Living and Studying at Hartpury

When you arrive in the UK and at Hartpury we hope you will learn to cope with a way of life quite different to that in your own country. Most international students quickly adjust, meet new friends (British as well as International) and find the whole experience exciting. We do understand that for some, who have not ever travelled overseas before, the prospect of living and studying abroad can be initially difficult but we are here to help you settle into your new environment.

British people are generally friendly and tolerant of others but can sometimes be reserved. They will chat casually to someone they have just met but it is not common for them to discuss personal information unless they know someone very well. You will be free to live according to your own cultural standards as long as it is with in UK law. Different people have different expectations; if you are not sure about anything, just ask a member of staff at Hartpury.

Meeting new people

It is important to be on time for formal meetings, interviews, classes and lectures. You should be on time if you arrange to meet someone or are invited to someone's house.

British people sometimes shake hands when meeting new people in a formal setting. British people do not usually hug or kiss people they are meeting for the first time.

In Britain the family name always comes last, for example Harvey Webb. If you are addressing someone formally, you use their title (Mr Mrs etc.) followed by their family name, for example, if you are addressing Mrs Carol Webb, you would call her 'Mrs Webb' not 'Mrs Carol'. Most academic staff at Hartpury will be happy for you to use their first name, ask or follow the example of others but if you are not sure, just ask.

You may be invited to someone's home for a meal. There are no rules about taking something with you, although most people do take a bottle of something to drink (not necessarily alcoholic), flowers or chocolates. If it is traditional in your own country to take a particular kind of gift, then do so, and explain the tradition to your host.

Please and Thank You are words more often used than most other countries. It is considered polite to use 'please' when asking someone for something, for example 'could you pass me that book please' and 'thank you' when you have received it.

Social Behaviour

In the UK men and women have equal rights and status and mix easily, many women are very independent and able to socialise freely with men and woman equally, however this does not mean that they are willing to enter into sexual relationships. British women will dress to suit themselves and may have more independence than in your own culture. Women can enter pubs, clubs, cinemas etc., on their own if they wish, they do not have to be accompanied by a male friend or partner.

You should feel safe in most areas during daylight hours. However, as in most countries, you should be cautious about where you walk at night and avoid walking alone in poorly lit streets or quiet areas. Do not accept lifts in cars from strangers' at any time.

Britain is a relatively safe country in which to live and Gloucestershire is a very safe part of the country with crime rates at very low level. We do advise however, to always be careful and sensible and recognise risks.

It is advisable not to enter the UK with large amounts of cash or carry more then £50 cash around in public places. Keep your money in the bank rather than your college room and do not leave your bag, purse, wallet or other valuables unattended. Always remember to close your windows and lock your room when you leave your accommodation.

Student Accommodation

Hartpury College understands that the decision to study abroad is a huge undertaking and we therefore feel that your accommodation is an important part of making sure that your period with us is happy and rewarding. Under normal circumstances you will be allocated a room of your choice either on campus or in Gloucester.

The College has over 1000 places in Halls of Residence on campus as well as over 120 places in College managed houses located within Gloucester and Newent. You can apply for accommodation once you have received an offer from us. An accommodation application form will be sent with your offer letter.

Costs range from 3500 to 4000 pounds sterling over 35 weeks (FE) and 40 weeks (HE). This can be paid in 3 x termly instalments. A deposit of £175 along with the return of a completed accommodation booking form will be required in order to secure a room. £125 of this deposit is refundable following a successful room check following departure in the summer. Rooms have to be booked and deposit paid on a year by year basis.

Priority is given to:

• Under 18 students who in normal circumstances will be allocated a room.
• International students.
• Students who need to be on campus for early or late duties as an integral part of their course.
• Students with Do It Yourself (DIY) Horse livery.

Rooms on campus are for term time only (dates are published in our Joining Instructions). Outside term time the College is used for conferences and events which benefits students directly by keeping hall fees as low as possible. For those students studying on a Further Education course, (non degree level) who do not return home during UK Christmas, Easter or Summer holidays and wish to remain in your accommodation, you will be invoiced £12 (pounds sterling) a day. For those on Higher Education (degree level) programmes the rent includes UK Christmas and Easter holidays.

Shopping

Almost all types of food and many other goods can be purchased in supermarkets, Cheltenham and Gloucester have all the major stores such as Tescos, Sainsbury's, Asda, Co-Op. There are also smaller food stores and a weekly outdoor market can be found in Gloucester.

Supermarkets open early and close late. The larger stores are open for 24 hours per day, except Sunday when opening is restricted. Other shops mainly operate between 9.00am - 5.30pm.

Please note that you must pay the price displayed on the shelf or on the label attached to the item. There is no bargaining in British shops and you will find a counter or checkout where you must pay, there may be a queue of people waiting which you will need to join and wait your turn, do not push your way to the front as people may be annoyed at you.

You can pay for your goods by cash, or a British cheque with a guarantee card or credit card. When you enter the shop, there should be signs telling you which cards are accepted. If you are going to be a full time student in the UK you will be able to apply for a British Bank Account. The International Office at Hartpury will be able to advise you how to apply.

You must be over the age of 18 to drink or buy alcohol in the UK, and a pub is very popular with students to meet friends and have lunch. Pubs do also sell a wide range of 'soft drinks' such as cola, lemonade and fruit juices so you do not have to feel pressurised if you do not drink alcohol.

Weather

The British weather is very changeable and unpredictable and the most spoken about. The average daytime winter temperature around 6 Celsius or 42 Fahrenheit. At night it may drop below zero during December/January and February but this does not last very long and July, August and September tend to be the warmest months, around 25 Celsius.

It can rain at any time of the year with rainfall varying from light showers to heavy downpours. Snow can fall from December through to March, but this is becoming increasingly rare.