UKBA Scams – Beware!

We would like to make you aware that the following scam is still continuing in the UK. Students, particularly Indian students, at a number of UK universities have received calls from individuals who claim they work for the UK Border Agency, giving a false name and a return phone number.

These calls are not from the UK Border Agency. The caller may appear to be genuine and convincing and explain that there is a serious problem with your immigration status, and that you need to send a payment as soon as possible to prevent further action including deportation. They may also ask you for details of your visa.

If you believe that you received a suspicious call or e-mail, or come across a suspicious website:

Navratri Festival Celebrations

The Navratri Festival Celebrations are being held from Thursday 25 September to Friday 3 October 2014.

Location:-

Hindu Samaj
(Cultural and Community centre)
21, Buckenham Street
Sheffield, S4 7JQ

The event also includes Garba, Dandiya and Aarthi from 8.30pm onwards everyday between Thursday 25 September to Thursday 2 Oct. The attached leaflet also contains the complete information on Navratri, Dashera and Diwali.

Please click on the images below to view more information such as event times and costs:-

Navratri Final - 2014-page-001

Navratri Final - 2014-page-002

Maths and Statistics Help

Would you like some help with your Maths or Statistics?

Support is available to all SHU students wanting any form of mathematics or statistics support on any course.

Maths Help drop-in sessions run during term time:-

Weekdays from 11.30am – 1.30pm and Mondays from 6.00pm – 8.00pm in the Adsetts Centre, level 5

Tuesdays from 6.00pm – 8.00pm in Collegiate Learning Centre.

We have also introduced a Statistics Help session which is on Wednesdays from 2.00pm – 4.00pm in the Adsetts Centre, level 5.

Can I just turn up?

Yes, you can just turn up with any problems you might be having with the mathematical or statistics content of your course.

You can also come along if you need help towards numeracy aptitude tests as part of a job application.

 Maths Help Leaflet 2014-Final Version-page-001

International Student Practice Interview Sessions

  • Do you have an interview coming up? Would you like some help preparing?
  • Or are you looking for a job and want to improve your interview skills?

 …If yes then why not book a practice interview session?

 What can I expect from a practice interview session?

Our practice interview sessions replicate a real job interview. They include questions about generic skills required by the job that you have applied for or the type of job that you are looking for. Taking a practice interview will help you make the most of your skills and experience during a real job interview.

What do students who have attended practice interview sessions say about them?

A recent survey revealed that 100% of students who had attended a practice interview session would recommend them to other students. Furthermore an impressive 63% of students who had a practice interview session before attending a real interview got the job!

How do I book?

Simply call in to the Careers and Employability Centre or telephone 0114 2253752.

Masterclass Autumn 2014

Masterclass is designed to support students who may be unfamiliar with study at university level, or need to update their skills particularly in independent research and writing.

All students are welcome, but these sessions will be of particular interest to those returning to study or from outside the UK. All sessions will be held on Thursdays. All classes are free, and you only need to come to the specific sessions that interest you.

You must sign up in advance for each Masterclass. The signup sheet will be available in the TESOL Office, Science Park, Unit 3 the week prior to each class.

Masterclass is run by the University English Scheme (UES). For more information on these or other UES classes please come to the TESOL offices, Science Park, Unit 3, or e-mail ues@shu.ac.uk

There will be four sessions, session 1 is advertised below, more sessions will be advertised in future editions of IS News.

Session 1 – Getting more from your lectures: how to improve your note-taking and revision skills.

Thursday 16 October
11:00am – 12:00pm
Aspect Court room 15303    

Note-taking in lectures can be a challenge when you start studying at university; how do you keep up, know what to write and what to leave out, and what do you do with your notes after the lecture?

This session will offer some note-taking tips and tricks to improve your work in the lecture, and discuss how to revise your notes after class and prior to exams to get the most from your lectures.

This week’s news

Monday 15 September 2014
Social 
Employability
  •  If you are interested in working full-time in the UK after you graduate, then ‘Working in the UK after studies’ sessions provide information about Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 visa routes.
  • Would you like to help other international students settle into life in the UK while gaining useful skills? Become a Culture Connect mentor.
Immigration
  • Are you currently studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate at SHU on a Tier 4 visa? You may be able to apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme which provides you with an additional 12 months in the UK to gain further experience in your chosen field.
  • Is your visa due to expire soon? We remind you about the importance of attending a group session with an international student adviser.

Best wishes,

International Student Support Team

Apply to become a mentor

Are you a current student? Would you like to help a new international student to settle in and gain volunteering experience to add to your CV? 

Apply to become a volunteer mentor for Culture Connect peer mentoring scheme*. This is an opportunity to improve your communication skills and learn about another student’s culture by sharing your experiences as a student at Sheffield Hallam.

Campaign Visuals-171-PostgraduateAs a mentor (student doing the mentoring/ helping), you will meet your mentee (student being mentored/ helped) regularly at university, a local cafe or other venue of choice. You will help your mentee talk things through, while demonstrating listening skills and challenging their assumptions where necessary.

Your mentee may wish to discuss

  • ways to meet British students, other international students and local people
  • British culture and differences from their home country
  • extracurricular activities and community events
  • small talk and making friends
  • other places to get support

There are a wide range of social projects, clubs and support available to international students on campus and in Sheffield, which you can sign-post your mentee to.

There will be regular training opportunities and networking events to support you. You will develop your coaching and mentoring skills. As a volunteer for the university, you are eligible to apply for the Hallam Award, which is highly regarded by employers.

Read some student case studies about the scheme and apply for the scheme. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 8 October at 5pm.

*Please note: places are strictly limited. If you are not selected there may be other opportunities later in the year.

Apply to become a mentee

Are you a new international student?  Would you like to learn about other cultures, improve your language skills and settle into UK life?

Apply to become a mentee for Culture Connect peer mentoring scheme*. There are a wide range of social projects, clubs and support available to you on campus and in Sheffield. This is an opportunity to enhance your social life, improve your English and learn about different cultures.

You could discuss

  • ways to meet British students, other international students and local people
  • British culture and differences from your home country
  • extracurricular activities and community events
  • small talk and making friends
  • other places to get support

As a  mentee (student being mentoredDSC00832/ helped) you will meet your mentor (student doing the mentoring/ helping), regularly at university, a local cafe or other venue of choice. Being a mentee involves sharing your experiences with your mentor, two-way learning and being open to challenge where necessary.

There will be regular training opportunities and networking events to support you.  As a volunteer for the university, you are eligible to apply for the Hallam Award, which is highly regarded by employers.

Read some student case studies about the scheme and apply for the scheme. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 8 October at 5pm

*Please note: places are strictly limited. If you do not get selected, there may be other opportunities later in the year.

Join SHU GoGlobal

SHU GoGlobal is a Facebook group for all Sheffield Hallam students who want to meet new people and experience other cultures.

Be the first to find out about social events, trips, extracurricular projects and volunteer work. You’ll expand your horizons, make new friends, and potentially gain some life-changing experiences. It’s all about bringing people together.

1. Increase your social network3714 8 GoGlobal screensaver HR3
One of the most unique things about studying at university is meeting people from all around the world. We have students from 120 countries, living, working and playing together. We’ll help you make friendships that will enrich your life – while you’re here, and in the future.

2. Boost your employability
The more people you know from other countries, the better your career chances when you graduate. In today’s globalised world, employers look for people who can demonstrate cultural awareness.

3. Spend time abroad
Want to study, work or volunteer 3714-8-GoGlobal-screensaver-HR2abroad during your time here? We can help you make connections. You get to travel, experience another culture and improve your communication skills. Whether you’re from the UK or an international student, ask us about the opportunities available to you.

Join the Facebook group now.

This week’s news

Monday 1 September 2014  
Support
Employability
  • Are you interested in working full-time in the UK after you graduate? Attend Working in the UK after studies sessions to find out about Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 visa routes.
  • Are you a current student? Would you like to help a new international student to settle in and gain and volunteering experience to add to your CV? Apply to become a mentor for Culture Connect.
Social
  • Would you like to meet new people and experience other cultures? Join SHU GoGlobal, a Facebook group for Sheffield Hallam students.
  • Are you a new international student? Do you want to learn about other cultures, improve your language skills and settle into UK life? Apply to become a mentee and get support from a Culture Connect mentor.
Immigration
  • Is your visa due to expire soon? We remind you about the importance of attending a group session with an international student adviser.
  • Are you currently studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate at SHU on a Tier 4 visa? You may be able to apply for the Doctorate Extension Scheme which provides you with an additional 12 months in the UK to gain further experience in your chosen field.
Student voice
Team

Best wishes,

International Student Support Team