What do I need to know to prepare for studying in the UK?

You have completed the IELTS test, got the school offer and student visa, and are about to start an extraordinary journey in your life. At this time, you may be full of expectations for your study and life in the UK. While looking forward to a new life, I believe that everyone has many questions about the preparation before going to Britain, living and studying in Britain. This paper will sort out some common problems from three aspects: preparation before departure, life in the UK and studying in the UK, and share them with students who are going to study in the UK.

| Parts 1 Preparation before departure |

What are the "must-take" things?

(1) file:

A valid passport with a visa

School quotation and CAS

Air ticket to England

"International Travel Health Certificate" and "International Vaccination Certificate": It can be checked upon entry. It is recommended to put it in your carry-on luggage.

Economic documents: bank deposit certificate, tuition payment certificate (if tuition and accommodation fees have been paid in advance or in part), scholarship certificate, etc.

Undergraduate diploma and degree certificate

Original IELTS transcript

ID photo: It will be used for police station registration, student oyster card, visas from other countries, etc. 1 inch and 2-inch 10 each.

Accommodation related documents: you need to fill in the entry registration card when you go through customs, and you need to fill in the address in the UK. Students who choose to live in the school directly write the dormitory address, students with host families write the host family address, and students who plan to start looking for a house after arriving in the UK can directly fill in the school name.

School pick-up confirmation email (if any)

* Note: The above documents should be put in the carry-on backpack, not in the checked baggage. Make a backup of all important information, just in case.

② Electronic products:

Laptop and power supply

Mobile phone, charger, mobile power supply (in addition, mobile phone film can also be worn)

Adapter and patch panel: The adapter should carry 2~3 British standards, and it is planned to go to Europe with at least 1 European standards, or buy a universal one.

U disk and hard disk: used for copying data and backing up important data.

Camera, recorder, Ipad, MP3, Kindle, razor, etc. They are all brought according to their own needs.

What should I bring for daily necessities?

Good quality umbrellas: the quality of umbrellas sold in British supermarkets is relatively average. In stormy weather, English people are often seen walking on the road with blown umbrellas. Students who are afraid of getting wet must bring an umbrella of good quality.

Outdoor coat: The rain in Britain is not only frequent, but also comes without warning, often accompanied by strong winds. In this weather, it is sometimes more practical to wear a windproof and rainproof jacket than an umbrella.

Spare glasses: it will be more expensive to wear glasses in Britain, and myopia students can wear an extra pair of glasses in China. In addition, the optometry sheet can also be brought in case of emergency.

Backpack: When traveling, it is much more convenient to carry a strong and easy-to-use backpack than to pull a box. Underwear: You should bring more comfortable underwear. You don't need to bring too many other clothes and shoes. You can buy them in the past.

Commonly used drugs: Students who need to take drugs regularly due to personal health must prepare enough drugs and carry a doctor's prescription with them. General over-the-counter drugs can be bought in pharmacies. You can prepare some emergency cold medicine, fever medicine, scald medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, antidiarrheal medicine, painkiller, traumatic injury medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, band-aid, thermometer and so on.

Some kitchen utensils: students who like cooking can bring some kitchen gadgets that are not so easy to buy in Britain, such as pot cover, rolling pin, peeler, drawer cloth and so on.

Other daily necessities can basically be bought in Britain, and can be prepared according to personal needs and preferences.

What can't I take?

Be sure to check carefully when preparing your luggage to make sure you don't carry contraband. Carrying prohibited items without permission will face severe punishment and even prevent you from starting your studies in the UK. According to the latest entry requirements of British Customs, the following items are not allowed to enter the country:

Illegal drugs and drugs

Offensive weapons, such as switchblades

Self defense spray

Endangered animals and plants

Rough diamond

Articles containing obscene content

Most meat and dairy products come from countries outside the EU.

In addition, it is best not to bring some things that may cause trouble when entering the country, such as Chinese medicine, soil, animals, plants, medicinal materials for soup, etc.

Can I buy China's seasoning in England?

All kinds of spices from China (hot pot, stew, spiced powder, etc. ) There are basically supermarkets in China and Britain, as well as super brands such as Auricularia auricula and yuba. There is no need to bring too much. Students who have a special preference for some niche brands can bring some appropriately.

Do you need to bring your own rice cooker?

If there is still room in the luggage, you can bring a fully functional rice cooker, but it is sold in Yinghuacheng supermarket, and the price is acceptable, but the function is a little less, but it is enough for daily cooking.

How much luggage can I carry?

The weight of checked baggage is generally about 20~30 kg, and the weight of hand luggage is about 6 kg. Some airlines will also give some preferential policies to international students who go to Britain for the first time. The specific baggage regulations need to be confirmed with the airline. Usually, the weight and volume requirements of luggage will be indicated on the airline's official website. You can inquire directly in official website or call customer service. All daily necessities are basically available in Britain, and some of them are cheaper than those in China, so you don't need to carry a lot. In addition, after the luggage is packed, you can buy a "luggage scale" (which is very convenient to hold) and weigh it in advance to check whether it is overweight.

How early is the right time to arrive?

The school usually gives a suggested arrival time (usually one week before the start of school), and will focus on enrollment, registration and other work in these days, and will also organize some welcome activities. It is suggested that you arrive at school according to the requirements of the school, adjust the time difference one week before the start of school, arrange your daily needs and get familiar with the campus environment.

How to book a plane ticket to England?

After the departure date is confirmed, you can book the air ticket (it is better to book the air ticket 2~3 months in advance, which is more cost-effective). You can book tickets directly in the airline official website, enter the departure date, select flights, and complete online payment. The major airlines providing services between China and Britain are China International Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Be careful not to choose flights that arrive in Britain at midnight. If the school has a free pick-up service, try to choose flights that arrive within the pick-up time. In addition to booking tickets in official website, you can also purchase air tickets through travel agencies or air ticket agents.

How much do I need to change?

Go to the bank in advance to exchange a certain amount of pounds (within 1000 pounds) in case of emergency. Credit cards can be used in most places in Britain, and you don't need to carry too much cash. Large sums of money can be exchanged for pounds in China and brought to England. You can get a local bank card when you arrive in Britain, and the rest of the cash and money orders can be deposited. In addition, pay attention to changing some small change as much as possible, and some small shops may not be able to change the whole money.

| Part II: Life in Britain | What's the weather like in Britain? What clothes do you need to bring?

The weather in Britain is unpredictable, and there may be showers all the year round. The temperature in the south is slightly higher and the climate is mild, while there will be more cold and windy weather in the north. Students studying in Britain need to know more about the weather in the city where their school is located. You don't need to bring too many clothes, especially in summer, you can buy them in Britain, and it's very cheap to catch up with the sale. You can bring more underwear and socks and an outdoor coat, which will be useful. If the college needs some formal occasions, you can bring a suit that suits you. Students who are interested in participating in cultural exchange activities can bring a set of traditional China clothes (cheongsam, Hanfu, etc.). ).

Where to buy a mobile phone card?

There are four major mobile phone operators in Britain: O2, Vodafone, EE and 3(Three. There are also several common virtual mobile phone operators: Giffgaff, Lebara, Talkmobile, Lycamobile, Tesco Mobile and CTExcelbiz. If you want to buy a mobile phone card, you can compare the package prices of these operators online first, and then book the card directly in official website, and the card will be sent directly to your home. Many schools will issue free mobile phone cards when they welcome new students. You can also pay attention to it. If you need it urgently, you can buy it on Taobao before you leave, or you can buy it at the airport in Britain.

How much is a lunch?

In Britain, universities and some large middle schools have their own canteens, and some schools also offer various buffets. The price of a lunch is about 5-7 pounds. However, English people usually eat a sandwich, a bag of potato chips and a bottle of drink at noon, weighing about 3-4 pounds. If you eat in a restaurant outside, a meal in some fast food restaurants (such as noodle stations) costs about 5 pounds, while a lunch in some high-end restaurants costs more than 10 pounds per person. Chinese restaurants in Britain are not cheap either, so many international students will choose to cook by themselves. If it is simple, the price will be much cheaper than eating out.

Is there any special food in England?

Fish and chips (fish &; French fries), jacket potatoes, English afternoon tea, English breakfast, farm pies, etc.

Live in the school dormitory or rent a house by yourself?

Depending on individual needs. The price of school dormitory will be slightly higher, but it is fully equipped and well managed. Usually they are not too far away from the campus, and they are safer. Renting a house by yourself is cheaper, more flexible and more free, but it requires high self-care ability, and it takes a lot of time and energy to find a particularly satisfactory house.

What factors should be considered in renting a house?

Safety: Safety is the most important thing. When renting a house, the first thing to consider is whether the neighborhood near the house is safe. You can consult more seniors with rental experience.

Location: If you rent a house off campus, try to choose a house near the campus. If the house is too far from the school, it will be very tired to run around every day, which will increase the transportation cost.

Deposit: the deposit is generally 1~2 months' rent. When renting a house, be sure to confirm with the landlord or intermediary whether the deposit can be refunded in full when the rent is refunded. The contract must be read carefully.

Cost: Most of the rent does not include utilities, gas, Internet access and TV license fees. Excuse me, how do you share these expenses?

Facilities: Try to find a fully furnished house, and pay special attention to the bathroom facilities of the house when looking at the house.

How to find a moving company?

Use Google to search for moving companies or people and vans (usually just one person and a van, you can choose when moving luggage without furniture), followed by your city. For example, if you are in London, Google the moving company London or Man and Van London, plus the area where you live. The price of moving company is around 50~ 100, and the price of moving across cities will be higher.

How to see a doctor in Britain?

When you arrive in the UK, general schools will require you to register for GP (General Practitioner) at a specified time and place. In Britain, it is difficult to see a doctor except for serious injury, serious illness or childbirth. Usually, the general practitioner is responsible for all your daily medical needs. You need to make an appointment by phone in advance to see GP (except in an emergency). The appointment period is long, sometimes even more than one month, so it is very necessary to bring some commonly used drugs. If the situation is urgent, you need to go to the hospital for first aid. In case of serious injury or crisis, please call 999 to call an ambulance.

What should I do if my hair loss is serious in Britain?

Many China students will lose their hair after living in Britain for a period of time. One of the more likely reasons is that the water quality in Britain is too hard for China's health. Students with serious hair loss after arriving in Britain can try to buy bottled water to drink, but it costs a lot of money to buy water a year, so you can also consider using filter bottles (for drinking water) and filters (for washing your hair). In addition, you can also use some anti-hair loss products, such as "Little Red Soap" of Lush, ginger shampoo of Body Shop, and hair growth essence of Nanogen. Try to wear an umbrella or a hat in rainy days, and pollutants and acidic substances in the rain can easily lead to hair loss. Finally, international students often catch deadline all night, and staying up late and being under too much pressure can also lead to hair loss. Students must arrange their own study tasks, work and rest normally, eat properly and keep a good mood.

How to choose a British bank card?

British banks have many choices. When you first arrive in the UK, in addition to learning from your seniors, you should also focus on the location of the bank (whether it is close to where you live), the cost (some bank accounts are charged, so you can compare several banks) and the interest. I suggest you open a current account that can accept international remittance, cash withdrawal and online consumption, plus a savings account when you arrive in the UK. After choosing a bank, you can make an appointment with the bank to open an account, and just bring the information they require to the bank at the appointed time.

What should I do if my British bank account is stolen?

When you find your account stolen, go to the bank where the account is located and ask the bank staff. They will check your transaction records and provide you with some supporting materials. After that, you need to take these materials to the police station, and the police will help you file a case. Next, you need to take the police report to the bank. The bank will help you solve your account problem in a few days.

What does cashback mean?

When you check out in a supermarket in Britain, the cashier will ask you if you need to cash back, which means you can withdraw cash directly with your bank card at the checkout counter. Note that this is not the cash back benefit of the merchants, but that they help you take out some cash from your bank card, which is equivalent to an ATM machine. This service is very convenient for students who often have no cash on them.

How to buy a train ticket in Britain?

There are two ways to buy train tickets in Britain: online purchase and on-site purchase. If you buy it online, you can go directly to official website, the national railway. After you select it, you will receive a reference code in the mailbox, bring your own paid bank card and reference code, and go to the train station machine to pick up the ticket. If you buy tickets on the spot, you can go directly to the station to buy them. You can consult the conductor about the frequency and price. In addition, you can apply for a youth card in advance, which can save a lot of transportation expenses if you often take the train.

How to drive in Britain with a domestic driver's license?

If you plan to drive in Britain, you can bring your China driver's license and English translation certificate. You can use your domestic driver's license within 12 months after you first arrive in the UK, and then you need to obtain a British driver's license.

Do you need to carry your passport with you all the time in Britain?

Passports are very important as proof of overseas status of China students. But we don't need to carry our passports all the time. It is more risky to follow us all the time and lose them. Once lost, it will be more troublesome. So we can usually leave our passports at home, and we need to bring them when we travel or need to prove our identity.

What if I lose my passport?

Prepare the following information:

Completed Application Form for Passport/Travel Certificate/Seaman's Certificate/Return Certificate of the People's Republic of China and Application Form for Verification of Applicant's Passport (Identity) by the Chinese Embassy in the UK (these two forms are downloaded from the website of the Chinese Embassy in the UK).

Three passport photos that meet the requirements (photos need to be viewed on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the UK).

Original and photocopy of legal residence certificate in the UK (any one of visa, residence permit, student ID card, study certificate and work unit certificate) (the original is returned after being checked by the staff, and the photocopy is kept by the embassy or consulate); If you cannot provide the above certificate, you must submit a certificate issued by the Ministry of the Interior (the original document proving that you are applying for or will soon obtain a legal visa or residence), which is valid for two months from the date of issuance. Please reissue it after it expires.

Description of relevant information (including the situation before the applicant went abroad, the situation after going abroad, the loss of passport, etc.). ).

It usually takes 30 working days and costs 20 pounds to apply for a new passport at the embassy with the prepared materials.

What gifts should I give my guests in England?

If it is invited by young people, the choice of gifts is more flexible, and beer is a good choice. If you are going to a middle-aged person's house, it is very appropriate to bring a bottle of wine. If your friend is an old man, you can bring chocolates or flowers as gifts. Besides the gift, you can also attach a handwritten card.

Part three: English learning articles

Do I need to bring an electronic dictionary?

It depends on personal habits. If you have the habit of looking up an electronic dictionary, you can bring one, but it is also convenient to look it up directly on your mobile phone or computer.

What stationery do you need to prepare?

General stationery can be bought in stationery stores (such as WHSmith, Ryman, etc. ) and supermarkets, there is no need to bring too much stationery from China. Paper products will be more expensive, so you can bring a good quality notebook. Other stationery, such as blank CD, stapler, calculator, etc. , you can buy it very conveniently. Special stationery required by professional requirements can be brought by yourself.

What are the useful academic paper resources?

Google academic

Inter-university Federation for Political and Social Studies

basis

Cyrus

Research gate

Does the teacher have an accent? Will you not understand?

Professors in general universities speak very clearly and have a weak accent. When teaching foreign students, you will speak slowly, and you can understand it after a little adaptation. However, there will also be some professors with strong accents or fast speech. If you meet such a teacher, don't worry too much. You can record the teacher's teaching content, listen to tapes repeatedly after class, do your homework, communicate with your classmates more, and ask the teacher for help if you have any questions.

(The above is reproduced from the Internet and does not represent Tu Hai's position on studying abroad. If in doubt, please contact us to delete the modification. )