Pre-Departure Briefing for

UK & Ireland
Monday, 8 May 2017
 Who are we?
International Relations Office (IRO)

What can we do for you?

Agenda
1. Highlights of SEP
2. Preparing for SEP
3. What to expect at your destination
4. Settling in
5. Homecoming
6. Sharing by returning NUS exchange students
7. Networking
What is SEP?
SEP is an opportunity for students to:

1 Spend one or two semesters studying at a

partner university

2 Earn modular credits toward their major in

a new academic setting

3 Immerse themselves in a new place and

culture

4 Enjoy tuition-fee waiver from the partner

institution, and pay NUS tuition fees for the
exchange semester(s)
TOP REASONS FOR GOING ON SEP
(as reported by students)

1 To experience a different culture

2 Personal development

3 To experience a different education system

AFTER THEIR SEP EXPERIENCE…

~99% Felt more capable of taking care of

themselves

~99% Felt more willing to try out new things

SATISFACTION SURVEY
AY2015/16
99.3%
were either extremely satisfied or
satisfied with their exchange

98.9%
would recommend SEP to other
students
 PRE-DEPARTURE VIDEO
https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/go-abroad/ug/
Preparing for SEP

ROAD MAP

While waiting for

• Set personal goals • Follow instructions in
your acceptance acceptance package
• Find out about host package (read carefully & meet
destinations deadlines)
• Plan itinerary • Read pre- • Apply for visa
• Work out budget departure guide • Book accommodation
• Attend country • Make travel
arrangements
After applying with briefing
your host university Upon receiving your
acceptance package
Preparing for SEP

STUDY PLAN
• Complete the module mapping process via the NUS Student Information System (select
Self Service – External Study).
• Include some spare modules in your study list in case you are unable to secure your
preferred modules or when your enrolled module(s) has been cancelled.
• Should there be any changes to your study plan, seek approval from your home faculty
immediately.
Preparing for SEP

PASSPORT & FLIGHT

• Ensure that passport is valid for 6 months after
return date.
• Do NOT confirm flight booking until you have
received the acceptance (letter/email) from the
host university and gotten your visa (if applicable).
• Arrive at least 2 weeks before study period and
attend orientation programme.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – Ireland
• Students studying in Ireland need to provide proof of having insurance
coverage as part of visa application. Please refer to individual host
university offer letter for more information
1. UCD International Student Handbook
2. TCD
• No entry visa is required if you are holding a Singapore passport
• Register at Garda National Immigration Bureau within 1 month after
arrival at host university. The GNIB will issue you with a residence
permit/GNIB card. The fee for this card is €300 and must be paid by
credit card, laser card or bank transfer. This fee cannot be paid in cash.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom

https://www.gov.uk/
check-uk-visa
Preparing for SEP
VISA – United Kingdom
Tier 4 Visa
A full-year exchange
Apply in advance via agent before you go to UK.
http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/. Need to pay
£328
Visa validity is based on start and end date of the
exchange stated in the letter of offer from host
university
Allow to work while holding Tier 4 visa
Many other supporting documents are required (i.e.
English Proficiency evidence). Refer to the links given
15 days of application time if you apply in Singapore
Short Term Study Visa
A semester exchange
Apply in advance via agent:
http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/ OR:
Get the stamp on your passport when you are clearing the
custom in UK (depends on nationality). This is free!
The visa usually valid one week in advance and one week after
the end of the exchange duration or no longer than 6 months
Cannot work while holding Short Term Study Visa
Do not need to submit too many supporting documents. English
proficiency supporting documents based on host university’s
discretions.
Given upon entering UK for nationality that does not need an
entry visa
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom

SHORT TERM STUDY VISA Do not enter UK via Ireland!
For the application of Short Term Study Visa, you must bring along ALL original supporting documents listed
on UK Visa and Immigration portal.
1. https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/documents-you-must-provide
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents
3. Pay approx. £85 if you have to apply for the Short-Term Study Visa in Singapore via the authorised agent

TIER 4 STUDENT VISA

1. Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa.

2. Stricter requirements
3. Have to pay an additional £150 in order to receive free health services under the National Health
Service whilst in the UK. This surcharge is mandatory and must be paid by together with the application
for a Tier 4 Student Visa.
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom

• The application for Tier 4/ Short-term study visa could take from 15 days to 3 months. This
process is extremely slow and there is nothing NUS or you can do to speed up or help the
process. So get your application correct the first time ! Or engage a authorized agent to do
it for you. (http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/singapore/applicationcentre.html)
• For visa applications there is a requirement for financial documentation. Read the
requirements carefully – the bank account may need to be in YOUR name or require a
notarized birth certificate (in English!)
• CAS letter issued by the supporting UK university is required for Tier 4 Visa. Each UK
university has their internal system to clear before they can process the CAS number for you.
• ALWAYS check the latest information from UK Visa and Immigration’s website:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas
Preparing for SEP

VISA – United Kingdom

English proficiency supporting documents

NUS students should bring along original and photocopies of :

- GCE “O”, “A” level certificates, SIPCAL certificates with English Language of Grade B or
better; or
- IELTS exam results of less than 2 years old and of at least 6.5 for reading, writing,
listening, speaking; or
- IB with English of grade B or better

to prove their English language proficiency as part of their application to host universities in
UK and for clearing the UK custom.
• https://www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa/documents-you-must-providehttps://www.gov.uk/study-visit-
visa/documents-you-must-provide
• https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/knowledge-of-english
Preparing for SEP
English Proficiency
Host University IELTS/TOEFL
Imperial College London Yes. Or: Certified photocopies of
GCE “O” or “A” level certificates
with Grade B or better for English
University of Nottingham Yes. Or: Photocopies of GCE “O”
or “A” level certificates with Grade
B or better for English
University College London Yes. Or: Photocopies of GCE “O”
or “A” level certificates with Grade
B or better for English
Newcastle University No*. Maybe an entrance test or
random interview upon admission
University of Liverpool Maybe*
University of St Andrews No*
University of Manchester No*
University of Sheffield No*
University of Bath No*
Host University IELTS/TOEFL
Durham University No*
Updates from PUs on
English Proficiency –
University of Birmingham No* as of 7 April 2017
University of Glasgow No*
* Provide photocopies of GCE
“O” or “A” level certificates
King’s College London No* with at least Grade C or better
for English or other recognized
University of York No*
certificates to prove English
University of Bristol No*
proficiency level. Some
University of Leeds No* subjects at host universities will
University of Edinburgh No* require at least Grade B for
Trinity College Dublin No* English language on the GCE
University College Dublin No* “O” level certificate.
 Preparing for SEP

HEALTH & INSURANCE

• NUS got you covered, refer to http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/services/billing-insurance/insurance-
matters.html

• Read through the coverage from the NUS Students Travel Insurance
http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/InsuranceCoverforOfficialNUSTrips.html.

• Have a comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay
abroad, including travelling.

• You may need to purchase additional health and/or travel insurance from your preferred agent if
the NUS insurance coverage is not enough to meet the host university’s requirements or host
country’s immigration policy

• Copy and save the emergency hotline numbers in your notebook / smart phone and bring a copy of
your insurance policy to exchange

• Report accident/loss at the earliest possible opportunity.

Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - Dublin

On-campus
Item (shared /single/catered/non- Private flat (shared /single)
catered)
Rent €545 - €1008 €400 - €1,000
Food €250 - €350 €250 - €450
Gas/electricity €33 €40 - €80

Internet/ telecommunication €20 - €40 €20 - €40

Local Transportation (Bus) €119 €119

Printing, stationery, books €75 - €100 €75 - €100

Clothes, Social, Miscellaneous €175 - €200 €175 - €200

Total per month €1,217 - €1,850 €1,079 - €1,989

Students are advised to budget for any initial costs you will likely incur (e.g. short term accommodation upon arrival in Dublin or
make a deposit for accommodation which might be the equivalent of 4 weeks rent).
Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - London

Per year (39 weeks) Per week (39/52 weeks)

Rent £8,034 £206 (average)

Food £1,950 £50
Household goods £390 £10
Insurance £64.74 £1.66
Personal items* £2,223 £57
Leisure items** £975 £25
Travel*** £881.40 £22.60
Books and equipment (includes laptop) £585 £15
Total £15,103.14 £387.26
Costs note
* Personal items include clothing, mobile phone bills, medical expenses, toiletries and other small personal items.

** Leisure items include hobbies, sport, entertainment subscriptions, social and cultural activities.

***Travel can vary according to where your accommodation is located. This is the price for a weekly zone 1 Student Oyster pass.
Preparing for SEP

COST OF LIVING - Edinburgh

University room in halls (shared
Private flat (shared /single)
/single/catered/non-catered)

Rent £360 - £700 £600 - £1,200

Food £140 - £250 £200 - £350
Gas/electricity Usually included in rent £40-£80
Internet/ TV package £20 - £60 £35 - £85
Mobile phone £10 - £50 £10 - £50
Laundry/toiletries £10-£40 £10 - £40
Local Transportation (Bus) £45 £45
Printing, stationery, books £25 - £50 £25 - £50
Total per month £610 - £1,195 £965 - £1,900
Preparing for SEP

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and visa Medical records (including vaccinations) –
depends on exchange location
Proof of acceptance by PU
Insurance
Approved Study Plan from NUS
Forms of identification (ISIC youth card, driving
NUS transcripts (to facilitate module registration)
license, etc.)
Proof of financial support
Bank draft/ credit or debit card/ cash
Letter confirming accommodation
Confirmed return flight tickets
Receipts of payments made (housing, admin fees,
List of emergency contacts
etc.)

Please remember to make a copy of all important documents. Keep separate sets in different places. You might
also like to leave a set at home, so that these documents can be easily sent to you in the event that you lose
those with you.
Preparing for SEP

CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO BRING – NECESSITIES

Appropriate clothing Laptop
First-aid kit Hairdryer
Medication Digital camera
Adaptors and chargers Photos and souvenirs of NUS/ Singapore
Umbrella/ raincoat Foodstuff
Appropriate footwear Passport photos
Preparing for SEP

PACK IT RIGHT FOR YOUR FLIGHT

Food? Cash?
Medicine? Laptop?

Toiletries?
Power bank?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbnnWyDalQ&feature=youtu.be
Preparing for SEP

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER WITH MFA!

• Singaporeans/PRs should register themselves
with Singapore MFA at
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/co
mmon/preLoginEregisterView.action.
• International students should contact their
country’s diplomatic missions.
• NS men must notify MINDEF of their trip and
apply for the Exit Permit if required at
www.ns.sg.
What to Expect at Your Destination
ABOUT UK & Ireland
• 17 U-wide PUs in UK and 2 U-wide PUs in
Ireland
• 9 Fac-level PUs in UK and 1 Fac-level PU in
Ireland
• There are four countries in the UK
• Northern Ireland is different from Ireland
• Bring along PU acceptance letter whenever
you travel
• Big cities are more cosmopolitan. Some
cities are considered as more “English” –
Durham, York, Leeds, etc.
• Read the history between Ireland and UK
• Clothing could be cheaper in the UK
• Cook your own meal to save costs
 What to Expect at Your Destination

WEATHER (AUTUMN/WINTER)
• Air will be dry – put on lots of moisturiser.
• Have a waterproof/ water resistant, warm coat with
hood with you; the weather can change rapidly
• Waterproof / water resistant backpack
• Shorter daylight with cold weather could cause
depression.
• Try autumn/winter activities that you would not be
able to do in Singapore, such as skiing.
• Even when the weather is cold, the locals may still
eat cold food as a proper meal.
• Drink lots of water
 What to Expect at Your Destination

WEATHER (SPRING/SUMMER)
• It might still be cold when you arrive – check the weather
before you leave and pack accordingly.
• Bring along an umbrella or poncho as there might be bouts
of showers in spring.
• In spring, more people will be susceptible to flu and cough.
• In summer, the sun rises early and sets maybe about 9pm.
• The weather in summer can be very sunny and feel
scorching.
• Drink lots of water.
• Put on lots of sunblock and moisturiser, and bring along a
pair of sunglasses.
• Tune your watch accordingly to keep track of time
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACADEMIC CULTURE
• Less contact time, more self-directed learning
• Confirmation of modules is only possible when you are physically on campus
• Examination dates are released closer to the end of the semester
• Examination format could be conducted differently
• Be reasonable and respectful. Early assessment for semester 1 exchange might not be
approved by host university.
• There might not be continuous assessment
• Project work are expected, please be present for group work
• Attendance will be taken at the host university
• Be more active in class discussion
 What to Expect at Your Destination
CITY or CAMPUS UNIVERSITY ?
City University
Courses from various faculties and departments are pocketed
all around the city. Travelling between faculties / department
could easily taken 15 to 30 minutes bus ride. Some faculties
are even situated at the outskirts of the city.
Limited university accommodation for students. University
accommodation are also pocketed all around the city
Student clubs, societies and activities might be dispersed and
not as accessible
Facilities such as gym, swimming pool, computer labs, library
are not found in close proximity, depending on which
faculty/school the student is attached to while on exchange
Campus University
All faculties/schools/departments are situated
within close proximity which is accessible by
walking or internal shuttle buses.
University accommodation can usually be found
within the campus compound.
There is usually a centrally located Student Union
where students can find different student clubs,
societies, activities, etc.
There is usually a centrally located sports facility,
libraries and study areas within the campus
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION
• Take photographs of your accommodation during check-in and check-out
• If needed, prepare a checklist of the items you received in your room and
which you have returned at the end of the exchange
• Read the fine prints before signing any rental contracts
• Arrive at least a week before term starts to check-out possible
accommodation options
• Accommodate, mitigate or request for room change if necessary
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION - UK
• London – university accommodation is not guaranteed. Student might need
to source for private accommodation
• Outside of London – university accommodation could be guaranteed.
Depending on the host university. Some university accommodation are
allocated on first-come-first served basis if students applied before the
stipulated deadline
• Some universities have more vacancy for university accommodation in
semester 2
What to Expect at Your Destination

ACCOMMODATION - Ireland
• Dublin – university accommodation is not guaranteed. There is severe
housing shortage in the city of Dublin, especially for Trinity College Dublin
• Cork– university accommodation is not guaranteed too due to housing
shortage in Cork. However, host university will try to allocate university
accommodation to non-European exchange students.
• Some university accommodation are allocated on first-come-first served
basis if students applied before the stipulated deadline
• Students might need to source for private accommodation
What to Expect at Your Destination

SAFETY
• Safety should be the priority in all that
you do.
• Assess the risk of what you are about
to do and try to minimise and even
avoid unnecessary risk.
• If confronted, give up your valuables
and do not resist as your safely is the
most important.
• Ask locals about any dangerous areas
or locations that should be avoided.
What to Expect at Your Destination

LIFESTYLE
• “In Rome, do what the Romans do” ?
• Different cities might have different vibes even if the cities are
in the same country
• Download this app: CultureCompass
• Stay open-minded and try not to generalise
• Get involved in the student activities at host university
• Expand your social network
What to Expect at Your Destination

USEFUL RESOURCES
• Partner university specific information:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/prog/sep/partner-universities.html
• Partner University application instructions and university information:
https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/Partner%20Univerisity%20SEP%20application%20material%
20for%20s/Forms/AllItems.aspx
• Read seniors’ reports of host university:
https://share.nus.edu.sg/ng/SEP%20Report/Forms/AllItems.aspx
• On being prepared while overseas:
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/content/dam/mfa/images/Consular%20Information/for_singapor
e_citizens/advice_for_singaporeans_going_overseas/Travel%20Notice%20Booklet/2012/
MFA%20Booklet%20English.pdf
Settling In

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SEMESTER

• Take note of all important academic dates and not miss any deadlines!
• If your semester overseas overlaps with the new NUS semester. If early assessments is
possible, inform your Dean’s Office about your late return to NUS. NUS Faculties/Schools
seldom invigilate partner universities’ examination in NUS.
• Synchronise all your email accounts (host university, NUS, personal) to receive important
notices and announcements frequently.
• Update your local contact number to NUS Student Information System – NUS SIS
• Always call home to alert your parents/guardian about your travels to different countries.
• Reply to IRO if contacted to request for status updates
• Ask for help if the problem cannot be resolved by yourself
Settling In

MITIGATING CULTURE SHOCK

• Recognise feelings of surprise,
disorientation, confusion,
frustration etc. is normal
1. Honeymoon phase
2. Negotiation phase
3. Adaption phase

• Talk to friends or a counselor

• Keep in regular contact with

friends and family back home

• Join university and community

activities
Settling In

EXPECTED CONDUCT
• Respect others and behave respectably too.
• You are representing yourself, your school and your country.
• Obey laws and regulations of host country, host university,
Singapore and NUS.
• Read rules and regulations at host university and ensure that
you do not violate them. (e.g. rules on plagiarism and cheating)
• Do not be pressured into anything. Just because everyone is
doing it, doesn’t make it right. (e.g. alcohol, drugs, etc.)

Anti-drugs campaign by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

Hotline for Central Narcotics Bureau: 1800-325-6666 | Website: www.cnb.gov.sg

Settling In

USEFUL CONTACTS
• Make your own list of emergency contacts
1. Embassies/ High Commissions: www.mfa.gov.sg
2. Local emergencies numbers (e.g. Police, ambulance, fire brigade, etc)
3. Host university emergency hotline(s)
4. Credit card and bank telephone numbers
5. Insurance hotlines
6. NUS Emergency contact: +65 6874 1616 (24 hours)
Settling In

USEFUL CONTACTS – United Kingdom

High Commission of The High Commission of The Republic of Singapore - London
Republic of Singapore -
London Address: 9 Wilton Crescent Belgravia London SW1X 8SP
Tel: 0207 235 8315
Fax: 0207 245 6583
E-Mail: singhc_lon@mfa.sg

Operational Hours: Mon - Fri

General: 9am to 1pm; 2pm to 5pm

Counter service/visa hours (open to the public): 9.30am to 12.30pm

Closed on Sat, Sun, UK Bank Holidays and Singapore National Day
Police 999 or 112
Ambulance 999 or 112
Fire Brigade 999 or 112
Settling In

USEFUL CONTACTS – Ireland

Consulate-General of the
Republic of Singapore - Ireland
(Dublin)
Honorary Consul-General
Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore - Ireland (Dublin)
Honorary Consul-General
Mr Ronald J BOLGER
Address: 2 Ely Place Upper, Dublin 2
Telephone: 001-(353)-1- 669-1700
Telefax : 001-(353)-1- 669-1710
E-mail: ron.bolger@ely.ie
Homepage: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/dublin

Police 112 or 999

Ambulance 112 or 999
Fire Brigade 112 or 999
Homecoming

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY

• Say your goodbyes and ‘thank
you’s

• Complete ex-matriculation
process at host university

• Make sure your room is in a

presentable state before
leaving

• Follow NUS’ deadlines for

CORS module bidding and
application for on-campus
housing

• Prepare and submit your SEP

report
Homecoming

WHEN YOU RETURN

1. Submit your SEP report

2. Join the Welcome Back Session (to accumulate point for the Outstanding NUS Exchangers Award)

3. Complete the SEP Evaluation Survey

4. Join the Peer Advising Programme

 Advising Programme seeks to build a community of Peer Advisors (PAs) consisting of students who
have been on SEP and are keen to contribute.
 Link up with our Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) to find out more:

peeradvising@nus.edu.sg http://tinyurl.com/peeradvisingNUS

http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/sep/pals/pals.html @NUSPeerAdvisors

5. Help out at SEP outreach activities and help your juniors prepare for their SEP journey ahead
TAKE PART IN THE
Be a SEP Ambassador for Singapore and NUS!
SESSION ONE SESSION TWO
Date : 9 May 2017 Date : 5 July 2017

Time : 2pm – 4pm Time : 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Venue : Central Library Theatrette 1 Venue : Central Library Theatrette 1

SEP Returnees
1. Low Xing Ern: University of Edinburgh

2. Krystal Lee Ying Ying: University College Cork

3. Keshiniy: King’s College London

 University
College
Cork,
Ireland
Sharing by Krystal Lee
What is it like?
• The Irish are really friendly!
• It rains a lot there! But it’s nice anyway
• It’s a small city, so walk around. Buses are expensive
• Cook! Because groceries are fresh and cheap
• Pub nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Embrace the Kiasu spirit!
- Settle Irish Bank account matters asap (head to UCC
international office)
- Settle Garda immigration asap (this is after you get your
bank approval)
What is it like?
• Modules
- Only 40% to pass
- No Bell Curve
- No recess week
• Some modules I took
- Conservation Biology
- Advanced Immunology
- Politics and Terrorism
- Microbiology of Diseases and epidemiology
- Introduction to Irish History (for International students)
- Cardiopulmonary physiology
• Clubs and Society and Join orientation activities
Map of Cork City
Other Highlights
Taking Lessons Outdoors @Killarney National
Park

Module: BL3003, Conservation Biology

Not always a bed of roses
@Leeside Apartments
But it will all work out 
Things to Bring
• Waterproofs!
- Shoes, Coats
- Umbrella’s are not useful because of the wind

• Hiking Boots
- If you want to join UCC Mountaineering Club

• Stationary for 1 semester!

- It’s expensive there
Useful places in Cork
• Grocery • Penneys
- Lydl, Tesco, Dunnes Store - Primark
- Cork English Market (get your
• Food places
meats and cheese from here!)
- Beijing Taste (Chinese buffet)
- Chinese Marts (Jia Jia Market)
- Malay Kitchen
- Saturday Farmers Market
- Captain America’s
• Argos - Wagamama (Jap Fusion)

- electrical appliances - Franciscan Well

• Dealz and Eurogiant

- Cheap household items
 Places to Visit
Best time to visit – Summer, because everything is green
Cliffs of Moher
The Burren National Park
Ring of Kerry
Comeragh Mountains
(with UCC mountaineering)
Other places to visit
• In Cork
 Blarney Castle (In the summer)
 Cobh (Last port of the titanic)
 Kinsale
• Belfast (giant’s causeway, Titanic Museum)
• Dublin (good for seafood and Trinity College Dublin)
You’ll enjoy UCC and Cork as much as I did 
Edinburgh
Tips/miscellaneous info
1. Bring a waterproof outer layer, umbrellas are useless and goofy
2. Learn to cook – eating out costs at least £6-7 ($11-13)
I. Try to cook together, you can pool ingredients and try more interesting
recipes and it’s easier to cook for a larger group than for 1 person
3. The cheapest supermarkets are Lidl and Tesco (Sainsbury and M&S
are higher-end)
I. Or Farmfoods for frozen food (and 3 tubs of B&J for £5)
4. GO FOR FRESHERS’ WEEK and join clubs
5. Rabbies is a fantastic tour agency if you can’t/don’t want to drive
or plan trips
I. The ISC also organises weekly trips though you have to be quick to sign up
II. But many tours stop operating in October – November
King’s College London
August 2016 – January 2017
King’s College London

London/England +
Safety

Europe + Safety

Useful/Important Notes
In the very heart of London

Top 25 university (but don’t listen to rankings)

4 campuses – Guy’s (below), Strand, Waterloo

and Denmark Hill
King’s College London

• Biomedical Science/Neuroscience modules at KCL

• NUS vs KCL? Any differences?

Life Sciences in different colleges?

KCL
Presentations, Essays
Application 
Teamwork is encouraged
Profs very involved in continual assessment

This is an important aspect to get used to during your exchange.

Embrace the different learning culture!
King’s College London

• Clubs and Societies – endless!

• Advantage of going in Semester 1: Freshers’ Fair

• Accommodation: A little messy because you
can’t rank your choices.

• My accommodation: Ewen Henderson

Court
London

• Too many things to do!!

• Here are some of my London highlights:

Safety

• If you’re alone, avoid SoHo (i.e. party street) at night

• If you are going for crowded events, please be wary, esp given recent
situations

• Other than that, London is actually quite safe for the daily commuter.
Safety

• THEFT – Avoid certain areas (I’ll expand on this under

‘Important notices’)

• Don’t leave anything out of your sight (e.g. don’t chope

seats)

• Don’t take photos with random mascots/performers on the

streets – move away!
Useful tips
• KCL – Don’t worry too much about module clashes… Take the important
ones.
• – BeActive: Free for students staying in O.C.A

• Apply for cards right away – student oyster and railcard!

• Don’t bring too many things/clothes – primark, poundland!

• Buying flights – join a frequent flyer program (Norwegian airlines is great)

• Also because N.A flies from Gatwick, or EasyJet

• Bring VISA paper with you! Immigration officer will not leave you alone
Useful tips

• Please learn basic culinary skills before leaving

• Winter is a good time – no huge crowds. Take advantage before

Christmas comes!

• The Tube breaks down pretty often, so always be ready for that.
• London roads are crazy, don’t drive/cycle.

• Student Discounts! (Eg: Matilda)

• Lastly, go crazy on frozen foods – they are incredibly cheap.

IMPORTANT things

• UPDATE contact numbers in NUS SIS

• If you need help, the Study Abroad offices are very helpful
• SAFETY – ladies, please don’t travel alone at night.
• Save ALL emergency contact numbers, even if you’re in a different
country.
• DON’T take unlicensed cab rides. Uber is actually quite safe, and
normal black cabs are crazy expensive.
• Pickpockets – RAMPANT in France and Italy. If possible, try to avoid.
• Otherwise, be EXTRA wary of your belongings.
• Drugs are very accessible in Europe. Please don’t go near them.
W E L C O M E T O Y O U R
BIG ADVENTURE!
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER – GO OUT THERE AND OWN IT!