【Studying in the UK】Things to keep in mind regarding clothing, food, accommodation, and transportation!

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This post was last edited by Thank goodness you're here on 2015-8-24 at 14:52. The UK is one of the dream destinations for Chinese students seeking to study abroad, and it is also the second most popular destination for such students in our country; the top choice, of course, is the United States. It is easy to imagine just how attractive Britain is, attracting so many Chinese students to study there. Below is a list of some matters that need attention regarding clothing, food, accommodation, and transportation when studying in the UK; students planning to go there should take a close look at it. I. Climate and clothing in the UK The UK is a country with a mild climate and beautiful scenery. Throughout the cycle of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—although the weather in the UK rarely exceeds 32 degrees or falls below 10 degrees, it changes quite frequently. Just a moment ago it was sunny, and in an instant it turned into heavy rain. It is recommended that international students always carry warm clothing and rain gear with them, and should also wear multiple layers of clothes so they can change them as needed. Adapt to changes in temperature. II. Safety and precautions in the UK Compared to other European countries, the UK is quite safe. Life here is convenient, and the residents are warm and friendly. However, it is not ruled out that occasional incidents may occur in some specific areas. Here are the safety precautions that international students should keep in mind: 1. Vehicles in the UK drive on the left, which is the opposite of what is standard in our country; therefore, one must be careful whether driving or walking. 2. Do not carry large amounts of cash; try to use bank cards and checks for daily purchases. 3. Make copies of your passport, bank cards, and check numbers as backups, so that you can report their loss and file a police report promptly and accurately in case they are lost. 4. Avoid arguments with people who drink excessively. 5. Do not go out alone at night; try to avoid dark and deserted streets. 6. Inform your landlord, friends, or relatives of your whereabouts. 7. Stay away from toxic substances. III. Time in the UK: “GMT” is known in Chinese as “Greenwich Time”; it is the standard time for the UK and also serves as a reference standard around the world. The UK is 8 hours behind Beijing time. However, during British summer time, it runs from the end of March to the end of October, and the time difference between the UK and our country is 7 hours. Food in the UK: When international students first arrive in the UK, they may find it difficult to adjust due to the significant differences in eating habits. It is recommended that students arrange their daily diet reasonably and pay attention to a balanced intake of nutrients. To understand Britain, one should also understand its food culture. I believe that over time, you will discover many delicious foods, such as Fish and Chips, Cream Tea, Jacket Potato, Cheese Cake...... IV. Healthcare in the UK: International students studying in the UK can take advantage of the medical services provided by UK health centers. Here are the things students need to keep in mind: 1. Medical consultations and prescriptions are free, but medication still costs money. But if it’s due to a serious illness and the patient is hospitalized, it’s completely free. 2. Upon arriving at the school, please go through medical registration and apply for a medical card immediately. It can be done at the school’s medical center, where the school will recommend a doctor for the student. 3. Before going abroad, please have your teeth and eyes checked, as dental and eye treatments are charged in the UK, and the costs are quite high. V. Basic Knowledge of Personal Banking Services The financial industry in the UK is highly developed, and international students living there will often need to deal with banks. Here are some basic facts: 1. “Cash Card”: Used to withdraw cash from banks or ATMs. 2. “Check guarantee card”: Required by merchants when you use checks. The card indicates the maximum amount that can be checked per transaction. 3. “Debit card”: You can use this card to make purchases at stores, with the costs being deducted directly from your account through the bank’s settlement system. The above three cards can usually be combined into one, which is very convenient to use. 4. “Credit card” allows you to spend first and pay later; you will receive a bill for the previous month on a regular basis, requiring you to arrange the payment. 5. “Current account” refers to a demand cash account used for deposits and withdrawals. The interest is very low or none at all. 6. “Saving account”: a time deposit account; withdrawals require prior notice, and interest is paid. 7. “Overdraft”: Overdrafts are not allowed. VI. Working in the UK: International students in the UK who are enrolled in a course lasting more than 6 months are allowed to work full-time during their holidays, or to work 20 hours per week while studying. If the spouse’s visa is valid for more than 12 months, they can also work in the UK. You need to apply for a tax ID at the local Benefits Agency in order to have your income and tax amounts recorded. If you need information on short-term jobs, you can obtain it through the following channels: 1. The school’s Careers Service Office; 2. Job Centers; 3. School bulletin boards; 4. Local newspaper ads; 5. Advertisements in shopping malls, looking for signs that say “Help Wanted”; 6. Getting help from friends, teachers, and landlords to find job listings.