The Add+Vantage Scheme

The Add+Vantage Scheme. As a fresher you will hear a lot about it, how it is the star of the Coventry University syllabus, how it can improve your diploma in ways other universities can’t, how it can help you enhance your employability and so on. Very true, the scheme is important and it just adds more skills to what you gain through your degree. The scheme has been regarded as one of the biggest initiatives in the UK and lets students choose from over 60 courses (wow!!) and involves the University, the city and the various companies around Coventry. I know it is hard to choose your Add+Vantage when you have so many options. What is it that you are looking for? What would be best for you? Well, you don’t have to choose something related to your course, that is the beauty of it. You can go for something that can help you on your career path, something that you find interesting or something that you want to explore. For example, I’m studying Spanish and English and I have taken as an Add+Vantage module Project Management. It has nothing to do with my course, but I think that together with my language skills it will help me gain a job as a project manager.

The Add+Vantage module is chosen each year and it has some restrictions though – only one per year, some courses and Add+Vantage modules combinations are not allowed, some need you to have taken a similar module in the previous year so think about how you want to tackle things. So if you are a 2^nd year student with an Add+Vantage in Doing Business in Emerging Global Markets (what a title) I’ll be seeing you there.

Irina Griga, BA Spanish and English

First month of university as an international student

Hello freshers,

Welcome to Coventry University! You're almost there, uni is about to start. The first month is always overwhelming, there is so much to take in, many new places and people, responsibilities and rules you need to know and follow. Here are some tips on what to expect during your first month of university.

First of all, if you feel lost, don't worry there is an orientation programme during Freshers Week – besides the Societies Fair, freebies and parties. Don't miss it, you'll discover everything you need to know in the campus: the library, the hub, the main buildings and how to use all of the available resources.  At the same time, use this week to make friends and to get to know your new lecturers. Don't forget to always have with you a campus map and the timetable, as it changes during the first 2 weeks and you don't want to be late for lectures. Talking about lectures, don't panic if you don't understand everything from the beginning , use the first month to get used to  the teaching style of each professor and keep in mind you will always need to do your own research afterwards. Independent learning is very important as the lectures cover only a basis from which to understand a particular subject. Even though during seminars you will deepen your knowledge of  the  subject, doing your own research is always good.

Make the most of every semester, have fun learning new things and making good friends. Explore what you enjoy and make the most of all opportunities. Try to be open-minded, you will meet many different people from all around the world, you will have to adapt to a new place, new culture and perhaps a new language, all at the same time.

There are many social events and activities organised by CUSU (Coventry University Student Union) where you can socialise and enjoy university nightlife. Also, Culturae Mundi organises regular events for international students promoting different cultures. As I like to say, if you spend your time wisely, you will have time to study and party.

Enjoy your stay at Coventry University!

Irina Griga, BA Spanish and English

Packing for University

Thinking of what to pack for university is hard for all students, especially when you are travelling internationally and you have limited suitcase room and luggage allowance AND you don’t want to forget any essential items!

The important thing to take note of here is that you want to bring as little as possible. You can always purchase items in the UK, so you must remember to bring only what you need.

The key items to bring with you when you travel to the UK are: 

• The address of Coventry University and the telephone number
• The address of the accommodation you will be staying in, as well as their telephone number and ideally an out of hours contact name and number
• Make sure you bring warm clothes with you on your journey. The weather can change quickly in the UK in September
• A small amount of cash or traveller’s cheques to buy food or pay for transport upon your arrival. Do not carry with you any more than £300 cash if you can avoid it
•     Even if you have your student visa already the Border Force officer may still check your purpose of entry to the UK and your language ability. It is a good idea to have to hand:

o   Valid Passport (with visa or entry certificate as required)

o   Admissions correspondence confirming acceptance onto your programme

o   Evidence that you can pay your fees and support yourself for the duration of your course (letter from sponsor/funder or bank statements)

o   You TB or Health Certificate (if required)

• A English Language dictionary (either paper or electronic)
•  Photographs and items to decorate your new accommodation
• Laptop and other valuable items should be in your hand luggage. Your hand luggage should also contain the items you need  for your first night in UK
• Some comfy shoes to walk in

Top Tip – Make sure your bag is light enough for you to carry comfortably. If it is too heavy to carry, consider whether you need to bring everything!

Do not bring: 

• Lots of house hold or cooking items. It is easy and reasonably cheap to buy these locally in Coventry
• All your course books. The Library at Coventry is well stocked and you may also be able to buy additional books second hand much cheaper
• Any fresh food as you will not be able to bring these through customs

If you have any questions before you arrive in the UK, you can contact the Welfare team on welfare.io@coventry.ac.uk.

Alistair, International Student Adviser