Note this is only a guide and not a guarantee
We have tried to think ahead, so you can relax and enjoy your stay. As soon as we have received your completed registration, we will send you detailed information about your course, and accommodation if you have booked it, as well as the relevant guidelines.
For now though, here are some things you need to consider:
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London is among the oldest and most cosmopolitan great cities of the world. London is renowned as a global culture capital, filled with history, breathtaking sights and endless tourist attractions. Like many cities, London is build around a river, The Thames. In 43AD The Romans invaded England, and soon discovered that the Thames would be a great opportunity to transport goods from the continent, so they created a settlement on the north bank of the river called 'Londinium'. Did you know? The Thames the only river in Europe to have a national trail following its entire length.
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London is one of the world's most walkable cities. The best way to see the city is by walking. Even when using the underground there is a fair amount of walking, so bring comfortable shoes. |
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Think about travel before you arrive. It could save you money and time. Many visitors opt for the Visitors Oyster Card but you must order it before you travel to London Visitors Oyster Card |
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The UK formally left the EU on 1 February 2020. European citizens need a valid passport to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). The ID card is no longer acceptable. You can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. For visa information please check: https://www.lexislondon.com/other-services-1/visas
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We advise all students to take photocopies of all travel documents and flight tickets. They are easier to replace if lost or damaged. |
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London has six major airports Lexis School English is based in North London (N3). It's on the Northern Line (black tube line) - High Barnet Branch How to get to Finchley from the various airports? The information is from VisitLondon.com London City - Take the DLR towards Bank Station and then take the Northern Line, towards High Barnet. London Gatwick - Take the Southern Train, located in the South Terminal to London Bridge. You don't need to buy a ticket. Simply use your contactless debit or credit card, apple pay or an Oyster card. Southern Trains are at least £10 cheaper than the Gatwick Express and only 5 minutes slower. London Heathrow - Take the underground (Piccadilly Line towards Cockfosters). Change at Leicester Square onto the Northern Line towards High Barnet. London Luton - Take the National Express from Luton to Golders Green. From Golders Green take the either Bus 13 or 460 towards North Finchley. London Stansted - Take the A6 ( National Express) coach towards London and get off in Golders Green. From Golders Green take the either Bus 13 or 460 towards North Finchley. |
Plan your stay. London is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Check out Visit London Guide
Our Travel Tips below will give you all the information you need about the various transport methods in London
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Buy and adapter The United Kingdom uses a three-pin plug and voltage of 230V while the European Union uses a two-pin plug and voltage of 230V, however, some EU countries have a voltage of 240V. Make sure to purchase a power adapter that is compatible with the type of electrical outlet and voltage used in the country you're visiting to ensure that you can charge your devices while on the go. This electrical socket is common in: GB, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong. |
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The weather in London is variable and impossible to predict! Better play it safe and bring a comfortable rain jacket. Umbrellas' get lost or forgotten. If you must buy a brolly once you are here. Wearing layers always works best, so you can constantly adapt. An umbrella won't stop you from getting wet from down falling rain if the it keeps constantly turning inside out when it's windy. Proverb: There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. |
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The cheapest way to get around in Central London is walking, however be careful when crossing the street. Markings on the roads help you remember which direction to look. Just look down before you cross. In the UK, we drive on the left so take care crossing the road. Read this information carefully. It is written for children, but useful for adults also: Green Cross Code Zebra crossing: Pedestrians have the right of way and cars have to stop but it's always advisable to make eye contact with the driver to ensure that you've been seen |
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London is a relatively safe city but still please be careful. Especially at night. if you are on your own, take a cab. Uber is the most secure option. Don't use unlicensed taxis. Look after your belongings. |
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Food for everyone! London is a very dietary requirement friendly city. Are you Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free? No problem. Almost all restaurants will offer good dietary options. |
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Tipping in restaurants or bars. Most restaurants will add a service charge of 12.5%. That's the tip. You don't have to tip further and you can ask to have it removed, if you were unhappy with the service. If the service charge has not been added most people add 10 - 12 % onto the total. You can pay this in cash or ask the server to add it to the bill, if you pay by card. |
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Many visitors opt for the Visitors Oyster Card but you must order it before you come. Visitors Oyster Card |
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Types of transportation in London: |
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The Tube |
Watch what everybody else does and copy them, especially on escalators on the tube during rush hour when it’s very busy | |
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Red Buses |
Put your arm out to signal a bus to stop. Standing at the bus stop not putting your arm out makes you look like you're waiting for a different bus | |
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TfL (Transport for London) advises: Always touch in on a yellow card reader at the start of your journey and touch out at the end. On a bus or tram you only need to touch in. Be sure to use the same card or device to touch in and out. For example, don't touch in with your iPhone and touch out with your Apple Watch, contactless card or Oyster card. If you don't touch in and out, we cannot tell where you've travelled from or to, so your journey will be incomplete. As we cannot work out the right fare for your journey, we'll charge you a maximum fare. If you only touch in, or only touch out, you'll be charged two maximum fares and we won't be able to work out your daily cap. |
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Uber |
You need to download the Uber App / Don't travel alone in the evenings | |
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Taxis/ minicabs |
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/taxis-and-minicabs/ | |
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Santander Bikes |
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles | |
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Overground Trains |
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-overground/ | |
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Standard Signs
https://content.tfl.gov.uk/tfl-interchange-signs-standard.pdf |
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Download the CityMapper app before coming to London: Citymapper App |
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Have a look at the various downloadable maps London's Free Maps |
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We highly recommend you arrange full travel insurance cover before arriving in the UK. The National Union of Students (NUS) recommends Endsleigh
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If you're a visitor from an EU country and you fall ill or have a medical emergency during your temporary stay in England, you can continue to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
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Can EU citizens use EHIC in the UK? 'If you have a valid EHIC issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you can access medically necessary treatment during your stay. Check if you need to renew your European Health Insurance - EHIC card. A hospital visit could be very expensive without it. You should also buy insurance to cover your healthcare as you would if visiting another non-EU country. See in the Insurance (Health & Travel) below. Please remember: While an EHIC card allows EEA and Swiss nationals to receive free or reduced cost medical treatment, it is not a substitute for travel insurance as there are several things it does not cover, such as repatriation, air ambulances, certain types of procedure, emergency accommodation and transport. |
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The UK has reciprocal health deals with a few non-EU countries, including under which visitors can receive urgent treatment at a reduced cost or for free. In other words, visitors are treated as if they are resident of the country in question. But unlike the EHIC, the agreements do not cover pre-existing conditions. |
London is a cashless city. You don't need to bring cash. There are still some places though that are cash only but these are few and far between.
5 Pound note or 5 quid or a fiver
10 Pound note or10 quid or a tenner
20 Pound note or 20 quid
Queen's Guard
