SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Moving to a new country can be daunting, but the Mountview community is here to support you every step of the way.
Our International Staff run initiatives specifically designed to support and integrate international students into the community and will be valuable resources for advice. Before your course begins, we will hold a pre-induction meeting to welcome you to the UK, provide guidance on settling in London and answer any questions you might have. Please let us know when you are arriving in London, and any support you will need.
Our Registry and Admissions team is available to answer all your questions – please do not hesitate to contact them on registry@mountview.org.uk if you feel overwhelmed or need reassurance. They can provide guidance on visas, accommodation and travel to London, and even arrange specific support such as airport pickups.
PEER-TO-PEER INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MENTOR
Peer-to-peer support is available for all international students, where you will be assigned a student mentor who will be on hand to help you settle in the country and at Mountview. You will receive more information regarding this scheme during your induction, or alternatively please contact studentservices@mountview.org.uk and the peer-to-peer support can start as soon as we find you a match.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICER AND THE STUDENT UNION
The Student Union hosts numerous International Student events, with details being provided upon your arrival. You can also contact the International Student Representative at any point before or after you arrive by emailing studentunion@mountview.org.uk.
The Student Union also runs an ‘International Students Mountview’ Facebook page which is dedicated to international students – more information will be sent to you prior to the start of your course.
UKCISA - UK COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS
Mountview is a member of the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), an independent, UK-based charity and membership organisation committed to supporting international students. You can find more information and advice for students on their website.
WORKING AS A STUDENT
International students studying on full-time courses are permitted to work in the UK whilst studying during term-time or breaks. The criteria that define what you can and cannot do are outlined on gov.uk. Work is limited to up to 20 hours a week in term time (if you are studying for a qualification at degree level or above) or up to 10 hours a week in term time (if you are studying for a qualification below degree level). More advice can be found on UKCISA.
Make sure you and your employer understand the work that you are permitted to do before you commit or sign a contract, as in certain instances it might violate regulations. In the UK, work, taxes and National Insurance contributions are regulated by the HM Revenue and Customs department of the government (HMRC). If you have questions regarding work or taxes, please visit Gov.uk
NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER
As an international student living in the UK, you can apply for a National Insurance Number if you are planning on working in the UK during your full-time studies and your visa allows you to work. For more information about National Insurance and how to apply, please visit gov.uk
