Support for International Students
The University has a team of professionals who offer a free, friendly and confidential advice to international students. Remember, there are many staff at the university who are available to help you. In these pages you will find information regarding the help and advice available for international students at the University.
The services available to you include:
Student Services
Student Services is based in the Student Centre, Chancellors Mall. The team of advisers offer information, advice and guidance on a wide range of student support issues including:
• Request for official letters such as bank letters, Council Tax exemption certificates, National Insurance letters and "to whom it may concern" letters.
• Information about :
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opening banks accounts in the Bolton area.
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how to register with a local doctor
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registering with the police (if needed).
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local travel
• How to book accommodation in the Halls of Residences or to find private accommodation. For further information regarding how to book accommodation in the Halls of Residence click on Student Accommodation.
• Practical help and advice when looking for part-time jobs, preparing Curriculum Vitae and completing applications forms.
• Advice and information on University policy and procedures.
• Clarification of fee and registration status.
Student Advisers can be contacted by email on studentadvisers@bolton.ac.uk|
or tel. 01204 903733.
For further information regarding opening times and how to access these services click on the Student Services website
Students' Union
As a student at the University of Bolton you automatically become a member of the Student's Union. This entitles you to the use of any of the services and facilities that they offer. The University of Bolton strongly supports the Students' Union and encourages all students to visit the Union and see what services are available.
The Union relies heavily on the involvement of students and it is run by students for students. This is the only way they can represent your concerns, put forward new ideas for improvement and bring positive changes to make your student experience as memorable as possible.
The Union has a dedicated Advice Unit which produces the International Student Handbook and can advise and represent you on a wide variety of issues including:
• Student visa extensions
• General immigration advice
• Housing issues
• Budgeting advice
• Academic appeals
They are also able to represent you in any dispute you have with any external bodies, including the University. All the advice given by the Union is professional and treated in confidence.
The Advice Unit is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. During the holidays, times will vary and the Advice Unit's opening times will be signposted during this periods
The Students' Union is a focal point for a wide range of leisure activities including clubs and societies and the Venue café bar.. If you would like to join in with any of the leisure activities or create your own society or club please contact the Union.
The Students' Union reception is situated on the lower ground floor of the Student Union building opposite the new Design Studio.
All facilities and services offered by the Students' Union, including the Advice Unit can be contacted on Tel 01204 900850, Fax 01204 900860 or by email info@ubsu.org.uk|.
Please have a look at the Students' Union website at www.ubsu.org.uk|.
Student Liaison Officers
If you have any questions or concerns while you are studying at the University of Bolton, your Student Liaison Officers |are here to help. They offer confidential advice and support on a wide range of academic and pastoral issues, such as:
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Developing your skills for studying:
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Writing essays, reports and dissertations
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Exam and revision techniques
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Time management
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Presentation skills
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And more…..
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Finding relevant information by sign-posting other services:
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Counselling
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Disability
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Financial
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Accommodation
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Spiritual
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Legal
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And more…..
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Actively listening and talking through any problems affecting your studies in a confidential and non-judgemental environment.
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Liaising with academic and other university staff.
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Feeding back your views to the university.
One to one appointments and drop in sessions are available.
The Student Liaison Officers| also run regular "Focus On" & "Refresh" sessions on various topics throughout the academic year.
For further details go to the Student Liaison Officers webpage |and for any suggestions for topics please contact your student liaison officer.
Sloane Stewart: Business and Creative Technologies
E.mail: S.I.Stewart@bolton.ac.uk || Tel: 903259, Office M2-30
Debra Elliott: Built Environment and Engineering
E.mail: D.J.Elliott@bolton.ac.uk || Tel: 903595, Office M2-30
Jacquie Parkinson-Jones: Health and Social Sciences
E.mail: J.Parkinson-Jones@bolton.ac.uk || Tel: 903585, Office T2-48
James Gaskell: Arts, Media and Education
E.mail: J.Gaskell@bolton.ac.uk| | Tel: 903229, Office T2-48
Kay Loxham: Immigration and Welfare officer
E.mail: K.J.Loxham@bolton.ac.uk || Tel: 903437, Office Student Centre
The International Society
The International Society at the University is the most popular society on campus with almost 300 members and is open to all international and UK students. The society is a great place for making new friends as well as getting support and information from other students. It regularly organises social events and trips to places of cultural interest around the UK. Recent visits include trips to the Lake District, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Oxford and many other cities. Social events include coffee evenings and the International Evening. For this big event, many students come in national costume and bring samples of their home country cooking for the enjoyment of all the guests.
It is recommended that all students to join the International Society so you can take full advantage of the help and support available.
The International Society is situated at the rear reception area in the D Block (main building) and is run by student volunteers from Monday to Friday from 12 noon until 2 pm most days. You can contact them by calling on tel. 01204 903255, emailing at International-society@bolton.ac.uk| or visiting them.
Financial Advice
If you require information about your financial status, you should go to Student Services in the Student Centre in the first instance. If you are having financial difficulties, you are encouraged to go to the Students' Union. Here students can receive advice on financial management and how to approach the University if they are having problems with paying fees.
You can contact Student Services on tel. 01204 903733 or the Student Union on tel. 01204 900850.
Language Support
Many international students have a highly competent command of English language. However, if you feel the need for improvement, we offer English language support classes to all international students studying at the University of Bolton.
These classes are available throughout the academic year and cover the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our writing for academic purposes class is particular popular. You also have the opportunity to take a 20 credit module in English Language and Communication Skills as an option. We also run our own diagnostic IELTS test at the beginning of each semester and during induction weeks.
If you are interested in taking advantage of these support classes and for further details, please inform your personal tutor or programme leader and contact:
Dr Elisabeth Planella
Tel. 01204 903120
Email: ep1@bolyon.ac.uk|
Alan Entwistle
Tel. 01204 903653
Email: awe1@bolton.ac.uk|
Disability Service
There are specialist advisers who can offer students information and advice regarding particular support needs if you have a disability. You can contact the Disability Service by telephone on 01204 903489, 01204 903478 or by email at
disability.info@bolton.ac.uk|
For further information regarding the services for students with a disability click on Services for Disabled Students|
Centre for International Relations
The Centre for International Relations Office is not directly concerned with the delivery of any of the front-line services provided by the University. However, it is concerned that these services are able to work effectively and is continually assessing whether there are ways to improve the Bolton experience for international students. The Centre for International Relations is therefore always keen to hear from international students, whether through the International Society or as individuals.
The Centre for International Relations would like to know what is going right, what is going wrong and where the University can improve things.
If you have any comments on the services provided for international students, please contact us by email at international@bolton.ac.uk|
Spirituality, Faith and Beliefs (Chaplaincy)
There are a team of people called chaplains from different faiths and traditions who are concerned about the whole of your life, including your inner life, your faith and beliefs - whatever you believe or don't believe. The Chaplains can:
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support you through a difficulty or concern;
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listen to you if you want to chat over something;
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help you in your spiritual journey or with any aspect of your religion;
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help you to find a local place of worship such as a Christian Church, Mosque or Hindu Temple.
The Chaplaincy is located at the end of Chancellor's Mall, on the ground floor of Eagle Tower. Here you will find lots of information and also
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A Prayer Room specifically to help Muslims perform their daily prayer
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A Quiet Room which anyone can use
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The Chaplaincy Office where you may find a Chaplain or Pastoral Assistant
You can receive by email
Further Support
UKCISA (The UK Council for International Students Affairs) provides important information for international students. The following information is available by clicking on the links below or by visiting the UKCOSA website on www.ukcosa.org.uk|.
Useful Websites