Living in UK

Pre-departure briefing information

Once you've accepted a place on a course at a school, college or university, your institution may send you information to help you prepare for your arrival.

Read this carefully – it may tell you more about the institution and the local area, and include practical information such as opening times of offices, local travel advice and important steps you need to take (such as applying for accommodation, or registering for your course).

The British Council runs pre-departure briefing programmes that tell you about immigration and passport control procedures, how to get to schools, colleges and universities, financial matters, budget planning and cultural differences.

Please contact your local British Council office for more information. Your nearest UK Embassy or High Commission can also advise you on what documentation you will need.

Traveling by train

Train stations can be found all over the 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 traveling it is worth investing in a Young Person's Railcard (YPR) which costs £20 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.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk

The network of train services in the is extensive and well used, ranging from local lines to fast intercity routes. (‘Intercity’ trains travel between major towns and cities.) On a very long journey, you can sometimes get a place in a ‘sleeper’ – a compartment where you can lie down and sleep. You can even take your car on some trains, using a service called Motorail.

Fares

Fares depend on when you travel, where you go, and how far in advance you book your ticket. The most expensive fares are for last-minute bookings traveling during weekday peak hours (mainly business commuting hours). Here is an overview.

Bookings

You can book rail tickets:

Train Company Booking Lines

Arriva Trains 0870 900 0773
c2c 0845 744 4422
Central Trains 0870 609 6060
Chiltern Railways 0845 600 5165
Eurostar 0870 518 6186
First Great Western 0845 700 0125
First Great Western Link 0845 730 0700
First Scot Rail 0845 755 0033
Great North Eastern Railway 0845 722 5225
Midland Mainline 0845 712 5678
Northern 0845 600 1159
One 0845 600 7245
Silverlink Trains 0870 512 5240
Southern 0870 830 6000 (no telesales)
South West Trains 0845 600 0650
Thameslink Rail 0845 330 6333
Virgin Trains 0845 722 2333
Trains 0870 900 2320
Great Northern 0870 850 8822

Catching a coach

The network of coach services is even more extensive than the rail network, reaching many small and remote places. There are many different coach operators. Some specialise in a particular route and others serve wider areas. National Express is a major coach company that operates throughout the . (For journeys entirely within , Scottish Citylink operates in place of National Express.)

In smaller towns and villages, coaches stop by the side of the road to pick up and drop off passengers, but larger towns and cities have coach stations. In , most coaches arrive at and depart from Victoria Coach Station, which is about ten minutes' walk from railway station. You can buy tickets for your journey here and find out about the various coach services.

The London Underground

Here is a beginner’s guide to ‘the tube’, one of the easiest ways to get around .

Learning your lines

There are 12 different lines, each with its own name (e.g. the Piccadilly line, the Circle line). Each line is a different colour on the map of the Underground system. You can find the map in the ticket hall at each Underground station, and usually on the platforms as well. Sections of the map are also displayed in the carriages of the Underground trains.

Planning your route

Before you begin, it helps to know which line you are starting on and on which line your destination can be found. If they are on different lines, look at the map to see where the two lines cross, and note the name of the station where they meet - that is where you have to change trains. (If the two lines do not cross, keep looking until you find a third line that crosses both of the other two. Then you will need to change trains twice.)

Buying a ticket

You can buy a ticket from one of the automatic machines or from the ticket office. Either way, you need to know the name of the station you are going to. You also need to know whether you want a ‘single’ ticket (valid just to get you to your destination) or a ‘return’ (to get you there and back again).

Fares are based on a zone system: the more zones you travel through, the more expensive your fare is. (Some of the Underground maps show which stations are in which zones.) A single ticket for travel through all six zones currently costs £4.00.

Depending how far you are traveling and how many journeys you need to make, it may be cheaper to buy a one-day Travelcard, which gives you unlimited travel on all London Underground and bus services the day you buy it. A one-day Travelcard covering all six zones, after on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays, currently costs £6.80.

If you plan to travel regularly on the same route it will be cheaper for you to buy a weekly or a monthly season ticket. In you can also buy an Oyster Smartcard. You can put your Travelcard and season ticket on it, add travel value (cash) to pay as you go, or have a combination of both. (See www.tfl.gov.uk/oystercard)

Entering the system

At most stations you must pass through an automatic gate. Put your ticket into the slot (to the right of the gate). When the gate opens, pass through. As you pass through, your ticket will pop up from another slot on the top.
Pull your ticket out of the slot and take it with you; you need it at the end of your journey. If you have baggage with you, you can go through a special gate where you can pass your baggage through more easily. Show your ticket to an attendant and ask him or her to let you through this gate.

Most stations have long escalators leading to and from the trains. Try to stand to the right-hand side, leaving space for people to walk past you on the left.

Changing trains

Get off at the station where the line you are on crosses the line you need. Follow the signs for the line you need, and the direction you want to go in.

Leaving the system

At most stations, you must pass through an automatic gate again to leave the station. Put your ticket in the slot as before. If you bought a return ticket or a Travelcard, your ticket will pop up for you to collect again, so that you can use it later. If you bought a single (or if you are on the return trip of your return ticket), your ticket will stay in the machine.

Taxis

Cars and motorcycles

Before driving any vehicle (car, motorbike, van etc) in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), you should check that you meet all of the legal requirements which apply (a) to the driver and (b) to the vehicle; and that you are aware of the correct procedures, which may be very different from your home country.

Detailed information about all aspects of driving in , and () can be found on the website of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) atwww.dvla.gov.uk

For specific information about driving in see the Driver and Vehicle Licensing section at the Driver and Vehicle Agency website at www.dvani.gov.uk

Important Legal Requirements

Driving in the UK on your existing driving license

If you have a driving licence issued by a country which is in the European Economic Area (EEA) (The European Economic Area is composed of all the countries of the European Union (EU), namely Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom PLUS Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).If you hold a valid driving licence from one of the above countries and you are visiting the , you can drive for as long as your licence remains valid. Alternatively, you can apply at any time to exchange your licence for a British one. If you wish to continue driving in the after your EEA licence expires, a British driving licence must be obtained.

The information leaflet INF38 'Driving in Great Britain (GB) as a visitor or a new resident', explains the current rules affecting foreign driving licence holders who visit or come to live in .

For driving in , see the website of the Driver and at www.dvani.gov.uk

If you do not do this you must stop driving although you may apply to exchange your licence at any time within 5 years of becoming resident.For information on exchanging your licence for a GB For Northern Ireland, see www.dvlni.gov.uk/drivers/exchange_licence.htm
(b) If you hold a licence issued in , or the For information on driving in GB on a licence issued in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man For Northern Ireland, see www.dvlni.gov.uk/drivers/jersery_guernsey.htm
(c) If you hold a licence issued in any other countryStudents who hold a non-Community licence or an International Driving Permit may drive here for up to 12 months.

They will be able to take a test and obtain a full licence once they have been in GB for 6 months.You can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you became resident. To ensure continuous driving entitlement a provisional GB or licence must have been obtained and a driving test passed before the 12-month period elapses.

If you obtain a provisional licence during this period, you are not subject to provisional licence conditions e.g. displaying `L' plates or being supervised by a qualified driver or being precluded from motorways. However, if you do not pass a test within the 12- month concessionary period you will not be allowed to drive as a full licence holder and provisional licence conditions will apply.

If you do not apply for a provisional licence within the first 12 months you must stop driving and obtain a British provisional licence with a view to passing a driving test. Provisional licence conditions will then apply.

Mopeds and Motocycles

Even if you have a licence for driving a car, you might still need to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before riding a moped or a motorcycle in the . On successful completion of the course you will get a training certificate (DL196) which is valid for two years. You will need to show your certificate to the examiner when you take your practical test.

If you have any queries about CBT phone the Driving Standards Agency on 0300 200 1122 and ask for the CBT Section or see 'Learning to Drive or Ride' at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/index.htm
For more information on ‘Driving on licences from all other countries, and students on a foreign licence’ see www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561 . See also the following DVLA leaflets:

which are available in Post Offices or from the DVLA online leaflets Note: it is a criminal offence to drive using a licence that is not valid in the . In addition, if you do so, your car insurance will be invalidated and you will be committing a further criminal offence of 'driving without valid motor insurance'.

Learning to drive in the UK

If you wish to drive a car in the but do not currently hold a valid licence to do so, you will need to apply for a provisional licence and take a driving test in order to obtain a full licence.

Driving licences are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in , and and in by the Driver and Vehicle Agency Northern Ireland.

In , those who do not hold a licence must have been studying there for at least 6 months prior to taking a driving test or applying for a full licence. For more information see www.dvlni.gov.uk/drivers/ foreign_student.htm. In the rest of the (that is, , and ), if you want to take a GB driving test you must be normally resident in . However, if you have moved to GB having recently been permanently resident in another state of the EU/EEA, you must have been normally resident in GB for 185 days in the 12 months prior to your application for a driving test and a full licence.

A provisional licence requires you to display red and white 'L'-plates (‘D’ plates in Wales) at the front and back of the vehicle and to be accompanied by another person in the passenger seat when you drive who (a) is over 21 years old, and (b) has passed their driving test and held a valid licence for at least 3 years.You are not allowed to drive on a motorway if you hold a provisional licence.
See www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/index.htm.
There are many driving-schools in the where you can pay for lessons with a qualified instructor. Details of instructors in your local area can be found in the Yellow Pages directory at www.yell.com or www.driving-schools.co.uk or www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha.content/en/index.publisha .

Insurance

The law in requires all motorists to have valid insurance that provides them or anyone they permit to use the vehicle with insurance cover for the vehicle that they are driving. It is an offence to drive a vehicle on the road or in a public place without insurance, and penalties can be severe if you do not have insurance. There are 3 different types of insurance policies:

If you have a vehicle in the (see section ‘Buying a car in the ’, below), it is your responsibility to arrange insurance cover.

If borrowing a friend’s car or other vehicle, always check that they have insurance which allows you to drive it. Some car-owners have insurance which allows anyone with a valid driving licence to use their vehicle; but many have insurance which covers the vehicle owner or certain named drivers only.

If the car you are going to drive does not belong to you, then even if there is an insurance policy in force, it may not cover you to drive unless you are a named driver or it is an 'any driver' policy. However, even 'any driver' policies may not cover learner drivers, or people driving on foreign licences.
It is the driver's responsibility to make sure that she or he is insured to drive. It is no defence to say that you believed (wrongly) that you were insured. Always check before driving.

For more information on arranging insurance for your vehicle, see the section below on ‘Buying a car in the'.

If hiring/renting a car, you will need to show a valid current driving licence. Insurance and road tax are normally provided by the rental company and included in the hire charge.

Before driving in the , you should check that all of these legal requirements have been met, as driving without insurance (or a valid driving licence, or road tax) is unlawful and can cause legal problems if you come to the attention of the police. Indeed, breaking the law by driving without the correct valid documents can lead to you being fined and banned from driving, and further offences can result in you being sent to prison.

On the road

In addition to having current valid road tax, insurance and driving-licence:

Further information about what you can drive and your legal obligations as a driver can be found on the DVLA website at www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers.aspx . Essential reading for anyone planning to drive in the UK is The Highway Code, both in terms of road safety and because many of its rules are in fact legal requirements. The Highway Code costs around £2.50 and can be bought from bookshops or on-line at www.tsoshop.co.uk which also contains a ‘Test Yourself’ section.

Legal requirements

All motor vehicles in the must be registered, taxed and insured. If the car is more than 3 years old, the car must be checked and a Certificate of Roadworthiness, known as an MoT Test, obtained every year before the expiry of the last MoT, which is valid for 12 months.

Registration

If you buy a brand-new car in the , the dealer will usually arrange for the car to be registered for you. You will need to provide documentary proof of your name and address. You must make sure that the details shown on your Registration Document/Certificate are correct.

If the dealer does not register the car for you, make sure that they give you the appropriate application form so that you can apply yourself.If you are thinking of buying a used (‘second-hand’) car or other vehicle in the , we strongly recommend that you read the helpful information on buying and selling a vehicle.

One of the most important aspects of buying a used vehicle is to check that it is indeed the property of the seller. Before buying a vehicle you should satisfy yourself that the seller either owns the vehicle, or is entitled to offer it for sale. Ask to see the bill of sale in the seller’s name or other evidence such as a hire purchase discharge document; and always ask for a receipt of purchase on completion of the deal.

If you are buying privately, you should view the vehicle at the address on the registration certificate V5C. You should check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) printed on the registration certificate V5C corresponds with the VIN on the vehicle (usually found on a plate in the engine compartment). If the vehicle is not registered in the seller’s name, ask why. Never purchase a vehicle unless it has a registration certificate.

You may wish to make a check through the DVLA’S Vehicle Check Service (VCS) either online or by telephone. The VCS has been introduced to help reduce car crime. It is intended to deter criminals from disguising stolen cars with the identity of written off ones (that is, vehicles which have been badly damaged in an accident and which have been written off by an insurance company).
The telephone service calls are charged at 49p per minute. The telephone number is 0906 185 85 85 and the service operates Monday to Friday between and , and Saturday between and .

Buying and owning a car

If you own a car in the , you must do all of the following:

For , the number is 0845 402 4000 and the line is open Monday-Friday 0900-1700hrs ( time); and there is useful advice on buying a used vehicle

Note: if you buy a vehicle which is later identified as having been stolen, you may have no right in law to its ownership and you could lose both the vehicle and the money you paid for it. For more details, see the DVLA website (link above).

When you have bought the vehicle, you will need to register it in your name. If you wish to bring your vehicle with you from your home country, then we recommend that you read the information on www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/index.htm

For , see the DVLNI website For more information on Vehicle Registrationor for Northern Ireland

Road Tax

You must ensure that road tax for your car is paid before you drive it. You can obtain a tax disc by completing an application form (V10) that is available from any Post Office and online at www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/ .You will need to take the completed form together with the following documents to a Post Office that issues tax discs:

Insurance cover

The cost of motor insurance cover will vary according to a number of factors such as your age, how long you have been driving, where you are living, the age and value of your car and the type of car you have. Costs may vary widely between insurance companies for the same cover, so you may want to shop around.

Motoring organisations

There are a number of motoring organisations in the that offer a range of services to the motorist, including breakdown assistance and recovery, insurance and route planning. They tend to charge a membership fee and make additional charges for the particular services you may wish to buy.

You may find that NUS (National Union of Students) members get special rates from some motoring organisations. Examples of motoring organisations: www.rac.co.uk or www.theaa.com or www.greenflag.com

EEA drivers

If you have a full licence issued by an EEA country, you can use your national licence the whole time you are in the , as long as it remains valid. (If your EEA licence expires while you are in the and you want to continue to drive here, you need to get a licence.) The countries of the EEA are , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , the , , , , , , , and the .

The rules are slightly different in the following circumstances:

If you fall into either of these categories, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency for advice, or read the UKCOSA Guidance Note: Driving in : a guide for international

Drivers from specified countries

This section applies to you if your driving licence is from: , , , , , , , , , , , , or . If you have a licence from one of the countries listed above, and you are in the for at least one year, you can drive small vehicles (e.g. cars, motorcycles, vans to 3.5 tonnes) for 12 months from the day you arrive in the . If you want to continue driving after the 12 month period, you must get a driving licence before the 12 months are up.

To start the process of exchanging your licence for a licence, go to any post office and pick up form D1. Fill in the form and follow the instructions on it. There is a charge for obtaining a licence; details are included on the form.

All other drivers

This section applies to you if any country other than those listed in the two sections above issued your driving licence.

Further information

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Customer Enquiries (Drivers) Unit,
DVLC, SA6 7JL, telephone +44 (0)870 240 0009, fax +44 (0)1792
783071, www.dvla.gov.uk

Services for drivers

If you plan to buy your own car to use in the , consider joining one of the motoring organisations. For an annual fee, these organisations offer:

Bicycle basics

Bicycles are a great way to get around at no cost, with the added benefit of helping you to keep fit. 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 , 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.

Further information

For information about the National Cycle Network Centre, contact Sustrans, 2 Cathedral Square, College Green, Bristol BS1 5DD, telephone +44 (0)117 926 8893, fax +44 (0) 117 929 4173, www.sustrans.org

Culture Shock

Leaving home and traveling to study in a new country can be a stressful experience. Even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effects it has on you may take you by surprise. If you find that you are surprised by the effects of the change, it might be helpful to realize that your experience is quite normal.
This applies whatever country you come from, and wherever you are going to study, even though some cultures are more similar than others because of geographic, historic, demographic and other connections.

"Culture shock" describes the impact of moving from a familiar culture to one which is unfamiliar. It is an experience described by people who have traveled abroad to work, live or study; it can be felt to a certain extent even when abroad on holiday. It can affect anyone, including international students. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and learning the ways of a different country.

It also includes the shock of being separated from the important people in your life, maybe family, friends, colleagues, teachers: people you would normally talk to at times of uncertainty, people who give you support and guidance. When familiar sights, sounds, smells or tastes are no longer there you can miss them very much. If you are tired and jet-lagged when you arrive small things can be upsetting and out of all proportion to their real significance.

The following are some of the elements that contribute to culture shock:

Climate

Many students find that the British climate affects them a lot. You may be used to a much warmer climate, or you may just find the greyness and dampness, especially during the winter months, difficult to get used to.

Food

You may find British food strange. It may taste different, or be cooked differently, or it may seem bland or heavy compared to what you are used to. If you are in self catering accommodation and unused to cooking for yourself, you may find yourself relying on "fast" food instead of your usual diet. Try to find a supplier of familiar food, and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Language

Constantly listening and speaking in a foreign language is tiring. If English is not your first language, you may find that you miss your familiar language which at home would have been part of your everyday environment. Even if you are a fluent English speaker it is possible that the regional accents you discover when you arrive in the will make the language harder to understand. People may also speak quickly and you may feel embarrassed to ask them to repeat what they have said.

Dress

If you come from a warm climate, you may find it uncomfortable to wear heavy winter clothing. Not all students will find the British style of dress different but, for some, it may seem immodest, unattractive, comical or simply drab.

Social roles

Social behaviors may confuse, surprise or offend you. For example you may find people appear cold and distant or always in a hurry. This may be particularly likely in the centre of large cities. Or you may be surprised to see couples holding hands and kissing in public. You may find the relationships between men and women more formal or less formal than you are used to, as well as differences in same sex social contact and relationships

'Rules' of behavior

As well as the obvious things that hit you immediately when you arrive, such as sights, sounds, smells and tastes, every culture has unspoken rules which affect the way people treat each other. These may be less obvious but sooner or later you will probably encounter them and once again the effect may be disorientating. For example there will be differences in the ways people decide what is important, how tasks are allocated and how time is observed. The British generally have a reputation for punctuality.

In business and academic life keeping to time is important. You should always be on time for lectures, classes, and meetings with academic and administrative staff. If you are going to be late for a meeting do try to let whoever you are meeting know. Social life is a little more complicated.

Arranging to meet to see a film at means arriving at . But if you are invited to visit someone's home for dinner at , you should probably aim to arrive at about ten minutes after eight, but not later than about twenty past. When going to a student party an invitation for probably means any time from 9.30 onwards! These subtle differences can be difficult to grasp and can contribute to culture shock.

Values

Although you may first become aware of cultural differences in your physical environment, e.g. food, dress, behavior, you may also come to notice that people from other cultures may have very different views of the world from yours. Cultures are built on deeply-embedded sets of values, norms, assumptions and beliefs. It can be surprising and sometimes distressing to find that people do not share some of your most deeply held ideas, as most of us take our core values and beliefs for granted and assume they are universally held.

As far as possible, try to suspend judgment until you understand how parts of a culture fit together into a coherent whole. Try to see what people say or do in the context of their own culture's norms. This will help you to understand how other people see your behavior, as well as how to understand theirs. When you understand both cultures, you will probably find some aspects of each that you like and others that you don't.

Model of culture shock

The process of culture shock can be illustrated by a model known as the "W" curve (see diagram on the following page). This model may not relate to your experience or only partially. Sometimes the process is faster or slower. Many people go through different phases of the process of adjustment several times, so parts of the curve in the diagram may repeat themselves.

For instance, at significant times such as important family dates or festivals you may feel distressed or lonely, while at other times you feel quite settled. However, many people have reported that this model has reflected something of their experience and they have found it helpful to realize they are not the only ones to have had these feelings. The process can be broken down into 5 stages:

1. The "honeymoon" stage

When you first arrive in a new culture, differences are intriguing and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. At this stage you are still protected by the close memory of your home culture.

2. The "distress" stagee

A little later, differences create an impact and you may feel confused, isolated or inadequate as cultural differences intrude and familiar supports (eg family or friends) are not immediately available.

3. "Re-integration" stage

Next you may reject the differences you encounter. You may feel angry or frustrated, or hostile to the new culture. At this stage you may be conscious mainly of how much you dislike it compared to home. Don't worry, as this is quite a healthy reaction. You are reconnecting with what you value about yourself and your own culture.

4."Autonomy" stage

Differences and similarities are accepted. You may feel relaxed, confident, more like an old hand as you become more familiar with situations and feel well able to cope with new situations based on your growing experience.

5"Independence" stage

Differences and similarities are valued and important. You may feel full of potential and able to trust yourself in all kinds of situations. Most situations become enjoyable and you are able to make choices according to your preferences and values. Diagram of W-Curve: Stages of adjustment experienced during orientation.

Effects of culture shock

Some of the symptoms of culture shock can be worrying themselves. For example, you may find your health is affected and you may get headaches or stomach aches or you may start worrying about your health more than previously. You may find it difficult to concentrate and as a result find it harder to focus on your course work. Other people find they become more irritable or tearful and generally their emotions seem more changeable. All of these effects can in themselves increase your anxiety.

How to help yourself

Finally...

It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign that you have made a mistake or that you won't manage. In fact there are very positive aspects of culture shock. The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education.

Resources of Culture Shock

Arrive early

If you can arrange it with your institution, it is worth arriving about a week before most other students do, so that you can settle in before things get busy. Many institutions run special induction programmes for international students (especially undergraduates) in the week before term begins.

A typical induction programme provides a tour of the college or university, an overview of its facilities and how to use them, help with registering for your academic programme, and social events where you can meet other students and staff. This can help you start to get used to your new environment. The British Council has produced an orientation video for students, Next steps, which gives practical advice on adjusting to your new environment.

Talk to a counsellor

The welcomes thousands of international students each year, so universities and colleges often employ professional counselors and international student advisers to help new students adjust. These people have special training in offering advice and support, and they understand the challenges you face. They can listen to you sympathetically, offer practical suggestions, and refer you to other professionals if necessary.

Your personal tutor and the staff in the international office or students' union of your college or university can also be helpful. Some institutions run a 'buddy' or mentoring system - students who have been in the university or college for a longer period give advice to new arrivals, and are available for help and guidance throughout the year. There will be information on schemes such as these in the induction period at the beginning of term, and the students' union or international student association will help you become involved.

Keep in touch with home

Use the telephone, faxes, e-mail and conventional mail to keep in contact with your friends and family at home (see chapter 8, Services and facilities). In larger towns or cities with large international communities, you may be able to find newspapers from your own country, or at least in your own language - your college or university may even have some in its own library. You may also be able to find newspapers and other information from your country on the internet. Depending where you are from, you may also be able to watch satellite television programmes from your country.

Spend time with other people from your country

Many international students find that it helps to make contact with people from a similar background because they understand what you are going through. Spending time with people from your country can also be a relaxing break from the 'strangeness' of the .

You can speak your own language, eat your own foods and talk about what is going on back home. However, remember that speaking your own language all the time will not help to improve your English language skills. Many colleges and universities have a variety of national/cultural societies, as well as an active international students' association - ask your students' union for details.

The students' union or international students' association may also have information about national or cultural groups outside the institution, in the town or city. Of course, it is important to strike a balance between what is familiar and the new experiences and culture available to you.

Keep healthy and active

Make an effort to exercise regularly if you are able to do so. You will feel better and if you join a sports club or society, it can also be a good way to meet people. Eat a balanced diet and find a shop that sells food from your part of the world, so that you can enjoy familiar meals when you want them.

Remember your faith

If you follow a religion and worship regularly at home, you should continue to do so while you are in the UK as this can provide a sense of stability and be a link to your life at home. Every major religion in the world is represented here, and most large cities have Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist centers, as well as synagogues and churches of all denominations. Ask your international student adviser, chaplaincy or students' union about finding a place of worship in the local area.

Remind yourself that culture shock is normal - and temporary

How long and how much you are affected by culture shock depends on your background and your reactions. However, do remember, at first, it is natural to go through stages of rejecting all that you find - the food, the clothing, the behavior patterns, the climate, but as time goes on, it is likely that you will gradually re-evaluate all those things and find them more acceptable.

Remind yourself that culture shock is normal - and temporary

How long and how much you are affected by culture shock depends on your background and your reactions. However, do remember, at first, it is natural to go through stages of rejecting all that you find - the food, the clothing, the behavior patterns, the climate, but as time goes on, it is likely that you will gradually re-evaluate all those things and find them more acceptable.

Keeping Healthy

Try to get some exercise several times a week. Most colleges and universities in the offer lots of opportunities to practice your favorite sport or learn a new one. If you do not like sports, try an exercise class, go dancing, or go for a long walk.
If you come from the tropics and arrive, as many do in the autumn , you will experience short day length and low light levels - quite different from your normal environment. The best you can do is to be aware that this is a problem. Indeed, some long-term residents of the find the low winter light levels a problem. Getting out into the daylight for exercise as much as possible will be beneficial.

Coping with minor problems:

Traveling to a new country with a different climate and different foods can cause small health upsets. You may develop minor illnesses such as coughs and colds. If you have not had these symptoms before, they may seem worrying at first, but do not be alarmed - these problems are usually easy to treat. Make an appointment to see your doctor, and remember to explain any changes in your lifestyle that might be affecting your health.
Eating the right food, and enough of it, is vital for keeping warm and healthy. If you are living in a catered hall of residence you will probably be given a balanced diet, but you should still be careful to make sure that you eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you have special dietary requirements (for example, for religious or cultural reasons) make sure the catering authorities know about them.
If you are cooking for yourself, eating healthily can be more difficult, especially if preparing your own meals is new to you. Most big towns have stores or areas where you can buy food from different parts of the world, so you may be able to find food that is familiar.
A healthy diet is one which includes elements from all the main food groups (protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals). You should try to eat something from each of the following groups every day:

Health Care Checklist

Checklist:

Health Care Checklist

Checklist:

Activities on campus

As a student in the , you will find a range of services and facilities at your disposal. In addition to academic facilities such as libraries and laboratories, most universities and many colleges provide recreational facilities for their students, such as inexpensive restaurants or cafes, pubs, lounges, athletics facilities, and shops where you can buy basic necessities.

Student life can be as active or as quiet as you like. There is a huge range of activities to choose from, beginning almost the moment you arrive. Many colleges and universities provide an orientation programme for new international students in the week before term begins.

This is your chance to get to know the campus, find out about essential services and meet other international students. Then, in the first week of term, many institutions stage a 'Freshers' fair': a programme of social events for new students. ('Freshers' are students in their first year of an undergraduate or a college programme.) During the fair, you will have further opportunities to meet other students at receptions and dances and you will have a chance to find out about the various clubs and societies you can join.

Student clubs and societies in the reflect a wide range of interests, and may centre around anything from a particular sport, political party or language to a specific computer game, television programme or musical group. Many colleges and universities have an international students' society which provides activities and support for students from outside the .

Shopping

Shopping facilities in the are many and varied. Here is an overview of some of the most popular shops, but there are also many good local shops that are not part of national or international chains.

Food Shopping

Shoe Shopping:

Major chains include: Clarks, Shoe Express and large department stores.

Typical opening hours: Monday to Saturday from to 5.30 or 6.00 p.m. Some shops open Sundays as well, especially in major cities and shopping centers. Many have 'late opening' on one or two days a week, staying open until about 9.00 p.m. and in provincial towns there may be an early closing day mid-week when the shops will close after lunch.

Shopping tips: Watch for major sales in January and summer

High street chemists/pharmacies

Major chains include :Boots, Superdrug

Typical opening hours: hours are as for supermarkets or department stores, but chemists' shops take turns staying open outside normal hours, to provide emergency supplies if needed.

Shopping tips

They sell medicines, contraceptives and a wide range of personal-care products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes, hair-styling products, cosmetics, perfume, shaving cream and razors, tissues, etc.

Street markets

Many towns and cities have street markets where you can buy a wide range of goods from individual stands. Markets can be a good source of fresh foods, and many offer particularly good prices for household goods, shoes and clothing. Opening hours: Variable. Some are open Monday to Friday or Monday to Saturday from about to ; others may be set up on one weekday 'market day' only; others operate on weekends or only on Sundays.

Charity shops

In every town and city there are charity shops that sell good-quality, second-hand items ranging from shoes and clothing through to books and household goods. Items for sale are always clean and serviceable and are exceptionally well priced. For instance a warm winter coat may cost as little as £5.00 and second-hand books 10p. Look for Cancer Research ; Oxfam; British Heart Foundation; and Help the Aged.

When buying from a website based in the , look for evidence that the organization is registered under the Data Protection Act. Organizations that are registered under the Act must follow strict rules about how they handle the information you give them.
Look for other evidence that the site meets independent standards of integrity and security. For example, the British Consumers' Association has established a Web Trader Code of Practice. Companies that meet the standards set out in the Code can display a special Which? icon on their sites. Other organizations have established security standards for online payments. Before placing your order, read any information you can find on the site about security and privacy issues.

When filling out the online order form, look for your web browser's security icon. On most browsers, this will appear in the bottom left corner. On newer browsers the icon is a solid gold padlock, and on older ones it is a solid key. If you don't see the icon, or if it appears as a broken image or with a solid line over it, the site may not be secure and your personal information may be vulnerable to theft. To be extra safe, buy from companies that also have retail premises - actual shops that you can visit if you have any problems.

Your rights as a consumer

A 'consumer' is someone who buys goods or services. As a consumer in the , you have the right to return any faulty goods to the shop where you bought them, and the shop must give you either a replacement or a refund. You have to take the goods back within the guarantee period after you bought them, and you usually have to provide 'proof of purchase' (that is, the sales receipt from the shop). If you think a shop has treated you unfairly, the local Office of Fair Trading can help - check the local telephone directory ( www.yell.com ) to find the one nearest to you.

Pubs and bars

Pubs and bars are an important part of social life in the . Most of them have an informal, comfortable atmosphere, and going to the pub is an easy way to get together with friends

Bars:

Bars may offer a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, or they may specialize and offer mostly wines or cocktails (mixed drinks). Some also offer meals or light snacks.

Opening hours: The standard legal opening hours for pubs and bars used to be ( on Sundays). However, in 2005, a new law was passed enabling pubs and bars to apply for a 'late license' to stay open longer. While some pubs and bars did apply for such a license others decided to keep their old opening hours. Check with the pubs in your area for their opening times. Please note that not all pubs and bars will be open throughout the day. Some pubs close for a while during the day, especially in rural areas.

Age limits: The legal drinking age in the is 18. Children are not allowed inside pubs and bars, except where there is a special family room, a separate dining-room or a garden area.

Cheap rates

There are also reduced rates on Saturday and Sunday.

Libraries

Your college or university will have its own library, but the local public library can be a useful resource as well. You can:

You can walk into a public library and study or read any books without restriction, but if you want to borrow any of the materials or use the computer terminals, you will have to join. Joining is free - all you have to do is complete a form and provide proof of your address (e.g. a letter from your institution or a utility bill that displays your accommodation address).

Staying on to work in the UK

If you do not want to leave the just yet, you might be able to arrange to stay on and work for a while. Working in the can provide you with good experience of real work situations, build your knowledge of industry practice, and lead to future contacts and work opportunities in your own country. There are three possibilities:

1. If you are an EEA national, you can stay and work freely in the .

1. Until now, it has not been easy for a majority of non-EEA students to get permission to stay on in the after their studies for work (apart from training for a professional or specialist qualification or work experience before returning home). This is changing and there are now a number of schemes that may be of relevance such as the 'Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme' and the 'Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme' (SEGS). For further information about these and other schemes see the UKCOSA Guidance Note 'Working in the after your studies' on www.ukcosa.org.uk and check the Home Office website www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

1. If you are a doctor, dentist or nurse, special arrangements have always applied to your professions, and these will continue.

If you want to stay in the you must make your application before your current permission to be here as a student runs out and usually after you have graduated.

Arriving in UK

When you are leaving home, allow plenty of time to check in for your flight and to pass through security controls – there can be long queues at busy times, as security at international airports is very stringent. There are a number of items that are not permitted in hand luggage: sharp items, such as scissors and knives should be packed in your hold luggage and there are restrictions on taking liquids and gels onto planes traveling to and from the .

Your airline will be able to provide a full list of prohibited items when you book your tickets, although it may also be worth rechecking just before you depart, as hand luggage directives are currently being updated on a fairly frequent basis.

Reaching your destination

Your institution may operate a 'meet and greet' service, where a representative from your school, college or university will collect you from the airport or nearest railway station and take you to the institution or your accommodation.

If this is not the case and you need to make your own way, check with your institution as to the best way to get there. You should be able to access the timetables of onward travel services in advance on the web, to work out the best way to get to your institution.

The is a relatively small country but it can still seem daunting to get around when you're not familiar with the transport system. When you first arrive in the , you'll need to get from the port, airport or railway station to your destination.

If you're enrolling at a college or university, the international officer should have sent you instructions on how to do this, along with a map. They may have even arranged to meet you.

Where to arrive in the UK

If you are studying in or the South-East, you will probably arrive in the at one of the three major airports: Gatwick, Heathrow or Stansted.
If you are studying elsewhere in the , ask your travel agent to check for flights to the nearest airport. There are 28 international regional airports throughout the , most of which have excellent connections through , , , or . There are also increasing numbers of flights direct to the larger non-London airports such as , , , and . It is a good idea to avoid changing flights at London Heathrow if you can find an alternative route.

To change flights at Heathrow you usually have to change terminals, which can be very confusing unless you know the airport well. If you do have to change terminals at Heathrow, allow plenty of time – at least two hours.

Further information

Visit Britain, Black´s Road, W6 9EL,
Telephone +44 (0)20 8846 9000, fax +44 (0)20 8563 0302 (written and telephone enquiries only),
www.visitbritain.com

Northern Ireland Tourist Board,
SSt Anne’s Court, BT1
1NB, telephone + 44 (0)28 9023 1221, fax + 44 (0)28 9024 0960,
www.nitb.com

Visit, Ocean Point , , ,
Scotland EH6 6JH,
Telephone +44 (0)845 2255 121 or +44 (0)131 332 2433,www.visitscotland.com

Wales Tourist Board, Brunel House, ,
Telephone +44 (0)8701 211 251, www.visitwales. enjoyEngland, ,
Telephone +44 (0)20 78083801, www.enjoyengland.com

Typical travel options
If you arrive in the at one of the airports, your main onward travel options will be as follows:

Onward travel from airports:

Travel from by rail: There are six major rail stations in , and a number of smaller ones. Each station serves a different part of the , so you will have to work out which station you need. Fares depend on when you travel and how far in advance you book your ticket

Travel from by coach: Most coaches leave from Victoria Coach Station, about ten minutes' walk from (rail) Station. Fares are usually cheaper than for rail services, but journeys by coach take longer.

Useful websites:

www.nationalrail.co.uk for information on railway timetables
www.nationalexpress.com for information on traveling by coach
www.baa.com for airport information for London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted,
www.lbia.co.uk for information,
www.bhx.co.uk for information
www.manchesterairport.co.uk for information
www.cial.co.uk for information

Taxis and minicabs

Taking a taxi from the airport is generally the quickest way to get to your destination. Taxi journeys generally cost more than public transport, but for short distances the convenience of taking a taxi with all your luggage may well outweigh the additional cost. Generally taxi ranks are situated outside the airport’s arrivals hall, where you need to join the back of the queue and wait your turn.

Only licensed taxis can pick up from the official taxi rank (which will be clearly signposted). Licensed taxis are often ‘black cabs’, the traditional black taxi, and fares are calculated by a meter which is switched on by the driver when you start your journey.

Only black cabs can be flagged down in the street. All other licensed taxis (sometimes known as minicabs) must be booked over the phone with the taxi firm before you are picked up, otherwise your journey will not be insured. Not all minicabs have meters. If a minicab does not have a meter it is best to confirm the price with the driver before the start of your journey.

Although it does not happen very often there are some bogus taxi drivers in operation. These taxi drivers may approach you at the airport or other busy locations. Traveling in an unlicensed vehicle means that you will not be insured for your journey and generally the fare will be much higher than that from a licensed cab.
An official taxi (whether it is a black cab or a minicab) has to display their license number plate, in addition to the vehicle registration number plate, on the back of their vehicle, so look out for it.

Taxi drivers in the do not expect tips, although more and more people are giving tips, generally rounding up the fare to the nearest pound and asking the driver to keep the change.

Settling in Many schools, colleges and universities run special introduction programmes for international students before term begins. A typical programme would involve a tour of the institution, an overview of the facilities available and help with registering for your course.

It may also include a trip to the local supermarket and town centre, and an introduction to public transport links and local facilities, such as sports centres and libraries. These programmes are an excellent way to meet other students and staff and to settle in before your studies begin.

Immigration control

Whether you arrive by air or by sea, when you get to the your first step is to pass through immigration control. The offers a warm welcome to international students.
But, as in all countries, the authorities have to ensure that everyone who enters the has a legitimate reason to be here. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.

As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigration smoothly. But if you find you need help for any reason, there are two things you can do:

Customs control

If you have arrived by air, your next step is to move on to the baggage reclaim area. Collect your luggage from the carousel that has your flight number on it. If you cannot find your luggage ask a member of airport staff for assistance.
Once you have collected your luggage, you must pass through customs control. You should have a choice of three different channels:

When you go through the red channel, a customs official will ask you what you have to declare. He or she will probably also ask you to open your luggage so he or she can see what you are bringing into the . You will not be allowed to bring in any prohibited goods. If you are carrying more duty-free goods than you are allowed, you will be able to bring them in but you will have to pay duty on them before you can proceed. So if you choose to bring in more goods than your duty-free allowance, do make sure you have a credit card or enough extra cash with you to pay the duty

Playing it safe on arrival

In the excitement of arriving in a new country, it can be easy to become distracted and misplace things, especially as you get on and off trains, planes, coaches, etc. Here are some tips for avoiding mishaps:

Personal Safety

By international standards, the is a safe country, with low levels of violence and street crime. However, as a visitor you need to be aware of the types of situations that may put you at risk and what you can do to avoid them.

Should you have the misfortune to be involved in any incident involving theft or personal attack, report it as soon as possible to the police. The police have a duty to protect all citizens and can be safely approached. Also, you will need a certificate from the police if you need to claim for theft on an insurance policy.

In an emergency you can contact the emergency services: fire, police or ambulance, by dialling 999 from any telephone. This call is free of charge but should be used only in an emergency.

Non-emergency calls to the police should be made to your local police station using the local telephone number in the telephone directory.

In buildings

At home

Your belongings

When using public transport

In a car

In a taxi

When walking or cycling

Contacting Home

The 's excellent communications services make it easy for you to keep in contact with friends and family back at home.
The 's postal service and telecommunications network are fast and reliable and you will find that your school, college or university, and your local library and high street internet cafés, all provide easy access to e-mail and the internet.

Public telephones

You can operate public telephones in the by using coins, credit cards or pre-paid phonecards. Phonecards come in a range of values including £5, £10 and £20 and you can buy them from newsagents, post offices and supermarkets.

Before you dial, pick up the receiver and listen for a continuous high-pitched hum. This is the dialing tone. After dialing, if the number you want is available you will hear a repeated double ring. If it is busy, you will hear the engaged tone - a repeated single note - in which case you should replace the receiver and call again later.
If a number is not in use at all, you will hear a recorded message stating that the number has not been recognized. When your money or card is about to run out, you will hear a series of rapid pips.

Low-cost calling

You will soon discover that calling from a private phone is significantly cheaper than calling from a public phone. Calls from one part of the to another (inland calls) are cheapest from to and between on Friday and on Sunday. International calls are also cheapest between these times.

Even if you are using a private phone, you can buy pre-paid phonecards or account-based cards from a number of different companies that aim their services specifically at people who need to make frequent international calls. Compare cards carefully as rates differ and, in some cases, making international calls using one of these cards could work out cheaper than using the main telephone service provider.

Mobile phones

E-mail and the internet

Internet usage is widespread in the and most students will be familiar with its use. The majority of colleges and universities provide free e-mail accounts for their students; check with your Students' Union. At many colleges and universities, rooms in halls of residence will have an internet connection provided at a set fee for the entire term or academic year.

If you have your own computer, you may also choose to sign up directly with one of the 's internet service providers (ISP).
Several now offer free access; all you will pay is the phone company's charges for your connection time. Broadband is becoming a popular choice for internet users in the , with costs having fallen dramatically in the last year or so.

If you do not have your own computer, sign up with one of the many web-based e-mail services available (Hotmail, Yahoo, Tiscali and so on) and then check your e-mail using online terminals at your institution, a public library or a friend's home. This option should cost you absolutely nothing.

You will also find that most high streets have internet cafés, where you pay for use by the hour. If you have your own laptop Wireless Hi Fi can be accessed for free in an increasing number of coffee shops and public places.

Return Home

In the months before your course finishes, as well as being busy with your examinations, thesis or dissertation, you will also be thinking about what to do next. Like many students, you might be looking forward to going back to your home country, to your family, friends and colleagues, and to the culture that you know best. Alternatively, you might be planning to do another course of study or to stay in the for work. See our information on Working in the UK after your studies.

These are the big questions, but there are also many practical issues to think about. With all of this, it is important to understand that this is a difficult and stressful time for you. This Information Sheet hopes to help you through this difficult period; and to prepare you for returning to your home culture.

•Going Home

If you are returning to your home country, you should start making the arrangements as early as possible. Remember that in your last months in the UK examinations or finishing other work will take up a large part of your time, so planning for your departure should begin early.

Here are some practical things to think about:

Travel

To get the cheapest tickets, you have to book early, at least several weeks in advance. You can often find very cheap tickets on the Internet, on the websites of either travel companies or the airlines themselves. Shop around and compare for the best price.

Sending your belongings home

If you have been in the for a long time, you probably have more things now that you could carry on a plane or other form of transport. Check with the travel agent or airline about weight or size limits for luggage. Paying for excess luggage on the plane can be very expensive. Sending it by ship or by rail is often cheaper but be careful to choose a company which has a good reputation and is reliable.

Ask friends or your student adviser for suggestions; or consult the British Association of Removers. Check if the price includes insurance to cover any loss or breakages. If you have items you do not need or do not want to take home, such as furniture, textbooks, a computer or stereo, you could sell these to other students, or in the local newspaper; or give them to a local charity shop. (You can find a list of charity shops in the local telephone directory).

Income Tax refunds

If you have been working in the and paying income tax, you may be entitled to have some of that tax refunded to you. Contact Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for details on how to claim an income tax or national insurance refund.

Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds

If you have recently (within 3 months of your departure date) bought items in the UK which you will take back to your home-country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you might be able to claim back some of the Value Added Tax (VAT). To use the VAT Refund Scheme, you will normally have to buy the goods from a shop that operates the scheme. You can find more information about VAT refunds from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

Notification of your departure

You will need to tell various people and offices when you intend to leave your address: for example your academic department, accommodation-provider, employer (if you have one), doctor, bank, and so on. There are more details about this in the 'Pre-departure checklist' at the end of this Information Sheet. It is best to contact each office at least a month before you leave to find out about deadlines and what you need to do.

Check if there is a specific period of notice for your accommodation and find out how you can get your deposit back before you leave, or you will be charged rent even after you have left.

Pay all bills and overdrafts before you leave the . Remember that banks have agreements with banks in many other countries, which could enable them to collect debts from your home bank. Also, your institution may refuse to give you your degree or other academic qualification until you pay any money you still owe for your tuition fees, accommodation, or library fines.

Notification of your forwarding address

Career considerations

To help you in your professional life back in your home country, it can be very helpful to have references from the . At least a month before you leave, contact a few people who can comment on your abilities and your work (such as an academic supervisor or employer) and ask them for a written reference.
You might also want to buy or subscribe to specialist publications that you cannot find at home, or to join a professional organization to help you keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Your institution's Careers Service may be able to help you research potential employers in your home country (or elsewhere) and to subscribe to websites which will email job vacancies to you.

Reverse Culture Shock

Family relationships and friends

One student said: Here I have grown used to my privacy and independence. I know when I return home I will lose these. My parents realize what I am going through, but they are not sympathetic.

You might feel that you have changed a lot while you have been away from home. You may now have very different ideas and attitudes compared to when you left home. However, your family and friends may expect you to be just the same as you were when you left, and they may find it difficult to get used to the 'new you'. For example, perhaps you now think about the roles of men and women in life in a way that is different from what your friends or family think.

Perhaps while you were away you enjoyed a lot of freedom in matters of food, how time is organized and leisure activities, and this might be very different from attitudes at home. You might also find that young members of your family do not really remember you or may seem jealous that you have been away.
Of course, your family and friends have also changed in the time that you have been away: you may be shocked by how much older your parents seem; and friends may have got married, or had children. All these changes can cause tensions at home and make it more difficult for you to re-adjust quickly.

Work

Another student said: Sometimes people at home don't appreciate your achievements... When I got back I really had problems at work. Nobody wanted to accept the ideas I had learned.

If you are returning to your previous job or employer, you might find that, while you were away, you have lost touch with important information or developments At first, you may feel unable to contribute in meetings and conversations. In addition, your colleagues may be jealous or hostile, because you had an opportunity that was denied to them.

They may be suspicious of your new skills and knowledge; and may think that the changes in the type of clothes you wear, the way you behave or the way you speak mean that you think you are better than them. Perhaps they will have unrealistic expectations of what you can achieve. In the beginning, you may not have much chance to use the skills that you worked so hard to develop during your study, because of lack of equipment or funding. You may also feel frustrated by different ways of working or procedures.

Economic and political conditions

You may find that your country has experienced economic problems and that it is difficult to buy things that you could find very easily in the . You may have to go without some of the conveniences you got used to in the . However, if your country's economy has become very successful, you may find that familiar environments are now very different and that there are now new procedures and regulations.
A different government may be in power and there may also be new political groups, so you may feel out of touch with politics.

Customs and ideas

Keeping in touch

When you have returned to your own country, it can help to talk to others who have returned home after living in another culture. Your institution might have an Alumni (graduates) Association in your country, which may organize activities and provide services of interest and help to you. Be sure to check before you leave the . Even if there is no Alumni Association, the Alumni Office may be able to give you the names of former students who live near your home and who would be willing to meet you.

The office of the British Council in your country may also be able to tell you about local alumni, and may have facilities that will enable you to keep in touch with developments in the . In conclusion, bear in mind that when you return to your home country after a long absence, there can be difficulties to begin with and it can take time to re-adapt. Be aware of reverse culture shock, but do not worry about it. Concentrate on enjoying the positive aspects of being back home, such as being with friends and family, and re-discovering your own country.

Your course is almost over - what happens next? You are probably happy about going back home, but also sorry that your experience is coming to an end. Find out how to prolong your stay in the , maintain your links once you leave, carry your experience into your new life back home, and take advantage of opportunities to return to the in the future.

Preparing to leave

When it is time to return home, you will find that leaving the will take almost as much planning and organization as your arrival did. You will have to arrange to get yourself and your belongings back home and to formally end all the day-to-day business relationships you set up when you first arrived.

Saying your goodbyes

Packing and shipping

Staying connected

Your alumni association

British Council

Coming back

Your time studying in the could be just the start of a rewarding relationship. In an international business world and jobs market, your future career success is likely to be strongly affected by your international knowledge, vision and contacts. As a world centre for finance, multinational companies and global, trend-setting creative and media industries, the is your passage to the world stage. Here are a few examples of the many opportunities to further develop your career by coming back to the.

Executive development

Multinational and large-scale organizations expect their staff to undergo regular training and development to constantly update and improve their skills and personal qualities. Executive development programmes - intense training courses in practical subjects such as leadership, team-building, presentation skills and strategy-making - are offered by more than 100 business schools in the , and usually last between one day and four weeks. These programmes are mostly funded by employers and may be delivered either face-to-face at business schools or within companies, or through distance learning.

British Overseas Industrial Placement (BOND) Scheme

The BOND Scheme is a UK Trade and Investment initiative, which provides companies with low-cost introductions to potential business partners in leading developing international markets. High-quality professionals, selected through the network of British Council offices overseas, are assigned to companies for work attachments for up to 12 months' duration. The flexibility of the scheme ensures that it can be tailored to suit most business needs.

Accomodation

Introduction

If you are not a European national, the Immigration Rules state that you must be able to meet the cost of your accommodation in the UK without working or claiming welfare benefits. If your family is with you in the , the accommodation must be adequate for their needs.

In addition, it is very important for you to have suitable accommodation while you are studying. The standard of your academic work and your health can suffer if your living conditions are not satisfactory.In many areas of the there is a shortage of student accommodation, so you must start making arrangements as soon as you have been accepted on your course.

This is particularly important if you are planning to bring your family with you to the UK Before you leave your home country try to arrange some form of accommodation for when you arrive in the , even if it is only temporary.

Types of Accommodation

There are two main types of accommodation:

University or college accommodation

Universities and many colleges own and run their own accommodation for their students. Choosing this option is the easiest way to arrange your accommodation in advance. Your university or college sends you information and an application form (after you accept a place on a course).

You fill out the application form and send it back, making sure you meet the deadline they give you. Once your application is accepted, they send you confirmation of your booking. A deposit may be required to secure your place in university/college accommodation and must be paid by the deadline given.

Most international students coming to study at a college or university will be entitled to at least one year’s accommodation in an institution-owned property. Around 30 per cent of international students studying at further education colleges live in accommodation owned by the college.

If you are a higher education student coming to the for the first time, accommodation provided by your college or university is probably the most suitable choice, which is why it is taken up by more than half of the international students on degree courses in the . Your institution will try to match your needs with the options available.

Halls of residence

The most common form of accommodation for higher education students is in halls of residence, located on campus or a short distance away, which are usually owned by the institution. You will live in a study-bedroom, either by yourself or with another student, on a corridor of around eight to 10 rooms.

You may have to share a bathroom, though many institutions do have en-suite rooms, particularly for postgraduate and mature students. Halls of residence are often the cheapest available option.

Some halls provide two meals a day, and others provide shared kitchens in which students can cater for themselves. Self-catering halls tend to be cheaper, but you may prefer to pay extra to have meals cooked for you - mealtimes can be a good opportunity to meet other students.

Most halls of residence have laundry facilities as well as cleaning staff who change bed sheets and empty bins. Generally the cost of utilities, such as water and electricity are included in the rental cost. Spare rooms can sometimes be booked in advance for parents or friends who are visiting

Halls of residence are the most widely available type of accommodation. Some halls are single-sex (for male or female students only) and others are mixed. Universities and colleges usually only have a limited number of houses and flats, and so specific groups will have priority.

Average cost: About £90 to £150 per week single occupancy. The cost of a one-bedroom flat in can be anywhere from around £800 to upwards of £1,000 per month depending on location.

What you get: In a hall of residence you live in a study bedroom (either by yourself or with another student) and you can expect to have a bed, bed-linen, storage space for your clothing, a desk, a desk lamp, a chair, some bookshelves and an internet modem point. Your room might also include a shower and a telephone – but in most halls these are located outside the individual rooms and you share them with other students. Some halls of residence provide meals (usually breakfast and an evening meal), but most accommodation is now ‘self-catering’ – which means that you buy and prepare your own food, usually sharing a kitchen with other students.

Advantages: Even if you think that you would eventually prefer private accommodation, it’s a good idea to start out in university or college accommodation. It is a great way to get to know other students, you will be close to your study facilities, and it will give you time to get to know the local area before you start searching for other accommodation. It is also the easiest form of accommodation to arrange in advance.

Disadvantages: You might have to pay a term in advance. In addition, you might have to move out of university or college accommodation during the vacations. But do not worry: the accommodation office may be able to help you find alternative housing for the vacations, if you are staying in the . You may be committed to paying rent for the academic year, even if you want to move out before the end of that year.

How to apply: If your university or college has its own accommodation for students, the accommodation office should send you an information pack and an application form when you apply for your course or when you are offered a place. Most institutions give priority to applications from first-year students and international students. Follow the application procedure carefully and make sure you meet the deadline.

Home for the holidays: staying with a British family

Some international students choose to stay as a guest in the home of a British family during the vacations. There are two organisations in the that arrange this kind of short-term accommodation for international students:

Social life in halls

Living in student halls of residence is a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships. Each hall usually has an elected student body which has a say in the running of the hall and which organises a lively social programme. Many halls have their own bar, café, television lounge, music rooms and sports facilities.

As they are run by universities, halls offer a supportive environment. They are often supervised by university staff and have people on hand to help students settle in, including staff and senior students. Security is often provided 24 hours a day. The rules can, however, be restricting for some. There is always the risk that you might not get on with your fellow students and you may prefer to live in either a livelier or quieter environment.

Student holidays

Not all halls provide accommodation for the whole year. You may have to clear your room during the holidays if the building is rented out for conferences or summer schools.
Check with your international officer whether this is the case. Most universities will make exceptions for international students and allow you to stay during vacations or at least to store belongings in a secure space if you are going home.

International students are often guaranteed accommodation at least for their first year. It is best to accept any offers as early as possible. Few institutions have enough rooms to accommodate every single student so they need to know as early as possible if rooms are going to be free.

Checklist

what to ask about university/college accommodation

Private accommodation

This is usually difficult to secure before your arrival in the and is often best arranged when you can view the property in person. However, it may be useful to research the type, cost and availability of private accommodation in the by search the internet using keywords, e.g. ‘accommodation + student + ’. Other ways of researching private accommodation include:

If you choose to rent accommodation that is privately owned, the options are shared flats/houses, lodgings, bed-sits (a single rented room with living, sleeping and sometimes cooking facilities) or private hostels. Prices can vary considerably and your institution housing office may be unable to help you if you run into problems with the landlord.

For students at further education colleges, the most common form of accommodation is lodgings or home stay, which involves renting a room in a private house. The rent normally includes the cost of cleaning, laundry, breakfast and evening meals.

Private accommodation may be owned and run by organisations (such as charities), by private companies or individuals (a landlord).

Private accommodation is sometimes a little harder to arrange in advance, but the accommodation office at your college or university should be able to help.
They may have lists of the rental accommodation available in the area, and they might even be able to make the arrangements for you. Private accommodation varies widely in size and quality, so always arrange to view the accommodation in person before you decide whether or not to take it.

Student hostels

Hostels tend to be run by charitable organisations. Some are for nationals of specific countries, and others are open to students of all nationalities.

Average cost: About £55 per week.

What you get: Hostels generally provide rooms for single students but a few also provide rooms for married couples. Many hostels provide meals, and some provide cooking facilities so you can prepare your own food.

Advantages: As with university or college accommodation, staying in a hostel allows you to grow familiar with an area and decide where you would like to look for other accommodation.

Disadvantages: Furnishings and facilities may be of a lower standard than in some other types of accommodation.

How to apply: To book a place in a hostel, you need to apply direct to the hostel and pay a deposit. Hostels are not available everywhere, and some of them have long waiting lists, so apply as early as you can. ( hostel addresses and UKwide contact addresses can be found in the Appendix at the back of this book.)

Lodgings

This is a room in a family house or a house owned by another individual who lives on the premises; the owner may be another student. Lodging can be similar to a home stay but the relationship is more commercial and there may be little or no element of cultural exchange.

You may have little contact with the family or landlord and be treated simply as a tenant rather than as a paying guest. You are still entitled to privacy, respect and a decent standard of living, although the family or landlord may have rules about bringing guests and friends into the house.

Lodgings are advertised locally in newspapers, shops and supermarkets and also through student accommodation offices and religious and charitable organisations. For lodgings where meals are included, you can expect to pay between £350 and £400 per month. Household bills are usually included.

Living in ‘lodgings’ means that you rent a room in someone’s home. The home could belong to anyone: a single person or a married couple; young people or older people; or a family with children.

Average cost: About £70 to £90 per week, depending on the location and the arrangement.

What you get: You have your own room to yourself, but you will probably have to share the bathroom. Your host may provide meals, or else you will have access to the kitchen to prepare your own.

Advantages: If you get along fairly well with your host(s), living in lodgings can be a very comfortable arrangement that provides you with some company and a source of social contact separate from your college or university friends.

Disadvantages: You need to adapt your lifestyle to the customs and routines of the household, so you have less independence than in some other types of accommodation.

How to find a place:

Bed-sits

Short for 'bedroom/sitting room', a bed-sit is a one room apartment in a larger building. Each room will have a single or double bed with a washing area and many also have a private cooker and bathroom. Bed-sits can be any size from reasonably spacious to extremely cramped. Although cheap, bed-sits can be lonely unless you are in a building with lots of other students.

Noisy neighbours can also make it difficult to study and you will have a landlord or agency to deal with. However bed-sits can be a good way of assuring your freedom if you find the rules imposed in halls of residence too restrictive. Expect to pay between £200 and £600 per month, usually excluding household bills.

The word ‘bedsit’ combines the ideas of ‘bedroom’ and ‘sitting room’. Some large houses consist entirely of bedsits, which are rented out to couples or individuals. Other bedsits are located in someone’s home.

Average cost: About £60 to £90 per week, depending on the location and the arrangement.

What you get: A single room containing living, sleeping and sometimes cooking facilities. If cooking facilities are included, they are likely to be fairly simple – for example, perhaps a small refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a microwave oven and/or a hotplate. You will normally have to sign a tenancy agreement with the landlord (see section 4.4), and may have to share some bills, or you might have an electricity or gas meter for your room only.

If cooking facilities are not included in the room, you will have to share a kitchen with the other residents of the house. You also share the bathroom, and you might have to share the telephone.
You provide your own bed-linen and towels, do your own laundry, and keep your own room clean. You will also be expected to clean up after yourself when you use the kitchen.

Advantages: You have more independence in a bedsit than in lodgings.

Disadvantages: Some people find living in a bedsit lonely. You have less contact with other people than in many other forms of accommodation.

How to find a place:

Flats and houses

A place in halls is usually only guaranteed for one or two years of a three-year course; usually for the first and/or third years. For your second and/or your third year flat or house sharing tends to be a popular choice. Flats and houses for rent are advertised in local papers, shop windows and in your institution's accommodation office.

The best time to look for accommodation is before the end of the summer term, in June and July. If you find a flat or house at this time of year, you may need to pay for it over the summer. Some landlords will, however, reduce the amount if you are not going to be living there straight away. If you enjoy independence and cooking for yourself, sharing a flat or house is a great option.

For a room in a house or flat shared with other students, expect to pay between £200 and £500 per month. The rent often excludes household bills, such as water, electricity, telephone and council tax, so check with your landlord what the rent does include before you sign the contract, so there are no unexpected costs after you move in.

This is a popular option for groups of two or more students who are willing to share costs.

Average cost: Varies hugely depending on size and location.

What you get: A self-contained, furnished flat or house, usually with living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom(s), and sometimes a dining room. Various sizes are available, from one and two-bedroom flats up to four- or five-bedroom houses. You will have a legal agreement with the landlord and you may have to pay an initial deposit as security, in case you break or damage anything. Depending on the arrangement, you and your friends may also need to pay the heating and electricity bills, and you will almost certainly have to pay the telephone bill. Most students in this type of arrangement also choose to share their food costs. You will have to do your own cleaning and provide your own bed-linen and towels.

Advantages: You and your friends will have lots of independence, and splitting your costs this way can sometimes be even cheaper than other types of accommodation.

Disadvantages: Sometimes it is hard to find a suitable flat or house near the college or university, so you may have to travel further to get to classes. You need to pick your living partner(s) carefully – if you fall out, the arrangement can become uncomfortable, and if one person leaves or gets behind with their rent the others could be liable to make up the difference.

How to find a place:

Youth hostels

Youth hostels are used mainly by tourists on a tight budget.

Average cost: About £12 to £25 per night.

What you get: Fairly basic accommodation. You may have to share a room with several other people, and you will certainly have to share the bathroom. Some youth hostels provide meals, and others provide simple cooking facilities.

Advantages: Youth hostels can be a useful source of inexpensive short-term accommodation – for example, if you need a place to stay for the first few days while you look for more permanent accommodation.

Disadvantages: You will have less privacy than in other types of accommodation, and little or no quiet space for studying. Many youth hostels close during the day: you have to leave by a certain time in the morning, and you cannot get back in until late afternoon or early evening.

How to find a place:

Youth Hostels Association (YHA), Trevelyan House, , Matlock,

Derbyshire DE4 3YH, telephone +44 (0)1629 592600, fax +44 (0)1629 592702,

www.yha.org.uk

Home stays

This is a particularly popular option for English language students and younger students at further education colleges. You live in the home of a host family, where you have your own study-bedroom and a certain number of meals with the family.

Arrangements are flexible according to the needs and wants of the student, although your stay is usually seen as a kind of cultural exchange. Complete immersion in life is often the best way to develop your language skills and understanding of the culture and customs of a British family. You will be expected to respect and abide by basic rules that the family may impose.

You are paying, however, so services such as babysitting and housework are entirely at your discretion and you are under no obligation. Home stays can work very well for students who value security and prefer a home environment, although if the host family has young children you may find that it is not the best environment for quiet study. The real advantage is that you will have to speak English daily.

Short-term home stays

In most cases home stays will be arranged for the duration of your course, either privately or through the institution you are going to attend. If you choose another accommodation option, however, it may still be possible to arrange a short, one-off weekend home stay by way of an introduction to British culture and home life.

They can also be arranged through organisations such as local churches, temples, mosques or synagogues, and charitable organisations with international links. One particular organisation that arranges weekend home stay visits across the is Host , which was set up by the British Council in 1991. You can find out more at www.hostuk.org

Temporary accommodation

At the very least, you should arrange some temporary accommodation – you will need somewhere to stay for your first few days while you look for something more permanent. Here are your options:

Contact the accommodation office at your college or university. Some institutions, but not all, rent out rooms in their halls of residence on a temporary basis, before the start of the term – if you plan to arrive early, ask about this option. The accommodation office may also be able to make suggestions about other forms of temporary accommodation, or may even be able to make a booking for you.

Applying Accommodation

In most cases accommodation provided by the institution has to be arranged before you come to the UK.When you are offered a place on your course, you will usually be asked if you would like your institution either to provide accommodation or to arrange alternative private accommodation for you.
Make sure that you follow the college’s application procedures, and in particular, that you meet deadlines for booking accommodation.

When you are making enquiries about accommodation provided by your institution, you should read carefully any information they have sent you and check that you have the answers to the following questions:

Deposits for Accommodation

Whichever type of accommodation you choose, you will probably be asked to pay a deposit when you move in, as well as one month’s rent in advance. A deposit is a sum of money, usually one month’s rent, which you pay to the landlord or property management agent when you move in.
This money should be given back to you when you leave the property, on condition that there has been no damage caused during your stay, beyond what could be considered ‘normal wear and tear’.

Insurance

Whatever type of accommodation you choose, it is wise to protect your belongings from theft, fire, loss or accidental damage while you are staying in the . Companies such as Endsleigh Insurance can provide policies to cover clothes, books, computers, TV, hi-fi equipment and valuables (see address list).Some halls of residence will automatically include the cost of insurance in their charges - check this before arranging your own policy.

Further information and contacts

Please note that much of this temporary accommodation (for example, International Students’ House) can be used by international students whilst they look for long-term accommodation in . Much of it can also be used by international students from elsewhere in the visiting for a weekend or holiday. Please check with the accommodation provider and book in advance.

London

Both short and long-term accommodationInternational Students House (ISH), www.ish.org.uk ISH is a residence and club, for both British and international students. ISH can provide both long and short-term accommodation: for bookings, see their website or telephone +44 (0) 20 7631 8310.

London Hostels Association Ltd.(LHA)Website: www.london-hostels.co.uk54 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7834 9104 email: bookings@london-hostels.co.uk(Runs hostels for students)

Goodenough CollegeWebsite: www.goodenough.ac.ukResidential accommodation for Tel: +044 (0) 20 7837 888

Temporary accommodation Hotels; bed and breakfasts; guest-housesThe London Tourist BoardWebsite: www.londontouristboard.comAccommodation bookings can also be made through this website

Scotland

www.visitscotland.com(Hotels, bed and breakfasts; guest houses)

Hostels in www.hostelscotland.comScottish Independant Hotels www.hostel-scotland.co.uk Backpackers Hostels65 Tel: +44 (0) 131 220 1717

Wales

Temporary accommodation in Welsh Tourist Boardwww.visitwales.com(Hotels, bed and breakfasts; guest houses)

Hostels in www.hostelwales.com

Northern Ireland

Temporary accommodation in N.IrelandNorthern Tourist Board www.discovernorthernireland.com(Hotels, bed and breakfasts; guest houses)

Hostels www.hostelnorthernireland.com

Throughout UK

Throughout British Tourist Authoritywww.visitbritain.com(Hotels; bed and breakfasts; guest-houses)

Youth Hostels Association (YHA)www.yha.org.uk
Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)www.ymca.org.ukEndsleigh Insurancewww.endsleigh.co.uk

Tenancy agreements and other legalities

If you rent a flat or a house, or bedsit, you will have a ‘tenancy agreement’ or ‘lease’. This is a written or verbal legal agreement between you (the tenant) and the property owner (the landlord). Verbal agreements are as binding as written ones, but it is a good idea to have someone with you as a witness when you make the agreement.

Tenancy agreements should normally contain information about the amount of rent, the length of the tenancy and what rights you and your landlord will have under the law. In most cases, you will have an ‘assured shorthold tenancy’ which means that your landlord cannot ask you to leave without a good reason during the first six months. Although these rights offer you some protection, it is still your responsibility to check the tenancy agreement thoroughly and make sure you agree with the terms.

Do not sign the tenancy agreement if you do not know what all of it means. If you do not fully understand your rights, show your tenancy agreement to an adviser in the accommodation office or student welfare office at your university or college and ask for help.
You can also get help from a housing advice centre, law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau. When you do sign the tenancy agreement, make sure you get a copy to keep for yourself, in case you need to check any details later on. The landlord may also ask you to sign an inventory: a list of all the items in the property (pieces of furniture, kitchen items, etc).

If so, make sure you get a copy of this as well. Check that it is correct and that any existing damage to these items is included before signing it. If your landlord does not provide an inventory, you should make one yourself and send a copy to the landlord.

Payments

Before you move into private accommodation, you will probably be asked to pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent. Make sure you get a receipt for any deposit or fees you have paid. When you leave the accommodation, if you have paid all your bills and caused no damage to the property, your full deposit will be paid back to you.

If you are renting through an accommodation agency, you may also be asked to pay fees for preparing tenancy agreements and administration. You should also keep a written record of all the rent payments that you make, as you make them. If you have a dispute with your landlord, or you get behind with your rent, you should get advice as soon as possible.

Security of tenure

Remember that if you live in the same building as your landlord, or you have a room in a student or youth hostel, or university/college accommodation, then this will affect how secure your tenancy will be. If you do not share any living space with the landlord or a member of their family (apart from means of access like an entrance hall or a staircase) or are a student living in halls of residence (or any other type of accommodation where an educational institution is the landlord), you will have basic protection from eviction.

Your landlord will have to end your tenancy first, either by waiting for the end of the fixed term you agreed for the tenancy or by giving you at least four weeks’ written notice in writing to quit and getting a court order, before you have to leave.

If you share living space (e.g. a kitchen, living room or bathroom) with your landlord or are in a student or youth hostel, you will be what is termed an ‘excluded tenant or licensee’, which means that you are outside the protection of the law which regulates tenancies and will not have security of tenure. All the landlord has to do to evict you is to give you notice, although they must give you a reasonable amount of time in which to leave.

Further information

If you have problems with accommodation, contact the accommodation office or students’ union at your university or college. If you need specialist or legal help, contact your local housing aid centre, Shelterline (the 24-hour freephone helpline 0808 800 4444), e-mail info@shelter.org.uk , or your local Citizens Advice Bureau. There are more than 700 Citizens Advice Bureaux around the – a full listing can be found at www.nacab.org.uk (or check your local telephone directory). They will be able to tell you your rights as a tenant and the rights of your landlord.