London: local information

All the practical details you need. Can't find something? Just ask us a question.

School facts:

• Class size maximum 15 in General English classes; 16 in Diploma classes
• Number of students average 200, maximum 400
• Number of teachers average 15, maximum 25
• Minimum student age 16
• Average student age 18 - 25
• Internet There are 45 computers solely for students' use in the library; there are 4 classrooms with another 60 computers for use during and outside lessons; there is also wireless internet access throughout the school.
• Facilities Library/computer room; cafeteria serving hot food (always with vegetarian and Halal options); onsite student bookshop; interactive whiteboards.
• Accessibility The school and residence are accessible to wheelchair users.

• Nearest underground station: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest train station: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest bus stop: Directly outside the school
• Nearest shopping centre: 15 minutes by bus
• Nearest park: 15 minutes' walk
• Nearest bank: 15 minutes' walk
• Nearest post office: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest mosque: 15 minutes by bus
• Nearest church: 5 minutes' walk
• Nearest newsagent: Directly across the road
• Nearest coffee shop: 5 minutes' walk
• Nearest café/restaurants: 10 minutes' walk
• Nearest supermarket: Directly across the road

Cost of Living

We currently advise that students should budget approximately GB £100.00 per week. This will cover all transport, food and entertainment costs.

A few sample prices (all in GB £):

Item	Price
Item	Price
A cup of coffee (in a chain like Starbucks)	2.50 – 2.70
Can of Coca Cola	0.65
Big Mac hamburger	1.99
Hot meal in the school cafeteria with side salad, main course and dessert	5.00
Three course meal in a mid range restaurant	from 20.00. Add 10% tip.
Cinema ticket	6.00 to 7.00 (more expensive in Central London)
Nightclub entrance	4.00 upwards (more expensive in Central London)
Taxi	2.50 minimum and 20p for each additional minute (approx); more at night and weekends. It is usual to add a 10% or 15% tip.
Bus	2.00 per journey or 1.00 with an 'Oyster' card.

(information last updated July 2008)

Prices are in GB £. Access a currency converter here.

Download our London Student Handbook [PDF] for lots more information.

How to reach Embassy London

From central London, you can reach the school in 20 minutes. It is a 15 minute train ride from Waterloo East, or less than 10 minutes from London Bridge, followed by a 10-minute walk. Download a PDF with detailed directions here.

(information last updated July 2008)

Links:

National Express The UK's largest coach company - visit their website to plan your journey and book tickets. Try the Funfares page for bargain tickets from GBP 1.00.
National Rail Independent website featuring a journey planner, live station departure boards and information on service alterations, railcards and train companies.
The Train Line This website features a booking facility for trains, hotels and short holidays.
BAA Airports Official website for all UK airports - contains flight and terminal information, travel guides, and details on shopping and eating at the airports.
Megabus and Megatrain Bargain travel company offering train and coach seats from GBP 1.50 - book in advance for lower prices.
London Buses The official site features maps, fare and ticket information and an informative passenger help section.
Transport for London Contains route maps, timetables, a journey planner and guides to going out in London.

London facts

Hottest month August 82 - 90° F. Bring: summer clothes such as t-shirts, shorts and sandals, but be prepared for colder days, and even rain, with sweaters, light coats and jeans.
Coldest month January, 32° F. Bring: warm clothes, including sweaters, jeans, an outdoor coat or jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and good boots. Expect frequent rain, with a possibility of light snow.
Weather now Five-day forecast from the BBC
Time zone GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Time now World Clock
Greenwich best known for the Greenwich Meridian (the 0° longitude line); its naval history; its boutiques and cafes; the Cutty Sark ship (now being restored).
London best known for historic buildings; great shopping; the London Eye; its music scene; double-decker buses; its parks; films such as Notting Hill, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Sliding Doors.