Other useful information about the United Kingdom

Travelling around the UK

There are many discount cards and schemes available that can help students to save money, especially if you are planning to travel frequently. You can buy cards for coach and rail travel that will save you up to 30 per cent on each journey you make. Full details are in the sections below.

You may also want to invest in an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which can save you money on travel, both in the UK and overseas, as well as discounts on fashion, music, entertainment, eating out and much more. You can apply for a card online at www.isiccard.com

Travel agents offering cheap deals to students can be found in most towns and cities with a large student population. They can arrange student discount cards for you as well as reduced cost flights for students. See www.statravel.co.uk

Rail travel

Train stations can be found all over the UK from the largest cities to the smallest villages. Trains that travel between cities ('Intercity' trains) usually have a buffet carriage or food and drinks trolley, depending on the length of the journey. Trains running along local routes do not always offer food or drink services, so you may wish to take your own with you.

The price of a ticket depends on the type you buy. There are many different types of tickets available, including single, same-day return and open return, which enables you to buy a ticket without having to commit to what date and time you will return on. Buying tickets in advance generally saves you money, as does specifying the date and time that you will travel. Please ensure you buy a ticket for your entire journey, as ticket inspectors impose immediate fines if your ticket is not valid.
Tickets can be bought in advance online at www.thetrainline.com or you can purchase your tickets at any train station, either on or before your date of travel. It is always worth trying to plan your travel and reserve a seat on your train journey. At peak times if you do not reserve a seat you may have to stand for all or part of your journey.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling it is worth investing in a Young Person's Railcard (YPR) which costs £26 a year and enables anyone aged between 16 and 25 (and mature full-time students of any age) to get a third off most rail fares anywhere in Britain. You will need a passport sized photograph for your application. Cards can be purchased at any railway station or you can apply online at www.16-25railcard.co.uk .

Buses and coaches

You can travel by coach to and from most parts of the UK and many other European destinations. Coach journeys usually take longer than those by train but the fares are cheaper and, if you travel at night, you may be able to sleep through the journey. As with train travel it is best to book your ticket in advance. Coaches have a specific number of seats, but, unlike some train travel you are guaranteed a seat at the time of booking. So once the seats on the coach are sold you will not be able to buy a ticket for that particular journey and will have to travel, either by a different mode of transport or at a different time.

As with trains, it is possible to secure student discounts on coach journeys. National Express, the main coach company in the UK, with an extensive UK network, offers a Young Person’s Coachcard for young persons aged between 16 and 26 and full-time students. The card gives savings of up to 30 per cent on all National Express journeys. A one-year card costs £10 and a three year card is £25. You can apply online at www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/students.cfm or through most UK travel agents.

Another coach operator that is particularly popular with students is Megabus, due to exceptionally reasonable promotional fares. The Megabus network links more than 40 towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales from Inverness to Southampton and fares start from as little as £1 plus 50p booking fee. For more details visit www.megabus.com

Rural areas and small towns are serviced by local bus routes. Buses on these routes can be relatively infrequent and, as they make many stops journey times can be quite long. City bus routes, however are generally more frequent. Fares vary, dependent on the length of your journey and tickets are usually purchased from the bus driver. In London tickets must be purchased before you start your journey from ticket machines situated at all bus stops. In most cities a weekly or monthly tickets are available that can considerably reduce your overall travel costs.

Road travel

You can drive a car or motorbike in the UK if you have a valid licence and are aged 17 years or over (16 years and above to drive a moped). For further details about licensing requirements in the UK, contact the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) at www.dvla.gov.uk.

Journeying by car can be a convenient option if you prefer to be flexible, want to visit remote areas or are travelling in a group. Distances in the UK are given in miles. 1 mile is the equivalent to 1.6 kilometres.

Bicycles

Many cities have bicycle lanes on major roads, so that you don’t have to cycle alongside other traffic.

Wearing a bicycle helmet is not compulsory in the UK, but you are strongly advised for your own safety and well-being. Wearing reflective clothing and using lights if cycling at night is also recommended, as is using a strong bike lock. Some local authorities or police stations offer road safety courses for cyclists. Your Students' Union may be able to give you details of courses in your area.

Getting around UK towns and cities

One of the best way to see most UK cities is on foot, especially as many town centres have now been pedestrianised. You will find that in most towns and cities all the local attractions are within a short walk of one another and walking around at your own pace will allow you to focus on the things that particularly appeal to you, and you can stop whenever and wherever you like.

When visiting somewhere for the first time make the local Tourist Information Centre you first stop. They are often located near to the railway station or in the centre of town. They will be able to provide you with a map of the local area, help with accommodation, if you need it and suggest places of interest to visit.

Many towns and cities offer tickets, such as one-day, three day and weekly travel cards that generally are better value than buying individual tickets and will allow you to use most public transport in the city.

Exploring the UK

As well as travelling independently around the UK, you may find that your college or university also offers opportunities for you to see more of the country. Students' Unions often offer day trips to places of interest, which can be a fun day out and a good way to meet people. This may be especially true of international student societies during induction periods.

You will also find that many student societies provide opportunities for travel. Joining a sports team that competes against teams from other institutions can be a good way to see other towns and cities, while outdoor activity societies such as walking or rock-climbing groups will give you a chance to see some beautiful countryside. Choirs may perform in churches and cathedrals around the country, while drama and dance groups may often undertake theatre tours during the holidays.

Health in the UK

As an international student you, and any members of your family who have come to the UK with you, may be entitled to free or subsidised treatment in the UK under the National Health Service (NHS). Generally your course needs to be of six months or more in duration to qualify. If you are in the UK for less than six months, you may only receive free emergency treatment on the NHS. However, if you are a national or resident of an EEA (European Economic Area) country, or are studying a full-time course in Scotland, you will receive this benefit regardless of the length of your studies.

Before you travel, you should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country about what treatment will be covered. If you are not entitled to NHS treatment, it is highly recommended that you take out medical insurance before you leave home or as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK.

For a list of UK reciprocal health agreements go to the Department of Health website http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm.

Registering with a doctor

To receive any kind of treatment through the NHS, you must be registered with a doctor (sometimes called a GP or General Practitioner). It is best to arrange this as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK, once you have a permanent address, as it may delay your treatment if you need to see a doctor and are not registered.

If your school, college or university has a health centre, you may be able to register with a doctor there. You should also find out how accessible other student services are such as counselling. Alternatively they may be able to recommend a local doctor or GP. You will need to take proof of your student status, your passport and evidence of your address with you when you register. You will then be sent an NHS medical card with an individual identity code, which you can also use to register with a dentist. A consultation with your doctor is free, but you must pay for any medicines prescribed unless you are under 19 years of age and in full-time education (under 25 years in Wales). A prescription costs £7.20 per item. If you have a condition such as asthma that requires frequent repeat prescriptions, you may be able to save money by buying a prepayment certificate. Your doctor or student advisers will be able to provide you with details.

Minor illnesses

Remedies for minor illnesses such as headaches and colds are available from high street chemists, most supermarkets and some other shops, such as newsagents. They are available without a prescription from your doctor. If you are not sure what medication to take, rather than visiting your doctor, you can get advice from a qualified pharmacist at any chemist.

You can also contact NHS Direct, a 24-hour phone line, staffed by nurses, which offers quick access to health care advice. NHS Direct nurses will give you advice and support on self treatment, or if you need further help they'll put you in touch with the right service. If it is a serious condition or an emergency, the nurse will give you speedy advice on what you need to do, and will call an ambulance if needed. You can find information and advice about the most common illnesses, and a range of treatments for them, on the NHS Direct website or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (calls are charged at a local rate from the UK only).

The cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the UK varies greatly according to where you study. As a rough estimate, you should expect to pay approximately £9,000 to live in London and £7,000 to live elsewhere in the country. This is based on a nine-month academic year. Average living costs include accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, books and daily travel, with the biggest effect on these figures being the cost of your accommodation.

UKCISA has guidance notes on living in the UK:

• Arriving in the UK
• Accommodation
• Driving in the United Kingdom
• International students and culture shock
• Keeping healthy
  

UK entry requirements and immigration procedures

Before arriving in the UK, you must ensure you meet UK immigration regulations for international students (unless you are a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss national). To enter the UK as an international student you have to meet the following conditions:

• You must have the correct entry clearance (for example, a visa).
• You must have been accepted to study a full-time course at a further or higher education institution, a private educational establishment or an independent school in the UK.
• You must be able to prove that you have enough money to pay your tuition and to live on without needing to work (even if you have limited permission to work).
• You must not intend to take employment, unless it is part-time or vacation work, or to engage in business.
• You must intend to leave the UK after your studies are completed.

For more information about entry requirements and immigration procedures, contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your country or refer to UKCISA’s guidance notes.

Testing your English language proficiency

The universities and colleges that you choose will tell you what standard of English, both written and spoken, you need in order to take part in lectures, tutorials and seminars. If English is not your first language, most universities and colleges will want you to have a qualification in English or to take a specified test in English. This will show the university or college that you will be able to cope with the course and your studies. To find out which English language proficiency test is acceptable, you should contact the admissions office or international office for each university or college that you wish to apply to.

If English is not your first language, a number of certificates and qualifications may be acceptable as evidence of proficiency in English. See http://www.ucas.com/students/nonukstudents/englangprof for a list.

Life and Culture in the UK


At home in your own country, there are lots of customs, habits and social rules that you probably don’t think about because you are so used to them. These vary from culture to culture and that is one of the things that makes being in another country so interesting and thought-provoking. You’ll notice differences in the way people dress, greet each other, practise religion, eat, behave in different situations, express their opinions, and even how they treat animals or have expectations of punctuality. It is a good idea to prepare yourself for any cultural differences by reading as much as you can about the UK before you leave. Try to think about what you’ll need to tell others about your own cultural needs too.

If you follow a religion and worship regularly at home, then you can continue to do so in the UK. Every major world religion is represented and most cities have Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist centres, as well as synagogues and churches of all denominations. Keeping routine with your faith will provide you with a link to your life at home but can also enable you to develop new friendships quickly.

The religious festivals celebrated in the UK reflect its multi-faith culture.

Food

The food you can buy in the UK reflects the many ethnic influences in British society. Most supermarkets sell ingredients from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as food from many other parts of the world. The British are increasingly healthy eaters and there is a very wide range of organic produce available in shops and supermarkets. You’ll still find the famous English breakfast and Fish and Chips, but you’ll also see a very diverse range of meals and menus while you’re in the UK. Families in the UK often eat a traditional “Sunday roast” on Sundays, but those same families are likely to enjoy new types of meals, anything from Italian pizza to Singapore Noodles.

The British tend to eat three meals a day: breakfast, lunch (this is often quite a small meal) and then an evening meal (often called dinner or supper). Tea is still the traditional British hot drink and is usually taken with milk several times a day.

As in most other European countries, it is acceptable in the UK to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, and pubs and wine bars form an established part of British social life. All pubs and bars sell non-alcoholic drinks too, so you don’t have to drink to enjoy yourself! People also meet to drink tea and coffee, and you’ll find a vast range of different coffee shops in every UK town or city.

While in the UK it is likely that you will be invited for a meal with friends. It is a good idea to make sure you tell them in advance about the food or drink you cannot consume because of your religion, health or ethical stance. International students tell us how they love to share their own cookery with people from the UK and other countries and this is also a great way to make new friends.

Events and celebrations

Aside from all the main religious festivals and holidays in the UK calendar, there are many traditional festivities that are enjoyed during the year. These include Bonfire Night on 5tth November when you can attend organised firework and bonfire displays. Bonfire Night celebrates the failure of the 1605 attempt by Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Then there is Burns Night - usually held on 25 January - which celebrates the life and works of the Scottish writer Robert Burns and people get together to eat a Burns Supper. In Wales you can join in the tradition of the Eisteddfod, a Welsh celebration of music, literature and performance. Aside from the National Eisteddfod, there are many other Eisteddfodau held across Wales including an International Eisteddfod and the Urdd (or Youth) Eisteddfod. This is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant youth arts festivals.

Relaxation and inspiration

Coming to the UK to study is also about finding inspiration and excitement outside your coursework as well as discovering new activities and ways to relax. You can really be yourself by keeping up with your own interests or discovering new ones. The UK has an amazing cultural scene which will be all around you wherever you choose to study.

The UK is a really cool place for music of all types. Whether you just listen or dance you’ll find pop, rock or classical, folk, jazz or opera, and all sorts of world music. From small clubs, independent cafes and bars to international scale concert halls, rock festivals or gigs, you can listen and dance to lots of live music. Many independent artists and bands play at university or college venues.

Apart from a wealth of clubs and societies on campus or in local communities, you can visit traditional museums, contemporary art spaces and galleries, with collections and exhibitions from all over the world. Sculpture, painting, video and photography are widely available to see in the UK. The UK also has an incredibly vibrant theatre and performing arts heritage, maintaining both traditional plays and musicals but encouraging new and alternative productions too.

Most places of interest have websites, which detail a building's accessibility and any special equipment available. You can also find out about tours, lectures and workshops for people of all ages and abilities. Here are some things you may want to ask about:

• information about access in different parts of the building
• travel and parking information
• what assistance is provided and whether advance notice is required
• what formats information is provided in
• details about services and events specifically targeted at disabled people

Over recent years, changes to procedures, practices and physical access to buildings have been made. These include:

• guides and tours for people with learning disabilities
• staff training to raise awareness of people's different requirements
• exhibition guides in different formats such as audiotape and Braille
• New ways of making information accessible for disabled people are constantly evolving.

These include:

• the description of museums and archive collections for blind or visually impaired visitors,
• symbol systems for people with learning difficulties,
• the use of technology, for example online videos delivered in British Sign Language.

Places are starting to include the needs of users with dyslexia in their planning and the way they display and promote their collections.

For something a bit more energetic, the UK offers an incredible and beautiful landscape for walking, climbing, cycling, mountain-biking and running. The mountains of Scotland and Wales, the rolling hills of England and Northern Ireland, the Lake District and the Yorkshire moors, as well as the coastline of all these parts of the UK will be all around you. Your university, college or school will be able to help you find out about local countryside activities and events.

Many institutions have good state-of-the-art sports facilities, but you can also use local or private leisure centres to keep fit and healthy. As a student in the UK, there are many opportunities to attend or participate in organised sports activities, or to get involved in charitable events like sponsored walks and runs. You might even try to join the London Marathon!

After all that exercise, perhaps you just want to watch a film. The UK has cinemas in almost every town and city, showing feature films from all over the world. There are also many film festivals in British cities, focusing on themes in film, specific directors or animation, for example.