Sotong Guide 2014 Book Two

Life in London

9 Transport in London 9 Keeping in Touch 9 Banking Matters 9 Security Advice 9 Ten Things To Do

2014BOOK

IMPERIAL COLLEGE SINGAPORESOCIETY

SOTONG GUIDE

Published byImperial College Singapore SocietyPrince Consort RoadLondon SW7 2BBUnited Kingdom

©2014 Imperial College Singapore Society

All rights reserved. No part of this publi-cation shall be reproduced, stored or transmitted by any means, whether elec-tronically or physically, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The publisher shall not be liable for any damages as a result of the use of the infor-mation contained herein. All care is taken to ensure that the contents of this publi-cation are free from errors.

www.ic-singsoc.net

HI THERE! By the time you read this, you are probably well into your pre-departure admin prepa-ration, and life is just about to get exciting with the line-up of upcoming freshers’ events. So while you look forward to the two months leading up to departure, we are here to share with you a Singaporean perspective of life in London!

The Imperial College Singapore Society (ICSS) Sotong Guide is a series of two guidebooks specially for you. It guides you through your preparations in Singapore, settling into Imperial and life in London. This is the second book in the series.

In this book, we focus on essential tips for living in London (as an international student). Many of you have asked us about banking, security and other details pertaining to London life; in this book, you will be able to find the answers to your questions. We will also give you an idea of what to expect when you first set foot in Imperial, so as to help you paint a clearer image of university life.

This is also where Aunty Sotong goes all out to introduce some of the best deals in town! From cafes to restaurants to supermarkets and even barber shops, Aunty Sotong has translated a slice of her wisdom into the lobang listed in this guide. You may not find it relevant now, but bring this guide with you to London and use it as an entry point to your journey of discovery.

Enjoy this book, and we’ll see you soon!

32nd Executive Committee

IMPERIAL COLLEGE SINGAPORE SOCIETY

SOTONG GUIDE

WHAT’S INSIDE?

03

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Keeping in Touch 13

Security Advice 16

Transport in London 06

From Heathrow to Halls 08

Banking Matters 14

To-Do List 18

Aunty Sotong Says... 21

Upcoming Events 35

04 | Sotong Guide Book 2 2014

10when you arrive in London

1 Call home and let your family know that you have arrived safely in London.

2 Go to your hall of residence and pick up your welcome pack containing your college card and keys.

3 Set up your internet service. Connect your laptop to the WiFi / LAN cable socket and follow the instructions.

4 Register with Imperial College via your Student e-Service account if you have not done so. At the same time, sign up for optional courses and programmes.

5 Register with a doctor at the Imperial College Health Centre, located on the ground floor of Selkirk Hall, Southside.

6 Register to be an oversesas elector at http://eld.gov.sg/voters_register.html if you are 21 years old and above.

7 Call your preferred bank and book an appointment.

8 Buy an Oyster Card at any Tube station. Also, buy and link a 16-25 Railcard to your Oyster card.

9 Attend a gym orientation at Ethos. You will need to book a slot online and pay a £30 one-off fitness orientation fee. After that, you can use the pool, sauna, steam room and spa for free.

10 Become an ICSS member. Simply sign up through the Imperial College Union website. Don’t forget to visit the ICSS booth at the Freshers’ Fair.

THINGS TO DO

Daylight Saving TimeWhen you arrive in London this September, clocks are adjusted to the British Summer Time (BST), which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Singapore will be 7 hours ahead of London.

Clocks are turned backward by 1 hour on the last Sunday of October. Daylight saving time will end on 26 October 2014.

Clocks are turned forward by 1 hour on the last Sunday of March. Daylight saving time will begin on 29 March 2015.

12:00London

GMT

13:00London BST

GMT+1

20:00Singapore

GMT+8

BEFORE 4 OCTOBER 2014

The International Office will be organising orientation workshops from 1st to 3rd October 2014 to introduce you to facilities at Imperial College. You can sign up for any of these workshops online.

LONDON HEATHROW T34 OCTOBER 2014/ 08:30 Get to your halls of residence directly from the airport. You may wish to consider these direct flights: SQ322, SQ306, BA12 or BA16.

4 OCTOBER 2014 / 13:00Meet at the entrance of your respective halls and embark on a guided walking tour, during which you will get to know the nearby amen-ities better. Find out where to grab a quick snack or a proper meal, and how to get to college in the shortest time possible. You’ll get to buy some essential items along the way, including pillows, bedsheets, cutlery and crockery. You will also get to visit a super-market to stock up on some food.

airportpickup

walkabout

arriving early1

23


London has one of the most sophisti-cated transport networks in the world.

This section briefly covers the most common modes of transport in London.

The Transport for London (TfL) website gives a comprehensive explanation of all modes of transport within London.

UndergroundAlso known as the Tube, the Underground is the most common way of getting around. The Underground is divided into 9 zones. Zones 1 and 2 cover Central London while Zone 9 is the furthest from Central London.

Fare prices are determined by the zone numbers of the entry and exit stations. Fares increase as you cross each zone, with travel between zones 1 and 9 being the most expensive.

Fares are charged according to peak and off-peak periods. Peak period fares apply from 06:30 to 09:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Trains generally run between 05:30 and 00:30 daily. Operating hours are slightly shorter on Sunday. Note that maintenance and engineering works are often carried out on weekends, so check the TfL website before commencing your journey.

Note: When using the escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.

There is no phone reception on the Tube network. Make any arrangements and calls before entering the station. If possible, arrange to meet people at ground level.

BusBuses in London can be very convenient if it takes you directly to your destination. If you pay using an Oyster card, the bus fare is fixed at £1.45. As there is no distance-based fare system, you will be paying an additional £1.45 for each transfer.

Oyster CardYou are highly recommended to purchase an Oyster card (which works like an EZ-Link card) for convenience. A £5 refund-able deposit is required. For added security, you may want to register your card online.

If you are under 25, you may wish to get the 16-25 Railcard. After linking it to your registered Oyster card at the counter of most Tube stations, you will enjoy 1/3 off your Tube fares (buses excluded) during off-peak periods. The 16-25 Railcard costs £30 for a year and £70 for 3 years.

Students who need to travel frequently may wish to apply for the 18+ Oyster photocard for £10. This card allows you buy the weekly or monthly pass at a 30% discount. You’ll probably need one if you are living far away from college, or if you are studying medicine or biomedical science/engineering.

TRANSPORT IN LONDON

Transport for London (TfL)http://www.tfl.gov.uk

16-25 Railcardhttp://www.16-25railcard.co.uk

Transport in London | 07

Comparing the Underground and BusesUnderground Bus

Cost Discounts are not applicable during peak periods. A single trip from zone 1 to zone 2 costs £2.80. A single trip within zone 1 costs £2.10.

If you intend to travel out of Central London, or during peak periods, buses may be cheaper as the fare is fixed at £1.45.

Duration Duration of travel is generally fixed, unless there is a train breakdown.

Duration of travel depends on traffic conditions, e.g. congestion during peak hours in central areas.

Night Travel Most train services end by 00:30. 24-hour bus services are available on selected routes.

TaxiTaking a taxi is the most expensive but fastest way to travel. Most London taxis can seat 5 adults comfortably.

For safety, beware of unlicensed minicabs. These taxis may charge exorbitant prices for the trip. Licensed black cabs have a light in front displaying the word taxi and must clearly display license badges and taxi meters.

Barclays Cycle HireLondon’s Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is a convenient way to travel around the city for short distances.

To hire a Barclays cycle, you will need to swipe your credit or debit card and pay a base charge of £2 for a 24-hour access. Your first 30 minutes is free. By splitting a

long journey into shorter 30-minute trips, you will only spend a total of £2 for an entire day of travel.

If you use the scheme frequently, you may wish to get a membership key for conven-ience. For £90, you can use the scheme for an entire year.


£3 (off-peak), £5 (peak) 50 to 60 minutes

FROM HEATHROW TO HALLS

Here are some recommended ways to get from Heathrow airport to Central

London or to your hall of residence. The one-way fare ( ) and duration ( ) for each mode of transport (from Heathrow to South Kensington) are indicated.

UndergroundAll Heathrow terminals are served by the Piccadilly Line. If you are taking the Underground, avoid having heavy luggage as most Tube stations are not equipped with lifts. To avoid too many escalator rides, you may transfer from the Piccadilly Line to the District Line at Baron’s Court.

Directions from nearby Tube stations to the various halls of residence are shown on the next few pages.

TaxiLondon taxis can fit 3 passengers with luggage, giving you the option to split the cost with other people.

You can also make an online booking with a private hire operator in advance to get a better price. The Addison Lee service has received good reviews from members and is a viable option to explore.

£30 to £45 (advance booking), £50 to £70 (taxi stand)

30 to 45 minutes

Heathrow ExpressHeathrow Express is a non-stop train service that takes you from the airport to Paddington in 15 minutes. This option is recommended for students staying in Wilson House.

You may wish to continue your journey from Paddington to South Kensington on the Circle Line. This will take an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

£20 15 to 30 minutes

Freshers’ PickupIf you are arriving at London Heathrow Airport on 4 October 2014 (Saturday), you have the option of taking the freshers’ pickup service. The coach is scheduled to leave Terminal 3 at 08:30.

NOTTING HILL GATE

PEMBRIDGE ROAD

PEMBRIDGE GARDENS

EXHIBITIO

N ROAD

CROMWELL ROAD

PRINCE CONSORT ROAD

THURLOE STREET

Directions from South Kensington1. Exit the station and climb the stairs in front

of you.

2. Turn right and walk a short distance along the sheltered corridor.

3. Turn right at the open space and walk along Thurloe Street.

4. Turn left and walk along Exhibition Road.

5. You will walk pass the Natural History Museum and Science Museum on the left.

6. For Princes Gardens, turn right at Watts Way. Falmouth, Keogh, Selkirk and Tizard are on the right. Turn left at the end of the road for Linstead, Gabor, Wilkinson and Weeks.

7. For Beit Hall, walk pass Imperial College until you reach a roundabout. Turn left and walk

Princes Gardens and Beit Hall Ô Falmouth/Keogh/Tizard/Selkirk: Prince’s Gardens, London, SW7 1BA/1BE/1BJ/1BF Ô Linstead/Gabor/Wilkinson: Prince’s Gardens, London, SW7 1BU/1AZ/1AW Ô Weeks: 16-18 Prince’s Gardens, London, SW7 1NE Ô Beit: Beit Quad, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BB

Pembridge Hall28-32 Pembridge Gardens, London, W2 4DX

Directions from Notting Hill Gate1

1. Exit the station using the stairs nearer to Portobello Road.

2. Walk into Pembridge Gardens between RBS and The Book Warehouse.

3. Pembridge Hall is on the left.

From Heathrow to Halls | 09

South Kensington

Notting Hill Gate

GLOUCESTER ROAD

CRANLEY GARDENSEVELYN GARDENS

EVELYN GARDENS

GLOUCESTER ROAD

Evelyn Gardens Ô Southwell: 51-60 Evelyn Gardens, London, SW7 3BH Ô Bernard Sunley: 40-44 Evelyn Gardens, London, SW7 3BJ Ô Fisher: 12-30 Evelyn Gardens, London, SW7 3BG Ô Holbein: 61-63 Evelyn Gardens, London, SW7 3BQ Ô Willis Jackson: 64-69 Evelyn Gardens, London, SW7 3BQ

Directions from Gloucester Road1 Exit the station, turn right and walk along Gloucester Road.

2 Cross Old Brompton Road and continue straight into Cranley Gardens.

3 For Southwell and Bernard Sunley, turn right at Evelyn Gardens when you see a church on the left. Bernard Sunley is on the right, Southwell is straight ahead.

4 For Holbein, Willis Jackson and Fisher, walk further down Evelyn Gardens and turn right at the next T-junction. Fisher is on the right, Holbein and Willis Jackson are straight ahead.

Xenia Ô 2 Exton Street, London, SE1 8UE

Directions from Waterloo2

1 Exit the station from Waterloo Road.

2 Cross the road and turn left.

3 Walk along Waterloo Road, passing under two overhead bridges.

4 Turn right at Exton Street just before the church.

5 Turn left at Secker Street. Xenia is on the right.

EXTON STREET

WATERLOO ROAD

SECKER ST


Gloucester Road

Waterloo

LONDON STREET

SALE PLACE

SOUTHW

ICK STREETSUSSEX GARDENS

PRAED STREET

PRAED STREET CHAPEL STREET

SUSSEX GARDENS

EDGWARE ROAD

CABBELL STREET

OLD MARYLEBONE ROAD

Wilson House Ô 38-76 Sussex Gardens, London, W2 1UF

Directions from Edgware Road1

1 Exit the station.

2 Walk into Cabbell Street, marked by no-entry signs, between two rows of red buildings.

3 Turn right and walk along Old Marylebone Road.

4 Continue walking straight, cross Edgware Road and walk along Sussex Gardens.

5 After Sale Place, you will see an opening on the right 20 metres before the next junction.

6 Turn into the opening and walk towards Wilson House.

Directions from Paddington (Heathrow Express)1 Exit the station and walk along London Street.

2 Continue along London Street, passing between Burger King and Aberdeen Steak House.

3 Turn left and walk along Sussex Gardens.

4 After Southwick Street, you will see an opening on the left 20 metres from the junction.

5 Turn into the opening and walk towards Wilson House.

From Heathrow to Halls | 11

Paddington

Edgware Road

Directions from Hammersmith1 Exit the station via Broadway Shop-

ping Centre. Take the exit next to Tesco.

2 You will see a flyover in front of you. Cross the road with two traffic lights.

3 Walk along Fulham Palace Road until you see Charing Cross Hospital on the left.

4 Turn left into any of the three gates along the stretch.

5 Turn right and walk along the footpath until you reach Charing Cross Sports Club.

6 Turn left and walk along the tarmac road. Parsons House is on the right.

Parsons House Ô Claybrook Road, London, W6 8NB

Directions from Baron’s Court1 Exit the station and turn right twice into Margravine Gardens.

2 Walk for 50 metres and turn left into Margravine Cemetery.

3 Walk along the footpath leading to Charing Cross Hospital.

4 Exit the cemetery, cross the road, turn left and walk along Margravine Road.

5 You will walk pass a gate leading to Charing Cross Hospital.

6 Turn right and walk to the end of Claybrook Road.

7 Enter the gate on the right. Parsons House is on the left.

Aunty Sotong Says...1 For Notting Hill Gate and Edgware Road, transfer from the Piccadilly Line to the District

Line (towards Edgware Road) at Earl’s Court.

2 For Waterloo, transfer from the Piccadilly Line to the Jubilee Line (towards Stratford) at Green Park.

MAR

GRAVINE GARDENS

HAMMERSMITH FLYOVER

ST. DUNSTAN’S ROAD

MARGRAVINE ROADFULHAM

PALACE ROAD


Hammersmith

Baron’s Court

Keeping in Touch | 13

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Local Calls

There are many mobile phone network operators in the UK. Most of them offer

free incoming calls and are competitively priced. You may wish to find an operator that suit your needs. You may consider:

Ô Network coverage Ô Data speed Ô Pricing Ô Roaming Ô Customer service

Giffgaff offers a prepaid monthly package which includes 250 UK minutes, unlimited UK texts and unlimited data for £12. If you are interested, ask a senior to recommend you so that both of you will enjoy free £5 credit.

Post-paid plans

If you intend to suscribe to a postpaid plan, you must provide a copy of your bank statement. Your new mobile phone will be locked to the network operator. If you wish to use your phone in Singapore, you must inform your operator that you would like to use it in Singapore.

Aunty Sotong says...

Remember to deactivate voicemail to avoid unnecessary charges

You may wish to temporarily suspend your Singapore line for a monthly fee and reactivate it when you return.

Overseas CallsA few network operators in UK offer cheap international calls to Singapore, from as low as 1 pence per minute. If you make calls to Singapore frequently, you may consider getting a prepaid card from one of these operators.

Alternatively, Skype offers unlimited calls to Singapore mobile lines and landlines for €4.99 (S$8.35) per month.

For S$24 a year, Pfingo gives you a Singa-pore VOIP number (+65 3xxx xxxx) that your family and friends in Singapore can dial without paying overseas call charges. You can also divert calls to your UK number and you will pay the overseas call fee.

Snail MailIf you intend to send letters, postcards and parcels, stamps can be purchased from the post office. Postage to Singapore costs 88p for letters weighing no more than 10 grams and £1.28 for letters weighing no more than 20 grams.

You may need to weigh heavier items at the post office to determine the postage fee. Both local and international mail can be dropped into any red post box along the streets.

Aunty Sotong says...

When you first get to your hall, look out for the nearest post office. Your seniors will tell you where it is during the Hall Walkabout.


BANKING MATTERS

Opening your bank account is one of the first things which you should do upon

arrival. You will need a bank account to manage your daily expenses, pay bills, etc.

You can easily withdraw money at any bank branch or cashpoint (ATM) in the UK. While a small number of cashpoints charge a withdrawal fee for every trans-action, most cashpoints – including those in college – do not charge anything. These cashpoints are usually marked with the words free withdrawal, free cash, or some-thing similar.

Most bank branches are open from 09:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Some branches are open on Saturday.

Remember to bring sufficient cash to last you through your first two weeks in London, as opening your bank account and getting a bank card would take some time.

Opening a Bank AccountThere are two options you can consider:

Â In London

Most students open their bank accounts in London as it does not involve additional charges. To apply for a bank account in London,

1. Call your preferred bank to book an appointment.

2. Request for a statement of attend-ance and a letter of introduction addressed to your preferred bank on the Imperial College Student e-Ser-vice. The letter will contain your UK address, so make sure that it is

updated on your Student e-Service account. (More details on page 19)

3. On the day of your appointment, you will need to present your passport, college acceptance letter and the documents from Step 2.

4. By the end of the appointment, you should receive your bank sort code and account number.

5. If you have a bank draft with you, write your account details on it and pass it to the bank staff.

The major banks in the UK are Llyods, HSBC and Santander - among which, the most popular option among Singaporeans is Llyods.

LLYODS BANK

The Club Llyods Current Account is a new type of current account that pays up to 4% interest on your whole balance, on a tier-based system. There are specific require-ments for the Club Llyods Current Account, as indicated below.

Alternatively, you can create a Classic Account, which does not charge any account fee. However, there is no interest paid for the Classic Account.

Aunty Sotong Says...

To earn interest on a Club Llyods Current Account, you would need to:

Ô Transfer at least £1500 into your account every month, and

Ô Pay at least 2 different direct debits from your account every month.

For more details on the different tiers of interest rates, please refer to:

http://goo.gl/QtpzTW

Banking Matters | 15

SANTANDER BANK

The Santander International Student Current Account requires you to pay a monthly fee of £5. It gives you one free deposit of a foreign cheque per month. When you arrive in London, visit the Santander branch in Imperial College with your passport and college card. You do not require a bank letter. For more information, visit this website: http://goo.gl/qFiP5G

Â In Singapore

The only bank that allows you to set up your UK bank account in Singapore is HSBC, and there are specific requirements

for the procedure.

HSBC BANK

For freshers whose parents are HSBC Advance customers, an ‘Overseas Educa-tion’ option allows for the creation of an overseas account from Singapore. Full benefits and features may be found here: http://goo.gl/QrTdF0.

To qualify for HSBC Overseas Education, you need to be at least 18 years old and have an HSBC Advance account. The monthly service charge of S$10 will be waived if you fulfill any of the following eligibility criteria:

Ô Total Relationship Balance of at least S$20,000 in deposits, investments and/or insurance;

Ô Home Loan with an initial loan quantum of at least S$100,000;

Ô A regular insurance plan with at least S$250 monthly premium (or equiv.).

HSBC PASSPORT ACCOUNT

The HSBC Passport Account requires you to pay £8 per month, and your account has to be maintained for at least 6 months.

Within two weeks of submitting your appli-cation, you will receive a letter containing information on how you can activate your account when you arrive in the UK.

Transferring FundsThere are two common ways to transfer funds from Singapore to your UK bank account. Both involve a transfer fee.

You can purchase a bank draft from most banks and take it along with you to London. Once you have opened your account, you can write your account details on it and deposit the bank draft at any branch. Funds may take up to 6 working days to clear.

You can do a telegraphic transfer at most bank branches in Singapore or using an online Western Union account. You will need the Bank Identifier Code (BIC) and International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for your UK account. The transfer may take anywhere between a few hours to 4 working days.

Internet BankingInternet banking provides you with a convenient platform to transfer money to your friends or shuffle money between your current and savings accounts.

NatWest issues a security token which will be sent to your UK address. Lloyds Bank will ask you for parts of your memorable information (read: second password). HSBC will ask you for a secret number.

You may also request for printed state-ments to be sent to your UK address on a regular basis. These paper statements can be used as proof of address.


SECURITY ADVICE

General Advice

Security in the UK isn’t as good as what you have been experiencing in Singa-

pore. Just like many major cities around the world, London has its share of social problems, including drug abuse and theft.

In an emergency, call 999 for the police, ambulance service or fire brigade.

IN HALL

Things may get stolen in halls if left unattended. When you leave your room, remember to lock your door, windows and cupboard.

Secure your laptop using a cable lock, if possible.

Keep a copy of all impor-tant documents with you. Leave an extra copy in Singapore. Keep the orig-inal copies in a safe place, such as a drawer with a lock. Important documents include items such as your passports and certificates.

OUTDOORS

Do not leave your bags lying around as they may simply disappear. Leave your bags in front of you, even if it is inconven-ient.

Keep your wallets and mobile phone with you at all times. Do not leave them on the table or use it to reserve seats.

For students staying further away from school, consider returning home as a group and let your friends know what time you will be back.

If you are walking alone at night, stick to well-lit paths with people around. South Kensington is relatively safe compared to other parts of London, but there have been cases of drunk people causing a fuss on the streets at 2am; so always remain alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Hyde Park closes at sunset. If you are still inside when the gates close, walk to the main exit. For your safety, avoid cutting through Hyde Park and climbing the fences during hours of darkness.

DRAWING CASH

When using cashpoints (ATMs), cover your PIN fully.

Beware of any protruding card readers which may be mali-ciously attached to the card slot. If you suspect that the cashpoint has been tempered with, do not put your card in;

call the helpline on the cashpoint imme-diately.

Travel AdviceKeep your passport on you at all times. Do not put it into your bag, especially at crowded places, as your bag can be cut open with a small penknife.

Security Advice | 17

Never keep your wallet, passport or phone in your back pocket.

Always leave a copy of your passport and other important documents in your luggage. Note down the phone numbers of your bank and the embassy in case any of your documents go missing.

Beware of people holding folded card-board, gypsies with garish clothing and jewellery, and those who try to show you magic tricks. Many of them are pick-pockets or conmen who will be happy to strike without you noticing.

When confronted by their victims, pick-pockets usually drop whatever they have taken on the floor and act innocent. Always assess the situation for danger before challenging anyone. If in doubt, walk away.

Stolen or Lost PassportIf your passport gets stolen or lost, do not panic. Make a report at the nearest police station and get a copy of the report.

Call the Singapore High Commission as soon as possible to report the loss and schedule an appointment to see the consular officer.

On the day of the appointment, you must present the original police report, proof of Singapore citizenship status and two pass-port-sized colour photographs. The officer will collect an administration fee and give you a Document of Identity (DOI).

Note: The DOI only allows you to travel to Singapore. If you are outside of the UK, make sure that the document states that you can go to Singapore via London.

If you are returning to Singapore within the next four weeks, use the DOI to travel back. Apply for a new passport at the Immi-gration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

Otherwise, you can apply for a new pass-port at the Consular Section of the Singa-pore High Commission in London. You will need a new CAS number from Imperial to apply for a new visa.

If you are returning to Singapore within the next six weeks, you should apply for a new visa in Singapore. Otherwise, you can replace your visa in London. Go to http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immi-gration/while-in-uk/transfer-visa-to-pass-port/ and complete form TOC. You must attach two passport photos to this form.

Singapore High Commission+44 (0) 20 7235 [email protected] Wilton Crescent, London SW1X 8SP

Security Advice | 17


Before you leave for London, register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg. This allows the Ministry to contact you in case of an emergency, making sure that you are safe and providing assistance where necessary.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/while-in-uk/transfer-visa-to-passport/





4th Oct: Arrivals Weekend

6th – 12th Oct: ORIENTATION

Ô Orientation talks

Ô Hall Boat Party

Freshers’ Fair

Departmental Welcome

Diagnostic tests

Settle in, Hall Walkabout

Register on Imperial College e-Ser-vice, collect necessary documents

from Student Hub

Attend talks (if you find helpful),

Register with Imperial College Health Service, book appointment

with bank of your choice

Sign up for clubs and societies, sign up with ICSS!

Imperial Horizons

Shopping

FIRST THINGS TO DO IN IMPERIALCompared to local universities (e.g.: NUS and NTU) that have very structured and intensive orientation programmes, most UK universities do not have as many activ-ities planned out for their freshmen. Therefore, you may be at a loss on what to do as a new student in Imperial.

Not to worry, because you are definitely not alone! The following shows you what you can expect in your first few days/ first week in university, and what you can do at every point in time. Items marked with are explained in the following pages.

IMPERIAL ORIENTATION TIMELINE YOUR TIMELINE

ACTUAL START OF TERM

First Things to do in Imperial | 19

FIRST THINGS TO DO IN IMPERIAL 1. Necessary documents

Nearing your departure for London, you would be able to request the Student Hub to prepare the documents you would need for your bank account. These include:

Ô A standard statement. This is a signed and stamped letter proving that you are a student at Imperial College

Ô A bank letter. This is a letter from Imperial College addressing the bank branch that you want to set up your bank account at. This letter is supposed to contain the address of the branch you chose, so be very sure of the branch you are setting up at before requesting for this letter!

Ô A council tax letter. This is a letter from Imperial College, indicating that you are exempted from council tax because of your student status. You will not need this letter till the time when you rent private housing, so keep it in a safe place.

You would be able to request for these documents via the Student E-Service nearing departure.

The benefit of requesting for these docu-ments in advance is that you can collect them straight away upon arrival. However, do not fret if you forget to request for the documents. Just head straight to the Student Hub when you arrive, and the friendly staff will get them ready for you.


Get a few more copies of the standard statement, as you will definitely need it again in the future (e.g.: when applying for internships). However, the bank letter can only be issued one at a time.

2. Hall Boat Party (Hall orientation)

Within the first week, your hall will organise a lot of activities for you and your hallmates. The ‘hall boat party’ is quoted as an example because based on experi-ence, most halls would have some form of boat party.

This, however, is totally based on the discretion of the hall committee for the 2014-2015 academic year, so we have no prediction on what to expect. For now, all we can say is… have fun with your hall-mates, and get to make some friends!


FIRST THINGS TO DO IN IMPERIAL3. Freshers’ Fair

Freshers’ Fair is similar to the CCA fairs you see in secondary school, JC or poly-technic. Probably the one and only event in the academic year that brings together all 300 or so clubs and societies in Impe-rial, this is a good chance for you to find out about the different activities you can choose.

Most clubs will be recruiting as well, so just leave your contact details behind and you will be included in the mailing list.

If commitment is your key concern, don’t worry; leaving your email address at a booth for a certain society does not entail any form of commitment yet. Most clubs and societies are very flexible in terms of managing members’ participation (save for competitive sports and large performing arts groups), so you can attend a few sessions after that and decide if you want to stay on.

4. Imperial Horizons

Imperial Horizons courses are optional modules that you can take on in addition to your curriculum. All Horizons courses take place in the Autumn and Spring terms, or either of the two terms. (Summer term is the exams season.)

Horizons courses cater to a diversity of interests, ranging from languages to philosophy and history, from economics and global issues to creative writing. There is also little pressure associated with it – your grade for your Horizons module will be reflected on your transcript if you do well in it, but removed if you do not.

Most seniors would recommend taking on a Horizons module in Year 1, as you would be relatively free. Since there is time to invest, why not pick up a new language or subject and possibly find a new interest?

Imperial College Union (Clubs & Socs)

https://www.imperialcollegeunion.org/activities


For departmental welcome and activi-ties (and probably advice on diagnostic tests if any), do speak to your friendly academic reps!Imperial Horizons

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/horizons



http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/horizons

AUNTY SOTONG SAYS! | 21

AUNTY SOTONG SAYS!

Hooray! Now that admin and preparation is under way, you are ready to experience life in London proper. In this section titled ‘Aunty Sotong Says…’, you will find all the places where you can eat, shop, play, travel, sightsee and have fun.

This section is part-travel guide, part-insider info. We hope you enjoy it!


From specialty restaurants to fast food joints, you can find nearly any kind of

food you are craving for in London. As one of the most cosmopolitan cities, London would always have something to accom-modate your tastes and budgets.

On Campus

Library Cafe, Central Library. The only cafe on campus which opens on weekends. You can grab a somewhat filling jacket potato with tuna stuffing for £1.98. Open: 08:30 to 23:00 (Mon to Thu), 08:30 to 21:00 (Fri), 10:00 to 17:00 (Sat to Sun).

Junior Common Room, Sherfield Building. A centrally located dining area comprising four different outlets where you can meet your friends over lunch. Open: 08:00 to 18:00 (Mon to Fri).

The Queen's Tower Restaurant, Sherfield Building. A food court serving two course meal deals at an affordable price. Open: 11:45 to 14:15 (Mon to Fri), 17:30 to 19:00 (Mon to Thu).

Fuel, Sherfield Building. An eatery serving famous Pieminister pies, soups and stews. Or you could mix and match your own box of salad for £2.50 (small) or £3.33 (large). Open: 11:00 to 14:00 (Mon to Fri).

ħ, Sherfield Building. Pronounced as ‘h bar’, this is the first and only bar opened specially for postgraduates and staff. Also provides dinner service (open to all) in the evening. Open: 10:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Fri)

Near CollegeOriental Canteen, South Kensington, 2A Exhibition Road, London SW7 2HF, 020 7581 8831. A nearby restaurant serving Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine. Iden-tify yourself as a student and enjoy free flow rice when you get a main dish. Open: 12:00 to 21:30 (Mon to Sun).

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), South Kensington, 107 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LE, 020 7581 8942. A mid-range burger chain offering various student discounts. The thick milkshake is a must try. Open: 11:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sat), 11:00 to 22:00 (Sun).

Cremerie Creperie, South Kensington, 2-6 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2HF, 020 7589 8947. Although slightly pricey, this cafe serves freshly-made crepes and waffles. Open: 11:00 to 23:30 (Mon), 10:00

EAT

Eat | 23

to 23:30 (Tue to Fri), 09:30 to 23:30 (Sat to Sun).

Wafflemeister, South Kensington, 26 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2LD, 020 7584 4688. Freshly made Belgian waffles are served with a variety of toppings. Prices from £3 to £5. Present your student identification card for a 10% discount. Open: 09:00 to 00:00 (Mon to Sun).

Snog, South Kensington, 32 Thurloe Place, London SW7 2HQ, 020 7584 4926. A shop serving frozen yogurt at an affordable price. Open: 11:00 to 00:00 (Mon to Sun).

Pizza Express, Earl’s Court, 35 Earl’s Court Road, London W8 6ED, 020 7937 0761. Search online for discount vouchers before going down. Also, try their signa-ture margherita pizza. Open: 11:30 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun).

My Old Dutch, High Street Kensington, 16 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4EP, 020 7937 6090. Huge pancakes for half the price every Monday. 10% student discount on all other days. Open: 10:00 to 21:30 (Mon to Fri), 09:00 to 21:45 (Sat to Sun).

McDonald’s, Knightsbridge, 177 Brompton Road, London SW3 1NF. Flash your student identification card and get a free cheeseburger, McFlurry or regular fries when you order an extra value meal. Open: 05:00 to 00:00 (Mon to Sun).

ASK Italian, Gloucester Road, 128D Gloucester Road, London SW7 4SF, 020 7835 0840. A restaurant that serves pasta dishes and pizzas with thick toppings. Takeaway service is available. Open: 12:00 to 23:30 (Mon to Sat), 12:00 to 23:00 (Sun).

The Sandwich Shop, Gloucester Road, 54 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4QT, 020 7589 2849. Probably the cheapest snack you can get near college. Baguettes cost

£2.50 or £2.75, while pastries cost £1. Open: 05:30 to 19:00 (Mon to Fri), 06:00 to 19:00 (Sat to Sun).

Wasabi, South Kensington, 21 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3HZ, 020 7225 3880. Affordable sushi and bento sets for £5. Suitable for both eat in and take away. Open: 10:30 to 22:00 (Mon to Sat), 10:30 to 21:00 (Sun).

Bosphorus Kebabs, South Kensington, 59 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JS, 020 7584 4048. Touted as the best Turkish kebab stall in London. A mixed kebab meal will cost you £6.50. Open: 11:00 till late (Mon to Sun).

The Hummingbird Bakery, South Kens-ington, 47 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JP, 020 7851 1795. Their Red Velvet Cupcakes are the bomb! Slightly expensive but definitely worth a try. Open: 09:00 to 19:00 (Sun to Thu), 09:00 to 20:00 (Fri and Sat).


Around LondonZizzi, Notting Hill Gate, 2-6 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JE, 020 7243 2888. An Italian restaurant serving pasta and pizza at a reasonable price. Open: 11:30 to 23:00 (Mon to Sat), 12:00 to 22:30 (Sun).

Bonda Cafe, Paddington, 190 Sussex Gardens, London W2 1TU, 020 7402 5111. Usually more popular with students from Wilson House, this cafe serves authentic Malaysian dishes for around £6. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Fri), 08:30 to 23:00 (Sat to Sun).

Melur, Paddington, 175A Edgware Road, London W2 1ET, 020 7706 8083. Recom-mended by seniors who lived in Wilson House. A restaurant serving authentic Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine. Set meals start from £10.50, and weekday lunch discounts are available as well. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun)

Tuk Tuk Thai Noodle Bar, Bayswater, 54 Queensway, London W2 3RY, 020 7221 3003. A restaurant serving classic Thai dishes such as Tom Yum soup noodles, Thai green curry and Pad Thai. A decent meal costs around £5. Open: 12:00 to 00:00 (Mon to Sat), 12:00 to 23:30 (Sun).

Gold Mine, Bayswater, 102 Queensway, London W2 3RR, 020 7792 8331. Famous for its roast duck. For a 10% discount, present your ICSS membership card before ordering. A typical meal costs £10 to £15. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun).

Hare and Tortoise, Russell Square, 11-13 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AF, 020 7278 9799. Their char kway teow has been certified almost authentic by many Singaporeans. You can also find Japanese cuisine such as sushi, bento sets, sashimi and tempura. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun).

Misato, Piccadilly Circus, 11 Wardour Street, London W1D 6PG, 020 7734 0808. For the ravenous, the place offers decent Japanese bentos or curry with a mountain of rice for about £6 per main course. Open: 12:00 to 22:30 (Mon to Sun).

Rasa Sayang, Leicester Square, 5 Macclesfield Street, London W1D 6AY, 020 7734 1382. A restaurant serving pretty authentic Singaporean and Malaysian food. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Thu), 12:00 to 00:00 (Fri to Sat), 11:30 to 21:30 (Sun).

Assa, Tottenham Court Road, 53 St. Giles High Street, London WC2H 8LH, 020 7240 8256. Although slightly pricey, the Seafood Kimchi pancakes and Pork Spicy Hot Pots are worth a try. Open: 12:00 to 00:00 (Mon to Sat), 17:00 to 01:00 (Sun).

C&R, Leicester Square, 4 Rupert Court, London W1D 6DY, 020 7434 1128. Tucked away in a small courtyard in Soho, this cafe-restaurant serves Singaporean and Malaysian food in generous portions at £6.50 or £7. Desserts such as ice kacang, chendol and bubur cha cha are sold for £3.50. Open: 12:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun).

Chatime, Leicester Square, 11 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JF, 078 6625 8257. Be prepared to wait for up to 30 minutes before your get your bubble tea. Open: 11:00 to 23:00 (Mon to Sun).

See | 25

AttractionsLondon Eye, Waterloo. This 135-metre tall observation wheel gives you one of the best views of the city. For a higher vantage point, pay £30 to visit The Shard.

Tower Bridge, Tower Hill. An iconic symbol of London across the River Thames. People sometimes mistake this bridge as London Bridge. Also, if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of a bridge lift.

Big Ben, Westminster. Officially called the Elizabeth Tower, this is the world’s largest four-faced chiming clock.

Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross. A public square featuring Nelson’s Column in the centre, guarded by four lion statues, and numerous commemorative statues and sculptures. Many important festivals and cultural days are celebrated here.

MuseumsNatural History Museum, South Kens-ington. Famous for its dinosaur skeleton and a life-sized blue whale, this museum

exhibits a wide variety of plant and animal specimens.

Science Museum, South Kensington. Travel through time as you learn about the scientific discoveries over the centuries. Since you’re studying at Imperial College, why not drop by for a visit?

Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington. The world’s largest museum of design and decorative art. Be prepared to get dazzled by the sheer amounts of gold and silverware and precious jewels on display. A must-go for art enthusiasts.

ParksHyde Park, Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch. Covering 350 acres, this is one of Central London’s largest parks. It is adja-cent to the 270-acre Kensington Gardens. Run the along inner perimeter to clock approximately 6 kilometres.

Battersea Park, Battersea. A 200 acre park on the south bank of the River Thames. Approximately 1.5 kilometres away from Evelyn Gardens. Drop by on a sunny day to catch a good view of the London Eye and Tower Bridge from afar

SEE


TheatreBeing in London, you must certainly visit the West End, where you can catch some of the most famous theatrical productions, including musicals like Les Misérables, Wicked and The Lion King. Most theatres are located in the vicinity of Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Shaftesbury Avenue.

There are a few ways for you to purchase tickets with significant discounts:

Â Hall musical outings. Some halls provide heavy subsidies for musical tickets; for example, a ticket for The Lion King that usually costs £60 can be subsidised down to £10.

Â Joining the Imperial College Art Society (ArtSoc). ArtSoc provides up to 65% discount for musical tickets very regularly.

Â Joining us for ICSS musical nights!

For those who enjoy seeking last minute offers, tickets are often sold at heavily discounted prices, usually an hour before the start of the show. These tickets can be purchased from various ticket booths in Leicester Square, or at the theatre itself.

Shop | 27

DestinationsOxford Street, Oxford Circus or Bond Street. With over 300 high street brands such as Gap and Topshop, as well as land-mark department stores like Selfridges, John Lewis and Debenhams, this 1.5-mile street will definitely keep you busy for an entire afternoon.

Covent Garden, Covent Garden or Leicester Square. A truly distinctive shop-ping district. Covent Garden Market is famous for its arts and crafts, while Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials offer a unique shop-ping experience for those who are looking for special gifts or the latest street wear.

Westfield London, White City or Wood Lane. If you are looking for a shopping centre where you can move from shop to shop without worrying about the weather, you should visit Westfield London. An alternative in East London is Westfield Stratford City ( Stratford), which is said to be Europe’s largest shopping mall.

Canary Wharf. Canada Square is a huge shopping centre with over 200 shops, located in one of the most busiest busi-ness district of London. For those who particularly enjoy crowds, the best time to visit is during lunch hour on weekdays.

Knightsbridge. Among the most famous upmarket retail outlets located at Knights-bridge are Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, drop in to experience the touristy atmos-phere. This shopping street is just a 10-minute walk from Imperial College.

SHOPLondon’s shopping scene is one of the most diverse on the planet. If you look hard enough, you’ll probably find some hidden gems tucked away around the city. Most of the shop-ping districts are easily accessible via public transport.

28 | Sotong Guide Book 2 2014 Shop | 28

MarketsBorough Market, London Bridge. The best place to find expensive gourmet food, organic fruits and vegetables, fresh produce including fish and meats. Get there early to beat the crowd.

Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove. A crowded market where you will find clothes, posters, antiques, and (of course) food. Friday and Saturday are the main market days.

Brick Lane Market, Aldgate East or Whitechapel. A massive flea market with stalls selling all sorts of antiques and an eclectic mix of bizarre stuff. Don’t forget to try the Bangladeshi curries after a day of shopping. Best to visit on a Sunday.

Farmers’ Markets, South Kensington. Every Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00, Bute Street is closed to traffic for farmers to sell their produce, including a wide variety of seafood, vegetables, bread, pies and tradi-tional sausages.

Camden Market, Camden Town. A series of adjoining large retail markets that sell everything from food to clothing to crafts and souvenirs. Open everyday except 25th December. Seniors recommend the Bang Bang Chicken – get a brimming and filling box of it for just £3.

Billingsgate Market, Canary Wharf. This fish market in East London is the place to go for fresh and reasonably-priced fish. Seniors recommend the salmon – you can buy a whole salmon for £15, or 5 packs of smoked salmon (200g each) for £6.

Shop | 29

SupermarketsSupermarkets and convenience stores are conveniently scattered across the streets in the UK. Near college, you will find the supermarkets Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

Most of the supermarket chains operate smaller convenience stores: Sainsbury’s Local, Tesco Express and Little Waitrose.

To collect points and to enjoy offers, you may wish to sign up for the various loyalty cards, either online or in store.

Essentials Convenience Store. Located at the ground floor of the Eastside Halls in Princes Gardens, this store stocks items such as fruits, vegetables, dry goods, bread, dairy products, toiletries and house-hold products. You can also find vending machines and a cashpoint at the entrance.

Sainsbury’s, Gloucester Road, 158A Cromwell Road, London SW7 4EJ, 020 7373 8313. The nearest supermarket (of decent size) from college. Sign up for their Nectar Card for free to accumulate points and redeem freebies. Open: 07:00 to 23:59 (Mon), 06:00 to 23:59 (Tue to Fri), 06:00 to 22:00 (Sat), 11:00 to 17:00 (Sun).

Waitrose, Gloucester Road, 128 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4SF, 020 7370 2424. Basically, Waitrose is to Cold Storage as Sainsbury’s is to NTUC Fairprice. You can find the more exotic and upmarket items. Open: 07:30 to 22:00 (Mon to Fri), 08:00 to 21:00 (Sat), 12:00 to 18:00 (Sun).

Little Waitrose, South Kensington, 99 - 103 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RD. Free coffee or tea daily for members. Also, bread and pastries (freshly baked in the morning) going for as low as 5 pence from 21:00. Open: 07:00 to 22:00 (Mon to Sun).

In UK, the value-added tax (VAT) rate is 20%. At the cashier, you will pay the price you see on the price tag - unless you’re at a Chinese restaurant that does not include VAT in its pricing. Unfortunately, if you’re holding a student visa, you cannot get a VAT refund.


Tesco Express, Gloucester Road, 87-93 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4SS. A 24-hour convenience store located midway between Imperial College and Evelyn Gardens. Open: 24 hours.

Asian FoodOriental City, Bayswater, 26 Queensway, London W2 3RX. Open: 08:30 to 00:00 (Mon to Fri), 09:00 to 00:00 (Sat and Sun).

Loon Fung, Leicester Square, 42-44 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5QG, 020 7437 7332. Open: 10:00 to 20:00 (Mon to Sun).

New Loon Moon, Leicester Square, 9 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PL, 020 7734 3887. Open: 10:30 to 20:00 (Mon to Sun).

Tip: To get to Leicester Square, you can choose to take bus service 14 from South Kensington or Evelyn Gardens, instead of the Underground.

Home ImprovementArgos, High Street Kensington, 164-166 Kensington High Street, London W8 7RG. With a catalogue containing tens of thou-sands of products, you can purchase furni-ture, kitchen appliances and other home improvement items at an affordable price. Open: 10:00 to 19:00 (Mon), 9:00 to 20:00 (Tue to Fri), 9:00 to 18:30 (Sat), 11:00 to 18:00 (Sun).

PharmacyBoots, High Street Kensington, 127A Kensington High Street, London W8 5SF, 020 7937 9533. The British equivalent of Watsons or Guardian, where you can find bottles of shampoo and tubes of vitamin

tablets. Open: 08:00 to 21:00 (Mon to Fri), 08:00 to 20:00 (Sat), 12:00 to 18:00 (Sun).

ServicesSnappy Snaps, South Kensington, 34 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3DL, 020 7584 6260. You can take passport photos or print your holiday pictures here.

Timpson, South Kensington, 8 Station Arcade, London SW7 2NA, 020 7589 5857. A key cutting and shoe repair shop that’s located near college.

Perkins Dry Cleaners, Gloucester Road, 144 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4SZ, 020 7370 5240. Laundry services including dry cleaning.

Kensington Central Library, High Street Kensington, Phillimore Walk, London W8 7RX. 020 7361 3010. If you are tired of the science and engineering books in the college library, you can visit this public library instead. Open: 09:30 to 20:00 (Mon to Tue, Thu), 09:30 to 17:00 (Wed, Fri to Sat).

Travel | 31

TRAVELSome of the world’s most fantastic sights are scattered across the UK and Europe. To help you get started, we have prepared a short list of places where you should visit, and some travel tips.

WITHIN THE UK

Fancy a short weekend or reading week getaway? There are many places in the UK itself that boast beautiful scenery, inter-esting culture and fulfilling shopping/gourmet experiences.

The most popular form of transport for domestic travel is by train, i.e. the National Rail. Take note of the following when you purchase train tickets for your getaway:

Ô Generally, ticket prices for a particular type of ticket and route are the same, regardless of the operator you choose to travel with.

Ô Tickets can be bought online (http://nationalrail.co.uk), from the ticket office or from a machine. Rural stations may not have a ticket office or machine. In this case, you must buy a ticket from the conductor on the train at the first opportunity.

Ô There are three types of tickets. In increasing order of cost per mile,

Â Advance (buy in advance, travel on a specific train at a specific day and time)

Â Off-Peak (Buy any time, travel during off-peak hours – usually 09:00 to 16:00 and after 19:00 on weekdays, and all day on weekends)

Â Any time

Ô A ticket does not guarantee a seat, unless you have a seat reservation.

Ô Within London, the Oyster Card can be used on National Rail services.

Ô For the best discounts, travel in groups of four and purchase the tickets over the counter at the ticket office. Alternatively, the 16-25 Rail-card gives you 1/3 off your National Rail fares.

For nearer locations, you may want to consider taking the coach. A single trip by coach can cost as little as £5, a fraction of the cheapest ticket available by train. Popular coach providers include National Express and Megabus.

dfgdfgdfgdfg


A. Seven Sisters

B. Peak District

C. Brighton

D. Portsmouth

E. Edinburgh

F. Lake District

G. Manchester

H. Bristol

I. Oxford

J. Cambridge

K. Newcastle-upon-Tyne

L. Leeds

M. Cornwall

N. York

O. Bath

P. Nottingham

Q. Aberdeen

R. Liverpool

S. Glasgow

T. Warwick

Travel | 33

A. Paris, France

B. Nice, France

C. Brussels, Belgium

D. Bruges, Belgium

E. Madrid, Spain

F. Seville, Spain

G. Portugal

H. Milan, Italy

Q. Stockholm, Sweden

R. Helsinki, Finland

S. Croatia

T. Iceland

AROUND EUROPE

Since you are already in London, why not take the opportunity to travel to the many destina-tions in the region? A number of airlines fly out of London, bringing you to major cities across continental Europe.

If you are a budget traveller, you may wish to fly with easyJet. For a comparison of flight prices, you may wish to visit Skyscanner. Budget airlines usually fly out of London from smaller airports, i.e. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. You can get to these airports by easyBus.

If you are looking for a place to stay, search for affordable accommodation in more than 34,000 cities on Airbnb’s website.

Here are some of the locations your seniors have set foot on before:

I. Geneva, Switzerland

J. Vatican City

K. Berlin, Germany

L. Munich, Germany

M. Copenhagen, Denmark

N. Bulgaria

O. Poland

P. Istanbul, Turkey


AUNTY SOTONG SAYS!

Before we end this section....

The country code for the UK is +44. Phone numbers are sometimes displayed in the form +44 (0) 7555 555555.

When calling a UK number from overseas, omit the zero and dial +44 7555 555555. In the UK, you have the option of replacing +44 with 0 and dial 07555 555555.

Mobile phone numbers start with 074, 075, 077, 078 or 079. In London, landline numbers start with 020.

Numbers starting with 080 are free to call from landlines (but not from mobile phones). If you need to make such a call, find a public telephone.

With that, we conclude the lobang that we have identified for you. We hope you found this section insightful!

Remember that the recommendations are meant to get you started; as you stay on in London, you will get to know its many perks and charms! Always go out there and explore, and return with more stories to share with your friends and juniors in the future.

Events | 35

EVENTSAs a reprisal, here are the ICSS events

you can look forward to in the next few months to come. We strongly encourage you to take part in most, if not all, of them; with the wide repertoire available, there’s definitely something you would like.

Sojourn15th - 17th Aug 2014 (Fri - Sun), Sentosa

The ICSS equivalent of your university orientation camp. Have 3 days’ worth of sun, sand, sea and fun with us, and get to know your new college mates better! Majority of your Singaporean seniors would tell you that Sojourn is the Freshers’ Event to attend, so be sure not to miss it!

Warwick Summer Games23rd Aug 2014 (Sat), Raffles Junior College

An annual sporting event hosted by the University of Warwick Singapore Society to bring all UK universities together for a full day of friendly competition. Take this opportunity to find out more about the various sports interest groups in ICSS and simply have fun.

UKBound5th Sep 2014 (Fri), Zouk

Note the changes in date and location of UKBound! We are returning to Zouk, the venue for past years’ UKBounds, on a Friday night. Come celebrate with new and old friends as you support your school-mates in this battle of wit and beauty. It’s BOUND to be a blast!

Hyde Park Picnic18th Oct 2014 (Sat), Hyde Park

It’s been confirmed - a Saturday morning in the park for all ICSS members! Come have a breather with us at Hyde Park, and escape the freshers’ rush for a while. Enjoy the sunshine, food and games, and seize the opportunity to just relax with fellow Singaporeans.


Ski Trip19th - 28th Dec 2014 (Fri - Sun), UCPA La Plagne

Every December, Imperial College Singapore Society organises a ski trip to France to enjoy a week on the slopes. Forget all those stressful classes, projects and enjoy the winter break! And do not worry if you are new, because there are lessons available for all skill levels.

This year, ICSS Ski Trip will be taking place at UCPA La Plagne, from the 19th to 28th Dec (Fri to Sun). You will leave on the last Friday of the school term and return to London on Sunday afternoon. The cost for this year’s trip is £559 for ICSS members (non members will have to pay a £5 administrative fee). What will be included? A week of accomodation, ski gear, and a whole lot of food (buffet!).

Do feel free to invite your friends from other schools along for the trip so that they do not miss out on the fun! If there are any questions, feel free to direct them to Leon, our Vice-Pres-ident. Register early to avoid any disappointment!

Chinese New Year DinnerFor many of you, this would be your first time spending Chinese New Year away from home. While we may not be able to promise angbaos, we can guarantee you a scrumptious dinner spread and good company at the ICSS Annual Chinese New Year Dinner. We know that spending Chinese New Year alone is tough, especially with your family on the other side of the globe; so we hope to bring you the feeling of having a ‘home away from home’.

AUNTY SOTONG SAYS! | 37

Major Event28th Feb 2015 (Sat)

Major Event has been an ICSS tradition for many years. The annual event brings our members together as one family to produce something that we can all be proud of, and to showcase our precious little red dot to the rest of the world.

In years gone past, Major Event has taken on different forms. From talentime in 2003 and 2005 to mass dessert making in 2004, we have produced quality products year after year, often attracting large crowds.

In recent years, Major Event has been in the form of a musical, where our members

combine efforts to put together a night of fun and laughter, tears and sorrow. Last year, approximately 100 of our members spent over five months to prepare for the event. After all, Major Event involves the greatest number of ICSS members in various ways over a prolonged duration.

This year, Major Event will be on 28th February 2015. Mark this date on your calendar, and sign up at http://goo.gl/i4ZoF0 if you haven’t already done so!

Look out for a guide to the different roles in Major Event after Sojourn, written by Jia Hui, our Major Event Officer!

http://goo.gl/i4ZoF0

http://goo.gl/i4ZoF0


SportsSports has many uses in our daily life. It can help us meet old and new friends, learn new skills, keep us fit and healthy, take our mind off work, and take away any prevailing guilt we had about that last pint of ice cream.

ICSS organises sports sessions as often as our resources allow. Some of these sports may only be active at certain times of the year. In general, these sessions are held weekly, but you don’t need to turn up at every session if you have a busy schedule.

Our sports representatives will organise regular sessions and prepare the sports teams for upcoming sporting events, such as the Warwick Summer Games in August and the Nottingham Games in November. If you are interested, simply get in touch with our Sports Officer, Yu Quan.

Come join the respective sports groups on Facebook!

Badminton: http://goo.gl/wG049E

Basketball: http://goo.gl/OUHw0U

Netball: http://goo.gl/77puyx

Captains’ Ball: http://goo.gl/QGXNwi

Football/Soccer: http://goo.gl/LtMVni

Floorball: http://goo.gl/YM5dDw

Frisbee: http://goo.gl/PZaiAt

Touch Rugby: http://goo.gl/1P2eyw

Climbing: http://goo.gl/0yFhgr

39

Useful Links Ô Imperial College London

http://www.imperial.ac.uk

Ô Imperial College Singapore Society http://www.ic-singsoc.net

Upcoming Events

04.10

18.10

28.02

Pickup and Walkabout

Hyde Park Picnic

Major Event 2015

KEY INFORMATION

19.12 TO

28.12Ski Trip

15.08 TO

17.08Sojourn

23.08 Warwick Summer Games

05.09 UKBound

We hope you have enjoyed reading Sotong Guide Book 2; and with that, the Sotong Guide 2014 series has come to an end. While we have attempted to impart as much knowledge and experience into the series as possible, we hope that as time passes, you will see that life as an overseas student is meant to be unique, i.e. your encounters would be very different from your friends’. We encourage you to discover new interests and make new friends, while staying connected to home.

See you at the upcoming events, and good luck on your journey!

32nd ICSS EXCO

Share this book!

http://goo.gl/9IR7At

Comments or Feedback

If you have any feedback regarding this book, feel free to email us at:

[email protected]

THE SINGAPOREAN FRESHER’S ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE IN LONDON AND IMPERIAL COLLEGE

Documents

Sotong Guide 2014 Book Two