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USA to UAL

A guide to studying at University of the Arts London

So, you’re thinking of applying to University of the Arts London? Welcome!

Whether you’ve just heard about us or have been thinking about applying for a while, we’ve created this guide as a useful point of reference for when you’re doing research into studying at University of the Arts London (UAL).

We understand that applying to study in another country is an incredibly exciting prospect, but often comes with a lot of questions. Is it going to be really different? What do they mean when they say this, or that? Am I going to feel supported? Well, within this guide we’ve provided answers to those questions to help you make a decision that’s best for you and the creative future you want.

Table of Contents

What is UAL? 2

Study levels 3

Subject areas and courses 4

Picking the right course 5

Learning UK terminology 6

London lifestyle 7

Making London your home 9

Your support network 11

Our guide is designed to be viewed digitally and has interactive elements for you to click on. Navigate through the various sections to access the specific information you need.

USA to UAL What is UAL?

What is UAL?UAL stands for University of the Arts London, a world-class University with 6 renowned Colleges spread across the cosmopolitan city of London. If you choose to study at UAL you’ll be joining a diverse student body from all over the world, united by their interest in the arts.

As a university we offer over 200 courses spread across a range of study levels. In this section we talk a bit more about what this means and how you should approach your application.

Colleges

Each unique College offers its own individual culture, philosophy and focus, as well as specialist equipment and facilities such as technical labs, workspaces and performance venues. When applying to UAL you can apply to multiple Colleges depending on the courses you’re interested in. On gaining acceptance you will be based at only 1 of the 6 Colleges.

You’ll have access to a range of learning resources at the College where you’re based. As a UAL student, you’ll also be able to benefit from the archives and special collections across all 6 Colleges and can borrow materials from all of the College libraries.

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Wimbledon College of Arts

has an international reputation for producing performance graduates known for their creativity, technical accomplishment and professionalism. It is an intimate, supportive community sharing a passion for performance through practical experimentation.

Size: 450 students

Location: South West

Camberwell College of Arts

is a renowned art and design college driving positive social impact through art and design. Our unique studio culture offers students the freedom and support to explore their individual creativity using facilities that embrace both traditional craftsmanship and digital technology.

Size: 1090 students

Location: South East

UAL Creative Computing Institute

Sitting physically within Camberwell is UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI). Ectem ra aut aut optum quam, acepro expe con ex etusdaepudae qui ut eatiis nimusap erunt.

Size: 40 students

Location: South East (in Camberwell)

London College of Communication

is for the curious, the brave and the committed: those who want to transform themselves and the world around them.

Size: 3400 students

Location: South Central

Chelsea College of Arts

is proud to have a worldwide reputation for producing some of the leading artists and designers of the day. We are focused on inspiring our graduates to apply their practice to the social, cultural and political effects of globalisation.

Size: 1190 students

Location: West Central

Central Saint Martins

is alive with different ways of thinking, making and doing. Across art, design and performance, our students create the ideas, materials and actions for a better future.

Size: 2850 students

Location: North Central

London College of Fashion

is a world-leader in fashion design, media and business education; in boundary-pushing research where fashion intersects with science, engineering, technology and sustainability; and in enterprise, where it partners with top brands and helps launch new businesses.

Size: 3870 students

Location: 7 campuses, ranging from West to East

https://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=csmhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/wimbledon-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=wimbledonhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-communication?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=lcchttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/camberwell-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=camberwellhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-fashion?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=csmhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=chelseahttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/wimbledon-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=wimbledonhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/camberwell-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=camberwellhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/creative-computing-institute?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=ccihttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-communication?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=lcchttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/chelsea-college-of-arts?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=chelseahttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/central-saint-martins?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=csmhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/colleges/london-college-of-fashion?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=csm

What is UAL? Study levels

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Postgraduate Grad Dip, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), MBA

Pre-degree Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (diagnostic or specialist), Level 3 and Level 4 introductory and preporatory courses

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Study levelsYou may notice that there are some study levels that don’t exist within the USA. There are some key differences between US and UK education, especially how we approach creative study. We encourage creative education to be a fluid journey, on which you can explore and experiment before making any definitive decisions on your area of focus.

Let’s take a closer look at the 3 study levels. By comparing your journey through the levels to the construction of a building, we hope to bring more clarity on the definition of each level and how they’re placed within the wider UK education model.

Pre-degree

Foundation study is normally aimed at students who’ve just completed high school or are first embarking on their journey into creative education. Maybe you haven’t been exposed to the wider spectrum of creative study yet, so Foundation is a unique opportunity to discover your passion and develop a focused portfolio for applying to specialist degree courses. You can take the entire Foundation year to experiment within a wealth of creative pathways (diagnostic mode), or focus on a certain area with sub-sets of its own, such as Fine Art (specialist mode).

Undergraduate

After Foundation level sits Undergraduate level. At this point you’ll be starting to gather a clearer understanding and confidence within a discipline. It’s a time to choose a course that you have a particular interest in or have developed a skill set for. You’re not yet a complete master of your craft but you’re showing signs of potential.

Postgraduate

Upon graduating from Undergraduate level, students may decide to end their study journey, continue straight onto Postgraduate level, or at a later point in their career. Postgraduate study is aimed toward those who have already completed an Undergraduate degree. It’s common for students at this stage to specialise further into their field or approach a new area with their current skills – all in a much more concentrated environment.

Once you’ve established where you sit within the study levels, then you can start looking at our courses.

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What is UAL? Subject areas and courses

Pre-degree courses

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (at Central Saint Martins or Camberwell College of Arts)

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Curriculum Area: 3D Design and Architecture

Certificate in Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen

Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen

Undergraduate courses

BA (Hons) Architecture

BA (Hons) Design for Branded Spaces

BA (Hons) Interior Design

BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design

Postgraduate courses

Critical Practice: Architecture and Professional Experience

Graduate Diploma Interior Design

M Arch: Architecture

MA Cities

MA Interior and Spatial Design

MA Narrative Environments

Subject area

Architecture, spatial and interior design

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Subject areas and courses

At UAL we use subject areas to define the different disciplines or creative specialisms we teach across our 6 Colleges. Courses are then grouped within those subject areas based on their particular focus. Think of subject areas as broad specialisms from which you pick a targeted area to concentrate on.

For example, you may be interested in the subject area of Architecture, spatial and interior design,

BA (Hons) Design for Branded

and then within that area you might decide to study on the Spaces course.

Every building needs a floor plan and wayfinding so you don’t get lost. Our subject areas are easy to navigate so you can decide on the course that best suits you and your study level.

Our subject areas span the 3 levels of study so you’ll be able to study the creative specialism that appeals to you most, whether you’re applying for pre-degree, undergraduate or postgraduate study.

When choosing courses you’d like to apply to, we advise our applicants to thoroughly read the course descriptions as they’re all unique. Whilst there is a range of subject areas and courses, you will only study one course at a time as a student at UAL (you could think of it like studying a major) – so research is paramount in order to select the course that suits you best.

https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design/pre-degree-courses?collection=ual-courses-meta-prod&query=!nullquery&start_rank=1&sort=relevance&f.Subject-test|subject=Architecture,%20spatial%20and%20interior%20design&f.Course%20level|level=Pre-degree?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-pre-degree-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design/undergraduate?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-ug-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design/postgraduate?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-pg-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-subject-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=subjectshttps://www.arts.ac.uk/courses?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=courseshttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/journalism-pr-media-and-publishinghttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-subject-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=architecture-subject-examplehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/architecture-spatial-and-interior-design/undergraduate/ba-hons-design-for-branded-spaces-lcc?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=design-branded-spaces-course-example

What is UAL? Picking the right course

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So, how do I pick the right course for me?The million dollar question. How do you decide which one is best for you? Well, think about what you want from a course and think about where you are on that creative journey.

Ask yourself a few questions:

∙ Are you looking toward being practically creative or more interested in the business side?

∙ Does the course require a portfolio?

∙ What stage are you at in your studies so far?

∙ What’s your current skill set?

You don’t need to know an exact vision of where you want to be when you graduate, but having a sense of what you hope to learn and experience will help you as you begin your individual creative journey.

We’re also here to guide you. Our US Country Manager, Josephine, can help advise you on your application, and in interviews or portfolio evaluations our academics will place you where they think you can best flourish.

“Foundation year is really about finding out what specialty within art and design is for you. You have 6-8 weeks doing short projects within every subject area. And you get to try textiles, painting, sculpture, 3D design, theatre, everything!”Sister Emerson Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (diagnostic) at Camberwell College of Arts Read Sister’s full interview

“UAL is much more skill and craft-based, allowing you to study in a much more hands-on way than most American schools. UAL is so connected to the art and design industries in London, it seemed like an amazing opportunity.”Henry Kent BA (Hons) Costume for Theatre and Screen at Wimbledon College of Arts Read Henry’s full interview

“There were of course a lot of lectures and collaborative projects that centred around fashion, but I sort of found my own niche in the course and learned to utilize the vast UAL resources and archives to grow as a thinker and photographer.”Kovi Konowiecki MA Fashion Photography at London College of Fashion Read Kovi’s full interview

https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/kovi-konowiecki?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=kovihttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/henry-kent?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=kovihttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/sister-emerson?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=sisterhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/kovi-konowiecki?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=kovihttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/henry-kent?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=kovihttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/sister-emerson?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=sister

USA to UAL Learning UK terminology 6

Learning UK terminologyFrom chips to crisps and sidewalks to pavements – there are lots of phrasing differences between US and UK English. If you do choose to study in the UK, you’ll undoubtedly pick up on some of the local phrasing.

However, while you’re still getting to grips with terminology native to studying in the UK, we’ve compiled a few useful words which may have a different meaning than what you’re used to.

Glossary of terms

University

While students apply to college in the US, they apply to university in the UK. UAL stands for University of the Arts London and it is comprised of 6 Colleges.

Subject

How we group our courses and define the many creative areas we specialise in as a university. e.g.: 3D design and product design

Course

The specific area you choose to specialise in for a set period of time, i.e. your major. This is what your qualification will specifically be in. e.g.: BA (Hons) Ceramic Design.

Pre-degree

A preliminary study level which is often a prerequisite before embarking on a creative undergraduate course. Foundation Diploma is the most common course at this level where students are able to experiment within a multitude of disciplines.

Undergraduate

The most popular study level – commonly taken over 3 years in which you’ll graduate with a BA or BSc from a certain course.

Postgraduate

A more targeted period of study, often a time to specialise in a certain area – looking deeper into a particular practice or applying transferable knowledge to develop a new field of interest.

Classes

In the US you’d normally sign up for classes yourself, however in the UK we operate differently. Once you’re enrolled on a course, you’ll be given a study programme with a timetable of classes.

Course unit

Units are essentially the different stages of learning you’ll complete while on a course.

Portfolio

For a lot of our practical courses we ask you to submit a portfolio. At UAL we describe a portfolio as a window into your world through which we can see your skills, personality and potential. Hear advice from our academics.

Personal statement

We ask you to submit a personal statement for the course you’re applying to. It’s a written document which invites you to tell us who you are and why you want to study on a particular course. Learn more on what to include.

Dissertation

This is an essay that most courses will ask you to complete within your third year of study on an undergraduate course. It’s often about something relating to your practice or that you have an interest in.

Term

You’ll know it as a semester. There are 3 terms within the academic year and they coincide with the seasons of Autumn, Spring and Summer.

Course leader

These are the people who manage the course and your team of tutors, if you have any problems this is the person to contact.

Tutor

In the US you may refer to them as ‘professors’, but in the UK we simply call them ‘tutors’. These are your teachers and the people you’ll see most throughout your studies.

Technicians

Staff found within the workshops who will demonstrate and support you with technical parts of your course, such as operating machinery or using special materials.

Crit

An opportunity to present and discuss your work and ideas with tutors or students.

Tutorial

One-to-one session with an academic member of staff, where you discuss and get advice about your work.

Halls

A term used to describe student accommodation.

Bank Holiday

Public holidays – they usually fall on Mondays and you won’t have classes on Bank Holidays.

https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/apply/portfolio-advice?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=portfolioshttps://youtu.be/nO5gEux1y9E

London lifestyle

USA to UAL London lifestyle 7

As creatives, our environments are a big part of who we are and often inspire the work we make. London is an incredibly influential city when it comes to creativity. It’s known for sparking numerous trends and birthing many a creative mind.

There may be an area of London you’ve always dreamed about exploring or a gallery you’ve wished to visit. We’ve listed just a few spots that our city is known for – all relating to the various disciplines we teach at UAL. The great thing about studying a creative subject is that your interests can spread far and wide. Whether you’re a purist or enjoy mixing mediums, London has it all.

After you get a taste for the many creative corners in London, read about the courses you can study to get yourself on the right path to the industry you aspire to enter.

Hear directly from some of our students and what they love about studying in London.

Whether you hope to be behind the camera, or performing in front of it, designing the props or developing the prosthetics – London is the perfect set for an aspiring film crew member to make their mark.

∙ Everyman

∙ Prince Charles Cinema

∙ ICA

∙ BFI

You may choose to specialise in sculpture, painting, installation, drawing or photography –the Fine Art discipline is a broad, ever-changing spectrum. London is a rich landscape for artists, with galleries ranging from old favourites to new ventures located across the city.

∙ 180 The Strand

∙ White Cube

∙ Serpentine

∙ Victoria Miro

One of the most famous fashion capitals in the world, London has always been known for its contribution to the catwalk. Across the city, you’ll be met with a range of eclectic sartorial styles, spanning the breadth of the cobbled pavements and length of the tube platforms. Frequent these galleries to learn about some of the greats and be inspired by the newest talents.

∙ Barbican

∙ Fashion and Textile Museum

∙ Somerset House

∙ Berwick Street Market

∙ Photographers Gallery

What is it that attracts you to performance? The design of the stage, the lights, the costumes or being a part of the performance yourself? The theatres of London’s West End are globally recognised for their productions. And there’s so much more to discover.

∙ Arcola Theatre

∙ National Theatre

∙ Young/Old Vic

∙ Sadlers Wells

∙ Southbank

Fun fact:

Did you know all of our Colleges have their own galleries and host regular exhibitions? They also each have special collections and archives, including the Stanley Kubrick Archive at London College of Communication! No matter which College you choose to study at, you’ll never have to travel too far to be inspired.

http://arts.ac.uk/subjects?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=subjectshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Ys5YVPnrkhttps://www.everymancinema.comhttps://princecharlescinema.comhttps://www.ica.arthttps://www.bfi.org.ukhttps://180thestrand.comhttps://whitecube.comhttps://www.serpentinegalleries.orghttps://www.victoria-miro.comhttps://www.barbican.org.ukhttps://www.ftmlondon.orghttps://www.somersethouse.org.ukhttps://www.thisissoho.co.uk/the-market/https://thephotographersgallery.org.ukhttps://www.arcolatheatre.comhttps://nationaltheatre.org.ukhttps://www.youngvic.org / https://www.oldvictheatre.comhttps://www.sadlerswells.comhttps://southbankcentre.co.uk

USA to UAL London lifestyle 8

Is it typography that fascinates you or are you driven by the form and structure of product design? London has a deep rooted history in design and is bursting with enthusiasm for both contemporary and traditional craft. You’ll find inspiration within every nook and cranny of the city but these are some adored spots for design fanatics.

∙ GF Smith

∙ ArtWords

∙ Material Lab

∙ Present and Correct

∙ Jasper Morrison Shop

Are you an aspiring kids book illustrator, muralist or maybe you’ve set your sights on becoming a political cartoonist? London is full of illustrators taking inspiration from their surroundings and putting it back into the city.

∙ House of Illustration

∙ The Cartoon Museum

∙ They Made This

∙ Nelly Duff

∙ Gods Own Junkyard

∙ V&A Museum of Childhood

While you’re on the move around the city, there’s a few sites and apps you can use to enhance your experience. From roaming neighbourhoods to sourcing gigs and getting a good bargain on a ticket. These are some of the most used resources by creative Londoners.

∙ On the Grid

∙ Citymapper

∙ Art Rabbit

∙ Today Tix

∙ Dice

“The diversity of our student and staff community is also a reflection of the diversity of London itself. For a number of complicated historical and geographical reasons, London acts as a hub or relay between many other places in the world. The confluence of so many different cultures enables a high level of activity and exchange in the creative world through galleries, museums, events, and of course, universities. Our students use their access to this exchange as leverage in the development of their own work and positions.”Matthew Chrislip Academic: Year Leader, MA Graphic Communication Design

Read our interview with US Academics Matthew Chrislip and Rebecca Ross as they explain differences in study between the US and the UK.

Read the full interview

https://www.gfsmith.comhttps://www.artwords.co.ukhttps://www.material-lab.co.ukhttps://www.presentandcorrect.comhttps://www.jaspermorrisonshop.com/pages/abouthttps://www.houseofillustration.org.ukhttps://www.cartoonmuseum.orghttps://www.theymadethislondon.comhttps://www.nellyduff.com/gallery-overviewhttp://www.godsownjunkyard.co.ukhttps://www.vam.ac.uk/moc/https://onthegrid.city/londonhttps://citymapper.com/londonhttps://www.artrabbit.comhttps://www.todaytix.comhttps://dice.fmhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/stories/in-conversation-with-rebecca-ross-and-matthew-chrislip?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=rebecca-chris-academic-interview

USA to UAL Making London your home

A few things to take care of the summer before you depart...

Making London your homeRegardless of where you are on your application journey, it’s useful to know a bit about how to settle in if you do decide to study at UAL. There are some key differences to be aware of in the UK, from healthcare to banking and choosing where to live. We’ve gathered some guidance around these important areas so you can familiarise yourself with the processes before you make the move.

Study visa

A visa gives you legal permission to enter or to remain in the UK. If you don’t already have legal status that permits study in the UK, it’s important to apply for the right type of study visa for your needs.

∙ Check which type you may need using the UK Government’s visa checking tool.

∙ International students aged 16 and over enrolling on courses longer than 6 months need to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

∙ Our Country Manager Josephine is also on hand to help you with these matters should you need any further guidance

Finding your new home

Living in halls of residence is a great way to meet new people and make new friends across UAL. All international students at UAL are guaranteed a place in our accommodation for their first year of study, and you can choose your preferences among 13 halls of residence spread across London. Our halls of residence are conveniently located near to all 6 of our Colleges so you can easily commute to class each day.

∙ Learn about UAL accommodation

∙ If you have questions about accommodation or housing in London, you can get in touch with Josephine Haft, the US Country Manager.

Airport pick up

As soon as you land in London you can benefit from our free UAL Collection Service which takes you straight from the airport to your accommodation. This definitely beats paying for a cab or trying to find a seat on the tube with all your luggage.

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“There was a lot of support within the school to help. I got an airport pick up when I first moved here and that ended up being a lifesaver. I found living in halls the first year really useful, for meeting people. If you’re applying to UAL and you’re not from the UK, make use of your College, for taking care of yourself, getting access to the different things you need such as getting a doctor or counselling services.”Megan Murray BA (Hons) Theatre Design at Wimbledon College of Arts Hear more from Megan

https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visahttps://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visahttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/accommodation?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=accommodationhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/usa/meet-us-in-the-usa?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=speak-with-ushttps://youtu.be/lzLgBofsFMAhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/accommodation/living-in-halls/information-for-applicants/airport-collection-service?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=airport-collection

USA to UAL Making London your home

...and important things to set up in the first month, to help you feel at home.

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Registering with a doctor

In the UK we’re really lucky to benefit from the NHS (National Health Service) which means affordable medical access to all. Once you’ve decided on a place to live you can register for a local GP (doctor) nearby. Visits to the doctor and emergency treatment are free for those registered with the NHS. However, you’ll usually have to pay a fee for any medication, or treatment for any pre-existing conditions.

∙ Make sure you register with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

∙ You can find your nearest doctor on the NHS website, or with UAL Health Advice if you’re staying in UAL Halls.

∙ If you are on a visa for more than 6 months, you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to use NHS healthcare. This is paid as part of your visa application. If you’re in the UK for less than 6 months, consider buying private health insurance as it will be cheaper than paying for NHS treatment.

Setting up a bank account

Once you’re in London you can set up a bank account to make accessing your finances easier. This process can take a bit of time so you should bring some money with you to use during your first few weeks. You could also consider using an online bank whilst waiting for your UK bank account to be set up. London is very much a contactless society and many shops and transport services are cashless.

To open a bank account, you’ll need some or all of the following:

∙ Proof of your address (in your home country if you’re from overseas).

∙ Proof of your UK address e.g. your UAL accommodation contract.

∙ A ‘bank letter’ from UAL. You can request this from your College, but only after you enrol. You will need to provide us with the name and address of your chosen bank.

∙ Your passport and UK immigration permission if relevant.

The British Banking Association’s guide for international students provides information about accounts offered by most banks. If you have any questions about opening a bank account in the UK, contact our Student Advice Service.

You may also want to look into banking with a digital bank service such as Monzo which you can set up for free straight from your phone.

Getting a UK Cell Phone Plan

You’ll know it as a cell phone in the US, but in the UK we refer to it as a mobile phone or simply a mobile. Regardless of what you call it, we’ve become increasingly reliant on staying connected and it’s important you feel comfortable staying in touch with your loved ones back home.

Whilst in the UK, there are several mobile phone plans to choose from – shop around when you are deciding on the best option for you.

∙ Pay Monthly: you’ll need to sign a contract for a fixed length of time, usually for either 12 or 24 months

∙ Pay as You Go: you’ll just need to top up (buy credit) as and when you need it

∙ SIM only: similar to Pay Monthly but you’ll only be committed to a rolling 30 days contract and won’t get a mobile device

∙ WiFi calls: Be aware of international call charges – you can skip these by using WiFi to reach overseas contacts via Skype, WeChat, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp

∙ International Call plan: You can also consider including an international calling plan when you get a UK mobile. International calling cards are available to buy from most local shops.

https://www.bba.org.uk/publication/leaflets/international-students/https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/student-advice-service?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=student-advice-servicehttps://monzo.comhttps://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspxhttps://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4https://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/counselling-health-advice-and-chaplaincy/health-advice?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=health-advicehttps://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-applicationhttps://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application

Your support networkWhen you’re thinking about studying at a university, be it local or further afield, it’s important to know that you’ll feel heard and be part of a community. At UAL we have a number of support systems in place where you can seek guidance and help when you most need it.

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Arts Students’ Union

Students’ unions are student-run organisations that are independent from the university. In the UK, all universities have an associated students’ union. Students’ unions are run by democratically elected students, representing other students within the university and sometimes also beyond.

Every students’ union is different, but most of them, like Arts Students’ Union (Arts SU), offer a range of different services to run social activities and also offer support.

Arts Students’ Union has sports clubs, student-run societies such as LGBTQIA+, course representatives, free advice, and also runs campaigns. Arts Students’ Union exists to make things better for all students. By enrolling at UAL, you automatically become a member of Arts SU.

Faith and religion

London’s cultural diversity brings many different faiths together as well as many different places of worship. UAL has a number of initiatives aimed at supporting students from diverse faith backgrounds.

∙ Student Faith Societies: the University works closely with the Student Union Faith societies. To find out more please visit the Arts SU Societies page.

∙ Chaplaincy: UAL has a multi-faith Chaplaincy. Find out about the work of our Chaplaincy and activities.

∙ Quiet spaces: Many of our College sites also offer non-denominational prayer rooms and Quiet Spaces.

Disability and learning support

Our Disability Service provides advice and support for disabled students and to students who are dyslexic or have any other specific learning difference. Support is available at any point throughout your time at UAL.

Student diversity

As a university we think it’s extremely important that everyone feels safe and supported. We are proud to promote individuality and aim to promote an inclusive environment.

We offer a student diversity service to offer guidance and support surrounding: LGBTQIA+ support, racial support, access for disabled students, those with caring responsibilities and students who may be pregnant.

Mental health and wellbeing

Sometimes our students find themselves needing specialist one-on-one help and confidential professional support is available to them. We have a team of counsellors, health and mental health professionals, and a network of 80 trained Mental Health First aiders across all of our sites.

There are also peer mentoring initiatives – where students can meet and chat to a trained peer about any issues they might be experiencing – set up in our Colleges and halls of residence.

If you need help or advice about health and mental health matters, you can contact the UAL Health Advice service and read more about UAL Wellbeing.

https://www.arts-su.com/http://www.arts-su.com/societieshttp://www.arts-su.com/societieshttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/counselling-health-advice-and-chaplaincy/chaplaincy?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=chaplaincyhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-diversity/quiet-spaces?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=quiet-spaceshttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-diversity?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=chaplaincyhttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/counselling-health-advice-and-chaplaincy/what-to-expect?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=health-advicehttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/wellbeing?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=wellbeinghttps://www.arts.ac.uk/students/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=disability-service

See you soon!Remember to visit our US sub-directory for further information on applying to UAL as a US student.

If you want specific guidance, reach out to our US Country Manager Josephine Haft, who can help you at every step of your journey.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet thousands of students across the US and support them in applying to UAL – across all colleges and levels of study – I look forward to helping you decide if UAL is right for you!”Josephine Haft US Country Manager

“We’re really excited to meet students who are open minded and ready to see where the journey takes them. There isn’t a linear journey through the courses into one imagined direction, it’s very flexible and that’s often one of the most brilliant things about creative education.”Georgia Steele Academic: Curriculum Leader, Foundation Plus Access and Progression to HE

arts.ac.uk/usa

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https://www.arts.ac.uk/usa?utm_source=usa-ual-guide&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=us2021&utm_content=usa

USA to UAL - A guide to studying at University of the Arts LondonUS2UK_FINAL