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, £2 (& rarely £5) denominations. Notes in circulation are £1 (in Scotland), £5, £10, £20 and £50 value. You will find notes from a variety of banks in the U.K. and sometimes you may have problems having notes from Northern Irish and Scottish banks accepted outside of these locations. However, they are legal tender.

EXCHANGING MONEY IN HAND:
The Post Office offers the best exchange rate for US currency (cash or travellers cheques) that you need to convert; it also does not charge commission. A Bureau de Change is usually more expensive.  Major banks are also able to exchange money for you – check their daily exchange rates to try to get the best deal.

USING YOUR US CREDIT AND ATM CARDS:
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express 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. Most US ATM cards are connected to cashpoints in the UK through the Cirrus, Maestro 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 cheaper 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 of 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.  It is cheaper to use a debit card than a credit card to get cash.

Note: UK systems usually only accept PIN’s 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. If you decide to open up an account, it is best to 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 and you likely will incur a charge on the exchange rate transfer. If you do need to transfer money from a US account, you can wire it, though the fee means this is only worthwhile for large sums. A current account usually includes a cashpoint[ATM] card and sometimes a cheque book with guarantee card (useful for paying your rent). If you do want a cheque book with your current account, be sure to ask for this service at the time of opening your account. Most cashpoint cards incorporate a direct debit feature (called Switch or Delta), which is 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. 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 since several banks do not charge commission to their own student customers.

You will probably work with a combination of the above approaches 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.

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 typically charges a percentage of the amount wired, the money is transferred almost instantly. This is more expensive than the methods above, but may be useful in emergencies, if you urgently need cash.

UC FINANCIAL AID CHEQUES:
The majority of students on UC financial aid now have their money deposited electronically into their designated US bank account.

However, a few students on UC financial aid may have opted to have cheques posted {mailed} to them. If this is the case for you, then your cheque will be mailed to your designated US address.

For ALL students on UC financial aid, the target payment dates are:

1. 50% of your credit balance disbursed to you before departure for the UK
2. 25% of your credit balance disbursed to you on December 15
3. 25% of your credit balance disbursed to you on March 15

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY:
The Edinburgh Study Centre is able to provide a very small, short-term loan 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 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 often hear of such problems far too late to be of much use. Either type of loan 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 be normal to tip around 10% in restaurants or hairdressers, but tipping does not apply in bars or hotels. Recently some restaurants have begun charging 10 - 12.5% for service. Check your restaurant bill to see if a tip has automatically been added to the total; you do not want to tip twice! When using taxis, tips are also expected. A suggestion is to round up to the nearest pound.

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HEALTH, INSURANCE AND SAFETY IN THE UK

For a medical emergency needing an ambulance, call: 999

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 routine matters are handled with less thoroughness and/or speed than they are used to. Delays in waiting for treatment are a frequent complaint from the British public. Still, the NHS 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 may find a tendency in the UK to "under treat" many complaints; 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. Some of you will have certain drugs you prefer to use for headaches, etc. These may be available here but under a different name. For example “tylenol” is known as “paracetamol”. Advil is available in the UK and is the same drug as “Nurofen” or “Ibuprofen”.

The NHS has a service (NHS Direct) you can call for a consultation with a health professional on the phone.  The number is 0845 4647. You can also access information on their website at 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 or give CPR. 

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 (http://eap.ucop.edu/common/Forms/2005-06_insurance_brochure.pdf), before committing to the treatment to make 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 make a 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.  Make a copy of all claims documents and receipts before sending them to the insurance company.

EXTENDING INSURANCE COVERAGE:
To extend your health insurance, 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 at http://eap.ucop.edu/common/forms/Request_InsuranceExten.pdf (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.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: 
Students are advised to obtain insurance for their personal belongings, especially for valuables such as a computer / camera. Burglaries take place. There are many insurers available and a policy can be obtained during the first few weeks of term (e.g. specialist student insurers Endsleigh, usually represented at Freshers Fairs www.endsleigh.co.uk), or you may prefer to extend a policy that you already have (for example with your parents’ housing insurance company). In any case you should be aware that insuring your property is your responsibility. If you do get insurance with your host university, cover is minimal and may well not include things such as laptops.

SAFETY AND TRAVEL:
Please refer to the Study Centre home page for EAP’s Travel Policy (http://eap.ucop.edu/sc). If you leave your home campus for more than 24 hours, you MUST notify your Study Center.  In general, we suggest you take as much care of yourself and your belongings as you would in the US; 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 common sense, especially 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 you should exercise caution at all times in large parks and commons; do notventure into them at night. There has been a rise in the number of assaults in such places in recent years. Remember that during the winter months in the UK, it gets dark much earlier. Please avoid walking alone in the dark and try to stay in small groups as much as possible.

Violent crimes (muggings or rape) are a risk in certain parts of major UK cities, though not in tourist areas.  In tourist areas you are more likely to lose your wallet, passport, purse (known here as a handbag) or other belongings. Do NOT carry your passport.  In general, if you make the right decisions (taking a taxi rather than walking home, staying with friends rather than going it alone etc.) you should be fine.

Lastly, AIDS is a problem in the UK. As in the States, it is essential to protect yourself in any sexual encounters you may have. Condoms (rubbers) are available in drugstores (known 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 (www.fpa.org.uk) and the Brook Advisory Centre (www.brook.org.uk) 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!

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER RESOURCES:
Although you will probably find that the British are not as open about alternative sexualities as people in large California cities, most UK cities have well-established LGBT scenes. In addition, all UK universities will have LGBT Societies, which are often a great starting place for exploring local/national groups. The 24-hour Lesbian and Gay Switchboard (020 7837 7324 or www.llgs.org.uk) is a useful source of information in England, while the Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (0131 556 4049 or www.lgls.co.uk) provides a similar service in Scotland.  For health advice the Terence Higgins Trust (www.tht.org.uk) provides an excellent support service. For gay women www.gingerbeer.co.uk is a good place to start.

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EMPLOYMENT IN THE UK:

PERMISSION TO WORK

Most students on courses of more than 6 months will be given a visa sticker that allows them to work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours a week) and full-time during the vacations. However, for immigration, you must be able to show that you can afford to study and live in the UK without having to work. You must be able to show other sources of funding apart from your part-time 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.

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, newspapers, or notice boards around the university. Your host university probably also has 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, just as UK citizens do, if you earn over £94 per week. 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 (if you are a non-US or non-Canadian citizen) your police registration card. The Agencies are listed in local telephone directories, or the host university Welfare Office should be able to help you. In the UK the minimum wage is £4.60 per hour for those aged between 18 and 21 and £5.52 for those aged 22 and over (from October 2005).

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 £5.430 for the 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, please ask the Study Centre or the Student Employment Centre at your host university. There is also a helpful website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm.

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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 here, you have certain legal rights, that 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 (www.nacab.org.uk).

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. If you drink too much, you can be arrested for being ‘Drunk and Disorderly’ in a public place. Drinking and driving in the UK is a very serious offence.  Don’t do it. British beer is 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 drug - 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; 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). If necessary you should obtain advice from a local solicitor on your rights before making any statement. You are required to inform the Study Centre of any incidents involving the Police. 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 an EAP participant 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 reliable.  For small letters in the UK, postage is 21p for 2^nd class (around 3 days) or 30p for 1^st class (normally arrives the following day). For airmail to the US, the cost is 47p (up to 10 grams) or 68p (up to 20 grams). The charges increase with the weight. Post Offices are normally open Monday – Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm, and from 9.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays, with some exceptions. Smaller Post Offices usually close on Wednesday afternoons.

TELEPHONES:

Most public phones in the UK are BT phones (British Telecom) though there are increasingly others operated by rival companies. 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 30p. 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 common for student communication. Annual contracts are popular but don’t work for EAP students. You can buy a pay-as-you-go phone (talk time is provided through top-up cards purchased for a certain amount) but these phones are unlikely to work in the US – ask at the time of purchase if you want a phone that you can use outside of Europe too. It is possible to purchase a basic phone for about £50 and then buy top-up cards for talk time.

The Study Centre sells phone cards – which can be used to make both national and international calls; they are better value from a landline.  They cost £4 and give 180 minutes talk time to the US.

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 PHONECALLS 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 Fife 01383 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 making a local call to the Edinburgh Study Centre from central Edinburgh, you would only need to dial 662 8988. But, if you were calling the Study Centre from outside Edinburgh, then you would have to dial 0131 662 8988. Remember, local calls are not free. When calling from a mobile (cell) phone, 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 depends on your phone network.

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 118 866.

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

MCI: 0800 279 5088 / 0500 89 0222

SPRINT: 0800 890 877 / 0500 890 877

FINDING NUMBERS THROUGH THE OPERATOR

For tracking down numbers in the UK, dial 118 500 ("Directory Enquiries"). For finding an international number, dial 118 866. 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 the account 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. Below are three companies that currently advertise very low rates that are valid 24 hours a day seven days a week:

Royal Mail www.royalmail.com

AXS Telecom www.axstel.com

Kallback www.kallback.com

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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 is probably worth buying a Young Person's Railcard (for those under 26, or a mature student holding an ISIC card): it costs £20.00 and is valid for 12 months, giving up to a third off most ticket prices.  You need to purchase this at a station) and show proof of age/student status and have two photographs.  More information is here www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk.

There are several ways to pre-book a particular train service: 

1. Book in person at a railway station
2. Book on-line: www.thetrainline.com
3. Book by phone:
   • GNER 08457 225 225 www.gner.co.uk
   • Virgin Trains 08457 222 333 www.virgintrains.co.uk
   • ScotRail 08457 55 00 33 www.scotrail.co.uk

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 status and a photograph with you.

Alternatively, those of you travelling mainly between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Fife will find that Stagecoach Express is the most convenient operator. You will receive a student discount as you pay on entering the coach, providing you show your matriculation card from your host university. For service and timetable information call 01592 261461. A new company also offering national coach travel is www.megabus.com which gives extremely good value coach travel round the UK, though it can be slower than other coaches.

For European coach travel, try www.busabout.com, www.nationalexpress.com or www.eurolines.com

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 cannot be used in conjunction with the cheap 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, and specialised tours. Alternatively contract STA Travel (08701 600 599 or www.statravel.com).

GENERAL TRAVEL CONTACTS:

British Tourist Board: 020 8846 9000 www.visitbritain.com

Irish Tourist Board: 0207493 3201 www.ireland.travel.ie

Northern Irish Tourist Board: 028 9045 7745 www.ni-tourism.com

Welsh Tourist Board: 02078083838 www.tourism.wales.gov.uk

Scottish Tourist Board: 020 7930 8661 www.visitscotland.com

Airbus Information & London Transport: 0207 222 1234 www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/

Heathrow Airport General Enquiries: 0870 000 0123 www.baa.com

Gatwick Airport General Enquiries: 0870 000 2468 www.baa.com

Edinburgh Airport General Enquiries: 0870 040 0007 www.baa.com

Aer Lingus (flights to Ireland): 0845 084 4444 www.aerlingus.ie

Ryan Air (flights to Northern Ireland):  0871 246 0000 www.ryanair.com

British Airways: 0870 850 9850 www.ba.com

British Midland: 0870 6070 555 www.bmi.co.uk

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

Agencies

• www.lastminute.co.uk
• www.expedia.co.uk
• www.ebookers.co.uk
• www.aerlingus.com
• www.easyjet.com
• www.ryanair.com
• www.airberlin.com

Airlines

• www.ba.com
• www.germanwings.com
• www.bmibaby.co.uk

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GLOSSARY

There is 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 between London, Manchester and the Scottish Highlands.

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

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