Frequently asked questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about our full-time courses. By selecting a link, you can read the answer to the question. Please read them carefully and if your question is not answered here, please try searching the site. Otherwise please contact us with your query.

Applying to study at the College
How do I make an application?
Making an application to study with us is straightforward. All you need to do is to complete the WLC Application Form, which is available to download, and attach your high school results sheet and any other relevant academic qualifications. Then send your completed application to us by any of the following methods:
- Airmail to: The Registry, West London College, Parliament House, 35 North Row, Mayfair, London. W1K 6DB. UK
- Fax to: 00 44 207 499 5853
- E-mail as scanned attachments to: WLC email address
If your application is successful we will send you an International Admission Document (offer letter) confirming your acceptance for the course. For the next steps in the application procedure go to see our application procedure web page where we provide detailed information on each stage.
How long will it take to process my application?

We process most applications within a few days. In fact, if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of having sent us your application form then you should e-mail the College (WLC email address) so that we can investigate. Please provide us with your full name and address; tell us which course you applied for and when and how you sent your application (by airmail, fax or e-mail).

Is there an application fee?

The College does not charge a fee at the point of application. Instead, the cost of assessing your application form and qualifications is included within the course fee.

When is the deadline for making an application?

We do not have a deadline for receiving applications. As long as there are spaces available we are happy to accommodate new applicants right up until the start of a course. Please check the list of start dates for our courses.
If you are applying from overseas then it is important to be realistic about the time it might take from the date you send us your application through to your arrival at the College. There are a number of steps along the way, some of which can be quite time consuming.
Once you have received your offer letter you will need to arrange payment of your course fee and send us a copy of your signed Enrolment Form. In reply, we will send you a Visa Application Document which you can use to apply for a visa from your local British Embassy or High Commission. The time taken by British Immigration to process a visa application varies from place to place and from month to month. For instance, UK visa offices tend to be very busy in July and August with students hoping to join UK colleges and universities in September, and at Christmas with people keen to visit friends and relatives.To avoid the disappointment of arriving late for a course, or even having to wait for the next course, you need to allocate a reasonable amount of time (2-3 months) to the application process.

Where can I get help with making an application?

If you are already in London then the best thing to do is to come into the College to see us (and have a look around if you like). You don't need to make an appointment. The College is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and on Saturdays between 10:30am to 2pm. Simply come up to Reception on the First Floor and ask to speak to a Course Advisor.
In addition to helping you with your application the Course Advisor will be able to answer any questions that you may have about the course that you are interested in taking. In most cases, we will be able to advise you on the spot whether your application has been successful and we will provide you with an offer letter to show to your parents, sponsor or guardian.
Even if you are not already in London you can still get expert help. You can phone the College and ask to speak to a Course Advisor or you can send an e-mail to WLC email address.
Alternatively, the College has a network of 'Official Representatives' in over 50 countries around the world. A WLC Representative will be able to assist you with everything from course selection all the way through to how to make a successful visa application, as well as accommodation options in London. If you would like us to provide you with the contact details of your nearest WLC representative please send us an e-mail stating your name and address to WLC email address.

Fees:
Can I pay fees in instalments?
Yes, although if you are an overseas student coming to study in the UK for the first time you will need to refer to the provisions below.
1. Instalments:
  Fees can be paid in instalments, although we charge an additional £50 per quarter if this method of payment is chosen. For example, the course fee for the CTHCM Diploma in Hotel Management in 2007 is £4,350 if paid in full before the start of the course. If paid in instalments the fee increases to £4,500, comprising 3 quarterly payments of £1,500 each.
2. Advance Payment Provisions:
  - I am a UK, EU, EEA (EU + Norway and Iceland), Swiss or British Overseas national.
    You can pay your fees in instalments if you prefer (e.g. for a course with a tuition fee of £4,350 there is an initial payment of £1,500 and two further payments of £1,500 after each quarter).
  - I am in the UK and have a student, working holiday visa or residence permit.
    You can pay your fees in instalments (e.g. for a course with tuition fee of £4,350 there is an initial payment of £1,500 and two further payments of £1,500 after each quarter).
  - I am an African applying from overseas.
    You will need to pay a deposit of a minimum of £3,000 in order to qualify for a WLC Visa Application Document. On arrival at the College, the Bursar will ask you to pay the balance of your course fee for the first year of study or to agree a payment plan in instalments.
    You can pay for further courses of study in instalments.
  - I am from the Middle East or Indian Subcontinent applying from overseas.
    The UK enjoys strong cultural and economic links with the countries of the Middle East and Subcontinent. This has given rise to considerable migration to the UK and so there are strict immigration controls. Consequently, you will need to pay a deposit of at least the first year of study in order to qualify for a WLC Visa Application Document. You can pay for further courses of study in instalments.
  - I am from a country not listed above and am applying from overseas:
    You can pay your fees in instalments (e.g. for a course with a tuition fee of £4,350 there is an initial payment of £1,500 and two further payments of £1,500 after each quarter).
  Important: It is worth bearing in mind when considering the question of advance fee payment that immigration officers are more inclined to issue visas to those that have paid tuition fees in advance and, often, the more that is paid, the longer the visa.
Can I pay fees with a credit/debit card?
Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Switch and Solo (but not American Express or Diners Club).
- For cardholders in the UK:
  This method of payment is recommended for cardholders in the UK. It is secure (Chip and Pin), cheap (there are no bank charges) and quick (while a cheque may take 5 working days to clear). To pay by card, please come to the College. If this is not possible please call the College and ask to speak to the Bursar.
- For cardholders not in the UK:
  If the cardholder is overseas we will only accept payment by credit card if the surname of the cardholder is the same as that of the student (i.e. we will allow payment by parents, brothers, sisters and spouses). We have this regulation because we have had problems in the past with attempted payment using stolen credit cards.
To pay by credit card the cardholder will need to download and complete the Credit Card Transaction form and return it to the College along with a copy of both sides of their credit card.
For alternative methods of paying fees to the College please see our guide on how to pay.
Does the College offer scholarships?

No, the College does not run a scholarship scheme.
Often the best place to ask for financial assistance is from your own government or your employer. Alternatively, you might find it useful to contact your nearest British Council office to ask if they know of any local initiatives that you may benefit from.

Will I get a refund if my visa application is refused?

Yes. If you are refused a visa, you will qualify for an automatic refund of all monies paid to the College, with only the deduction of the non-refundable £100 registration fee. We aim to return fees as quickly as practicably possible, often within two weeks of a refund request.

The refund procedure:

If your visa is refused, the British immigration authorities will issue you with a 'Notice of Visa Refusal', also known as an 'APP200'. This is normally a two-page document that states the reasons for refusal. You should immediately send us a copy by fax (to 00 44 207 499 5853) or as scanned attachment to an e-mail to WLC email address.

On receipt of your 'Notice of Visa Refusal', we will e-mail or fax you an RV Letter with advice on what to do next because very often it is better to make a fresh application for a visa (or even an appeal against the refusal) rather than request an immediate refund. Once you have decided what you are going to do just tick the appropriate box on the RV Form (the last page of our letter) and send it back to the College by fax or e-mail. We will then act upon your instructions.

Living Expenses:

How much money will I need for my living expenses?

There is no single answer to this question because everybody's circumstances and lifestyles vary. However, we recommend that per month of study you budget at least the following:

Accommodation:	(Dormitory/twin room with meals)	£362/£438
Travel:	(All-London bus pass)	£36
Pocket money:	(Suggested minimum)	£225

Of course, you will need substantially less than this if you are fortunate enough to have friends or relatives with whom you can stay rent-free.
It is also a good idea to budget slightly more for the first few weeks or months of your stay. If you arrive in winter you may find that you will need to buy warm clothing and other essentials. However, as you gain experience you will increasingly be able to take advantage of student discounts that are available on a wide range of items. Also, most students supplement their income by taking a part-time job. However, you might not find the 'right' job straight away. It might take a matter of weeks or longer so be prepared to wait if necessary.
For more information about working please go to question 'Can I work whilst studying at the College?' which you will find below in the Timetable/Work section of these FAQs.

Student accommodation:

What types of accommodation can the College arrange?

As Europe's largest city London offers a vast range of accommodation, with students tending to stay in hostels, with host families (also known as Homestay) or renting a flat or house and sharing with other students.
Although the majority of students will probably end up renting a shared flat/house this is probably best arranged once you have been in London for a little while, to gain experience, to get your bearings and to have time to make friends.
So, if you are coming to London for the first time we recommend that you choose to either spend at least the first few weeks in a hostel or with a host family, both of which we can arrange.

Hostel Accommodation

The College can arrange hostel accommodation with one of eleven London Hostel Association residences (see: www.london-hostels.co.uk). Hostel accommodation is popular because it is good value, all-inclusive and the hostels are conveniently located in central London (travel zones one and two). Hostels provide a clean, secure living environment and are ideal for students who are new to London.
The weekly rate includes a continental breakfast and an evening meal on weekdays, with a cooked breakfast and an evening meal at weekends. The hostel provides a variety of dishes each mealtime, with at least one vegetarian option always available. Hostel bookings are made for an initial period of three weeks. If you would like to stay longer you can extend your booking on arrival.

Hostel prices (valid from 1/4/07 - 31/3/08)	Weekly rate per person	Price of three week booking
Type B (Shared twin room: 2 beds)	£105.50	£316.50
Type C (Shared triple / dormitory: 3/4 beds)	£87.50 (triple) £86.00 (dorm)	£262.50 (triple) £258.00 (dorm)

Other Hostel Accommodation

In addition to the catered LHA Hostels used regularly by the College there are many other hostels that provide long-term student accommodation. Below is a list of useful website addresses from which you can find out more about other hostels, their room rates and availability.

Homestay Accommodation

We can also arrange Homestay accommodation. Living with a British family is a good option for those keen to improve their English and learn more about British culture. Families can help students familiarise themselves with London and provide comfortable accommodation within easy travelling distance of the College. Homestay bookings are made for an initial period of three weeks. If you would like to stay longer you can extend your booking on arrival.

Homestay Prices per week (guideline only - please contact WLC for details)	Budget (from)	Standard (from)	Booking Fee
Self-catering (includes use of kitchen)	£105.00	£115.00	£45.00
Bed and breakfast (no use of kitchen)	£105.00	£115.00	£45.00
Half board (breakfast and evening meal)	£125.00	£135.00	£45.00

Flat/House Shares

Sharing a flat/house with friends or classmates is a very popular option with London's students. Students often feel that this type of accommodation represents the best value for money, particularly as they are able to exercise choice when it comes to facilities and location.
However, it may be difficult to find this type of accommodation prior to coming to London. Before committing yourself to anything it is advisable that you visit the accommodation and meet the people you will share with.
Once you are here in London the following websites will give you some ideas about what type of accommodation is available. In addition, WLC students regularly advertise rooms and houses on the College's notice boards.

General Advice and Information

London's students (of which there are over a quarter of a million) are fortunate in having many very good websites all offering them first-rate advice, guidance and services. We have listed some of the best below:

Timetable/Work:
How many lectures will I have each week and when can I get my timetable?

Your timetable will normally be made up of five or six three-hour lectures per week and will be issued at the beginning of term. Lecture timings are Monday to Friday, 9am-12 noon, 12 noon -3pm and 3pm-6pm. You will normally attend one and, at most, two lectures a day.
In addition to attending lectures you will be expected to do assignments, reading and revision for exams in your own time, for all of which you can use the College Library. In total you should expect to study for about 30 hours per week.

Can I work whilst studying at the College?
Yes, you can work whilst you study and most students do. You will probably find that working will enhance your time in London through meeting new people, acquiring experience and by earning some extra money.
The facts:
- Overseas students coming to the UK to study for a course of more than 6 months are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term-time. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work during College vacations.
- The minimum wage in the UK for people aged 22 or over is £5.35 per hour. If you are aged between 18 and 21 years old, the minimum wage is £4.25 per hour. However many employers (and especially in London) pay more than the minimum wage. For example, typical wages for working in a West End store, restaurant or hotel are £5.70 per hour.
- There are lots of part-time jobs available in London. You will be able to find something that fits in with your study and is right for you. However, you might not find the 'right' job straight away. It might take a matter of weeks or longer so be prepared to wait if necessary.
- The College is not able to find a job for you. However, our counsellors in the Student Services Department will offer you advice on where and what to look for, as well as valuable tips on CV presentation and interview technique.
- Remember, to meet the Immigration Rules for entry to the UK as a student you have to show that you have enough money to pay your course fees and your living expenses without needing to work.
- For more information about working during your studies take a look at the UKCOSA (The Council for International Students) web site.
Once I graduate can I stay in the UK?
- If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EU plus Norway and Iceland) or Switzerland you are entitled to live and work in the UK indefinitely and do not need a work permit.
- If you are an overseas student with one of the following degrees undertaken at WLC:
  - Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BBA)
  - Bachelor's degree in Computing
  - Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
  - Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
  - MSc in Marketing
  you will be eligible under the International Graduates Scheme (IGS), to apply to the Home Office for an extension of your visa to work in any job for one year after you graduate.
- If you are an overseas student and do not qualify by virtue of IGS you can still apply to stay in the UK under any of the following schemes:
  - Work permits
  - Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)
  - Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
For further information see the UKCOSA (The Council for International Students) web site (see the UKCOSA Guidance Note 'Working in the UK after your studies') or the British Government's Working In The UK web site.

Visas:
Do I need a visa (entry clearance) before I travel to the UK?
The facts:
- If you are a national of the European Economic Area (EU plus Norway and Iceland) or Switzerland you do not need a visa.
- If you are a British National (Overseas), you can apply for a visa on arrival in the UK. However, this visa will only be valid for six months and will prohibit you from working. If you want to work alongside your studies you will need to apply for entry clearance before you travel. For further information see the UKCOSA (The Council for International Students) web site.
- If you are an 'overseas student' (non-EU, EEA or Swiss) and you intend to follow a course of more than six months then you must apply for entry clearance from your local British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission.
- If you are coming for six months or less and you are not a 'visa national' (see UKvisas) you can apply for a visa on arrival, although you will not be permitted to work.
- For more information and advice about visas take a look at the UKCOSA (The Council for International Students) web site and the British Government's UKvisas web site.
Can the College contact the Embassy or High Commission to help me get a visa?

Put very simply, to get a student visa you need to show that you have been accepted on a course provided by a recognised academic institution (which West London College is), and that you have the financial means to support yourself in the UK without the need to work or receive support from the government.
We can certainly help you meet the first requirement. On receipt of your course fee, we will send you a WLC Visa Application Document (VAD). The VAD is an unconditional letter of acceptance. It confirms that a place has been reserved for you on a course of study with the College, which is BAC accredited (see our accreditations page).
The VAD also states how much of your course fee and living expenses have been paid to the College, and in this respect it may also help when it comes to meeting the second requirement. (The more you have paid to the College the less the likely it is that your financial viability will be called into question.) However, regardless of how much you have paid to the College you will still need to show in your visa application who paid your fees and, crucially, that you have access to further funds to support you for as long as you intend to stay in the UK. This most important aspect of your application is entirely down to you, your parents or your sponsor. Clearly the College can't be expected to vouch for something that it can know nothing or little about.
So, the VAD tells the Embassy or High Commission all that we know about you that is relevant to your visa application. We can't do anymore than that, which is why we don't contact the Embassy or High Commission.

West London College is a member of British Study Centres Group. As well as WLC, it consists of 3 English schools: BSC London, BSC Oxford and BSC Brighton as well as 2 other vocational colleges - OMBS and Hove College.