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Pre Departure Info

So, you have taken the first step and you have made the decision to come on a study abroad programme. Now you need to think about things you might need to know before you come over to the UK.

Rest assured, Anglo American Educational Services have a team of dedicated support services who are there for you to orientate you to London, and to provide any information that you might need before, during or indeed after, your programme.

Oscar Wilde once said ‘that when a man is bored of London he is bored of life’. London is an amazing city to live in, and as you know, all the Anglo American staff are here to help you get through the transitional stages, but you might want to read the following information to help you adjust a little. It will also answer some of the questions that you might have about what to bring, and what to leave behind!

Culture shock

It is said that the UK and the USA are 2 countries both united and separated by a common language. For example, if you are a student teacher and someone asked you for a rubber would you know that they are asking for an eraser. Or that when shopping for zucchini you should be looking for courgettes? There are a number of useful websites that will give you a list of words that you might encounter. Just type in American British words into a search engine like Google, and it comes up with endless sites.

You might also want to consider reading some books about London. The Culture Shock Series give an insight into the whole British culture, and have a volume dedicated to London. There are also are series of travel books researched by US students from Harvard called Lets Go. A lot of students swear by them. There is a Britain copy.

London is very different to any city in the world. We are a multicultural society and you will be living in very different areas of London. All our housing is located in safe, central neighbourhoods, but be aware that many people living in London are not British, and you should be prepared to see people of all different religions and races around you.

View our PDF - dictionary

Passport

Make sure you have a valid passport, and if you are not a US citizen the relevant visas, especially if you are planning to do any travel outside of the UK. You should allow adequate time to process your passport application.   If you are unsure about applying for a passport, or you need further information then your study abroad office will be able to assist you. You should also ensure that you are in possession of a letter from your university stating that you are on a Study Abroad Programme. Make sure you always bring at least 2 photocopies of your passport

An ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is also recommended. It allows discounts into a number of sites, serves as student ID and also offers valuable repatriation insurance. Your Study Abroad Office can offer you information on where you can obtain an ISIC card.

What do I need to bring?

First of all, the most important thing. Do not over pack! Remember that you will want to fill up your suitcase on the way back with souvenirs, books etc., so try and pack as light as possible. London space is at a premium, so you are likely to find you have a lot less space than you might expect in your apartment in the States. We would however, recommend that you bring the following things;

  • Prescription medicines – It can be difficult to get the same kind of medicines when you are in the UK. You should ensure that you have enough prescription medicines for your time in the UK. Don’t forget to bring the packaging with you as well.   This may be required when you enter the country to prove that they are genuine medicines. You may also want to bring over the counter medicines, such as cold and flu remedies. Some people say that the cold and flu cures you find in the UK are very different to those you will find in the US.
  • Contact lenses/solutions- These are a lot more expensive in the UK, and it may be more difficult to find the same brand.
  • Suitable clothes. The UK has very temperamental weather. Make sure that you pack suitable clothing for the weather.   You can check out the latest weather up-dates on the BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/weather
  • Adaptors – The UK are on a different plug system to the US so if you are bringing things like lap tops then you will need to bring adaptors. Don’t worry though, if you do forget yours they are easy to get over here.
  • Transformers – In general, most non-European electrical items are not compatible with the UK system because of the different voltage. We use 220/240V compared to the US 110V. If you try and use an appliance without a converter it will burn out. Transformers, depending on the size, can power more than one appliance, so you don’t need to bring a transformer per device.
  • Camera film – Camera film is a lot more expensive in the UK. If you are using a manual camera you might want to consider bringing some film with you. Batteries are also more expensive.

You might want to leave the following items until you get over here;

  • Towels – If you are staying in a hotel towels will be provided, but in our apartments you are expected to provide your own.   Unless you specifically want a certain towel from home then you can go to a local store such as Woolworths, and you will find that towels are not overly expensive.
  • Hairdryers and curling irons- We highly recommend that you do not bring hairdryers. In the past students have found that they are not compatible with adaptors, and have broken very quickly.
  • Toiletries – Whilst things might be a little more expensive over here the majority of toiletries are readily available in the UK.
  • Alarm clocks – Electrical alarm clocks will not work at all over here, even with a transformer.

Should I bring my Computer/Laptop?

All of the Anglo properties have wireless facilities. Therefore, you are welcome to bring your laptop. Please ensure that you have adequate insurance for your laptop. Anglo American Educational Services are not responsible for insuring your personal belongings.

Housing

More information on your housing can be found in the housing section of the website. All the Anglo accommodations include the following, unless otherwise agreed in advance:

  • Weekly linen change
  • Weekly maid service
  • 24 hour maintenance cover
  • Fully equipped kitchens
  • Lounges

Terrestrial TV. Please note we do not provide DVD players