[ SECRET POST #2783 ]

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⌈ Secret Post #2783 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 03 pages, 069 secrets from Secret Submission Post #398.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 1 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ], [ 1 - random pattern image ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Re: Traveling/moving abroad

[(Anonymous)]

Congratulations and welcome! I would say:

Get an Oystercard and keep it topped up - top up points are at all stations and a lot of newsagents and shops. Oystercards are 'swipe' activated, you just place the card flat on a round yellow card reader and the gate will open to let your through into the station. There is a maximum fee you will be charged per day no matter how many trips you take - I think its about 7 pounds, so if you make a lot of short hops don't worry about your charges climbing. When you get an Oystercard for the first time, you will pay a 5 pound 'deposit' just to get the card and then will need to add cash to top it up. You get that 5 pound back when you surrender the card, plus any cash you have on it. A webpage you should use: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

There is one thing I've noticed about tourists/travelers: they will often try to get through the turnstile/gates with luggage or big backpacks. And then get trapped and upset. There is always a wider gate off to one side, for luggage and wheelchairs etc. Take a second to look for that and you will get through fine. Usually, the station attendant will be there if you are looking for some help or information.

Do not stand on the left on escalators - the rule is stand on the right and walk (down or up) on the left. You will get scolded - to put it mildly - if you don't do this. Generally, try to keep left as you navigate the tube station tunnels. Do not stand at the top or bottom ot the escalators, get out of the way.

Everyone will get lost at some stage on the Underground(aka the Tube) or get on the wrong bus or something. I do on occasion myself and I've lived here nearly all of my adult life! Don't panic, just get off at the next station or stop, gather your thoughts and try again. Bus drivers are often surly but will at least give you advise. Or ask another passenger!

Money: things are expensive. Download a currency exchange app or something to let you keep an eye on expenses in your 'real' currency so you can budget wisely. People use debit cards a lot - ATM machines are everywhere and mostly free to use (that is, you will not be charged a fee to draw out your own cash money). Will you be setting up a bank account over here? Your student union or admissions office will be able to advise on that. If you use Bureau de Change, watch out for commission and fees. Again, your Uni should have some guidance on that, or may even have a finance office. Paper money: values are of different colours and sizes, coins are either copper, silver or gold depending on value.

Food: no free refills of soda or coffee. Portions may be smaller than you are used to.

I would recommend a small cross-body bag for every day for the most important items: debit card, oystercard, keys, so on.

Sending things home: the Post Office is open 5.5 days (Saturday mornings only). There are a big offices in central London: look at www.postoffice.co.uk. There are also courier company drop off and pick up points for companies like DHL.

Accommodation: expensive. If you live in 'dormroom' (we would say 'in Halls') the main facilities will be arranged for you I expect? Eg: broadband, water, electricity, cleaning services. Be sure you know what is included in your fees.

Mobile phone: roaming and call charges may be high if you use your current provider. Look in to getting a mobile over here on a Pay As You Go tariff. Don't get tied into a contract - unless you are here for 12 to 18 months. Ask your fellow students for their advice.

Shops: there a branches of Tesco and Sainsbury everywhere for usual day to day essentials and food. They also deliver. Other big supermarkets are Asda and Morrisons. They are generally cheaper than Tesco or Sainsbury but don't have as many high-street branches in London. Good chain sandwich places are Pret a Manger and Eat. They are the more expensive ones, but there are cheap and cheerful places everywhere. Other good 'student friendly' chains are Pizza Express, Caffe Nero and (of course) Starbucks.

Pharmacy - we would say chemist. Boots is the biggest chain, they are everywhere and sell everything. Marks & Spencer of course - but only for food and basic underwear/socks etc. Their current fashions are tragic.

Check out some web pages to get an idea of range and price:

www.tesco.com

www.marksandspencer.com

Thrift stores = we say charity shops.

Clothing: a good rain coat and hat, comfortable shoes for walking - which you will do a lot of. Layers are your friend, we get 4 seasons in 1 hour at times. The Tube is notoriously hot and icky.

There are 2 free daily newspapers you can pick up: Metro (morning) and the Evening Standard. There are stacks of them at stations etc. There are also free magazines on certain days; Stylist, Sports and Time Out. You will find Time Out useful for gigs, concerts, free events etc.

Good places to 'hang out': the South Bank (of the Thames). Pavement cafes, street art, prints/books stalls etc. These cafes and bars are great to people-watch: National Theatre, BFI, Queen Elizabeth Hall are my favourites, and you can sit and watch the world go by without having to attend a performance.

Don't miss: river boat tour/cruise - great fun and you get a different perspective on the city and its history. The London Eye - expensive and long queues but the view is worth it. People love the open top bus tours (you can hop off and on anywhere along the route). The Tower of London, National Gallery, the V&A are all full of tourists and utterly sublime anyway - forget being cool, just go for it! A lot of the museums and galleries are free, with an optional donation box. Westminster Abbey is expensive and the guided tour isn't all that great but its a definite high light for most people.

Emergencies: dial 999 (not 911). You may see some armed police at the airports, but otherwise there are no guns.

Be prepared for sheer numbers, pressure of people on the pavements, in shops and on transport. Be prepared for lots of people to not speak English.

Good luck and have a wonderful time!