PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS : FAQ
BILLING : BOOKS : PERSONAL FINANCES : HEALTH AND INSURANCE : COMPUTING : THE FLATS : STUDENTS : TELEPHONES : TRANSPORTATION AND DOCUMENTATION : VISITORS : WORKING IN LONDON
Many of the questions addressed on this page are answered in greater detail either in other parts of this site (indicated by a link) or in the printed materials distributed to students prior to their departure for London. We urge you to consult these other sources as well as this page.
BILLING
See : Finances
1. How much does it cost to go to London?
The usual Notre Dame tuition and room and board fees are charged to each student, plus a $600 international studies fee. This covers tuition, housing, a monthly allowance, and one round-trip ticket from a designated gateway city in the USA to London.
Students cover routine expenses such as the cost of books, theatre tickets, and transportation in London. In addition, students incur the cost of additional travel during breaks and personal purchases. The total sum therefore varies from student to student.
Students needing to estimate their expenses for the purposes of scholarship applications should consult with the London Program Office on campus.
2. Why, at the end of the London semester, might my Notre Dame account be billed for miscellaneous expenses incurred in London?
The various charges that you incur during the course of the semester will eventually be posted to your Notre Dame student account. These charges may include: the cost of tickets purchased for performance-based courses; the cost of visits to museums, galleries, and other places required for other courses; charges for photocopying and other items relating to courses; the fee charged for the use of your mobile phone, and if damaged or lost, a separate charge for that; any charges for using the library photocopier; fines for late or missing library books; fines for damage to or loss of Textbook Loan Scheme books, and charges for your share of damage to or loss of items from your flat. They may be offset by a credit for the sale of any books to the Program.
3. Why might there be charges for photocopying on my Notre Dame account?
Costs for photocopies handed out in class are divided between all the students taking that class. If a class is expected to have high photocopying charges this is noted on the course description. The photocopier in the Library operates on a pin-code system which enables you to charge copies to your student account.
4. Will my financial aid continue in London?
Yes. Financial aid continues as on campus.
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BOOKS
1. Should I buy my books before leaving campus?
Unless students are otherwise notified regarding a particular class, there is no need for students to purchase their books before leaving campus. The London Program contracts with a major British bookseller for the provision of course textbooks, and these are supplied in the edition recommended by the professor. Students may also find that some books are cheaper in the UK than they are in the USA.
In addition, the Program buys back many course textbooks from students at the end of each semester and lends them to students in the following semester. Students will be charged a small fee to join the Textbook Loan Scheme, enabling them to borrow many of their textbooks.
2. Can I charge book expenses to my account?
No. Because our bookseller is not a Notre Dame affiliate, students must pay for books by cash or by credit card.
Textbook Loan Scheme charges will be to your account.Should the damage to borrowed books exceed the amount of the deposit, charges will be made to the responsible student's Notre Dame account at the end of the semester.
3. Can I buy all the books I need for my courses in London?
Almost always. The Program will notify students if there is any need to purchase books for a particular course prior to departure.
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PERSONAL FINANCES
See : Finances
1. Will my financial aid continue in London?
Yes. All financial aid continues as on campus.
2. Will there be charges for each withdrawal I make from an ATM?
Charges for ATM withdrawals originate from two sources. The first is from the issuing bank, which may charge an international transaction fee even if it does not charge a domestic one. Sometimes, students are able to negotiate a reduction or elimination of this fee prior to departure. The second source of fees is the bank whose ATM is used for the transaction. Charges are usually in the range of $1 to $2. Some British banks charge such fees; others do not.
3. Will my debit cards work in London?
Many, but not all, US debit cards will work throughout Europe. Those linked to Maestro/Cirrus (Mastercard) and Plus (Visa) seem to work most consistently. Consult with the issuing bank to:
- Verify that it is part of an international network and that the card is authorized for use on that network.
- Identify any fees that might be charged for international use.
- Identify any limits on daily withdrawals.
4. How expensive are basic supplies in London (groceries, toiletries, stationery, etc.)?
Prices will vary, depending on how and where you shop, but looking at the websites of some of the UK's major supermarkets, such as Tesco and Sainsbury's, will give you a good idea. If you are asked for a postcode, use SW1Y 4HG, the postcode of the London Centre.
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HEALTH AND INSURANCE
See : Medical Provision and Medical Care
1. Must I have insurance to participate in the London Program?
Yes. Health and accident insurance is mandatory for all students studying abroad, according to official University policy.
2. How much does insurance cost?
Costs will vary from provider to provider. Please consult the insurance carrier of your choice.
3. How do I get insurance?
If your existing medical insurance does not cover routine care required outside the USA, you may elect to supplement it with additional coverage. The University's division of risk management and safety has arranged a limited-term policy available from HTH Worldwide. Parents will receive a letter from the University regarding this policy. For information regarding HTH, please contact Notre Dame's director of risk management and safety at (574) 631 5037 or visit the HTH website.
Students who purchase an International Student Identification Card (ISIC card) automatically receive insurance covering certain eventualities such as lost luggage. Please consult the ISIC brochure for details when you receive your card.
It is also important to have suitable insurance for your personal belongings, especially if you chose to bring a laptop. Make sure that your insurance policy covers all your personal belongs while you are living in London and while you are travelling throughout Europe. Remember that existing insurance policies may not provide adequate cover outside the USA.
4. How do I go about consulting a physician?
The Rectors in London maintain a list of names and addresses of medical practices where students have received satisfactory medical care in the past and will provide students with directions for addressing any medical situation which might arise. Students whose insurance requires them to consult physicians from a particular list of approved providers are responsible for obtaining that list.
When consulting a physician in the UK, Notre Dame students are considered to be "private patients" for the purpose of routine medical care. As such, they must pay in cash at the time of their visit. Typical charges run in the region of £60 to £90, but these are often reimbursable through insurance. Those seeking reimbursement from their US insurance carriers should obtain detailed treatment/billing records from the physician.
5. Can I receive counselling in London, if the need arises?
Yes. The Rectors maintain a list of names and addresses of practices where students have received satisfactory mental health care in the past. Students in counselling prior to departure should consult with their counsellors to obtain a referral. Students should set up an appointment for a date soon after arrival in order to address any adjustment issues.
6. Do I need to get any vaccinations or immunizations for London?
No immunizations are needed for US citizens entering the UK. You would always do well, however, to check that your regular immunizations are up to date.
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COMPUTING
See : Computing
1. Will I have internet access in the Residences?
Yes. From Fall 2008, in the new residence buildings, free wireless internet will be provided throughout by the landlords.
2. Are the computers in the London Centre connected to the Internet?
The London Centre is wired for a computer network in much the same way as the residence halls at Notre Dame are wired for ResNet. All computers in the building are connected to both our internal network and the Internet.
The London Centre computer network is not an integrated part of the Notre Dame network, but computer support staff in South Bend and in London strive to make it easy for both locations to exchange information. Students will notice some differences, but they are minor and it does not take long for students to adjust to the way things are set up in London.
3. Will I use my same email address? How do I set-up my email?
You will use your standard Notre Dame email address. Family and friends can continue to send email to you as they always have, and you will be able retrieve it as you always have.
The best way for sending and receiving email is via Notre Dame's WebMail, OWA or Student Gmail. Use of Eudora, Netscape, or Microsoft Outlook is not encouraged on lab machines.
4. Where are the computer rooms?
There are computer laboratories in the London Centre. There is one main Undergraduate computer lab 3:10 containing 16 windows PC's, this lab is equipped with a scanner, CD Burners and a networked printer.
In the basement there are 2 computers open to everyone which are attached to a scanner and networked printer.
There are also three reference stations in the Undergraduate Library, for use with the online catalogue. These machines should not be used for general computing.
You must bring your Notre Dame student ID card to London, as you will need it to enter the London Centre, to use the LUP Library, and to gain access to the computer rooms.
5. What software is available?
The London Centre provides the same selection of Internet applications as campus does. The Windows computers have WordPerfect, Microsoft Office, AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo, MSN, and SSH FTP.
6. When are the computer rooms open?
The London Centre computer labs are open during all London Centre opening hours.
7. Can I access my files in my Netfile space?
Yes. It is recommended that you use sshFTP or Fetch or Webfile to transfer files to and from your Netfile space. Considering the great distance involved and the susceptibility of data to become corrupt, these are better options than connecting real-time with your account in South Bend.
8. Should I bring a laptop to London?
A recent survey shows that most students on the London Program find it very useful to have a laptop, since laptops with wi-fi access have the ability to access files, print to network printers, and send and receive email. Laptops come in handy when everybody has a paper due and the computer labs are fully occupied for long periods. Given the portability and small size of most laptops, it is also handy to have your laptop with you in the flats.
If you bring a laptop to London please make sure that it is insured. Also, make sure you bring your power supply - see FAQ 12 for more information.
If you suffer from technical difficulties while you are in London, it is possible that you may need to re-install the software on your laptop. Either bring with you the original operating system and software dvds, or ensure that someone back home has easy access to them and is willing to send them to you if you need them.
9. What do I need to make my laptop work in London?
To connect your laptop to the network in London your laptop needs to have a wireless adaptor or Ethernet card inbuilt or attached.
10. If I buy a new laptop, what do you recommend?
The Notre Dame Solutions Center has tested many brands and currently sells Dell, Gateway, Compaq, Apple and IBM brand laptops. Check its website to see which makes it recommends as being suitable for ResNet. Remember that any laptop that works on ResNet will work on the London network.
11. What kind of Ethernet card should I buy? What will it cost? Where can I get it installed? What will that cost?
Please refer to the Notre Dame Solutions website for information.
12. If I bring my laptop, do I need to buy a power transformer?
Most laptops run on direct current, so they come with transformers that convert alternating current into direct current. If you look on the power supply that came with your laptop, you will see (probably in very small print) some specifications concerning an input voltage range. If your power supply indicates that it can accept an input voltage range from 100 to 240 volts, then you do not need to buy a new transformer to use your laptop in London. All you will need is a plug adapter which lets you insert an American-style 2- or 3-prong plug on one side, and in turn plugs into a British-style 3-prong outlet on the other side. In short, the voltage is not usually a problem, but the difference in the shape of the electrical plugs is. We suggest that you wait until you arrive in London to buy a plug adapter. These can be purchased at any pharmacy or electronics store.
If your power supply can accept an input voltage range of only 100-120 volts, then you will need to buy a power transformer as well. These can be purchased at an electronics store (preferably in the UK) or at an airport.
13. If I have any other computing questions, what should I do?
Please contact the London Centre's IT consultant Craig Thomson on londonit@nd.edu
14. Why might I not have received the latest mailing / email / listserv?
The most common cause of missed mailings, emails, or listservs is the student's failure to provide us with accurate contact information. All students are responsible for providing the Program with their most up-to-date mailing address, telephone number, and email address. Should any of this information change, please inform us as soon as possible.
Students on campus should be aware that delivery of some mailings can only be as prompt as the mail clerk for a given residence hall. If your mail clerk is particularly negligent, please speak to your rector about resolving the problem.
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THE FLATS
See : Accommodation
1. Can I get into the flats early?
No. Students arriving on their own must arrive at the flats between 9.30am and 12.00noon on the day when the group flights arrive. Students arriving early must arrange for their own accommodation and luggage storage.
2. Can I stay in the flats later?
No. The flats close on the day when the group flight departs. Students staying late must arrange for their own accommodation and luggage storage.
3. Can I store luggage at the flats?
No. There are, however, luggage storage facilities at the airports, some major train stations, and at other locations around London.
4. How does one send packages to the flats?
Use the address of the flats, taking care to include the University name, which reinforces the idea that the recipient is a student who will either consume or return with the contents. If personal items (for example, clothing or contact lenses) are being sent, note on the Customs Declaration that the package "contains US goods that are for temporary import only, to be returned to the USA." If the items are "used goods", this fact should also be noted on the Customs Declaration. If a Care Package is being sent, indicate that the contents are "dried food goods." The package can be sent as a "gift" with a low value.
5. How does one send flowers or candy to a student? Can the Program order a birthday cake to be delivered to a student?
No, we do not arrange for delivery of any items to a student. Several local grocery stores, such as Tesco, have bakeries and florists. They will take online orders and deliver to the student's flat.
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FLATMATES / ROOMMATES / STUDENTS ON THE PROGRAM
1. When will I learn who my flatmates will be?
You will receive the names of your flatmates in the final mailing - in August (for fall) or December (for spring) - prior to your departure.
2. How are my roommates chosen?
You will choose your own roommates from among your flatmates upon your arrival in London.
3. How can I contact former London Program participants?
Students preparing to go to London are encouraged to contact members of the London Program Student Advisory Council with any questions they may have about the London Program. Contact information for Council members can be found under Returned Students.
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TELEPHONES
1. How does one place a telephone call to London?
From the USA dial 011 (the International Access code), then 44 (the UK country code), and then the number you wish to reach. Note that within the UK each area code is designated by an initial "0". You must omit this "0" when dialling from outside the UK. So, for example, a person in the USA wishing to call the London Program Office in London (telephone number: 020 7484 7811) would dial: 011 44 20 7484 7811.
2. Should I buy telephone calling cards in the USA or the UK?
International phone calling cards are widely available in London at inexpensive rates. A card purchased in the USA might not work in London.
3. Will I have a mobile phone in London?
Yes. All students in the Program are required to have a mobile phone on a British network. During orientation, you will be able to rent a "Pay as You Go" mobile phone from the Program for £5. You will be responsible for crediting your mobile through the use of £20 vouchers or through electronic "Top-Up" cards found at local shops. You may be exempted from the rental program if you provide your own mobile phone with a local British number.
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TRANSPORTATION AND DOCUMENTS
1. If I need to take a domestic flight to connect with my international group flight, do I have to use the Program's travel agent to arrange my domestic flight?
No. However, our travel agent, Anthony Travel, is generally able to arrange reduced rates for the domestic flight. Being fully aware of the arrangements for the international flight, our agent will allow sufficient time for making connexions between the domestic and international flight. In addition, our agent will monitor the domestic flight and arrange for a replacement flight, should there be a cancellation or delay in the domestic flight. Our agent will notify the student about any change in itinerary.
2. Will I be picked up in London?
Yes. Students who travel on one of the group flights will be met at the airport by Notre Dame staff and taken to the flats in coaches (chartered bus) provided by the Program.
3. Which students need visas?
US citizens studying in the London Program for a single semester do not need a visa.
Non-US citizens may need a visa, regardless of the length of stay.
Please check with the British Consulate for details.
4. Does the London Program on campus need a photocopy of my passport?
No. Students are advised, however, to take a photocopy with them to London and to leave a photocopy with their parents. On arrival in London, students should place a photocopy of their passport in their safe. If a student loses a passport when travelling, the Rectors will then be able to fax a copy of the passport to the US embassy in the country in which the student is travelling. Generally speaking, being able to produce a photocopy will always speed up the process of replacing a lost or stolen passport.
5. Do I need to get any vaccinations or immunizations for London?
No immunizations are needed for US citizens entering the UK. Students always do well, however, to check that their regular immunizations are up to date.
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VISITORS
1. What is the best time for my family and friends to visit me, should they wish to do so?
We urge family and friends to respect both students' academic schedules and the Program's Regulations. Visitors should be reminded that students frequently book travel well in advance of their break.
2. When does the Program have its break?
Breaks are scheduled to coincide with the main campus' break. As the precise dates will vary from semester to semester, you should check the Program's Calendar for details.
3. Can visitors stay in the flats?
No. Owing to lack of space, the requirement to maintain security, and the general needs of the community, no overnight guests are allowed in the flats. Residents must file a guest form and sign in each guest. Forms for immediate family members of Program students (and Notre Dame and St Mary's students, faculty, and staff) are submitted directly to the reception desk at the student residence. For all other guests, students should obtain prior permission from the Rectors to host them in the flats. Guests may be present in the residences between the hours of 10.00am and midnight when accompanied by a resident. All guests must be signed in and the Rectors reserve the right to remove guests.
We regret that fire regulations restrict the number of people allowed in the building at any given time.
4. Does the Program recommend hotels for visitors?
No, we cannot recommend hotels for visitors. However, the Rectors maintain a list of hotels used by previous visitors. This list reflects a range of locations and prices. As this list undergoes continuous revision, we advise students to obtain the latest version from the Rectors and convey the information to prospective visitors. We also advise students to inspect all accommodation for their prospective visitors before booking.
5. What is the semester's calendar? When do I go to London? When do I return to the USA?
Please consult the Program's Calendar for these and other relevant dates.
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WORKING IN LONDON
1. Are there work-study jobs in London?
There are no work-study jobs in London. Students in the London Program are admitted to the UK on six-month visitor visas, and under British immigration law holders of such visas are prohibited from engaging in paid employment while they are in the UK.
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