Tips & International Students Guidance
When studying at MCL you will be supported by a range of excellent facilities and services, from library and IT coverage to pastoral and welfare support.
English Language Support Courses
The courses offered at MCL are all taught and assessed in English. A high level of English language competency is necessary to successfully complete the courses and to live confidently in an English speaking environment in London and the UK.
We offer English language support classes for students whose mother tongue is not English or for those students concerned about their competency in the English language.
Our English language support courses may also assist students who have obtained high marks in their IELTS test as the knowledge and use of language required to successfully complete your studies and to interact on a daily basis living in the UK can be rigorous and demanding.
Library Facilities
The college library stocks a selected range of new books recommended on the departmental book lists. It also has a range of texts, periodicals, magazines and newspapers which relate to the various courses offered by the college and can assist students in their research. Students are allowed to use the library whenever they wish to study during college opening hours. Selective online resources and journals are also available to students on certain subject areas
MCL students may also utilise the extensive library facilities provided by the following libraries to assist their research and studies:
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Bethnal Green Library
Cambridge Heath Road
Bethnal Green London
E2 0HL Tel: 020 8980 3902
This is a public library which is 5 minutes walk from MCL.
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Senate House Library – University of London
Senate House Malet Street London
WC1E 7HU Tel: 020 7862 8500
Students studying with the University of London External System are eligible to join Senate House Library subject to a reasonable cost and subject to terms and conditions.
All other students are may use the library subject to terms and conditions.
MCL students during a class, 2007
Further information on the library facilities is available at www.ull.ac.uk
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Queen Mary, University of London Library
Mile End Road London
E1 4NS Tel: 020 7882 3300
University of London external degree programme students and other students are entitled to use the library facilities subject to terms and conditions. The library can be reached by bus or train within 20 minutes of MCL.
Further information on the library facilities is available at www.library.qmul.ac.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------
The British Library
St Pancras 96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB Tel: 0207 412 7735
The British library provides free of charge access to a wide range of academic collections and online resources which is located within walking distance of Kings Cross underground station.
Further information on the library facilities is available at www.bl.uk
Computing and Audio Visual Facilities
MCL students have unlimited internet access for academic purposes at our dedicated multi-terminal computer laboratory. This can be used for word processing, accessing specialised software on CD-Rom, e-mail or accessing a range of internet services via the library’s online resources in selected subjects.
Most MCL courses include compulsory or optional computer assisted learning techniques. All students are offered short intensive classes in Academic Computer Assisted Learning to guide them in their studies. Our modern classrooms for lectures, seminars and tutorials are equipped with audio-visual facilities.
Photocopying and Printing Facilities
Students may use the photocopying and printing facilities provided by the college at a nominal charge.
MCL Student Society
All MCL students will become members of the MCL Student Society. The society is based on commitment for knowledge, friendship and community spirit which is beneficial to its members. The society provides its own programmes to support its aims. It provides a range of activities for its members including mooting, debating, court visits and sightseeing trips. Indoor games, sports teams and parties are regularly organised by the society.
Accommodation, Advice and Service
The College can arrange, on request, accommodation for its students. Initially, the college can reserve accommodation with a host family within reasonable travelling distance of the college. For accommodation to be arranged by the college, students must complete an accommodation reservation form together with one month’s deposit at least four weeks before the accommodation is required.
Other types of accommodation can be arranged by the College on request including: • Shared room & shared facilities (approx £50 per week). • Single room with shared facilities (approx £80 week). • One bedroom flat (approx £110 week).
MCL Cordor MCL Canteen is perfect for lunch
Other expenses (cleaning charges, utility bills etc.) can amount to approximately £40 - £50 per week in addition to the above rates.
Students requiring accommodation services are required to deposit one month’s rent to the college in advance. The deposit is refundable, when the student leaves the accommodation.
Alternatively, students may stay with friends or relatives or rent somewhere independently. At present the average price of renting a room in a shared house in the college area is £70 - 80 per week. Students may also have to pay towards electricity, gas, phone bills etc. Most private landlords will ask for one month’s rent in advance and may also ask for a month’s deposit to cover any damages
Student’s weekly expenditure for food, toiletries, transport cost, and any extras should budget for approximately £40-£50 as a minimum.
Careers Advice
Students are given advice on their choice of courses and guidance on future academic or professional career opportunities. Careers guidance is provided by heads of department and our senior teaching staff who have substantial experience in pursuing academic and professional careers.
English Language Support
We offer English Language support classes for students whose mother tongue is not English or for those students concerned about their competency in the English language. Our English language support courses may also assist students who have obtained high marks in their IELTS test as the knowledge and use of language required to successfully complete your studies and to interact on a daily basis living in the UK can be rigorous and demanding. These are available free of charge.
Student Welfare Officer
The Student Welfare Officer offers counselling to students, whether specifically related to their studies or not, to enable students to make the most of the opportunities offered at the college by helping them to cope with any problems or difficulties of a personal or emotional nature. All advice and help is offered strictly in confidence. The advice is offered to both current and prospective students. The MCL Student Welfare Officer can offer expert advice on matters including money management, welfare benefits, accommodation and other practical matters. Our Officer has particular experience in helping international students on matters relating to entry clearance application to the UK, finance and part-time employment.
Disability Support
The college offers information, advice and support for students experiencing a disability prior to and arrival at the college. We encourage prospective students with disabilities to let us know as early as possible about any special requirements that may be required to ensure that the college and any relevant accommodation are accessible. This may include an information visit, which will allow you to familiarise yourself with our facilities and services. We can also help with dyslexia support, needs assessments, funding information, and general advice on access, special arrangements and equipments available at the college.
MCL classroom, 2007 MCL students during a seminar
MCL students during a break, 2007
Sports Facilities
The college provides facilities for indoor games in the student common room. Leisure Centre offering extensive facilities for gym training, swimming, table tennis, badminton etc are available close to the college. These include:
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Bethnal Green Sports Centre Gossett Street London E2 6NW
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Whitechapel Sports Centre Durwood Street Whitechapel London E1 5BA
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