12.
What do I need to know before travelling
to the UK?
General Information about the UK
The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London
covers an area of over 600 square miles
and has an ever-growing population, currently
over 8 million people.
Throughout its history, Britain's own culture
has been enriched by many other nationalities.
Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times
by those seeking asylum or choosing to emigrate
here. London, especially, is home to many
different nationalities which provides a
fascinating variety of culture, food and
entertainment.
Climate: The UK has a very varied climate.
November to March are typically cold and
wet with the possibility of snow on higher
ground. Average temperatures are between
0º and 10º C (50º F). The
temperature in summer (July and August)
can reach up to 32º C (90º F).
More detailed information is available on
the BBC (the national news service) www.bbc.co.uk/weather
Clothing: Whatever the time of year, it
is best to have warm clothing with you.
During the winter months, a warm waterproof
coat is essential. If you plan to explore
the UK during your vacations, please remember
to bring appropriate clothing, especially
if you are travelling to the north of the
UK.
Working/Opening Hours: Supermarkets are
open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week
and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some
supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours
a day.
In major cities such as London, there are
many specialist shops selling a wide variety
of food so you may still be able to cook
up your favourite meal!
Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30
(Monday to Saturday) with some shops opening
later on certain days or open for a few
hours on Sunday. In some smaller towns "half-day
closing" occurs. On one day in the
week most shops will close at lunchtime.
This no longer happens in most larger stores
and in cities. Offices hours tend to be
9:00 to 17:00. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30
(some Banks are opening on Saturday morning).
Public Holidays: There are 8 public holidays
when colleges, offices and most shops will
be closed.
New Year's Day - 1st January.
Good Friday and Easter Monday - this can
occur between mid-March and the end of April.
Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in
May.
Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.
Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.
Christmas Day - 25th December.
Boxing Day - 26th December.
Health: If you are planning a short visit
to London on a visitors visa to look at
different colleges before applying, please
remember to buy health insurance.
If you have come from a country with a health-care
agreement with the UK or are staying for
more than six months, you may be able to
obtain free medical or dental treatment
under the NHS.
If you are a long-term student (12 months
or more), it is advisable for you to register
with a local Doctor. We can provide contact
details for doctors in your area. You will
need to contact the doctor to see if they
are accepting new patients and you will
normally need to have an appointment to
provide basic information about your medical
history.
You can get more information from the Department
of Health:
Website:
www.doh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7210 4850
E-mail: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Public Transport: In London there is an
extensive public transport system - trains,
buses, underground trains and light railway.
If you use a taxi in London, it is best
to use the well-recognised London taxis
known as
"Black Cabs". They will usually
provide a guide to the fare and operate
under a proper license. However, public
transport is much cheaper!
The Greater London area is divided into
six travel zones. Zone 1 covers the main
business and shopping districts in the centre
of London. The College is located in Zone
2. This may sound complex but members of
the college administration team will be
happy to explain how the travel system works.
You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel
cards which either give you access to the
buses or to both buses and underground trains.
For month travel cards, you will need a
photocard and you can also apply for student
discount rates.
Useful information about public transport
in London can be found on
www.londontransport.co.uk
and
www.thetube.com
Outside of London public transport varies
from area to area. Most major towns and
cities are linked by railway. Cities will
have regular bus services but smaller towns
may not.
Internal flights also operate between major
cities.
Social Customs and Leisure: British people
are generally reserved and value their privacy.
It is customary to shake hands when meeting
someone for the first time, whether male
or female. Other physical contact is generally
avoided with anyone other than family and
close friends.
Good manners ("please" and "thank
you") and personal hygiene are valued
very highly.
With the wide variety of cultures in Britain,
please use your common sense and try to
respect all beliefs and customs.
Smoking is generally allowed in public places
but restaurants and other public buildings
may not allow it. Please respect this and
refrain from smoking.
In London there is a wide range of activities
available to suit all budgets, you can:
experience food, music and entertainment
from many countries;
see a variety of sports in the city's large
arenas (which also host musical events);
enjoy a range of world famous "West
End" shows;
visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions
to suit all tastes;
