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Where is the CAPA London Center? The CAPA London center is in the lively area of Kensington. Centrally located near the Gloucester and Earl’s Court tube stops, the CAPA London Center is only steps away from pubs, shopping, a supermarket, as well as Kensington Palace and Gardens. The classrooms in which most of your courses will be taught are conveniently located in and around the CAPA center. This will allow you to have easy access to the CAPA computer lab, and allows you to touch base with the CAPA support staff when necessary. Who is the local staff? CAPA’s International Programs Team staffs the CAPA center in London. They are true experts in their field, and you’ll find them to be a great resource on many British subjects, from the best place for fish and chips, to the directions to the closest metro station. How will I get to class? Please note that while the Underground is very convenient and easy to use, many lines are over 100 years old and there can be delays and overcrowding, especially during rush hour. Most Londoners pass the time reading a book or any of the free newspapers – always be sure to have something with you to keep you occupied and the journey will be much more enjoyable. If your program includes a metro-pass also called an Oyster card, it will be distributed at the orientation once in country. If your program does not include a metro-pass, you may want to consider purchasing one yourself. This can be done at most metro stations. Homestays Student Residences/Apartments Student apartments/residences all meet the following standard requirements:
Although all apartments will meet these criteria according to CAPA standards, please note that it is virtually impossible to find apartments exactly alike in every way. Some may have a television; others will be closer to the city center. Some may have a small terrace; others a larger kitchen. As many buildings within London were built in previous centuries, there is also a great variety in terms of building exteriors as well as interiors. Some apartments will be in modern, purpose built blocks while others may be in apartments that have been carved out of large Victorian homes – these tend to have layouts that are a bit more quirky and less efficient, but with a bit of character! Bear in mind that London apartments are not as spacious as those of the United States and will definitely be smaller than what you are accustomed to. Please be prepared for this and pack appropriately. You will receive specific information about your housing approximately 2 weeks prior to departure. If you are living with a host family, it may not be appropriate for you to use their telephone, as even local calls are not free. Please review the household telephone rules with your host family upon arrival. You will receive information about cell phone rental in your pre-departure pack or you may choose to rent or buy one once you arrive overseas. It is free to receive incoming calls on most mobile phones while in the UK, but be aware of roaming charges as well as the rates on outgoing international calls as these costs can build up quickly! How will I do my laundry? If a homestay includes laundry services, you may find that the home only has a washer and your clothing will be line-dried outside or hung on the radiators within the house. Plan appropriately for the extra time your laundry may take when packing. We suggest that you have mail and packages sent directly to the CAPA center in London, with your name and the school that you attend clearly marked on the outside of the package or letter. You can find this address in your pre-departure packet that you will receive before departing for London. Please be advised that when receiving packages from overseas, the sender must elect to assume all associated charges in shipping, including any customs fees. Failure to do so could delay or prevent you from receiving a package or even result in you getting a large customs bill! Can I have overnight guests? If you are living in a homestay, please be advised that most host families prefer that you not have guests at any hour of the day. Please be courteous of this, and arrange for visits with friends in outside locations. When arranging for visits from friends and family members, we suggest that you utilize the services of STA. STA travel can assist you in finding lodging close to the CAPA center, or your own housing, and within specific budgets. For more information call STA at (800) 224-0371. Is the electricity the same as in North America? No, the voltage in the UK is 220. It is advisable to bring both plug adapters and voltage converters with you as it is more expensive to purchase them in the UK. What is the weather like? London has a variable continental climate. Summers average at 73 degrees, fall and spring at 59 degrees, and winters dip down to 43 degrees on average. It can rain throughout the year, even in summer, so plan to buy an umbrella! That said, the sun will make an appearance for a reasonable portion of each month. In recent years, many have felt that London’s weather patterns have become even more erratic. Summer days can be described as sweltering, and although snow in the winter is quite unusual, it too has become an occurrence. While you cannot plan for everything, you can at the very least know to expect the unexpected with London weather! What clothes should I bring? Please see the CAPA student handbook for London for more details on recommended packing lists. How much money should I bring? Spending habits vary greatly from student to student – for example students living in student residences will need to budget appropriately for food and toiletries. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution, we generally recommend that students bring at least $140 - $175 per week. The frequency with which you travel, eat in restaurants, and go out in the evenings will determine your weekly expenditures. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the British pound is much stronger than the dollar. It can be easy to forget the actual dollar equivalent of what you’re spending. In the CAPA student handbook, you will find a “Do – It – Yourself” budget for London. Fill it in prior to departing the United States and bring it with you. After the first week and a half, check your actual spending against this budget to figure out if your habits will leave you with enough money to get through the program, and adjust accordingly. What form of currency should I bring? If you bring your ATM card overseas, be certain to talk to a representative at your bank to make sure that your card has international capabilities. Also find out about any other steps you might need to take before using your card overseas. If your PIN is longer than 4 digits, ask your bank representative what PIN you’ll use overseas. Many European ATMs operate off of a four digit PIN system. Almost all ATMs will add a fee for international transactions. You may want to get a credit card with a low credit line before going abroad as well. To keep better track of your spending, we’d recommend you use it in case of an emergency ONLY. As many airports don’t offer the best exchange, you might want to get some British Pounds (50 – 75 GBP) from your local bank before leaving the US. This might come in handy in case you need to take a taxi to the CAPA center or your housing. Should I open a bank account? Are there Internet facilities? Should I bring my laptop? Bringing a laptop is a personal decision. CAPA does not require the use of a laptop for anything. If you do bring one, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance on it. What happens if I get sick? Your healthcare coverage will operate differently overseas than in the United States. When visiting the doctor or hospital, you are required to pay up front for services. You will then be reimbursed up to $10,000 for this by the World Student Insurance policy, provided that you hold onto all receipts associated with your medical services. For minor symptoms, you’ll find that it may be wiser to solicit healthcare advise from a local pharmacist first. This is commonly done in London, and you’ll find it to be a quicker and more efficient way to receive care. If you are currently in counseling, you may want to set up weekly phone calls with your counselor. CAPA can provide you with a list of local counselors and psychologists, or your own psychologist may have some connections overseas. What will I eat? London is an international center, and you’ll find foods and flavors from all over the globe. If you are living in an apartment or a residence, you will be responsible for your own meals. In addition to the many supermarkets, try shopping at outdoor markets for local delicacies and the best that London and England have to offer. In comparison to the rest of Europe, British breakfasts are more similar to those of the United States. It may consist of anything from eggs and bacon and sausages, to toast or cereal. Lunch, again, is similar to what you’d be accustomed to in the United States. A sandwich, soup, or salad is the norm. Dinner in the UK is also quite similar to the traditional dinner in the US but with more international cuisine such as Indian curries or Asian stir-fries being served. If you are living with a host family, you can expect a light breakfast and balanced dinner provided that meals are included in your program. Please be forthcoming about any dietary restrictions you might have on your CAPA application, especially if you are living with a host family. CAPA will always do its best to accommodate these needs, but be advised that you may need to purchase some grocery items yourself if they will not be used by the host family. When can I travel and what are the holidays for my program? Please speak with your program coordinator for the specific dates of holidays during your program, such as semester breaks or long weekends. As these vacation dates can be subject to change, we suggest that you not make any lengthy travel arrangements until you arrive in country. The CAPA London Center also organizes day and weekend long excursions through a travel provider at special rates for CAPA students. You will learn more about these trips at orientation in country, and you can sign up for them at that time. It’s a fun and easy way to travel! Your weekends can also be used to travel. British train and bus systems are extensive. Discount flight carriers have also grown in popularity. Although these flights aren’t always reliable and have rigid luggage weight limitations, they are a very convenient way to travel on the weekends. Check out ryanair.com, easyjet.com, and skyscanner.net to name a few. How will I get to know the locals? The CAPA London Center is not affiliated with a university in London, and you will not be taking classes with local students. You will, however, find that CAPA’s My Education program will provide you with many opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. Additionally, the CAPA International Programs Team can recommend a number of individual opportunities, such as volunteering or local sports clubs, that you may want to get involved in overseas. Ultimately, the study abroad experience is as rich as you want it to be. The more you put into it, the more you will take away. How can I find out more on how to prepare?
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