 Entry Clearance
International students who are not European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss nationals may need to apply for entry clearance (commonly known as a visa) before coming to study in the UK. You must check with the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consulate in your home country before making travel arrangements.
If you travel without this entry clearance, you will not be allowed to enter the country by the UK Border Agency and will have to return home to apply for the correct visa.
Immigration and Non-EEA Students
In order to enter the country as a non-EEA student you must satisfy the immigration authorities that you:
- Have been accepted on a full-time course at a recognised institution
- Are able and intending to take the course
- Can fund your studies and living costs without working or claiming public funds
- Do not intend to work (except part-time/vacation work, if permitted)
- Plan to leave the UK at the end of your studies.
Arriving in the UK
Students should aim to arrive a few days before enrolment in order to familiarise themselves with the College and local surroundings and have time to rest before term begins.
Prior to your arrival in the UK, there are some essential details which have to be arranged to make your journey as worry free and easy as possible. You will need to have made arrangements for where you will be living when you arrive and also transportation from the airport upon arrival.
We can help with this but before we can do anything, we require a certain amount of important information from you. Please contact our Student Services Department: studentservices@lsme.co.uk.
We need to receive a request from you least five working days prior to your arrival in the UK. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us either via email or on the telephone.
Airport Transfer
The College can arrange for students to be met at their airport of arrival. We then transfer you directly, either to your student accommodation or to your host family. An additional cost is involved for airport pick ups. Airport collection varies in price according to how long you are kept in Immigration. Since the driver must be paid for his waiting time, and students are often in Immigration for two hours or more, it is not unusual for the final bill to be in excess of £100. To take a taxi straight from the airport will usually cost around £100.
Police Registration
If you are a national of a non-Commonwealth country, intending to stay for more than 6 months, you may have an endorsement in your passport requiring you to register with the police within seven days of your arrival in the UK.
Nationals of the following countries are usually required to register with the police:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, PR China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea (North), Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Enrolment
Enrolment is the administration process you will attend when you first arrive at the College, and it will involve registering for classes, settling any outstanding fees, and timetables. It is also an opportunity for you to meet academic and administrative staff, open a bank account, apply for your student discount card, and much more.
 Induction
We have an Induction where students are briefed when they first start with London School of Management Education. This allows us to make sure that students have all the necessary information, understand how assessment is carried out within the College and has any queries answered at any early stage. Information is produced by the LSME and each student is given:
- The national standards against which candidates are being assessed
- Information about the assessment process and the procedures used within the LSME
- Information about the appeal procedures
- Information about access to fair assessment, including equal opportunity and special assessment needs
- Awarding body and LSME documentation which is relevant to assessment/assessment plan, evidence records, checklists
- Students’ profile is developed individually to provide information for the LSME on candidates, such as:
- Their existing achievements
- Previous assessment and other relevant background information
- Any supervision arrangements
- Workplace location, facilities and equipments
- Special assessment needs
Students will be given details of how to work with LSME Tutors, Assessors, Advisers and staff. The student’s role in assessment and responsibility for collecting their own evidence will be made very clear.
Study Hours
The students must complete a minimum of 15 hours per week. In the event of sickness or other significant reason not to attend any session, the students should call or text their tutor/s. Any prolonged absenteeism or erratic attendance is something that we have to inform the Home Office of, although we will of course discuss this in the first place with them.
 Lecturers
Lectures which are one of the basic teaching methods, present information and ideas, often from a variety of view points, and there is usually an opportunity to ask questions and discuss some of the issues raised. This is the style of learning that students will be the most familiar with.
eLearning
We deliver our courses through MOODLE Platform.
Tutorials
A tutorial allows you to receive feedback on how your work is progressing. It also gives you an opportunity to discuss with your tutors any problems you are having.
Group Learning
Group tutorials, seminars or individual presentations provide opportunity for students to introduce a topic and lead the discussion. Working in a team is another form of group learning, in which, for example, a small group of students work on a complicated problem, or a large group is divided into sub-groups which look at particular aspects of the problem.
Project Work
Project work involves the application of skills, whether by individuals or group, towards the resolution of realistic problems. You may need to visit outside organisations to observe academic developments.
Assessments
Assessment methods vary according to the purpose of the assessment and the course that is being assessed. Our courses include a substantial proportion of continuous assessment, which means that some or all of the work you do during the course counts towards the final assessment. This helps ensure that your final mark is a fair assessment of your skills and efforts throughout the course.
Support from the Tutors
Your course Tutors will make arrangements to guide or help with any difficulties you may experience.
One-to-one Advice
If any candidate likes to see an advisor on a one-to-one basis, we provide that service.
Personal Tutor
Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor to whom s/he can go for advice whether it is about course work, assessment, regulations, or even personal problems.
Health
It is easy to neglect your health when you arrive in a country for the first time, as you may be too busy concentrating on your studies and settling into a new environment. Different climates, unfamiliar food and emotional strains away from home can all have an effect on your health. Below are a few guidelines to help you stay healthy whilst you are studying here and what to do if you become ill.
Climate
The British weather is very unpredictable, and during winter (usually December to February) it is important to keep warm and dry to avoid catching a cold. It is a good idea to wear layers (t-shirt, woollen jumpers, coat) and invest in a winter coat, gloves, hat and scarf. Don't forget to check that your room has enough bedding and heating.
An umbrella is essential whatever the season!
Healthy Eating
Ensure that you eat plenty of the right food in order to keep healthy and warm. Try to include at least one item of food from each of the following groups in your meal:
- Bread, rice, pasta or cereals
- Milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter or margarine
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Meat, fish, eggs or pulses
The cost of food varies, and street markets are the cheapest place to buy food. Look out for special offers, and try shopping towards the end of the day when shops often sell goods at a reduced price.
Free NHS Treatment
If your course of study is more than 6 months in duration, then you are entitled to free health care from the National Health Service (NHS) and can register with a General Practitioner (GP) in your local area.
If your course duration is less than 6 months, you are not entitled to free NHS care unless your country has a reciprocal agreement with the UK (all EEA countries), and we advise you to take out medical insurance from a reputable insurance company (contact Student Services for further details).
Under the NHS, there is no charge to see a GP, and a small, set, prescription charge (usually £6-7) if you are over 19 and need any medicine. You may be entitled to help with the cost on the grounds that you have a low income. To apply for help with health costs, complete application form HC1, available at LSME reception.
Registering with a Doctor
If you are entitled to free NHS treatment you should register with a GP as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill. LSME Student Services can help you locate a doctor in your area.
To register, visit the GP's receptionist during opening times and ask to be added to the list of NHS patients. Bring your passport and a letter from College confirming that you are a full-time student. If the doctor has too many patients s/he may not be able to accept you, in which case you will need to try another doctor. Once you are registered you will be sent a medical card with your NHS number on it. Keep it somewhere safe.
Emergencies
In an emergency/accident, dial 999. You will be asked if you want the fire, police or ambulance service. You need to give your name, the address of your current location, and describe the emergency. Wait until help arrives. You should only make a 999 call in an emergency.
Eye and Dental Treatment
It is difficult to get eye and dental care on the NHS, so you may have to pay for private treatment. We advise all international students to get their eyes and teeth checked in their home country before they come to the UK.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative forms of treatment, e.g. herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture, are not usually available on the NHS. Your GP should be able to put you in contact with someone locally. You can also contact The Institute for Complementary Medicine for more information.
Other Advice
Student Services: For further advice on health matters, of if you are worried about anything and need professional guidance, or just someone to talk to in confidence, please see our Student Support Officer.
NHS Direct: This is a confidential telephone helpline providing free healthcare advice and information. Their 24 hour helpline is +44 (0) 845 4647.
Visa Extension
Where do I get a visa extension application form?
You can download the Tier 4 application form from: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
When should I apply for an extension?
Send your application approximately 4 weeks before your current visa is due to expire.
How do I complete my form?
Read the guidance notes which come as a separate document. You can download the Tier 4 application guidance and photo guidance on: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. If you need any help filling in the form, then just ask our Student Support Officer.
What documents do I need to send?
The immigration regulations are based on Points System and you will need to gather sufficient amount of points for your visa extension application to be successful.
Tier 4 guidance notes explain what documents you will need to provide.
What if I cannot send a document or do not have an original document?
If you cannot send a document or only have a copy then you must write a letter with your application explaining why, and when you will be able to send it.
Home Office could still reject your application if the required documents are not enclosed with the application form.
Should I go in person to the Home Office or should I send my application?
If you go in person your application may be processed on the same day. However, in complex cases, the Home Office decides might ask you to return for an appointment in a few days, or even weeks. If you post your application, keep a copy of all the documents (including your passport) and send it by recorded post. Please note that from March 31st, all applications require payment of a fee: £357.00 for postal applications and £565.00 for applications made in person. Payments should not be made in cash.
Can I continue working whilst my application is being decided?
If your existing visa allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided, no matter how long it takes.
Can I check on the progress of my application?
Unless your circumstances have changed, there is no need to contact the Home Office. It is advised that you do not make any travel plans until you receive your passport/travel documents, as if you ask the Home Office to return your passport before your application is decided, the application will be considered withdrawn.
If you urgently need your passport/travel documents back during the decision process call +44 (0) 870 0606 7766.
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