Applications
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Audition
At LSDA we understand
that it is not always practical to fly to the UK to audition so we accept
recorded auditions from those overseas. We generally prefer the audition pieces
to be recorded on digitally and sent by email, otherwise we will accept
an audition recorded on videotape (British PAL format).
When applying this way we would like you to perform two audition pieces; one modern and one classical, each lasting around two minutes in length. We would encourage you to choose pieces that you have previously worked on if possible and are suited to your age and gender. After the audition pieces please talk a little about yourself; what you have done, your reasons you applying, your aspirations as an actor etc.
Visa
If you are a non-EU student it is likely you will need
a visa in order to study at LSDA. As the regulations change frequently for
different countries, it is advisable to check with the British embassy in
your own country to ensure you meet the relevant requirements. We can also
provide advice and assistance if you have any questions. If you need any assistance
please email us.
There is valuable web site that you can visit for further information: www.ukvisas.gov.uk
For further visa enquiries and immigration information you should contact the British Consulate or representative in your country before you arrive in UK.
The British Council website
www.britishcouncil.org
The Government Home Office website
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Provides current visa/immigration information
Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office
www.fco.gov.uk
Please note that overseas students will not be granted leave to enter or remain
in the UK as a student unless they attend a College on the Department for
Children, Schools and Families (formally known as DfES) register. LSDA is
part of David Game College. David Game College is registered with the Department
for Children, Schools and Families on its register at
www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister
The Register is a list of education and training providers in England, Wales,
Scotland and Northern Ireland. This Register does not quality assure or accredit
in any way the learning provision of any registered provider.
Generally, if you find out that you need a visa, it is important to get all the documentation sorted out before you come by getting something called 'Student Entry Clearance'. This means that, when you arrive, the British immigration authorities will make life easier for you, and it will speed up your entry through the air or sea port. You will have to provide such documentary evidence as your acceptance onto the course and your ability to meet the costs. European Union students generally do not need a visa to come and stay here for up to six months, as a valid passport entitles you to automatic entry. However, to stay longer, you will need to apply for a long-term resident's permit.
Accommodation
We have always recognised that the biggest pressure on students
is finding affordable and secure accommodation in London. We try to help
students as much as possible with information to help secure accommodation.
David Game College have self-catering residences located in the area and
can also provide a David Game approved list of families, offering rooms
to students for those who prefer to live in catered, family accommodation.
International Students House offers student accommodation 365 days a year
and is a social centre for students, located in one of the safest areas
of central London. Their website is:
www.ish.org.uk/
Associated with International Students House is an organisation called 'London
Conference on Overseas Students' which publishes an excellent hostels list
on its website:
www.lcos.org.uk/
A few other useful websites are:
www.accommodationforstudents.com
www.intolondon.com
www.studentpad.co.uk
www.ukstudentlife.com
Work
Many students supplement their income by part-time
work. All students (EU and non-EU) students can now work up to 20 hours per
week during term time, and up to 40 hours per week during vacations, without
having to apply for permission whilst they are a student in full-time education.
However all immigration information and visa issues are subject to change,
so you are advised to check current information.
The DfES produce a leaflet called International Students Working in the UK - what you need to know downloadable from their website. www.dfes.gov.uk/
Health
Overseas students coming to Britain for a period longer
than six months are eligible to use the facilities of the National Health
Service, which includes doctors, dentists and hospitals. Generally this means
that you will have to pay relatively little for health care. You will have
to pay for medical prescriptions and a proportion of dental treatment, but
this is much less than for private medicine. You should register with a doctor
near your home in London on arrival - do not wait until you feel unwell. You
can get a list of doctors in your area from:
National Health Service Information Line - 0800 66 55 44 - or
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk*