Newbold College Of Higher EducationSURVIVAL GUIDE

Packing up your life and moving to another country for a year can be a daunting and even scary experience. However, it can also be a very exciting and fun adventure. You are about to embark on an adventure at Newbold College of Higher Education. Most of this adventure involves figuring out some things on your own and experiencing mishaps, but we decided

DEAR FUTURE ACA UNITED KINGDOM STUDENT,

to give you some packing guidelines and some helpful hints that we hope will make the start of your adventure more enjoyable and a little less stressful.

Think of it as a set of guidelines or suggestions, not rules. Enjoy and don't be afraid to try new things, have crazy adventures, and learn as much as you can!

From,Returned ACA students who know what you will be going through

SWIMSUITFor your trip to Cornwall, which is a trip to the beach, you should take swimming clothes, but it will be really cold.

CHRISTMAS BANQUETBring one formal outfit for the Christmas banquet.

DRESS CODEThere is no dress code.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Sabbath at New Bold

CHURCH CLOTHESThere is a church on campus. You can dress how you wish, but you should be respectful.

ATHLETIC CLOTHESThere are sports activities, a gymnasium, and a workout room on campus.

WALKING SHOES You will do a lot of walking during your year in Europe. You can walk to town if one day you feel like it as well. There are also a lot of trips, and you will be walking most of the time.

FLIP-FLOPS You may want these for the showers on campus or in hostels. Keep in mind that men have community showers in the dorms whereas the women have their own bathroom in their room.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

Cafeteria and guest house at Newbold

WINTER CLOTHES It will be cold during the winter, also rainy and windy. Rain boots, umbrellas, and any rainy-weather clothes would be good to bring.

FALL CLOTHESFall clothes are also good to bring. It does not really get warm enough for summer clothes.

THE ESSENTIALS: CLOTHES

January February March April May June

41 41 45 48 55 56

July August September October November December

56 58 59 52 45 41

Average Temperatures in Binfield, United Kingdom (˚F)

BIBLE

It is always good to carry a Bible with you no matter where you go.

JOURNAL:

You’ll want this to keep track of your memories. You can also keep a photo journal of

your experiences or start a blog online.

THE ESSENTIALS: SCHOOL

BRING A COMPUTER AND/OR A WI-FI DEVICE WITH A WEBCAMSkype is one of the most convenient ways to communicate with friends and family in the U.S. The Wi-Fi has gotten a makeover during the 2012-2013 school year and should have a better connection in future years than in previous years.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVEYou should have an extra place to store your pictures and back up your computer in case your computer gets stolen or ruined. It would be a good idea to back up your files online.

CAMERAThe United Kingdom is full of beauty, and you will want to capture it to show your family and friends back home.

CELL PHONESYou have the opportunity to purchase prepaid cell phones that can be used during your stay in Europe. If you do your research, you can find the best service providers to fit your budget and the kind of coverage you are looking for.

VOLTAGE CONVERTERThe electric current in Europe is 220 volts. You must use a converter with all of your electronic devices.

THE ESSENTIALS: ELECTRONICS

FIRST AID KITIt is more expensive to buy Tylenol and similar items. Bring your prescriptions, and it is recommended that you bring a full 4-5 month supply, since some things can be difficult to find. Bring these items from home.

HYGIENIC PRODUCTSThere are stores in Binfield where you can buy soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. However, they cost more there than in the United States. You should bring these essentials from home.

RECOMMENDED: TOILETRIES

MOVIESBring movies that you like so that you can have something fun to watch on your free time. It is always good to have a backup plan in case something happens and you are stuck in your room.

DEVOTIONAL BOOK IN ENGLISHThis keeps your spirituality accessible and separate from the frustrations of another language.

PICTURES FROM HOMEPut them on your dorm room wall! Your roommates and friends will love to see what your family looks like, and the pictures will help with homesickness.

RECOMMENDED ENTERTAINMENT

MAKEUP AND FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTSThere are stores in Binfield where you can buy makeup and feminine care products. However, they are more expensive than the ones in the Unites States. You should bring these essential products from home. For ethnic-specific products, there are stores in Binfield that sell hair products for all hair types. But like the other products, these are way more expensive.

FOR THE LADIES

THEFTAlthough it does not happen to everyone or every day, there is some theft that goes on. It is important for you to lock your room every time you go out and also make sure that you do not leave your laundry unattended.

LAUNDRYThere is a laundry room located on each floor of the women’s dorm. You are expected to bring your own laundry detergent, but you do not have to pay for use of the machines. There are dryers and clotheslines where you can dry your clothes. The men’s dorm is also equipped with washers and dryers.

COOKINGThere is a kitchen at the bottom of the men’s and women’s dorms where you can cook your own food. You will need to get the key to go into the kitchen. It is kept at the front desk. Keep in mind that, as an ACA student, you are required to be on the meal plan and will eat most of your meals in the cafeteria.

PACKAGESYou will be able to pick up packages at the front desk of the dorms where you will be staying.

CHECK YOUR COURSESMake sure you compare your courses with those of your home college and make sure that they will count for something when you get back.

GOOD TO KNOW: EVERYDAY

BRING A CREDIT CARD/DEBIT CARDThis is a must-have. If you bring a debit card, bring a credit card as well, just in case.

EXCHANGING MONEYHave some U.S. cash on hand when you arrive at the airport because you will be able to exchange it for euros or Swiss Francs at one of the money exchange booths located in the airport. There are also several ATMs in Binfield or in the surrounding areas.

EXCHANGE RATEhttp://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=EUR&To=USD

GOOD TO KNOW: MONEY

Signs that help you find your way

PASSPORTSKeep your passport with you at all times while traveling. Do not leave it unattended. It should be kept in a safe place while traveling and during your stay at the dorms in Newbold.

GOOD TO KNOW: DOCUMENTS

OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTSMake sure you have all your papers when you arrive and when you leave the United Kingdom (visa, birth certificate, etc.). During the year, make sure all documents are stored in an inconspicuous, locked area. Make and keep copies of all important documents.

BRING SNACKS:Nutritious, compact snacks will be useful when traveling.

BACKPACK: The best way to carry your stuff with you when you travel is in a backpack because it stays close to your body and is as mobile as you are. Bring one large enough to fit all your stuff, but also small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage on all flights in Europe.

TRAVEL TIPS

Trip to KerryHAND SANITIZER/TOILET PAPER:Restrooms may lack these essential items. Make sure to bring them on trips.

CLOTHES AND SHOES FOR HIKINGThe school is located in a fantastic location for hiking, and you will want to take advantage of that. Also, on good days it can be a good idea to walk to town to enjoy nature.

PACKING: Don’t bring a lot of clothes. Bring just enough so that you will be comfortable. Remember that your roommates may not have very much. You will also need room in your suitcase for all of your awesome souvenirs!

VALUABLESDon't bring a lot of nice, expensive things. Nice clothing may be ruined in the laundry or lost. You also do not want to be perceived as flaunting your fancy clothes and electronics.

TRAVEL TIPS

Chelsea packed her stuff and took a trip for the weekendBUS TICKETSYou will be able to purchase bus tickets to go into town in the bus. You can also buy a student pass that gives you ten rides and is much cheaper.

1 Pillow (can request 2)

Comforter

Sheets

Towels

Locked closet for valuables

1 fan is provided during summer months

WHAT’S PROVIDED

Salisbury Hall

BE NICEWhen needing to talk to advisors, teachers or even peers at the school, it is more likely that they will help if you are nice first. Outside of school, try not to argue with vendors; just smile, disconnect eye contact, and keep walking if you are not interested in their merchandise.

BE FRUGALEveryone's financial situation is different, but the more money you can hang on to, the more confident you will be when traveling. Always try to find good deals and live cheaply. Occasionally, it is fun to splurge on a nice dinner, show, or clothing item.

TALK TO PEOPLEOne of the best ways to learn about the local culture is by chatting with people on transportation, or in markets. They will have plenty of questions to ask you as well.

ENJOY YOURSELF