Overseas Students' Page

Tutor: Peter Tino
Room: UG 33
Phone: (0 121) 414 8558

Deputy Tutor: Guilin Wang
Room: UG 36

School of Computer Science
The University of Birmingham

English test for international students: Wednesday 3 Oct, 2pm, Vaughan Jeffries Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Education (Red R19 on the campus map)
Induction meeting for fresh overseas students: Wednesday 3 Oct, 4.00-5.00pm, LG-32 Learning Centre (Red R28 on the campus map)

English for International Students - free courses and other useful information.
Welcome letter for fresh overseas students

Regularly check the International Students' Newsletter at the International Office web page.

Dear student,
duties of an overseas students tutor are specified in Staff Handbook: Overseas Students Tutor. I am happy to assist you in sorting out problems/difficulties you may encounter while studying at the School of Computer Science. If you would like to see me in person, please come during my office hour for overseas students on Friday 2-3pm, or make an appointment with me by sending an email to P.Tino@cs.bham.ac.uk. In my absence, please arrange a meeting with the deputy tutor G.Wang@cs.bham.ac.uk.

Our students have an additional mentoring system organized by COGS. This should help you to get settled smoothly in your new environment. Please check the COGS leaflet.

Feel free to make use of the University's International Office. The International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) provides free advice and information to international students, researchers and their families.

Please, carefully read the important information and bookmark the useful links bellow.

For new students, there is an induction week that usually takes place in the first week of the first semester each new academic year. For the induction week this year, please see the Timetable.

According to the university regulations, all overseas students (whose first language is not English) must take an English Language Test organized by the English for International Students Unit (EISU). The test will be held on Wednesday 3 October at 2pm in the Vaughn Jeffries Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Education (Red R19 on the campus map).
The purpose of this assessment test is to identify international students who would benefit from the free support provided by EISU. For example, some students with fluent spoken English may still require advice on how to write academic essays. The test is not an exam and there is no pass or fail mark.
Results are sent individually by email together with a copy of the Free English Courses timetable. Students getting a score of 65% or below are requested to to consult the English for International Students Unit for individual advice and information about ways in which they can improve their English.
If Wednesday 3 October is not convenient, you can arrange with EISU to take the test on any weekday before 3pm. Tests are taken in Westmere (Edgbaston Park Road, Green G15 on the campus map).

Throughout your study, make use of a special service provided by the English for International Students Unit: free individual help in any aspects of written/spoken English. These 30 minute sessions are particularly useful when writting dissertations or reports.

In general, you are supposed to discuss all ordinary (academic) matters with your academic adviser, academic program managers and/or project coordinators. Specific concerns on specific modules should be addressed to the lecturer concerned. Information about the relevant staff members and their responsibilities can be found at Information for Students.

It is very important to register with a general practitioner (GP), which provides you with the National Health Service (NHS) while staying in U.K. Please visit The University Medical Practice for the detailed information.

Some overseas students need to register with the police. In such cases your visa should clearly state that you need to have such a registration. The address of the police registration office in West Midlands is:
West Midlands Police
Headquarters, Lloyd House
Colmore Circus, Queensway, Birmingham
Phone: 0121-6265000 ext. 2307/2308.

In case of a visa problem, please visit International Students Office located in the Aston Webb Building. They also provide visa application/extension forms. The address of the local home office is:
Solihull Home Office
Birmingham Public Inquiry Office
Dominion Court, 41 Sation Road, Solihull Birmingham B91 3RT.

A lot of useful information about medical practice, life in UK, visa etc. can be found on the ISO web page.

There is a special mail-list for international students at the University of Birmingham. If you would like to join in