International Students
We extend a warm welcome to our international students.
Our team members are approachable, friendly, understanding and helpful. We appreciate that moving to another country to study; leaving your friends and family, learning new ways and understanding different cultures is a very challenging experience. Team members have received training in awareness of diversity and equality issues.
We are happy to provide security advice to our International Students which includes a welcome address at the commencement of your studies .
The law
When visiting or living in a different country it is important to understand its laws so as to avoid any unfortunate misunderstandings.
The British Police generally wear uniforms except for plain clothes officers who usually target specific types of criminality such as drug dealing or serious crime. Every major town or city will have at least one Police Station usually in its centre.
If you need Police, Fire service or Ambulance in an emergency anywhere in the UK you should phone 999, you will be asked which service you require and they will connect you.
Unless a drug is prescribed to you by a Doctor or one which can be bought over the counter it will most likely be illegal to possess it. Cannabis, heroin, cocaine etc are all illegal to possess, sell, or even give away free. The University of Derby will not tolerate drug possession or dealing.
If you have a problem with drugs you should speak to someone and seek help.
See also http://www.talktofrank.com
Most laws are similar throughout the world, for example it is a crime everywhere to steal from a shop or steal a car. The main differences occur in relation to driving a car or motorcycle. Infringements of traffic regulations can result in fines, disqualifications, both or in serious cases even imprisonment.
In the UK we drive on the left hand side of the road which you will soon get used to with a little practice and concentration! If you drive/ride a motor vehicle in the UK -
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You must have a driving licence issued in the UK or your own country. If you are from an EU nation and hold a community licence you may use this licence in the UK.
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If you are from a non-EU country and hold a licence issued there you may use your licence for a period of 12 months after which you must apply for a UK licence.
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You must be 17 years of age in order to drive a car in the UK.
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You must be insured to drive any cars or motorcycles and if the vehicle is registered in the UK its insurance must be issued in the UK. It is an offence to use a vehicle without insurance, if you do you could be fined heavily and your vehicle confiscated.
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When a vehicle is 3 years, and then annually thereafter it must be tested to ensure it is roadworthy, this is known as its MOT. It is an offence to use a vehicle without an MOT if it needs one, if you do you will be fined.
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A vehicle requires a vehicle excise licence commonly known as a tax disc which are issued annually or every six months. If you use the vehicle without one you will be fined and the vehicle may be confiscated.
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If you are involved in a road traffic collision with another car, or property you must first stop at the scene and provide details of yourself, the owner of the car if different and its index number. If there is an injury involved or you cannot contact the owner of the other vehicle or property at the time you must report this to the Police.
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If you ride a motorcycle generally you must wear a helmet.
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If you exceed speed limits you will receive a fine and/or disqualification from driving.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle when you have drunk too much alcohol or if you are under the influence of drugs. It is difficult to say how much beer etc will make you "over the limit" as there are many factors involved, the easy and safest answer is don't drink and drive! You must never drive if you have taken drugs. There are stiff penalties for these offences including prison, no excuse will be accepted.
British Police do not issue "on the spot fines" so you should never hand over cash at the roadside, fines are paid by visiting a court or sending in payment by post.
International Students may find the following links useful-
UK council for international student affairs
British Council http://www.educationuk.org/pdf/pdf_1295202382023_0.539531265324669.pdf
University of Derby International webpage http://www.derby.ac.uk/international
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/index.htm
