FAQ
If there is an emergency, whom should I contact?
Where will I be able to use the Internet in London?
I have heard that London is very expensive. How expensive?
How can I phone my friends and family in my home country?
I would like to see some sights in London in the evenings and at the weekends. Is this easy to arrange?
What would you recommend that I visit in London?
Can I get free health care in the UK?
What is the best way to travel within London?
How can I get around London?
Bank Account
Can I open a bank account in the UK?
To open an account in the UK you typically need a number of forms of identification and proof of where you are living here. This has meant that it can be difficult to open account as a student. If you are one of our current students Answer English is happy to write to our Banking Partner HSBC (Tottenham Court Road branch) to assist you in your application process. You will be subject to HSBC's credit checks and terms & conditions and we cannot in anyway guarantee that they will open an account for you. For more information Contact Us.
Emergency
If there is an emergency, whom should I contact?
If it is an absolute emergency (your life or that of a friend is in danger) then you should dial 999 from any phone and ask for the police, ambulance or fire service. Try to stay calm and answer the questions asked as best you can. Typically you will need to describe what has happened and where you are located. If you are ill, let your host family or the receptionist at the accommodation you are staying with know. They will be able to call a doctor for you. Please also let us know as soon as possible so we can inform your school. If you need to speak to us outside of normal office hours please call us on 07944 104 973.
Internet
Where will I be able to use the Internet in London?
All of our schools provide computers for you to use and have Wi-fi access to the Internet. Many homestays have Internet access but this is not guaranteed. There are many inexpensive Internet Cafes / Wi-fi points in London for you to use in your spare time.
Living Cost
London certainly can be an expensive city to visit or live in. We at Answer English however can show you how to enjoy London and not spend lots of money. When you book a course with Answer English every student receives Guide to Studying in London which includes many practical tips of how to save you money.Phoning Home
Using your mobile from your own country to make and Receive calls whilst in the UK is very expensive. We recommend for receiving calls to buy a UK SIM Card. This typically costs £10 from a mobile phone dealer. To make calls you may like to consider cheap phone calling cards and use a fixed line.Sightseeing
I would like to see some sights in London in the evenings and at the weekends. Is this easy to arrange?
Yes, and we are here to help. Start by looking speaking to the Social Events organiser at your language school. They will be able to let you know the Programme available at your school. We at Answer English also organise regular events including 5-a-side Football, Walking Tours and Pub Meet-ups. Check out our Social Events. London is undoubtedly one of the most exciting places to visit in the world. If you like History you can step back in time visiting the Tower of London, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. If you like visiting Tourist sites, London has some of the most recognised landmarks in the world like Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. If you like Museums and Art Galleries, then you can go to the British Museum, the Natural History and Science Museums, not forgetting the Tate Gallery. If you like music, then come to London the home of rock and roll and the birthplace of Punk. If you like shopping, head to Notting Hill and Camden markets for a bargain or trail the ‘high street’ along Oxford and Regent’s streets. Whatever you like you will love London.Health Care
Can I get free health care in the UK?
To find out if you are eligible for NHS (National Health Service) treatment go to www.dh.gov.uk. This is only a guideline. In general, you should be able to get some free health care if you are: on a full-time course in the UK for 6 months or more, from a European country (you should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)), or from a country with a healthcare agreement with the UK.Transport
What is the best way to travel within London?
London has an incredible public transport system. To ensure that you pay the cheapest fare we recommend that you get yourself an Oyster Card. This is an electronic “smartcard” that replaces paper tickets and can be used on the Underground, trams, buses, DLR, London Overground and some national rail services in London. Using an Oyster Card saves you money and time because it always automatically calculates the cheapest fare for the journeys you make in a day and you just need to top it up with cash or renew your Travelcard/Bus Pass when needed and in advance! You can get your Oyster card at most Underground stations for a deposit of £3. To find your way around London by Public Transport we recommend using the Transport for London website. This easy to use site gives you the quickest way to get between two points in London. Go to Journey Planner.