If you want to study in England

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Here are some tips for those thinking of coming to the UK to study, especially those from the USA:

• Get your passport early. See below for extensive passport info.
  
• Get an international currency account (check out Citibank) before you leave; the banks here are designed to rip off personal banking customers, especially foreigners. I'm also investigating currency exchange through paypal.
  
• Pick up an AZ London book (full map with street index). Most of the maps you'll buy won't cover everywhere you'll end up, this one will.
  
• Bring your walkin' shoes. Plan on walking at least 2 mi per day.
  
• Set up a Skype account before you go (makes it a bit cheaper and less hassle when you get here)
  
• Keep some money in your US account. You may need to pay some bills, buy something online, or send someone a Christmas present...
  
• Do some meditating before you come: most of the first week is spent in line (or queue). It will get better.
  
• Figure out how your school will calculate your grades before you start and whether or not they count.
  
• Vodafone and T-Mobile have the best deals. Ask for the T-mobile monthly contract.
  
• Groceries are much, much, much cheaper then eating out. See if you can arrange access to a kitchen.
  
• Bring some spending money in both pounds and dollars; I promise you'll be hungry at an airport.
  
• If you are going to open a bank account, do not plan on withdrawing money for a week. There may well be delays. Post offices will exchange currencies (relatively high rate, but not too bad).
  
• Get involved with societies; it's the best way to meet people.
  
• Ask questions and find others who have studied in the past.
  

Note on the Visa:
Really do apply early; I know of two students who were going to do my program that were late on their visas and are now entirely out of luck. They will not accept letters from the financial aid office at your school as proof of maintenance. I have a friend who had his first application rejected because of this (cost him an extra $250). If you have financial aid, see if you can sign the papers and get one of your counselors to write a letter that says your institution will provide x number of dollars. Don't mention anything about financial aid. Also, if you are planning on paying out of pocket, you need to have your name on an account with the appropriate balance at least 6 months in advance (new rule next month- Nov 09).

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Comments

[Lauri]

Early
You're a quick study. What's a pint of bitter going for? L.

[phb]

Bitter
Depends on where you get it. prices run from 1.50 on student nights to a more normal range of 3-6