Move from US to UK

[radiocore]

I will be studying abroad at the University of North London for a semester in a couple of days. I was wondering if anyone had any helpful information they could give me. I've never been to London and haven't really done much research. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I believe I will be in the town of Islington if anyone is from around there let me know. =) Kinda wondering about internet service in the area too. Can't live without my computer, speaking which I will be shipping. But I don't want to ship my 19" monitor for fear that it will get damaged and plus it would cost a bundle. Trying to pack lite. Any good shops around there.

Thanks in advance! =)

 

[CyberSax]

London is probably the best "big city" in the world. It has the same population as NYC, but is settled over about twice as much land. Getting around there is real easy, particularly by subway, or by a double-decker bus (you haven't lived in the U.K. until you've ridden one). Crime there is relatively low compared to most American cities; most of it is limited to pickpocketing as in other European cities. I used to live in and around London when I was a kid, and there was always lots of fun sh|t to do. I'm sure there's even more stuff to do if you're a little bit older

Leave that computer at home buddy, you'll find plenty of stuff to do once you get to London. IIRC, internet access is still pretty expensive in Europe, and is limited to dialup connections (and local phone calls there have a per minute charge, unlike here in the U.S.) Even more reason to leave that computer at home

 

[yakko]

Rule number 1 Look right then left when crossing the road.This can save our life.I had a girlfriend who used to visit a couple of the Caribean(sp?) islands and on one of them where they drove on the wrong side of the road American tourist were always getting plastered looking the wrong way and getting plastered again.

 

[radiocore]

Ouch! I have to keep in mind about looking the other way first. As for the computer being at home, I actually also need it for school stuff and work. I make webpages and do search engine optimization. So Internet access will kinda be necessary. =\

 

[DABANSHEE]

Yeh, here in Sydney, there are already some Americans from the Olympic team (I don't know if they are officials or athletes), who are in hospital, because they looked the wrong way before crossing the road.

I nearly got conked out in The Netherlands when I made the same mistake in reverse, the second day I was there.

One thing you must remember, about the UK, is that everything seems real cheap in the shops, but when you actually convert pounds 'n pence into dollars, you'll realise how expensive it is.

Beer's expensive too, as there's ah heck all discount if you buy it by the 2dozen, ie by the case.

 

[syber321]

Come on...didn't their mommies tell them to always look both ways b4 crossing the street? I think NYC is the best "Big City" in the world by the way

 

[radiocore]

Geez, good thing my mom doesn't read these boards or else she would never let me go. =p

 

[Topher]

Dabanshee,

Didn't hear about any Americans injured, although it is rumoured that the Nigerian athlete that was killed may have looked the wrong way before running across the street to cath a bus. When I moved to Sydney, it took me several weeks to remember which way to look when crossing the street. I just eventually learned to look BOTH ways, since that seemed the safest choice.

Cybersax is right, there's so much to see and do in London, and internet access will cost a fortune (unless you're just a casual surfer) - unless you're not footing the bill. Leave the computer at home, you can live without it for a few months.

 

[Mem]

Radiocore,I live in London so yes there is lots of things to do ,(definetly better then New york IMHO)yes lots of my friends both Brits & American cousins prefer London to New york,anyway Internet Access no problem(most people here still use the old phone line so it`s 56k dial-up),millions of computer stores so you can buy a new Monitor over here or visit one of those cybernet cafe`s or Libraries,you will find most things expensive compared to the US so shop around until you find the best stores or markets for prices.Public transport is very good.Btw
syber321 there are no best cities in the world(what arrogance)just cities people prefer over others, btw I prefer San Francisco anytime over New york.You can get fixed monthly rate about £10(again shop around) a month which gives you all evenings & weekends free for internet use so no phone charges.

 

[4xu]

I have studied one semester in the UK as an exchange student. I sure you`ll enjoy your visit. However be awere of high prices for almost everything. (So buying a new pc monitor will be expensive). The university will probably have on campus internet so If you need it it is there. This is also where all the other exchange students will be around a lot.
But you are only there one semester and you do not want to spend all your time behind a pc, now will you?

But the most obvious anwser is : Buy a laptop!

This is probably the best excuse you`ll ever have to buy a laptop (which always comes in really handy for exchange students)

 

[4xu]

Dabanshee,


That stupid left driving in the UK has on several occasions almost cost me my life! :Q It takes months to get used to, and then you go back and have to get used to normal driveing again.

 

[BiB]

I have visited England quite a few times and I can't say I've ever come close to getting hit by looking the wrong way (although the moronic drivers have almost hit me because of their mindless aggression).

BiB

 

[DABANSHEE]

Your right Topher it was the Nigerian who got ran over. Actually it turns out the American bloke I heard about, had rolled his 4x4 rental. He was some sort of official.

 

[radiocore]

Thanks for all the great input. Obviously a laptop would be the logical choice, but I can't afford that right now...and besides, it would depreciate in price so fast that it really wouldn't be worth it. =\

 

[snow patrol]

Look around Tottenham Court Road in Central London (on the Northern line subway) - there are loads of electrical stores there and I'm sure you could find a relatively cheap 14" monitor if you were desperate. Obviously shopping wise Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road are good places to start - lots of clothes/music/book stores. When shopping in central london, avoid being drawn in by cockney men shouting over a microphone advertising 'too good to be true' deals if you step into their shops - these places are rip-offs and tourist traps :| avoid like the plague.

Islington is up in North London (I'm in South London ). The nearest tube (subway) station will probably be Highbury and Islington which is on the Victoria line - but don't worry too much about what 'line' places are at, because they're all interchangeable and overall the London underground is extremely easy to use and advisable over the Bus service. There are loads of good live music venues in London, which are fairly cheap as well if you're into that sort of thing...

Anything else?

 

[CyberSax]

When I lived in Lewisham, I took the tube to school sometimes. And every weekend, my parents used to take me to see the Cutty Shark and the Tower Bridge

 

[radiocore]

Great info snow patrol...I really don't know what else, pretty much just sitting tight till sunday comes. Hopefully I won't be too lost when I get there. Kinda nervous, but I'm sure I'll survive, and if I ever need anything else I know that I can come here and ask.

Thanks everyone

 

[Windogg]

Don't forget your English to English Dictionary.

"Remember, an elevator is a lift, a mile is a kilometer, and steak and kidney pie is botulism"
- Marge Simpson

 

[radiocore]

hehe, this also brings up a good point. Can anyone translate for me? I mean even the simple stuff...like elevator=lift, chips=fries...etc.

US->UK

 

[snow patrol]

sidewalk = pavement can't think of anymore just now...although I'm sure there are plenty!

 

[Bakwetu]

I remember the good ol' days in the beginning of the ninties when we used to go to London to buy records, go to concerts and the Notting Hill carneval. Now that the pound is obscenely highly valued, it's no fun anymore

 

[Gustavus]

radiocore,
I have been to the UK many times and spent a lot of time there -- was the Rothschild Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge a few years ago -- and I have a practical bit of advice for you. When you begin to think "pub grub" is good food, it is time to come home.