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You will be leaving home to come in an unfamiliar country and you should expect to experience a few surprises. This can be stressful but it may help to understand that it is perfectly normal. Some differences to be prepared for are:
Food
You may find British food strange but in London you can find food from all over the world. It is particularly easy to find food and ingredients for cooking from China, Japan , India and arabia in many parts of London.
Social Behaviour
Smoking: Smoking is banned in many public places and on public transport in the UK. All college sites at the University are non-smoking. The place where people smoke most is in pubs. Most cafes and restaurants have non-smoking areas.
Relationships: Relationships between men and women are quite informal in the UK and many men and women are friends.
Religion
Britain is a multicultural society and London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Britain is also a very secular society and only a small number of people now attend a church of any kind.
Driving in the UK
To drive a car in Britain, you may normally use your valid license from home, or an International Driving Permit for the first year you are in the UK only.
single bed and breakfast (B & B) accommodation will cost around £45 to £100 per night, depending upon the location and facilities. It is advisable to book this type of accommodation for the first few days in the UK whilst arranging for alternative place.
A private rented flat / house may be more economical but a minimum term of 6 moths rental is expected by the landlord. The cost may vary from £600 - £1200 per month for a One bed house / flat. You should view the property and find out about local amenities. You should also clarify what charges are included in the rent for example council tax, utility bills, telephone etc.
phone
Pay phone boxes are readily available in public places. You should also explore discount services for overseas calls. There are many international calling cards easily available.
As an alternative to a fixed telephone you may prefer to buy a 'pay as you go' mobile phone.
Intercity:
The main modes of transport for intercity travel are:
Train: This is probably the most common mode of transport. Several trains run every day between the main cities. Travelling is fast and comfortable but can be expensive if not booked in advance. Bookings can be made in person (at any main train station), by phone (National Rail Enquiries - 08457 48 49 50) or via the Internet (www.thetrainline.com). Prices for tickets from Manchester to London start at £18.
Within city:
The main modes of public transport are:
Bus: available in all cities with frequent services along major routes. Fares are relatively cheap. Day and Weekly Saver tickets can also be bought onboard any bus. These can be used for unlimited travel within the city.
Taxi: run in all cities; are very convenient but expensive. Private taxis can be booked via phone from and to any destination. Black cabs (government taxis) are widely available at airports, stations and shopping centres.
Tube (Underground Train): do not run in all cities. This is the most common and efficient mode of travel in London. Weekly and Monthly Saver tickets are available. Tube maps can be obtained free of charge from all tube stations. Further information about the London Underground is available from this website: www.thetube.com
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