We have 1,916 single rooms across our halls of residence and our Central Administration Accommodation Team can assist you with matters relating to halls applications, allocation of hall places, rent, and anything relating to the terms and conditions of living in halls of residence.
To keep life fair and simple we prioritise first-year students who have made Middlesex their first choice university and who are travelling the furthest distance to join us.
Under this system, priority goes to full-year international students (from outside the EU). After this we try to accommodate UK and EU students who live furthest away, although this may not be in their first choice of hall.
It should be noted that on occasions we will house a small number of under-18 year olds in halls and they may be sharing a hall or flat with older students.

What do we offer ?

• Single study bedrooms in nine separate halls of residence
• Various styles: traditional with shared kitchens and bathrooms, to flats grouped around a shared kitchen-diner
• Range of en suite or shared bathroom facilities
• All halls offer self-catering accommodation, plus there are refectories on each campus.

Halls

Hendon Campus

Usher Hall (The Burroughs, London NW4 4HE)

Campus life is on your doorstep – as are shops, parks, cafes and Hendon’s historic conservation area.

Location
Opposite Hendon campus in a residential area and minutes away from The Burroughs sports club, refectory and the new £17 million Learning Resource Centre.

Getting Around
Bus: lots of local buses
Train: Hendon Central Underground station is 20-minutes walk away.  Links directly to central London.

Facilities

• 183 single study bedrooms in a traditional university hall with en suite shower room / toilet
• average room size is 9.5m2
• shared designated kitchens and separate dining rooms
• launderette
• IT access points are provided (for internet & Intranet)
• Entry phone in every room
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9pm, Monday to Friday. 24-hour cover at weekends
• Brent Cross Shopping Centre is only a short bus trip away

Platt Hall (Chancellor Place, Colindale, London NW9 5LJ)

Platt may not be a historic, listed building like Writtle House but you are just as close to the same international eating. There is also more history to explore at the nearly Royal Air Force museum and British Library newspaper archive.

Location
Hendon campus, with its sports and social facilities and new £17 million Learning Resource Centre, is a 20-minute walk away.  Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service to Hendon campus.

Getting Around
Bus: a 10-minute walk away are buses for Brent Cross Shopping Centre and central London
Rail: Colindale Underground station is a 5-minute walk away.  Links directly to central London

Facilities

• 540 study bedrooms in 90 self-contained flats spread across there blocks of buildings
• flats have six bedrooms and a separate kitchen / dinning room
• En suite shower room / toilet for each bedroom
• Average room size is 10m2
• Launderette
• TV lounge and study room in Writtle House at the centre of the complex
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and intranet)
• Each flat has its own entryphone for visitors
• Car park with CCTV and controlled barrier access
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday. 24-hour cover at weekends
• Walking distance from local shops and park

Writtle House (Chancellor Place, Colindale, London NW9 5LJ)

Less than 100 years ago, the Royal family were frequent residents here, staying overnight before flying off on exotic trips from nearby Hendon aerodrome.

Today, Writtle House is still one of our most characterful halls.  The nearby Oriental City food hall and shopping centre has brought a world of diversity to your doorstep.  And the West End is just a bus trip away straight down the Edgware Road.

Location
Hendon Campus, with its sports and social facilities and new £17 million Learning Resource Centre, is a 20-minute walk away.   Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service to Hendon campus.

Getting Around
Bus: a 10-minute walk away are buses for Brent Cross Shopping Centre and central London
Train: Colindale Underground station is a 5-minute walk away. Links directly to central London

Facilities

• A historic building converted into a traditional hall of residence
• Part of the Platt Hall complex
• 36 study bedrooms arranged in six sections
• room sizes vary, averaging 10.3m2
• shared TV/ video lounge and study room
• kitchen and bathroom facilities
• launderette
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and Intranet)
• Each bedroom has its own entryphone
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday. 24-hour cover at weekends.
• Local shops and takeaways nearby

Ivy Hall (100 Cricklewood Lane, London NW2 2DQ)

In the midst of a vibrant multicultural community – and just a bus away down the Edgware Road to central London.

Location
Close to Cricklewood Station.  Hendon campus is one train stop away or two short bus rides
Good transport links to Archway campus and Middlesex University bases at The Whittington and The Royal Free hospitals

Getting Around
Bus: Hendon campus is a short bus ride
Train: close to Cricklewood railway station – convenient for Hendon campus and central London

Facilities

• Traditional hall with 181 single study bedrooms arranged in 14 blocks
• Rooms are grouped around large kitchens
• Average room size is 10.8m2
• 49 study bedrooms have an ensuit shower / toilet – other rooms share ample shower and toilet facilities
• launderette
• IT network access points are provided
• Entryphones to each block
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends
• Cleaning service (kitchen and communal bathrooms) Monday to Friday
• Nearby shops, cafes, bars and restaurants

Trent Park / Cat Hill Campus

Gubbay Hall (Cockfosters Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN4 0PT)

Hide yourself away amid 1,000 acres of parkland, gardens, wooded walks and lakes.  Take a stroll or try something more energetic at the campus gym, nearly golf course or Southgate Hockey Club.  When city life appeals, hop on our shuttle bus to Oakwood Station and take an Underground train to central London.

Location
On campus, just under a mile into parkland and woods.  Take a wander around the mansion building, pop into the students’ union and student theatre spaces.  Then there is the library with truly inspirational views over lakes and woodland.  There’s even an outdoor swimming pool – perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day.

Getting Around
Bus: good links to shops, cafes and restaurants at Southgate and Enfield
Train: free shuttle bus to Oakwood Station, with central London less than 40 minutes away.

Facilities

• Traditional mixed sex hall
• 196 single study bedrooms with wash basins
• average room size is 11.6m2
• Rooms grouped around large unisex bathrooms and kitchens (no facilities for single sex use)
• Communal lounge with TV / video
• Launderette facilities
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and intranet)
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends
• Clearing service from Monday to Friday

Sasson Hall (Cockfosters Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN4 0PT)

Hide yourself away amid 1,000 acres of parkland, gardens, wooded walks and lakes.  Take a stroll or try something more energetic at the campus gym, nearly golf course or Southgate Hockey Club.  When city life appeals, hop on our shuttle bus to Oakwood Station and take an Underground train to central London.

Location
On campus, just under a mile into parkland and woods.  Take a wander around the mansion building, pop into the students’ union and student theatre spaces.  Then there is the library with truly inspirational views over lakes and woodland.  There’s even an outdoor swimming pool – perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day.

Getting Around
Bus: good links to shops, cafes and restaurants at Southgate and Enfield
Train: free shuttle bus to Oakwood Station, with central London less than 40 minutes away.

Facilities

• Traditional mixed sex hall
• 40 single study bedrooms with wash basins
• average room size is 11.6m2
• Rooms grouped around large unisex bathrooms (no facilities for single sex use)
• Large communal kitchen / dinning area
• Shared launderette facilities with Gubbay Hall
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and intranet)
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends
• Clearing service from Monday to Friday

Wood Green Hall (Station Road, London N22 6UZ) 

It’s great shopping, cheap cinemas and lively pub and club scene are drawing young Londoners to rent and buy homes in Wood Green.  This hall is not linked to one of our campuses – but the location has distinctly metropolitan benefits.  Our hall is close to the Tube station at the heart of this area and Wood Green is a hub of public transport options offering easy access to campuses and all parts of London.

Soak up the street life: there is plenty happening here till late most nights, with shops pubs, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema – and our hall is in the middle of it all.

Location
20 minutes on public transport to our campuses at Cat Hill and Trent Park

Getting Around
Bus: plentiful buses in all directions
Train: five-minute walk to Wood Green Underground station – central London just 20 minutes away

Facilities

• Traditional mixed hall
• 161 single rooms grouped around shared kitchen / dining rooms
• average room size is 8.8m2
• shared bathroom, no facilities for single sex use
• ever-popular common room with TV/ video
• launderette
• IT network access point are provided for internet and intranet
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends
• Large supermarket, shops, cafes and two multi-screen cinemas close by
• Buses for central London run till late
• Cleaning service from Monday to Friday

Enfield Campus

Ted Lewis Hall (Queensway, Enfield EN3 4UU) 

Well-equipped for suburban essentials: supermarkets, banks, shops and parks.  Enfield also puts on a great night out.  It’s home to a number of good local restaurants, bars, clubs and a good-value cinema.  And bargain-hunters will love Enfield’s Town’s street market.

Campus life is on your doorstep from here, in this purpose-built hall based around a landscaped quadrangle.

Location
On Enfield campus, less than a minute’s walk away from the library, Forum students’ union, refectory and Pulse health and fitness centre

Getting around
Bus: good links to Trent Park and Cat Hill campuses
Rail: Southbury mainline station is a 10-minute walk away 0 direct links to London and north to Cambridge

Facilities

• Self-contained flats with six or seven bedrooms and a separate kitchen / dining room
• 347 single study bedrooms, average size is 9.8m2
• En suite shower room / toilet
• Launderette
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and intranet)
• Controlled access: each resident has an access key for their block, flat and room.  Each flat also has its own entryphone for visitors
• Supermarkets, takeaways and restaurants
• 20 minutes’ walk to UGC Multiplex cinema and Eros nightclub
• short bus ride to Enfield town’s shops, market and cafes
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends

Robbins Hall (Gardiner Close, Ponders End, Enfield EN3 4LP)

Well-equipped for suburban essentials: supermarkets, banks, shops and parks.  Enfield also puts on a great night out.  It’s home to a number of good local restaurants, bars, clubs and a good-value cinema.  And bargain-hunters will love Enfield’s Town’s street market.

Robbins is a purpose built hall in a residential area, which makes it all the more surprising to discover the small farm next door

Location
A 20-minute, one mile walk from Enfield campus with its library, Forum students’ union and Pulse health and fitness centre
Good transport links to Middlesex University bases at Chase Farm and North Middlesex hospitals

Getting around
Bus: good links to Trent Park and Cat Hill campuses
Rail: Southbury mainline station is a 10-minute walk away 0 direct links to London and north to Cambridge

Facilities

• Self-contained flats with six bedrooms and a separate kitchen / dining room
• 232 single study bedrooms, average size is 9.8m2
• En suite shower room / toilet
• Launderette
• IT network access points are provided (for internet and intranet)
• Controlled access: each resident has an access key for their block, flat and room.  Each flat also has its own entryphone for visitors
• Local shops and takeaways
• Security officer on site from 5pm to 9am, Monday to Friday.  24-hour cover at weekends

Types of Private Rented Accommodation 

Lodgings are in a property with a resident owner and include the use of the household kitchen by arrangement. Some owners may be willing to provide meals if required. In most cases, no formal contract is required regarding period of occupancy.

Shared flats and houses allow individual students to rent a room in a self contained property, sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities with other tenants.

Whole flats and houses are particularly suitable for students who wish to team up with friends to share the expenses - and the domestic routine - of a self contained property. For shared flats and houses, and self contained flats and houses, students will probably be expected to sign a contractual agreement with the property owner, usually for a minimum of six months.

Students should be prepared for a delay before their first grant cheque arrives and should have sufficient funds to tide them over. Do not arrive without funds and without first arranging at least temporary accommodation.

Finding private rented accommodation

See also:

• Middlesexstudentpad
• Middlesexstudentpad.co.uk [External weblink]

Accredited Student Accommodation Scheme

Accommodation Services has established an accreditation scheme to set standards of accommodation and property management. This scheme was developed in partnership with two of our local London boroughs, the London Borough of Enfield and the London Borough of Barnet, to promote good practice in the private rented sector.

Property owners(excluding lodgings) with properties within these two boroughs must register on the scheme before we can advertise their property. The scheme operates in a spirit of co-operation between landlords and managers of student rented accommodation, Middlesex University students and the University’s Accommodation Services.

Insurance

Insurance to cover your personal possessions is advisable wherever you are living.

Contact details are :

Private Rented Accommodation Office
Middlesex University
North London Business Park
Oakleigh Road South
New Southgate
London
N11 1QS

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8411 5068
Email: pra@mdx.ac.uk

Who are Britannia Student Services?

Britannia is an accommodation agency which specialises in providing homestay accommodation to international students staying in London. Middlesex University have been using their services for over 6 years.

Why stay in a “Homestay”

Staying in a homestay is ideal for the English language student, providing the opportunity to speak English outside the classroom and the experience of being part of a British home.

Britannia aims to provide students with a safe, happy and comfortable home. Hosts are selected for their friendliness and their homes must meet British Council (English UK) standards. All Britannia's hosts receive a personal visit from one of our "Accommodation Assessors" who are trained to inspect according to these standards.

What to Expect

The Host will provide accommodation and meals as booked. Rooms will be cleaned and bed linen and towels changed at least once a week. The student will be provided with his/her own house key and the Host is there to offer help and advice as well as to take an interest in the student's welfare. Britannia aim to match a student's requirements as closely as possible with a suitable host
Please note that students will not be placed in the same homestay as others of the same mother-tongue, except by special request. English is always the main language spoken in the home.

Minimum Stay

The minimum stay is 4 weeks and students must pay for a minimum of 4 weeks accommodation plus £25 booking fee per person in advance.

Extending your Stay

If a student wishes to extend their stay beyond the initial booked (and paid for) period of stay after arrival, this will be subject to availability as families may have accepted future bookings for other students. Britannia will offer alternative accommodation for students wishing to extend their stay if their original host family is not available.  All payments for extension of stay must be made at Britannia's office or paid into Britannia's bank account every 4 weeks in advance.

Homestay Charges for summer 2007

Single room 4 week stay bed & breakfast (Room & breakfast)
GBP 115 per week x 4 weeks = GBP 460.00
+ GBP 25 booking fee
+ GBP 15 bank charges
= Total GBP 500.00

Single room 4 week stay half board (Room, breakfast & dinner)
GBP 135 per week x 4 weeks = GBP 540.00
+ GBP   25 booking fee
+ GBP 15 bank charges
= Total GBP 580.00

The short stay accommodation list is a selection of hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfast and hostels in close proximity to our campuses as well as in central London which has been complied by the University.

As a guide, prices per person per night will vary from approximately £25 to £40 for guest houses; £20 to £40 for hostels and £45 to £90 for hotels. Please contact the establishment directly for individual rates and to book your accommodation.

It is essential that students do not arrive without funds and without at least arranging some form of temporary accommodation.
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/accommodation/docs/Shortstay96.pdf 

What is counselling and how it may help?

Coming to university can be a very exciting and rewarding time. It can also be a time of change and stress and there may be a whole range of difficulties and dilemmas affecting your life and studies. The University Counselling Service is one of the support services which are there to help.One way of starting to deal with things is to see a counsellor. This involves meeting with a trained person to talk about the issues that are important to you.

There are a number of ways in which counselling can help, such as:

• Dealing with a crisis or immediate concern
• Support with longer term difficulties
• Getting access to specialist help
• Referring on to other resources

Counselling is an active process that is designed to give you the time, space and encouragement to explore and understand the issues you bring. The counsellor will be able to help you think about your problems from a different perspective. Their role is to provide you with a secure framework in which to reflect upon your circumstances. The aim is, that in time this will increase your awareness of yourself, your situation, and the choices that are open to you. Coming for counselling can take courage as it involves facing yourself and asking someone else for help.

What happens in counselling?

When you contact the Service an appointment will be made for you at the earliest available time. Sessions usually last for fifty minutes and are held in confidence in the counsellor's office. The initial consultation will provide an opportunity to explore your reasons for coming, and together with the counsellor will help build up a clearer picture. This in itself can be a useful way of helping to define or clarify what the problem is. They will then discuss with you what arrangements would be appropriate. In some cases one or two sessions are enough to deal with the immediate concern. Often a series of sessions over a number of weeks will be adequate, and this can be reviewed and extended as required. Sometimes it is felt that a referral to another internal service or an external organisation would be appropriate. Help to access these resources will be given.

This confidential listening and information telephone service is run by trained students.  You can call nightline if anything is troubling you or if you simply want someone to talk to.  Nightline also provides a general information service offering details of bus and train times, local late-opening chemist shops and a guide to what’s on in and around the University.

Nightline's number is 020 7631 0101, but you can also email in confidence by contacting www.nightline.org.uk

For more information about Nightline, including training as a volunteer, please contact:
Ziby Cherry Philips,
Welfare and International Sabbatical Officer
Enfield Campus
Ext 6771
Z.Philips@mdx.ac.uk

3. Reassure yourself and learn to relax

Some people find that it helps, when they are in a stressful situation or having frightening thoughts, to reassure themselves with positive thoughts or distract themselves. You might try reminding yourself that you will be all right, or tell yourself to stay calm and you will feel better soon. You can try to focus your attention on something outside yourself, listening to a conversation or watching TV. This is not the same as avoiding situations, but helps you to stay in the stressful situation and learn to cope with it.

Relaxation and breathing exercises can also help. (See separate leaflet on relaxation) It may help to join a relaxation class.

How you can get further help

If you are feeling nervous or mildly anxious about things in your life, talking things over with a close friend, a family member or a friendly tutor may be helpful.

If you find that your anxiety is dominating your life and you are avoiding essential activities, having persistent frightening thoughts or panic attacks, then you should seek more specialist help. You could see your GP. Or you can contact one of the counsellors at Middlesex.

Depression

What do we mean by depression?

Everyone gets ‘down’ sometimes. Life has natural ups and downs, when we just feel ‘fed up’ or things don’t go right. People often say they are ‘depressed’ when they are really referring to these normal low periods in life. If we suffer a major loss or trauma, we may have emotions which are similar to those associated with depression, but working through these can be a healing process, although it will take time.

Depression is more of a long term problem which doesn’t get better by itself. The difference between feeling ‘down’ and being depressed is one of both intensity of feelings and duration. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is one of the most common reasons for seeking help from a counsellor or GP.

Feelings and symptoms you may have when depressed

Depression is characterised by a feeling of allpervasive gloom and loss of interest or pleasure in life. It also commonly involves:
 

• a change in eating, weight and/or sleep patterns
• in concentration and working
• feeling irritable and short tempered, or tearful, without being able to pinpoint the causes
• loss of energy, listless, and feeling you ‘can’t be bothered’; loss of interest in sex
• feeling worthless or powerless
• feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self harm or suicide
• negative thoughts about yourself, your situation and/or about the future.

We all experience some of these feelings or symptoms at times, but someone who is depressed will experience a number of them for quite some time.

Why me? Some possible reasons why people get depressed

There is no simple answer to this – there are usually several factors. Depression can be a response to something distressing or a change of circumstances – particularly those involving loss of some kind – which seem to threaten our sense of identity or our very existence. These include: leaving home/country, bereavement, being isolated, or a break up of a relationship. 

However, often people become depressed for no immediately obvious reason. Sometimes a particular set of circumstances allow feelings that belong to something which hurt deeply in the past, to come to the surface. Sometimes it can be caused by a chemical/hormonal change which affects our body chemistry, or other physical conditions.

Things you can do which may help

When you are depressed it is easy to get stuck in patterns of behaviour or thoughts, which then make you feel more depressed, and powerless to find a way out. However, there are things you can try which have been shown to help ease depression. These could involve challenging your negative thoughts and trying to change your behaviour. This may seem difficult in your current state of mind, but may be possible in cases of mild depression.

A good first step is to try to think about why you feel like this now? Give yourself time to understand your feelings. Encourage yourself to start doing things again and questioning some of your negative thoughts.

• break tasks down into small manageable ‘chunks’, doing one thing at a time, starting with easier things and progressing to more difficult ones
• be realistic – there probably are things you’ve achieved, and recognising these will help you to regain your confidence
• try and spend time with people who are supportive and with whom you can be honest about yourself; isolating yourself increases depression, while social support helps lift a low mood
• try to challenge your negative thoughts no matter how strong they feel at the time; accept that there may be a number of explanations for your current situation and state of mind – avoid blaming yourself all the time
• if you feel it is appropriate, try talking to other people to help you get a balanced perspective on which are the most likely explanations
• many depressed people ‘dose’ themselves with excessive quantities of alcohol or other drugs to blot out the painful feelings – try not to do this as many of these will make you feel worse in the long run.

Additional help

If you continue to feel isolated, powerless to do anything or you cannot get on with your life, work or relationships then you should consider seeking further help.

If you find it hard to talk to friends and family, it may help to talk to a counsellor (see below for details).

You could speak to your GP if you have difficulties with eating or sleeping. You can also discuss with your GP the range of treatments available to you, which could include counselling and/or medication. Many people worry about getting dependent on medication.

However, modern antidepressant medication is not chemically addictive. It may not be a cure in itself but it may help, along with counselling, to help you find the resources to address the circumstances contributing to your depression.

If you have strong feelings of hopelessness or are having suicidal thoughts and feelings, you should contact someone for help as soon as possible. 

Outside normal working hours, you can telephone your GP Practice to see what arrangements are in place for emergencies, or go to your nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department. You can also telephone the Samaritans on 0845 7909090.

Exam anxiety

Very few people enjoy exams – for most of us they are a source of apprehension and anxiety. Sometimes the anxiety can be quite paralysing and stop people performing well. Here offers some suggestions which may help you reduce or cope with anxiety. Some may seem obvious, but when we are under pressure we can forget basic ways to lessen our fears.

Anxious feelings you may have about exams

The way in which you think and feel about exams can increase or reduce your levels of anxiety. Many people feel some of the following:

• my future depends on getting good grades
• everyone else knows the subject – I know nothing
• my family, friends and teacher will be let down if I fail – I’ll let myself down
• I just can’t face sitting down to revise
• I think I do a lot of revision but I always end up feeling I know nothing
• I am frightened my mind will go blank in the exam room
• I hate the idea of being judged.

Dwelling on these thoughts can increase our anxiety. We can end up feeling powerless and useless in the grip of some ‘monster’ which knows all our weaknesses and failings and can destroy us in the exam room.

What you can do to lessen anxiety

Some of the suggestions mentioned below can help you put things into perspective and give you a structure to start to regain some sense of control when facing exams.

Question negative or circular thoughts

The way to start dealing with these feelings is to understand something of where they come from, examine them realistically and finally try to put them to one side so you can concentrate on getting on with your work. You can allocate a time later to think about them, if you feel it is important to do so.

Understand yourself as a learner

• be aware of the time of day, and the place, where you work best
• be realistic about how long you can work productively – break your revision up into small chunks
• understand the type of learner you are – do you respond to visual or oral presentations, does it help to work with other people?
• if you constantly find yourself getting distracted, ask yourself why you’re allowing this to happen.

Organise your revision

• make a revision programme well in advance of your exams
• be realistic in judging how much time you can spend covering the syllabus
• build in free times to either relax or to catch up if you fall behind
• when revising, start by planning how much of the subject you are going to cover at any one time
• it is better to study in short concentrated bursts and have short breaks, than to study for long periods
• if you find yourself daydreaming, say ‘stop’ to yourself and try to refocus and concentrate; if you can’t, take a break
• separate the place where you work from the place you relax, removing distractions, such as the TV
• try to actively engage when revising, making notes and then cut these notes down to ‘trigger’ words or phrases; this can help you recall a great deal of information in the exams; absorbing information passively will make it more difficult to remember
• use different methods of revising to keep your mind active; don’t just read on your own, try revising with friends, explaining to each other different topics; try doing ‘mock’ exams, under exam conditions to get used to them. Look at past papers to see what questions come up
• be honest with yourself; if you don’t understand some aspect of your work, ask for help

When it comes to the exams...

• prepare yourself in advance – check where the exam room is; you’ll be less likely to panic
• it may help to remember, when eaten up with fear and loathing, that you may have a choice as to whether you do these exams; deferral could be an option; check with the Student Office for details
• try not to wind yourself up by detailed discussions with other students before or after the exam
• remember that most people get an initial ‘rush’ of anxiety when they enter the exam room and see the paper. This will pass if you let it – try to stay as calm as possible and then focus on beginning to deal with the exam
• keep in mind that some stress can help you perform better

Other ways of helping yourself

• make time to socialise and take exercise, walking, sport, swimming, dancing, etc; this can help you manage anxiety
• take care of yourself – eat properly (lots of fruit and vegetables); try not to live on coffee and cigarettes!; avoid excessive use of alcohol, which is a depressant and can affect your memory
• read our ‘Relaxation’ leaflet!

Additional help

If you find that you are still extremely anxious about your exams, that you cannot get started and feel gripped by fear, or if you are worried about having other symptoms, such as not being able to sleep, eat or suffer from severe headaches, then don’t suffer alone, help is at hand. You may find it helps to talk to someone about your difficulties. Friends and family can help, or it may help to talk to a counsellor (see below).

If you are worried by physical symptoms or continue to find eating and sleeping difficult,it may help to see your GP.

You may find it useful to attend an ‘Exam Anxiety’ workshop, which are held on mostcampuses before the exam period and are jointly run by the Counselling Service and English Language and Learning Support. You can also contact English Language and Learning Support directly for tutorials on essay and exam techniques.

Managing Stress

Some Idea from the Counselling Service

Here has some ideas about how to identify when you are under too much stress and some suggestions for how to improve your situation. Stress can have positive aspects – it motivates us and helps us to realise our priorities and manage our lives. But being under too much stress, however we define it, can be exhausting and bad for our mental and physical health. 

What do we mean by stress?

“Stress” is more than feeling overworked or under pressure. Stress is a result of a complex reaction between external factors – things happening in the outside world – and our own internal world –how we look at things. Sometimes crises and our reaction to them can make us feel upset and ill. There are some personal crises or life events that would affect anybody adversely, but it is still true that the way we react can make things better or worse.

Common signs of stress

Stress can affect us in three main ways – physically, emotionally and the way we behave 

• physical effects include nausea, palpitations, fast respiration, sweating, stomach ache, headache, tense muscles, sleeplessness
• emotional effects include feelings of depression and hopelessness, fear, anxiety and panic, tearfulness, loneliness and isolation
• effects on behaviour include irritability and bad temper, being unreasonable, repetitive patterns of thinking and worrying, hyperactivity, accident proneness, withdrawing/isolating yourself, excessive drinking smoking or eating.

Things you can do which may help

It is very difficult when things are going badly either at home or work, to imagine that there is anything positive you can do about them. The following ideas may help you get a started in breaking the pattern of feeling overwhelmed, and prevent a difficult situation becoming worse. 

1. The way you think can make a difference

Being aware of the way you think under stress can help you be more realistic about stressful events, and you may be able to stop your thoughts getting out of hand.

Some common, but unhelpful, reactions to stress

• thinking you have no choice, being passive
• wanting instant solutions!
• blaming yourself or others
• being unrealistic about what you or others can achieve (wanting everything perfect)
• panicking, to the extent you cannot think at all.

When you feel under stress, try to stop and consider:

• you may find you have more choice than you think about what you take on
• be aware of the extent of negative thoughts about yourself or others. Are they realistic?
• think about your perception of the situation – is it accurate? Try not to "catastrophise"
• set yourself realistic priorities and goals .
• recognise you can’t please everyone or avoid all conflict!
• try not to avoid difficult decisions or "block out" your worries. It doesn’t help in the long run
• A change of activity can help to break patterns of circular thoughts.

2. Understanding

Although it is not always easy when you are under pressure, it often helps to take a step back and reflect on aspects of the situation. 

For example, there are pressures, which are related to the nature and volume of work or the balance of work with the rest of your life – you may find others feel the same way. 

The ability to cope can vary from one person to another. It may be that the way you respond to pressure can make matters more difficult. 

Understanding where the pressures come from can help you to access appropriate help and support

3. Suggestions for action

• where stress seems to come from "external" circumstances, talking situations through with friends or in a work situation with colleagues informally can often be the first stage in making constructive changes
• there may be practical things you could do to reduce the stress you are facing. This can vary from needing to prioritise your tasks, or managing your time at work differently, to looking at your work/life balance or taking exercise or using relaxation techniques
• don’t forget that the Counselling Service offers confidential consultations – individual or group –for anyone who wants an opportunity to reflect on work pressures or difficulties
• check out the courses available at Middlesex – some of them run by the Counselling Service –on how to cope with different sorts of stress, and book yourself a place
• learn to know your own responses and assess when anxiety is mounting (see section above on "Common signs of stress")
• be aware of what you find most helpful – some people need time to themselves when pressures mount while others find it useful to talk, to friends, colleagues or family
• at the risk of stating the obvious, it helps to eat well, and get enough sleep. See also our leaflet on "Relaxation". 

If stress at work or in the rest of your life is making you feel acutely anxious or depressed and hopeless, it is time to seek specialist help.

The counsellors at Middlesex will be happy to see you and, if necessary, refer you to sources if help outside the University. You could also see your GP. 

Relaxing

Here describes a way of helping with a common problem we are all likely to face – that of feeling tense or stressed. Sometimes this is related to difficulties in our personal lives or pressures at work or university, but, while the causes may be complex, it can be useful to think about how we carry tensions within ourselves and our bodies and how we can actively develop ways of improving our sense of well being. Tension which continues over a long period can end up affecting our health.

How do we know if we are tense?

Strangely, we can be so habitually tense that we accept our tense state as normal. (And it is true that a certain degree of tension can help motivate us to get on with a task.) The following are some of the symptoms which may identify undue tension:

• muscular tension, aches and pains
• difficulties with sleeping 
• loss of appetite, stomach upsets 
• persistent tiredness, exhaustion
• headaches, migraines
• hyperventilating, shallow breathing
• inability to concentrate or think straight
• a sense of things crowding in, feeling rushed and panicky.

These symptoms can also be caused by other medical problems, so if you are unsure, you may wish to check this out with your doctor.

What we can do about this 

There is no single or right way of relaxing – it is a matter of finding an approach which makes sense and works for you. Many people find that listening to music or taking exercise can help them relax.

Learning to focus on and relax muscles in all areas of your body helps let go of the tensions. Relaxing your mind, meditation, yoga are also potential ways of reducing tension. It is important to accept that whichever method you select takes time and practice in order for you to gain some ongoing benefit and you will need to build it into your everyday life.

A simple relaxation technique 

Here is one method, which takes about ten minutes, that involves relaxing your muscles. (This method involves lying down, but could also be adapted to a sitting position and everyday situations.) By focusing in your mind’s eye on specific areas of the body, without actually ‘doing’ anything, you can send messages to your brain enabling you to release tensions.

• lie on your back on a firm surface, (or sit comfortably in a chair), with your feet firmly on the ground, and your eyes closed. Place paperback books under your head to support it comfortably
• to begin with, focus on the weight on your head on the books, allowing your head to rest on them
• allow your face to soften and your eyes to relax. Let your tongue rest on the bottom of your mouth and feel your jaw let go of the tension
• let your neck soften and imagine your neck lengthening and your head releasing away from the spine
• travelling down your body, become aware of your shoulder blades and allow the front of your shoulders to drop down and soften; feel the weight of your shoulders on the floor
• travel down your arms to your elbows; allow your elbows to soften, and on to your wrists . become aware of your hands and without moving your fingers, allow each finger to be released
• travel back to your chest, allowing it to soften
• become aware of your breathing and sense the flow of air deep into and out of your body; breathing rhythmically, without making any effort, allow your breath to fill the space inside your body
• going back to your shoulders, and travelling down your spine, feel the length and breadth of your back
• move down to where the back joins the pelvis and release the joints; imagine the pelvis opening out, with the floor supporting it; travel down to the thighs and feel the knees opening out
• become aware of letting go of the tension in your calves and your ankles softening; move on into the heels of your feet placed firmly on the ground, imagine the arches opening, soften the balls of your feet and visualise each toe uncurling
• travel from your toes through the length of your body up to the top of your head allowing yourself to breathe freely, and rest awhile in this position
• when you are ready to ‘return’ from this exercise, if in a lying position, roll over onto your front and slowly move from all fours to your two feet and gently uncurl to an upright position

Relaxation and sleep

Learning to relax may not lead to sleep, although you could use an exercise like the one described above to help you sleep more restfully. Other suggestions which may help you with sleeping are:

• give yourself some ‘winding down’ time before you go to bed, develop a bedtime routine
• don’t use your bed as a workplace during the day, and  put your work out of sight of your bed.

Try to give your mind a rest

It can be very difficult to sleep if thoughts are constantly going round in your head.You could try the following:

• first use the relaxation technique described above
• with your eyes gently closed, look straight ahead and ‘stare into space’, as if looking at a distant, unmoving spot; just keep looking at this distant black spot if your thoughts still won’t stop, try focusing on your breathing and gently slow it down.

When you could use some additional support

If you want further help with learning to relax, you could join a relaxation class contact sports. If you think that your tension and stress is related to underlying and unresolved emotional issues in your life, you might find it useful to talk to one of the counsellors.

FEE PAYMENT INFORMATION for the Academic Year commencing SEPTEMBER 2007

• Fees must be paid at or before enrolment. 
• Early payment of the full year’s fee attracts a discount of 5% (see below).
• Payment in two instalments may be agreed with campus finance offices at enrolment.  The first payment of 50% of the fee must be made at enrolment, and the second instalment by the next enrolment.  
• No discounts are allowed for payment in instalments.
• Receipts for deposits previously paid must be kept safely and shown on request.

Early Payment Discount

Overseas fee-payers (except students on a Middlesex University Preparation Programme, Summer School or International Year Abroad programme, or in receipt of Alumni Discounts) will receive a 5% discount if fees for an academic year of two semesters are paid in full using on-line credit card payment by the date given below.

The payment deadline for discounts is
Friday 14th September 2007 at 3pm UK time.

Fees for two semesters, September-December 2007 and January-June 2008, will be paid at the 2007/2008 rate.  Deadline for 1st and 2nd instalments are 14th September 2007 and 7th December 2007 respectively.

Payment methods:

• by credit\debit card (except American Express or Diners) using MISIS online payment
• For online payment difficulties, please contact Finance office by telephoning   +44 20 8411 6400  
• by bankers draft in GBP made payable to "Middlesex University" and sent to:
  Central Income, Middlesex University, 
  Building 4, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1QS, UK
• by bankers draft in GBP made payable to "Middlesex University" and submit to Middlesex University Regional Office in Hong Kong.
• by credit\debit card or bankers draft in GBP at a Middlesex University campus finance office.

When paying by any of the above methods, make sure that you provide full details
of your name, address, course and student number as shown on your offer letter.

Pre-Departure Orientation Checklist

Things to be put in your hand luggage (5-8 kg depending on airline) :

• Airline Ticket
• a valid passport (must be valid for at least 12 months) with Clearance Certificate
• Two forms of identification : Passport + one other (e.g. HKID, Visa Card, Birth Certificate)
• Original copy of your Unconditional Offer Letter from Middlesex University
• Original copy of Certificates and Transcripts
• Letter from the Accommodation Office (if any)
• Letter from Sponsors / banker draft (s) – evidence that you can meet the cost of your fees and your maintenance during the time you are at Middlesex
• Cash / Traveller Cheques in approximately GBP500
• Medical Reports – evidence that you are in good health
• Up to date vaccination certificates
• A full medical report (include chest X-ray) is not compulsory although it is  recommended since you may be asked to undergo such an examination in the UK

Other points to note:

• Check-in luggage – normally 20 kg, check with airline whether more is allowed
• Bring along with you 12 or more passport-size photographs for Library, University Admissions Card etc.
• You can bring along a laptop computer but make sure you have a receipt
• Travel insurance to cover your overseas
• Personal property / possession
• Medical to pay all bills if not cover by NHS
• Banker drafts take 10 days or more to clear.  To open your personal bank account, the banker draft for personal expenses should be made in your own name
• Deadline for early discount payment is 15th September 2006, 3pm UK Time
• Payment Method: in person at the Campus Finance Office or by credit card to call centre. All major credit cards accepted except American Express & Diners (see attached)
• Free airport pick-up service: 14th September 2006
• ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ Orientation Programme: 14th to 17th September 2006

Link to “Pre-departure” powerpoint

Airport Pick up & Orientation

‘Welcome to Middlesex’ Orientation Programme

The programme
If this is going to be your first time in Britain, you may find that many of the British customs and procedures are different from those you are used to. This programme has been designed to familiarise you with all aspects of living and studying in London and to provide you with the background information and practical skills you will need to get the most from your stay.

The programme also provides you with the opportunity to meet other students and make new friends.

Special features of the programme
The following sections will be included in the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme:

• The British education system
• Cultural differences
• Travel and social activities
• Guided tour of London
• Thames Riverboat Disco

At end of this programme, there will be a social trip to the coastal resort of Brighton at a cost of £10.  The trip to Brighton is optional.  If you would like to join, you will need to indicate on the application form.  Alternatively, you may take some rest at University hall of residence.

Fees

The cost of the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme is free of charge to all students paying the full overseas student fee to study at Middlesex University.

How to Apply

To apply for the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme, students should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the nearest Regional Office or the Centre for International Education of Middlesex University before a specified deadline for each intake.

Airport Meeting Service

Airport meeting service is provided on the first day of ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ Orientation Programme, which is usually in mid September (for September start) or late January (for January start).  This airport meeting service is provided for new students who will be living in a hall of residence or live near a campus and who are attending the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme. 

The meeting service operates at all terminals of London Heathrow Airport.  Students will be escorted from Heathrow Airport to their hall of residence or campus. 

How to Apply

To apply for the airport meeting service, students should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the nearest Regional Office or the Centre for International Education of Middlesex University before a specified deadline for each intake.

Home Status & Funding

You will see the term “home status” or “home student” used in connection with many different sources of funding both within and outside the University. This leaflet will explain what home status means and what you will be able to gain by having home status. The rules and regulations concerning home status are complex. If in doubt, or if you wish to clarify any areas contact the University’s Money and Welfare Advice Service (MWAS).

Why do I need Home Status?

You will need to have home status in order to gain access to lower rates of tuition fees and many sources of funding. Without home status you could be charged the higher international rate of fees and you would not receive any statutory fee or maintenance support. British nationality does not automatically confer home status. Having home status is dependent upon the length of residence in the UK, and certain other conditions.

What do I need to establish for home fees?

To be considered to have home fee status you must meet all of the “main rules” below by a relevant date, before the start of your course.

1. Settled status. This means there are no immigration restrictions on the period that you can stay in the UK, such as a visa with a time limit.

2. Residency Rule. Three years residency in the UK and Islands which must be completed by a specific date prior to the start of your course. For autumn starters the key date is, 1st September, for spring starters 1st January.

3. Purpose Rule. Your three-year residency must not be solely or mainly for full-time study. If you were in the UK just for full time education, you will not be able to count that period as contributing to your residency. There are exceptions to the above in which certain groups do not have to comply with the “main rules” in order to pay the “home” rate of fees. However, many do have their own residency rules attached and so further advice should be sought from MWAS.

What are the exceptions?

Category 1. EU nationals, their spouses/civil partners, their children aged under 21(or any dependent child if over 21) and relevant family members. Individuals must meet the residence conditions in the EEA or Switzerland. For more information on relevant family members and residence conditions see Rough Cut: 2006/07 EU/EEA Students

Category 2. EEA national migrant workers -(including UK citizens who work in the EEA and Swiss nationals) their spouses/civil partners, their children and relevant family members. Individuals must meet the residence conditions in the EEA or Switzerland. Workers and work seekers in the UK should seek advice from MWAS as the rules are complicated. See Rough Cut: 2006/07 EEA Migrant Workers for more information.

Category 3. British or EU Nationals temporarily absent from UK or EEA (inc. Switzerland) respectively Temporary absence may be because of temporary work abroad. There is no clear definition of “temporary” so each case is considered on its merits. Seek further advice from MWAS.

Category 4. Refugees, their spouse and children. Only those granted full refugee status by the Home Office.

Category 5. Those who, after an asylum application, have been granted Exceptional Leave to Remain
(ELR) or Exceptional Leave to Enter (ELE), Humanitarian Protection (HP) or Discretionary Leave (DL) or those granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (under the Government Amnesty) and their spouse and children.

Category 6. Asylum Seekers – Middlesex University charges home fees as a concession. Documentation from the Home Office must be shown in order to receive this. See Rough Cut: 2006/07 Asylum Seekers and Refugees for more information.

Category 7. Reciprocal Exchange students - International Students who study in the UK on a fully reciprocal basis usually find that their fees have been waived as part of the exchange, although if the fees are not waived only home fees can be charged.

Can I get help towards my fees and living costs?

Most statutory sources of support, such as Student Loans, Fee Support, Access to Learning Funds or
Bridging Loans require that you meet the “main rules” as outlined above. However there are exceptions, individuals who fit into the categories explored and who meet the necessary eligibility criteria can receive support. In some of these instances you may wish to seek advice from MWAS.

• Category 1. Can apply to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES - EU Team) for help with fees only, see Rough Cut: 2006/07 EU/EEA Students
Note. Those individuals that have lived in the UK for three years prior to the start of their course can now apply to their Local Education Authority (LEA) for the full Student Support package. They no longer have to meet the ‘settled status’ rule or the ‘purpose rule’ mentioned above.

• Category 2. Should take further advice, as the rules are complicated.

• Category 3. May be eligible for the full Student Support package available from their LEA, these individuals should seek further advice before applying.

• Category 4. Can apply to their Local Education Authority for the full student support package, no residence conditions to be met.

• Category 5. Can apply to their Local Education Authority, as long as they meet the residency conditions and purpose rule. See Rough Cut: 2006/07 Asylum Seekers and Refugees

• Category 6. Do NOT qualify see: Rough Cut: 2006/07 Asylum Seekers and Refugees If my status changes during my course will I qualify for funding?

You may qualify for funding if you are awarded one of the following after starting your course:

• Refugee Status (no residency requirement)

• ELR/ELE, HP, DL or ILR (after an asylum application). However, you must also meet the three-year residency rule prior to the start of the course. But your spouse, children and stepchildren are exempted from the requirement to be settled on the first day of the course, and can therefore; become eligible for support any point after you are granted the change in immigration status.

• If your country joins the EU and if you have been working in the UK then you might also qualify as an EEA migrant worker.

• If you become an EU national mid way through a course you will not qualify for any fee or loan support for any of the course but should be charged the “home” rate of fee at the next charging period.

Contact your Campus Finance Office. Seek advice from The Money and Welfare Advice Service immediately if your status changes.

NB. Diploma Nursing Students see Rough Cut: 2006/07 Nursing and Midwifery Students for further information.

Any questions?

Contact the Money and Welfare Adviser based on your campus.

The Money and Welfare Advice Service

Cat Hill: Chloe Berman
Student Advice Centre, ext. 5312
c.berman@mdx.ac.uk

Enfield: Jude Cringle
Student Advice Centre, ext. 6482
j.cringle@mdx.ac.uk

Hendon: Janet Ewers / Simon Beale
Student Advice Centre, / 6527/ 6589
j.ewers@mdx.ac.uk
s.p.beale@mdx.ac.uk

Trent Park: Geraldine Bailey Co-ordinator
Room J104, ext. 6074
g.bailey@mdx.ac.uk

Whittington: Chloe Berman
Room 15a, ext 6182
c.berman@mdx.ac.uk

Other Rough Cuts available from Campus Student Advice Centres or to download @ www.mdx.ac.uk/247/finance/rc.htm

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University Support & Facilities

Airport Pick up & Orientation

‘Welcome to Middlesex’ Orientation Programme

The programme
If this is going to be your first time in Britain, you may find that many of the British customs and procedures are different from those you are used to. This programme has been designed to familiarise you with all aspects of living and studying in London and to provide you with the background information and practical skills you will need to get the most from your stay.

The programme also provides you with the opportunity to meet other students and make new friends.

Special features of the programme

The following sections will be included in the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme:

• The British education system
• Cultural differences
• Travel and social activities
• Guided tour of London
• Thames Riverboat Disco

At end of this programme, there will be a social trip to the coastal resort of Brighton at a cost of £10.  The trip to Brighton is optional.  If you would like to join, you will need to indicate on the application form.  Alternatively, you may take some rest at University hall of residence.

Fees

The cost of the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme is free of charge to all students paying the full overseas student fee to study at Middlesex University.

How to Apply

To apply for the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme, students should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the nearest Regional Office or the Centre for International Education of Middlesex University before a specified deadline for each intake.

Airport Meeting Service

Airport meeting service is provided on the first day of ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ Orientation Programme, which is usually in mid September (for September start) or late January (for January start).  This airport meeting service is provided for new students who will be living in a hall of residence or live near a campus and who are attending the ‘Welcome to Middlesex’ orientation programme. 

The meeting service operates at all terminals of London Heathrow Airport.  Students will be escorted from Heathrow Airport to their hall of residence or campus.  

How to Apply

To apply for the airport meeting service, students should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the nearest Regional Office or the Centre for International Education of Middlesex University before a specified deadline for each intake.

Free in-sessional English support

There are language centres at Enfield, Hendon and Trent Park campuses.  English language and learning support is a University-wide free service which offers workshops on various aspects of English language including grammar, pronunciation, conversational English, essay writing, seminar presentations and examination preparation.  You can also book individual tutorials to discuss specific language problems.  In addition, you will have access to multimedia resources including computer assisted learning and audio / video material for independent study.  For further information, please go to any of the campus language centres at Enfield, Hendon or Trent Park campuses.

Support during Semester 1, 2006-7

When does support begin this term?

At most campuses, language centres will begin offering its usual time-table of workshops and tutorials from 2nd October (week 2). One-to-one tutorials may be available before then, please contact the ELLS team at your campus (see below) to find out more. A weekly schedule outlining the times and rooms of these workshops and tutorials will be available from week 1.

What will be the team be doing during the induction period? 

During the Induction period, we will be making announcements to new students and we will be available for drop-in advice sessions at most campuses. For information about these drop-in sessions, please contact the team at your campus (see below).

How can i find out more ?

Information about our service is available at Language centres and ELLS offices across the University.  For information about the support we will be offering at your campus, please use the ELLS team contact details below:

Archway                                                                         
Julio Gimenez                               020 8411 2249         j.gimenez@mdx.ac.uk
                                                                                        
Cat Hill                                                                           
Peter Thomas                              020 8411 6409         p.thomas@mdx.ac.uk
                                                                                        
Enfield                                                                           
Language Centre reception          020 8411 6280          
Victoria Odeniyi                            020 8411 6128         v.odeniyi@mdx.ac.uk
Julio Gimenez                               020 8411 6128         j.gimenez@mdx.ac.uk
                                                                                        
Hendon                                                                          
Language Centre reception          020 8411 5116          
Paul Fanning                                020 8411 5404         p.fanning@mdx.ac.uk
                                                                                        
Trent Park                                                                     
Gillian Lazar                                  020 8411 6578         g.lazar@mdx.ac.uk

Plagiarism means presenting someone else’s idea as if they were your own.  If you copy the words or ideas of another person, either a writer or another student, without acknowledging the source of those words or ideas, then you may be accused of plagiarism.  Whenever you use a quotation from a book, or whenever you reproduce another author’s ideas, even if you use your own words, you should always refer to the source of this information.  This is called referencing.  Penalties of plagiarism can be severe and may result in failing your course. 

What is the London Sport Institute ?

The London Sport Institute was established in 2004 by Middlesex University. It lies within the School of Health and Social Sciences and has strong links with University College London, with whom we share academic facilities. The Institute has been built on a range of highly successful and innovative undergraduate programmes and the excellent opportunities offered to students to enable them to lead an active and healthy lifestyle during their years of study at Middlesex. Onto this firm base, the Institute has developed high quality research, rapidly-developing postgraduate programmes and enhanced opportunities for MPhil/PhD study. The Institute therefore has the full spectrum of academic and recreational activities in sport, exercise, and health. 

How is this reflected in student life?

There are strong links between the academic programme and student sport and recreation. Students have a wide variety of active opportunities catering not only for the high level sports performer but also the recreational exerciser. The Institute manages an excellent range of high quality sports facilities, fitness centres and outdoor pitches. There is a wide programme of activities available to students and staff as well as the local community. Taster sessions for absolute beginners through to elite athlete support for sports scholarship students, the LSI caters for all abilities and interests.
If your interest is in coaching, the Institute organises and hosts a wide range of governing body coaching awards and coach development workshops and seminars, providing continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for coaches in all disciplines. Sport science support is available and offered through the Athlete Support Programme and through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
The Institute is active in developing partnerships, providing volunteering and placement opportunities for our students in a schools and local sports organisations, and in supporting the development of sport and physical activity initiatives in the region.

Facilities in Hendon

Fitness Centre - our largest fitness centre with wide variety of cardiovascular, resistance and free weights

Sports Hall - 4 Badminton Courts, Basketball, Table Tennis, Netball,

Volleyball

Real Tennis Court

Health Suite - Sauna and Steam facilities

Sunbeds

Outdoor Tennis Courts

Astroturf Pitch - sand based

Cafe Bar - licensed bar serving an excellent range of coffees, beverages and light snacks with Digital TV

Therapy Rooms - purpose built rooms with practitioners offering a variety of complimentary therapies, sports massage and physiotherapy.

Activities

• Aerobics
• Badminton
• Basketball
•  Birthday Parties
•  Children's Courses
•  Exercise Classes
•  Football
•  Fitness Training
•  Gymnastics
•  Hockey
•  Indoor Cricket
•  Karate
•  Netball
•  Real Tennis
•  Short Tennis
•  Step Aerobics
•  Table Tennis
•  Tennis
•  Trampolining
•  Volleyball
•  Yoga.

Opening times

Please note: Access is permitted/restricted depending on your specific membership conditions.

Monday to Friday                     7.00am to 10.00pm      9.00pm close on Friday
Saturday and Sunday             9.00am to 6.00pm
Closed on Bank Holidays

Facilities in Trent Pak

Fitness Centre - a small facility but with a modern range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

Fitness Trail - an outdoor fitness trail on land adjacent to the campus

Astroturf Pitches - 1 sand and 1 water based. Shared with Southgate Hockey Centre

Sports Hall - 4 badminton courts

Swimming Pool - outdoor pool - summer use only, June - August.

Grass Pitches - soccer and rugby. Shared with Southgate Hockey Centre.

To book grass or astro pitches at the Trent Park campus please contact Southgate Hockey centre on 020 8440 7574.

Services

Fitness Induction - basic induction to enable safe use of the fitness equipment.

Class Programme - a wide variety of classes for all interests (see the class timetable leaflet for details of the current programme)

Hire of Facilities - members and non-members can hire the facilities for functions, training, coaching etc.- please contact the manager for details.

Activities

• Aerobics
• Archery
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Exercise Classes
• Fitness Training
• Football (5 a side)
• Hockey
• Karate
• Netball
• Step Aerobics
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Volleyball

Opening times

Monday to Thursday               9.00am to 10.00pm
Friday                                      9.00pm to 9.00pm
Saturday                                  10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday                                    9.00am to 4.00pm
Closed on Bank Holidays

The facility opening times are extended during term times with limited opening hours during holiday periods.

Facilities in Cat Hill

Fitness Centre - a small fitness room with a limited range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

Activity Hall - multi-purpose hall used for exercise classes

Services

Fitness Induction - basic induction to enable safe use of the fitness equipment.

Class Programme - a small range of popular classes

Activities

• Tai Chi
• Yoga

Opening times

Monday to Friday                     9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday                 Closed
Closed on Bank Holidays

The facility opening times are extended during term times with limited opening hours during holiday periods. Please check our web page for exact opening times

Facilities in Enfield

375 square metre fitness suite with a wide range of cardio-vascular, resistance and free weights equipment, and a state of the art cardio-theatre system.
Fitness Studio - A compact fitness studio providing a range of fitness classes.
Saunas for men and women.

Services

Fitness Induction - basic induction to enable safe use of the fitness equipment. 

Class Programme - an extensive range of classes including spinning, aerobics, yoga and pilates (see class timetable available from any Sports Office). 

Fitness testing - a comprehensive range of tests to give you a current record of your fitness profile. 

Personal training - individual programme compilation, supervision and motivation from an experienced instructor. 

Sports Rehabilitation - a clinic operated by qualified students and staff of the University. Appointments are available for treatment of sports injuries and sports massage.

Activities

• Aerobics
• Circuit Training
• Exercise Classes
• Fitness Training
• Personal Training
• Pilates
• Spinning
• Step Aerobics
• Weight Management
• Yoga

Opening times

Monday to Friday                     7.30am to 9.00pm
Saturday and Sunday             9.00am to 3.00pm
Closed on Bank Holidays 

Careers Advisory Service

If you are an international student at our university for at least 3 months, you are eligible to apply.  The host programme is flexible because invitations are available at weekends and at Christmas and New Year break.  And it is provided free, you only have to be responsible for your own travel for this new experience!  

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Middlesex University Student Union(MUSU)

Middlesex University Students Union (MUSU)

Middlesex University Students Union (MUSU) provides funding and support for a wide range of Students' Clubs and Societies. Student Sabbatical Officers will also provide you with advice, support and representation on a range of practical issues. You are always welcome to call in at your campus Students' Union office for information and advice and to find out how you can get funding for your society or get involved in Union activities.
The Students' Union is your channel for representing your opinions to the University's decision-making bodies. Each year the Union holds elections for positions on its Executive, Campus Committee and Government and also for a student representative on the University's Board of Governors each year and depends upon the involvement of students at all levels. More information is available from your campus Students' Union office.

Membership of MUSU

All students of the University are automatically registered as members of Middlesex University Students' Union (MUSU). No fee is involved. The 1994 Education Act made provision for students to opt out of membership of students unions.

Middlesex University will implement this section of the act as follows:

• You can opt out of membership at any time during the academic year, although this should preferably be done within 14 days of enrolment, should you so wish.
• If you do decide to opt out you will have access to the full range of services provided by MUSU.
• If you wish to opt out for a year, you should obtain the appropriate form from your campus student office during the designated opt-out period.

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Useful Information about Studying in London

Registering with Police on Arrival

Students from Mainland China or those who stamped with ‘The holder is also required to register at once with the police’ in the passport are required to register with the Police within seven days of arrival in Britain.  To register you should go to:

The Overseas Visitors Records Office
Ground Floor, Brandon House,
180 Borough High Street,
London SE1 1LH
Telephone: +44-207-230-1208 / (0)20-7230-1208
The nearest underground station is Borough (Northern Line)
Office hours: 9:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday

You should also take with you your passport and two passport-sized photographs of yourself.  There is a charge for registration which is currently GBP34.  Each time you change your address and whenever you extend your leave to remain in the UK, you must renew your police registration.  When you re-register, you do not need to pay the fee again unless you have lost your registration certificate.

National Health Service(NHS)

Opening bank accounts

At the start of each academic year the high street banks will be offering numerous enticements to ensure that they can benefit from the student market.

But beware: there is more to a bank than cash give-away or a freebie; after all free gifts won't help pay the rent at the end of the year.

Banks are becoming an increasingly important source of finance for students as the financial pressures increase. However, banks in general only offer short term funding for students and any overdraft you might arrange has to be paid back at some point.

Why open a student bank account?

Your Student Loan instalments will be paid into a bank account. Student bank accounts generally offer a wider range of services and facilities specifically tailored to the needs of students. These can vary enormously, not only between banks, but also between local branches. Before you open an account it’s worth assessing the services you should expect from a bank. Many banks with branches near colleges have staff who specialise in student accounts, sometimes called Student Personal Advisers. It can be useful if you are dealing with someone who appreciates your problems and can offer constructive advice.

For more information about the products that banks offer and how to use them please visit
www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/02_HOW/Banking/mn_basic_banking.html

What should I consider before opening an account?

There are a number of points that you should consider:

• Interest and charges
• Does this bank have a branch near your campus and near your home and term time address?
• Are there cashpoints near the campus and near your accommodation?
• Does it have staff that are familiar with student accounts?
• Does it offer value for money in its incentives and special banking facilities?

For further considerations, please refer to www.support4learning.org.uk/money/choosing_banks.cfm

Shariah Compliant Banking

A number of banks offer Shariah compliant accounts. For further information you may like to look at the
following links:
www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/currentaccounts/more/amanah-finance
www.islamicbank.com/islamicbanklive/IAShariaaCompliant/1/Home /1/Home.jsp
www.lloydstsb.com/legal/current_accounts_legal/Islamic_account_legal.asp

Will I be entitled to a free overdraft facility with a student bank account?

All major banks and some building societies offer overdraft facilities with student accounts. However, no bank offers an automatic overdraft. Even though most banks plug their free overdrafts, most have to be requested prior to the facility being used. The level of free overdrafts varies considerably between the high street banks.

Enquire about the bank's policy on charges and overdrafts. You may incur charges for the pleasure of being told that you are overdrawn. If you have an unauthorised overdraft, that is, you are overdrawn without the agreement of the bank, you will probably receive a letter, with a charge, to inform you of your account balance and you will incur a higher rate of interest.

For up to date information on what the main banks are currently offering to students, see
www.moneysupermarket.com/currentaccounts/CurrentAccountsResults.asp

I am an international student; can I open a student bank account?

In recent years banks have considerably tightened up their security arrangements for International
Students. As a consequence, you are now expected to provide far more detailed documentary evidence, regarding your status in the UK before an account can be opened.

You will need a letter from the University stating that you have enrolled on your course, and also proof of your address in the UK while studying e.g. tenancy agreement and your home address. If you have any problems, please speak to an International Student Adviser or a member of the Student Office staff.

What services will I receive as an international student?

When you have successfully opened your account you will find that high street banks in the UK rarely offer their full student packages to International Students. Most banks are reluctant to offer credit cards and cheque guarantee cards to International Students, which can be inconvenient. No shops or retail outlets in the UK will accept cheques without a cheque guarantee card which means that you will have to pay for everything in cash or by debit card.

Debit cards make use of Chip and PIN technology – your bank will explain this to you if you are not
sure. If you find that you require a cheque card or other facilities, make a request at your branch. If you are refused you may be able to obtain a service with additional restrictions, such as a lower credit limit on credit cards, a cheque card that expires in six months, or a combined cheque guarantee and ATM card (cash point card). If you find that your bank refuses to offer the services you require, you are entitled to transfer your account to a more suitable bank.

It may also be advisable to check if a bank has arrangements for transferring money from overseas and what the costs are likely to be.

For more detailed information International Students may also like to visit:

The Council for International Education web page: www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/bank.pdf 

Employment Prohibition – “No work or recourse to public funds” – you cannot work if you have this stamp in your passport. 

Employment Restriction – “No work or recourse to public funds.  Work (and any changes) must be authorised” – most overseas students will find this stamp in their passport.  Although the stamp says that any work should be authorised, the government has given a blanket concession allowing all students with this sticker to work.  But you must fulfil the following criteria:

• The job must not be more than 20 hours per week during term-time.  However, during the summer vacations there is no limit on the number of hours worked;
• You should not be occupying a full-time position;
• You cannot work in certain professions e.g. a sports person or entertainer;
• You cannot be self-employed.

The University has set up an in-house job shop to help you obtain part-time and vacation work, called JobsPlus Online, it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can register your interest by visiting www.mdx.ac.uk/www/careers/jobsplus.htm or contact the Careers Advisory Service for more information

After the excitement of the first few days or weeks has worn off, you may find yourself feeling homesick.  Being away from home for the first time can cause problems for any student, but as an international student, you will have additional worries such as getting used to different customs and communicating in a foreign language.  You may also start to feel anxious, frustrated, disappointed and lonely and may even start to regret coming to Britain to study.  Things you may find disappointing:

• The weather may be cold, damp and gloomy
• Your accommodation may not be what you expected
• Your first taste of British food is not very appetising
• People seem too busy to help
• No one seems to want to talk to you. 
• Your English may not be as good as you thought it was.  In the classroom back home it was good, now no one seems to be able to understand you.

 What might help: Understanding yourself in this new situation

London in a diverse, multicultural city with all the attractions of a major capital.  You may find the city very different from the one that you have been bought up and socialized.  London has style and sets the trend in music, fashion, food etc.  While you are here, do not miss the chance of getting the maximum out of your study experience in one of the most famous, modern, trendy and diversify city in the UK!

British people have a reputation for being reserved and unfriendly.  It might be fairer to say they are very private.  Family life is usually centred indoors, this is largely due to the climate.  People from hotter countries tend to live a more outgoing and less private life than those from cooler climates.  You may find that it takes longer to get to know British people but once you do, they can be as warm and friendly as anyone else. 

People often socialise at home and you may well be invited to someone’s house for a meal.  Unless you know someone very well, it is not usual to drop in without being invited.  If you are invited for a meal, it is customary to take a small gift such as flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine.  You may be surprised to find people sharing their homes with pets.  Many British families have at least one pet, a tame animal, which lives in the house and is often treated a part of the family.  Dogs are cats are the most common types of pets but birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters are also kept as pets.

Bank Holiday

In Britain there are eight public holidays, usually referred to as Bank Holidays.  On bank holidays most offices, banks, shops and schools are closed. 

New Year’s Day                      1 January
Good Friday                             The Friday before Easter
Easter Monday                        The first Monday after Easter
May Day Holiday                     The first Monday in May
Spring Bank Holiday              The last Monday in May
Summer Bank Holiday          The last Monday in August
Christmas Day                         25th December
Boxing Day                                26th December

Students from Hong Kong may exchange your overseas licence for a British licence without retaking a test.  You must do this within twelve months of coming to Britain. 
Drivers of all vehicles must observe speed limits.  These are displayed in signs along the roadside.  Speed limits are usually 30 or 40mph in towns and built-up areas.  The driver of a car and the passenger sitting in the front seat must wear seat belts.  If seat belts are fitted in the rear seats, these must also be worn.  Do not drive any vehicle if you have been drinking alcohol.  The laws about drinking and driving are very strict and if you are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you could face a large fine and/or a prison sentence.

Mobile Phones

Many students buy mobile phones, once in the UK as a quick and easy method of keeping in touch.  It is better to buy a ‘pay as you go’phone and buy ‘top-up’cards / vouchers giving you credit or ‘talk time’.  There are many different types of phones and networks available.  Below are just a few available from ‘Woolworths’in Palmers Green:

Network            Price
Virgin                £39.99
TMobile            £59.99
O2                     £99.99
Orange*           £99.99

* Unfortunately, there is a poor service on campus, whilst using the Orange network.

You may also wish to bring your own mobile phone from home and buy a SIM card from a phone shop.  The cost of the SIM card will depend on which network you choose and where you buy the card from.  You will need to make sure your phone accepts the card before you buy.  Below are some prices charged by the Carphone Ware house, Wood Green.  Tel: 0870 168 2114:

Network           Price                Free Talk Time
Fresh               £4.99                        £5
Virgin               £9.99                        £5
TMobile           £29.99                      £5
O2                    £29.99                      £5
Orange            £29.99                      £1

Please note: you should be very careful if using your mobile phone in busy, public areas as there is a risk that it may be stolen from you.

Insurance

It is possible that the insurance policies in your own country will not cover you overseas.  You should consider the following types of insurance:

• Personal property insurance – covers all your possessions against loss, damage or theft
• Medical insurance – pays all medical bills for those not entitled to the NHS (National Health Service)
• Motor Insurance – a legal requirement for anyone driving a car or motorcycle in Britain. 
  

There are many different types of insurance policy available and it is worthwhile looking around for one which best suits your needs and which you can afford.  Before settling for a particular policy make sure you know:

•  Exactly what you will be paid when you make a claim
•  What conditions are attached to the policy
•  What are the exceptions of the policy
  

Endsleigh Insurance is linked with the National Union of Students and has a number of insurance policies designed for students.  The company also offers a special policy for overseas students.  Details of these are available from Students’ Union offices and Endsleigh Insurance, Cranfield House, 97-107 Southampton Row, London WCIB 4AG.

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