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London is home to plenty of galleries, from the small ones in the East End housing the latest Brit Art, to the vast national galleries. Most of London’s galleries are FREE, including the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square and the two Tates (Tate modern on the south bank is worth visiting for the building alone). But don’t forget SOAS has its own gallery, the Brunei Gallery, opposite the main building showing exhibitions of Asian and African art.

 

The Brunei Gallery houses two gallery spaces. It’s free so no excuse to miss “Objects of Instruction: Treasures of SOAS” for the first time showcasing the schools own archive to students, scholars and the general public. The launch exhibition will be in October. If you can’t wait you can view the display online at www.soas.ac.uk/art. The exhibition will lead to a permanent display at the Foyle Special Collections Gallery.

 

The Brunei also houses the SOAS bookshop (an offshoot of Arthur Probsthain’s), and a Japanese rooftop garden. The garden is an undiscovered zone of tranquillity in an otherwise hectic atmosphere.

 

The traditional view of the British student lifestyle is that of 18 year olds out of their heads on cheap Students’ Union beer. Like all stereotypes this is only partly true. Yes alcohol figures in plenty of students’ lifestyles, but don’t feel pressured into drinking. Different people have different limits and different hangovers too. Alcohol is a drug which is effectively a depressant. And drinking to get drunk can have serious health ramifications.

 

There are lots of nice places to drink, including the SOAS Bar, but if you or someone you know is having problems with drinking there are a number of people you can talk to. The SOAS Counsellors, Nightline and the Health Service are all qualified to give you confidential advice.

 

 

You may have been sent a reading list by your department. You may get one in your first week. Do not go out and buy all of these books. Some you may never use, some may only be relevant to one week of the course. All will be in the SOAS library. That said it will soon become clear which books you may need to buy, which is when a judicious trawl of the loyal second hand shops will save you a lot of money. Judd Books on Marchmont Street, and Skoob (in the back of the Brunswick Centre) are good places to pick up bargains.

 

Alternatively, for new books, try Arthur Probsthain’s Books on Great Russell Street and the Waterstones on Malet Street (which has a second hand section). The second hand shops will also buy back your books and both give a 10% discount with your NUS card. Borders in Angel hold occasional ‘20% off for students’ days on all books, CDs, DVDs ect.

 

 

This tatty old shopping centre cum housing development has been magically transformed into an all singing all dancing local destination. Opposite Russell Square Tube, it now has all sorts of restaurants, shops to take your money. But they also have the Hare & Tortoise Noodle Bar, the Renoir cinema and Skoob 2^nd hand books. And is generally a nice place to hand out (or a mark of the creeping gentrification of the area…)

 

 

All students get an email account on registration. It will consist of your 6-digit student number (on your SOAS ID card), ending in @soas.ac.uk (e.g 123456@soas.ac.uk). The password is your date of birth, e.g 17-FEB-85. You must include the dashes. For a nicer address send an email to getalias@soas.ac.uk. In the text part pyt ‘preferred address’[space] ‘old address’ e.g f.blogs 123456. Remember you can access e-mails and your network files from anywhere through http://studyview.soas.ac.uk.

Note: the best kept secret (until now) is the spacious IT room at Vernon Sq. It is open until 9pm, and hardly anyone uses it, most prefer the crush at Russell Sq. There’s also an Internet Café there.

 

When you connect your laptop in SOAS you will need to log on using your email address (e.g 123456@soas.ac.uk) and password. Student access points are in the library reading room and at Vernon Square. For instructions on how to connect to the wireless network, click the help button on the study view page. IT organise training in word processing, spreadsheets and databases during autumn term. The helpdesk will be happy to assist with any difficulties that arise. The training courses require a deposit returnable after completion.

 

Details can be found by clicking the IT training button on the IT Homepage: http://mercury.soas.as.uk/it. The SU and Student Reps regularly talk with the IT department, so pop in or email if you have constructive criticism to make!

 

 

Drugs are illegal – simple as that. On the other hand we know that some of you might experiment during your time at SOAS, and the best advise we can give you is to make sure you are safe. Try and get as much information as possible and always know what you are taking and what its possible effects (positive and negative) on your body will be. If you feel that someone else is having a problem with drugs you can talk to the Student Counselling Service or the U of L Health Service. There is also the governments’ confidential advice line and website which gives you more information about the effect of drugs on your brain and body.

 

 

When you come into Russell Sq, on your right before the barriers you’ll find leaflets and the school ‘Diary’ for the week. These are lectures, conferences or concerts, and anyone can come, unless otherwise stated. Also find it online at www.soas.ac.uk/events. But once you get through the barriers into the vibrant JCR, that’s where you’ll find the inch-deep collection of posters on notice boards vying for your attention. They range enormously: parties, debates, political marches, lobbies, film showings, exhibitions, karaoke, DJing, club, nights, sports…..!

 

 

Phillips building, room 251, 2^nd floor

Main building, room 326, 3^rd floor

Philips building, room 354, 3^rd floor

 

 

Don’t panic, the first week can be disorienting. You will need to compile your timetable from a list of courses posted outside your faculty office. Make sure you include your core courses and then choose your optional courses carefully. It’s a good idea to sit in a range of courses that interest you in the first week and eliminate options according to the experience. Get advice from your tutor on how valid different combinations of courses are.

 

 

Art Safari: There are loads of free independent art and photography galleries in the East End with cutting edge modern art. Mark it out in Time Out, or get a free map. Some will be terrible, some will be great; it’s all a nice way of spending an afternoon.

 

The Scoop: A free open-air amphitheatre by the GLA offices at Tower Bridge which has occasional free theatre and in the summer classic films. Take a picnic and enjoy this riverside locale.

 

Trafalgar Square: The Mayor’s flagship venue, which nearly every weekend has something weird and wonderful going on. From the Pet Shop Boys scoring Battleship Potemkin to Eat London (London made out of food) its well worth keep an eye out.

 

 

Your time at SOAS will fly by, so make the most of everything there is to offer! This will be you much sooner than you think.

 

Health (see also ‘Sexual Health’)

It is wise to register straight away with a GP. The Gower Street Practise covers anyone in Halls, and most of central London. Check once you have an address.  

 

 

Anxiety, stress, personal problems? You may find yourself under pressure, or maybe someone you know is finding it hard to cope. The Student Counsellors are there to listen. Their service is confidential and free, and they can advise you too. If things are getting you doing- study related or persona, don’t suffer in silence! Contact them.

 

 

Induction days for international students are the 22^nd & 23^rd of September. There will be info on social events, your S.U reps, helpful members of staff and organisations.

 

 

ISH (International Students’ House)

229 Great Portland Street (in leafy Regents Park) SOAS students get free membership to ISH, who aim to facilitate students of different cultures getting together and having a good time. They have various facilities: late and cheap bars, free internet in the café, restaurant, karaoke, wifi, fitness club and societies to join. They do free movies every Sunday night, cultural evenings, live music and show sports on the big screen. They also provide accommodation for short term or the full academic year.

T: +44 (0)20 7631 8300 – Switchboard

T: +44 (0)20 7631 8310- Accommodation

E: accom@ish.org.uk – Accommodation

W: www.ish.org.uk – ISH webpage

 

 

Host is a network of thousand of British people who enjoy inviting international students to their home as guests. It gives students the opportunity to spend a weekend, or even Christmas with a British ‘Host’

Visit: www.hostuk.org

 

 

The harsh fact is that you may need to get a part-time job to get by whilst studying. There is no one place that is good to go. The Union has a small number of jobs in the bar and shop, and ULU around the corner have plenty suitable for students. You may like to look further afield though. Always consider your studies when looking for work, don’t overload on hours, and recognise you will need time to read, write essays and relax. Bear in mind that the minimum wage for 18-21 year olds is £4.60 p/hour, and £5.52 for those 22 and over.

 

All students, even overseas students, can work up to 20 hours a week, unless there is a stamp in your passport prohibiting i. If you have problems with work, either finding it or your terms and conditions on the job, come and see the Welfare officer. It is unfortunate that you may have to work to afford to study, but always remember that study comes first and there are plenty of employment laws that protect your rights.

 

 

Vernon Sq and Halls are in the King’s Cross area – a major transport hub. It used to have a dodgy reputation, but is undergoing massive redevelopment as the Eurostar trains will be going in there in a years time. It is cleaning up before our very eyes.

Older guidebooks may warn you about it, but it’s much safer now, and you’ll have the benefit of living there as it becomes trendy.

 

Always wrapped in controversy the library is world renowned. It’s also gone wireless. Remember to book a tour, in the first few weeks of term. There are seminars during the year on how to use electronic resources or find articles online.

Locally the Charing Cross Library serves the community around Soho. It contains the Chinese Library, with a selection of books and cds：www.westminister.gov.uk/libraries/charing

 

SOAS has about 1000 lockers at the Russell Square Campus for your personal belongings. They are about the size of a sports bad and therefore you can’t live out of one, but they are useful if you have to tramp a lot of stuff back and forth from the library. To be allocated a locker do the following:

 

 

 

 

 

SOAS on Russell Sq is next to the daddy of all museums- The British Museum. Despite potentially dodgy origins of much of its collection there is no denying it is impressive. There are detailed African and Asian collections and its very useful for SOAS students. PLUS it’s free. In fact all of London’s national museums are free to enter!

 

 

One great thing about SOAS is the many concert organized by the music department, and sometimes by students of the music department. They’re always wonderful; you wouldn’t find anything similar anywhere in London. Past concerts have featured Tibetan monks (with their long, loud horn trumpets); Uighur musicians and dancers; the She’Koyokh klezmer ensemble (Jewish music), and well-known Chinese pipa and yangqin players. London is one of the centres of the musical world. From classical to Rock via Mongolian Overtone singing there are live venues in London for you to listen. There are about 50 gigs going on at any one night! Time Out is indispensable with its comprehensive listings of music venues and gigs.

The Union puts on as many small gigs as possible. ULU has a venue used by many up and coming bands and the Astoria is another good sized music venue nearby. Close to the halls is the Carling Academy, and Camden is a quick walk away for indie bands trying out new material. If classical music is more your thing try the free concerts at St Martins-In-The-Fields, Trafalgar Square.
For vuying music Oxford Street is nearby with both Virgin and HMV within a 20 minute walk. That said you can find good bargains in the independent, specialist and second hand record shops on Berwick Street, Soho. For musical instruments Denmark Street (aka Tin Pan Alley) is 10 minutes away at the base of Centre Point.

 

 

London Nightline is a confidential listening, support and information helpline for students in London, run and staffed solely by student volunteers.
If you need someone to talk to, call or email during term time.

020 7631 0101 (6pm to 8am)

 

 

The Phasing out of the old trusty NUS card has begun. This is the second year you can choose the NUS “Extra” card, offering special discounts at a one-off cost of £10. You can still opt for the free old NUS card, for now…

 

Bring a passport-size photo and your letter from the school, to the S.U stall over fresher’s week, (early to avoid the queues)!

 

For many of you coming to a new city for the first time, you’ll want to keep in touch back home. To find your way through the maze of companies, internet providers, mobile operators & phone card options, there is one website that can be your guide. That is www.moneysavingexpert.com which says:

 

Click on Phones/Utilities for up to date advice, and a ‘callchecker’ search engine which will search out the current cheapest method of making international calls. Save this page as it has advice and deals on cut all kinds of bills.

 

 

The standard British drinking venue, and there are thousands in London alone. Here are a few basic tips to start off with. You order your drink (and/or food) at the bar- do not expect table service. And often drinks are organised into round, where each person takes it in turn to buy everyone else’s drinks. This does work out equitably in the end- trust me. They usually close at 11-ish (with 20 minutes drinking up time), though recent rule changes mean there are more late night drinking venues around. SOAS Bar operates like a pub so that can be your ‘training’ pub.

 

 

The great British institution, the pub quiz, installed itself in SOAS Bar over the last few years and has become the prime way to win your team £50. All you have to do is know stuff, and you are at University so that should not be too hard. So get together a team, go down the bar on a Wednesday at 6:30 and answer twenty or so question. It’s as simple as that…

 

Eating in London is not cheap. That said with its multicultural population you’ll find some of the best world food. The cheapest choice may just be in the pub.

Five of the best eateries

 

THE HARE & TORTOISE: In the Brunswick Centre this cheerful noodle bar does great big bowls for under a fiver. I particularly recommend the Malaysian Chicken Curry.

 

BUSABA: New Thai eatery which has a lovely design and good food On store Street, five minutes from the main building.

PALMS OF GOA: Goan curry restaurant, does particularly fine fish curries. Charlotte Street is a good street (parallel to Tottenham Court Road) with plenty of restaurants to choose (from cheap to pricey).

 

LA PORCHETTA: The largest pizzas in London, and ones Italian Students assure us are the most authentic. For an average of £6, this friendly place off Queen’s Square is worth a visit (wine is very cheap too).

 

AFRICAN KICTHEEN GALLERY: A tiny place serving hearty African Stews on Drummond Street, by Euston Station. Nestled by lots of good cheap vegetarian curry house, Drummond Street is worth visiting.

 

 

It should be obvious, but it bears repeating: do it safely! To help with this there are a number of contacts you will find useful on the back pages. Whether it’s pregnancy tests, smear tests, counselling, confidential advice or emergency contraception, don’t hesitate!

 

In the Common Room on the Ground Floor at Russell Square are two SU retail outlets. The Stationary Shop, which sell all your study comestible plus basic toiletries and SOAS Union T-shirts and sweatshirts. The Snack Bar has a wide range of sandwiches snacks, cigarettes and the lifeblood of the student community: coffee and tea. Bring your own mug and get it cheap!

 

The Snack Bar & Shop are run by Khaled, you will soon get to recognise his welcoming face and if you have any queries or suggestions ask him. The staffs are all SOAS Students, the music is their own choice and all profits are fed back into the Union. Though as we are cheaper than any other local outlet, you’d be surprised there were profits at all!

 

 

Ah, Facebook! What did we do before it and its ilk? (We remembered who our friends were in our heads). Facebook is great, and everyone uses it, but a word of warning. They can be very open, and beware of putting too much info down. Also bear in mind that what may look officially SOAS may not be. If you can see it on facebook, so can your tutors, the School and everyone else. The SU website has a more secure social networking facility, and all the official info from us. Just be safe on the web.

 

 

They are quite expensive. Well the tube and buses are a bit pricey but at least you get a discount. Taxis are only cost effective if there are four or five of you, you aren’t going as far and it isn’t rush hour. If it’s a short distance you can probably walk. That said late at night a taxi can save your life (figuratively). But the big bulbous black taxis are the only ones you can hail on the street. Anyone else offering a lift is unlicensed, and may not be safe. Either book a licensed mini-cab or get a black cab.

Oh, and you can only hail black cab if its light is on. Don’t be angry if one drives past with its light off, it’s not for hire. 

 

Or ‘Oyster’ cards as they’re now called. Students are entitled to 30% of London transport, but you need a form. These are obtained from the registry at Vernon Sq. You will need to fill it out get it stamped by Registry, and send it of with a photo and £5.

 

The West End has some of the best theatre in the world. Accordingly it can be quite expensive. You can instantly save yourself money by going an hour before the performance and getting a Student Standby ticket, often ½ price tickets. There is also a half price ticket booth in Leicester Square. The national Theatre on the South Bank does good deals. Tickets at Shakespeare’s Globe start at £5.

 

Time Out will tell you where the best deals are; buy it at a discount in the S.U shop.

 

If you use a television or anything that receives or records TV (like a video recorder, set-top box or PC with broadcast card), you will need a TV licence, or you risk prosecution and fine up to £1000. A colour TV licence costs £135.50 per year. Those sharing a joint tenancy need one licence for their whole house. This doesn’t count in halls as each room is a separate tenancy. You can get a refund if you move out at least 3 months before it runs out- so buy a licence in October, cancel it in June, and reclaim the holiday months.

For ways to pay visit www.tvliscencing.co.uk or call 0870 241 6468

 

 

Big tip for survival in London. Treat yourself to a nice umbrella. It will rain!

 

 

Keep your eyes out when you are up at Vernon Square this year. Mysterious building works are afoot. The School recently got planning permission to put 100 new bedrooms on the site, hopefully open in 2008-9. The sites looks a bit tight now, but wait until 100 people live there too. Watch that space.

 

 

SOAS is a multi-faith environment. Apart from the various student societies representing various faiths, the school also have specific facilities. There are always Halal options in the canteen, and the S.U snack bar.

There is a University Chaplaincy open to all students and staff as a place to pray, reflect and be quiet irrespective of religious belief, in room F403 in the Faber building. It has regular events during term time including Roman Catholic Mass, and Holy Communion. It is only accessible via steps, so if that’s difficult for you contact the Chaplain to arrange to see you elsewhere. There are also single sex prayer rooms for Muslims: for women it is in the Brunei Gallery, 1^st floor (Friday go to LG65); for men it is LG65 in the main building (Friday go to L67). Room V220 at Vernon Square is designed as a multi-faith room.

The school website lists local places of worship from Temples to Mosques.

 

 

Soho- the traditional home of the x-rated scene is round the corner, but the mainstays are going mainstream. This creeping expansion superheaded by the saucy-knicker shops such as the legendary Ann Summers, has no reached as far as Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road (normally a haven for innocent books). There’s also strip clubs closer than you might think – pole dancing ‘gentleman’s club’ Spearmint Rhino is on Tottenham Court Road, and there’s another near Euston Station. It’s not all leery blokes though; uh-uh, lesbian club Candy Bar on Carlisle Street were ‘sweeping the capital’ according to Time Out (No 1827)

 

 

The mother of all a-z guides! And quite a nice colour too. Find it on the web: www.yell.com

 

And lastly don’t forget London Zoo!

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