2012 Feeling lost like a Sotong? Daunted by all the things you have to prepare before heading off to a whole new experience in London? Do not worry – we are here to help you! Feel free to also contact us for labeled diagrams, essay samples and any other questions you might have at all on these exciting cephalopods of the order Teuthida. Our team of expert biologists will be able to answer your questions. Illustration by: Hillary Lau The Singaporean Fresher’s Essential GuideThe Singaporean Fresher’s to Life in London and Imperial College Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ......................................................................................................................... 3 ESSENTIAL TIPS AND INFORMATION ................................................................................. 4 How to read phone numbers in London ............................................................................................... 4 Daylight Savings Time (DST) .................................................................................................................. 4 Useful Web Links ......................................................................................................................................4 Exco Contact List .......................................................................................................................................4 BEFORE LEAVING SINGAPORE ........................................................................................... 5 Medical Matters ........................................................................................................................................5 ATAS Application ......................................................................................................................................5 Visa Application ........................................................................................................................................6 Things to Note ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Exit Permit ............................................................................................................................................... 10 Financial Matters ................................................................................................................................... 10 Tips for Packing ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Main Luggage ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Hand Carry .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Shipping................................................................................................................................................ 12 Other Issues ............................................................................................................................................. 12 RECOMMENDED THINGS TO BUY/BRING ......................................................................... 13 For Yourself............................................................................................................................................. 13 Casual Clothing ................................................................................................................................... 13 Formal Wear ....................................................................................................................................... 13 Warm Clothing .................................................................................................................................... 13 Sports Clothing .................................................................................................................................... 14 Footwear .............................................................................................................................................. 14 Toiletries ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Bags....................................................................................................................................................... 15 General Advice ................................................................................................................................... 15 For College ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Stationery ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Electronics ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Textbooks ............................................................................................................................................. 17 For Daily Living: ..................................................................................................................................... 17 © 2012 Imperial College Singapore Society http://bit.ly/icss_freshers Page 1 Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide Bedding ................................................................................................................................................ 17 Cooking Utensils and Cutlery ........................................................................................................... 18 Medication ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Food ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Miscellaneous .......................................................................................................................................... 19 Passport-Sized Photos........................................................................................................................ 19 IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO BRING ............................................................................... 20 GETTING TO IMPERIAL COLLEGE ...................................................................................... 21 Tube (London Underground) ................................................................................................................ 21 Heathrow Express .................................................................................................................................. 21 Taxi .......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Travelling to Halls of Residences ........................................................................................................ 22 Princes Gardens: Southside / Eastside / Weeks / Garden / Beit ........................................... 22 Evelyn Gardens: Fisher / Holbein / Willis Jackson / Bernard Sunley/ Southwell ................ 23 Pembridge Gardens .......................................................................................................................... 23 Wilson House ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Orient House ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Parsons House ...................................................................................................................................... 24 BANKING........................................................................................................................... 25 Applying for a Bank Account in London ............................................................................................ 25 Starting Part of the Application of a HSBC bank account in Singapore .................................... 25 Applying for a UK Bank Account from Singapore .......................................................................... 26 More Information on Banking .............................................................................................................. 26 MOBILE PHONES................................................................................................................ 27 UK Calls ................................................................................................................................................... 27 Overseas Calls ....................................................................................................................................... 27 THINGS TO DO IN COLLEGE .............................................................................................. 29 SECURITY ........................................................................................................................... 30 General