The Wash U Student’s Guide to the

The School of Oriental and African Studies

Academic Year 2015-2016

Contents

Welcome………………………………………………………………………...pg. 3

Important Dates …………………………………………………………………pg. 4

Important Contact Information …………………………………………………pg. 4

Documentation ………………………………………………………………….pg. 5

Money Matters ………………………………………………………………….pg. 7

Academics…………………………………………………………………….....pg. 7

Housing……………………………………………………….……………….....pg. 11

Student Life………………………………………………………………….…..pg. 11

Communication…………………………………………………………………..pg. 14

Transportation and Travel………………………………………………………..pg. 15

Before You Go…...………………………………………………………………pg. 17

Useful Websites...……………………………………………………………...…pg. 18

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Welcome to the School of Oriental and African Studies!

Congratulations on your acceptance into SOAS! For the next semester or academic year, you will be representing Washington University in St. Louis at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Your time abroad may be challenging at times, but know that it will be ultimately rewarding as you come to see London as your home-away-from-home.

This Handbook has been prepared to make your transition to life at SOAS as smooth as possible. Please take the time to read the information carefully and share it with your parents. You will also be receiving emails and written transactions from both Washington University and SOAS. Pay close attention to these correspondences to ensure that you arrive in London prepared and open to your new surroundings.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to your departure, contact Overseas Programs at [email protected].

Best wishes!

How SOAS students describe SOAS.

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Important Dates

SPRING SEMESTER 2016 TBD Orientation 4 January Term 2 Begins WU's London Orientation 8-10 January with ACCENT International 18 March Term 2 Ends 18 April Term 3 Begins 10 June Term 3 Ends

Important Contact Information

Overseas Programs Coryn Shiflit Study Abroad Coordinator Campus Box 1088 Student Recruitment Office (314) 935-5958 main line School of Oriental and African Studies (314) 935-5555 for emergencies after office hours Thornhaugh Street McMillan 138 [email protected] London

WC1H 0XG

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7898 4030

ACCENT London Fax: +44 (0) 20 7898 4039

Tel: +44-20-7813-7723 from US [email protected]

Tel: 020-7813-7723 from UK

Emergency Tel: 020 7436 5826 from UK

Emergency Tel: +44 20 7436 5826 from US [email protected]

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Documentation

Short-Term Study (a.k.a. student visitor): For students studying abroad for less than 6 months with no intention of extending your stay another semester and who are NOT planning to work while abroad. US citizens do not need to pre-apply for this. If you are not a US citizen, please check this site to see if you must pre-apply for the short-term study visa: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

You will need to have with you upon entry into the UK the following items (please note that you will need to have these items with you EVERY TIME you leave and reenter the UK if you plan to travel):  Signed Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date  ROUNDTRIP ticket with a return date less than 6 months after the arrival date or information about when you plan on returning/end date of program  Official Acceptance letter from UK university  Letter of Financial Guarantee from WU

Tier 4 Visas (a.k.a. General Student Visas) For students studying abroad for more than 6 months or who plan to work, intern, or volunteer in the UK, you must pre-apply for this visa. The processing time generally won’t take more than 15 business days. https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times  You can pay to use a service like Travisa, www.travisa.com if you would like to expedite the process.  Students cannot apply for the Tier 4 visa until 3 months prior to the start date of the program.

You will need the following items to apply for a student visa:  Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS (Will be sent to you electronically from your program) o Do not start the process until after you have received this from your program  Signed Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date  2 Passport photos (Cannot be digital photos you have printed. These can be taken at Walgreens, etc.) o Must have name written on the back of each photo  Visa Application, including Appendix 8 General Student self-assessment form o http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/  $515 paid online  Biometrics o Must be done within 2 weeks of sending application o After you’ve submitted your online application, it will prompt you to schedule the Biometrics appointment. You cannot do this before you have submitted the application o Make sure to bring your passport  Maintenance funds

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o They will ask you in the application to declare that you have the required “maintenance funds” to cover your semester/year abroad o You should be prepared to be able to show evidence of funds just in case they ask to see it (this would occur later, after the application is submitted). . Academic Year: . £600/month for 9 months (a total of $8,654 according to today’s exchange rate) . Fall . £600/month for 4 months (a total of $3,846.22 according to today’s exchange rate) . Spring . £600/month for 6 months (a total of $5,769.32 according to today’s exchange rate) o Conversions from dollars to pounds must be written on the document before arriving at the border (you can handwrite this): www.oanda.com/convert/classic o Documents can include a letter from Student Financial Services if you receive financial aid or scholarships, a bank statement in your name, a bank statement in a parent's name along with a signed letter from the parent that you will have access to these funds while abroad, or a letter from the bank

Students who wish to work, intern, or volunteer: If you want British permission to work part-time in the UK, you must apply for the Tier 4 visa regardless, even if you are studying there for less than 6 months. You will be eligible to work a maximum of 20 hours/week during the term and 40 hours/week during term breaks up to the end date of your program.

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Money Matters

Spending Money: Remember that almost everything in Europe is about 75% more expensive than in the US. Very roughly you will be spending in British pounds almost as much as you might spend in the US in American dollars. This is the first financial shock you can expect.

The second is that exchange rates fluctuate daily so you may be getting more or less British £ every time you change money. Most students use ATM cards to withdraw funds from an American bank account while in Oxford. You may also use traveler’s cheques (American Express tend to be the best to avoid conversion charges). The best exchange rates however are often obtained through credit card companies so you may find it cheapest and most convenient to use MasterCard or Visa, which are both widely accepted anywhere in Europe.

You should plan to convert a small amount of money (about $300) into British pounds (£) upon your arrival at the airport in London. Alternatively you may choose to bring British pounds with you if you prefer.

Note: American Express credit cards are often not accepted in the UK. Please do not plan to rely on this card to pay for housing or other expenses

Academics

The School of Oriental and African Studies is the only higher education institution in the UK specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. SOAS is part of the University of London system and has expanded rapidly in recent years, to over 4300 students from more than 100 countries.

SOAS’s two campuses – Russell Square and Vernon Square – are just 20 minutes walking distance from one another and easily accessed by public transportation.

The Russell Square campus is in historic , an area of leafy squares well- known as a haven from the bustle of the city, and also an intellectual centre. The exhibition spaces of the Brunei Gallery and the Foyle Special Collections Gallery are both to be found in the Brunei Gallery Building opposite the main college building. Other colleges of the University of London, the and the British Library are just a few minutes away.

The Vernon Square campus – housed in an English Heritage listed building – is close to the transport links of King’s Cross as well as Islington’s boutiques and restaurants. Adjacent to the two SOAS student residences (Dinwiddy House and Paul Robeson

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House), this campus offers state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources and an internet café alongside spacious social amenities.1

Over 350 undergraduate courses are available to Study Abroad students, all with a distinctive regional focus. Study Abroad students must take four courses while studying at SOAS. Most courses at SOAS are full-year courses and run from September to June. These are called full-unit courses. SOAS also has some courses that only run for half a year, e.g. September to January. These are called half unit courses. This unit value related to the length of the course, not its level.

Applicants should be aware that if they only come for either Term 1 or Terms 2 & 3, and they take full-unit courses, then they will either leave or start a course halfway through its duration. However, assessment will only be based on what you have studied. Advice from Past Participants Teaching Style “The professors I worked with Lectures: Given by a member of faculty, lectures are at SOAS were famous in their usually 50 minutes in length. It sets out the main themes, field. They gave me new ideas and critiques of the topic under discussion, and is insight into non-western normally supported with a reading list or other course history from a more global material. perspective.” -Ava Marron, History Seminars, Classes and Tutorials: The lecture often provides the framework for more detailed discussion, work and reading around a given topic or theme. This takes place in groups with a teacher. A large lecture-focused course will almost always have a parallel series of tutorials (discussion groups) in which themes can be explored further. The tutorial tends to focus on student presentations to other students and the teacher. Active and enthusiastic participation is a must. In most cases, the groups are small, rarely exceeding 15 and sometimes consisting of only two or three.

Self-Directed Study: As well as attending time-tabled classes and lectures, Study Abroad students are expected to spend considerable time each week on self-direction study, e.g. preparing for classes, writing essays and reading assigned texts from the syllabus. For every classroom hour, it is reasonable to spend one to two hours on self-directed study.

Examination and Assessment Wherever possible, Study Abroad students are assessed in exactly the same way as regular SOAS undergraduate students.

Whether taking full or half-unit courses, formal assessment usually takes place at the end of the academic year, generally by written examination. Students will be expected to conform to the normal assessment requirements for all courses taken, including attendance, presentations, written coursework, and examinations. Other forms of assessment may be used, e.g. oral examinations for language students. Course work will

1 http://www.soas.ac.uk/visitors/location/ 8 be set throughout the year, usually in the form of essays (like term papers). Those students that study for either Term 1 or Terms 2 & 3 will also be assessed as all other regular students, where possible. When this is not possible, such as Term 1 students who will not be able to sit June examinations, separate assessment, usually in the form of coursework, will be set.

Student Services The Library: The recently refurbished library is one of the finest in the world specializing in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies, and is used by students and visiting scholars alike. With over 1.3 million items, it acquires important contributions to scholarship in the humanities, languages and cultures and social sciences published all over the world. It possesses many rare and valuable printed works, manuscripts and important collectives of archives and maps. See http://www.soas.ac.uk/library/ for more details.

SOAS students are also fortunate in having the British Library and a range of other libraries on their doorstep. In addition, SOAS students have access to the libraries in the University of London, for example, University College London, London School of Economics and Senate House, all within walking distance of SOAS.

Language Labs: These dedicated language laboratories and two open access language resource rooms are available to language students. A recording studio provides facilities for the production of audio and video tapes. Students also have access to satellite television offering over 30 channels and the School has direct lines to the overseas services of the BBC.

Course Tutor: The faculty offices have student support teams who are there to help students to easily access the information and contacts they need. Additionally, for each course the student has a courses tutor who can offer advice on academic issues and problems relating to their specific course.

Welfare Office: The Student Welfare Office at Vernon Square provides impartial and confidential advice on non-academic issues such as finance, visas and immigration, accommodation, special needs, and personal issues. Professionally trained counselors, located at the Welfare Office at SOAS and at the University of London Health Center, help students facing problems of a personal or emotional nature. See https://www.soas.ac.uk/studentadviceandwellbeing/ for more information.

Disabilities and Learning Accommodations: SOAS can advise on the facilities that are available to you and help to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made to make SOAS accessible. Feedback is used from students about what works and what doesn’t to inform the more strategic parts of this office’s role, eg the creation of policy and working with other staff members to make SOAS as accessible as possible. https://www.soas.ac.uk/disability/

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Study Abroad Academic Advisor: A dedicated member of academic staff acts as Study Abroad Academic Advisor to the students, and offers advice and guidance on all aspects of study, throughout their time at SOAS. Contact details and office hours of the Study Abroad Advisor are given to the students at orientation.2

2 Study Abroad at SOAS: A guide to Semester and Year Abroad Courses at SOAS 10

Housing

The main student residence at SOAS is Dinwiddy House, which provides accommodation for 500 undergraduate students. Dinwiddy is adjacent to the Vernon Square campus and a 15 minute walk from the main campus at Russell Square. It offers self-catered accommodation that features individual study-bedrooms with en-suite facilities, telephone and internet cabling. Six or seven rooms are clustered around a shared kitchen. See https://www.sanctuary-students.com/dinwiddy-house for more information about Dinwiddy House.

Where possible, students will be offered a choice of single or mixed gender flats, and smoking or non-smoking clusters. Students can cook for themselves, choose to eat on campus, eat in one of the many cafés or restaurants nearby. A laundry, common room and game room are also available on site.

The University of London also provides intercollegiate accommodations in 5 halls:  Connaught Halls  The Garden Halls  International Hall  Nutford House  Lilian Person Hall Intercollegiate halls may not be available for January entry.

Study Abroad students need to apply online for accommodation. Instructions will be sent from SOAS regarding this process. All students who apply within the set deadlines will receive priority for housing. The online housing application for students arriving in September opens in March and closes in June.

Should you miss the application deadline for accommodation, or you prefer to live in private housing, SOAS can still assist you. The University of London’s Accommodation Office provides guidance to new students and a full range of services to support you housing needs, including weekly listings of private accommodations. See https://www.soas.ac.uk/students/accommodation/ for more information.

Student Life

Orientation Each semester, SOAS provides a fully comprehensive orientation program for new students. As well as general information on SOAS and London, you will be given detailed information on the Study Abroad program including information on registration, courses and assessment. Furthermore, the Study Abroad office organizes regular events for Study Abroad students throughout the year. These include pizza parties, English summer tea and walking tours of London.

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Students’ Union All SOAS students are members of the Students’ Union (SU), an integral part of the School’s vibrant student community. The SU represents SOAS students’ interests, supports them in their studies, promotes their general welfare and organizes social events.

Social facilities are located at both SOAS campuses. The main bar and Students’ Union are based at the Russell Square campus, while Vernon Square houses an internet café and students’ lounge. The Students’ Union also runs a discount stationary shop and a snack bar selling fair trade goods. Downstairs is the SOAS Bar, a common meeting place for students between lectures and also home to many regular events.

The SOAS Students’ Union offers a huge range of clubs, societies, and events to suit all tastes and interests. The Students’ Union produces a magazine, SOAS Spirit, and has its own radio station, Open Air radio, which is dedicated to varied and original programming on world music, culture and current affairs. The SOAS Students’ Union is one of the most actively political in the UK. It also arranges talks on social and political issues, with speakers from around the world. See www.soasunion.org for more information.

As a SOAS student, you also become a member of ULU (the University of London Union) which is located two minutes from the Russell Square building. ULU houses a swimming pool, gym, lounges, bars, shops and a range of services including a travel agency. The main venue, Room 101, hosts live music. ULU is also a center of excellence for student sports, competing at the very highest level. See https://www.studentcentral.london/ for more information.

SOAS Galleries The Brunei Gallery, built in 1995, includes a gallery dedicated to showing work from and about Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates as both a student resource and public attraction, holding regular exhibitions which reflect the broad academic interests of art and archaeological teaching at SOAS. See http://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/ or information on current exhibitions.

The Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art was found in 1950 when Sir Percival David, Bt, presented to the School his collection of Chinese ceramics, numbering approximately Advice from Past Participants 1,700 pieces, and his library of books dealing with “The resources at the British Museum Chinese art and culture. These offer an incredibly and British Library were invaluable in rich and unique resource to SOAS students. my studies. For instance in my African Art class we took the five second walk Exploring London from our classroom to the British SOAS is based in the heart of London, and the Museum to study Ife sculpture in capital’s rich cultural and social life is literally on person.” its doorstep. You will be a short walk away from -Ava Marron, History an enormous range of opportunities and attractions, many of them tailored for the tastes and budgets of the tens of thousands of students in the many universities and colleges in

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London. All of the main national collections are free, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Science Museum and the Tate Galleries. Cultural venues also run free events such as lunchtime concerts and exhibitions, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best of London’s cultural riches for free. Even if a venue or gallery is not free, there are still many opportunities to enjoy London’s activities for less. Always ask about student discounts at tourist spots. Sometimes they are not advertised (for example, at the Tower of London, movie cinemas, playhouses, and Top Shop). Bring along or buy a London guide, or visit http://www.visitlondon.com/ for ideas on fun places to go.

As in any large city, it is essential that you take care with all aspects of security in central London. Some general tips on safety and security:

o Leave your North Face gear at home as it identifies you as American and makes you an easier target for pick-pocketing. o Don’t carry around large amounts of cash and try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes. o Always pay attention when you are in large, crowded areas such as busy streets, the Underground, buses, and pubs. Guys: Carry your wallet inside your front coat pocket. Girls: Do the same or have a purse you can sling across your body. o Do not give strangers or even casual friends your address and try to avoid telling them you are a student and letting them know your timetable. o Keep your flat door locked at all times, and do not leave windows open or unlocked. o When going out at night, travel in groups and be aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently. If using the Underground late at night, sit in the carriage behind the drive at the front, or sit in a carriage with four or more groups or individuals.3 o Keep a copy of your vital documents, for example your passport and entry clearance, in a safe place separate from the originals. o Take a night bus back home (check your route at www.tfl.gov.uk) or always take a licensed taxi “black cab” or mini-cab. If you text HOME to 60835 from a mobile phone you will receive a text message with two numbers for licensed taxi firms in your immediate area (very useful if you are out late anywhere in London).

3 Adapted from ACCENT International Anglo-American Handbook 13

Communication

Telephone Many students choose to purchase a cell phone abroad, which is usually cheaper than enabling your U.S. phone to work internationally. Mobile World has a pay-as-you-go system, in which students can purchase a phone and then “top up” (add money) as it is used. All plans differ, so find the one that works best for you. Keep in mind that making calls in England can be expensive, and so most people chose to text instead of call.

Another option is the use of phone cards and public telephones. Phone cards are valued at different amounts in £2, £5, and £10. These can be purchased from newsagents, post offices, and supermarkets.

Internet and Email The School currently has around 200 computers (Mac and PC) available for student use, providing internet access and email facilities. Every student is given an email account at the time of registration. Designated connection points are located throughout the School, where students may connect their own lap-tops to the SOAS network and internet.

In addition, SOAS student residence Dinwiddy is online, allowing students with computers to access the Internet and email from their study bedrooms. A campus wide wireless network is fully operative, and a room with multimedia computers is available.

Skype Skype allows you to make calls from your computer to anywhere in the world. Skype calls are free between Skype accounts, and can also make calls to landlines and cell phones. For more information, go to http://www.skype.com/.

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Transportation and Travel

Getting There You will arrange your travel to England independently. You might use STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com), which specializes in student travel, or consult another travel agency. You can also use online booking systems like http://www.expedia.com or http://travelocity.com. You can also work directly with an airline (especially if you have access to frequent flyer miles). Pay careful attention to the restrictions. Lowest fares tend to be both non-refundable and unchangeable.

Note: Overseas Programs will reimburse you for up to £30 for transportation from the airport to your SOAS housing. Save your receipts and give them to ACCENT London at your orientation for a reimbursement.

Upon arrival at London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, you have several options for getting to your assigned UCL housing, as follows:

1) Most expensive and easiest option: Taxi Depending on what time you arrive, you may have a long taxi ride stuck in rush-hour traffic, which will significantly increase your fare. Regular fares from Heathrow to central London are estimated at £50 or $100 US.

2) Convenient and not too expensive: Heathrow Express & Taxi You can catch the Heathrow Express train from the international terminal of Heathrow Airport. It is a high-speed train that leaves every 15-20 minutes and only stops at Paddington Station in central London. The train is very much suited for travelers, luggage racks included. The cost is under 20 GBP. From Paddington Station, you should be able to take a taxi to your accommodations for 10-20GBP.

2) Intermediate option: Hotel Shuttle You can take a shuttle from Heathrow to hotels in central London, and then take a taxi from the hotel to your UCL housing. See http://www.skyshuttle.co.uk/ for details.

3) Cheapest but “hard to manage with luggage” option: Tube/Train You can take the tube directly from Heathrow into central London for just a few pounds, but you will need to change lines and many downtown tube stations do not have escalators. There is a train in from Gatwick and you can take a cab from the London terminus to your UCL housing.

SOAS will provide comprehensive arrival instructions prior to departure.

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Getting Around The Tube is the easiest method for traveling around London; it reaches nearly every area of the central city and usually runs very efficiently. London also has an extensive bus system. For maps, fares and, timetables, see http://www.tfl.gov.uk.

While in London, it is extremely helpful to keep a street and Tube map with you. For navigating the Underground system, you can pick up a mini Tube map from any Tube station. When using public transportation, remember that trains begin running at about 6:00 am each day and last trains leave between midnight and 12:30 am. They may stop running a little earlier on Sunday nights.

Many students choose to purchase an Oyster Card, a card that can store up to £90 which allows you to pay-as-you-go on the Tube, tram, buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and some National Rail services in London. In general, single trips purchased with the card are cheaper, and the Oyster Card also has daily price capping, which prevents you from ever spending more than the cost of a day travel card in a single day.

The London Transport area is divided into six zones. Keep your travel pass with you for the entire trip on the Tube or buses, as you may be checked by security officers. The fine is £20 if you are checked and cannot produce a ticket or pass.

Also, keep in mind that some Underground stations do not have escalators, so avoid bringing heavy bags on the subway. Some traveler-packed stations may have workers near stairs to help you with your bags.

Other Travel London is well situated for travel to just about anywhere; nearly every airline passes through one of its four airports and there are also many trains available. Consider getting an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which will entitle you to discounts on a range of services, including travel. See www.isic.org for details.

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Before You Go

Packing Tips Generally, try to bring as little as you possibly can. It is a classic mistake to come overburdened with luggage, much of which you can quite easily do without. Remember, you will invariably, acquire possessions in London and need space to carry them back. If you plan to travel around England or Europe after your studies, you will be severely restricted by masses of luggage.

SOAS’s main residence hall, Dinwiddy House, does not supply you with bedding, towels, or kitchen utensils. One option is to bring bedding and linens from home, but to save packing room many students chose to buy linens, bedding and utensils upon their arrival. Bed linen is available for purchase at the residence office. Otherwise, students recommend Primark for inexpensive household goods. See https://www.sanctuary- students.com/dinwiddy-house for more information on what is and is not provided at Dinwiddy House.

Also, be aware that many US toiletries brands are available in England, but not all are. If you are brand-specific, bring the toiletries you will need with you; otherwise, it’s a good idea to save the space and buy once you arrive.

Here are some suggestions and tips for what to bring:  Work around a basic scheme of coordinated colors to minimize the number of clothing items you bring with you  Wash-and-wear shirts  Sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes that have been well broken in  Adapter plugs (if you plan to use US appliances)  Laptop computer if you have one; you can buy an inexpensive adaptor cord at an electronics store  Alarm clock (wind-up or battery-powered/extra batteries)  Umbrella and/or raincoat  If you wear contact lenses, you should take your eye care products with you  Prescription medicine – enough to cover your entire stay, and bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the medication required just in case you run out  You may wish to take along a few small token gifts; something typically American or representative of the area in which you live in the U.S.  Some students recommend that you leave room in your bags when you go so you’ll have more room on the way home  Make sure each piece of luggage (even carry-on) has an address tag. It is also a good idea to put a copy of your address inside each piece of luggage.  Finally, before you leave home, make sure you can comfortably carry all of your luggage at one time (try it for 15 minutes)

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Useful Websites

British Government Website for Visa Services: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas- immigration/student-visas

British Embassy in the USA: http://www.britainusa.com/

Dinwiddy House: https://www.sanctuary-students.com/dinwiddy-house

International Student Identity Card: http://www.isic.org

London Tourist Information: http://www.visitlondon.com

Skype: http://www.skype.com/

SOAS Library: http://www.soas.ac.uk/library/

SOAS Student Union: https://www.soas.ac.uk/su/

Transport for London (Public Transportation Information): http://www.tfl.gov.uk

University of London Housing: http://studenthomes.london.ac.uk/prospective/soas

University of Union: https://www.studentcentral.london/

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