Useful information

Usef ul Information

Where can I go to eat?

The best option is to go to one of the cafes or takeaway food outlets on campus at Docklands, including Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Subway and Papa John’s.

There is also a fish and chips bar directly outside Cyprus station, which is very affordable or Asda food shop is a 10minute walk from the University.

Where are the nearest restaurants?

The nearest restaurants to Docklands can be reached by bus in just a few minutes. There is McDonalds in Beckton, and Nando’s and Bella Italia at Gallions Reach Shopping Centre. You can find KFC and Creams at Beckton Triangle Retail Park.

Where can I go food shopping?

Grocery stores local to Docklands include Asda, which is approximately 10-minutes’ walk away and two stops on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Tesco is approximately a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride. A small Co-op is a 5minute walk along the dockside from the East Village.

I need to see a doctor – how do I sign up?

Your nearest medical practice at Docklands is Royal Docks Medical Practice. You will need to call them first and find out how to register as a patient: 020 7511 4466. Address: Royal Docks Medical Centre, 21 E Ham Manor Way, London E6 5NA.

If you do not live on campus or in the area, then you will need to register with your local GP. For more information, visit: nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps.

I am an international student, how can I set up a bank account in the UK?

Setting up a bank account in the UK makes it easier to pay bills, keep your money safe, and avoid foreign currency charges you would otherwise be paying if you used a non-UK bank account to pay for things in the UK.

Setting up a bank account can take a long time, as banks will need lots of information to verify your identity and credit rating.

Check whether you can make an application from your home country to save time and check whether your current bank has any links to UK banks, as this will make the process smoother.

Student bank accounts are a great option, as they offer numerous benefits to students. Find out more about the different accounts available here: savethestudent.org/money.

Since it can take a while to get a bank account set up, and around 10 days for your debit card to arrive, it is best to take money with you to cover the first month

of your stay – we would recommend a prepaid card for this. Find out more: savethestudent.org/money/studentbanking.

I need a job – can I work in the UK?

Firstly, visit Randstad recruitment agency on-campus to find out about casual jobs at the University and in the local area.

You can also sign up to the University’s online Career Zone to view the job board and receive emails with all the latest job vacancies. Register for this service by visiting: careerzone.uel.ac.uk.

There are also many job search websites, including: reed.co.uk, indeed.co.uk and totaljobs.com.

You should not be asked to pay for help finding work or if you are offered a job. Do not take a job if you have any doubts about whether you will be paid or treated properly or if the employer will always act lawfully. The UK Government has guidance on what you can expect when looking for a job: gov.uk/jobsearch-rights.

Find out more about who can work and your work rights by visiting the website of the UK Council for International Student Affairs: ukcisa.org.uk.

You will need to apply for a NI number

Your National Insurance number (NI number) is a unique personal number which is used to record your National Insurance contributions. You do not need to have a NI number before starting work, but you must obtain one when you get a job. You can find more information about National Insurance numbers and how to obtain one at gov.uk/apply-nationalinsurance-number.

How can I travel cheaply in London?

If you visit London, you may want to use the DLR (Docklands Light Rail), the Underground (Tube) or other public transport.

As a student in London, you can apply for an 18+ student Oyster card which gives you 30% discount. If you are over 25 years old, you will need to ask the University to provide proof that you are eligible.

You can also pay with a contactless debit or credit card. This allows you to ‘tap in’ and ‘tap out’ by placing your card on a reader which opens gates to enter and exit the stations.

Just remember to check where you can use your Oyster (the area extends outside central London) because if you travel outside the permitted area, you will be fined.

The Transport for London (TFL) website has useful information about travelling by public transport: tfl.gov.uk.

What are the top areas in London that I should see as a student?

There are many cool areas in London to visit and each has its own characteristics and charm. Here are just some of the places that we think are worth visiting!

For history...

Greenwich

The beautiful district of Greenwich is close to Docklands. Known for its maritime history, it is home to the Cutty Sark, a restored 19th-century ship, the huge National Maritime Museum, and the classical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College. You can also find the modern O2 arena nearby, hosting music concerts and sporting events. Overlooking peaceful Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory is the site of the Greenwich meridian line.

Tower Bridge

This area is full of history with lots of tourist attractions. Think the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Tower Hill. Also, within walking distance is the Southbank, with the world-renowned theatre Shakespeare’s Globe and the famous British art gallery, Tate Modern.

For art...

Shoreditch

One of London's oldest markets, Spitalfields, and the infamous Rivington Street can be found in Shoreditch. Rivington Street is an awesome place with over 20 pieces of street art within 2-3 minutes of each other by the likes of Banksy and Thierry Noir. Spitalfields Market offers a wide selection of fashion and hand-made items. Stratford

Westfield Stratford City is a great shopping and leisure destination to shop, to eat, and to meet friends. Find luxury and high street retailers within the architecturally stunning centre. There is a state-of-the-art cinema, gym and spa.

Woolwich

Get the ferry from North Woolwich to Woolwich (free travel) and you will find a Tesco Extra, clothes shops and fresh produce markets.

For culture...

West End

The West End is home to some of London’s top attractions.

See world-class art at The National Gallery or The Royal Academy of Arts. Channel your inner geek at the London Film Museum or The British Museum.

Grab a selfie in front of the iconic lights at Piccadilly Circus. Get snap-happy in Trafalgar Square, London’s “home of film”, where some of London’s best cinemas roll out the red carpet for Hollywood stars during film premieres.

Take a walk around the iconic and historic department stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Fortnum and Mason.

There is never a dull moment in London’s West End bar and nightlife scene, with things to do throughout the evening and into the early hours.