Student Support

The GCU London Student Services Team is here to help you get the most out of your studies with us. We can help you in a number of ways:

Visa Advice

GCU London has two immigration advisers who can provide advice and information about your student visa. We pride ourselves on our customer service, and comply with regulations set down by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

We offer current students and offer holders individual advice either face to face, or over the phone. If you would like any advice or information please feel free to contact advice@gculondon.ac.uk, or call 0203 369 300 to book an appointment.

If you need more information about how to apply for your visa please visit our Visa Advice for International Students webpage.

Our immigration advisers can also provide more general support to our international student community including the following:

How to register with the Police if your visa requires this
How to invite your family to stay with you
What you need to apply for a Schengen visa (for travel around Europe)
The medical services provided under the National Health Service (NHS), and what you are entitled to
How to open a UK bank account
And many more!

You can also find lots of useful information on the UK Council for International Student Affairs’ (UKCISA) website.

Disability

GCU London is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment which anticipates the needs of a diverse student population, including those with additional needs which arise from the impact of an illness or impairment.

We value all of our students, and work hard to support those who have additional needs.

If you believe that you have a disability we encourage you to declare this on your application form. If you declare your disability before the start of your course, we can put measures in place to help you with you before your studies commence. Also, if you think that you are eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) it is advisable to apply early, ideally several months before your course begins.

If you have any queries about disabilities, please contact Simon or Rosa, or email advice@gculondon.ac.uk.

GCU London is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment which anticipates the needs of a diverse student population, including those with additional needs which arise from the impact of an illness or impairment.

We value all of our students, and work hard to support those who have additional needs.

If you believe that you have a disability we encourage you to declare this on your application form. If you declare your disability before the start of your course, we can put measures in place to help you before your studies commence. Also, if you think that you are eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) it is advisable to apply early, ideally several months before your course begins.

If you have any queries about disabilities, please contact Simon or Rosa, or email advice@gculondon.ac.uk.

Wellbeing

Taking the decision to start a Masters programme is an excellent step to take to improve your employability and expertise. However, the journey can at times be stressful.

This can be for many reasons: it may be because you are returning to education after a long break; or perhaps because you have relocated to London from around the UK or from another country. Whatever the reasons we aim to provide our students with the support they need to succeed in their goals.

At GCU London we encourage any students experiencing difficulties to talk to the GCU London Team about their concerns. We aim to support our students’ academic needs with study support and IT related sessions, and our Student Services team provides advice and information to students who have non-academic difficulties. These can range from how to find your local gym or leisure centre to how you can receive counselling and emotional support.

Social Life

GCU London has membership of International Students’ House, and as a GCU London student you can use their facilities free of charge. They hold regular social events including karaoke and club nights, free film showings and topical lectures. They also regularly organise discount group trips around the UK and Europe, and sometimes even worldwide. This gives you a great chance to meet other students from all over London.

The GCU Students’ Association (GCUSA) has won NUS Scotland’s Student’s Association of the Year 2011. GCUSA operates a number of societies, and supports the creation of societies at GCU London. There are many existing societies that you can get involved with such as the Photography society and Fashion Society to name a few. If you cannot find a society that meets your needs, then you can always start your own. To find out more about our societies and how you can become involved visit the GCUSA website, or contact the Vice President Sport & Societies.

Advice and Information Services

We can provide students with advice and information on a range of topics including the following:

Applying for Council Tax exemption or discounts and registering with your local GP (doctor) – you can find useful information on the direct.gov.uk public services website.
General guidance relating to Tax and National Insurance issues – you can find useful information on the Money Advice Service website
How to open a bank account – you can find more information on the the Money Advice Service website.

You can contact us at advice@gculondon.ac.uk.