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HOUSING
Finding the perfect place in London may take you a week or two or more, so make arrangements in advance to stay at a B&B. Before beginning your search, it is important to know that accommodation in London is quite expensive and small.
TIP: London Business School has its own hotel. While the rooms are subject to availability, it is one of the best, and most affordable places you could possibly stay. Never forget to book in advance as the hotel is always in high demand.
Once you have arrived in London, if you have time, spend a day or two checking out the neighbourhoods where you intend to live. (See further down, in "Location, Location, Location", for more information on an individual area.)
The two main sources to find accommodation are the agents and newspapers. You can get a head start by looking at their websites, but you normally won't be able to do anything before you get here.
While as a couple you will probably be looking for your own place, it is common to house or flat share in London even as a couple and this can provide a lower cost alternative to renting your own place. Loot (newspaper and website) is the best option for shared accommodation.
TIP: Early August is a great time for searching as a lot of properties come on the market. If you can search around this time then you will get more choice.
Estate Agencies
The best places to start with your housing search are the property agencies located in the area where you wish to live. Usually, agencies work within a limited area, so don't expect them to show you properties all around London.
Take your time to look through the neighbourhoods around the school and go into every agency you see. It may seem frustrating when each agency has only one or two apartments to show, but that is precisely why you should target a LOT of them. Registering with them or taking property details away with you should be free of charge: don't pay for this.
Don't feel obligated to remain loyal to any agency; just walk in, give your requirements and be prepared to make as many appointments as possible. Also, try to go there when you know you can spare some time because many of them will offer to show you some properties right then.
Newspapers
Check the Loot, the Sunday Times, the Evening Standard and the local papers. Once you have been around the neighbourhoods, you will be able to recognise a good deal in the advertisements and make an appointment. And, if you are dealing direct with a landlord, without an agent being involved, you can expect the rent to be less and not to have to pay for the rental agreement.
Be prepared to do an application when you see flats. Bring a reference letter from your bank at home certifying creditworthiness and a letter from LBS confirming your attendance in the programme. Also remember that you will not be given much time to decide on whether you want a flat (some students have lost good opportunities because they wanted a day to think it over).
Found the perfect home? ... so what's next?
When you find a place that you like you will be asked to pay a small deposit, usually around one week's rent to secure the property while your offer is taken on by the agent to the Landlord. If you pull out of the deal you lose the deposit, and if the agent/ landlord pull out, the deposit is returned.
It takes around two weeks to agree on contract terms and move into a property. It might take less, but go for the worst-case scenario and expect that.
Most agents will charge you an administration fee of £50-£150, once you have agreed to take a property and further fees each time you extend your tenancy. Always check with your agent beforehand how much it will cost to draft the contract. You can negotiate before you see any properties but not later.
The normal tenancy in the London area is for one year. Most agents will agree that the tenant can have the option to break the agreement after six months by giving one or two months notice. Make sure that you have this "six-month break clause"; you never know what the future might bring you!
If you don't feel sure, before signing a tenancy agreement ask for advice in the University of London Accommodation Office (www.lon.ac.uk/acomm).
You will be required to pay a security deposit of up to six weeks rent to be held until end of the tenancy. You should ask about the interest, although it usually doesn't apply.
You will be expected to pay your first month's rent in advance.
You are responsible of contacting the utilities companies to arrange supply prior to moving into the property. And even if everything is up and running, it also your responsibility to make sure all utilities are under your name.
When you move in you should receive an inventory of the contents and condition of the property. Be extremely detailed when checking the inventory, get a copy and report any discrepancies in writing. If possible take pictures of anything which is not in the right state including the patch paint job on the wall and the broken door lock. When you leave they will try to find every reason to make deductions from your deposit.
Most flats in London are furnished, but don't expect much more than a bed, dresser and wardrobe in each bedroom, basic crockery and appliances, kitchen table and couch. However, if you feel you could use a TV, a sofa bed or a microwave oven, it never hurts to ask for it. The worst that could happen is to get a no, and I know of many people who actually got what they requested (including myself). But insist on a furnished apartment while you lay your requirements with the estate agent as they have several unfurnished options available too. It would normally cost £ 10 - £20 more per week but will fetch you a great deal more than investing in household items when you are struggling with other expenses. Unless of course you have transported your complete household from your home country.
Useful links:
Agencies
www.foxtons.co.uk
www.aylesford.co.uk
www.bushells.co.uk
www.farleyandco.co.uk
www.kfh.co.uk
www.wa-ellis.co.uk
www.winkworth.co.uk
Classifieds
www.findaproperty.co.uk
www.loot.com/scripts/lootsite.dll
Others
www.londonpropertyguide.co.uk
www.upmystreet.com
www.arla.co.uk (The Association of Residential Letting Agents)
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
To help you decide on your perfect neighbourhood, we give you a brief description on the areas around the school. Cheaper location options are available further away, but this increases travel time and makes out of school socialising more difficult.
Walking distance from school
Marylebone - This area consists of most of the slice of London sandwiched between Oxford Street and Regent's Park; it could hardly be more central or more varied. Marylebone is long-established, especially in the medical district. The whole area is a mixture of residential and commercial, therefore it is cheaper than other central areas and a better value than many would expect. Around the station, and towards Edgware Road, you can find amazing places at a very good value.
St. John's Wood - The pace and style of these select streets are set by the lazy summer sound of wooden willow that drifts across the high, enclosing walls of Lord's Cricket Ground. Life here is conducted at a strolling place. The area has the appeal of shopping (on the High Street and nearby Finchley Road), religion (with the London Central Mosque and synagogues), and the American School. It is a very good option, especially if you have --or plan to have-- kids, but it can be expensive.
Regent's Park - This area still forms part of the Crown Estate and benefits from its careful management and long-term planning, which has led to the restoration of all the great terraces since 1945. It can get very expensive.
A bit further away...
Camden Town & Primrose Hill - This area is probably a smarter place to live today than at any time since Earl Camden started to build in 1791. Camden Town is where bohemian London got rich and its occupants have changed from writers to media stars. Primrose Hill is an enclave of quiet streets beside 110 acres of open space of the Hill to the West. It has been known for its handsome houses and spacious flats for decades and is still intellectual-smart rather than mere money-smart.
Maida Vale & Little Venice - This is a wholly residential district, spacious, well placed and decidedly popular. Here there are a rich mine of particularly nice flats - big and small, old and new, with garden-level maisonettes replacing traditional houses. The most coveted homes are those nearest to or overlooking the canal, which give Little Venice its name. One thing to take into account though: the tube connection with Baker Street takes quite a while.
Quite a ride from school
Hampstead - This area has a reputation for prosperous intellectualism and a strong community feeling about the way it looks. The only drawback is the traffic congestion and the parking. Hampstead is in the top handful of London residential areas and has everything the modern affluent would want - the Heath, smart shops, and good restaurants. There is reasonable transport, excellent schools and smart homes.
West Hampstead - This area has a commercial heart to go with its excellent travel links and ample supply of converted and mansion flats. It has a style and location that attracts young professionals who live there until they can afford the inflated prices of Hampstead proper. This is very much a young person's area.
Kentish Town & Tufnell Park - This area basks in the glow of Hampstead and Highgate, and its image continues to improve. Some streets are of Hampstead quality; other parts are disrupted by council building (public housing), both good and bad.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Britain has a subsidized health service called the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS provides free treatment for people who are residents in Britain.
International students enrolled in a course lasting more than six months, and their 'spouses', are also entitled to NHS treatment
The NHS is a public service, and as such, it has its problems and inconveniences, the major one is: you always have to go through your GP, and it takes forever to get an appointment with a specialist (min 15 days - 1 month). One thing you should do is visit ALL your doctors at home before you come here, and have a thorough check-up (fill your prescriptions, too!). Get that nagging pain on your tooth checked, that uncomfortable feeling in your back X-rayed, and so on. If you're a woman, go to your gynaecologist and get every possible exam out of the way. Also, if you know you're prone to something, bring with you the medication you usually take (best advice is to make a major trip to the store for all of your regular toiletries and medications), along with a fair share of antibiotics and pain-killers (please do talk to your doctor at home about this!!!). Don't worry about bringing contraceptive pills: they're free in the UK (see note further ahead).
Emergencies - Accident and emergency services are free for everyone in the first instance, if they are registered with the NHS (otherwise, you'll probably be charged). But be careful: not all hospital treatments following an accident or emergency are covered by the NHS, which means you'll have to pay.
You can get free medical attention for minor injuries at the so-called 'walk-in centres', but only nurses run them. For a couple of stitches it's fine, but don't expect the knowledge of a qualified doctor from them. The closest of these centres to school is the Soho Walk-in Centre, on Frith Street, just off Soho Square.
Registering with a doctor - Once you are settled, you should register with a local doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are ill! You can obtain a list of local doctors or centres from the Post Office, your local Library or by contacting the Family Health Services Authority in your area (the address will be in your local telephone directory) or most of the NHS doctors are listed on www.nhs.uk.
When going to register to a doctor, you might be asked for a proof of local address, do take the letter of acceptance of your spouse at the LBS, which proves that he is going to stay in the country for more than six months -- and therefore you as well. Take note that it is up to the discretion of the G.P. to register temporary residents with the NHS, so if you're not lucky the first time, try another doctor. After your first visit to the doctor (which is a small medical check-up), you will receive a medical card stating your NHS number. You should take this card with you whenever you go to see your doctor. It takes a while, though, for you to receive this medical card.
When you go to your doctor for the first time, be sure to find out the times when the surgery is open. Also ask whether the surgery operates an appointment-only system. There should also be an emergency telephone number, which you can call if you need to see a doctor outside the normal surgery opening hours. The NHS doctors directory lists out all these as well.
If the doctor prescribes any medicines, he or she will give you a prescription that you have to take to a chemist (e.g. Boots). They will give back to you a slip off the prescription, which is what you have to take back to the surgery, in case you need a repeat prescription. The check-up in case of illness with the GP is always free but you have to pay for the prescription.
IMPORTANT note for women: contraceptive pills are FREE, so do not hesitate to ask your doctor for them, and if you're already on it, do bring the chemical name; you'll probably find it here as well. Another tip: get your doctor to prescribe enough for long periods of time (i.e. six months). Otherwise, you'll have to go back to him every month, a true pain in the butt.
Dentists - In Britain, everyone has to pay something towards the cost of his or her dental treatment, even regular check-ups. However, if you are eligible for NHS treatment, you can also receive dental treatment at a reduced rate. Before you register, make sure that the dentist takes NHS patients. In most cases the Dentists always have a waiting list for NHS Patients and expect £15 - £25 for the first check-up for registration and then the rates depend on the treatment given.
Opticians - All patients have to pay for eye tests (around £15), lenses and frames for spectacles. However, if you are employed using computers then your employee may be legally obliged to pay for your eye tests, try asking HR for a free eye test voucher. Prices for lenses and frames vary considerably from place to place so have a look around before buying anything. If you usually wear glasses and/or lenses, we recommend that you bring with you a spare set, as well as all supplies associated with lenses (saline, tears, etc.). Remember: London is expensive!!
Maternity and Paediatrics -- See maternity section
BANK ACCOUNT
HSBC -- Your spouse will automatically get a bank account with your loan. But In case you do not have a loan or you need to open an account for yourself at HSBC or any other bank , then make sure you have your council-tax bill (exemption letter if applicable) to prove your current address, passport, photographs, previous bank statements, letter of acceptance of your spouse at London Business School.
MOBILE PHONES / LONG DISTANCE
In order to get a mobile phone contract, you will need an official bank statement, which is only acceptable if it is mailed directly to you from the bank. Copies or generated statements don't count...
You can also consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone, which is easy to purchase but over time it can be more expensive to do this then to enroll in a formal programme.
As for those long distance calls you're sure to make, register with one of the services that offer low rates for calls to other countries. We recommend purchasing £10 Unity cards at your local grocery store, post office or pharmacy. They offer the best call rates.
You can also get the Carphone Warehouse card for international mobile calls. It has no line rental, no contract, and simple tariff to all destinations.
GROCERY STORES
The grocery stores here vary in cost and quality. The main supermarket chains are:
- Tesco -- The market leader. Has a cheap value brand and good top end brand.
- ASDA -- The cheapest of the mainstream supermarkets but lacks some top end stuff.
- Sainsbury's -- Making a loss for the first time in 137 years, good top end but failing to compete with Tesco
- Waitrose -- The top end expect to pay more but get excellent own brand food
You can also shop on line with these stores and get groceries delivered within a 1 or 2 hour chosen slot, for about £5 -- this is great for getting big and bulky stuff delivered.
There are specialty markets that specialise in importing goods from the US and around the world. These markets are even more expensive -- you'll find yourself paying £4.00 for a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese (for example).
Supermarkets on sale - I was amazed to go into Waitrose one night and find items reduced. They never did this at the supermarkets at home! If you go into the supermarkets anywhere from two hours before closing to closing time, you should find an assortment of fresh items well below cost. Of course, those are the items that expire that day, but like my mom always told me, that's just the date the supermarket has to sell it by, not the date you have to eat it by.
So just what is reduced? It can be anything -- breads, rotisserie chickens, sushi, vegetables, milk, and fruit. Sometimes so many things are reduced; I end up having a bakery at the flat. I mean, how can you resist raisin bread for 10p or rolls for 15p or donuts for 20p? Beware of the "reduced vultures" though; these people crowd around the reduced items like scavengers hoping to take them all. Let them know who's boss.
THE POST OFFICE
The Post Office is a one stop shop here; it is amazing how much can be done at the Post Office. You can buy insurance, pay bills, get a list of local surgeries and mail those postcards home, all in one place.
Survival Guide: Employment
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VISA INFORMATION
You can work in the UK if you have an EU passport. Otherwise, different options will be made available to you depending on your visa status:
- Student Dependant - Full work rights in the U.K.
- Work Permit - can work in the U.K. with company sponsor
- Highly Skilled Migrant Worker - Full rights to work in U.K.
- Student - can not work more than 20 hrs per week
- Visitor - Can not legally work in the U.K.
Additional information on visas and employment are available at these useful web sites:
JOB INFORMATION
If you plan to work and you know you will have a visa that allows you to work, we recommend you start looking for employment as soon as possible. Don't be shy -- take up those offers from friends and family to introduce you to anyone and everyone they know in London.
NOTE: While looking for work, employers may give you a hard time about your visa stamp. If you are a "spouse", then you are definitely able to work in the UK, so just be firm and clear. The employer/agency will take a copy of your passport and the stamp, and hopefully, the problem will end there. If you have any problems, put your employer in touch with the British Home Office: they will ensure that the stamp is all you need.
Tips:
- Use the CV examples on the Partners Club's Employment Committee page to help you get started
- You may want to list your nationality and specify the visa you will hold that will enable you to work in the UK when preparing your CV
- Once you move here update your CV to reflect your London address as soon as possible.
Items to note:
- Make sure to get your Visa stamped with the right stamp at the airport. Indicate that you are allowed to work in the country and you want to make sure to get the correct stamp; make sure you have proof that you are married to a student if you have the Student Dependant visa (i.e. bring Letter of Acceptance and marriage certificate).
- The more specific you are in your job search, the harder it will be to find a job.
- Be prepared for your job search to take longer than expected. Normally the process takes between 4-8 months, but for some people it can take longer.
- There are many temporary and contracting agencies in London that could place you in a job for a few weeks or months while you are searching for a permanent position.
- Consider working in a pub or high street shop (good spending money).
- Internships can be a great way to get your foot in the company and demonstrate your skills to the company.
- Volunteering is always an option and looked upon favorably by employers. See Do-It.org.uk or Volunteering England.
JOB RESOURCES / RECOMMENDED RECRUITERS
- Newspapers and Professional Journals
The Guardian - Mondays section for Media, Marketing and PR
The Times - Crème section on Wednesdays for Secretary and PA jobs
The Financial Times - Appointments Section on Thursday for Accounting and Finance (students get a copy of this every day so you can just borrow their copy when you arrive here in London)
Google.co.uk (specify UK sites only) - Check on-line for Professional Journals in your field
- Internet - Register your CV with as many sites as you can
GENERAL
Monster
totaljobs.com
fish4
reed.co.uk
Just London Jobs
UK Jobs Board
WORK gateways: specialises in jobs for foreign nationals - includes an ‘essentials guide’ with UK visas, UK money, Accommodation and Flights to the UK.
workthing.com
JOBS2
jobs1
bigbluedog.com
StepStone
Michael Page
ComputerWeekly.com/Jobs - Hardware and Software
Frazer Jones - Human Resources
Planet Recruit - IT, Engineering, Management
New Scientist Jobs - Biology, Chemistry, Science
Profiles Creative: Profiles Creative is one of the UK’s leading Creative Recruitment Consultancies. "We are niche recruitment specialists covering the full creative spectrum - Creative, Marketing, PR and Fashion & Retail . Because we concentrate on doing one thing and doing it really well, we have an extensive network of top candidates within the creative industry".
Joslin Rowe - Financial Services, Commerce
Poolia - Poolia is a specialist recruitment consultancy handling permanent, contract and temporary appointments in the following sectors: accounting & finance, banking, office support, HR and property.
Get
Advanced Resource Managers - IT and Engineering
the graduate - specialist jobsite for graduates seeking their first career move
Fill Recruitment - specialist in integrated, sales promotion, database and direct marketing
Hamilton Caine - specialist in recruitment within the Financial Services sector
vc-jobs.com - provides recruitment solutions specifically to the Venture Capital andPrivate Equity sector
OFFICE AND SECRETARIAL
Huntress Search Ltd - Liz Porter
SALES JOBS
Salestarget.co.uk
LANGUAGE JOBS
- Direct Approach
- Send an Interest letter to a Company you are interested in working with
- Approach companies in your home country that have operations in London
- Ask friends to introduce you to people they know from London in your sector
- Recruitment agencies - Experiences with these vary and can be great or really awful
- Get recommendations from other partners
- Talk to friends that live in London and get the names of the ones they like/trust
- Be careful if you are working with more than one agency because often jobs are listed with more than one agency and there could be a conflict if you are sent on an interview
- You have to be persistent because they can be slow getting back to you.
- Recruitment sites include:
CityJobs-- Finance, Banking, Insurance
TotallyFinancial.com -- Finance, Commerce
Matchtech.com -- Engineering, IT, Construction, Science
PER -- Private Equity, Venture Capital
Morgan McKinley -- Banking, Financial Services
Huxley Associates -- IT, Engineering, Finance
NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER
Everyone who works in the UK needs a National Insurance number in order to be taxed properly. It is in your best interest to get a number as soon as possible so you are taxed at the lower rate when starting a job. Below are the best ways to make an appointment to meet with someone about National Insurance.
Below are the best ways to make an appointment to meet with someone about National Insurance.
Note: do not use the numbers given on the JobCentre web site; calls are never returned.
Good luck in your search for employment!
Survival Guide: City Life
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PUBS & BARS
You will soon enough find out that life in London (and the UK) revolves around the Pub. As a Brit once said to me, you cannot walk more than five blocks in London, without finding a pub. People go there to meet friends, to unwind, to watch rugby or football, or just for the sake of the pint.
TIP: The Partners Club's Pub Nights Committee organises a pub night about once a month. It is a great place to meet up with friends and get to know partners.
The Bar is the modern answer to the Pub's traditional dominance. Bars are usually more trendy and eclectic (whatever that means). You don't usually have your pint there, but go instead for a cocktail, or at least an 'alcopop'.
Pubs are open until 11pm; you'll find none open beyond that hour. Bars, on the other hand, might be open until 1am, and that's actually the whole point of going to one.
Remember that London's alcohol expenditure is strictly regulated: you've got licences (until 9pm, 11pm, 1am and 3am). Of course, these licences have different prices; so, the later the place can stay open, the more expensive the drinks will be.
TIP: The beer here has higher alcohol content than beer in America. Pace yourself.
Another thing, what is known in many countries as "beer", is called "lager" here. The UK "beer" has a darker colour, not so much golden as bronze, and is drank a bit warmer. And then of course you have the dark beer called stout (Guinness and the like).
The best place to have a free glass of wine or beer is Sundowners, which happens every Thursday at the LBS MBAr.
Pubs near the school include everyone's favourite, Windsor Castle, Feathers behind Taunton, Hobgoblin (which also serves great Thai food), and The Volunteer on Baker Street.
RESTAURANTS
Everyone has their favourite restaurant. Our recommendation is to purchase "Cheap Eats," a small book that is one of the best investments you can make.
TIP: Many restaurants offer early evening meals that are less expensive - it's a great way to go out for dinner without spending a fortune.
MUSEUMS
As of January 2002, most of the museums in London (not to say all) became free. Unless otherwise noted, the museums and galleries in this list fall under that category, which makes them not only a fantastic attraction, but suitable for the budget conscious as well!
The British Museum
Great Russell Street - London WC1B 3DG
Holborn/Tottenham Court Road
Saturday --Wednesday: 10.00 - 17.30. Thursday -- Friday: 10.00 - 20.30
The British Museum is one of the greatest museums of the world, founded in 1753. The Museum now holds national collections of antiquities; coins, medals and paper money; ethnography; and prints and drawings. For example, it has the largest and most comprehensive collection of ancient Egyptian material outside Cairo; the displays including a gallery of monumental sculpture, and the famous collection of mummies and coffins. Within the Greek Galleries, the displays include famous such as sculptures from the Parthenon, the Nereid Monument from Xanthos and sculptures from the Mausoleum at Halikarnasos.
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square -- London
Charing Cross
Daily 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday until 9pm.
The gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. The National Gallery's permanent collection spans the period from about 1250 to 1900 and consists of Western European paintings. The collection contains over 2,300 paintings by many of the world's most famous artists, including Van Gogh, Velasquez, Renoir, Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Rembrandt, among many others. The National Gallery is a visit you shouldn't miss, even if you're moderately interested in art: you'll greatly enjoy it!
And each Wednesday you can have a relaxing evening, when musicians from the Royal College of Music perform in Central Hall from 6 to 7:30 PM.
Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Road - London SW7 2RL
South Kensington
10am to 5.45pm Daily, except Wednesday 10am to 10pm.
The V&A is the greatest museum of applied and decorative arts in the world. Its permanent collections include fashion and textiles, sculpture, ceramics and glass, metalwork, silver and jewellery, furniture, photography and paintings. The Textiles & Dress Galleries alone are definitely worth the visit for any woman.
Tate Modern
Bankside - London SE1
Southwark/Blackfriars
Sunday - Thursday, 10.15-18.00. Friday and Saturday, 10.15-22.00
Tate Modern is Britain's new national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern displays the Tate collection of international modern art from 1900 to the present day, including major works by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol as well as contemporary work by artists such as Dorothy Cross, Gilbert & George and Susan Hiller. Tate Modern is definitely worth a visit, if only to see the refurbishment of the power plant. And if you're not into modern art, you can always go to the Café on level 7, and have a nice snack, enjoying a spectacular view of London.
Tate Britain
Millbank London SW1P 4RG
Pimlico
Daily 10:00 - 17:50
Tate Britain is the national gallery of British art from 1500 to the present day, from the Tudors to the Turner Prize. Tate holds the greatest collection of British art in the world, including works by Blake, Constable, Epstein, Gainsborough, Hockney, Moore, and Turner. Tate Britain is a MUST if you're interested in landscapes and/or watercolours: then you can't miss the Clore Gallery, which houses the stunning Turner Bequest.
Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House - London WIJ OBD
Piccadilly Circus
Daily from 10am to 6pm and until 10pm on Fridays.
The Royal Academy's Permanent Collection comprises examples of British art from the 18th century to the present day. The collection includes paintings and sculpture, plaster casts, artists' memorabilia, prints and drawings.
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place - London WC2H OHE
Charing Cross
Saturday - Wednesday: 10.00 - 6pm. Thursday - Friday: 10.00 - 9pm
The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856 to collect the likeness of famous British men and women. Today the collection is the most comprehensive of its kind in the world. It comprises from Tudor portraits, to modern photographs. Since this gallery is just around the corner from the National Gallery, you could pay it a visit when you go there.
Museum of London
London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN
Barbican, St Paul's, Moorgate, Bank
Monday - Saturday 10am to 5.50pm. Sunday 12noon to 5.50pm
The Museum of London is the world's largest urban history museum with 1.1 million objects and Europe's largest archaeological archive. This museum spans the history of the city, from Roman times, through the Dark Age, Saxon, Tudor and Stuart periods, to the present day. It features the development of the metropolis (and its pyromaniac drawbacks), as well as an insight on how ancients Londoners lived, ate, dressed and behaved.
Dali Universe
At County Hall
Westminster, Waterloo
Monday to Sunday 10.00am-5.30pm
Admission: Adults, £8.95; Student, £6.95.
County Hall Gallery Ltd presents the Dalí Universe, a 3000 square metre exhibition dedicated to Salvador Dalí, the greatest surrealist, self-publicist and artistic genius of the twentieth century. Featuring over 500 works of art never before exhibited in the UK, the Dalí Universe is a unique opportunity to view Europe's most important collection of Salvador Dalí's art works, including the largest collection of Dalí's sculpture dating from 1935-1984, his drawings, lithographs, gold and glass objects and a Dalí-inspired furniture collection.
Science Museum
Exhibition Rd SW7
Tube: South Kensington
This is great fun for both adults and children with lots of interactive stuff to play with and well worth popping into for a visit. There is also an IMAX cinema.
Museums Outside of London
The Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge)
Trumpington Street (approximately 500 metres from the city centre).
Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm, Sunday: 2.15 - 5.00 pm.
THE FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM was founded in 1816 by the bequest of the VIIth Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion to the University of Cambridge and contains magnificent collections of works of art and antiquities of national and international importance. These include antiquities from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Roman and Romano-Egyptian, Western Asiatic and Cypriot Art; applied arts, including sculpture, furniture, clocks and rugs; coins and medals; illuminated manuscripts and printed books; paintings, drawings and prints (Titian, Veronese, Rubens, Van Dyck, Hals, Canaletto, Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso).
Ashmolean Museum (Oxford)
Beaumont Street. Oxford OX1 2PH
Tuesdays - Saturdays: 10am to 5pm Sundays: 2pm to 5pm (but not the Cast Gallery)
The highlights of the Ashmolean Museum's collection include a special collection of drawings and watercolours by Camille Pissarro, the largest in the world and indeed the largest single collection of drawings by any Impressionist artist. The Ashmolean has one of the finest groups of Raphael drawings in the world and an important collection by Michelangelo. Additionally, the collections of the Department of Antiquities cover almost the entire span of human history from the Lower Paleolithic to the Victorian era. They incorporate the surviving parts of the Museum's earliest collections, notably the founding collections of the Tradescants, which were donated to the University by Elias Ashmole in 1683. (The department has a strict policy of not acquiring material that has left its place of origin illegally.)
TIP: The Partners Club's Arts & Entertainment Committee can provide the information you need about museums, galleries and other events, as well as trips you would like to take.
TOURIST SITES
The following are the typical overpriced sites in London where millions of tourists visit every year. However, it's always fun to "play tourist" once in a while and see what the tourist hype is about.
- Madame Tussaud's -- If you want a tourist trap conveniently located to the school, try Madame Tussaud's. Never been inside, but from signs and posters, this wax museum contains the likes of royalty and celebrities from all over the world. A ticket is around £10, but just think: you'll get lots of good photos with lots of famous people. You can get a joint ticket which lets you into both Madame Tussaud's and the Planetarium next door for a couple more pounds. (Tube: Baker Street)
- London Zoo -- Also close to school is the London Zoo, located somewhere inside Regent's Park. I've never been there and have no clue how to get there, but from their colour brochures it looks great. Zoos are always a good place to take the kids. (Tube: Regent's Park)
- Tower of London -- One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Tower was constructed following the Norman conquest in the 11th century to dominate London. Here you can see the Royal Armouries and the Crown Jewels. (Tube: Tower Bridge)
- London Dungeon -- A medieval horror museum where you can see the horrors of the torture chamber depicted in living colour and full, graphic detail. Sounds cheerful, huh? (Tube: London Bridge)
- Segaworld -- This huge complex of arcade games, rides, and food has something for everyone. (Tube: Piccadilly Circus)
- London Eye -- From your glass-enclosed pod on a Ferris wheel, you can see all of the city below. (Tube: Waterloo)
- Millennium Dome -- Often talked about, rarely visited, the Millennium Dome is a conglomeration of sponsored exhibits highlighting different aspects of life. The Dome is divided into zones including the Body Zone, where you walk through a human body, the Work Zone, where you exercise your job skills, the Money Zone, where you complete a not-so-fun game of money spending, and the Faith Zone, which highlights different religions from around the world. There are many other "zones" as well as a centre-stage show and a movie which features Mr. Bean. And there are also tons of places to eat. Despite all the negativity, I enjoyed my eight or so hours at the Dome; and in those eight hours, I didn't even get a chance to see everything. (Tube: Greenwich)
- Rock Circus -- This is basically Madame Tussaud's with rock stars. Again, a great place to take pictures and spend money. (Tube: Piccadilly Circus)
- IMAX -- The IMAX theatre by Waterloo station offers big screen entertainment. (Tube: Waterloo)
And free touristy things:
- Buckingham Palace -- Ah, the home of Queen Lizzie. Maybe she'll ask you in for a cuppa if you drop by. At Buckingham Palace, you can stare at the building for a few minutes, take a few snapshots, and go on your merry way. Or you can pay the cash and see the Royal Mews. There's also the famous Changing of the Guard which takes place every day at 11:30am during nice periods and 11:30am every other day during the winter months.
- Tower Bridge -- At the tube stop by the same name, is the famous tower bridge, which most people mistakenly think of as London Bridge. You can walk across the bridge and see the Thames below.
TIP: Watch out for the "London 2 in 1" Booklet which gets published by the National Rail during the Christmas season and allows you and your spouse to enjoy the tourist spots in and around London for a discounted price.
Survival Guide: Parks
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London may be a crowded city, but there are plenty of parks to go to if you want to see wide-open spaces, green grass, and flowers. It is shocking how many people are in the parks on sunny days. If you plan to have a picnic, stake out your area early as the parks begin to fill around noon.
Regent's Park is just behind LBS (or across the street, if you use the school's main entrance). This park has lots of benches in which to sit and read, canoes you can take on the lake, a Japanese garden, the beautifully flowered Queen's Gardens (in the Inner Circle), and an Open Air Theatre (be sure to check its schedule). And during the warm months, you can have your own stretcher in which to sunbathe or just relax.
Hyde Park is a perfect place to relax or go rollerblading. Hyde Park is well known for its speakers' corner, where people from all walks of life come together to speak their minds.
Kensington Park is the home of Kensington Palace, The Orangery (a great place for tea) and the Albert Memorial (directly across from the Royal Albert Hall).
Hampstead Heath is great for families. Part of this huge park has a zoo with birds and animals (even flamingos!), a playground, and a wonderful place to eat.
If you walk through Green Park from the tube station, you'll be right in front of Buckingham Palace.
Survival Guide: Entertainment
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CINEMAS
You will find that the Brits are not so much into movies as many other countries. The good thing is they have kept those small cinemas up and running, while developing the big, popcorn, eight screens kind of place.
If you like the retro-Italian-village kind of venue, near school you can go to the Baker Street cinema. It tends to show more "educated" kind of movies, as opposed to Schwarzenegger type ones. But they do show some nice, relaxing movies.
If you like the huge, massive screen, try Odeon or Warner Village venues.
Near LBS, you can go to the Odeon Swiss Cottage, the Odeon Camden Town or the Odeon Marble Arch (all give student discounts, and LBS partners' cards work as well!!). The Warner Village Finchley Road gives discounts only to holders of the ISIC card.
There are tons of other movie theatres throughout London, many near Leicester Square. In this area, there's the Prince Charles cinema, which offers second-run films for a reduced rate if you'd rather see it on the big screen than rent it at home. Check online to see what's playing. (They also have Sing-a-long with the Sound of Music, but at £10, this may not be on a student's budget.)
For new releases, it's best to order tickets beforehand over the phone (check out www.odeon.co.uk and www.warnervillage.co.uk). Theatres tend to get crowded and in some there are assigned seats. Also, don't forget to bring those candy bars and snacks with you. If you're trying to save money while you're here, it's always cheaper to buy these outside the theatre.
For more about cinemas in London, look at the NetLondon website.
Videos -- Videos at Blockbuster cost roughly 3 pounds. It is less expensive to rent movies from your local library. Videos are a good alternative to the cinemas which charge upwards of £7/person.
Libraries -- I don't need to tell you that libraries = free books. Bring proof of address when you apply for the card. You must go to a library in your "council". For example, if you live close to the school, you live in Westminster and can only go to Westminster libraries. If you live in Swiss Cottage or Camden Town, your council is Camden and you can only go to Camden libraries. Some libraries are better than others so explore the ones in your council. The Marylebone Library lets you rent movies (VHS and DVD) for £1.50.
THEATRE
For reduced price tickets, there's the Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square. Be aware that the Ticket Booth sells tickets only for shows that are playing that day, and their ticket selection is limited.
If you're willing to take a chance, you can get student tickets at most theatres an hour before the show for a price, which is usually even less than half price. There's also something where you can go an hour before the show and try to get returned tickets, but I've never done this and don't know if it works. They tell you not to use any of the low-cost sellers besides the Half Price Ticket Booth, but there again, haven't tried it, so don't know.
Useful sites to check listings and/or buy tickets:
You can always enjoy the all-time-classic musicals: (latest updates available in Timeout magazine)
- Cats, at the New London Theatre (Drury Lane and Parker Street)
- Chicago, at the Adelphi (Strand, WC2E 7NA)
- Fame, at the Cambridge (Earlham Street, WC2 9HU)
- Kiss Me, Kate, at the Victoria Palace Theatre (Victoria St, SW1E5EA)
- Mamma Mia!, at the Prince Edward (Old Compton Street, W1V 6HS)
- Lion King, at the Lyceum Theatre (Wellington Street, off Strand)
- Les Miserables, at the Palace (Shaftesbury Avenue, W1V 8AY)
- My Fair Lady, at the Drury Lane, Theatre Royal (Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF)
- The Phantom of the Opera, at Her Majesty's (Haymarket, SW1Y 4QR)
BRITISH TV
It's wild, it's wacky and it takes a little getting used to. Unfortunately, everything in England has a price, and as far as the TV goes, it's the evil TV licence.
Those TV police will try to get you in two ways: (1) you have to fill out a form with name and address when you buy the TV and (2) if you do get cable, they know for sure you have a TV. There's also a rumour that the TV police go around with special devices that can track TV signals inside your flat, but this has never been confirmed.
What I do know is that they can come around knocking on your door, demanding to see your TV licence. But remember, they can't confirm you have a TV if you don't let them in. Beware that the TV police may masquerade themselves as postmen or the like so make sure you know whom you're opening the door to. Your best bet is just to pay the TV licence, which is a hefty sum at over £100/year. Buy your TV Licence, or you will be fined over and over again.
SPORT
The Partners Club has its own sports and leisure chair, who coordinates ice skating trips and park visits among other outings.
Partners are also recruited and encouraged to join in on student sports and teams. Don't be shy, it is a great way to get to know people and make friends.
Get your muscles working!!! Once you get to London, you'll probably find yourself with more spare time than you expected. Which means... you're out of excuses to skip workout.
And the good news is: there are options for everyone!! You can either go to the Gym and/or Pool @ Taunton (yes, partners' cards have access there) or have a nice outdoor workout at Regent's Park, joining any of the sports teams the school has.
And for a nice relaxing time when your muscles are sore, you can try the Jacuzzi, the Sauna or the Turkish Bath, again at Taunton.
Fitness Centre (fitnesscentre@london.edu)
Get the opening times and class listings from the forum.
LBS Sports Clubs
- Men's Football
- Men's Rugby
- Rock & Mountain
- Sailing
- Snow
- Women's Football
- Women's Touch Rugby
- Swimming
Survival Guide: Transport
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London is a very big city, and it's good to know the transport options before you arrive; it'll help you decide where to live, and, of course, it'll come in handy when you decide how to get from the airport to the city.
Walking -- To find your way around London's streets, buy an A-Z. In this guide you'll be able to fin every street, lane, mews, square...The A-Z comes in different sizes: buy one that you can fit into your handbag, but not too small: street names are hard to figure out, and it has a limited coverage.
The Underground or "Tube" -- This is undoubtedly the fastest way to get around. London has a very extensive underground network, that'll take you virtually anywhere in town.
The tube system works on concentric areas: Zone 1 through Zone 6. Zone 1 is the central area including LBS. The closest tube station to the school is Baker Street Station, which is on the Jubilee, Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines. A tube map, which you can get at any underground station, is a good thing to keep with you so you can figure out which line to take where. Every line is colour-coded and given a name. Trains have the "ending stop" on the front of them since not all trains go to the same ending place on the tube line.
TIP: the worst lines are the District, Circle and Hammersmith lines; the best ones: Central, Piccadilly, Victoria and Bakerloo. Have this in mind when you plan your journey. If, for example, you want to go to South Kensington from school (Baker Street), instead of taking a direct journey via the Circle line, take the Bakerloo and change for the Piccadilly line. You could also take Jubilee and change for Piccadilly, but you'd have to do this at Green Park, and it is a heck of a walk underground at this station (this is another thing you have to bear in mind).
The downside of the Tube: you don't get to admire the city while travelling.
Buses -- Cheaper than the tube. Tickets can be bought on the bus out of town and at bus stops before boarding in town (1.20 pound for 1 way, 3 pounds for all day). If you buy a travelcard for the tube, you can also use this card for bus travel.
Buses also operate in zones with varying prices: check with the driver when you get on. Beware on the bus: (1) don't use big bills, and (2) avoid the buses at rush hour; they won't stop if they are too crowded, and you may end up walking home.
Note there's a night bus network in London; these buses start with an "N" prefix followed by a number.
National Rail -- The Tube is used to travel in London (Zone 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) but for travelling outside these zones around London National Rail is the option to take. If you will be using National Rail often, then having a young persons card (if you are 25yrs or below) gives a 30% discount and students irrespective of age can also avail of this discount.
Black Cabs/Taxis -- If you have mega money, this is the best way to get around: they're fast (traffic permitting), they know their way around town, and they're safe. Fares start at £1.40, and during the evening/night you are also charges a surcharge. But even if you're on a budget, taxi might still be a good option, if you can chare with other people (no more than 5).
Minicabs -- These can be dangerous to use if you pick them up on the street; you usually have no safety guarantees and problems are common, but sometimes (like at 4am) you don't really have a choice. The good news is, you can now get a list of the registered minicabs in you area at www.transportforlondon.gov.uk Never forget to negotiate the price before getting on board. Prices should be the same as a black cab or cheaper for longer trips.
Night Travel -- The tube stops running around midnight, which means your only other options after this time are night bus (bad) or taxi (bad on the budget).
Cycling -- Two problems with this: traffic and rain. Other than that, it's free and a good exercise. Second-hand bikes are advertised in The Loot or purchased at a market in Brick Lane on Sundays. There is also a shop on the East Side of King's Cross/St. Pancras train station. Make sure you have lights at night and a helmet.
Driving -- There's absolutely no reason to have a car in central London. However, if you do insist on owning a car, you'll face huge petrol prices, high insurance costs, and you'll need a parking permit to park on central London streets from your local council. Once you have the car, there are few places to park. If you really want to drive, rent a car first with a lot of insurance. Easy Rent a Car offers Mercedes A Class cars for something like £9/day. Driving in London should deter you from owning a car in London.
Rollerblading -- If you thought cycling was dangerous, don't even try rollerblading. If you still insist, you can rent a pair of blades at London Blade Skate Centre (229 Brompton Road) among other places. Rollerblading is not allowed in Regent's Park so you'll have to go over to Hyde Park to do your blading.
Flying - London has way too many airports, and you have to know how to get to and from them.
- Heathrow: How you get there depends on your time and budget constraints. The cheapest way to get there is by tube. The Piccadilly Line goes straight to the terminal; just buy a tube ticket for Zones 1-6. If you have a travelcard, you can get an extension on the card. Next cheapest is the Airbus, which will set you back about £8. Then there's the Heathrow Express, which leaves from Paddington Station and costs £12. Finally, you can take a taxi for around £50 (or more, depending on traffic) or a minicab for about £40.
- Gatwick: There's no tube that goes to Gatwick directly. You can catch the Gatwick Express or the Southwest trains from Victoria Station for £ 12 and £10 respectively. There are supposedly other cheaper trains that will also get you to Gatwick but make stops along the way. Don't bother taking a taxi, as this might be more expensive than your airfare.
- Luton and Stansted: Some of the low-cost airlines leave from these two less well-known airports. For Luton, you can catch a Green Line bus that runs near the school. For Stansted, there's a train, which leaves from the Liverpool Street station.
- City Airport: You can take the tube there: Jubilee Line straight to Canning Town; and there take the Airport Bus (5 minute ride). Otherwise, you could take a taxi; from school, it costs around £25-30 (or more, depending on traffic).
Survival Guide: Shopping
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The best way to stretch the pound in terms of shopping is not to buy anything. However, if you do have to shop...
January & July sales -- London's sales supposedly take place twice a year -- January and July. Haven't been here in July, but the January sales seem to take place in every store on the High Street. Took me a while to figure out just what the High Street was since I couldn't understand how every single store could be on one street named High. However, this just refers to the branded retailers which are found all over the UK such as Marks & Spencer, Selfridges, Oasis, TopShop and the like.
Selfridges -- If you're looking for designer fashions in a store you can get lost in, Selfridges is the place to go. The store boasts Europe's largest perfume department and has floors filled with everything from luggage to a spa, restaurant, and food hall. (Tube: Bond Street/Marble Arch)
John Lewis -- The best place to get household stuff and things you just don't know where else to find such as sink plugs, shoe laces, coat hangers etc.
Marks & Spencer -- This old British favourite doesn't have especially stylish or designer clothes, but if you're looking for a plain suit, blouse or skirt (or a pair of underwear), M&S is the place to go. The store is working on their old-fashioned image, having top designers bring their collections into their stores. M&S can be found all over London, but there's one on the corner where Oxford Street meets Baker Street, across from Selfridges.
Fortnum & Mason -- Walking into Fortnum & Mason feels like a high-class British experience. It must be the building itself with its wooden staircases, beautiful carpets, and spaces clear of racks upon racks of clothes. The food hall downstairs is expensive but wonderful; you can get fabulous meats and dressings and sometimes they give samples. (Tube: Green Park/Piccadilly Circus)
Harrods -- You can't come to London without going to Harrods. There's enough on the bottom floor alone to keep you entertained. In fact, I don't think most people venture past that point. The food hall is something to see with counters of foods you can eat-in or take-away (including sushi, pizza, chicken or sandwiches), a room full of fruits and flowers, a room full of meats and cheeses, and a room full of chocolates and breads. Just beware -- with all the tourists, there's barely room to breathe in the wonderful aromas. (Tube: Knightsbridge)
Harvey Nichols -- "Harvey Nicks", as it is called, is famous for being Princess Diana's 'hunting grounds'. That said, you can figure out that this is one upscale department store with six floors of shopping, restaurants, and a spa. (Tube: Knightsbridge)
Hamley's -- The choice for those that are still a kid at heart. Hamley's has five floors full of toys. And not only do you get to look, you can actually play. It's a fun experience for all ages -- as long as there are no screaming kids in the store. Plus, there's a place to eat downstairs. (Tube: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus)
Oxford Street -- Oxford Street is often called 'the longest shopping street in the world' with well over a mile of stores terminally congested by locals and tourists. Close to the school, it's an experience you have to see for yourself -- once.
Regent Street -- Regent's Street, which intersects Oxford Street at its midsection, is far more elegant than Oxford Street. Here you'll find boutiques, china shops, and jewellers.
Bond Street, Sloan Street, and Knightsbridge -- If you want high-end clothes from international designers, these are the places to go.
King's Road in Chelsea -- On King's Road there are dozens of high-end chain stores and a great people-watching experience. Also good for homeware -- try Heal's and Habitat.
Free hair cuts? -- Yes, some things in life are free. One person reports: "I was flipping through a magazine called Ms. London one day when I found an ad for a free haircut. The catch was that you had to go to the Toni & Guy Academy where students would be working on you. I always have this theory that hair will grow back, so I gave it a go. And yes, it was completely free. Unfortunately, I had to wait on the stairs for half an hour while they got the appointments sorted out and the haircut took over two hours, but that was just part of the experience. Even better than the haircut I got from Toni & Guy was the one I had at the Vidal Sassoon Academy (yes, students cut hair here too).
"I found an ad in the Metro that said the haircut would cost a mere £5. Again, there was a long wait to get seated in front of a mirror and an even longer wait while the student cut my hair, but I received the best haircut I've gotten in my entire life. It felt wonderful to walk around London with my stylish new Vidal Sassoon cut. They're slogan, "If you don't look good, we don't look good," obviously rings true. Both Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon also offer colours at reduced rates as well as cuts so go for it! The academies are both located near Bond Street; Vidal Sassoon at Davies Mews, Toni & Guy at St. Christopher's Place. If you don't want to take a chance with a student, there's always Supercuts which cuts your hair for something like £10 or £11. There's one in the Bond Street Station, but check your phone book for other locations."
Survival Guide: Street Markets
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London has fantastic street markets, and you can find them all over the city. The best part about these markets is that they are 100% completely free, unless of course you actually want to buy something.
Marylebone Market -- This can be found just off Marylebone High Street and is open from 10-2 p.m. on Sundays. Boasting fresh fruits, veggies, local meat and cheese, it is hard to go wrong.
Portobello Road -- Yes, this was the famed location of that Hugh Grant/Julia Roberts favourite "Notting Hill." Portobello Road is an 'all-in-one celebration'; five markets roughly stapled together including antiques, clothes, crafts, and household goods. It gets crowded, so get there early, and be prepared to walk; the market is over a mile long. (Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park. Hours: Saturday morning)
Spitalfields -- I kept insisting there was an indoor market somewhere in the city centre, but no one wanted to believe me. Finally, one day I discovered Spitalfields, and it has become my favourite market of all. First of all, it's the only market I've been to which isn't overcrowded by tourists. Second of all, it's perfect for those rainy days when you want to go out but still stay indoors. Spitalfields has a wide array of organic foods as well as stalls of art. And the "food court" is the best I've ever seen. Not only do they have an authentic American restaurant, but they also have everything from Thai to Middle Eastern to French. Tip: Markets have some of the cheapest meals in London. Have a nice lunch out! (Tube: Liverpool Street. Hours: Mon-Fri, Sun 11:30am-3:30pm)
Petticoat Lane -- If you need some cheap clothes, this is the place to go. Vendors sell coats, collared shirts, trousers, and everything in-between. The market gets crowded, so go early. (Tube: Aldgate, Aldgate East, Liverpool Street. Hours: Sun 9am-2pm)
Borough Market -- This market is south of the river, within walking distance from the Tate Modern. It is quite large and offers a great selection of olive oils, cheeses and fresh baked goods. This market is also known by sushi enthusiasts as a great place to get fish off the boat (you just have to be willing to get up early).
Leather Lane -- Contrary to its name, there is not much if any leather. There is quite a bit of clothing, curtains, shoes and nibbles throughout. Closest tube: Chancery Lane.
Camden -- Funky and fresh, Camden is an enormous market which specialises in second-hand clothes (think John Travolta). The market is actually four separate markets -- The Stables (antiques), Camden Lock (mainly clothes), Camden Canal Market, and Camden Market. In the Camden Lock section, there are a huge number of food stalls selling everything from Middle Eastern to Chinese to fish & chips and organic foods. There's also one stall I never miss which sells about 25 different kinds of fresh donuts. Camden Market, supposedly the biggest market in London, also gets extremely crowded, so get there early. Saturdays for some reason are usually less busy than Sundays. The shops surrounding the market are also interesting to go into for shoes and clothes. (Tube: Camden Town, Chalk Farm. Hours: Sat & Sun, 10am-6pm)
Additional markets, listed by the main type of offering, are as follows.
- Antiques: Bermondsey, Church Street, King's Road
- Books: Riverside Walk
- Bric-a-brac: Brick Lane, Greenwich Market
- Cheese: Berwick Street
- Flowers: Columbia Road, East Street
- Afro-Caribbean food: Brixton, Ridley Road, Shepherd's Bush
- Fish: Billingsgate Market
Again, if you can believe it, this is only a short listing of all the markets that London has to offer. Explore your neighbourhood to find out what's there, check out London Farmers' Markets or East London Markets online, or get a book from the library which lists the different London markets.
Survival Guide: Maternity
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In the Partners Club, there are quite a few mothers and mothers-to-be; they have provided the following information. London is a great place to be a mother as it's filled with lots of activities targeted toward small children.
NHS
NHS (National Health Service) is a government-led service that provides healthcare for all citizens and all of its services are free of charge.
To receive NHS services, you need to register at GP. How do I register with the National Health Service when I move to England?
For antenatal clinic, you mostly stay in contact with your midwife and doctor at GP. They monitor your blood pressure, urine, heartbeat from your baby and your growing belly. For other check-ups (blood, ultrasound etc.), you have to go to the hospital that NHS designates. NHS offers antenatal classes which prepare you for the birth at the hospital you will be for labour.
After the delivery, you would probably stay at the hospital for one night or so in the case of normal delivery and a few more days for caesarean section. For postnatal care, a local midwife visits your home to check your and the baby's health within 10-14 days after your delivery. A healthcare visitor visits you as well.
SURE START
Sure Start is the government program "to deliver the best start in life for every child". It provides wide range of services such as early education, childcare, health and family support.
If you live in the area Westminster Church Street, you have a lot of possibilities during and after pregnancy, all for free (contact: Jayne Vertkin, 020 7479 8763). Here are some examples:
- Before birth -- Yoga, Pregnancy drop-in service, Breastfeeding workshop
- After birth -- Breastfeeding support, Baby massage, Mother and baby yoga, Postnatal reunions, Tiny baby fun, Baby fun
Yoga is a nice possibility to exercise during pregnancy and get prepared for birth. Another possibility for yoga is provided by Active Centre at 25 Bickerton Road, London N19 5JT, Tel: 020 7281 6760. They offer different classes and products.
CLOTHES ETC.
- H&M, Gap, Next -- you can find many shops in London
- Mothercare -- price is ok; they have everything you need... (clothes, beds, push chairs, baths, toys ...)
- Seraphine -- not cheap, but nice
- Primark -- very cheap
- Spirit of Nature -- good, natural products, they sell only online
- Oxfam -- you can find nice second-hand baby clothes etc. for very little money...
RECOMMENDED READING
MONEY YOU MIGHT GET
If you are working in UK and covered by National Insurance, you may be entitled to benefits and tax credits. BBC provides a homepage with useful information on what you are entitled to. NHS also provides a very useful homepage Common Questions for Maternity.
Survival Guide: Day Tripping
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If you want to spend a day or a weekend away from the city, there are plenty of places to go just a few hours away.
Hampton Court - Home of the infamous King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is a short train ride from Central London. Not only is the castle interesting in its own right, but there are also gardens and one of those mazes you can get lost in. Although you have to pay to get into the castle, there are free tours offered by guides in period costumes.
Windsor - Here you can see Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world, which has been a royal residence for over 900 years. But don't forget to visit Legoland and Eton College as well. Thames trains run from Paddington every 30 minutes and National Express coaches make the 50 minute journey from Victoria at 10a and 12p.
Oxford - Home of the famous university for over 800 years, Oxford is both a commercial centre and a town of quiet cloisters and peaceful gardens. The Oxford Tube coach runs every 10-20 minutes and stops at Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, and Shepherd's Bush. The Oxford Bus Company leaves from Victoria every 20 minutes. And there are Thames trains two times an hour from Paddington.
Cambridge - Can't go to one University town, without seeing the other. While in Cambridge, visit the Botanic Gardens or punt on the River Cam. WAGN trains leave from King's Cross and Liverpool Street and take 55 minutes to get to town. National Express coaches depart hourly from Victoria.
Stratford-upon-Avon - If you love Shakespeare, go here. If you don't love Shakespeare, go somewhere else. Thames trains run from Paddington and coaches leave from Victoria.
Bath - Just two hours west of London is Bath, a quaint city famous for its Roman baths and pump rooms. Get a Bath bun or drink a Bath ale while you're there. Great Western trains leave from Paddington station, and National Express coaches leave from Victoria every 90 minutes.
Canterbury - As one of the most famous and oldest of England's cathedral towns, Canterbury is full of history and spiritual depth. While there, be sure to visit the Chaucer Centre and Canterbury Tales visitor attraction. Connex trains leave from Waterloo East, Victoria, London Bridge and Charing Cross. National Express coaches make the 1 1/2 - 2 hour journey every hour from Victoria.
Edinburgh - Acknowledged as one of Europe's finest cities, Edinburgh has always been a cosmopolitan melting pot drawing visitors from all over the world. There are 19 weekday trains that make the 4 1/2 - 5 hour journey from King's Cross.
Beach? - Dying to go to the beach? England's seaside towns include Brighton, Portsmouth, and Bournesmouth. Although Bournesmouth is reputed to be the best British beach, if you want a real beach, you have to get over to the Continent. Brighton is easily accessible by Connex trains leaving two times an hour from Victoria and London Bridge, and by ThamesLink trains leaving from King's Cross and Blackfriars.
Tour companies - Tracks offers a variety of tours at student prices. Currently, there are day trips for £10, bank holiday weekends starting at £59, and a 9-day trip to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls for £179. With Tracks, you can go anywhere from Stonehenge to Stratford, from castles to theme parks, from wine tasting tours to horse races. Recently, I took the day trip to Bath; the double-decker bus was great and all the other "trippers" were in the "student age range". Magic Tour Company also offers a variety of tours at student prices. The Original London Walks offers day trips as well as walking tours in the London area. There's a day trip every day -- the walks meet at the railway station and take you on a full tour through the city of your choice whether it be Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge, or Canterbury, among others. Walking tours around London last around two hours and range from nightly pub walks and Jack the Ripper walks to daily walks of London neighbourhoods and museums. It's a great way to learn more about your home away from home. And the best part is that walks in the London area are a mere £3.50 for students. Unfortunately, the day trips are a bit more expensive since you'll have to pay for rail fare. You can get a complete listing at the London Walks web site or look for a brochure in any hotel.
Weekend trips - Want to really get away for the weekend? Tell your partner to take a break from studying, pack your bags, and go. With low-cost airlines, ferries, and trains, there's no excuse not to get away during your time in London.
Low-cost airlines - There are a number of these, so you're sure to continue to see low prices because of competition. These airlines fly to different cities so try all of them until you find the city you want. And don't rule out the "full-cost" airlines which may have flights just as cheap as the "low-cost" ones. Try Ryanair and EasyJet.
Internet travel sites - To make your travel plans, look at the sites for Expedia, TravelJungle, Lastminute.com, and ebookers. For more tour operators, look at this information site.
Surprisingly enough, one of the cheapest places to go from London is Paris. For as low as £69 return, you can take the Eurostar from Waterloo station directly to the Gare du Nord station in Paris in around 3 hours time. Eurostar offers specials in conjunction with newspapers as well as holidays which include both train and hotel. Because of one of these special offers, I'll be off to Paris for two nights this weekend for £150. Plus, I'll get a day trip on the Eurostar to either Brussels or Lille for free. Tracks and Magic Tours also offer trips to Paris every weekend for something crazy like £99. And there are tons of tour books you can pick up which offer similar holiday deals.
Amsterdam is also a favourite spot to go from London and also one of the cheapest city breaks. The Eurostar goes to Amsterdam as well, but the ride is a long 5hrs 45mins. It's better perhaps to fly with flights around £80/person.
Brussels seems like the cheapest city break of all. It's less than a 3 hour ride on the Eurostar.
Even cheaper is for your partner to have MBA friends in different countries. That way, you only have to pay for the flight, and you'll get a place to stay for free. Make sure to have one friend from each country you'd like to visit.
Student travel agencies - These can be found all over London and include STA, usit, and CTS.
Survival Guide: Top 10 Tips for Partners on a Budget
- Walking good. Taxis bad.
- Fast food may be bad for you, but it's not bad for the budget. If you eat there, don't worry -- you'll get lots of London exercise (see #10).
- Pretend you're a student to get reduced rates. What do you think those LBS partner cards are for?
- Why buy a book when you can go to the library for free?
- Travelcard, travelcard, travelcard. Saves time and money.
- That bread for 10p may be past the "sell by" date but that doesn't mean it's past the "eat buy" date.
- Do all your clothes shopping two times a year -- January and July.
- Don't phone home without a Unity card.
- Have generous parents that visit often and take you out.
- Pay your TV Tax or you will get fined. Again, again and again.
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