Life in the UK...

Some things you may want to know about:

Money Matters | Health, Insurance, and Safety | EAP Health Insurance | Personal Belongings | Safety and Travel | LGBT Resources | Employment in the UK | Law in the UK | Travel Information | Glossary

Money Matters

 CURRENCY:
One pound sterling (£1), known colloquially as a “quid”, is divided into a hundred pence (100p). Coins issued are of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, and £2 denominations. Notes in circulation are of £1 (in Scotland), £5, £10 and £20 and £50value. You will find a variety of bank notes in the U.K. and sometimes you may have problems having those from Northern Ireland and Scotland accepted outside of these locations. However, they are legal tender.

EXCHANGING MONEY IN HAND:
A major bank will probably offer you the best exchange rate for any US currency (cash or travelers cheques [checks]) that you need to convert. A Bureau de Change is usually more expensive. Post Offices will also exchange money for you - they offer competitive exchange rates, with 0% commission.

USING YOUR US CREDIT AND ATM CARDS:
Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are accepted in most outlets throughout the UK. You can also use these cards to get cash at cashpoints [ATMs] if you have a PIN number but the cost of obtaining cash on these cards is very high. Most US ATM cards are connected to cashpoints in the UK through the Cirrus or Plus networks. Some students opt to avoid the hassle and charges involved in transferring their funds to a UK bank account, and arrange for their financial aid/ allowances to be deposited into their US bank account. The money can then be accessed in the UK from a networked ATM using the US ATM card. In general the exchange charges for ATM cards are lower than for bank drafts [cashiers checks], and you avoid having to wait for the bank draft to clear in a UK account (which can take three weeks). However, be aware that some cashpoints will add a transaction charge of £0.75 to £1.50 for a cash withdrawal for funds held at other institutions. If you use a credit card at an ATM machine, then you will probably incur a 2.5% - 5% charge on the amount that you withdraw. It is your home bank that sets the charges, so you should check with them if you are unsure as to how much you will be charged for an ATM withdrawal.

Note: UK systems usually only accept PINs of 4 digits, so please ensure you have an appropriate PIN before trying to use the ATMs. Students with an AMEX card and access to an AMEX office (located in major cities) can cash a cheque from their US dollar account for up to $1000 in cash every three weeks.

UK BANK ACCOUNTS AND DEPOSITING MONEY IN TO THEM:
You should wait until you arrive at your host institution before opening a bank account. It is also advisable to open up an account with one of the major UK banks, such as NatWest, Barclays, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland or Lloyds. UK banks offer deposit accounts [savings accounts] and current accounts [checking accounts]. Bank drafts [cashier’s checks] and any US dollar cheque [such as a financial aid cheque] deposited to your account may take up to 3 weeks to clear. If you do need to transfer money from a US account you can wire it instead. Wiring funds to a UK bank will usually take 2 to 3 days and typically costs $30-40.00. A current account usually includes a cashpoint [ATM] card, and maybe a cheque book with guarantee card (useful for paying your rent). Most cashpoint cards incorporate a direct debit feature (called Switch or Delta), which is now accepted in most shops. The main UK banks all compete for student business at Freshers’ Fairs with various special offers though such offers may not be available to International students. They offer very similar services but search for the best deal for you (especially check the details on deposits made in US dollars).

Note: if you open up a Student Account at one of the major British banks, you should remind them every time you want to exchange currency that you are a student because several banks do not charge commission to their own student customers.

You will probably work with a combination of the above to find a system that works for you. Remember, UK banking is not the same as the US system you are used to - same language (just about) but very different practices. If you have further questions on finances please contact the Study Centre and we will help you.

FAST WIRING OF MONEY TO THE UK:
In addition to the usual method of wiring money to your UK account as noted above, you may also be able to arrange money transfers through Moneygram/ Western Union Money Transfer. Offices can be found in most towns and cities, at American Express agencies, travel agents and Post Offices. Although the office keeps a percentage of the amount wired, the money is transferred almost instantaneously. You could have someone transfer money from America and minutes later pick up the cash over here. It is more expensive than the methods above, but may be useful in emergencies, if you urgently need cash.

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY:
The California House Study Centre is able to provide a very small, short term loan (£65 maximum) to help tide you over in case of financial emergency. A more substantial loan may be available through the Regents Student Loan Fund, but this is a much, much longer process. Please keep a watchful eye on your funds and do contact us as soon as you know that you have a problem. We will always try to help but in order to facilitate our assisting you, please advise us of your difficulties in a timely manner. Loans must be repaid or grades will be withheld.

DEBTS TO HOST UNIVERSITIES:
You are personally responsible for all debts at your host university, including library fines and housing fees. Like UC, your host university will withhold grades and transcripts: if you do not pay your bills, you will not get your grades! EAP cannot intervene in cases of debts owed to the host university. If you are locked in a dispute with your host university you must settle the dispute through normal channels at that university.

TIPPING:
The UK does not have a pervasive ‘tipping culture’ like that of the US. It would, however, be normal to tip around 10% in taxis or in restaurants, but tipping does not apply in bars. Check your restaurant bill to see if the 10% has automatically been added to the total – you do not want to tip twice! Recently some restaurants have been charging 12.5% for service.

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Health, Insurance, and Safety in the UK

HEALTH:
Because of your status in the UK, you are entitled to treatment by the National Health Service (NHS). This treatment is free and generally of good quality. UC students in the UK have sometimes felt that routine matters are handled with less thoroughness and/or speed than they are used to in the US. Delay in waiting for treatment is a frequent complaint from the British public. Still, we believe that the NHS, even if overextended in its resources, offers reliable and conscientious medical care by trained and competent medical personnel. Most routine medical treatment takes place in a "surgery", the medical centre or office where one or more doctors practice; if you require more specialized treatment, you will be sent to a "consultant" or "specialist". There is a surgery or medical centre on your university campus.

You will also find a tendency in the UK to "under treat" many complaints and in particular antibiotics are not routinely prescribed. You should also note that chemists [pharmacists] will give good advice for many ailments and can make suggestions for over-the-counter purchases. Many of you will have certain drugs that you prefer to use for headaches etc and these are available here but under a different name. For example, “Tylenol” is known in the UK as “paracetamol”. Advil is available in the UK and is the same drug as “Nurofen” or "Ibuprofen”.

For a medical emergency needing an ambulance, call: 999

The NHS has a service (NHS Direct) you can call for a consultation with a health professional over the phone. The number is 0845 4647. The website is www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. You can also contact NHS Direct if you need advice on how to deal with a medical emergency such as how to stem bleeding/ how to give CPR.

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EAP HEALTH INSURANCE:
If you have any doubts about the character or quality of any medical treatment, or if you experience more delay than you feel is warranted, you have the option of going private, that is, seeking treatment by a doctor in private practice. You will need to pay for this treatment, and then seek reimbursement under the medical insurance that EAP provides for you. We suggest you check the details of this EAP coverage, see Appendix VII of your EAP General Information Guide, before committing to the treatment to be sure the insurance does cover it (e.g. the policy may not cover a pre-existing condition, or dental treatment). If you do go private, be sure to ask about costs and the willingness of the doctor to provide information to the health insurance company. If you claim, fill in the insurance claim form we have provided, and send it DIRECTLY to the address printed in black at the top, and include a copy of the bills. Be sure to make a photocopy of all claims documents and receipts before sending them to the insurance company.

EXTENDING INSURANCE COVERAGE:
If you wish to extend your health insurance coverage, for example so that you are covered during your travels next summer, you need to complete the form "Request for Extension of Insurance Coverage", which you can find on-line (under Extension of Insurance Coverage). Prices quoted to date are as follows: 1 extra month @ $34.00; 2 months @ $67.00; 3 months @ $89.00. The request form states that the supplemental coverage contains exactly the same benefits and exclusions as the initial policy. NB: The coverage must be paid for at the time of the request, otherwise the request is invalid. You will need to send the form, along with payment (payable to Hendricks-Hodgkiss Co.) directly to the California address on the form. Remember to keep a photocopy of the page for your own records.

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PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
Students are strongly advised to obtain insurance for their personal belongings, especially for anything of value such as a computer or camera. Burglaries take place even in campus dorms and flats. There are many insurers available in the UK and a suitable policy could be obtained during the first few weeks of term (e.g. Endsleigh, the specialist student insurers who are usually represented at Freshers Fairs). You may prefer to extend a policy that you or your family already have. In any case you should be aware that insuring your property is your responsibility and most host universities do not provide insurance cover for your belongings even when you are living in university accommodation.

SAFETY AND TRAVEL:
Please refer to the Study Centre home page for EAP’s Travel Policy. Note that if you leave your home campus for more than 24 hours, you MUST notify your Study Center.

In general, we suggest that you take as much care of yourself and your belongings as you would in the States; never take unnecessary risks (such as accepting a ride, or "lift" from a stranger); and don't carry large amounts of cash around. All of the above is largely a matter of common sense, especially when you are in unfamiliar surroundings; after a couple of months, you'll be in a good position to gauge for yourself the degree of caution necessary in your host town. It's a good idea to ask your flat/dorm mates about the precautions they typically take.

We urge you to keep all valuable possessions carefully tucked into money-belts or fastened bags while wandering around any city, day or night. In fact, vigilance and caution are necessary in all of your "host" university towns, especially when walking around alone and/or at night. In general, there are more people walking in the streets here than in the US, so there is less need to feel fearful of serious crime (the "safety in numbers" principle). However, we strongly urge you to be cautious when walking alone, and at all times you should exercise caution in large parks and commons; do not venture onto them at night. There has been a rise in the number of assaults in such places in recent years.

Violent crime, such as mugging and rape, is a risk in certain parts of major UK cities, though not typically in tourist areas in the centre of a town or city. In these central areas you are much more likely to lose your wallet, passport, purse (known here as a handbag or bag) or other belongings. Make sure if you carry your passport, you have made a photocopy and kept it separate so that in the case of a theft, replacing your passport is made easier. In general, however, if you make the right decisions (taking a taxi rather than walking home after the club, staying with friends rather than going it alone etc.) you should be fine.

Lastly, and at the risk of our appearing intrusive, we remind you of the dangers of AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases, an increasing problem in the UK. As in the States, it is essential to protect yourself in any sexual encounters you may have. Condoms are available in all drugstores (known here as chemists), supermarkets and frequently in vending machines in public places. The Student Health Centre at your host university may supply them for free. The Family Planning Clinic and the Brook Advisory Centre both supply them for free too. Do not ask for “rubbers” – you will either get a very strange look, or you will be given a pack of erasers instead!

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resources

Although you will probably find that the British are not as open about sexual orientations as Californians are , most UK cities have well-established LGBT communities . In addition, all UK universities will have LGBT Societies, which are often a great starting place for meeting local/ national groups. The 24-hour Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (020 7837 7324) is a useful source of information in England while the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (0131 556 4049) provides a similar service in Scotland and the Gay Switchboard Dublin (01 – 8721055) in the Republic of Ireland. For health advice aimed specifically at gay men, the Terence Higgins Trust provides an excellent support service. For gay women Gingerbeer is a good place to start.

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Employment in the UK

PERMISSION TO WORK:
The legality of US students working in the UK depends on their visas. For most students on EAP it will be possible to work part-time.

There are two stamps you could receive:

1. The Employment Restriction stamp is the one you are most likely to receive. (It states: leave to remain in the UK on condition that the holder maintains and accommodates himself and any dependents without recourse to public funds, does not enter or change employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment and does not engage in any business or profession without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.). Anyone with this restriction stamped in their passport can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations. However, you must not fill a permanent vacancy, or engage in business, self-employment or in the provision of services relating to professional sport or entertainment.
2. If you received the Employment Prohibition stamp (this states: leave to enter the UK, on condition that …the holder does not enter employment paid or unpaid and does not engage in any business or profession...), it is possible to request a restriction (as above) if you wish to undertake part-time work during your stay.

Working without the approval of the Department of Employment could result in prosecution.

Apart from the few restrictions noted above, you are free to apply for any form of employment during your time in the UK. Most students find jobs in bars or restaurants, as they can negotiate flexible working hours, which fit in with their studies. Some of the places where you may see jobs advertised include shop/restaurant windows, in newspapers, or on notice boards around the university. Your host university will probably also have a Student Employment Centre, where you will find jobs advertised, and can ask questions about employment.

NATIONAL INSURANCE (NI):
A consequence of working in the UK is that you are required to pay National Insurance contributions on your earnings (if you earn over £91.25 per week), as all UK citizens do. Once you have received a written offer of work, you can apply for your National Insurance number. You apply for a NI number at your local Benefits Agency office, and will need to take with you your passport and police registration card (the latter, if you are a non-US or non-Canadian citizen). The Agencies are listed in local telephone directories, or the host university Welfare Office should be able to help you. In the UK there is a minimum wage of £4.10 per hour for those aged between 18 and 21 and £4.85 for those aged 22 and over); you should be aware of this if you do look for employment.

INCOME TAX:
For part-time work during the short time you are here in the UK it is unlikely that you will earn enough to be required to pay income tax (especially since your time here in the UK will straddle two tax years – the UK tax year starts in April). Income tax for most employees is deducted at source and the employer pays the contributions on an employee’s behalf. You are required to pay when your income reaches £4,745 for that tax year. If you reach the limit tax will be deducted automatically and the details will appear on your pay slip. You and your employer will have to complete the Inland Revenue form ‘P38’ and your employer will then send it off to the tax authorities. If you have any queries about this, we suggest that you clarify the situation with your employer, or with the Student Employment Centre at your host university. There is also a very detailed website here.

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Law in the UK

It is fairly uncommon to become involved in legal matters, unless you commit driving offences, or are rowdy in the street after a party. However, the law will come down heavily on you for certain offences, particularly when drugs are involved

RIGHTS AS TENANT OF A PROPERTY:
If you are living in rented accommodation while over here, you have certain legal rights, which must be observed before you can be asked to vacate the property. Details will be available from the Solicitors/ Estate Agent from whom you are renting the property. Additionally, your local Citizens Advice Bureau can advise.

ALCOHOL:
Though it is legal to drink in the U.K. from the age of 18, you don’t have to drink alcohol: pubs always offer non-alcoholic alternatives. You can be arrested for being ‘Drunk and Disorderly’ in a public place and a night in a cold police cell with a hangover is not a pleasant experience. Drinking and driving in the UK is a very serious offence – don’t do it. British beer is also significantly stronger than that in the US so be careful.

DRUGS:
The illegal importation of drugs to Britain is a serious offence and can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment. The possession of any drugs, such as opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine (including Benzedrine), LSD and ecstasy is illegal even for personal use in a private place. Supplying these drugs is a more serious offence and the police and customs officers are empowered to stop and search you, your vehicle and, on warrant, your home. (For EAP’s policy on substance abuse, see Appendix III of your General Information Guide).

POLICE INVESTIGATION:
If you are involved in a police investigation you are entitled to certain legal rights (of which you will be advised by the police officer holding you in custody), and if necessary you should obtain advice from a local solicitor on these before making any statement. You are required to inform the Study Centre of any incidents involving the Police. It is important we know about any incidents which might occur during your time in the U.K. and we are available 24 hours a day to provide you with any necessary advice you might need. Even if you just need to talk something over, please feel free to get in touch.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
As a participant on EAP you are subject to student conduct policies of the host university that you are attending, your home UC campus, and EAP. Note that EAP’s policies may be stricter than policies enforced at your home campus. It is your responsibility to comply with local laws. Your host university will have detailed information on their Student Conduct Policies.

(See Appendix II of the General Student Guide for EAP’s Conduct and Discipline Policy.)

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Communications

POST (MAIL):
In general the UK postal service, Royal Mail, is excellent and much more reliable than the US equivalent. For small letters within the UK, the postage rate is 21p for second-class delivery (which takes around 3 days) or 28p for first class delivery (which normally arrives the following day). For airmail to the US, the basic rate is 47p for letters up to 10 grams in weight (one sheet of paper) and the charges increase with the weight of the package. Post Offices are normally open Monday – Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm, and from 9.00am – noon on Saturdays, with some local exceptions. Note that smaller Post Offices usually close on Wednesday afternoons.

TELEPHONES:
Most public phones in the UK are BT phones (British Telecom) though increasingly there are others operated by rival companies. The new BT phones take coins and credit cards (10p coins and over), credit cards and commercial phone cards, the minimum price of a call from a public phone is 20p. Phone cards can be purchased at most newsagents (£2, £5 etc), post offices and usually at train stations and other outlets. They are a convenient way to make long-distance calls. Local calls are not free: the cost depends on where you are calling from (landline, mobile etc), time of day of your call etc.

Mobile phones are increasingly the communication means of UK student communication. While annual contracts are popular they don’t work for EAP students. You can purchase a pay-as-you-go phone (credit is provided through top-up cards purchased for a certain amount of talk time) but it will not work in the US. You may wish to check if the phone you buy works outside the UK. It is possible to purchase a very basic phone for about £50 but you will have to pay extra for top-up cards for talk time.

DIAL TONES:

• Dial Tone: a continuous purring of high-pitched hum
• Ringing Tone: a repeated “burr-burr” sound
• Engaged (busy) Tone: a repeated single note
• Number unobtainable: a continuous steady note

MAKING PHONE CALLS WITHIN THE UK:
Telephone numbers in the UK have area codes, which are often stated in brackets. The area code for London is 020, for Norwich 01603, etc. These area codes must be dialed if you are calling from outside the area, but are not necessary if you are making a local call. For example, if you were calling the California House Study Centre from central London, you would only need to dial 7495 5280, as you are making a local call. But, if you were calling the Study Centre from outside London, then you would have to dial 020 7495 5280. Remember, local calls are not free, and will cost a minimum of 20p. When calling from a mobile (cell) phone though, you will always have to dial the FULL 11 digit number, including any prefixes, which are usually noted in brackets. The minimum price for this call will depend on your contract and tariff.

MAKING INTERNATIONAL PHONE CALLS:
The direct dialling code to the US is: 001 + area code + number. It is cheaper to phone between 6pm and 8am Monday - Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday than at other times of the week. International Directory Enquiries: call 118866.

An excellent time to phone California is 7:00 am because the rates are still low, and because that will be 11:00 pm (the previous day) California time.

For your friends and family to call you from the US, they should dial: 011 + 44 + area code minus the first ‘0’ + land line number. (If they are calling you on your mobile phone, they should use 011 + 44 and then dial the mobile number omitting the first 0).

COLLECT CALLS:
UK: Dial the operator (100) and ask to make "a reverse charge call"; these are expensive calls! Don't phone the Study Centre this way except in the case of an emergency.

US: To call the US Collect through the operator, dial 155 (the International Operator) and say you'd like to make a "reverse charge international call".

Here are some other local toll-free access numbers:

AT&T 0800 89 0011 / 0500 89 0011
SPRINT 0800 890 877 / 0500 890 877
MCI 0800 279 5088 / 0500 89 0222
SPRINT 0800 963 5400

FINDING NUMBERS THROUGH THE OPERATOR:
For tracking down numbers in the UK, dial 118 500 ("Directory Enquiries"). For finding an international number, dial 118866. These calls are free from public telephones; from other telephones they are expensive, currently 55 pence per call.

LAST CALLER:
If you are calling from a landline, you can check who called last by pressing “1471” (known in the USA as “star 69”).

MAKING CALLS ONCE YOU ARE SETTLED AT YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY:
The rates for long distance telephone calls from the UK to the US are now very competitive. You will see advertisements everywhere for low cost calls, ranging from 3 to 12 pence per minute. Some companies will require you to pay (preferably by credit card) for at least £25 in advance, whereupon they will give you a toll free number and a PIN number that allows you to make use of them from any telephone. Other companies sell pre-paid credit cards (£5, £10, etc) through newsagents – you buy the card then scratch off a PIN number on the reverse of the card. Do read or ask about the details, because they are variable: minimum initial charge, rates on calls to the US per minute, what hour restrictions (if any) are in effect for these rates [remember that California is 8 hours behind us], and whether the rate changes when you wish to buy more time after you have used up the first £25. Here are three companies that currently advertise very low rates that are valid 24 hours a day seven days a week:

• Royal Mail Phonecard
• AXS Telecom
• Kallback

Credit cards can also be used from many public telephones, simply follow the instructions in the phone booth.

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Travel Information

TRAINS:
You can find out about all the UK rail services and prices on one national number: 08457 484950. It will probably be worth buying a Young Person's Rail Card (for those under 26, or a mature student holding an ISIC or other card identifying them as students): it costs £20.00 and is valid for 12 months, giving up to a third off most ticket prices. You will need to purchase this at a British Rail office (e.g. Euston Train Station) and show proof of age/student status and provide two photographs.

Routes and schedules for train travel within the UK are available online. While pre-booking a train trip is possible through, e.g. The Train Line, and may be advisable during peak travel times, generally you will be able to buy your ticket, and realize your “Young Person’s Rail Card” savings on day of travel at the railroad station. Many locations in the UK are now served by more than one railroad company, thus, it is good to familiarize yourself with those options for travel to and from your host institution locations.

COACHES:
National Express is the main (but not the only) long-distance bus company. All bookings and enquiries are dealt with on one phone number: 08705 808080, or on the web at www.nationalexpress.com. It may be worth buying a student coach card from National Express for the year: it costs £10.00 and gives up to a third off most ticket prices. You will need to go to a National Express office to buy one of these, and take proof of student status and a photograph with you.

For European coach travel, try Busabout, Eurolines or National Express.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD (ISIC):
The ISIC card is internationally recognized, and will be a useful form of ID for gaining student discounts when you travel around Europe. However, in the UK it does not really have much advantage over many other forms of student ID, and certainly at your host university your union/matriculation card (often the NUS card) will do just as well. But the ISIC is most effective for flight discounts, so you may find the card useful. It costs £7.00, and is available from all the major student travel agencies. You will need to prove your student status and supply a photograph.

NOTE: an ISIC card may not be useful in conjunction with the cut-rate airlines that are listed overleaf. It can be used for regular price flights.

STUDENT TRAVEL AGENCIES:
There will be a student travel agency at your host university, offering services such as flights, travel insurance, interrail passes, coach travel, specialized tours. Alternatively, contact STA Travel (08701 600 599).

GENERAL TRAVEL CONTACTS:
British Tourist Board: 020 8846 9000
Irish Tourist Board: 0207493 3201
Northern Irish Tourist Board: 028 9045 7745
Welsh Tourist Board: 02078083838
Scottish Tourist Board: 020 7930 8661

Airbus Information & London Transport: 0207 222 1234
Heathrow Airport General Enquiries: 0870 000 0123
Gatwick Airport General Enquiries: 0870 000 2468
Edinburgh Airport General Enquiries: 0870 040 0007
Aer Lingus (flights to Ireland): 0845 084 4444
Ryan Air (flights to Northern Ireland): 0871 246 0000
British Airways: 0870 850 9850
British Midland: 0870 6070 555

There are lots of cheap deals for travel within the UK and to Europe (and beyond), most offer on-line booking:

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Glossary

There is also a huge variation in regional accents in the UK, for the comparatively small size of the country. Try watching Eastenders (BBC 1), Coronation Street (ITV) and Monarch of the Glen (BBC1) to hear the difference in accents among London, Manchester and the Scottish Highlands.

Here are a few pointers to the English Language – UK style! 

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