For a quick quick look at the cost of
living in the UK, go to the Costs section in this
website. Another useful link is at the British Council’s website Study
in the UK.
UK is an interesting place to live, where
you usually feel very much welcomed and people are very polite. However,
comparing the prices with those in Vietnam is really discouraged as it is bad
for your health. So:
- Bring as much luggage as possible, particularly warm
clothes not just because of the staggering prices here, but also because of
their "incompatible" size problems :-) .
- If you get to England, please be noted that the prices
may vary greatly from one shop to another. One of the best time to buy
something is during the clearance sale seasons, usually after the New Year.
Otherwise, a very good chain that I usually visit when I need something is
the Argos. They have an on-line service,
too. The way the do their trading is distinctive: to save space, they do not
display their products. If you go to one of their shops, check their
catalogue (the picture, specifications,....of what you want to buy and their
price) and then write the code of the product on an order note. Then go to
the cashier, pay and wait at a collection desk for the item(s).
FOOD
Everybody is talking about how bad English food is, so
if you want to save money and are interested in cooking, there are Chinese
supermarkets in almost every city, where you can find almost everything you want
at reasonable prices. Costs of food average £80 per month for vegetarian and
£100 per month for meat-eaters, though how much exactly depends on where you
live.
ENTERTAINMENT
The UK is rich in culture and history; from West End theatres
and national events to local bars, restaurants and nightclubs the UK can offer
any form of entertainment. The Students Union at higher education institutions
look to provide a range of sports activities, visits and days out for all
students and may run special social programmes for their international students.
For further information, why not try one of the following:
www.uktw.co.uk
www.timeout.co.uk
TRAVEL
Travel – Air
Air travel within the UK is only viable for long journeys,
for example London to Edinburgh. However, most major cities have airports with
international links.
For further information, why not try one of the following:
www.istc.org
www.itn.net
www.abtanet.com
Travel – Coach
Coach travel using national and international links is
cheaper than rail travel but can take a little longer. Reduced fares are
available to students (aged between 16 and 25) through the student coach card
available from National Express.
For further information, go to:
www.gobycoach.co.uk
www.travel-uk.co.uk
www.istc.org
www.abtanet.com
Travel – Ferry
Almost every port from the south coast operates a ferry
service across the English Channel to continental Europe. Scandinavia and
northern Europe can be reached from ports in northern England.
For further information, why not try one of the following:
www.istc.org
www.abtanet.com
Travel – Train
Travelling by train is generally more expensive. However,
it is also more comfortable. If you must travell a lot, try to buy a railcard,
which is valid for a year and gives reductions on standard rail fares. The
opening of the Channel Tunnel has made possible rail travel to continental
Europe.
The following websites may be quite useful:
www.travel-uk.co.uk
www.railtrack.co.uk
www.eurail.com
www.eurotunnel.com
www.istc.org
www.abtanet.com
For a map of UK, go to: www.streetmap.co.uk
UK CAPITALS
Each of the capitals of the UK is a cultural centre
boasting museums, art galleries, theatres and numerous other venues. To find out
what each city has to offer choose one of the following:
Belfast www.belfastcity.gov.uk.
Cardiff www.cardiff.gov.uk
Edinburgh www.efr.hw.ac.uk / www.edinburgh.net.uk
London www.londontown.com
WEATHER
The British climate offers plentry of variety from
sunshine to snow. The climate is seldom so hot or cold that it becomes
unbearable. If you dress appropriately (natural materials in layers) you can
enjoy the winter weather at its worst, while the summer lacks oppressive heat
and humidity.
For further information, why not try the following:
www.meto.govt.uk
WORK OPPORTUNITY
Many students may want to know whether it
is possible to work in the UK during your stay here. Yes, it is possible,
feasible (currently not too difficult to find a job in cities). If you are on a
full-time course of longer than 6 months duration, you are generally allowed to
work up to 20 hours each week at times that do not interfere with their
full-time studies.
During vacations students may work as many
hours as they wish. Wages paid will be around £4 per hour if you are 18 years
of age or over - though it may be much more, depending on the type of work. You
will usually have to find the job yourself, though the UK Centre or other
students may help.
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