Pre-Departure Guide for New
International Students to
University of the Arts London
Updated March 2015
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Introduction
Congratulations on being accepted to University of the Arts London! As you will be studying
in a new country and living away from home, you probably have many questions about what
life will be like for you in the UK. This Pre-Departure Guide will help educate you about
London and student life in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
You will find practical advice and detailed information about what to expect when you arrive
in London. We encourage you to contact us if you have questions and we also suggest you
look at the University website for information and updates: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-atual/international/. We hope you will find London a rewarding, enjoyable and inspiring place
to study.
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Contents
Attending UAL ........................................................................................................................... 5
Term Dates ............................................................................................................................ 5
Before you Leave Home ........................................................................................................ 5
Visas ................................................................................................................................. 5
Money .............................................................................................................................. 5
Photographs ..................................................................................................................... 6
Health Insurance .............................................................................................................. 6
Clothing and Personal Belongings .................................................................................... 6
Computer ......................................................................................................................... 6
What Not to Bring ................................................................................................................. 6
What to Expect ...................................................................................................................... 6
Cultural Aspects ............................................................................................................... 6
Writing Dates ................................................................................................................... 7
Electricity in the UK .......................................................................................................... 7
Toilet Facilities ................................................................................................................. 7
Arrival In the UK .................................................................................................................... 8
Airports .................................................................................................................................. 8
Airport Collection Service ...................................................................................................... 8
Your A-Z Guide to Living in London ........................................................................................... 9
Accommodation .................................................................................................................... 9
Banking ................................................................................................................................ 10
Books ................................................................................................................................... 10
Communication ................................................................................................................... 10
Postal Service ................................................................................................................ 10
Public Telephones ......................................................................................................... 11
Culture ................................................................................................................................. 11
Disability .............................................................................................................................. 12
Entertainment ..................................................................................................................... 12
Food ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Health .................................................................................................................................. 13
Insurance ............................................................................................................................. 15
Language ............................................................................................................................. 15
Laundry ................................................................................................................................ 15
Libraries ............................................................................................................................... 16
Mobile Phones ..................................................................................................................... 16
Money Matters .................................................................................................................... 17
Register with the Police ....................................................................................................... 17
Religion ................................................................................................................................ 17
Resident Discount Schemes ................................................................................................ 18
Safety ................................................................................................................................... 18
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Shopping .............................................................................................................................. 18
Sales ............................................................................................................................... 19
Student Discounts .......................................................................................................... 19
Refunds .......................................................................................................................... 19
Sport Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 20
Study .................................................................................................................................... 20
Transport in London ............................................................................................................ 20
The Tube ........................................................................................................................ 20
Buses .............................................................................................................................. 22
Cars................................................................................................................................. 22
Taxis ............................................................................................................................... 22
Bicycles ........................................................................................................................... 23
Walking .......................................................................................................................... 23
Travel ................................................................................................................................... 23
Weather............................................................................................................................... 24
Working ............................................................................................................................... 25
Pre-Departure Checklist .......................................................................................................... 26
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Attending UAL
Term Dates
An academic year is divided into 3 terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer Term. While the
specific dates change each year, the Autumn Term is generally from September to
December, the Spring Term is from January to March and the Summer Term is from April to
June. Term dates can vary depending on your course so please see our website for further
details: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/term-dates/
Before You Leave Home
Visas
There are many things to prepare before you come to the UK. All non UK/EU passport
holders coming to the UK to study on a course longer than 6 months are required to secure
student entry clearance. Please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website,
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas, to find out more about the
different kinds of student visas and if you need one. If you need entry clearance, you will
have to apply to your nearest British Diplomatic post (Embassy or High Commission) before
travelling to the UK. Some nationalities, however, may not require a visa.
You can also visit this link to our website for more details about visas and immigration:
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/international/immigration-and-visas/
Money
You are advised to bring some money with you to use during your first few weeks in the UK
as it takes time to set up a student bank account.
You should bring British currency (which you can obtain from your bank at home) or use
your credit card. When using your credit card abroad, your statement will show you the
currency conversion and the exchange rate. You are advised to ask your bank if you will
receive additional charges when using your credit card abroad and also you must tell them
that you are going to be using your card abroad so they don’t block it for security purposes.
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Photographs
You must bring 3 passport-sized photographs with you as these will be required at
enrolment and for the creation of your student ID and travel cards.
Health Insurance
If you are a full-time student, have permission to be in the UK and are studying on a course
that is longer than 6 months, you are automatically entitled to free healthcare services after
registering with a doctor. Until you have registered with a doctor, we recommend you have
some form of travel or health insurance/coverage (see the Health section for more details).
Clothing and Personal Belongings
You should not ship or mail too many personal belongings to London as this can be
expensive. Most items, such as bedding or cooking utensils, can be bought cheaply when
you arrive in London. As London temperatures vary dramatically, layered clothing will help
you remain adaptable. Bring a selection of clothing to cater to all seasons and pack lightly—
there are numerous affordable and exciting shops in the fashion capital! (see the Shopping
section for more details).
Computer
While all of the University’s sites have computing facilities, many students bring a laptop
with them for use in their accommodation. Internet access and WIFI is available in our Halls
of Residences and in most businesses. Students at the University can get a discount on the
purchase of computers in the UK. For example, if you wanted to buy Apple products with a
discount, please visit this link: http://store.apple.com/uk/mac/education
What Not to Bring
There are strict government controls on food and plant items so do not bring such items
with you into the UK. It is illegal to import banned products and you may be prosecuted. It
is also illegal to bring drugs into the country — anyone found smuggling drugs will be
severely dealt with. Always watch your belongings and never leave your bags unattended.
What to Expect
Cultural Aspects
Please see Culture section for more information. General guidelines on British customs
follow:
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Women are considered equal in status and have the same rights as men in the UK.
Women can and do travel alone and there are no restrictions on dress.
People appreciate basic politeness…saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is recommended
and people are more friendly if you approach them politely.
People in Britain ‘queue’ (or line up) when waiting for service. It is rude to place
yourself in front of those that have already been waiting.
It is bad manners to spit in the street or throw litter in the street.
You are expected to arrive on time for meetings, appointments and your classes. If
you are going to be late, it is polite to tell the person/people you are meeting.
Writing Dates
To avoid missing an important meeting or event, it is important to understand the format for
writing dates in the UK. British dates are written in Day/Month/Year format (25/09/2015 or
25 September 2015).
Electricity in the UK
British electricity supply works on 240 Volts or 50 Hertz. If you bring any
electrical items from your home country (such as a lamp, computer or hair
dryer) you will need to make sure you have a converter and that your items
will be safely compatible with the voltage here. It is often easier to buy
what you need when you arrive.
Toilet Facilities
UK toilets are flushing, pedestal toilets. Toilet paper is provided and should always be
flushed away after use. Please leave the toilet stall tidy, please do not stand on top of the
toilet seat to use it and wash your hands after using a toilet. Do not flush female hygiene
products down a toilet. London has public toilets located on some of the busier streets.
They are considered safe and sanitary but cost a small fee to use.
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Your A-Z Guide to Living
in London
Arrival in the UK
We generally recommend you arrive 1-2 weeks before your course starts so that you have
time to adjust and explore London. This will help decrease the stress of being in a new place
as you familiarize yourself with your neighbourhood, discover London as a tourist
destination and plan your travel route to your college.
Airports
Most international flights arrive either at London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports but
London also has Stansted and Luton airports. Please visit your relevant airport’s website for
information about getting from the airport into London:
Heathrow: http://www.heathrowairport.com/
Gatwick: http://www.gatwickairport.com/
Stansted: http://www.stanstedairport.com/
Luton: http://www.london-luton.co.uk/en/airport/
Taxi services are available from all the airports however this is the most expensive option.
Airport Collection Service
All new international students are encouraged to use the University’s airport collection
service for their first-time arrival to the UK. After successfully booking a place through our
website, you will be collected from any London airport and driven directly to your
accommodation. This service is free and you do not have to be staying in a Hall of Residence
to use it. Please visit this link for more details: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-atual/accommodation/living-in-halls/information-for-applicants/airport-collection-service/.
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Your A-Z Guide to
Living in London
Accommodation
Most new students choose to live in a student Hall of Residence, or Halls, as it is bookable
through the University’s Accommodation Services, http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-atual/accommodation/halls-of-residence/, and includes utilities (gas, electricity, water) in the
cost. Living in Halls also allows you to meet other students and make friends and we have a
wide range of Halls located near to each college site.
If you prefer to live privately (renting directly from a landlord), we recommend you contact
Accommodation Services for advice and help to find private-sector accommodation in
London: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/accommodation/private-accommodation/. You
can also read more about renting in London via the London Student Housing Guide:
www.studenthousing.lon.ac.uk
If you live in or very near to central London (Zone 1), accommodation is expensive. Most
students live in Zones 2, 3 or 4 and while it takes more time to travel into central London,
the costs are affordable and you’ll find better quality accommodation.
Students are exempt from paying ‘council tax’ which is a fee residents pay for waste
collection, recycling and general neighbourhood maintenance. Please read about the rules
on council tax before signing a contract: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/student-fees-funding/student-living-costs-and-discounts/students--council-tax/
The price you pay to live in Halls includes utility bills but if you live privately, you will have to
pay for electricity, water and gas in addition to your rent. If you choose to have a television
or even view programmes on your laptop, you must also pay for a TV License. These costs
can affect your budget so it is important to monitor how you spend your money. Rental
properties are normally listed by a weekly charge even though you will pay the landlord
once per month.
Rental prices vary widely with costs ranging anywhere
from £150 per week (£650/month) to £500 per week
(£2,170/month) or more! Students should not be paying
more than £250 per week. Please do not rent a property
without viewing it: photographs can be deceptive. The
best way of looking for a property is to be in London and
physically visit it. It is important to your health and
mental well-being to come back to a comfortable home
each day.
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There are rules about renting in the UK, and they may be very different from what you are
used to in your home country. Wherever you live during your studies in London, please
remember the following:
 You should have a written contract for your accommodation. This contract must be
in English.
 You must read and understand the contract before you accept it. You accept a
contract by signing and making an initial payment.
 Contracts use legal language which you may find strange and confusing.
Accommodation Services are happy to check your contract and explain it to you.
 Accommodation contracts are usually for a fixed length and do not allow you to
move out early.
 You are usually not allowed to sub-let or re-decorate. If you want to paint the walls
or have your friends move in, you MUST have your landlord’s permission.
 When you pay money to a landlord please make sure you are given a receipt. This is
your proof of payment.
Banking
The main banks are Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest, TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland,
Nationwide and Santander. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Each of these banks are good for opening a student bank account but we encourage you to
visit the banks and gather more information about the process of opening an account, and
the necessary documents required, before choosing a bank.
Books
You will be given a book/course supply list with your Joining Instructions or during the first
week of class. Many items will be available from the University shops, which are located at
the college sites. Your teachers can also direct you to shops that sell affordable supplies and
materials.
Communication
Postal Service
Post offices are located all over London and Royal Mail is the main
distributor. Stamps and postal rates/costs can be found at any
Post Office. Post boxes are bright red and have regular collections
throughout the day. The post/mail is delivered between Monday
and Saturday.
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Public Telephones
Public telephone booths exist all over London and have become iconic in appearance but are
rarely used since everyone has a mobile phone. The old phone booths are bright red like the
post boxes. Public phone booths are coin or card-operated.
Culture
Living in a new city will give you both a cultural and life experience. London is very different
from the rest of the UK as it is much more diverse in languages, accents and ethnicities. Due
to the size of the city, you may find the pace of life very fast but people are friendly and
willing to help you if you ask.
Customer service varies dramatically in London, which can sometimes be difficult for visitors.
Each experience will be different but if you are polite and friendly, you will find people
respond to you positively.
Pubs are a large part of British culture and you will see
people after work or on weekends visiting their local pub for
a drink. The pub experience with friends is really fun with
pubs often having a lively and social atmosphere including
music and quiz nights.
Pubs are the perfect place to experience classic British food
which, contrary to some perceptions, is really tasty! Why
not try Fish and Chips, Steak and Kidney Pie, Sausage and
Mash, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings, Shepherd’s Pie or
a Ploughman’s Lunch? If you fancy something sweeter, try
Sticky Toffee Pudding, Banoffee Pie or Treacle Sponge.
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Smoking is banned in bars and restaurants and you are not allowed to smoke on any public
transport, in most places of employment or in shops. The University and most businesses
will have designated smoking areas outside. Please make sure to put out your cigarette
when finished and throw your cigarette butt away instead of on the street.
Disability
Disability can include physical impairments, hidden
disability, sensory impairments, dyslexia, health or
mental health challenges. The University of the
Arts London has a positive approach to supporting
students with particular access needs so that they
can complete their studies successfully and
enjoyably. We encourage you to discuss any
concerns you may have, or assistance you may
require, in a confidential manner, with our
Disability Team: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-atual/student-support/disability/
Entertainment
Even though London is large, it can be difficult to meet people. Being a student will make
this easier through classes and group projects, as well as living in student housing, where
you will be surrounded by other students. We recommend you join clubs and social groups
to make connections and gain new experiences. The University offers many ways to help
you meet new friends and London offers a wide range of activities and entertainment such
as going out for meals, cinema, theatre, art exhibitions, world-famous museums and
galleries, shopping, or just generally wandering about the city exploring interesting streets.
Food
The diversity of cultures and their cuisines provides
something for everyone in London. Along with typical
British or Western cuisine, you will find food from
every culture. Restaurants and markets cater to
dietary needs such as kosher, halal, vegan and
vegetarian. Every manner of food is available within a
variety of price ranges.
On a student budget, we recommend you shop for,
and prepare, your own meals. While there are
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many cafes and restaurants in London and the University’s canteens offer affordable food
options, it is much healthier and cheaper to make your own food. Sometimes preparing
food that is familiar also helps you to feel less homesick.
Supermarkets are located throughout the city and the main companies are Asda, Morrisons,
Tesco, Sainsburys, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose. These are listed from most affordable
to most expensive.
Many of the central stores are quite small and have a limited selection but the larger
supermarkets outsize of Zone 1 will have almost everything you are looking for. Sometimes
ingredients are not known by the same name as they are in your home country, so you may
have to describe what you are looking for.
The different supermarkets vary in price so be a smart shopper. Good quality and cheap
fruit and vegetables can be found at the ‘Off-Licenses’ and are not as pre-packaged as the
major supermarkets. Some Off-Licences also cater to certain cultures, where the food might
be primarily Turkish, Greek or Pakistani for example. China Town in Soho is a great place to
shop for vegetables and Chinese cooking ingredients.
You will notice a large market for pre-packaged/pre-made goods and meals in the UK. While
such food can be tempting because it’s quick and easy to prepare, this is not the healthiest
or most affordable option.
Health
When you arrive in London as a student, it is important to be aware of your physical, mental
and sexual health. You are living in a different environment and culture where expectations
and laws may be very different from those in your home country. You can read more about
Health on our website: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/student-support/health-andwellbeing/
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Students who have permission to study in the UK longer than 6 months automatically have
free access to the National Health Service (www.nhs.uk). It is important to first register with
a doctor (also known as a GP--General Practitioner) in your area:
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/international/life-in-london/health-in-the-uk/
If you have a recurring health problem that requires treatments weekly or monthly, you are
advised to bring prescriptions and a note from your doctor so that the doctors in London can
help you as effectively as possible. Health care is free but specialist treatment such as
acupuncture or massage therapy must be paid for. If you would prefer private healthcare or
alternative medicinal treatments, this is available to you but will be more expensive.
Call 999 for an emergency (situations that require an ambulance, the police or the fire
department). This service is free. If you have a serious accident, you must go to the nearest
Accident and Emergency (A & E) department in one of the hospitals.
For non-emergencies, visit or make an appointment with your GP or local health clinic.
Dentists and opticians can be found in most areas and generally accept NHS and private
patients. You will have to pay for NHS dental treatments.
Mental health and well-being is very important, especially when you are new and possibly
feeling overwhelmed. The University has qualified counsellors who can talk to you about
any emotional or personal challenges you may be experiencing. Speak to Student Support
for more information: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/student-support/health-andwellbeing/mental-health/
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For specific medicines, you will need to have a prescription filled out by your doctor,
however for general vitamins and health products, you can visit any pharmacy such as Boots
or Superdrug, located throughout the UK.
Insurance
It is a good idea to insure your belongings, especially if you are bringing expensive electronic
equipment with you (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone). If you will be living in student
accommodation, your belongings are insured under a block policy (with some restrictions).
The insurance premium for the tenancy is included in your rent. If you will be living in
private accommodation, you may wish to obtain private insurance in case any of your
property is lost or stolen. The University works with Endsleigh Insurance:
http://www.endsleigh.co.uk/Student/Pages/student-insurance.aspx?agent=09099
Language
While the UK is English-speaking, the different cultures that live in London mean that you
will hear many languages and accents around you. Most international students are required
to meet a certain English language level before being eligible to study in the UK. These
language requirements exist otherwise classes, assignments and basic daily living would be
very difficult. Additionally, the UK is full of regional English accents and different ways of
speaking. Don’t be afraid to ask people to speak more slowly or clearly if you don’t
understand them.
Laundry
Laundry services are available in student housing. If you
are living in private accommodation, most properties will
have a washing machine but not a tumble dryer. If your
accommodation does not have laundry facilities, there are
usually ‘laundrettes’ located conveniently all around the
city where you can take your clothing to be washed and
dried.
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Libraries
University of the Arts London has an extensive collection of resources, with 7 libraries
spread over the 6 college sites.
London also has many libraries and there is a link from our library website that will direct
you to other resources: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/library-services/
Mobile Phones
All people in London communicate using mobile phones for calls and text messages and
Londoners tend to prefer texting to calling.
Most people also now prefer to use a mobile phone instead of land-line (a phone that is
permanently installed in your home). You can either ‘Pay as You Go’, which is good for
people who do not use their phones often or you can purchase a contract, which generally
lasts between 18 months to 2 years. A contract is cheaper if you use your phone often and
there are many good deals available which include free phones. The main mobile service
providers are EE (which includes Orange and T-Mobile), 3, Vodaphone, O2 and Virgin.
There is no reception underground so
mobiles can’t be used on the Tube but some
stations have started introducing free Wi-Fi.
Some basic social ‘rules’ with mobile phones
include turning your phone off when you’re
at the theatre, a film or a lecture.
Additionally, you should keep the volume and
duration of your conversation to a minimum
when speaking on your phone in a public
place.
You are advised to make long-distance calls from a land-line or use Skype as it can become
quite expensive using a mobile unless you have purchased long-distance calling as part of
your contract/plan. Be careful when using your phone abroad as roaming charges may apply
and texts and calls can become very expensive outside of your contracted ‘zone’.
People spend a lot of time looking at their phone while walking and this can be quite
dangerous as you are no longer aware of what’s around you or who is near you. Please put
your phone away and be aware of your surroundings when commuting or walking around
London.
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Money Matters
London can be an expensive city if you do not know where the locals shop or how to manage
your money. UK currency is in coins of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. Notes/bills come
in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50.
When you arrive, you are strongly advised to set up a bank account. It is cheaper to
withdraw money from your local account instead of an overseas account as you will be
charged for each international transaction. You will need to get a Bank Letter from your
college’s Student Administration or Registry office before you can open a bank account. You
must be fully enrolled as a student before a letter can be given to you.
There are many different banks in London with branches everywhere so banking is
convenient. Once you receive your debit card (or cash-point card) you can use it to
withdraw money from any bank ATM machine (cash-point) for free.
All debit cards and credit cards have PIN numbers as
a security feature, so memorize your PIN and be
aware of people around you when withdrawing
money. You should never carry large amounts of
cash with you in case of theft or loss. We
recommend that you carry some cash, however,
since smaller shops may not accept debit/credit
cards or may have a minimum charge on card
transactions.
Registering with the Police
Foreign nationals of some countries are required to register with the police when they arrive
in the UK. This will be indicated in your passport and must be done within 7 days. You will
need to take your passport, 2 passport-sized photographs and the £34 registration fee.
Please see our website for further details:
http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/international/immigration-and-visas/police-registration/
Religion
The UK is primarily Christian but London’s cultural diversity brings
many different faiths together with a variety of places of worship
available throughout the city, to cater to everyone. Many of our
college sites offer non-denominational prayer rooms for the use of
students and staff. Please see the Chaplaincy section of our website
for more information:
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http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/chaplaincy/
Resident Discount Schemes
Depending on where you live in London, you may be eligible for the Resident Discount
Scheme or City Saver. This service is provided by some of London’s local councils/boroughs
and provides discounts in sport centres, libraries, shops, restaurants, or for events such as
music and theatre. You can apply by providing proof of your accommodation location in
London. While you will be entitled to discounts with your student card, the resident
discount scheme may be able to provide you with alternative discounts or higher discounted
rates. As an example, please see the Borough of Westminster’s site:
https://citysave.westminster.gov.uk/
Once you have found accommodation in London, you will need to visit the homepage of
your local borough/council to see if they offer similar discount schemes.
Safety
London is a very safe city. There are no ‘unsafe’ areas but some areas are more attractive
than others and therefore feel safer. Please be aware of your surroundings and use
common sense. Try to stay on busy roads at night and, if possible, walk in groups instead of
alone. Crime rates are low in London but pickpockets operate in busy areas. If you keep
your belongings close to you, and are watchful of the crowds around you, you should not
have any problems.
Shopping
London is a shopper’s paradise. Markets tend to
be popular shopping destinations for students and
are a fun way to shop for food or unique products:
www.londontourist.org/markets.html
London has thousands of shops catering to all
styles and tastes. ‘High Street’ shops are generally
chain stores found all over London and carry the
latest fashions. London’s main shopping areas are
Oxford Street, Regent Street, King’s Road, High
Street Kensington, Covent Garden and Angel. London also has many department stores
which are convenient because they sell everything in one place. London’s department
stores are Debenhams, John Lewis, Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty, House of Fraser and British
Home Stores (BHS). Most of these are located on Oxford Street. If you’re looking for
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household items (such as towels, bed linens, kitchen utensils etc) Ikea or Argos offer the
most affordable prices.
Sales
If you are a bargain-hunter, sale time in London is your time to shop! From late November
through to January, every shop in London has winter sales. A similar sale occurs in July when
the summer sales begin. There are many bargains to be found and the shops become very
busy.
Student Discounts
Students are normally entitled to discounts with a valid student card or National Union of
Students (NUS) card which you will receive during enrolment or which you can apply for with
the Student’s Union. Shops do not always indicate if they give student discounts so
always ask the shop assistant when you are about to make a purchase. You might also find
Voucher Cloud a helpful site to get coupons or discounts for various shops in London.
http://www.vouchercloud.com
Refunds
Always check a store’s refund policy before purchasing an item. Many shops will not give
cash refunds if you later decide you no longer want the item you purchased. A store’s
refund policy is often printed on the receipt. Many stores issue an in-store credit instead of
a refund.
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Sporting Facilities
There are many sporting facilities/recreation/leisure centres/gyms in London where you can
do any manner of sport or activity. You can pay to ‘drop-in’ to a fitness class or to use the
pool or the gymnasium however drop-in sessions are expensive. If you feel you will be
attending a sporting centre or gym often, it is better to buy a membership on a monthly or
annual basis. Students often receive a discount by showing their student card.
Study
Studying in London can be a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop as an individual but
international student life can also be stressful. You are constantly adapting to a different
environment while trying to keep up with a demanding workload. It is important to
remember that there are many different methods of studying and the university system in
the UK may be quite different compared to your home country’s educational system.
Please also remember that the University provides a support network when life becomes
overwhelming. Counsellors and advisers are available, both at the colleges and in the
Student Support department, to help you with academic and/or personal problems.
Accommodation Services can help with accommodation problems, no matter where you live
in London. You can also make appointments with your tutors to discuss any problems or
concerns with your course. We recommend you seek help before a problem becomes out of
control.
Transport in London
London is a huge city with a population of roughly 8 million people. Due to the size of the
city, the transport network is extensive and easy to use.
The Tube
The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is the most popular form of
transportation because it is the most efficient (www.tfl.gov.uk).
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London is divided into 6 zones. Zone 1 is central London while Zone 6 is all residential. All of
the University’s sites, and where you will live and study, are located within Zones 1 to 3. You
will find cheaper accommodation outside of these zones but the cost and time to travel into
central London will be higher.
The Underground is made up of 12 train
lines. At first glance, the Underground is
intimidating and confusing but after a few
journeys (and wrong trains) you will find
the system easy to use. You need to know
which direction you are travelling in, as
the trains are marked as moving North,
South, East or Westbound towards a final
destination. You will often have to change
trains to make a complete journey.
Journey times vary but you must usually
allow at least 40 minutes to get
somewhere within Zones 1-3. Each stop
on the Underground takes approximately 2 minutes, so you can estimate, with some
accuracy, how long your trip will take.
Everyone uses an Oyster card to travel. Oyster cards are blue plastic cards resembling credit
cards that must be touched to a yellow pad when passing through an underground gate,
boarding a bus, or using certain overland trains within London. Passengers can also now use
their debit/credit card, as long as it has the ‘contactless’ symbol on it:
The Oyster card gives you the lowest daily fare and stops charging after you’ve reached the
value of a day travel-card. Peak and Off-Peak charges exist, meaning the Underground is
more expensive during the morning and evening commute rather than during the day. You
can either choose ‘Pay As You Go’ or pay for daily, weekly, monthly or annual fares on your
card. Students get 30% off of their travel cards which can be applied for through Transport
for London’s website, http://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/adult-discounts-andconcessions/18-student?intcmp=1768, after enrolment.
We recommend you register your Oyster Card with Transport for London in case of theft or
loss. Even the most experienced Tube traveller will carry a pocket-map of the Underground
with them (which are free and available at any Underground station). The tube generally
starts operating around 5:30am and closes just after midnight but particular tube lines will
be operating a 24 hour service on Friday and Saturday, from September 2015 onwards.
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Buses
Buses are a great way to travel around London because they
help you learn the layout of the city and they are cheaper than
the Tube. Buses don’t observe the zones or peak/off-peak
travel times. It is a set fare for any journey no matter how long,
how short or at what time. While most buses stop running
around midnight, there are many 24-hour buses and night
buses which are helpful for getting you home late at night. Visit
the Transport for London website (www.tfl.gov.uk) for bus
maps and plans.
Cars
Cars are a comfortable method to travel but they are very expensive to maintain. Drivers
must pay the £10 Congestion Charge in order to drive into central London. In addition, you
must consider fuel costs and daily parking. You will need a Resident Parking Permit so that
you have a place to park your car near your accommodation. If you park illegally, you face
heavy fines. You will also be required to have your car tested and checked each year for
safety and operating ability, called an ‘MOT. These multiple costs and requirements make
cars a luxury that is not affordable or practical to students or most residents of London.
Taxis
Taxis are a quick and comfortable option of travel but are much more expensive than taking
a bus or the Tube. Always ensure to ask the driver for an estimate of the cost before getting
in. Black Cabs (www.londonblackcabs.co.uk/) are safe but there are many illegal or unregistered mini-cabs that can be very dangerous, especially for women travelling alone.
Make sure the cab you hire has a registration number and a legitimate fare-counter located
near the driver.
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Bicycles
Cycling is an affordable and healthy method of travel. London is slowly adding more cycling
lanes and has introduced the Barclay’s Cycle Hire city bike scheme (also known as Boris
Bikes) which enables people in central London to hire bikes for a specific period of time and
then return them to designated docking stations: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/
Cyclists must wear helmets as London’s streets are very busy and can be dangerous. We
would only recommend cycling if you are a confident and experienced cyclist.
Walking
Walking is great exercise and a wonderful way to see the city up-close. Walking will also
reveal that most tube stations are closer than they appear which means that it can
sometimes be faster to walk than take the Tube or a bus. Many people have Smartphones
which include maps but you can also purchase a ‘London A to Z’ booklet, found in any
bookstore. The London A to Z is a concise map of London’s streets which is useful for finding
your way around.
Travel
London is a gateway to the world with many cheap flights, trains and buses leaving the city
to travel both within the UK and internationally. It’s fun to travel with friends and explore
the UK and the EU during your study holidays or on weekends, so that you make the most of
your international student experience. We recommend you look into student-
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friendly travel agency STA (www.statravel.com) as they cater to students and have good
deals.
You need your passport every time you leave the UK. Ryan Air www.ryanair.com and Easy
Jet http://www.easyjet.com/en/ are popular airlines with students for cheap and short citybreaks.
Overland trains travel to most parts of the UK but fares can vary depending on where and
when you are travelling. There are also bus services, such as National Express,
http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx, or Megabus, http://uk.megabus.com/, that
travel to many locations in the UK.
Always plan your holidays in advance as some countries require you to have a visitor visa
before entry. Please speak to our immigration advisers in Student Services before booking a
trip outside the UK: http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/international/immigration-andvisas/travelling-abroad/
Weather
London’s weather is generally mild but can be unpredictable so it’s best to layer your clothes
so that you stay comfortable as the temperature changes throughout the day. Winters in
London are fairly wet with occasional snow and summers are warm but rarely hot. London
has four distinct seasons with Autumn/Winter lasting from October to March and
Spring/Summer starting in April. It is good to bring clothes for all occasions and to pack an
umbrella for those random rainstorms.
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Working
Not every student is allowed to work when studying in the UK so check your visa as it will
specify if you have any work restrictions. While you don’t initially need a National Insurance
Number when you begin work, you will eventually need one for tax purposes. Even though
you are a student, you must pay tax out of your monthly earnings. If you are unsure about
National Insurance Numbers, taxes or working in the UK, contact Student Services:
http://www.arts.ac.uk/student-jobs-and-careers/get-jobs-advice/work-as-an-internationalstudent/
Many of our students choose to work part-time to gain an international work experience
and to earn some money. You are not allowed to use potential earnings from work in the UK
as a method of proving financial stability for student visa purposes. Most people look for
jobs online or via the newspapers, as well as the traditional method of taking copies of your
CV/Resume and giving them to places where you’d like to work. The University offers
students the opportunity to work for us you can read more about how we can help you with
work here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/student-jobs-and-careers/
Remember that your primary reason for being here is to study so don’t let your job take
priority over your academic pursuits.
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Pre-Departure Checklist
Please use this checklist to make sure you have everything in place before you leave for
London.
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Letter of acceptance (Offer Letter) from the University
Complete and return all forms required by the University and pay your deposit
Make sure to know exactly where and when you are supposed to arrive at the
University
A valid passport that will not expire while you are in the UK
Student Visa/Appropriate Entry Clearance in your passport
Paper evidence that you have enough money to be considered financially secure
while studying in the UK
Arranged transfer of money to the UK
Airline ticket with travel insurance
Arranged health insurance to cover the beginning of your stay in the UK until NHS
healthcare becomes valid (see Health section for more details)
Arranged accommodation prior to arrival in the UK
Arranged transport from airport to your accommodation
Address and telephone number of the University and your accommodation
Label your luggage with your name and address in the UK
Make a list of what you have packed in case you need to make a claim on lost
luggage
Check your baggage allowance if you think you may exceed the limit. Extra weight is
expensive. If you’re unsure of the baggage allowance, call your flight provider
Bring at least 3 passport-sized photographs with you
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