IMPERIAL COLLEGE SINGAPORE SOCIETY SOTONG GUIDE 2011 The Singaporean Fresher’s Essential Guide http://bit.ly/sotong to Life in London and Imperial College Feeling lost like a Sotong? Daunted by all the different things you have to prepare before heading off to a whole new experience in London? Do not worry – we are here to help you! Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide 2011 Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide 2011 THE SINGAPOREAN FRESHER’S ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIFE IN LONDON AND IMPERIAL COLLEGE 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 Visa Application ........................................................................................................................................5 Application Procedures ......................................................................................................................... 6 Things to Note ........................................................................................................................................9 Exit Permit ..................................................................................................................................................9 Financial Matters ................................................................................................................................... 10 Tips for Packing ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Main Luggage ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Hand Carry .......................................................................................................................................... 10 Shipping................................................................................................................................................ 11 Other Issues ............................................................................................................................................. 11 RECOMMENDED THINGS TO BUY/BRING ......................................................................... 12 For Yourself............................................................................................................................................. 12 Formal Wear ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Warm Clothing .................................................................................................................................... 13 Sports clothings ................................................................................................................................... 13 Footwear .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Toiletries ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Bags....................................................................................................................................................... 14 General Advice ................................................................................................................................... 14 For College ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Stationery ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Electronics ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Textbooks ............................................................................................................................................. 15 © 2011 Imperial College Singapore Society http://bit.ly/icss_freshers Page 1 Imperial College Singapore Society Sotong Guide 2011 For Daily Living: ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Bedding ................................................................................................................................................ 15 Cooking Utensils and Cutlery ........................................................................................................... 16 Medication ........................................................................................................................................... 16 Food ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 Miscellaneous .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Passport Sized Photos ........................................................................................................................ 17 IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO BRING ............................................................................... 18 GETTING TO IMPERIAL COLLEGE ...................................................................................... 19 Tube (London Underground) ................................................................................................................ 19 Heathrow Express .................................................................................................................................. 19 Taxi .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 Travelling to Halls of Residences ........................................................................................................ 20 Prince's Gardens: Southside / Eastside / Weeks / Garden / Beit .......................................... 20 Evelyn Gardens: Fisher / Holbein / Willis Jackson / Bernard Sunley/ Southwell ................ 20 Pembridge Gardens .......................................................................................................................... 20 Wilson House ....................................................................................................................................... 20 BANKING........................................................................................................................... 22 Applying for a Bank Account in London ............................................................................................ 22 Starting Part of the Application of a HSBC bank account in Singapore .................................... 22 Applying for a UK Bank Account from Singapore .......................................................................... 22 More Information on Banking .............................................................................................................. 23 MOBILE PHONES................................................................................................................ 24 UK calls .................................................................................................................................................... 24 Overseas Calls ....................................................................................................................................... 24 THINGS TO DO IN COLLEGE .............................................................................................. 26 SECURITY ........................................................................................................................... 27 General Advice...................................................................................................................................... 27 Stolen/Lost Passport ............................................................................................................................. 27 General Advice in London ................................................................................................................... 28 ODDS AND ENDS............................................................................................................... 30 Fresher’s