Finding out Information
There are several organisations that will help you to
find out what you need to know. Here are some suggestions –
but remember, do not be afraid to ask!
Your College/University
Your college will usually be able to help you on such matters
as obtaining grants, health care
or where to find the information that you are looking for. Before
going anywhere else, try to find out if there is an International
Office, Welfare Centre, Students’ Union or Library. It might
be best to start off there.
College Chaplaincy Centre
The Chaplaincy Centre will also be able to provide you with information,
or put you in touch with British friends if you wish. You do not
need to be of the Christian faith to go there, nor will they seek
to ‘convert’ you.
Students’ Union
In universities and colleges, the Students’ Union building
or area will have many resources to be able to help you. Information,
insurance & travel information can usually be obtained there.
Libraries
You will probably find two types of library where you live. First
there is your University or College library. This may not be very
large (depending on where you are studying). It will often have
books of a technical nature, reflecting the courses available at
the college. The second type of library is called the Public Library
and it will usually be found in the middle of the town or city where
you live. This will contain a much wider range of books (both fact
and fiction), newspapers and magazines. You can also use the internet
in some public libraries.
Small adverts
As well as books, libraries contain a variety of advertisements
about local activities, entertainment, places of interest to visit
and local special events (fairs, carnivals). They also have a wide
range of reference books including information on obtaining grants,
further
study, bus and train timetables and accommodation.
Local newspapers and shop notice boards are good places to look
if you want to find out local activities, events or places to visit.
When you visit shops in the town, look out for advertisements, even
if you do not need anything. You may see something that you will
need in the future. Newspapers, supermarkets and local shops often
contain job adverts and ‘Small Adverts’, from anyone
who wishes to sell something. Have a look if you need furniture,
a bicycle or kitchen utensils!
Museums
Museums contain a wide range of local information including advertisements
of activities, societies and various groups.
Tourist Offices
Tourist Offices have a great deal of information about places
of interest, historic houses, places to stay and accommodation whilst
travelling. The tourist office will usually be able to make inquiries
about places if you are thinking of visiting a different town or
city whilst in the UK.
Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)
CAB's are useful if you have any legal problems, difficulties
with purchases, problems with accommodation or landlords, or if
you just need to know what you are entitled to in a situation. Even
if they cannot help you, they will often know who can. The local
office can be found from the telephone directory or on the Citizens
Advice website.
Your Students’ Union may also be able to give advice of this
nature.
The Police
The police are well respected in the UK and will be very pleased
to help you if they can. Apart from dealing with law and order issues,
it is always worth going into your local police station if you lose
anything while you are out. Lost property is often handed in to
the local police station. If you come across an accident, it is
always worth contacting the police. You should also report any crimes
at your local police station, for example if somebody steals something
from you. Click here to read about
what to do in the case of an emergency.
If you are disabled
If you are disabled in any way, or have special needs, talk to
your college about how they may be able to help you. If you want
to travel about locally or nationally whilst you are staying in
the UK then, depending on your needs, there are several organisations
that may be able to help you. Contact the Royal Association for
Disability and Rehabilitation for more information:
Phone: 020 7250 3222 • email: radar@radar.org.uk
• Web Site: www.radar.org.uk
The Yellow Pages
The Yellow Pages is a local directory, giving you details of shops
and companies who provide different types of products and services.
There may be a copy of the directory in the place where you live.
You can also look up local companies, eg local taxi companies, your
nearest cinema on the on-line version of the Yellow Pages, www.yell.com.
Images: www.freeimages.co.uk
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