Life in UK

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Life in the United Kingdom

General Information

The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London covers an area of over 600 square miles and has an ever-growing population, currently over 8 million people.

Throughout it's history, Britain's own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times by those seeking asylum or choosing to immigrate here. London, especially, is home to many different nationalities which provides a fascinating variety of culture, food and entertainment.

Climate

London has a very varied climate. November to March are typically cold and wet with the possibility of snow on higher ground. Average temperatures are between 0º and 10º C (50º F). The temperature in summer (July and August) can reach up to 32º C (90º F).

Clothing

Whatever the time of year, it is best to have warm clothing with you. During the winter months, a warm waterproof coat is essential. If you plan to explore the UK during your vacations, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are travelling to the north of the UK.

Working/Opening Hours

Supermarkets are open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours a day.

In major cities such as London, there are many specialist shops selling a wide variety of food so you may still be able to cook up your favorite meal! Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 (Monday to Saturday) with some shops opening later on certain days or open for a few hours on Sunday.

In some smaller towns "half-day closing" occurs. On one day in the week most shops will close at lunchtime. This no longer happens in most larger stores and in cities. Offices hours tend to be 9:00 to 17:00. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30 (some Banks are opening on Saturday morning).

Public Transport

In London there is an extensive public transport system - trains, buses, underground trains and light railway. If you use a taxi in London, it is best to use the well-recognised London taxis known as "Black Cabs". They will usually provide a guide to the fare and operate under a proper license. However, public transport is much cheaper!

The Greater London area is divided into six travel zones.

Zone 1 covers the main business and shopping districts in the centre of London.

You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel cards which either give you access to the buses or to both buses and underground trains. For month travel cards, you will need a photocard and you can also apply for student discount rates.

Outside of London public transport varies from area to area. Most major towns and cities are linked by railway. Cities will have regular bus services but smaller towns may not. Internal flights also operate between major cities.

Accommodation

Renting accommodation in another country can be a difficult and frustrating experience, but with some planning and expert advice, the task of finding somewhere to live can be made a lot easier. Landlords may ask you to sign a minimum of six months contract.

You may need reference to rent accommodation, including bank details, a letter from your college or university confirming that you are studying with them etc.

Before you start looking for houses or rooms it's a good idea to identify which areas you need to be looking in. The college or university that you are going to study in should be able to give you a list of areas that are close to where you are going to study. They may even have lists of landlords that deal especially with foreign students. This is often the best way to get accommodation, as overseas students very often get the nicest houses.

Three are free source of information available online to find accommodation to students.

Loot.com

Gumtree.com

Rightmove.co.uk

Findaproperty.co.uk

Cost of living

Living in the UK – particularly London – is expensive compared to many places in the World. The cost of living will of course depend on the individual situation (and tastes!) of each working traveller, but you still need to be prepared financially. Just because you’ve been working hard to save many thousands of your own currency, doesn’t mean it will be quite as many pounds! Check out a Currency Converter to get an idea of what your currency will be worth in the UK.

Generally, you should prepare yourself (and save accordingly) for the following costs while in London:

* Accommodation

* Food, Dining and Drinking

* Transport

* Entertainment

* Initial Costs

While it’s important to be aware of the costs you will be facing as a working traveller, don’t let it put you off! As long as you plan carefully and think about cost-saving strategies the cost of living in England or the rest of London need not be prohibitive. In London, shared housing and utilising the excellent public transport networks are two significant ways to reduce your costs of living.

Also check out International Money Transfer to and from London and Opening aUK Bank Account.

Average Cost of Accommodation in London

Flat-Share Rental per month One Bedroom Flat Rental per month

East London £290 - £390 (single), £430 - £600 (double) East London £650 - £750

West London £280 - £430 (single), £459 - £690 (double) West London £700 - £800

South London £280 - £500 (single), £350 - £650 (double) South London £600 - £700

North London £300 -£400 (single), £430 - £550 (double) North London £650 - £750

UK cost of Food & Drink

Average weekly grocery bill (including food, basic laundry and toiletry items for 2 people) £60

Average pub meal £6 - £10

Average restaurant meal £12 - £20

Pint of beer £2.50 - £3

Average bottle of wine £10

Average meal for two in mid-priced restaurant £40

ALWAYS CHECK FOR CURRENT REVISED RATES

UK cost of Transportation

Weekly Zone 1-6 Travelcard £41

Monthly Zone 1-2 Travelcard £86

Train trip to Edinburgh £110 (standard single)

Train trip to Cambridge / Brighton £17 - £20 (single)

Avg mid-sized car rental for a weekend £70

Return budget flight to Spain £120 - £150 (budget carrier)

Eurostar return ticket to Paris £125 (standard class)

Return flight to Ireland £50 - £60 (budget carrier)

UK cost of Entertainment

Movie £7-£10

West End Theatre £25+

Club/Pub Entry £5 - £20

Live music/concerts £10+

Chart CDs £8 - £12

New release DVD rental £3.50

Public Holidays

There are 8 public holidays when colleges, offices and most shops will be closed.

New Year's Day - 1st January.

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May.

Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.

Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.

Christmas Day - 25th December.

Boxing Day - 26th December.

Health

If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitors visa to look at different colleges before applying, please remember to buy health insurance. If you have come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK or are staying for more than six months, you may be able to obtain free medical or dental treatment under the NHS.

If you are a long-term student (12 months or more), it is advisable for you to register with a local Doctor. We can provide contact details for doctors in your area. You will need to contact the doctor to see if they are accepting new patients and you will normally need to have an appointment to provide basic information about your medical history.