A guide to Newcomers

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General Information

Meal

Your college dining hall, or 'buttery', is probably the most convenient and cheapest place to eat if you don't want to cater yourself. It's usually a good place for meeting people, and a typical meal will cost between 2-4 pounds. There is also a graduate cafeteria on the second floor of the University Centre, open from 8am to 10pm every day (Sundays: 9am-9pm) and ready-to-eat meals can be bought from shops. Your college 'formal hall' will give you the opportunity to have a meal at a cheaper price than you would find in a restaurant.

Money

You will need a bank account: all the main banks (HSBC, Barclay, Natwest, etc.) have special student accounts, and HSBC and NatWest tend to be good for international students. Pick up a few leaflets from the banks and choose the one which you think is best for you. They often have very specific requirements when opening accounts, so make sure you ask what is needed: generally this will include proof of identification( passport) and a letter from College confirming your course, duration of study and address. Opening an account may take a long time (several weeks in the worst case), so if you do have problems with money, see your college or your tutor. They are usually very sympathetic.

You will need to collect the first part of your sp##被过滤##orship money or grant as soon as possible, if you haven't already received it. Contact your college Bursar or your sp##被过滤##or's office in Cambridge or London.

Police

All Chinese students and scholars should register with the Police within the seven days of arrival. Go to the Aliens Registration Office at Parkside Police Station. You will need your passport, two passport photographs and 34 pounds to pay for a certificate of registration. The office is open from 10am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday. Please arrive as early as possible otherwise you may be in a long queue. the telephone number is 01223 358966, ask for extension 3220.

Health

You are entitled to free medical c##被过滤##ultati##被过滤## and hospital care under the National Health Service(NHS), but to obtain this, you must register your name with a local doctor (call a 'GP'). Your college will tell you where the nearest one is. Many colleges also have a College Nurse.

If the doctor prescribes medicines for you, you can get them at a chemist's such as 'Boots' or 'Superdrug' in the city centre. A presciption costs about 7 pounds.

The University Dental Service is at 3 Trumpington Street, telephone number 01223 332860, though there are also other dentists to choose from. You must register with a dentist in order to ensure emergency treatment (Otherwise an appointment may be scheduled to 3 months later). Under NHS, a simple check-up costs at least 7 pounds, and varies from dentist to dentist. A filling could cost between 5-50 pounds.