summer 2012 orientation booklet

7/31/2019 Summer 2012 Orientation Booklet

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SUMMER 2012

This booklet contains important information and sightseeing ideas.

In case of an emergency please contact:

Syracuse University Emergency Phone (24hr): 07957 473 159

The equivalent number for 911 in the UK is 999.

Syracuse University London Program

Faraday House

48-51 Old Gloucester Street

London WC1N 3AE

Tel: 020 7400 9310

Getting Around London

The first thing to say is Watch Out!! As you will have noticed the traffic is on the opposite side of the

road. Please remember to be aware of this especially if you are out in the evening. Take extra care

of bus lanes and cycle lanes. Remember to look both ways when you cross the street – traffic in

the UK has the right-of-way.

Travelling on The Tube

When you get on the Tube you will go through security gates. You need to touch your Oyster Card

on the reader before it will open. When you exit the Tube please remember to touch your Oyster

Card onto the reader – even if the gate is already open – otherwise you may pay an extra charge.

When you are using escalators, stand on the right-hand side or walk on the left. You will often be

travelling during ‘rush hour’ which is from 8-9:30am and 4:30-6:30pm. Stations will be very busy;

trains will be packed with people. Be particularly aware of your personal belongings during this

time.

Travelling by Bus

When getting on a bus touch your Oyster Card on the reader located by the driver. There is no need

to touch a reader when you exit the bus at bus journeys are charged on a flat-fare basis.

Travelling by Taxi

You will see the traditional London Black Cabs around the city. Taxis for hire have an orange light at

the front saying ‘FOR HIRE’ – you will need to put your arm out to hail a taxi and they should stop if it

is safe for them to do so. You will need to speak to the driver through the passenger window to alert

them where you would like to go before (s)he opens the doors. NEVER get into an unlicensed taxi –

e.g. if they approach you on the street or when you exit a bar or club. If you cannot locate a London

Taxi use the yellow CabWise Card supplied in your Orientation Pack - Send a text/SMS with the word

‘HOME’ to 60835 and you will get the number of a local licensed minicab company.



Safety Basics

London is obviously an urban environment and you need to exercise caution as you would in any

large city. Keep your wits about you especially in crowds or when you are on the tube. Remember

robber are after an easy target so keep your bags closed and your personal belongings close to you.

Do not leave your bag on the floor or over the back of your chair. When using a cash machine (ATM)

try to use the machines located inside banks. Be aware, put your card and cash away. Keep your

PIN secure. Areas such as Covent Garden with street performers and visual distractions can be

target areas for pick-pockets. Coffee shops are also places where you need to be cautious and

mindful of your personal belongings at all times. Never hang bags on the back of your chair where

you can’t see them – keep them close to you and within your field of vision at all times.

SIGHTSEEING

Most museums and art

galleries in London arefree. There will be a

charge for some

exhibitions but you can

still gain entry to their

general collection and

have a wander around.

Some places you might

like to visit are:

Museums

The British Museum – Great Russell Street – Russell Square/Holborn Tube: www.britishmuseum.org

The museum houses a vast collection of world art and artefacts and is free.

The Victoria and Albert Museum – Cromwell Road – South Kensington Tube: www.vam.co.uk

The V&A is one of the world’s greatest museums of art, design and fashion.

The Science Museum – Cromwell Road – South Kensington Tube: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

The Science Museum is a free museum which is packed with interactive exhibits and awe-inspiringobjects. Release your inner child!

The Museum of London – 150 London Wall – St Pauls/Barbican Tube: www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past.

Discover pre-historic London, stroll through a recreated 18th

century pleasure garden, explore

Roman London and marvel at the Lord Mayor’s coach. It’s free and well worth a visit.



Interesting Areas of London to Walk Around

Oxford Street is London’s famous shopping street and it is home to all the famous department stores

such as John Lewis and Selfridges.

Covent Garden is a shopping area of London that attracts a lot of tourists. The West Piazza attracts

street performers who love to get audience participation. There are lots of places to eat and you will

also find the interesting London Transport Museum. Here you can see a collection dating back to

the 1920’s and will be able to sit inside trams and old Tube trains. The museum gives a student

discount: www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Borough Market is a food market and a place where foodies head to on a weekend. A visit to the

South Bank and Borough Market is a great thing to do as it is a very vibrant area of London where

tourists and Londoners enjoy strolling along the River Thames. The nearest Tube station is London

Bridge.

Portobello Road is a clothes and antiques market which is busiest on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

It is located in West London near Notting Hill. There a lot of coffee shops to relax and people-watch.

The nearest Tube stations are Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill Gate.

Camden Market is located in North London close to Regent’s Park and Regent’s Canal. It is very busy

– especially on Saturdays. You will find food stalls, clothes, shoes, souvenirs etc. The best station to

get out at is Chalk Farm and follow the signs (and crowds) to the market. From Camden Market you

can take a canal boat along the Regent’s Canal to Little Venice.

TOURISTS HOTSPOTS:

There are too many to mention all of them but here are just a few of them for you to check out:

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – www.parliament.uk

The London Eye – www.londoneye.com

Buckingham Palace – www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/buckinghampalace

Kensington Palace – www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace

St. Paul’s Cathedral – www.stpauls.co.uk

Westminster Abbey – www.westminster-abbey.org

Green Park – www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/green-park

Hyde Park – www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park



Opening Hours for Faraday House – Summer 2012

Monday 9am – 8pm

Tuesday 9am – 8pm

Wednesday 9am – 8pm

Thursday 9am – 8pm

Friday 9am – 6pm

Saturday CLOSED

Sunday 11am – 8pm

July 2nd

- 15th

Monday 9am – 6pm

Tuesday 9am – 6pm

Wednesday 9am – 6pm

Thursday 9am – 6pmFriday 9am – 5pm

Saturday CLOSED

Sunday 11am-6pm

summer 2012 orientation booklet

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