Where can I find course information?

Search for courses at MMU's Courses webpages. You can also visit departmental websites for more information and search for 'Unit Descriptions'.

What subjects can I study?

Erasmus students must study subjects according to our current bilateral agreement. Worldwide students can normally study a variety of subject areas however not all courses can be guaranteed. The offer of course(s) available to you during your exchange will be stated in your offer letter.

How many classes/modules must I study?

To be classed as full time, students will study 60 MMU credits per term and 120 credits for the academic year. Students must check that classes taken during their stay at MMU are satisfactory and that transfer of credits has been agreed. You will also be assisted by MMU International on arrival.

What are the term dates?

Please visit the list of term dates in our About MMU section.

What are the term structures?

The academic year commences usually in mid September which is known as the Autumn term. Spring term will start in January and Summer term will follow shortly after the Easter break. Students will not normally enter as an exchange student in the Summer term only as this term is what we class as exam preparation period hence there is little or no classes during this period. It is therefore important that you decide on the duration you wish to stay as an exchange student as if you stay until the Summer, you will be preparing and sitting exams and it involves a lot of self study.

What type of visa do I need?

Go to the UK Visa Services website and look at the ‘Do I need a UK Visa?’ section. There is also information on our website in the the predeparture section. Visa regulations have recently changed so it is important that you check the above websites for updates. Please also visit the UK Border Agency website for any further information.

Can I arrange to be picked up at the airport?

Yes, details concerning pick up including any fees relating to this service will be sent to you together with your offer letter. If you arrive at the beginning of the academic year (mid-September), our Student Ambassadors will meet you at the airport and show you to your transport. If you join us in the Spring/Summer term, the pick up service will still be available however student ambassadors will not be there to meet and greet you on arrival.

What if I am arriving outside the airport welcome scheme dates (only applicable for September entry)?

We can still arrange transport for you to take you to your accommodation, however, student ambassadors will not be there to meet and greet you when you arrive.

Where can I get my student ID number?

Your student ID number is issued with your offer letter. Alternatively, it can be e-mailed to you upon request as long as you have submitted your application form and have been accepted onto the exchange.

How do I apply for accommodation?

The University has an online application system to apply for University accommodation.

Find out more at the MMU Accommodation website.

For WORLDWIDE exchange students, you will have received a reply slip along with your MMU offer letter. You can apply for accommodation using the online system as soon as you have ticked, signed and returned this slip, using your MMU ID number which is on your offer letter.

For ERASMUS students, once you have received your offer letter, you can apply for accommodation online.

TIPS when applying for accommodation

1. Make sure you read the terms and conditions and accept to proceed
2. Please ensure you select 2009-10 entry, click on ‘New Student’ and select ‘Exchange Programme’ to proceed to next step
3. Please indicate your MMU ID number specified on your offer letter and enter your date of birth

Should you have problems proceeding on from point 3 made above, please contact exchanges@mmu.ac.uk with your date of birth (date/month/year) as their may be an error on the student records system.

What happens once I have submitted my online accommodation application form?

Allocations are made in June so please do not worry if you haven't heard about your accommodation until then. Correspondence regarding your allocated Halls of Residence will be sent to your email address provided in your online application. All students are required to respond to their offer of a room from the Accommodation office within a specified period of time stated on your offer e-mail. This is usually 7 days but may be less if you apply later in the summer. You must also pay a booking fee of £100 which is an advanced payment of rent and is therefore non refundable. Please complete all necessary steps by the acceptance date to secure a place at student halls. You can find out more about all of MMU's Halls of Residence on the accommodation website.

What if I want to return home early? Will I get money back from the Accommodation office?

If you have signed your contract for a certain length/period, then you must continue to pay for housing until your contract expires. If therefore situations change and you wish to return home part way through the term you will not be eligible for reimbursement.

What if I want to stay in private housing?

If you would prefer to live in private accommodation, Manchester Student Homes' website can help you find a place.

Please however notify MMU International, Exchanges & Study Abroad Unit if you are intending on moving into private accommodation and ensure that you have understood all terms and conditions before signing any leases.

When can I move into student halls?

Generally, students can move into halls the weekend before term commences but it does depend on which hall you have been allocated. Please contact the accommodation office before you make any travel arrangements so that you can be notified of the earliest possible move in date for you.

When do I need to pay my accommodation fees?

You can pay in advance, on arrival or by instalments. Please visit the accommodation website for more information.

How can payments be made?

Payments can generally be made by bank transfer, UK cheque and travellers cheque in pounds sterling. Once you have your student ID number, you are also able to pay online for accommodation and orientation.

I have submitted my accommodation application online but according to the information you sent through, I have applied for the wrong hall. What should I do?

If you have selected the ‘ERASMUS/EXCHANGE’ option when applying, then you have been allocated the correct accommodation. If in doubt, please contact the relevant accommodation office.

I have not been able to submit my accommodation application by the deadline. What should I do?

Please complete your online accommodation application form as soon as possible at the MMU Accommodation website.

I have received my contract for accommodation, however the contract is for 40 weeks and I will be staying for one term only.

Please contact the relevant Accommodation Office urgently so that you can be reallocated.

I have sent a paper copy of my application form instead of submitting it online. What should I do?

Paper applications can no longer be accepted; please go to the accommodation page to complete an online application.

What facilities does my hall have?

Please visit the accommodation website for more details about facilities in each Hall of Residence.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring bedding including bed sheets, pillows and duvet and if you are in a self-catering hall, then you will need to bring cutlery, pots, pans, plates etc. Alternatively, these can be purchased cheaply at local supermarkets and department stores.

Please note that students studying at Cheshire for less than a full academic year will be allocated in a traditional catered hall where most meals are provided for you.

What is self catering?

Self catering accommodations do not provide you with any meals therefore you will have to cook your own meals. University refectories are located around the University campus and they can provide you with meals and refreshments.

How much will I need to spend on food?

On average, students will spend around £30 a week on food, however, this will depend on how often you eat out, your food preferences, etc.

How can I use my laptop and other electrical goods without the correct plug sockets?

You can purchase an AC/DC wall adapter which provides country specific plug sockets that you can use internationally.

How do I enrol at MMU?

For

• WORLDWIDE exchange students, there will be a compulsory Welcome Meeting on the first Monday of term (please see the pre-departure information for details) when you will enrol with MMU. You must bring your passport to this session. Students staying at MMU for more than 6 months will need to follow the new Points Based System guidelines.
• ERASMUS students must enrol with the department. Please contact your Erasmus Departmental Coordinator for further details on what has been arranged for you.

How do I sort out my classes at MMU?

For

• WORLDWIDE exchange students, (see ‘How do I enrol at MMU’) academics from different departments will be present at the Welcome Meeting to give out unit information and organise your classes with you. You may be able to take units from departments other than the one stated on your offer letter on this day, but this is not guaranteed.
• ERASMUS students will meet with their Erasmus Departmental Coordinator on arrival and complete their learning agreements once you have agreed on the chosen units of study.

Please come with an open mind about choosing your classes; you may find the process very different from the one you are used to at home.

Students should also check the Information sheet which was sent together with your acceptance letter for further information regarding your exchange.