Program students on the Parliment tour**
Before You Go:
You might want to consider that while most students want their materials unbound so they only need carry what is necessary to class, it is cheaper to have them bound here than in London. Also, buying your 'Let's Go Britain/Ireland', 'Let's Go Europe', or 'Let's Go 2007 Budget Guide to London, in the U.S., before you go, can save you money. Purchasing this book in London could be double the price. All London students will be provided with a small color indexed London Tube Map before you leave by USD San Diego. This map is sent to you in your final information package.
Arriving At:
Luton Airport you may have to leave the Luton airport and go into Luton city in order to catch the train into London. Double check once you have arrived. Trip from Luton to London direct should take about 1 1/2 hours depending on the time of day.
From Stansted Airport to London direct should also take about 1 1/2 hours depending on the time of day. Double check once you have arrived at Stansted Airport.
There is also coach (bus) service from the Luton and Stansted airports into London. However, they only run about every 1-2 hours depending on the time of day. Check schedules before you book your flight! Or go to the National Express web site for fares and times from Luton or Stansted airports into London.
Or
Go to the National Express web site for fares and times from either Gatwick or Heathrow airports into London. British Rail train from Gatwick, goes into Victoria Station in London. This link gives you a panoramic/virtual reality view of Victoria Station, Big Ben, Regent's Park, Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark and other views.
Housing
Students would find their own housing. Go to 2007 London Housing Information for some housing information. You should also try and purchase a London Street map before you leave to help you find your housing before & after arrival.
Left Luggage
Airports and Railway stations offer "short term only" "left luggage" services. You can store luggage for around $12/per day/per item.
The Excess Baggage Company offers much cheaper weekly rates of around $19/per item. You must bring your student ID or passport to pick up your items. You can pay by credit card or cash when you pick your items up. They are located at 168 Earl's Court Rd, London SW5 9Q; calling from the U.S. 011-44-207-373-1977; calling from London 0800-783-9625 or 0207-373-1977. Directions: Exit Earl's Court tube stop on Earl's Court Rd, go left past McDonalds, it is about 150 meters from the tube stop on the first floor.
The Big Yellow Self Storage Company Their Hounslow storage location is only 10 minutes away from Heathrow Airport, accessible by Hounslow Central tub stop on the Piccadilly Line. They are open 8am - 6pm, 7 days a week and can arrange for 24 hour access for an additional cost. calling from London 0800-783-4949.
Spaces - convenient for in-London self-storage - calling from London 0800-62-2244.
Safestore calling from London 0800-444-800.
Or do an internet search.
Laundry
Will there be both washers and dryers at my apartment? You would have to check with your landlord or rental agent about this. If not, as them if they know of anywhere close by.
Telephones
There may or may not be no phones in your apartment. You would have to check with your landlord or rental agent about this. However, there are public phones available on campus. They will either be just coin or may accept both coin and phone card, or just a phone card which you can purchase once you get to London anywhere.
Classrooms and Facilities
The London Institute is held with the cooperation of the College of Law of England and Wales, 14 Store Street, London; phone # is 011-44-20-7291-1305 ask to be connected to our office. Tube Stop: Goodge Street off the Northern Line system. You are about a 10 minute walk from Goodge Street to classes.
Eating Places
There are eating places all around. You will have to scout around once you have arrived to find the best places.
There are quite a number of places in London, but you will have to find the one closest to you once you arrive at your housing. Or ask your landlord or rental agent if they know of any close by.
Car Rental
If you rent a car, you must be at least 25 years of age. Also be prepared to never find a place to park and pay the high cost of fuel (about $8 per gallon) as well as a city tax to drive in London proper.
Underground (Tube) Sign.
Transit Passes
A weekly travel card for all tubes (underground train), buses, and trains (above ground) is available through most travel agents in the States or at STA. This card, which can either cover all 6 zones, or you can cover just 1-3 zones. You should get this before you leave the U.S. for at least the first week to help you get around and then purchase a monthly pass. However, If you don't have time, than you can obtain this weekly card at any of the London Underground Transport Offices at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and at
Victoria Station
.
Trains start running daily (Mon-Sat) from about 5:30a; Sunday from 7am. Times of last train departures vary, so check the schedule! If you do get caught missing the last train - don't fret - there are night buses which run through central London from approximately ll:00p-6am, about once an hour. They all pass through Trafalgar Square. They have the letter 'N' before the number and bus-stops have blue and yellow route numbers. One-day Travelcards cannot be used on night buses but period passes (1-week or longer) are usually valid.
A 24-hour number in London to call is 171-222-1234 or 171-222-1200 which provides information on routes, fares, times of buses and the underground. British rail enquiries - 24-hour number to call in London is 171-928-5100.
Survival Kit
To navigate your way around town you'll need: a good street map - a London-Wide A-Z is essential. Buy one from any good newsagent; the black and white edition costs about $7. Also, a free London Connections Map from any underground or British Rail station. This shows the underground network and the network of the southeast train lines in London; Buses for Night Owls - a booklet published by London Regional Transport. Gives all the routes and times of the night bus service. You can get thisfree from bus garages and travel information centers (found at selected underground stations, usually the major ones like Victoria Station). Time Out - London Student Guide - purchase at any newsagents for about $4.00. Comes out on Wednesdays only. This magazine offers information on: special offers, accommodation, cycling, useful addresses, area guides, entertainment, eating and drinking places, London news, museums, galleries, night clubs, children's London, film, classical and opera, rock, folk and jazz, theatre, where to get free food, shopping, fashion, flea markets, bookstores, sports and fitness info, travel, etc..
Tour Package
You might consider contacting Dolphin Tours at 9la Sandgate Rd, Folkestone, Kent England CT20 2BQ, phone 441-303-535-53, fax 441-303-220-284 for the 3 day Bastille Weekend ( July 14th ) Special in Paris. Last years price was about $400 for 3 days from London. I believe this includes hotel (sharing a room, but you should check). If you require a single room, there will be an additional charge. Otherwise, check with the nearest travel agent for your housing for any special deals.
Also bring with you at least four passport size pictures. You may need these for various student ID's in London.
British Rail offers discount passes for disabled travellers, check with your travel agent before you go!! Usually 1/3 to 1/2 off prices.
Sunken Gardens
Sightseeing
British Museum - Great Russell St - tube exits - Tottenham Court Rd; Russell Square and Holborn. Bus #'s - 14, 10, 24, 29, 73, 134. Admission free. Hours - Mon-Sat 10a-5p; Sun - 2:30-6p. Closed first Monday in May and Good Friday (April 5). No smoking, eating, or drinking allowed. Cafe and restaurant open same times as Museum. Disabled facilities are available. Check with Museum before you go. There is a guided tour. Ask at the information desk in the front hall for details, there is a charge for this and lasts about 1 hr and 30 min. Museum guide and map also available in French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish for a charge. Founded in 1753 and shows the works of man from prehistoric times to the present day. There are permanent displays of antiquities from; Egypt, Western Asia, Greece and Rome as well as the prehistoric and romano-british, medieval, renaissance, modern and oriental collections. Cameras and video equipment (hand held) are allowed.
Westminster Abbey where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and where many are laid to rest.
Buckingham Palace - go and see the changing of the guard - its very ceremonial. If you miss this, then there is also a ceremonial changing for the guards at #10 Downing Street.
St. Pauls Cathedral - built on an ancient religious site by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married here in 1981. It's a very beautiful church, especially when you look up! There is an entrance fee.
The Tower of London - the ancient fortress dating back to Norman times which has served as a royal residence, prison, and place of execution which saw the deaths of Sir Thomas Moore and Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry the VIII. The Crown Jewels are also here. There is an entrance fee. This is a must see exhibit. Camera pictures are not allowed to be taken.
There is also Hampton Court Palace, Charles Dickens House, and The National Museum. If you elect to go to Canterbury go on a Saturday when the choir practices for Sunday mass. When the choir starts, you can hear a pin drop because it sounds so beautiful and everyone stops to listen. Canterbury was founded in 597 by St. Augustine. It is here that Thomas A Becket was murdered in 1170 by knights of Henry II. There is also Dover Castle which was built in the 12th century and founded by Henry II. Leeds Castle is built on two island in a lake. Originally built in 857 and has a fantastic collection of furniture and tapestries. Stonehenge whose monoliths and lintel stones have stood for over 4000 years. Bath where the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms are and where fashionable society used to take the 'cure'.
Past students recommend the following: Greenwich - you can take the Cutty Sark Tour, or visit the Maritime Museum. There are lots of nice restaurants and shops there as well. You can take the boat along the Thames from Westminster or take the train. CamdenTown - Markets, ethnic restaurants, and shops. Take the Northern Line to Camden Town from the Waterloo station.
There are so many sights to see, that you will have to decide for yourselves which of them you will want to see in the time frame you are there.
London Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
** Courtesy of Krista Dupps L2003