Program handbookSEMESTEr

IN lONDONbINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

Advice from past participants of Binghamton University’s Semester-in-London program

Table of Contents

What to Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Culture Shock and Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Living in London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Finances and Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Travel Through the UK & Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

This packet is comprised of advice from former Semester-in-London participants and faculty. The information found in the London Handbook is subject to change, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Binghamton University Semester-in-London Program. Sometimes the estimated prices, etcetera found in this handbook may have changed.

Dear Semester-in-London student: Welcome to the semester of a lifetime! Binghamton University’s Semester-in-London has been a part of the spring curriculum of the English Department of Binghamton University for over 30 years. Courses meet in the Florida State University Study Centre, a well-appointed classroom facility in a handsome historic building one block from the British Museum. Along with a variety of classes offered, you’ll also have free time during the week to pursue interests in London as well as long weekends for group trips and independent exploration.

The program also integrates group excursions and activities that compliment your independent explorations of London and nearby destinations. Program trips to the theater are an almost weekly occurrence, and theatrical offerings range from Shakespeare to contemporary comedy. Day trips to locations like Stonehenge, Bath, and Warwick Castle enrich the program coursework and allow you to interact with each other and with their professors outside of the classroom. In addition, one or two overnight trips take students further afield: past destinations include the Lake District in the UK, and locations of interest in France—like Normandy and Paris.

Florida State University’s Study Centre

Electrical Appliances

There are two problems with bringing electrical appliances from home – the current and shape of the outlets. British appliances plug into three prong outlets, while countries throughout the continent vary. Both the U.K. and the rest of Europe use 220 voltage, while 110 voltage is used in the U.S. You can buy a voltage converter and plug adaptor (often they come together), but small appliances tend to fry anyway. It’s usually more convenient to buy an inexpensive version of the appliance at a Boots in London. Also, we recommend that you buy a universal adaptor instead of just a UK one- because it is just as cheap and you will be able to use it wherever you travel in the future, too! You can buy a universal adaptor for less than six dollars on amazon.com.

Welcome to London! You are about to em-bark on one of the most exciting experienc-es of your life. Living in a new country for a semester can be overwhelming, so the first thing to do is RELAX! If you forget some-thing at home it is not the end of the world. London is a huge city with many stores to pick up items that you may have forgotten at home. Don’t forget, there is mail service to get things shipped from the states to London: this is England, not Antarctica.

Airlines keep changing luggage allowance rules (for checked and carry-on). Be sure to review your airline’s policies to avoid hefty fines for oversize and overweight baggage.

For those on the group flight, make sure you check the baggage policies of the airline.

• Pay attention to what the weather will be like in England, but also think about the places you may be planning to travel to over the course of the semester. • Remember you will be the one carrying your luggage from the airport to your flats at the beginning of the semester, and vice versa at the end of the semester. • Leave room for all the souvenirs you buy in Europe and want to bring back to the states. • Your apartments, known as “flats” by the English, will not be huge. Prepare to share storage space with your flatmates.

What to Pack

Guidelines for

effective packing

Valuables• Don’t pack anything you would really hate to lose, such as expensive jewelry.

What to Wear• London weather is unpredictable and rainy—like Binghamton in the fall and late spring.• Sweatshirts and Sweaters – layering is helpful!• Sneakers or “Trainers” – bring a pair at half-life and throw them out at the end of the semester.• Winter Coat and Rainboots – wear your heaviest coat/shoes on the plane.• Dressy clothes –for the end of the semester dinner and going out to clubs. Some clubs may not let you in if you are wearing sneakers; however, pubs are much more casual. Casual wear is also fine for museums and theater performances.• Gloves, Scarves and a Hat – pack at least one pair, because it’s likely you will lose them.

Travel Supplies• Passport – don’t forget it, and don’t pack it in your suitcase! • Towels – are provided in the flats, but you may want to bring an extra for traveling.• Flip Flops – for showering during your stay at hostels.• Camera –buy extra memory cards and/or disposable cameras before you leave because it’s cheaper in the U.S.• Medium or Large Bag – for weekend travels around Europe!

School Supplies• Medium or Large Bag – to carry to classes and around the city. Some students recommend getting one medium-sized bag that is large enough for traveling, but small enough for everyday use. • Notebook, Pen, and Books – should be bought in London, unless told otherwise during orientation.

For Your Flats• Umbrellas – keep one in your book bag, and another in your flat as a spare.• Alarm Clock – use a battery-operated clock, or just use your cell phone.• Bedding– a set of sheets, pillow, and blanket are provided in the flats, but some students prefer to bring their own.• Extra Hangers/Hooks – be creative with how you store your belongings, and make the most of limited space in the flats.• Toiletries – should be bought in London. Students can usually find the same brands at Boots, a popular drugstore, that they have in the U.S. • Glasses/Contact Lens – bring extra disposable contact lenses and an extra pair of glasses.

Getting Everything HomeBy far the best, and least expensive, cargo company is Royal Mail. Surface mail takes about 4 6 weeks, but it’s delivered right to your home. Fill out a customs form and pick up boxes directly from the post office, or get boxes at a grocery store. Don’t tape up boxes too securely until after they’re weighed at the post office to easily remove or rearrange things. Another option is Mail Boxes Etc. on Store Street (off Gower Street), WC 1, near the FSU building. They will help you pack your boxes, and charge about the same rate as Royal Mail.

Packing LIst

Culture Shock and Adjustment

CULTURE SHOCKAt times, students are surprised by how similar things in London are to certain things at home, and other times everything will seem completely different and foreign. Here are some examples of things to be aware of that are different when you first arrive in London:

• Behavior in Pubs -- Europeans are fascinated by U.S. politics, but be wary of discussing the topic in pubs as it has led to physical and verbal altercations in the past. Any kind of physical fight will lead to immediate expulsion from the program, no matter whose “fault” it may be.• British words and phrases – By now you have heard some key phrases that differ between the Brits and Americans, such as “flats” for apartments, or “WC” for the restroom. However, don’t be alarmed when people on the street ask if you “have a fag?” they are just asking for a cigarette!• Treatment of Women – European men are famous for sometimes giving unwanted attention to women, and it’s best to simply ignore them. There are cultural differences in expectations of female behavior, and some men may mistake the friendliness of American women as romantic interest. As always, avoid walking alone late at night in isolated or unsafe areas.

ADJUSTMENT: Arriving in London• Jet lag: It’s best to resist the urge to immediately go to sleep when you first arrive at your flats; wait till a normal hour to adjust your internal clock to London time.• Gettingtoknowyourflatmates—take your time with unpacking your belongings and sit around getting to know your flatmates. They will become a major part of your London experience.• Buy groceries/Take a walk around your neighborhood: a list of groceries stores near your flat is found in this handbook so you can find something to eat after you first arrive. Even if you are unsure of where to go, take a walk with your flatmates and explore your new neighborhood. It will help keep you awake.

ADJUSTMENT: During the Semester• Contact home: It is perfectly normal to miss your friends and family at home, and having the time of your life in London doesn’t mean you should ignore people back home. Just don’t let missing them keep you from having a great time or from living in the moment and experiencing London. Call, skype, and write letters or e-mails telling your loved ones how much you miss them and sharing all the adventures you are having abroad.• Free time: School work in London is different than you are used to at BU and most likely you won’t have nearly as many other commitments (sports, clubs, etc.). That translates into a lot more free time! Use this time wisely: you might only have an experience like this once in your life, so take everything in and explore all the parks, museums, history, and more London has to offer.• As much as you want to take full advantage of London, don’t be afraid to sometimes step back and do something low key. If you are feeling homesick, do something that you would do in your free time at home (knit, watch a movie, write, etc.). If you need some peace and quiet, read a book in Russell Square. Craving some me time? Take a walk by yourself or go shopping on Oxford Street. Remember, it’s fine to simply hang out in your flats watching “Friends” once in a while!

REVERSE CULTURE SHOCKFor some students, adjusting to life back in the states is even harder than adjusting to life in London.

• Loss of freedom: Returning home from your semester in London is similar to coming home from your first semester at college, but even more extreme. You will feel a sense of relief at how easy everything seems—all your meals will be cooked for you, and maybe you’re lucky enough to have your laundry done too! With all this comfort also comes a loss of freedom, as you can no longer do what you want whenever you want, that you did in London.• Reminiscing on your experience: For a while after you return, every sentence will begin, “This one time, in London…” While your friends and family are thrilled you had a great time abroad, they may eventually tire of these stories. Be aware of this, and don’t forget to ask about their past few months as well. • Stay in touch with London friends: If you are feeling in the mood to reminisce, who better to do it with than all the friends you made abroad! You didn’t experience a life-altering event with these people just to never speak to them again. • New Perspective: You may find yourself seeing American culture with new eyes. Don’t worry—this is a good thing! Part of the joy of studying abroad is learning to

WEATHERWeather in London is unpredictable, but the skies will often be overcast and rainy. Luckily, you won’t experience the severe cold that you do in Binghamton. The average high and low temperatures for London (in degrees Farenheit) are as follows:

January: high 43 low 36 February: high 45 low 36March: high 50 low 37 April: high 56 low 43 Go to www.weather.co.uk to check daily weather.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES• Police/Fire Emergency Number -- 999• Directory Inquiries (or “Information”) -- 192; Operator: 100; International Operator: 155

GROCERY SHOPPINGCentral London is not well supplied with supermarkets, and grocery shopping can be overwhelming at first. However, it doesn’t take long to become accustomed to food shopping in London. Here is a preliminary list of supermarkets near FSU and your flats; however, go to the store’s website to check out potentially closer store locations and hours of operation:• Sainsbury’s – www.sainsburys.co.uk

Tottenham Court Road 15-17 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 1BJHolborn Central 129 Kingsway, WC2B 6NHCharing Cross Local 135-137 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0EE

• Tesco’s – www.tescos.comHolborn Southampton Row Express

100 Southampton Row, WC1B 4BBRussell Square Express

40 Bernard St, WC1N 1QJTottenham Court Road Express

124-125 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 5ASSainsbury’s now offers free shipping for online orders above £100, so coordinate with your flatmates and have your groceries delivered right to your door! There are many other supermarkets in London, such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, but students seem to prefer Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s for their affordability. Also check out food markets, such as Borough Market, for specialty items and delicious samples! To find Kosher food, or even if you are just looking for a Jewish environment, one neighborhood that has many Jewish shops etc. is Goulder’s Green.

LIVING IN LONDON

A helpful tool for figuring out how to get to travel around London is the Transport for London website, www.tfl.gov.uk. The Journey Planner application will show you what type of transportation is most useful for your journey, such as tube, bus, or by foot.

•The Underground (or “The Tube”) The Tube is divided into six zones, zone one being the center of London with the rest of the zones circling out from there. Tube fare depends on the distance you’re traveling within or between zones. The Tube runs from 5:30 am to around midnight. The Oyster card is the London equivalent of the NYC Metrocard, which works on the tube and city buses. You can purchase an oyster card at any major tube or rail station; there is a small refundable deposit when you get a card, but after that you simply add money, or “top up,” to the card as you need it. If you plan to use public transportation two or more times a day, you can also register for a monthly 18+ Student Photocard for about £50, with the London program director. Or, if you are planning a lot of travel on a given date, the Tube sells a day pass that is good for an unlimited number of rides (on the Tube or on the buses) after 9:30 am.

•BusesBuses can sometimes be slower than walking due to traffic, but you get a great view of London from the top of a double-decker bus! Just swipe your Oyster card once when you get onto the bus. Maps of individual bus lines are posted a most stops; however, a map and night bus schedule are helpful to carry with you at all times since the Tube stops running around midnight, and buses are cheaper than cabs.

•TaxisStick to using black cabs, or at least cabs marked with a light on the roof that says “TAXI.” They are good if you are moving luggage, and the drivers usually know what they are doing. Ask at the FSU desk for trusted cab services you can call by phone.

•WalkingYou will be amazed when a trip that takes you 15 minutes on the Tube, including a line change, can be accomplished in a five minute walk. Only on foot will you discover hidden-away shops and pubs unknown to most foreigners, and get a real taste of British style and culture. Don’t feel embarrassed walking around with an A-Z map of London, as many Brits carry one around too!

TRAN

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One of the biggest regrets students’ have after leaving London is that they didn’t take full advantage of everything London has to offer. There are many opportunities for international students to meet up and really get involved in different activities and clubs around London.• Gyms and Health Clubs

• Central YMCA Club -- http://www.ymcaclub.co.uk/ -- next to FSU!• Gym Box -- http://www.gymbox.co.uk/ • Vie Health Club -- http://www.viehealthclubs.co.uk/default.aspx

• International Students House -- http://www.ish.org.uk/ ISHbar is open daily, and hosts weekly evening events such as live music, quiz nights, karaoke, and big screen sports action. Go to http://ishevents.squarespace.com/ for discounted student tickets for performances at Royal Albert Hall, free movies and cultural events, and information on becoming a member of the ISH Travel Club, which has student group tours to destinations around England and Europe.• University College London Union -- http://www.uclunion.org/index.php The website has a calendar of all UCL student events, and has information on the bars and cafes, shops, and a hair salon, all located in the Union. Many events and activities are open to all students, not just University College London students.

getting involved

WORKINGYou cannot legally work in the UK unless you have applied ahead of time for a student visa. The visa regulations for the UK are changing, and it is currently quite difficult to apply for a student visa, and may not be possible for students participating in this program. Please also be advised that intern and volunteer experiences are considered to be in the same category as working, so you cannot legally intern or volunteer while studying in London either.

• University London Union -- http://www.ulu.co.uk/ All international students can join the ULU Union (with your home campus ID card and a small fee), which has a ton of different clubs and societies students can get involved with. The website also has a calendar of all UCU student events, and has information on the gym and club sports as well. Both this union and the University College London Union are located within a 10 minute walk of the FSU Centre.• Southbank Centre -- http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ The Southbank Centre holds many events for students interested in the arts, such as music and dance performances from all over the world. The Centre also holds events on literature and the spoken word, visual arts, and talks and debates. • Café Abroad – www.cafeabroad.com Café Abroad prides itself for being a “network, city guide and magazine for students abroad.” The website has pages for city info, events, gallery, reviews, people, and articles. Semester-in-London students have written reviews for the website on places they visited in London, such as the Science Museum and the London Zoo. You may also be able to work for Café Abroad as a Travel Journalist, Regional Manager, or Regional Representative.• International Friends -- http://www.internationalfriends.co.uk/ International Friends hosts 1-4 day trips to various destinations over England and Europe, such as three-day trips Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Paris, and one-day trips to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge. These tours are guided, and include housing and transportation in the fixed price. International Friends is a great way for students who want the independence of traveling alone, but still feel safe because they are with a group.

After you settle into your flat, go to a newsstand and pick up a Time Out magazine. It lists every play, art exhibit, movie, concert, dance production, club, pub, and poetry reading--basically everything happening in London. Time Out is also an excellent guide to what’s on TV, or “the telly.” Take the time to absorb British TV; the British are a little less prude when it comes to censorship than in the U.S. Also listen to British radio; you will hear music that won’t make it to the States until long after you return. If you take advantage of all London has to offer, you will never have an excuse to say you are bored.

•PubsGet ready to spoil your taste buds forever with British beer and cider. On almost every corner of London is a different pub, with its own distinct atmosphere, people, and personalities, so try out as many as you want! There is a distinction between pubs and bars – as pubs close at 11 pm, and bars have dancing and close at 2 am or later on weekends. The drinking age in England is 18, so it is legal for all Semester-in-London participants to consume alcohol; however, you must act safely and responsibly, as you are not only representing Binghamton University, but all American college students. If you put yourself or another student at risk, you will be suspended from the program immediately.

•ClubsClubs open up for the night as pubs are closing up. Some popular clubs among former students include: Zoo Bar, O’Neils, Equinox, The End, Fabric, and Roadhouse, but there are always new clubs opening up in Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Soho. Clubs vary from night to night, and semester to semester, so consult Time Out first. The price to get into clubs will go up after a certain time, so plan accordingly—also consider the transportation available to you late at night.

•TheatreMany theatre performances are included as part of the Semester-in-London program, from traditional Shakespeare to world premieres. In Leicester Square, there’s a discount ticket booth (the big white one marked TKTS -- just like in New York), where you can get discount tickets, or just show up at the theater the day of the show with your ISIC card for special student priced deals. Check out fringe performances as well, as they are inexpensive and frequently unconventional.

LONDON ENTERTAINMENT

•MoviesGo to the movies in London to see films from other cultures. Many theaters tend to be expensive, so your best bet is attending an afternoon matinee. Keep a lookout for special cinema events at the National Theatre and film expositions.

•RestaurantsLondon is filled with cultural foods from all over the world; however, be wary of going out to eat too often as London tends to be costly. With careful exploration you can find good buys; check out Time Out for restaurant listings in different price ranges. Asian food is especially popular and inexpensive in London; go to the Brick Lane district for delicious Indian food. Students in the past have enjoyed the Stock Pot and Taro in Soho, and the chains Pizza Express, Hummus Bros., and Wagamama.

•ShoppingLondon is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and there are lots of great stores such as Topshop, Zara, Primark and Selfridges. Covent Garden and Camden Market have exceptional flea-market bargains; visit at least once even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Other popular shopping areas are Oxford Street, Bond Street, Portobello Road, Leather Lane, and Petticoat Lane.

• People Watching/ParksThe best part about people watching is that it’s free! Each area of London has its own distinct feel, so walk around Covent Garden to see street performers and Camden Town to see British punks. The Tube deceives you into thinking the city is bigger than it really is, so walk when you can. London has many beautiful parks, such as Hyde and Regent’s Park. Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park are a tube ride away, but will give the feeling that you are in the country. Go to Kew Gardens. London’s great flower-growing park, when the weather is warm.

COMPUTERS AND INTERNET• You will have 24/7 access to computers and the internet through the computer labs at FSU.• The flats have wifi, too. • It is up to you if you want to bring a laptop. Make sure you keep it in a safe place and keep your flat locked to prevent theft. If your laptop has been made in the last decade, you only need an adaptor to be able to use it. There should be no need for a converter.

PHONESThere is a phone in all the flats. However, in order to use it, even to make local calls, you will need to purchase a phone card. Phone cards can be purchased at many tobacco/newspaper stores in London. They are quick and convenient, and are still one of the least expensive ways to make international calls.

CELLPHONESUS Cell Phones in the UK -- if you want to use your US cell phone, start by calling your wireless provider and talking to them about the possibility of using your phone internationally. Be sure to ask about additional fees and find out if your phone is compatible with international use. For more information about this, please refer to the section on cell phones in the general Predeparture Handbook that was included in your packet.

UK Cell Phones -- unlike in the U.S., you do not need to purchase a monthly plan or sign a contract; instead you will pay, or “top up” as you go. Shop around to find out what phones include good rates for international calls, and make sure to ask about roaming charges—can you use your phone when you are traveling outside London? If so, what will it cost you?

COMMUNICATION

FINANCES AND MONEY• Do NOT bring large amounts of American currency to England (or British currency to other countries) in order to exchange it for local currency.

• ATMs -- ATMs are the most convenient way of handling money overseas—just use your US bank card, and withdraw local currency; you even get a good exchange rate. Your ATM card should have symbols on the back that indicate what networks they are on: check for the symbols for PLUS and CIRRUS, as those are the networks that will work abroad. Make sure you know what fees your bank will charge for using a foreign ATM. Let your bank know you will be using your ATM card abroad; otherwise they may freeze your account!

• HSBC -- Consider getting an HSBC bank account before you leave. HSBC is a chain with branches everywhere in the UK. There are no charges when you use their ATM machines because you are within the same bank system. Even with an HSBC account, you may not be able to check your balance using an ATM, so you need to keep an independent record of your transactions. HSBC used to offer student bank accounts, but they have discontinued this option, so this might not be as easy an option as it once was. Remember, it’s not necessary to switch to HSBC, just convenient. Other banks, like Citibank, also have branches in London.

• Traveler’s Checks -- are not very convenient, since you will be charged an additional surcharge and commission when you cash them in and can only cash/use them in certain places. In general, it may be helpful to have a couple of travelers’ checks as a backup for your ATM card, but it’s not necessary.

• CreditCard -- you should bring a credit card in addition to your ATM card. Visa or MasterCard (which are accepted everywhere) are a better choice than American Express (which is not widely accepted). Check with your credit card company about fees for using your credit card abroad. Shop around before you come to London, since some cards definitely have better deals than others. A credit card that allows for cash advances is an excellent idea in case you lose your ATM card or have a problem with your bank account. Let your credit card company know you will be using your card abroad; otherwise they may freeze your account!

• Keeping your accounts safe -- Make sure you have your credit card and ATM account numbers, as well as the international numbers for reporting a lost or stolen card, stored in a safe place.

INSURANCEAlthough Britain is known for its National Health Service, this plan is not available to tourists. You must be covered by an insurance plan that covers you fully during international travel. Whatever your insurance plan, make sure you have with you the information about your insurance, plan numbers, policy numbers, contact information, etc. For many plans, including BU’s, you may need to pay up front for medical services, and then submit a claim to be reimbursed. BU’s plan, however, has a great website that does provide you with in-network doctors in the UK and Europe.

FINDING A DOCTORIf you become ill, check the handout that will be given to you by the Resident Director which offers some medical contacts, including a list of doctors. If you are having problems finding medical help, check with the Resident Director. If for some reason you can’t make contact with him/her, try calling Acorn. In an emergency, call 999.

MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONSTake ample supplies of any medications you take regularly; leave medications in their original, labeled containers from the pharmacy and pack a copy of the prescription with your medications. This will avoid suspicion if your bag is opened going through customs, and will allow you to refill the prescription more easily, if necessary. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a copy of that prescription as well, so you can get replacements if your glasses/lenses are lost or broken.

HEALTH care

In order to have a fantastic and memorable semester, it is extremely important to pay the utmost attention to safety. Spending a semester an ocean away from your family can be exhilarating and an important learning experience; however, it does require students to act responsibly and really grow up during their time abroad. This section is not designed to scare you, but just make you aware of some points to insure your safety, and more importantly, making sure you have fun!

TRAFFIC PATTERNSBe extremely alert when walking the streets of London, as the traffic patterns in England are different from America. Not only do vehicles go on the left side of the road, but the turns they make can be quick and dangerous. You will encounter a lot of signs on the ground that say “Look Left” or “Look Right,” but it’s an important safety habit in England look in all possible directions before crossing the street.

KEEPING YOUR BELONGINGS SAFEYou will have many important documents to keep track of throughout your travels around Europe, such as money, credit card, and a passport. It is vital to be aware of where your belongings are at all times, and keep them as safe as possible.In general, be aware of where your belongings and valuables are at all times. Pay attention to the space around you, and be particularly careful on public transportation and in crowded spaces—when traveling and when you are in London!

• Passports – as mentioned before, don’t pack your passport in your suitcase! Don’t carry your passport in your wallet in London; leave it in a safe place in your flat. Make a few copies of your entire passport booklet to leave with your family at home and with the London program director. • ATMs – if possible, try to use ATMs inside the branch of a bank instead of the outdoor “hole in the wall.” Take your card out while you are in a safe place so you are not rummaging around to find your card, and do not punch in your PIN if anyone is suspiciously loitering near you. Also, put your card and money away directly after using the machine; don’t leave anything in your pocket. • Backpacks – be extremely aware when using a backpack in Europe, and don’t put anything valuable in an outer-compartment of the backpack with easy zipper access. Pickpockets love backpacks since belongings are out of your line of sight. The safest way to carry your important documents is a money belt, preferably the kind you wear underneath your clothes. • BagsandWallets – to avoid easy access for pickpockets, women should wear bags that hang diagonally across their body with a zip closure. For the same reason, men should not keep wallets in their back pocket. Again, a flat, unobtrusive money belt is the safest way to go.• Cabs – stick to using black cabs, or at least cabs marked with a light on the roof that says “TAXI.” Do not accept a ride from a driver who approaches you and offers a ride, free or for a price. It is illegal to solicit customers, and is dangerous to take these taxis.

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PLANNING A TRIPAll the exciting places you can go during your semester can be overwhelming at first, so make a list of everything you would like to see or do at the beginning of the semester. However, be open to other travel experiences, and consider how much time you would like to spend at each location on your list. No matter how much you plan for a trip beforehand, for better or for worse things will change, so keep your itinerary as flexible as possible. Your experience can vary depending on the number of people that you travel with. Traveling alone gives you great independence and allows you to blend in, but can get very lonely and can be unsafe. On the other hand, traveling in too large a group has its share of problems as well: for example, trying to coordinate plans that satisfy all travelers can be difficult, and you can attract lots of attention as a group of Americans. If you do travel with others, make sure you are compatible as possible with your travel companions.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON WHERE TO GOLet’s Go Europe is a guide to various destinations throughout Europe. There are also editions for individual countries, such at Let’s Go Britain or Let’s Go France. These guides are useful in pointing out places of interest such as historic sights, things to see, entertainment suggestions, and places to stay. Another resource is Time Out magazine, which has editions in almost every major city. Searching for information on places of interest via the internet is extremely valuable; however, you shouldn’t depend on it completely. Most travel guides have maps or maybe a small language dictionary, so it’s good to have one, especially since internet access may be limited while you travel. Listen to advice or tips from locals, or other backpackers. They may know of interesting places to visit not mentioned in the guide books, or authentic restaurants not known by most tourists.

TRANSPORTATIONTRAINS

• Look for “youth” rates when purchasing tickets via British Rail, the nation-wide train system. The British call a one-way ticket a “single” and a round-trip ticket a “return.” If you start your trip after 9:30 am and will return the same day, you can buy a “cheap day return,” a round-trip ticket that is virtually the same price as a single. If you travel on Saturday or Sunday you get the cheap day return rate no matter what time you start. • Beware of train travel on Sunday; the different schedules from the rest of the week may cause problems in travel plans. You can reserve a real bed in a shared compartment, or “couchette.” Traveling overnight not only saves money, but you are also not wasting the day by getting stuck in transport. • Eurail Pass: These passes can be purchased for periods from 15 days to 3 months and are accepted in most Western European countries. Past students advise to wait to buy a pass until you get to London, since you may not use up the whole pass.

GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE• When you are visiting a non-English speaking city always ask, “Do you speak English?” and explain that you do not speak the local language. Try to learn a few key words and phrases in the native tongue, which can usually be found in travel books. • Don’t worry about being “American,” yet try not to compare the US to Europe. Be open-minded, but remember that you may encounter rude and biased individuals in Europe, just as you might anywhere.

Travel

AIRLINES and FLYINGThe major international airport serving London is Heathrow, which is where you will be flying into and out of from the States. There are several ways to get to Heathrow from your flats: black taxis, tube on the Piccadilly Line, Heathrow Express, or airbus. Other airports in the London area include Gatwick, Luton, and Stanstead. Many of the budget airlines you may use throughout the course of the semester, such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet, will leave from these airports. Often the least expensive flights depart at odd times, but if you are flexible and book flights early you can travel around Europe fairly economically. Unless your trip is more than a few days long, try to bring just one carry-on bag to avoid the trouble and extra cost of checking baggage. Go to the airline website first to check restrictions on size and weight of carry-ons, and restrictions on the size of toiletries.• Ryan Air: www.ryanair.com• East Jet: www.easyjet.com • Cheap Flights: www.cheapflights.co.uk

YOUTH HOSTELSHostels are inexpensive places for young travelers to stay. In some hostels the showers are not private or may be co-ed, and many people may be sleeping in one room. Be careful of your belongings, if you are sharing space. Most hostels have a safe at the front desk where you can lock up important belongings. Some hostels serve meals, but other may have only kitchen facilities. Make sure to pack toiletries, which are not included. Some hostels have curfews and will lock you out if you are not back in time to meet the curfew. It’s also a good idea to pack an extra pair of sheets, a towel, and flip flops. Also, be sure to find out where a hostel is located in relation to the places you want to visit—sometimes they are quite a ways out of the city, which can end up being expensive, and sometimes unsafe.More and more students are using the internet to book travel accommodations, using websites such as www.hostels.com, www.hostelworld.com, and www.hostelbookers.com. Make sure to read the past reviews and guest ratings to get a good idea of the quality of the hostel before you book it. You can also use the Youth Hostel Association at 15 Southampton St., near the Covent Garden tube stop behind the market for guide books and travel information.

TRAVELING ON A BUDGETPrices vary greatly depending on where you go and what you plan to do there. If you are staying in one place for a few days, stock up on some basics like water and snacks at a market save money on eating out for every meal. Look for restaurants with special deals for tourists; many restaurants will hand out flyers on the street. Also, ask for available discounts with your ISIC card.

through the UK and Europe

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