阅读理解 Living in the UK We have always invested a great deal of effort and resources into the welfare and quality of life of our students. If problems of a non-academic nature crop up, there are helping hands that can give you guidance on financial and personal problems or health matters. You will usually have a course tutor or research supervisor who can be approached on a personal as well as academic basis. International Office This office was set up on 1995 to provide a focal point for existing and intending international students of the University. As well as tutoring many countries to show potential applicants what Brunei has to offer, we can give advice to international students on a whole range of matters, from financial difficulties and Home Office regulations to individual personal problems. At the start of each academic year, we organize an orientation programme to help new international students adjust to life in the UK. Together with the Students'' Union, the International Office also produces a handbook of pre-arrival information which is sent to all applicants from overseas in August. We also arrange a "meet and greet" scheme whereby new students arriving from overseas are met at Heathrow Airport and driven to their accommodation. Students'' Union The Students'' Union, which represents the interests of all its members, provides may services, including two Information and Advice Centers. In addition, the Union organizes over 16 ethnic societies—Chinese and Hellenic, for example—which bring together students from different parts of the world, as well as more general social events with a multi-cultural emphasis. Information and Advice Centers The Students'' Union, with funding and cooperation from the University, runs two Information and Advice Centers, one at Uxbridge and one at Osterley. These aim to provide professional advice and information to all Brunei students about a wide range of issues, from immigration to the Council Tax. The staff of the Centres can help and advise overseas students in a variety of areas. Counselors The University has an extensive network of trained counselors who are available to give advice to all students on personal or emotional problems. Medical Care The Medical Centre houses a general medical practice on the Uxbridge Campus which is open throughout the year. Students resident on this campus or in the immediate surrounding area may therefore register with a doctor on campus. Students on the other three campuses must register with a doctor in their area. Free medical care under the UK National Health Service in normally available to all overseas students at Brunel provided that: a) they are registered with the University as an overseas student or are a dependent of one and, b) they are seeking treatment for a complaint which has developed since registration. It is essential to bring to the UK a certificate signed by your own doctor stating that your health is good. Dental care is Not provided by the University and students will need to register with a local NHS practice (non-NHS practices charge more for treatment). You can also obtain further information before coming to the UK from the Department of Health, Alexander Fleming House, London SE1 6BY, or the Department of Social Security (overseas branch), Castle Buildings Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3HH, N Ireland. Role of the British Council The Council''s headquarters, based in central London, organizes trips, courses and other activities for overseas visitors. It also publishes a book called "How to live in Britain".