Warnborough

What You Should Bring With You

Going to study in a foreign country is always a big adventure. It is exciting, but do not forget to prepare for it. You will be away from your family and friends for a while, and you will have to get used to being on your own. It is easier to be resourceful and independent when you are prepared.

The Weather

The British weather can be highly unpredictable, one minute raining and the next sunny. In the summer months of June to August, the weather can fluctuate from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. In the winter months, depending on where you are in the UK, it can get extremely cold.

Clothing

Needless to say, you will need to be prepared for cold weather, so make sure you pack warm and waterproof clothing. Most people wear several layers of clothing to keep warm outdoors. Clothes and items may be bought in the UK on the high street or via mail order if you do not wish to bring too many items with you.

On the whole, students dress quite informally, although there may some times during the academic year when you might wish to dress more formally (suits for men and evening dress for women) for certain events (eg. graduation, formal dinners). You may even wish to bring along your national costume in the event that international gatherings or nationalistic functions are held.

Other Items

Voltage in the UK is 240V so make sure any electrical items you bring conform to this standard. We recommend that you do not bring any items that are unnecessary, as many things can be bought in the UK. You might wish to bring along things like photographs of family and friends, posters and other mementoes that can help you feel more at home.

Money Matters

The local currency is the Pound Sterling. Each pound is divided into 100 pence. Please make sure that you bring enough funds with you to cover your fees, accommodation, travel and other living expenses. It is safer to err on the side of more, rather than less. Do not assume that you will be able to make enough money doing part-time work to cover all your expenses.

You can change your own currency into Pound Sterling at your local bank or money changer. Travellers cheques are a good idea if you intend to bring a larger amount of money. However, you can also change the currency at a UK port of entry. You should bring at least £200 into the UK to allow for food, fares and other things. There are cash machines all over the UK which allow the use of international credit, debit and charge cards.

The table below estimates weekly costs for single students:

Accommodation (£80-110 per week)	90
Travel	20
Food	28
Personal toiletries	5
Laundry & Housekeeping	4
Books, equipment & material	10
Clothes	7
Leisure/Social activities	15
Telephone (including international calls)	10
Contents Insurance (recommended)	1
Contigencies and Emergencies	5
TOTAL	195

Obviously, these figures are only estimates, and not every one of the costs listed above will be incurred each week. They serve to provide an average snapshot of expenses incurred over each academic term.

Accommodation

For students who are unable to find their own accommodation, Warnborough College is able to arrange self-catering accommodation for students, or organise accommodation with English host families. Staying with a host family is a unique way to learn even more about the UK and its people.

Insurance

All international students are advised to take out an insurance policy if they do not already have one. Whilst you are likely to show care in your daily activities, it is something you can fall back on in the event of an accident.

Health Care

All international students who are studying on a programme for six months or more may apply to receive free health care from the National Health Service (NHS). The College's Student Services Department can provide you with more information on this.

Customs and Your Luggage

Ensure that all your luggage is clearly marked with your name and your address in the UK. There are limits to what you can bring into the country, either before, during, or after you arrive in the UK. Some items may be prohibited. For a full set of rules and regulations about what you can or can't bring into the country, please visit HM Customs and Excise website at www.customs.hmrc.gov.uk/

English Language Proficiency

You should have a good command of both written and spoken English before embarking on an educational programme in the UK. There are many accents and colloquial expressions which can flummox even native speakers! Normally, you will be asked to provide proof of English proficiency during the course application process (usually in form of a recognised test score like TOEFL or IELTS). Warnborough College is able to offer "top-up" or advanced English proficiency courses upon your arrival if there is a need for that.