The International Office
Online Handbook
First days
Contacting Home
Payphones
Most public phones accept coins of 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 (minimum charge of 30p), and phonecards (UK and International) of £5, £10 and £20. Buy phonecards at post offices, newsagents and the shop on campus. Some phones accept credit cards but this is more expensive.
Payphones in Residences
Payphones are situated in, or near, all residences. Most residences have a telephone in every kitchen and certain residences have a telephone in every study bedroom. Internal telephone calls on campus or between kitchen groups in the off-site complexes are free. To make outgoing calls students use a prepaid account card from Dog 'n' Bone. Full details will be provided with your room offer.
Payphones on Campus
Payphones can be found near the Students' Union Shop underneath the stairs to the Plug Bar.
Telephone companies and cheap calls
If you are living in private accommodation you may wish to install a telephone line. There are many companies which offer telephone lines in the UK. Each one offers different packages and prices and we suggest that you spend some time looking at the best offer for you, especially if you intend to make lots of international calls.
International Calls
To call home dial 00 + country code + the number (if the number starts with a zero you may need to omit it).
Don't know the number?
Call Directory Enquiries on 118 500 (UK) or 118 505 (international).
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones may be cheap to buy but expensive to use. For UK mobile networks and prices visit: www.mobiles.co.uk
Contracts for mobiles
If you choose a contract the phone will be free or cheap but make sure you check the monthly payment and call charges before signing - there is often a compulsory monthly charge. Most contracts commit you to 12 months, some for longer. Check online for cheap offers.
Pay-as-you-Go mobiles
Once you've paid for the phone you can buy talk-time and use it when you need it. This makes budgeting easier and means you won't be surprised by a large bill at the end of the month.
Post
Post offices are generally open from 09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday and 09:00-12:30 on Saturday. There is a post office on campus, and another at Bond Street in Bath - opposite the Podium.
Mail is first class and second class. First class is next-day delivery, second class is three-day delivery. Air mail is one class only and is 48p for small letters to Europe and 54p to the rest of the world. Bigger letters and parcels must be measured and weighed at the post office before posting.
Any important documents such as passports should always be sent by Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery: which require a signature from the recipient and insure against loss.
Faxes
Sending
Students can send faxes from the Reprographics department on level 2 of the library. There is a charge.
Receiving
Faxes can be received on this number: + 44 (0)1225 462508. Please make sure your name and course of study are marked clearly on the fax. You will need to collect it from room 1 West 3.10J during office hours.