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WELCOME GUIDE Ayr Campus Useful information to help you settle into your new surroundings 2015/16

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WELCOME GUIDEAyr Campus

Useful information to help you settle into your new surroundings 2015/16

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The International Student Support Team welcomes you to UWS Ayr Campus. Ayr is a picturesque place to study and you are never far from the coast to go for a walk along one of Scotland’s sandy beaches.

We wish you well with your studies and hope that this guide provides you with some useful information for settling in.

The International Student Support TeamFrom left to right: Jane, Fiona, Gillian and Gill

T: 0141 848 3803E: [email protected]

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The International Student Support TeamThe International Student Support Team is here to support you and ensure that you get the most out of your student experience. The team offer advice and guidance in a number of areas that may be relevant to you during your studies, including:

Immigration matters, including complying with visa conditions.

Visiting Europe for a holiday, attending conferences abroad, returning to your home country or visiting a British HOST family.

Working in the UK during and after your studies.

Hints and tips on settling into life in the UK and meeting local people.

Bringing dependants to the UK to live with you or inviting relatives to visit you during your studies.

Liaising with academic staff regarding your studies.

Advising on ways of resolving financial issues.

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ContentsSettling in to Your New Surroundings .............................7 Adapting to a New Culture ..................................................................7 HOST UK Visits....................................................................................7 Meeting Local People ..........................................................................8 Translations ........................................................................................8

Living in the UK ........................................................9 Post Offices and Post Boxes .................................................................9 Public Holidays ...................................................................................9 Telephone Calls...................................................................................9 Television Licenses ..............................................................................10 Council Tax .........................................................................................10 Driving in the UK ................................................................................10 Electrical Voltage ................................................................................10 Working in the UK ...............................................................................11 Churches, Temples, Mosques and more ................................................11 UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)...........................12

Foreign Embassies and UK Immigration ..........................13 Embassies and Consulates ..................................................................13 Passports, Biometric Residence Permits & Passport Photographs ...........13 Police Registration ..............................................................................14 Home Office/UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) ....................................15

On Campus .............................................................16 Catering ............................................................................................16 Cash Machines ...................................................................................16 Wi-Fi and Email ..................................................................................16 Student Support Services ....................................................................17 UWS Online Store ...............................................................................17 Printing Services .................................................................................17

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Money Matters .........................................................18 Cash machines ...................................................................................18 Opening a UK bank account ...............................................................18

Health & Welfare .......................................................19 Emergencies .......................................................................................19 Non-urgent medical matters ...............................................................19 First Aid .............................................................................................19 Personal Welfare .................................................................................20

Study .....................................................................21 Studying in the UK ..............................................................................21 Moodle ..............................................................................................21

Leisure ....................................................................22 Transport ...........................................................................................22 Local buses ........................................................................................22 Local Trains ........................................................................................22 Travel Visas ........................................................................................23 Entertainment in Ayr & Glasgow ..........................................................24 Shopping ...........................................................................................25 Food Shopping ...................................................................................25 Sport & Fitness ...................................................................................26 Tourist Information and Local Attractions ............................................26

Campus Map ............................................................27

Contact the International Student Support Team .............28

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Settling in to Your New SurroundingsAdapting to a New Culture You will hopefully find that your time studying and living in Scotland will be a rewarding experience which you look back on with good memories. It may take time to settle in, especially if this is your first visit to the UK, and you will probably experience some aspects of ‘culture shock’ – the impact of moving from a familiar culture into an unfamiliar one. Culture shock can have a significant effect on your emotions. Initially, you may feel excited and be keen to learn about the University and about living in Scotland. However, as you become more aware of the differences between life in your home country and life here, you might start to feel more unsettled, especially if you are feeling homesick or missing familiar aspects of life back home.

For further information, see www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/services-for-students/student-support/international-student-support/sources-of-help. You can also contact the Counselling Service or International Student Advisers if you would like to come and talk about anything that’s bothering you. You can access these services at the Student Link Information Point in the Main Reception.

HOST UK VisitsHOST UK is a voluntary organisation which offers international students the opportunity to visit a UK home for a day, weekend or for a few days at Christmas. The purpose is to provide a unique experience of UK life as well as an opportunity for cultural exchange between the student and host. Visit www.hostuk.org for further information.

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Meeting Local PeopleThe University Buddy Project gives new students the opportunity to get in touch with students who have been studying at the university for a year or two. It is designed to help you settle into life at university better by having a contact you can ask questions or get help finding your way around the campus or town centre. To request a Student Buddy email: [email protected].

If English is not your first language, you’ll have a lot of fun learning new words asyou discover Ayr and meet new people. Another way of practising your Englishis listening to ‘Elementary Podcasts’. You can listen to them on your computer,or download them to your mp3 player or smartphone: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/elementary-podcasts.

TranslationsGoogle Translate http://translate.google.com can translate words from any language - helpful as you will meet people from all over the world! The app for mobiles and tablets allows you to talk into a device in your own language before giving the translation. You can also use a device’s camera to take pictures of text in books or on street signs which the app will then translate into your chosen language. Be careful though as it’s not always 100% accurate and some translations can be very amusing!Another way of practising your English is listening to ‘Elementary Podcasts’. You can listen to them on your computer, or download them to your mp3 player or smartphone: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/elementary-podcasts

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Living in the UKPost Offices and Post BoxesThe nearest Post Office is located in the WH Smith’s at 198-200 High Street, KA7 1RH. Further information, including prices of sending mail overseas, is available online at www.postoffice.co.uk. Post boxes in the UK are bright red – you can’t miss them! You will find details of the collection times on the box. Stamps can be bought from the post office and many shops. Within the UK you can use first or second class stamps.

Public HolidaysThere are 11 official public holidays in Ayr. On these days, banks and public buildings will close and transport services such as trains and buses operate reduced services. There are local differences in some public holiday dates e.g. dates vary between Ayr and Glasgow/Paisley, and also national differences in dates between Scotland and England/Wales. Check before travelling.

Telephone CallsTelephone calls from private and public landline telephones are normally cheaper between 6pm and 8am and at weekends. International calls can be very expensive; however, services such as Skype, Fring and Yahoo Messenger allow you to make free or discounted phone calls over the internet. If you need to make an international call from a landline, you can call the international operator on 155 and they will be able to tell you how much your call will cost you before you call. They can also help you to make the call. If you are using a mobile phone to call overseas, you may want to check how much it will cost first, as charges vary between companies.

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Television LicensesIf you are staying in university accommodation, you should have received an information leaflet on TV licenses with your accommodation contract. If you are not staying in university accommodation, you can pick up a TV license leaflet from the UWS Accommodation Office. For full current information, visit the website www.tvlicensing.co.uk and click on ‘students’.

Council TaxFor full current information on Council Tax see the UKCISA webpage www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Fees-finance/Council-Tax/. For Council Tax Exemption, log on to Self Service Banner at https://ssb.uws.ac.uk and from the ‘Student’ tab, select the link ‘Council Tax Exemption Request’. For further information, please visit the Student Link.

Driving in the UKFor information on driving in the UK see the UKCISA webpage www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work-more/Other-useful-information/Driving.

Electrical Voltage240V 50Hz. adapters for electrical appliances are widely available from electrical shops, large retailers and online.

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Working in the UK For full information on working in the UK during and after your studies, including looking for work, how to get a National Insurance number, paying tax and workers’ rights, refer to the UKCISA webpages www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work-more/Working-during-your-studies and www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students /The-next-stage/Working-after-your-studies. The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides advice and support including career planning, graduate recruitment, placement, part-time work, summer jobs and volunteering. Access these services through the Student Link in the Elles Building or see www.uws.ac.uk/careers.

Churches, Temples, Mosques and more…There are many churches in Ayr and all over Scotland, representing the different branches of Christianity. For information on local churches, see the University’s Spiritual Care Team webpage www.uws.ac.uk/spiritualcare or search online.

Other places of worship such as the Buddhist Centre, Jewish Synagogues, Muslim Mosques and Hindu and Sikh Temples are located mostly in Glasgow. The following websites may help you find a place of worship:Hinduism: www.hindutempleofscotland.com*Islam: www.salaam.co.uk/mosques*Judaism: www.scojec.org/index*Sikhism: www.glasgowgurdwara.org*

For details of UWS student worship groups, see the notice boards in the University and Students’ Association, or contact the Spiritual Care Team. The contact details for each faith are available on the Spiritual Care Team website: www.uws.ac.uk/spiritualcare.

A ‘Space of Contemplation’ is available to all members of staff and enrolled students and is a quiet space for reflection and prayer. The room (2.069) is available during normal opening hours of the University. Visit the Student Link Information Point (room 3.040) for more information or call 01292 886005.

Zabihah has a full guide of Halal restaurants, markets and shops around the whole of Scotland. http://www.zabihah.com/reg/United-Kingdom/Scotland/J7xjCoRMpd

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UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)The UK Council for International Student Affairs provides comprehensive advice to international students studying in the UK. See their website www.ukcisa.org.uk. UKCISA operate a telephone advice line for students. Advice is available by calling 0207 788 9214. The line is open on weekdays from 1-4pm.

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Foreign Embassies and UK ImmigrationEmbassies and Consulates There are some foreign consulates based in Edinburgh. Consulate addresses and contact details are available at www.visitscotland.com/travel/information/embassies-consulates. Most embassies are based in London. Addresses and contact details are available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/foreign-embassies-in-uk.

Passports, Biometric Residence Permits and Passport PhotographsKeep your passport and your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) if you have one in a safe place. If you were granted a short stay permit to come to the UK, you will need to collect your BRP from a specified Post Office within 10 days of arrival in the UK. For further information see www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Preparing-planning/Visas-and-immigration/Applying-for-a-Tier-4-General-visa/When-your-visa-is-issued. Take your letter confirming your entry clearance with you when you go to collect your BRP. Contact an International Student Adviser if you experience any issues with collecting it.

It is useful to take a photocopy of the personal information and visa pages in your passport and both sides of your BRP card and keep them safe in case either is lost or stolen and you have to apply for replacements during your stay here.

If you need passport type photographs for student ID cards etc. there are ‘Photo Me’ photograph machines located in the Ayr train station, Smith Street, KA7 1TH. The cost is generally around £5.00 for five photographs – you need the exact change.

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Police RegistrationOn arrival into the UK you may have been given a stamp in your passport requiring you to register with the police. Please collect your Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) from the Post Office first and then register with the police. It is a requirement to register with the police within 7 days of collecting your BRP.

Alternatively, if you have renewed your visa from within the UK, you may have been instructed by the Home Office/UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to register with the police. This instruction, if applicable, will be detailed in the covering letter sent when your passport was returned to you following your visa being granted.

If you are required to register with the police, you must do so within the specified 7 day time limit. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. If you cannot register within 7 days due to illness, you will need to get a letter from your doctor to confirm this.

You must register at the assigned police station in Glasgow.Police Scotland, Clyde Gateway, 2 French street, Dalmarnock, Glasgow, G40 4EH. Telephone number 01786 895560.

You will need to take the following documents with you when you go to register with the police:

1 x Passport

1 x Colour Passport Photo

Proof of Address (contract/lease for private accommodation; letter from university for student accommodation)

Proof of Study (unconditional offer letter or CAS letter)

Registration Fee

Your passport will be given back to you on the same day (you will need your .. passport to open a bank account).

You will be issued with a police registration certificate which will be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. If you change address, or any of your details on the certificate change (course title, immigration conditions - including any student visa extension - marital status, occupation etc.) you must inform the police within 7 days.

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Home Office/UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)UKVI is the government organisation responsible for securing the UK’s borders and is part of the Home Office. The organisation manages the UK government’s limit on non-EEA migration to the UK. Tier 4 Immigration Policy requires that all non-EEA students are continuously monitored by their sponsor to ensure that they have arrived on schedule, remain in the UK and are taking a full and active part in their program of study. Tier 4 students must comply with their Tier 4 student visa conditions. See www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration to keep up-to-date with immigration matters.

Tier 4 students should see the UKCISA webpage www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Immigration-/Protecting-your-Tier-4-status for information on protecting your Tier 4 student immigration status.

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On CampusCatering Catering services operate from the Atrium area. For further information including opening hours for the canteen facilities, see www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/facilities/catering. There are vending machines throughout the campus.

Cash MachinesThere are two cash machines on campus. One is situated outside the Students Association on Storie Street and the other is at the top of the D Block corridor beside the door to the Brough Building.

Wi-Fi and EmailThe University provides free email accounts to all students and there are many computer labs where the internet can be accessed. You can automatically forward emails from your student e-mail account to your personal email account so that you only have to check 1 account. For information on how to do this, see www.uws.ac.uk/studentemail/.

Wireless network access is provided in various locations on campus. If you have problems logging on, contact the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Customer Service Team in room 4.022 or call 0141 848 3999. You can access the internet wherever you are by using a Wi-Fi finder app.

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Student Support ServicesIf you have any problems during your stay here or are worried about something, there are many sources of help within the University. The International Student Support team can help overseas students with general welfare issues as well as visas, immigration, work and financial queries. The team are based in Paisley but can be contacted by email for any queries. Telephone appointments can also be arranged easily. Contact details for the team are at the back of this guide.The Careers and Employability Service, Counselling, Disability Service, Funding and Advice and the Spiritual Care teams offer support to all UWS students. You can also speak to your personal tutor, doctor (GP), staff at the Students’ Association and the wardens in the University accommodation. There is a range of self-help resources at www.uws.ac.uk/counselling.

UWS Online StoreThe UWS online store allows you to pay for tuition fees, accommodation fees, print credit, UWS merchandise and much more. See www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/uws-online-store.

Printing ServicesPrinting Services provides the most cost effective way to print and bind your thesis, notes and projects on campus. We offer a range of services and have shops located on Ayr, Hamilton and Paisley Campuses as well as an online shop & payment facility. For more information visit: www.uws.ac.uk/printingservices or email: [email protected]

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Money MattersCash machines You can withdraw money from cash machines with most debit and credit cards.

Check the symbols on the machine to find out which cards it accepts. Some cash machines charge a transaction fee – look out for a message on the screen.

Opening a UK bank accountTo open a bank account, you will need your passport or identity card and evidence of your studies and address. Basic bank accounts are easier to open than other types of account. You can request this evidence by emailing [email protected]. If you change your address in the UK you should inform your bank immediately.

Many UK banks have mobile banking apps that can help you keep track of your money.

The currency in the UK is pounds sterling and is written as £1. £1 is equal to 100 pence. In addition to English currency, Scottish banks print their own bank notes. Both English and Scottish notes are acceptable throughout Scotland. Bank notes are in denominations of £100, £50, £20, £10 and £5 with Scottish banks also issuing a £1 note. Many shops, bars etc will not accept £50 or above. Banks will happily exchange these notes for small denominations. Coins are in denominations of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p and 1p. If you are travelling out-with Scotland, you may experience difficulty in using Scottish banknotes. We would advise you to travel with Bank of England notes which you can get from banks or the cash machines at the airport.

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) are accepted throughout Scotland. Look for the signs displayed at shop entrances or near the pay-point.

There are many student discounts in the UK to help you save money. Sign up to NUS extra www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra and download the app which gives you access to the latest discounts. You can also save your favourite deals and share your money saving tips with your friends.

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Health & WelfareEmergencies The emergency telephone number in the UK is 999. The call is free from any public telephone and is for immediate help. The operator will ask you which service you need – police, ambulance or fire brigade. Stay calm, describe the emergency and give the exact address if possible.

Need emergency hospital treatment? Go to the Accident and Emergency Department at University Hospital Ayr, Dalmellington Road (A713), KA6 6DX (telephone 01292 610555).

If you are unsure if you should attend the hospital, call NHS 24 on 08454 242424 for advice.

Non-urgent medical mattersFor non-emergency medical help and advice contact your local doctor (known as a ‘GP’ or ‘General Practitioner’). It is important that you register with a local doctor as soon as possible – don’t wait until you need medical treatment. See the Health and Safety Services leaflet ‘Register with a Local Doctor’ on their webpage - www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/departments/health-and-safety/general-health-and-safety/#student_info.

First AidNeed first aid on campus? Call 2222 from any internal phoneor phone 0141 848 3505 from your mobile. Check local arrangements for first aid in University residences. All accidents should be reported to the University’s Health and Safety Services department.

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Personal WelfareIf anything happens to you (or someone you know) such as a personal attack or mugging, please tell us. You can contact University Security, the residence wardens, the accommodation office, the police, the Students’ Association staff, Health and Safety Services staff, and/or an International Student Adviser. You do not need to inform all of these people. The University takes these incidents very seriously and information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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StudyStudying in the UK The teaching styles, ways of learning, assessment methods and expectations universities in the UK have of their students may be very different to what you are familiar with in your home country. Adapting to these new ways of doing things may require you to approach your studies in a very different way. See the UKCISA webpage www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/Study-work-more/Other-useful-information/Tips-on-successful-study for study tips and information on UK academic culture. If you need help with study methods, speak to your course supervisor or personal tutor in your School, or an International Student Adviser. Contact details for the International Student Advisers are at the back of this guide.

Read & Write Gold software is available on all PCs on campus and can provide a valuable resource to boost your academic skills and independent learning.Flashcard apps are available for mobiles and tablets. You can use these apps to create exam revision flashcards to store keywords, research, formulas, images and video wherever you are.

MoodleThe virtual learning environment used at UWS is called ‘Moodle’ – see www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/study/moodle. It allows you to access learning materials for your course and view university announcements. Additionally, the International Student Information module provides information and updates on relevant matters including immigration and social events.

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LeisureTransport Travel on public transport is more expensive during peak times. Peak times tend to be from 7.30 – 9.00am and from 4.30 to 6.00pm, however, this can vary depending on the local area and the travel company.

Local buses: Some bus companies don’t give change so if you are paying your fare to the driver on board, try and make sure you have change. A range of tickets may be available that could save you money (return/ daily/weekly/monthly tickets) and some of these tickets may be available to purchase from the bus company’s website. Bus tickets issued by different companies are not interchangeable so, for example, if you buy a return ticket you must use the same bus company on the return journey or pay another fare. Check the bus company’s website for information on ticket prices and timetables – some companies have apps for mobiles/tablets also.

Local Trains:If possible, buy your ticket at the train station before you board the train. You may be able to board a train and then buy your ticket on the train but you could pay more for some tickets e.g. a return ticket. Barrier checks are generally in operation as you enter and exit platforms, therefore it is important you do not discard your ticket on the train. Failure to provide a ticket for a barrier inspection could result in you having to purchase a second ticket. For timetable information on public transport in Scotland call Travel Line Scotland on 0871 200 2233, visit their website www.traveline.org.uk, or download their app.For coach services within Scotland call Scottish Citylink on 08705 505050. For national bus enquiries call National Express on 08705 808080 or visit their website www.nationalexpress.com.

For train services within Scotland call Scotrail on 08457 550033, visit their website www.firstscotrail.com or download their app. For train enquiries throughout the UK, call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website www.nationalrail.co.uk or download their app.

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Travel VisasIf you want to travel outside the UK for a holiday (e.g. to Europe), you may need a visa to enter the country you are travelling to. Check with the country’s embassy on visa requirements. It’s best to visit the embassy website if possible as telephone enquiry lines have limited pre-recorded information and are often expensive to call. See the Embassies and Consulates section in this guide.

You should apply for a travel visa as early as possible as it could take a few weeks to process. Some embassies/consulates accept postal applications while others require you to go in person. This could involve a journey to London, but there are some embassies/consulates in Edinburgh. The Schengen Visa Scheme is ideal if you plan to visit more than one of the participating European countries in a single trip if the planned trip lasts up to 3 months as you only need one visa for your trip. For full information see www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/services-for-students/student-support/international-student-support/visas-to-travel-outside-the-uk. To request a letter in support of an application for a Schengen visa, visit www.uws.ac.uk/about-uws/services-for-students/student-support /international-student-support/student-status-letter-request

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Entertainment in Ayr and GlasgowThe ‘Odeon’ multi-screen cinema is a short walk from the campus. See the website www.odeon.co.uk for advance bookings and 24 hour programme information.The Gaiety Theatre has recently reopened after extensive refurbishment. This is a multi-purpose venue with a range of performances including, plays, live music and the traditional pantomime at Christmas time. There is also a lovely café on site. For full information can be found at http://ayrgaiety.co.uk/.

Local newspapers will have details of local events and ‘The List’ www.list.co.uk has details of what’s on throughout the UK.

Glasgow city centre is 45mins from Ayr by train and is one of the most vibrant and popular cities in the UK. There is a lot to do and see – cultural events, museums, art galleries, parks, monuments, live music, cinema, theatre and a lively night life. See http://peoplemakeglasgow.com/ for information on attractions and events in Glasgow.

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ShoppingAyr town centre has a wide range of shops including specialist independent stores and national retailers. The Kyle Shopping Centre is in the town centre at 203 High Street, KA7 1QT (telephone 01292 610100). See www.thekylecentre.co.uk for opening times and store details.Every Sunday a large well established market is held at Ayr Racecourse. Stall holders sell clothing, food and household items at reasonable prices. As well as the traditional market, there is also a large ‘Car Boot Sale’ where second hand goods are sold. See www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/business/markets for more information.

Food Shopping:For general food shopping, the nearest supermarkets are ‘Morrisons’ adjacent to the train station and ‘Tesco’ on Whitlets Road. Budget supermarket ‘Lidl’ and the mainly frozen food stores ‘Farmfoods’ and Iceland’ are also close to the campus. The larger supermarkets may offer a delivery service in your area – check online.

A ‘Farmers Market’ is held on the first Saturday of each month (except January) in the car park of the Kyle Centre shopping centre. Local farmers sell their produce including a variety of good quality organic food. Expect to pay more for some items. See www.ayrshirefarmersmarket.co.uk for more information.

Most supermarkets sell vegetarian and vegan food. The ‘Grassroots Organic’ store at 20 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6UR specialises in a large selection of vegetarian and vegan foods, health food and organic vegetables There are a number of local butchers and bakers selling fresh produce.Local supermarkets and shops sell some world food items. Search online for details of specialist stores.

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Sport & FitnessThe Students’ Association runs a wide variety of sporting clubs open to all students. Check at the Students’ Union with your Campus President [email protected] or email [email protected] for an up to date list of teams and societies.There is fitness suite on the Ayr Campus, just off the Main Reception. This is open to all students with very reasonable membership prices.

The Citadel Leisure Centre on South Harbour Street, KA7 1JB in the seafront area has a swimming pool, spa facilities and also offers a range of indoor sports. See www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/leisure/citadel-leisure-centre for details. Walking, jogging, cycling and golf can all be enjoyed locally too.

Tourist Information and Local Attractions For information and ideas on what to do and see in Scotland, visit the Tourist Information website on www.visitscotland.com.

* UWS is not responsible for the content of external web sites.

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Public Car Parks1. Riverside Place2. Mill Brae3. Station (East)4. Station (West)5. Kyle Street6. Ayr Central7. Boswell Park (Thistle Parking)8. Carrick Street (Parking Ecosse)9. Kyle Centre Multi Storey

UWS Car Parks1. Staff car park2. Staff, visitor and disabled parking3. Student car park4. Student car park

18 Hole Golf Course

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RIVER AYR

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Contact the International Student Support Team

Ayr CampusStudent Link, Room 3.040, Main ReceptionT: 01292 886000

Paisley Campus Student Link Information Point, Elles Building J202T: 0141 848 3803

Twitter: @UWS_IntSupportMoodle: International Student Informationwww.uws.ac.uk/internationalstudentsupport

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