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New to UCL, London, and the UK, and I have a few questions

OP

Caspar David Friedrich

Generally you take three courses per term over there. When I was exchanged a couple years ago one course was equivalent to 133% of a course's normal credit back at my home institution, so it wasn't a penalty. I would imagine that you could take courses from different departments since you won't be having to fulfill the degree requirements on a specific department there. Just your home one.

Huh. My study abroad office had me under the impression that I had to take a full load of four courses while I was abroad. But then again, my study abroad office has been absolutely horrible throughout the whole experience - completely useless!

Elizabeth462

Just wanted to let you know that Bank of America has a service with which you can use your checking card at all Barclay's ATMs in London, which seems much more convienant than going through paperwork or hoarding cash.

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. As much as I hate Bank of America (my brother has an account there, and they're always charging him all kinds of random fees and stuff, it's still probably better than most of the alternatives.

Nara

Hey SBradley! I'm from New Jersey too. I'll be living in Hawridge. Have you dealt with your student visa yet?

I've sent the paperwork out (I think). What part of Jersey are you from?

Reply 21

BTownKTown

SBradley88

Are there branches of any big US banks in the UK, or will I just be able to use my check card at an ATM like normal?

Depends on your bank, you should ask them how much they charge for international ATM withdrawals. Some US banks & credit unions either won't charge you or will reimburse you.

SBradley88

I also wanted to ask about linens. The room apparently doesn't have them provided, but I can purchase a linen package for 100 pounds...

100 pounds?! Good god. You can get a sheet & pillowcase set at Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk) for 11 pounds and a duvet for 10-20 pounds. I think the closest Argos to UCL is on New Oxford Street a little south of the British Museum.

Reply 22

james s

7

Does the linen pack not include a quilt and pillow as well as the sheets?

Reply 23

Catmunro

4

SBradley88

... I won't be able to bring my microwave, fridge, television, or any similar appliances. Are these sort of things readily available?...

As said before, yes you can. Be careful about volt differences between the US and UK with the electrical appliances you do bring in - often British and Americans don't know that there is such a difference and end up frying appliances. Some things are ok, some aren't - just to something keep in mind.

Hope you enjoy your time in the UK, you'll be alright, we're mostly harmless.

Reply 24

SBradley88

OP

Catmunro

As said before, yes you can. Be careful about volt differences between the US and UK with the electrical appliances you do bring in - often British and Americans don't know that there is such a difference and end up frying appliances. Some things are ok, some aren't - just to something keep in mind.

Hope you enjoy your time in the UK, you'll be alright, we're mostly harmless.

Well, it's not so much the volt differences and whatnot - it's the fact that I'm coming on a plane and have to fit my a semester's worth of stuff into two suitcases and a backpack.

But what are the volt differences? I think the only electronics I'm bringing are my laptop, my cell phone (will I be able to use the sim card from a prepaid phone in my blackberry? Or will I be stuck with a prepaid?), and my camera...I don't really need much else, I don't think, or at least I won't be able to fit much else.

Reply 25

nikki

9

SBradley88

Well, it's not so much the volt differences and whatnot - it's the fact that I'm coming on a plane and have to fit my a semester's worth of stuff into two suitcases and a backpack.

But what are the volt differences? I think the only electronics I'm bringing are my laptop, my cell phone (will I be able to use the sim card from a prepaid phone in my blackberry? Or will I be stuck with a prepaid?), and my camera...I don't really need much else, I don't think, or at least I won't be able to fit much else.

The USA uses 110V, the UK uses (around) 230V. You need to check the power cables or the devices themselves to make sure you can use them with a higher voltage, for example, my laptop's power cable has a box on it about halfway down (not sure what it's really called!) which says "Input: AC 100-240V" which would mean I could use it in the USA or the UK. On the other hand, my Nintendo DS just says "230V~50Hz" on the plug, so I doubt I could use it in the USA.

Reply 26

Catmunro

4

SBradley88

...But what are the volt differences? I think the only electronics I'm bringing are my laptop, my cell phone (will I be able to use the sim card from a prepaid phone in my blackberry? Or will I be stuck with a prepaid?), and my camera...I don't really need much else, I don't think, or at least I won't be able to fit much else.

I read somewhere that usually laptops work in either country. Its worth checking anyway. As for your phone, if your blackberry doesn't work out, there are providers that can give you a good deal. I bought a pay as you go sim which cost me as much credit as I put on, and I use that whenever I come into the country.

You'll be fine. The biggest problem is the amount of stuff you'll probably accumulate (or am I alone in this?) and will have trouble getting everything to fit in your bags back again.

Reply 27

klika89

5

fitting in with all luggage seems to be not so easy. This thread is sooo useful! Than you guys!

Reply 28

username149848

1

Well, when you need to fit everything into the suitcase the best choice is to economize. Clothes are important, only shoes that you actually need are crucial, and stuff you can wear with many combinations and layers so as to serve both in summer and in winter is useful as well. Also! Stuff that can be machine washed only, save for the one or two dress things (if possible).

I've gotten it down to where I have a medium sized duffel for clothes and a smaller one for books, supplies, etc. The only electronics I'm bringing are my laptop and my (UK) mobile from 2 years back (hope it still works!). Make a packing list and then ruthlessly downsize it. It can be tough to part with things due to space, but in the end it can be done.

And yes, laptops will work. You just need to be sure to get the plug converter.

Reply 29

Intaglio5

BTownKTown

100 pounds?! Good god. You can get a sheet & pillowcase set at Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk) for 11 pounds and a duvet for 10-20 pounds. I think the closest Argos to UCL is on New Oxford Street a little south of the British Museum.

The accommodation sheet I got offered linens for 50 pounds, which doesn't sound like that bad of a deal.

Reply 30

nikki

9

Intaglio5

The accommodation sheet I got offered linens for 50 pounds, which doesn't sound like that bad of a deal.

You could get a duvet, two pillows, duvet cover, pillow cases and fitted sheet from Wilkos or Argos for as little as £20. I didn't buy the cheapest stuff but still only spent about £25 on bedding.

Reply 31

kar 87

4

Hi Elizabeth 462

You mean we can use Barclay's ATM for withdrawing cash with a Bank of America card? Are we charged any fee for that?
Thanks

Reply 32

Intaglio5

nikki

You could get a duvet, two pillows, duvet cover, pillow cases and fitted sheet from Wilkos or Argos for as little as £20. I didn't buy the cheapest stuff but still only spent about £25 on bedding.

Yeah, I imagine that this stuff can be had for cheaper. I chose to buy it, though, because my flight lands at 7:30am on the morning that international orientation starts. I figure an extra 20 pounds ($40) is well worth not having to trek out to a store to buy bedding on no sleep and in a new country :smile:

Reply 33

nikki

9

Intaglio5

Yeah, I imagine that this stuff can be had for cheaper. I chose to buy it, though, because my flight lands at 7:30am on the morning that international orientation starts. I figure an extra 20 pounds ($40) is well worth not having to trek out to a store to buy bedding on no sleep and in a new country :smile:

You mean you're not going to sleep all the way there? :p:

I can see why some people buy them, it all comes down to whether you'd prefer the money or less hassle and I do understand that it's by far the easiest option for some people. :smile:

I still don't think it's a good deal though - they can buy in bulk (which is of course cheaper) yet they charge twice as much as normal shops.

Reply 34

Nara

SBradley88

What part of Jersey are you from?

I'm from Washington NJ. When are you planning on leaving for the UK?

New to UCL, London, and the UK, and I have a few questions

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