Practical Advice

It can be difficult to decide what to bring and how to best prepare for School in the UK. We hope the following advice helps to clarify your preparations.

Things to bring with you

· A lockable suitcase and small rucksack/day bag

· Laptop

· Enough casual clothes suitable for the season for one term

· Dictionary

· Stationery kit - pencil case etc.

· Warm pyjamas

· Bath robe

· 2 bath towels, 2 face towels

· Grey socks boys, dark tights girls

· Sensible school shoes in black

· Sports shoes

· Jacket or rain coat appropriate for season

· Any supporting school books or reading material

· Pictures, posters, things to make your room 'home'

· Musical instruments, sports equipment if required

· Camera if required

Arriving in the UK
You should carry all the documentation regarding your entry to the College with you as you may need to show this at Immigration. If you are stopped by Immigration and are delayed, please call the College Helpline 07899901999 and someone will be able to help you.

Airport Transfers
Flight details for new students arriving must be emailed to international@stedmundscollege.org no later than two weeks before flying.

If you are very young and travelling as an unaccompanied minor, you must let us know this as we will have to collect you from the airline. You will also need to let the airline know who is collecting you. To do this contact international@stedmundscollege.org no later than 2 weeks before flying.

If you are travelling as a regular passenger (a confident flyer), we will meet you as you come through from customs. A driver will be waiting for you with your name displayed on his board. You must look for him, wait for him and not leave the area. If you become concerned for any reason you can call the College Helpline 07899 901999 and someone will help you.

Pocket Money
There is the opportunity to go out on trips and to go shopping each weekend. We advise pocket money of £25-30 per week according to age and level of responsibility. The Head of Boarding will look after your money for you. Students of 16 years or more may open a student bank account and manage their own pocket money.

Hair Styles, Computers etc
We ask students to have non-attention seeking hairstyles. Boys' hair should not be longer than their collar and girls should tie back long hair. Students are asked not to wear earrings or jewellery. We have wireless internet throughout the College but unfortunately we do not yet have SKYPE. For Child Protection reasons, MSN is not permitted. A mobile phone is very useful but it must be switched off during the school day.

On arrival at the College
Please hand over your passport, airline ticket and pocket money to the member of staff in charge of boarding. Telephone your parents and let them know that everything is OK. If you arrive at the College and cannot get in call 01920 824 300.

Medical
If you take any medication or have any medical conditions you should check in to the Sister in the Infirmary as soon as possible and tell the member of staff on duty.