UK Student Tips and Tricks
See below handy tips and advice from one of our Alumni Students, we will be adding to this guide, so if you would like to send us some of your tips please email hello@caymanconnection.org
Markets
A must-see if in the UK with weekday and weekend markets being very popular.
PORTOBELLO MARKET – a very eclectic mix of people and stalls/shops. World-famous! Near Notting Hill where the movie ‘Notting Hill’ starring Julia Roberts was filmed. You just know you’re near Portobello/Notting Hill when you start seeing people walk down the street wearing bright colours and a quirky mix of patterns and textures. Portobello market is best known for Saturdays, when there are lots of tourists and people visiting. But Fridays and Sundays are also great. Every day of the week there is a ‘different feel’ to the market.
BRIXTON MARKET – a great place to buy lots of Caribbean food/staples. There are also lots of restaurants/small shops to eat at with friends. Lots of Caribbean culture in this area of London.
Accommodation
Wow! big one here..Housing is such a HUGE issue over here and so it’s best to do as much research at home as possible.
Great if the person’s Uni has accommodations! But if not, some websites of interest are: SpareRoom, GumTree, ChristianFlatshare, Rightmove, Zoopla. Should always be cautious about giving personal details and fraud. Never agree to send money via any channel. Most real estate agents prefer to meet in person.
Also take someone along if possible, but if not, always send details of your location to someone else.
Entertainment
Hyde Park is a must see! Especially in the spring/summer time.
Madame Tussauds – wax museum of famous people, also have a small ride/roller coaster downstairs. She (Madame Tussauds) began doing these wax replicas of people – they are almost exact measurements and so it’s great to see yourself compared to the many celebrities you see on the tele!
Museums! So many to choose from. But Museum of London is FREE and you get to see the progression of London from the beginning of time til now, along with cool artifacts!
Shopping
For essentials at more affordable prices – Primark.
For office/school supplies – Rymans.
For clothes at more affordable prices – River Island, Top Shop, Primark are some options
Banking Tips
Do as much research at home, before coming to London, as you can!
Go onto the bank websites and read about all the necessary requirements.
Essentially, the banks need 1) Proof of ID and 2) Proof of UK address. But it becomes more complex if the bank does not accept your forms of proof, so best to also call if possible, and ensure that your documentation will be accepted.
Also great to ask if the bank you have chosen, have student accounts. Note: Savings account aka Current account over here.
Student Cards & Discounts
TfL provides student Oysters (for both under and over 18 years – separate categories). Can save lots! Many shops give student discounts, but need to have your Uni/College card handy.
Always ask the cashier if they give student discounts. Also, many shops/restaurants provide cards that you can earn points… e.g. Boots (pharmacy with great prices), Tesco (food store that is generally more affordable than Sainsbury & Waitrose), etc.
Restaurants, Food Stops & Cafes:
Have not been to many restaurants, but if affordable food is what is sought – Pret a Manger aka Pret, is always a good choice!
One on almost every corner and the food is not just affordable but also quite tasty and nutritious.
Other chains like Vital Ingredient, Eat, Leon, Pizza Express, Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Costa are other options.