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PRE-ARRIVAL GUIDE

2012/2013

HAVERING COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

PRE-ARRIVAL PACK 2012-2013

P:\International Business Dev\EU Programmes\Erasmus\Erasmus Incoming Staff & Students\Pre-Arrival - Induction of Students\ES Induction Pack_12-13.docx

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CONTENTS PAGE Page Introduction 3 Contacts and Opening Time 3

Section 1 Language and Religion 4 Local places of Worship 5 Monetary Units 6 Section 2 I. Preparing to come to the UK Preparing to enter the UK 7 Booking travel 7 Packing 7 II. Arriving in the UK Immigration control 8 On Arrival 8 How to find us 9 III. Your Housing 11

Accommodation Checklist 13 Student Union 14

IV. Help and Advice Police Registration 15 Emergencies 15 Obeying the Law 16 GP Registration 17 Opening a Bank account once in the UK 18 Working in the UK 19 Communication UK Post 20 Telephones 20

Mobile Telephones 21 London - Regions 22 Travel in London 23 Tube Map Example 24 Other modes of transport 25 Travelcard information 26 Activities in London Cinema 27 Theatre and Dance 28 Museums and Art Galleries 29 Places to Visit 30 UK Libraries 31 Shopping in London 31 London Markets 32 Local/London Activities 36 Sports and Leisure in London 37 Events and Festivals in London 38 Christmas in the UK and Public Holidays 39

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INTRODUCTION

The United Kingdom of Great Britain is known as the “UK” and includes the countries England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is a popular destination for students wishing to study and has been so for many years. London has many colleges and universities offering different levels of study and a broad range of subjects. The aim of this handbook is to help students who choose to study at Havering College acquire useful information prior to their arrival to enable adequate preparation for their study period. Although academic studies are the main purpose of you being here in London, it is also very important to fully enjoy the full experience of living and studying in another country. That is why so much extra information has been included in this handbook, to encourage you to get out, see the sights and have fun, as well as providing guidance on any problems and questions you may have. Although we have tried hard to ensure that the information included here is correct and up-to-date, we cannot accept responsibility for errors. Figures quoted for costs, in particular, are intended as a guide only. Visit London is the official visitor organisation for London and is the place to go to for information on our fantastic city! London is a world-class destination; no other city offers such choice; such diversity and a scene unrivalled by any other. Dramatic new landmarks grace the skyline and famous museums and art galleries have been completely revamped for the 21st Century. Add to that an evolution in fashion, dining, music and theatre and you have a different city every day. www.visitlondon.com is the official London website.

International Business Development Office Contact: Nadia Bonnichi, EU and International Project Officer – Erasmus Coordinator International Office Havering College of Further & Higher Education Ardleigh Green Road Hornchurch Essex RM11 2LL United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1708 455011 Email: international@havering-college.ac.uk Opening Times: Monday – Thursday: 9am - 5.00pm Friday: 9am - 4.30pm The information provided is for reference only.

All information is, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of issue.

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SECTION 1

LANGUAGE IN UNITED KINGDOM It is estimated that over 95% of the British population are monolingual English speakers. There are various minority Celtic languages, and speakers of these are invariably bilingual English speakers. In Scotland 1.4% speak Scottish Gaelic as well as English; in Northern Ireland 6.6% of the population are bilingual in Irish Gaelic and English; in Wales, 21% also speak Welsh. Welsh is the only Celtic language that enjoys official status. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and some border areas of England, Scots is a distinct minority language although at times it overlaps with Scottish English. There are also large numbers of community languages, brought into the country and sustained by recent immigrant communities, which account for more than 5.5% of the population. The largest group (spoken by 2.7% of the total UK population) are South Asian languages such as Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi and Gujarati. Other community languages include Cantonese, Italian, Polish, Greek and Turkish. 45% of the total ethnic minority population lives in London, but community languages are spoken throughout the United Kingdom. Source – www.bbc.co.uk - © 2012 BBC

Religion in United Kingdom

Religion:1,2,3,4,5

by Country, April 2010 to March 2011 Great Britain

Percentages

England Wales Scotland Great Britain

Christian 68.5 66.1 69.6 68.5

Buddhist 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4

Hindu 1.5 0.5 0.3 1.3

Jewish 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.4

Muslim 4.9 1.2 1.3 4.4

Sikh 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.7

Any other religion 1.1 1.2 1.1 1.1

No religion at all 22.4 30.6 27.2 23.2

1 Respondents were asked the question ' What is your religion, even if you are not currently practicing?' which

measures religious affiliation - that is identification with a religion irrespective of actual practice or belief.

2 The total number of eligible responders to the question was 413,832.

3 There are differences in the question for religious affiliation in Northern Ireland, therefore estimates are only for Great

Britain rather than UK. 4

Changes have been made to religion questions in January 2011 in line with Census 2011 data collection.

5 Percentages may not add to 100 per cent due to rounding

Source: Office for National Statistics

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LOCAL PLACES OF WORSHIP The Church of England, (Essex and East London), The Diocese of Chelmsford Chelmsford Diocese is part of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion and cover Essex, the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock and the five East London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Please visit the following website to view find your closest place of worship: http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/directory-advsearchparish Roman Catholic - Diocese of Brentwood Formed in 1917, the Diocese comprises the Administrative County of Essex, the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock, and the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Please visit the following website to view find your closest place of worship: www.dioceseofbrentwood.net/parishes Havering Islamic Centre The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) was founded in 1982. HICC is a registered charity aimed at catering for the social, cultural and religious needs of the Muslim community living in Havering. General Enquiries: 01708 74 1333 Please visit the following website for further information and prayer times: www.haveringislamiccentre.co.uk Synagogue Clayhall Synagogue (United Synagogue, Orthodox) Sinclair House Woodford Bridge Road Ilford Essex, IG4 5QR Tel: 020 8551 6533 Email: clayhallsynagogue@hotmail.com Please visit the following website for further information: http://www.clayhallsynagogue.org.uk South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue Oaks Lane Newbury Park Ilford Essex IG2 7PL Tel: 020 8599 0936 Please visit the following website for more information: http://www.swesrs.org.uk Sikh Temple Gurdwara Singh Sabha – London East 100 North Street Barking Essex IG11 8JD Tel 020 8594 3940

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MONETARY UNITS The pound sterling, denoted by GBP, is the official unit of currency used in the UK. The sign for the pound is £. A pound is often referred to as a pound sterling or sometimes simply sterling. The slang term quid is sometimes used in informal conversations.

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SECTION 2

I PREPARING TO ENTER THE UK

Before you travel to the UK you will need to check that you have a valid passport with a visa stamp, if required, or if you are an EU or an EEA (European Economic Area) national, you will need to have a valid national identity card/passport. Booking Travel

Before you arrange your travel in the UK, there are a few things you need to think about first.

How you will travel to your destination from either the airport or seaport – or at least to your temporary accommodation

You might need to speak with someone from the college about how to get there, how to get into your accommodation, who to speak to when you arrive, etc

You might want to go to a shop and buy a few essential items The best times to do things like this is on a weekday (Monday to Friday) between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (these are business hours), outside of these times most banks, many offices, shops, and other facilities are closed. Packing

Before you start to pack you might want to consider the following:

Find out what you are allowed and not allowed to bring into the UK. To find out this information contact The British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country, or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

Find out what your baggage allowance is

Before packing electrical equipment, make sure it is compatible with UK standards: 240 volts, 50 cycles (50Hz), three-pin (square-pin) plugs. You may need to purchase an adapter and perhaps a voltage converter – or you may prefer to buy UK compliant items when you get here Do not bring any of the following items:

Any prohibited items (e.g. weapons, certain drugs, some foods and plants)

Too much clothing, especially if you‟re coming from a very different climate – you will have a better chance of finding the clothes you need once you get here

Lots of food – most of the ingredients you will need are available in the UK

Lots of books – it may be cheaper to buy them once you get here, and you may not need to buy all the books on your reading list anyway

Lots of stationery (paper, pens, pencils, etc) – you will be able to buy all that when you get here, so just bring one or two things to get you through the first few days

So many things that you exceed your baggage allowance – the surcharges will be expensive and you will be exhausted trying to carry it all

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II ARRIVING IN THE UK

Immigration control Whether you arrive by air or by sea, when you get to the UK your first step is to pass through immigration control. As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigration smoothly. But if you find you need help for any reason, there are two things you can do:

Ask the Immigration Officer to telephone the college (keep this number handy 01078 455011

Ask to see a representative of the Immigration Advisory Service. You can reach the Service on the following number: 0207 967 1200 Immigration Advisory Service – please check the web sites below prior to departure and obtain the telephone numbers of the airport/port of arrival in case you need it at the airport www.iasuk.org/ www.adviceguide.org.uk

On arrival You can ask the college to arrange a pick-up service for you from the airport at an extra cost by filling in the Accommodation form and returning it as soon as possible to the International Business Development Department at the college at the latest 1 month prior to arrival. If you intend to make your own arrangements from the airport there is some information below, which will help you, plan your onward journey. Tips for planning your onward journey

Plan your journey in advance by visiting the Transport for London website: www.tfl.gov.uk

Carry any information the college has provided i.e. how to reach your destination and any contact numbers in your hand luggage

If you have arranged your international travel through a travel agent, ask the agent if they can help you arrange your onward journey in the UK

If you have any problem on arrival, go to the information centre at the airport or train station

Airport Express Train Services

Heathrow Express www.heathrowexpress.com 0845 600 1515

Gatwick Express www.gatwickexpress.com 0845 850 1530

Stansted Express (Greater Anglia) www.stanstedexpress.com 0845 600 7245

Coach Services www.nationalexpress.com 08705 80 80 80

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III YOUR HOUSING Arranging accommodation in advance

Normally, the International Office can assist in arranging accommodation for you to live in a British family. For any other type of accommodation, the International Office can provide information, however it will be your responsibility to find your own accommodation and make all necessary arrangements. It is important to arrange your accommodation as soon as you can. It might also help you to get entry clearance to the UK (for non-EU nationals). When you have been accepted as a student, you will need to inform the International Office at Havering College of your accommodation plans, whether you intend to arrange your own accommodation or if you require assistance and help. Make sure you complete the accommodation form that you can obtain from the international page of our website http://www.havering-college.ac.uk/international-students/accommodation.aspx and return it as quickly as possible, as the places tend to get filled up quickly. In case accommodation cannot be arranged due to time or other constraints, at least make sure you have temporary accommodation in a hotel arranged before you leave home, so you have somewhere to stay when you first get to the UK. Types of accommodation and how to arrange them are listed below: Staying with a British family

Havering College does not have Halls of Residence but if you require accommodation the International Office can arrange for you to stay as a guest in the home of a British family for the duration of your stay in the UK. To apply, request your Accommodation Form from the International Office, complete as soon as possible and return so we can process it. The rooms are in private peoples‟ houses. Each room has a single bed with a full sheet set, pillow, towels, desk and chair, closet and window. There will be washing machines that you need to make separate arrangements with the hosts for using them or alternatively there are laundries providing that service on the high streets. As it is customary in English private accommodation, you will be sharing the bathroom or toilet/shower room with other members of the family. If you have requested half-board, the rent will include the bedroom, shared bathroom and meals - breakfast and an evening meal during the week and a light lunch over the weekend. If you have requested room only basis, the rent will include the bedroom, shared bathroom and access to a kitchen to prepare meals and drinks. This is at the discretion of your personal arrangement with the host. It is your responsibility to supply your own food and drink. Both types of accommodation include utility bills which are gas, electricity and water. They do not include telephone bills. Use of internet Wi-Fi is subject to additional arrangements with the hosts.

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PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

Private accommodation may be owned and run by organisations (such as charities), by individuals (landlords or landladies) or by Agencies. Average cost: Varies, depending on size and location and type of accommodation – furnished, unfurnished or semi furnished. These are some of the types available: Lodgings Living in „lodgings‟ means that you rent a room in a house/flat with other tenants and together as house/flat mates. The property could belong to a private owner or an agency. What you get: You have your own room to yourself, but you will probably have to share the bathroom. You will have access to the kitchen to prepare your own meals. Sometimes utility bills, such as gas, water, electricity and council tax may be included in the rent. You will need to check that in advance. Flats and Houses This is a popular option for groups of two or more students who are willing to share costs. What you get: A self-contained, sometimes furnished flat or house. Various sizes are available, from one- and two- bedroom flats up to four- or five-bedroom houses. You will have to sign a legal agreement with the landlord or landlady (a lease) and you may have to pay an initial deposit as security, in case you break or damage anything. Depending on the arrangement, you and your friends may also need to pay the heating and electricity bills, and you will almost certainly have to pay the telephone bill. You will have to do your own cleaning and provide your own bed linen and towels. The minimum contract for rent is usually 6 months. Leases and other legalities If you rent a flat or a house or sometimes even a bed-sit, you will have to sign a „lease‟. This is a written legal agreement between you (the tenant) and the property owner (the landlord). Tenants and landlords each have certain rights under the law. Although these rights offer you some protection, it is still your responsibility to check the lease thoroughly and make sure you agree with the terms. Do not sign the lease if you do not know what all of it means. If you do not fully understand the lease, show it to an advisor and ask for help.

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CHECKLIST: WHAT TO ASK ABOUT PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION

What does the rent cover? Meals, electricity, gas, hot water, use of telephone, television, internet?

If any of these bills are not covered, roughly how much extra will you have to pay? Are there meters for the gas, electricity or telephone?

Will you have to pay Council Tax? Or Service Charge if it is a flat?

When must you pay the rent? Weekly? Monthly? The first day of the month? The last day of the month?

Ways of payment – Direct debit, bank transfer or deposit, cash?

How will you keep a record of what you‟ve paid? Is there a rent book? What proof of payment will you receive – i.e. receipt?

If you have to pay an initial deposit, when will it be returned to you? Your deposit should be no more than two months‟ rent. If the landlord asks for more, get advice.

Make sure you get a receipt for your initial deposit.

How long is the lease?

If you want to leave to end the lease agreement, what terms and conditions affect your ability to do so?

If you want to leave the accommodation, how much notice must you give the landlord?

If the landlord/landlady wants you to leave, how much notice must he or she give you?

Make sure you have your own copy of the lease, signed and dated by the landlord/landlady. How to find a place:

Ask the International Office at the college for advice

Contact an accommodation agency and ask them to look for accommodation for you. Most agencies charge fees, so find out first how much their help will cost. To find an agency, look in the local Yellow Pages telephone directory Some more Websites: www.ish.org.uk www.visitlondon.com www.accommodationforstudents.com www.accommodation.uk.net www.studentpad.co.uk www.ukstudentlife.com/Life/Accommodation/London.htm www.gumtree.com www.spareroom.co.uk Many students prefer to stay at a hostel for a few days after they arrive in order to give them time to find suitable accommodation. Please contact following hostels or visit the websites for further information: YMCA Barbican International Student House www.cityymca.org www.ish.org.uk Tel: 020 7382 5360 Tel: 020 7631 8300

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STUDENT UNION

All Havering College students are automatically part of the Students‟ Union. This is led by an elected committee who represent them at College Governors, College Management, and Local and National Government meetings and events. A perk to being a student at Havering College is the opportunity to purchase an N.U.S. Extra Card. N.U.S. is the National Union of Students and the Extra Card is a nationally recognised student discount card which can be used at many high street shops and on-line companies, e.g. Amazon, Dominoes Pizza, McDonalds, National Express, Superdrug, , and many more. StAR‟s (Student Academic Representatives) have an important role in finding out the needs and issues of students in their tutor/class group and passing these onto the Students‟ Union. This allows the “voice” of the students to be heard and enables the college and the Students‟ Union to respond to issues quickly, making your time at Havering College more enjoyable. Becoming a member of the Student Union has its benefits. You can gain and develop skills in important areas such as: - Communication - Teamwork - Giving presentations - Report writing - Event organising Many of these skills can be transferred into courses and therefore can aid educational development. It is extremely important for students to have an extra-curricular activity to put into either UCAS form or CV.

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IV POLICE REGISTRATION Erasmus students who are Turkish Nationals and have a student visa for 6 months or more will normally be required to register with the police in the UK within 7 days of arrival. Students only have to register with the police if that requirement is stamped in their passport. It is normally written in the “Entry Clearance” (visa). If applicable please notify the college who will help you. NB: EU and EEA Nationals are not required to register with the police. Where & how to register Initial registration is done in London at the following address: Overseas Visitors Records Office Brandon House 180 Borough High Street London SE1 1LH Information Line: 020 7230 1208 The Police If you are the victim of a minor crime or would like advice, you should telephone or call into your local police station. If you need the police in a real emergency, telephone 999 immediately. The police in the UK are very friendly and are there to help. Do not be afraid to ask for help or information. Emergencies If the situation is an emergency (if someone‟s life or health is threatened) call 999. You should only use this service if you need an immediate response and if calling for an ambulance only call if it is a medical emergency or if someone is seriously ill or injured, and their life is at risk. This call is free of charge, so you can use it from a public telephone box without having to pay. Tell the operator which service you need – the fire brigade, the police, or the ambulance service. Describe the emergency and give the exact address.

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PLEASE OBEY THE LAW

The laws in the UK may not be quite the same as in your own country. Here are a few examples of actions that are illegal in the UK. It is against the law to:

Carry or attempting to buy a knife under the age of 18

Carry a knife in public without good reason – for example, if you work as a chef

Possess or supply hard or soft drugs http://www.talktofrank.com

Smoke in an enclosed public place, including public transport, restaurants, bars and clubs

Drink or carry open containers of alcohol on public transport

Disturb the peace - this is called „disorderly conduct‟. You can be arrested for being too noisy Most international students complete their courses in the UK without running into any serious legal problems, but if you do find yourself involved in a legal dispute of any kind, ask for help. Here are two options:

Contact the International Office at the college; 01708 455011 Even if we cannot help you directly, we should be able to advise you where to go for help

Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau in your area (look on internet or local telephone directory for details) for expert advice. They will be able to recommend a solicitor if you need one, and tell you if there is a local law centre providing free legal advice. They will also be able to tell you whether you can claim legal aid to help pay for any court and legal fees

The police have the power to stop and search anyone who appears to be behaving in a suspicious manner. If you are arrested try not to be aggressive and try to cooperate fully with the Police. If you find yourself in trouble with the police, it is very important to get professional advice. Contact any of the following:

The International Office at the college

The Students‟ Union at the college

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau

A local law centre If you are convicted (found guilty) of an offence, it could seriously damage your position as a student, so be sure to ask for help as early in the process as possible. If you are unsure about UK law and for more information on Crime and Justice in the United Kingdom please visit the following website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw

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GP REGISTRATION

It is essential that students have access to medical treatment in case of ill health. EU NATIONALS EU (European Union) citizens insured in their country by their National Health Service may also be covered by the UK National Health Service upon presentation of European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Please check with your National Department of Health beforehand. In order to register with a GP (General Practitioner) you will need to provide:

your passport

a proof of your UK address Should you have an EHIC please ensure you bring it with you. In the cases, where students are placed at a host family, and stay is arranged by the International Office, you will be issued with a letter by the College confirming your UK address which would serve as a proof of your address. In the cases where students are staying at alternative accommodation please request a letter from your landlord/agency confirming your stay at your UK address. NON-EU NATIONALS In order to register with a GP (General Practitioner) you will need to provide:

your passport, together with any visa documents proving your eligibility to reside in the UK

a proof of your UK address In the cases, where students are placed at a host family, and stay is arranged by the International Office, you will be issued with a letter by the College confirming your UK address which would serve as a proof of your UK address. In the cases where students are staying at alternative accommodation please request a letter from your landlord/agency confirming your stay at your UK address.

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OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN THE UK

Always check on charges, before asking for any banking services. Opening an account To open an account, you need to complete an application form from the bank and provide all the documents that the bank needs to see. This normally includes your passport, a confirmation letter from the college to show that you are a student here, and proof of your current London address. This may mean showing a tenancy agreement or a student accommodation contract from your college. Some banks also require evidence of your address in your home country and of income from sponsors or family, or proof of savings in your home country. References and bank statements form a bank at home may be useful. It could take several weeks after your arrival in the UK, so be prepared. Types of account

You will generally receive a bank card with your account, and will receive a personal number (a PIN) separately. You should memorise this and then destroy it for the purposes of security. Never tell anyone else your PIN, or you could be liable for amounts withdrawn if your card is used illegally. Bank statements will be sent to you regularly. You should always keep these, as you may need them for immigration purposes. Try to keep good records of all your transactions. You can usually get a balance and a mini cash statement from the bank cash machines („cash points‟) or online. Bank charges

Normally, there should be no charges while your account is in credit, but check with your bank to be sure. Bank Account charges There are different types of accounts and depending on the types of additional services they offer; monthly bank account charges may be applicable. Ensure you understand fully the type of bank account you are applying before signing anything. Bank cards

All standard brands of debit and credit cards, such as Visa, American Express, Access, MasterCard and Diners Club are widely accepted across the UK. Beware that some retailers can charge more when you pay by credit card.

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WORKING IN THE UK

EU nationals are entitled to work whilst studying in the UK. Exceptions to the general rules are nationals of Bulgaria and Romania, who are subject to specific restrictions. The conditions for non EU nationals depend on the immigration status issued to them on arrival. Your ability to work in the UK while you‟re here as a student depends partly on where you‟re from and how long your course lasts. Ensure you check the conditions under which you are allowed to work in the UK before you apply for any jobs. For more information, see: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

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COMMUNICATION UK Post - Corresponding by letter

Post offices offer a variety of products and services. You can buy stamps, foreign currency, TV licences, and postal orders (a safe alternative to sending cash through the post). You can also pay bills at the post office, including telephone, electricity and gas and use the Poste Restante and mail redirection services. Opening times are usually 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as most Saturday mornings. Opening times do vary however, with some major post offices staying open all day Saturday. Mail is delivered to every home in once a day, Monday to Saturday. For information about your nearest post office, Tel: 08457 223344, www.royalmail.com There are certain ways to send important post, which are safer than ordinary post: If you need to send important post or something which is valuable then it is better to send it Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery. For more details visit www.royalmail.com

Telephones BT: British Telecom

The traditional red telephone boxes throughout London are now tourist attractions in their own right. They were introduced in 1884, eight years after the invention of the telephone. It is now possible to check and send emails from public telephones. If you need to phone from public telephones regularly, there are various international calling cards.

Directory enquiries If you need help in finding numbers of people or businesses, you can look at the following websites: www.bt.com - then go to Directory Enquiries

For international directory enquiries: Tel: 118 505 If dialling from a payphone: Tel: 118 141 To check all rates, see: www.bt118500.com International Operator Assistance: Dial 155 International Directory Enquiries: Dial 152 This number is free of charge from a payphone but charges apply from other phones. There are several other telephone providers who also offer a Directory Enquiries service, all charging different rates. You can also search for telephone numbers using the following websites: www.yell.com www.192.com www.thompsonlocal.com

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Mobile telephones

The main mobile phone operators in the UK are: Vodafone www.vodafone.co.uk O2 www.o2.co.uk T-Mobile www.t-mobile.co.uk Orange www.orange.co.uk Three (3) www.three.co.uk The UK operates on a GSM network, so your phone should work if you are coming from Europe and many other countries, either as a roaming service or if you use a UK SIM card. For short periods of stay in the UK most convenient are the Pay-As-You-Go SIM cards of the different mobile operators. Seek out specialist independent advice, such as the Carphone Warehouse (Tel: 0870 087 0167, www.carphonewarehouse.com) which is the only major independent chain in UK and should have no bias in its recommendations. They also offer a telephone repair services in many centres.

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LONDON - REGIONS London is made up of different regions

Within each region there are the London Boroughs, 32 in total!

For an in-depth guide to London Regions and the villages within them, please visit http://www.visitlondon.com/areas/villages/index

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TRAVEL IN LONDON

This section provides advice firstly on transport within London and then on transport within the UK by coach or train. London Underground/The Tube

The London Underground railway, or the „tube‟, is London‟s quickest and most popular form of transport. Services run from 5.30 a.m. till midnight every day except Sundays and bank holidays, when service times are shorter. There are thirteen tube lines, which can be identified by different colours on the tube map, which is available at all tube stations. Unless you have a Travelcard or Oystercard (see below), you must always buy a ticket before you travel, from a ticket machine or booking office at the station. London Underground divides London into six travel zones, Zone 1 being the most central. Peak times are weekdays from around 7.30 - 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 - 6.30 p.m. At these times cost of tickets is most expensive. The rest of the time is considered as Off-Peak and cost of tickets is slightly cheaper.

There are now new passenger operated machines in most tube stations, with touch screen menus and guidance in several foreign languages. For more information, see: www.tfl.gov.uk/tube Learning your lines There are eleven different lines, each with its own name. Each line is a different colour on the map of the Underground system. You can find the map in the ticket hall at each Underground station, and usually on the platforms as well. The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is not an underground train but a driverless train which serves parts of East and South East London and you can enjoy views of lesser-seen London locations The London Overground is the suburban network of rail services and travels through 20 of London's 33 boroughs.

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SAMPLE OF LONDON UNDERGROUND MAP Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/standard-tube-map.pdf to view the map in more detail or visit your local underground station for a pocket sized copy

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BUSES

Buses are usually slower than the tube and you may find yourself stuck in a traffic jam. If a bus stop is a „request stop‟ the bus will only stop if you lift your arm to request it in order to get in, or ring the bell to get off. Fares are paid on the bus. The concept of „zones‟ in London does not apply to buses and tickets are much cheaper. Night buses are the way many Londoners get home if they are out late. At night all bus stops become request stops.

More help: For full details of all London Transport services, call the 24 hour information line, Tel: 020 7222 1234 or see: www.tfl.gov.uk To plan your journey in London: - http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/

Train Travel For further information on national train routes, prices and other train information, Tel: 08457 484950, or visit www.thetrainline.com / www.nationalrail.co.uk

TAXIS/THE BLACK CAB

Taxis are the most expensive way to travel, but can be useful especially if you share the cost with friends. If you need to hail a taxi, look for the orange light on top (‘Taxi’) which means they’re vacant and looking for customers – so get hailing. A wave is enough. Please note that fares may increase after 8 p.m

Transport outside of London Coach Travel Coach travel is usually the cheapest way to get around. National Express is the largest coach company in the UK, serving more than 1,200 destinations. London coaches arrive and depart from Victoria Coach Station. You should always try to book tickets in advance. A Discount CoachCard is available to young people aged 16 - 25 and to all full-time students. National Express also has the Brit Xplorer Pass, available to overseas passport holders only. This offers various periods of unlimited travel throughout UK. For more information: Tel: 08705 808080, www.nationalexpress.com

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Travelcards If you are a regular traveller it will generally be cheaper to buy a travelcard, allowing you to travel the tube, buses and most local trains whenever you want. These can be bought from underground or railway stations and newsagents displaying the Pass Agent sign. You must buy a travelcard for all the zones through which you intend to travel. Oyster cards Oyster cards are plastic smartcards which you can use instead of paper tickets on trains, tube and buses in zones 1-6. It is the cheapest way to pay for a single journey and operate on a pre-paid basis. For more information, see: www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets Young Persons Railcards are available for students in full-time education and young people aged from 16 - 25, for £28 a year. Apply at your local train station (or at: www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk). A BritRail Pass offers unlimited train travel in England, Scotland and Wales for different periods of time, but must be bought before leaving your home country (www.britrail.net) Student discounts Many full time students can obtain a student discount travel card, which allows considerable reduction on most forms of transport in London. You will need to apply for this at your university or college, but not all institutions currently participate in the scheme. PENALTY FARES Make sure you have a valid ticket for all the zones you are travelling through; otherwise you may be forced to pay a penalty fare. As well as this, all your details will be kept on record.

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CINEMAS Local Cinemas Vue, Romford, Essex Tel: 0871 224 0240 www.myvue.com London Cinemas Vue, Westfield, Stratford Tel: 0871 224 0240 www.myvue.com Vue, Leicester Square Tel: 0871 224 0240 www.myvue.com Empire Cinema, Leicester Square Tel: 08414 714 714 www.empirecinemas.co.uk Odeon Cinemas Tel: 0871 224 4007 www.odean.co.uk ODEON have 26 cinemas in London including 5 IMAX cinemas showing the latest 3D films. BFI IMAX1, South Bank, London Tel: 020 7199 6000 http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax The biggest screen in Britain is a 500-seat, luxury large-format cinema on London's bustling South Bank Secret Cinema Please visit the following website for further information: www.secretcinema.org

RENTING AND BUYING DVDS Laptops are great for playing DVDs, and these are easy to rent or buy in London. Look in video rental shops as well as on line: www.lovefilm.com , www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk , www.amazon.co.uk , www.play.com Blockbuster is one of the biggest video and DVD rental shops in London and you can also rent online at: www.blockbuster.co.uk. Rental charges vary, the higher price being for new releases. Check online for branch locations.

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THEATRE AND DANCE Theatre The West End of London has been linked to theatre for many years and it is one of the largest theatre areas in the world. Known as “Theatreland” and steeped in history and tradition it is the home to many famous theatres which include Drury Lane, which opened back in 1663 and the world famous London Palladium! Here is the official London Theatre website: www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk You will find everything you need to know about London theatre - all the news, what to see, and how to book. You can also find amazing deals and can book tickets on www.lastmiunute.com Dance Sadlers Wells is the No. 1 venue dedicated to international dance. Here you will be able to see all forms of dance from contemporary to flamenco and much more. Rosebery Avenue, London, Greater London EC1R 4TN 0844 412 4300 Websites on dance www.londondance.com www.danceconnection.org.uk www.tangoalfresco.com www.tangolondon.com www.efdss.org

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MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

London is home to over 300 museums and galleries. They are a wonderful way to spend the day, as well as an exciting way to learn, whether you are an adult or a child. Many of London's big museums are free but you have to pay for entry to special exhibitions, so it is always best to check the museum website before visiting. The most well known museums in London are listed below. British Museum Tel: 020 7323 8299 www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk Greenwich Royal Observatory Tel: 020 8858 4422 www.rog.nmm.ac.uk Imperial War Museum Tel: 020 7416 5320 www.iwm.org.uk Jewish Museum Tel: 020 7284 1997. www.jewishmuseum.org.uk Natural History Museum Tel: 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk Science Museum Tel: 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Sherlock Holmes Museum Tel: 020 7935 8866, www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk Victoria & Albert Museum Tel: 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk Fashion and Textile Museum Tel: 020 7407 8664 www.ftmlondon.org

Art Galleries

The most well known art galleries in London are listed below.

Royal Academy of Arts (RA) Tel: 020 7300 8000 www.royalacademy.org.uk Tate Modern Tel: 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern Tate Britain Tel 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain National Gallery Tel: 020 7747 2885 www.nationalgallery.org.uk National Portrait Gallery Tel: 020 7306 0055 www.npg.org.uk Somerset House Tel: 020 7848 2526 www.somerset-house.org.uk Hayward Gallery Tel: 020 7921 0813 www.hayward.org.uk Whitechapel Art Gallery Tel: 020 7522 7888 www.whitechapel.org Barbican Art Gallery Tel: 020 7638 4141 www.barbican.org.uk Serpentine Gallery Tel: 020 7402 6075 www.serpentinegallery.org Saatchi Gallery Tel: 020 7928 8195 www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk

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PLACES TO VISIT

There is not the space here to list the hundreds of interesting attractions in London. Whether it is art, history sport, a walk in the park or something more unusual, London is the city to explore and enjoy. Here are just some of the interesting and historical places what are worth a visit EDF Energy London Eye Tel: 0871 781 3000 www.londoneye.com Buckingham Palace Tel: 020 7766 7300 www.royal.gov.uk, www.royalresidences.com Hampton Court Palace Tel: 0870 752 7777 www.hrp.org.uk Kensington Palace Tel: 0870 751 5170 www.hrp.org.uk Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Tel: 020 7219 3000, www.parliament.gov.uk St Paul’s Cathedral Tel: 020 7246 8357 www.stpauls.co.uk Tower Bridge Exhibition Tel: 020 7403 3761 www.towerbridge.org.uk Tower of London Tel: 0844 482 7799 www.hrp.org.uk Westminster Abbey Tel: 020 7654 4900 www.westminster-abbey.org Westminster Cathedral Tel: 020 7798 9055 www.westminstercathedral.org.uk London Planetarium & Tel: 0871 894 3000 www.madame-tussauds.com Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks HMS Belfast Tel: 020 7940 6300 www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast Sea Life London Aquarium Tel: 0871 663 1678 www.visitsealife.com ZSL London Zoo Tel: 0844 225 1826 www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo

Royal Parks www.royalparks.org.uk Please visit the Royal Parks website for opening times and more information on Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park (and Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James’s Park.

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LIBRARIES

There are around 1,000 specialist, academic and public libraries to be found in Greater London. The British Library

St. Pancras, British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB Tel: 0870 444 1500 www.bl.uk Please visit website to view other locations. The British Library is one of the world‟s greatest libraries with 150 million items, in most known languages, dating from 300BC.

SHOPPING IN LONDON

London is one of the world‟s favourite shopping destinations. With big name stores, modern shopping centres, specialist and ethical shops, they all make up the vibrant and busy shopping experience. Popular shopping destinations are Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Mayfair, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, Kensington High Street, Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Westfield London. More information The Time Out Shopping Guide is a directory of the best shops and services in London www.londontourist.org/shopping.html www.bafts.org.uk

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LONDON MARKETS

Markets not only are cheap, interesting places to shop, but they help you to explore different areas of the city. Markets vary in what they sell, but you can usually find all kinds of food, clothes, ornaments, antiques and plants, all at bargain prices. The best bargains can be found early in the morning, except for at Columbia Road Flower Market, which is cheaper near to closing time. Do take a careful look at the quality of the goods however and never buy electrical goods. Not only can they be dangerous, but they may not work when you get them home! There are now many farmers’ markets around London, where the farmers and growers come along to sell their produce directly to the public. Please visit the following websites for further information: www.famersmarkets.net, Tel: 0845 45 88 420. www.lfm.org.uk, Tel: 020 7704 9659 Other websites: www.boroughmarket.org.uk www.camdenlockmarket.com www.cgma.gov.uk www.coventgardenmarket.co.uk www.eastlondonmarkets.com www.portobelloroad.co.uk www.thesilvervaults.com

www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

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Camden Lock - Arts and crafts, jewellery, vintage clothing, food stalls. Courtyards and covered Victorian market hall. Sat and Sun 10-6. Also part open weekdays.

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Stables Market - Chalk Farm Road. A dense warren of small shops selling fashion, artefacts, food and drink Sat and Sun 10-6 Chapel Market - Local market selling fruit and vegetables, clothes and household goods. Tues to Sat 9-6, Sun 8-4. Camden Passage - Antiques, books and bric-a-brac. Wednesday and Saturday. Columbia Road - Bustling Sunday market selling plants, flowers and things for the garden. Sunday 8-3. Brick Lane - Hundreds of stallholders and individuals selling everything and anything Sunday 8-3 Spitalfields - Commercial Street - Antiques, vintage clothes, Art and fashion, General market. Mon to Fri and Sun 9-5 UpMarket - Hanbury Street Covered market. Clothes, fashion accessories, music and crafts. Sunday 10-5 Petticoat Lane - Middlesex Street - Hundreds of stalls selling cut-price clothing, Asian fabrics and leatherwear. Mon to Fri 10-4, Sun 9-3 Bermondsey Market - Bermondsey Square - Early-start covered market with antiques and bric-a-brac, particularly silverware and decorative items. Friday 6-2 Borough Market - Borough High Street - Gourmet food market under the railway. Thurs 11-5, Fri 12-6, Sat 8-5 Brixton Market - Brixton Road Afro-Caribbean specialists. Exotic foods and spices and cut-price music and clothes. Mon to Fri 8-6 (Wed 8-3) Covent Garden - In the Market Hall. Antiques on Monday, arts and crafts for the rest of the week. The nearby Jubilee Market has souvenirs, clothes and knick-knacks. Piccadilly Market - St. James's Church, Piccadilly Antiques on Tuesday, art and crafts Wed to Sat. 11-6 Grays Antique Market - Davies Street Indoor market with many specialist antique dealers. Mon to Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5 Bayswater Road - Mostly paintings with some sculpture and jewellery. Sunday 10-6 Shepherds Bush - Local market with good selection of ethnic foods and clothing. Mon to Sat 9-6 Portobello Road - World-famous market selling antiques, jewellery, second-hand clothes and bric-a-brac. Sat 8-6.30, part open Mon-Fri, Thursday 9-1 Church Street Market - Fruit and vegetables, clothes, household and bric-a-brac, plus Alfie's antiques market. Mon to Sat 8-5

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Best markets for antiques? Bermondsey Market, Camden Passage, Brick Lane Market and Portobello Road Best markets for street fashion /clothes? Camden Lock Market, Petticoat Lane, Brixton Market and Portobello Road Best markets for arts and crafts? Covent Garden Market, Camden Lock and Bayswater Best markets for exotic foods and lifestyle? Brixton Market and Shepherds Bush Market Source: streetsensation.co.uk

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LOCAL/LONDON ACTIVITIES Bars and Pubs You will find that public houses, or „pubs‟, play a large part in British culture and are the most popular places to socialise. What they sell Pubs and bars serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and many offer coffee, snacks and meals. To buy alcohol in the UK you must be 18 or over, and places that serve it must have a licence to do so. Please be aware that many British pubs operate an "over 21" rule for customers. To learn about some of London‟s historic pubs and the story of English beer join some of the „London Pub‟ walks offered by

London Walks, such as the „Undiscovered London‟ pub walk Tel: +44 (020) 7624 3978, www.walks.com , www.pubs.com and www.fancyapint.com Opening times Opening hours vary, but are usually from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 12 p.m. – 10.30 p.m. Sundays, although it is often later in lively areas. Nightlife As well as the pubs and bars, there is no end of nightlife in London, including many different nightclubs, dance and comedy clubs. Watch out for nightclubs which offer free or cheap entry midweek or before 11 p.m. For those who enjoy clubbing, full listings for which can be found under „clubs‟ on www.londonnet.co.uk or http://www.timeout.com/london

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SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN LONDON

International Students House has its own gym and runs many sporting events. Contact the Events Office on: Tel: 020 7631 8351 (email: events@ish.org.uk) Football Fans can see world stage stars from mid-August until early May in Premiership matches on Saturdays/Sundays and in mid-week. If you have a favourite team, check out their website for fixtures and for England Internationals view the Football Association website www.thefa.com Rugby Union For information on England Union international fixtures visit www.rfu.com Cricket The home of cricket is now at Lords, in St John‟s Wood, where test matches and one-day internationals are generally played in the summer months. See www.lords.org Tennis The All England Lawn Tennis Club, SW19 Tel: 020 8946 2244. See www.wimbledon.org Please visit www.lta.org.uk for clubs in your area. Swimming

There are many council run and private swimming pools local to you. Plus a few other options:

Tooting Bec Lido London‟s best known open-air pool and the oldest purpose built open-air pool in London, and one of the largest in London! Open to the public from the end of May to the end of August. Grass area for sunbathing. Brockwell Lido Open since 1937 and still has many of its original features. Situated at Brockwell Park. London Fields Lido London Fields Lido is London's only 50-metre heated outdoor pool. Located in London Fields Park, it is generally open whatever the weather! Boating Hyde Park: You can hire pedalo or rowing boats at The Serpentine Lake. Regent’s Park: Hire boats on the large boating lake. Battersea Park: Rent boats during July, August and at weekends in September if the weather is good.

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EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN LONDON

Dance Umbrella Festival Tel: 020 7407 1200 www.danceumbrella.co.uk Lord Mayor’s Procession & Show www.lordmayorsshow.org Spitalfields Winter Festival Tel: 020 7377 1362 www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk Flora London Marathon Tel: 020 7902 0200 www.london-marathon.co.uk City of London Festival Tel: 0845 120 7502 www.colf.org Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Tel: 0845 260 5000 www.rhs.org.uk Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship (June-July) Tel: 020 8946 2244 www.wimbledon.com The BBC Proms and Last Night at the Proms Tel: 020 7589 8212 www.bbc.co.uk/proms London Pride www.pridelondon.org The Thames Festival www.thamesfestival.org Notting Hill Carnival www.thenottinghillcarnival.com BT River of Music www.btriverofmusic.com London Mela (check website for dates) info@remarkableproductions.org www.londonmela.org

Please visit the www.molpresents.com website for many more festivals and events! Look out for events going on around these dates: November 5th Guy Fawkes Night November 11th Remembrance Day December 31st New Years Eve

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CHRISTMAS IN THE UK

Christmas in the UK is not like festivities in many other countries, where everyone is out on the streets partying, as most British people enjoy the holiday with friends and family at home, it can be a lonely time for international students. New Year‟s Eve is far livelier, with a mass gathering in Trafalgar Square and River Thames, but you still need to be with friends in order to enjoy the fun. The streets are quiet and almost everything is closed in London on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th and 26th December), and on New Year‟s Day (1st January). Make sure in advance that you have enough food at home. The few cafés and restaurants that are open are fully booked well in advance. Public transport is usually on a limited service and those that do run are very busy. The only public transport on Christmas Day is the bus to the airports. So even if Christmas is not an important festival for you, it is important to plan ahead, think about where you will stay and what you will do. International Students House (ISH), the biggest international student centre in London, is a great place to spend Christmas. ISH also offers reduced accommodation rates for students from anywhere in the UK or abroad who would like to spend a few days in London over Christmas. Contact ISH Reservations on Tel: 020 7631 8310 for accommodation and the Events Office on Tel: 020 7631 8305 for activities. For more information on events and activities at International Students House, see their website: www.ishevents.org.uk. Do not miss out on this opportunity to meet other students and to join in the festivities! Public holidays

There are eight public holidays in England, known as „bank holidays‟, when most offices, banks, schools and some shops will be closed for business. New Year’s Day: 1st January Good Friday: The Friday before Easter Easter Monday: The Monday after Easter Early May Bank Holiday: The first Monday in May Spring Bank Holiday: The last Monday in May Summer Bank Holiday: The last Monday in August Christmas Day: 25th December Boxing Day: 26th December For the Christmas and New Year dates, if they fall on a weekend, the bank holiday is normally taken on the following Monday.