right to be and feel safe. Please contact the Safeguarding number for your site if you have a concern about yourself or another person:
Lansdowne & Apprentices – call 07774 974781
North Road & Fulcrum – call 07714 851103
Safeguarding covers issues such as Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Discrimination and Neglect.
We will always treat any information you share with us as confidential. However, if you tell us that you or someone else is being abused or is in danger, we have a duty of care and must take further action.
Student wellbeing
Being comfortable, happy, healthy and safe are all important for a positive college experience. However, if something does go wrong, we are here to support you.
Our comprehensive support team provide a range of services to encourage and develop personal wellbeing, enabling you to fulfil your potential.
- Call 01202 205242 and ask for to speak to a member of the Student Support team.
- Email wellbeing@bpc.ac.uk and let us know your concern
- Further information on this service at www.thecollege.co.uk/student-support/welfare
How to keep yourself safe during your time in the UK
- Keep your host family informed when you go out. You should tell them where you are going, who you are with and what time you will be home. Always go out with people you know and trust.
- You should always carry your mobile phone – check the battery is well charged – and make sure you have your host family’s phone number saved.
- If you are 16 years old you must be home by 9pm.
- If you are 17 years old you must be home by 10pm.
- If you are 18 years old or older, you should be considerate of your host family.
- You must be 18 years old or older to purchase cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol. You may be asked for proof of age.
- You must not carry drugs of any kind with you (unless prescribed by a doctor) and you must not use any illegal drugs. Please refer to the Zero Tolerance Policy in the College Code of Conduct, which can be found in the Student Handbook.
- If you are cycling you should wear a helmet and light-coloured or fluorescent clothing. At night your bicycle MUST have white front light and a red rear light. It is illegal to ride a bicycle on the pavement so please use cycle paths or the road. You should also ensure that you secure your bicycle with a good quality lock to avoid theft. To find out more about the rules for cyclists in the UK please see the The Highway Code www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82.
- Do not leave your bag or other possessions unattended in public, it may be stolen or treated as suspicious. Try not to carry large amounts of money, or other valuable possessions with you.
- In an emergency you should call 999 for the police, fire or ambulance service.
- If you require non-emergency police attention, you should call 101.
- If you require non-emergency medical advice, you should call 111.
Risks associated with underage drinking
Please download the factsheet PDF
Where to go for help
BPCSU Student Support
Find more information on how to access support at the Student Advice Portal:
www.studentfirst.org.uk/our-advice
Student Card
When you enrol you will be given a Student Card which includes your Student Number. You must have your card with you when on College premises. We recommend you carry it with you at all times whilst you are in the UK.
2023-24 Term & Holiday Dates
| Term & Holiday Dates 2023-24 | |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 04 September - 15 December 2023 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 23 - 27 October 2023 |
| Christmas Holiday | 18 December 2023 - 01 January 2024 |
| Spring Term | 02 January - 28 March 2024 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 12 - 16 February 2024 |
| Easter Holiday | 29 March - 12 April 2024 |
| Summer Term | 15 April - 27 June 2024 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 27 - 31 June 2024 |
| Additional Summer Term for English Language classes only: 01 July – 23 August 2024 | |
| Bank and Public Holidays • Christmas Day: 25 December 2023 • Boxing Day: 26 December 2023 • New Year's Day: 01 January 2024 • Good Friday: 29 March 2024 • Easter Monday: 01 April 2024 • May Day bank holiday: 06 May 2024 • Spring bank holiday: 27 May 2024 • Summer bank holiday: 26 August 2024 |
|
2024-25 Term & Holiday Dates
| Term & Holiday Dates 2024-25 | |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 02 September - 13 December 2024 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 28 October - 01 November 2024 |
| Christmas Holiday | 16 December 2024 - 02 January 2025 |
| Spring Term | 02 January - 04 April 2025 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 17 - 21 February 2025 |
| Easter Holiday | 07 - 21 April 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22 April - 26 June 2025 |
| Half-Term (no classes) | 26 - 30 May 2025 |
| Bank and Public Holidays • Christmas Day: 25 December 2024 • Boxing Day: 26 December 2024 • New Year's Day: 01 January 2025 • Good Friday: 18 April 2025 • Easter Monday: 21 April 2025 • May Day bank holiday: 05 May 2025 • Spring bank holiday: 26 May 2025 • Summer bank holiday: 25 August 2025 |
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