International Student Support
At BU, we hope to be able to help you make the transition between cultures (both academic and social) easier and to give you the tools to manage your learning and social life effectively.
On arrival, we offer a comprehensive orientation programme. Throughout the year, we can offer support information or advice on the following:
Immigration
- Your visa when you first arrive in the UK
- Extending your visa whilst you are in the UK
- Working during your studies
- Working after your studies
- Travelling outside the UK / Schengen visa
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers, requiring us to have procedures in place that comply with legislation. Only designated, trained members of staff may give immigration advice at BU.
Barbara Montagna and Sandor Tamas Aleva in askBU’s International Student Support Team are the only trained immigration advisers at BU. Other BU staff members may give you general information about visa extensions and other immigration issues.
Please note, the people who deal with telephone enquiries at the Home Office are not trained immigration advisers. You should only seek advice from trained immigration advisers.
If you have an immigration emergency and we are not available, you can contact the UKCISA Student Advice Line or you can find an immigration advisor/solicitor with the help of the OISC Adviser Finder.
Immigration regulations change frequently, so for up-to-date information, check the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website. If you have any questions after reading these pages, please contact askBU.
A visa which is granted from outside the UK is also called ‘Entry Clearance’ and a visa extended in the UK is also called "Leave to Remain". The type of visa you have is called a Residence Permit. This means you are allowed to reside in the UK until the end of your visa.
Advice/Events
Finance
We can advise on the tuition fees you will be expected to pay and help with budgeting plans and opening a bank account.
Welfare
We are here if you want to come and talk to us, in confidence, about personal issues or advise you of other sources of support and guidance.
Social events
We offer a full programme of excursions, promote Global Café and organise Global Cinema events on a regular basis.
Living in the UK
We can provide information on the most practical and cultural aspects of living in the UK.
Students with families
We offer support and guidance to students here with ‘dependants’.
Working with you
Together with the Students' Union, we offer guidance and support to students wishing to set up their own Societies or run events for students.
askBU Contact Details
- Contact us – the askBU Students’ Service including the International Student Support Team
