If you are currently studying at WE Bridge Academy, this is the place to find all the information you need to make the very best of your journey with us.
// Private Rented and Student Accommodation
If you are looking to stay in the city centre itself, our Student Accommodation and Welfare Officer can put you in touch with both private rented and student accommodation providers. Whilst we do not work with these providers directly, we can provide advice with your living arrangements to help you make the best of your stay during your studies.
// Medical Information
If you require medical or dental treatment then you need to ensure you register with a doctor or a dentist.
In the UK, medical non-emergencies are dealt with in a surgery by a doctor, otherwise known as a General Practitioner (GP).
Appointments are short – only five to ten minutes, but your doctor will refer you to a consultant – an expert – if you need extra or special treatment, like an operation. Women will be able to see a female doctor on request.
You will need to register with a doctor close to where you live. NHS Wales will help you find the closest surgery.
⚠️ It’s very important that you register with a doctor before you are treated and you should do this within the first week of your arrival to the UK – don’t wait until you become unwell.
// Register With A Dentist
You can choose which NHS dentist you want to be registered with (it does not need to be the dental practice closest to your residence), but you need to be registered with a dentist before you receive treatment from them.
This useful website will help you find a local dentist.
// Other Help
You can get health advice and information by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47, a free service that is available 24 hours a day. You can speak to a nurse who can assess you over the telephone.
// Get Connected. You’ll Need A SIM!
One of the first things you will want to do when arriving in the UK is to call your family and let them know you arrived safely. Providing your phone is unlocked, you can pick up a free SIM at the Academy or from most shops. The 4 main providers in the UK are Three, O2, EE and Vodafone.
// Your First Day
Your first day at the Academy will be a little different from a typical day in the classroom. The morning will consist of taking your placement test, completing online registration and you may take part in an induction, which we give to all new students.
On your first day, please arrive at 09:00 and go to Reception on floor 10. Remember to bring your original passport with you along with any visas you may have.
// Finding Your Way Around
We have all classrooms on floor 10. During your induction, we will give you a tour of our premises and show you where your lessons will take place.
We have a spacious student lounge where you catch up with your new friends and see the stunning views of Cardiff from the 10th floor. The student lounge also has a water cooler, dispensing fresh water. We’re helping to save the planet so no longer provide plastic cups.
// Your First Week
Once you have settled in, we will give you your student ID card.
As a student, you can use your student ID card to get great discounts in the United Kingdom. Most shops, restaurants, gyms and cinemas will give you at least 10% off.
// Fire Alarm Test
The building’s fire alarm is tested every Wednesday morning. If you hear the alarm at any other time, it’s time to leave!
// Holidays and Breaks During a Course
All holiday requests must be authorised by the Director of Studies and you will need to obtain a holiday letter by requesting one here. If you are a sponsored student, your Embassy will also need to approve your holiday. If there is a break in your course for any reason, you must report to Reception on your return to the academy as we will need to see your passport and visas before you go back into the classroom.
WE Bridge Academy is closed to students for a 2-week period during the Christmas holiday. However, apart from Bank Holidays, there will still be team available to answer any questions you may have.
// Letters and Documentation
Reception can provide you with any letters and documents you may need. You can make a request online or at Reception.
- Council Tax
- Bank letter to open a UK bank account
- GP letter
- Course confirmation
- Holiday letter
Please ask at Reception if you require any other type of documentation.
// Council Tax
Council Tax is collected by your local council to pay for services in your community. Every property is put into a Council Tax band between A and H, based on its size, location and a few other factors (e.g. proximity to shops and local services).
// Do I need to Pay?
If you are a student, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax. To count as a full-time student your course must:
- – last at least 1 calendar or academic year
- – require you to undertake it for at least 24 weeks a year
- – Involve at least 21 hours’ study or tuition per week
To make sure you are not made liable for the payment, you need to request a Council Tax letter.
// Single Person Discount
If you rent privately and live alone, you may be entitled to receive 25% off the cost of your Council Tax – known as Single Person Discount, get more information by accessing this page.
// Paying for Council Tax
It’s very important you inform your local council as soon as you move into a new property as Council Tax is payable from the day you move in (or the day the property is furnished, whichever is sooner). Council Tax payments are normally paid monthly over a 10-month period. However, councils are required to allow you to pay over 12 months, if you request it.
// Changes in Circumstances
Students should bear in mind that a change in circumstances (such as reducing the hours you study per week) may affect the amount of Council Tax you pay and you must inform the council as soon as your circumstances change to avoid overpayments.
More Information about council tax: If you live in Cardiff, you can read more about Council Tax here. If you live outside of Cardiff or are unsure who your local council is, click here to find out.
// UK Bank Account
As a student studying in the UK, you may be eligible to open a UK bank account. You have absolute choice over which bank you choose. However, some banks will only accept students who are planning to go to university and studying a pre-university course at WE Bridge Academy. Being able to open a bank account may depend on:
- Your age
- The type of course you are studying
- The length of your course
You must ensure you have:
- A permanent address in your home country and can provide a 3-year address history
- A confirmed UK address to live at for the duration of your studies
- Your student ID card and a letter from WE Bridge Academy
- Proof of UK address
- Your passport, visa and travel documents
// Life Outside of the Academy
There is always something going on at WE Bridge Academy. We run the social programme and you can view all our upcoming trips and events here.
If you feel like exploring Cardiff and the surrounding area on your own, or with a group of friends, you will find so much going on and this site will give you lots of ideas to keep you entertained!
// Filming and Photography
We respect the privacy of our students, staff and visitors. We sometimes film and take photos to use across social media, in marketing and on our website. We will always gain your verbal permission before filming and to use your image in this way. We respectfully ask that any students wishing to film in the classroom obtain permission from the teacher first.