Useful info:

Banks Most are open from 09.00 - 16.30 with some branches open Saturday morning. If you want to open a bank account in the UK come to reception for a letter but you will usually need to be enrolled on a course for 6 months or more. To change foreign currency it is usually better to go to a bank. The nearest is Thomas Cook in the HSBC bank at 52 Oxford St. EC cards and all major credit cards, travellers checks are also options.

Driving Most international driver’s licences are accepted in the UK but you must be at least 17 years old to drive. You must wear seatbelts in the front and back and you must never drink and drive - it is dangerous and the penalties are severe. You should be over 25 to hire a car and remember to drive on the left!

Emergencies During school hours come to reception or phone (+44) 020 7580 2863. At other times contact your host family or phone our emergency number (+44) 07850900818. If you need the police, fire brigade or ambulance phone 999 or 112. If you see a fire in school tell a member of staff immediately.

Health Treatment under the National Health Service is free if: you are enrolled for 6 months or more, you are a national of an EU country, you need emergency care or your country has a reciprocal agreement with UK. If you need a Doctor you will have to register as a patient in the area where you live. For non-urgent treatment it is often better to ask for advice from the pharmacist in a chemist such as Boots Chemist.

Insurance You are strongly advised to take out insurance to cover you in case of loss of personal property, any medical expenses and tuition fees lost through serious problems which may cause you to return home early. We advise you to arrange your insurance before you go to London but you can also arrange this at the school.

Keeping fit There is a fully equipped gym, swimming pool and keep fit classes at the YMCA on Great Russell St or the Oasis health centre is also near to the school. Whichever method of keeping fit from aerobics to kung fu there will be somewhere in London where you can practise.

Telephones Calls in Britain are cheaper after 18.00 and all day at the weekend. If you want to call abroad you can reverse the charges (collect call). The number of the international operator is 155. The school can provide you with public phone cards if needed. If you have a mobile and you are in London for longer than a month then you might want to get a UK SIM card from Vodaphone.

Safety London is not an especially dangerous city but you should always keep an eye on your bags and money. At school keep your bags with you at all times and make sure you take everything home with you. If you are out late at night keep to well-lit, busy areas. Never carry too much money with you and leave your passport or identity card at home somewhere safe. It is not necessary to carry these documents with you in the UK.

See Also: Travel Insurance