Essential Information for New International Students
Monday 17 – Friday 21 September daily between 16.30–17.00 Devonport Lecture Theatre, Portland Square
This session is delivered by the International Student Advice (ISA) team and is an opportunity for new international students to meet the team and learn about the services they deliver. During this session the team will provide you with essential information designed to help you to settle into living and studying in Plymouth. They will also advise you of your tier 4 visa responsibilities and answer any questions you may have related to your visa. There is no need to book in advance, you can just turn up.
Medical information
As soon as you have completed online enrolment, please ensure that you complete the online medical questionnaire. You will find the questionnaire at: https://s3.plymouth.ac.uk/s3. Alternatively, you can scroll down on the induction web page where you will see a link for the Medical Questionnaire (You must complete online enrolment first). The information is required SOLELY to enable organisers of field courses, lab work and other activities you may undertake to be alerted to any special requirements or precautions which may be necessary.
Monday 17 September 2018
9.00–10.00 University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) Registration - UPIC, 15 Portland Villas
Drew Kearney
An introduction to University of Plymouth International College.
12.00–13.00 - Buffet lunch – Atrium C, Ground Floor, Portland Square Building
Lunch will be served for all students.
13.00–14.00 Welcome and Introductory Talk – Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
Dr Andrew Turner - Programme Co-ordinator, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Dr Paul Lunt – Programme Co-ordinator, BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability
14.00–14.15 Welcome - Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
Head of School, Professor Mark Anderson
14.15–15.30 Introduction to Stage 1 – Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
First Year Tutor, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
16.00–17.00 - Welcome Party Wristband Collection – Room 605, Rolle Building
You will need to collect your wristband in order to attend your Welcome Party.
19.00–21.30 Monday Welcome Party - Graduation Marquee, Plymouth Hoe
The Welcome Party is your opportunity to meet informally with other students new to The Faculty of Science and Engineering as well as some current students and your academic staff.
Additionally, the evening includes a welcome drink and nibbles, entertainment and a raffle for all attendees with an iPad to be won on the night.
Tuesday 18 September 2018
10.00–11.30 Why is Environmental Science so important? – Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
Professor Tom Hutchinson, Associate Head of Environmental Science
An overview of the global importance of environmental science and career options.
11.30–12.30 Introduction to Diving Training – Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
Keiron Fraser, Academic Diving Specialist, Marine Station
It is ESSENTIAL that you attend this introduction session if you wish to be considered for HSE diver training in the summer vacation of the first year. You cannot take the second year module option OS207 ‘Scientific Diving’ without completing HSE Professional SCUBA training. This introduction session will give full details of the prerequisite requirements and an overview of the HSE SCUBA award. Please note there are significant costs associated with this module and all students will need to pass a stringent medical examination.
14.00–15.00 PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Scheme) – Plymouth Lecture Theatre, Portland Square Building
PALS fosters cross-year support between students on the same course. In Environmental Science PALS encourages Stage 1 students to support each other and to learn co-operatively, under the guidance of trained students called PALS Leaders, from stage 2. Students will be split into groups and taken by their PALS leader to the appropriate room:
Group A – Room A102, Portland Square Building
Group B – Room 103, Marine Building
Group C – Room 002, Babbage Building
15.15–15.45 LABplus Room 707, Davy Building
LABplus is a drop-in facility mostly used by students from the disciplines of Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography and Earth Sciences. The lab features learning resources and tasks designed to help you prepare for field and laboratory work.
15.15–15.30: Surname A – H
15.30–15.45: Surname I – Z
16.00–17.30 Employability, skills and the IES – Room 502, Cookworthy Building
Claire Guy, Careers Adviser, PU Employability Service
What are soft skills and why do they matter? Which do you have already, and how can you develop them whilst at University?
Wednesday 19 September 2018
10.45–11.00 Introduction to the Students’ Union – Jill Craigie Lecture Theatre, Roland Levinsky Building
A representative of the Students’ Union will outline all the extra-curricular activities you can enjoy, including; sports clubs and societies, volunteering, and how the Union is the hub of social life whilst studying. They provide your student support and representation.
12.00–13.00 Introduction to the Library – Jill Craigie Lecture Theatre, Roland Levinsky Building
Abigail Heath, Information Specialist
A short presentation from your subject librarian introducing you to the facilities and services of the University library.
Any time between 9.00–16.00 University Card Collection - Room 015, Ground Floor, Smeaton Building
You can collect your University card from Room 015, Ground Floor, Smeaton Building during the times given above. Your card is used for entry to the Library, some room entry, handing in coursework etc.
You must complete online enrolment and upload a photo prior to attending this session. You will need to bring identification with you to this session. The preferred form of identification is a valid current passport. Please refer to our University Card Collection web page for further details.
NB: If you already have a card i.e. because you were previously a student on another course or at a Partner College, you do not need to attend this session.
Thursday 20 September 2018
10.00–11.00 Collection of Field Equipment Pack. - Room 509, Davy Building
Jeremy Clark, Steve Neal
Surname A – H: 10.00–10.30
Surname I – Z: 10.30–11.00
To obtain your fieldwork equipment pack you need to have (i) uploaded your medical information into S3 and (ii) read the School Safety Handbook and downloaded and signed the confirmation receipt which you should bring with you.
11.00–12.00 Introduction to Small Group Tutorials
Discover the important role of the Tutorial Programme and how your personal tutor can support you throughout Stage 1. Information on which group you are in and which room to go to will be provided when you complete your record cards.
13.00–15.00 Introduction to Computing Services - Room 105-107, Babbage Building
Dr Andrew Turner and Dr Angela Milne
Please remember that you must have completed the on-line Computing Services Registration process at least 24 hours before this session. All BSc Environmental Science students should attend a class which will introduce the Computing Services used in the university. It is important that you attend this class.
Friday 21 September 2018
9.00–17.00 Field Visit to Eden Project - Meet on the west side of North Hill (next to the campus) near the bus bays
Alison Stokes and stage 1 tutors
A chance to experience the world-famous visitor attraction and to undertake project work to make recommendations on how the Eden Project can improve its information on environmental issues.
You must have completed the online medical questionnaire prior to the visit or you not be allowed to board the coach.