The United Kingdom comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Greater London covers an area of over 600 square miles and has an ever-growing population, currently over 8 million people. Throughout it's history, Britain's own culture has been enriched by many other nationalities. Sometimes by conquering nations! Other times by those seeking asylum or choosing to emigrate here. London, especially, is home to many different nationalities which provides a fascinating variety of culture, food and entertainment.

Climate
The UK has a very varied climate. November to March are typically cold and wet with the possibility of snow on higher ground. Average temperatures are between 0º and 10º C (50º F). The temperature in summer (July and August) can reach up to 32º C (90º F). More detailed information is available on the BBC (the national news service) www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Clothing
Whatever the time of year, it is best to have warm clothing with you. During the winter months, a warm waterproof coat is essential. If you plan to explore the UK during your vacations, please remember to bring appropriate clothing, especially if you are travelling to the north of the UK.

Working/Opening Hours
Supermarkets are usually open from 8:30 to 20:00 throughout the week and usually 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays. Some supermarkets in cities are now open 24 hours a day. In major cities such as London, there are many specialist shops selling a wide variety of food so you may still be able to cook up your favourite meal! Shops are generally open from 9:00 to 17:30 (Monday to Saturday) with some shops opening later on certain days or open for a few hours on Sunday. In some smaller towns "half-day closing" occurs. On one day in the week most shops will close at lunchtime. This no longer happens in most larger stores and in cities. Offices hours tend to be 9:00 to 17:30. Banks open from 9:30 to 5:30 (some Banks are opening on Saturday morning).

Public Holidays
There are 8 public holidays when colleges, offices and most shops will be closed.

• New Year's Day - 1st January.
• Good Friday and Easter Monday - this can occur between mid-March and the end of April.
• Early May Bank Holiday - first Monday in May.
• Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May.
• Summer Bank Holiday - last Monday in August.
• Christmas Day - 25th December. Boxing Day - 26th December.
   

Health
If you are planning a short visit to London on a visitors visa to look at different colleges before applying, please remember to buy health insurance. If you have come from a country with a health-care agreement with the UK or are staying for more than six months, you may be able to obtain free medical or dental treatment under the NHS. If you are a long-term student (12 months or more), it is advisable for you to register with a local Doctor. We can provide contact details for doctors in your area. You will need to contact the doctor to see if they are accepting new patients and you will normally need to have an appointment to provide basic information about your medical history. You can get more information from the Department of Health:
Website: www.doh.gov.uk/overseasvisitors
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7210 4850
E-mail: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk

Public Transport
In London there is an extensive public transport system - trains, buses, underground trains and light railway. If you use a taxi in London, it is best to use the well-recognised London taxis known as "Black Cabs". They will usually provide a guide to the fare and operate under a proper license. However, public transport is much cheaper! The Greater London area is divided into six travel zones. Zone 1 covers the main business and shopping districts in the centre of London. The College is located in Zone 4. This may sound complex but members of the college administration team will be happy to explain how the travel system works. You can buy daily, weekly and monthly travel cards which either give you access to the buses or to both buses and underground trains. For month travel cards, you will need a photocard and you can also apply for student discount rates. Useful information about public transport in London can be found on www.londontransport.co.uk and www.thetube.com Outside of London public transport varies from area to area. Most major towns and cities are linked by railway. Cities will have regular bus services but smaller towns may not. Internal flights also operate between major cities.

Social Customs and Leisure
British people are generally reserved and value their privacy. It is customary to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time, whether male or female. Other physical contact is generally avoided with anyone other than family and close friends. Good manners ("please" and "thank you") and personal hygiene are valued very highly. With the wide variety of cultures in Britain, please use your common sense and try to respect all beliefs and customs. In east London there are many places of Worship (too many to list here) - please ask at the college administration if you would like to be directed to a particular place of Worship. Smoking is generally allowed in public places but restaurants and other public buildings may not allow it. Please respect this and refrain from smoking. In London there is a wide range of activities available to suit all budgets, you can:

• experience food, music and entertainment from many countries;
• see a variety of sports in the city's large arenas (which also host musical events);
• enjoy a range of world famous "West End" shows;
• visit museums, art galleries and exhibitions to suit all tastes;

From time to time, we provide information about interesting events around London. We encourage our students to tell us if there is something that they would particularly like to see or do. When site-seeing, photography is usually allowed except in galleries or museums. Some historic buildings may also ask you not to use flash photography. It is also wise to seek permission before taking photographs in a place of worship.