Help me move to Cambridge!
September 9, 2007 2:56 PM Subscribe
How should I deal with phone services, money, and climate in moving from Charleston, SC to Cambridge, England?
Hello, all. You may remember my previous question from long ago, where I asked advice about going to graduate school in Cambridge. Thanks to your advice, I've decided to go, and my departure date is coming up fast! I have some last minute questions for anyone with experience moving/traveling in England:
First, phone service: how easy is it to get a prepaid cell phone there, and for what price? Would you recommend Vonage or other internet phone companies instead? One important factor is that I have a fiance here in the States who would like to call me frequently, but can't make international calls on her cell phone. The benefit of Vonage, it seems, is that other people can more easily call me, though I won't have phone service unless I have an internet connection.
Second, how should I arrange a money transfer? I've heard that a debit card is easy, but that there is a surcharge for every exchange. The other option is to open an account there and transfer my money, but that's at the risk of sacrificing some of my very small savings if the dollar/pound rate evens out a bit.
And finally, do you have any general advice? Do you recommend loading up on warm clothes here to save money, or are there thrift shops there that offer good deals? What's the first thing that I should do there? What's the last? Know of any great, cheap restaurants? Any advice whatsoever will be greatly appreciated.
Hello, all. You may remember my previous question from long ago, where I asked advice about going to graduate school in Cambridge. Thanks to your advice, I've decided to go, and my departure date is coming up fast! I have some last minute questions for anyone with experience moving/traveling in England:
First, phone service: how easy is it to get a prepaid cell phone there, and for what price? Would you recommend Vonage or other internet phone companies instead? One important factor is that I have a fiance here in the States who would like to call me frequently, but can't make international calls on her cell phone. The benefit of Vonage, it seems, is that other people can more easily call me, though I won't have phone service unless I have an internet connection.
Second, how should I arrange a money transfer? I've heard that a debit card is easy, but that there is a surcharge for every exchange. The other option is to open an account there and transfer my money, but that's at the risk of sacrificing some of my very small savings if the dollar/pound rate evens out a bit.
And finally, do you have any general advice? Do you recommend loading up on warm clothes here to save money, or are there thrift shops there that offer good deals? What's the first thing that I should do there? What's the last? Know of any great, cheap restaurants? Any advice whatsoever will be greatly appreciated.
First, phone service: how easy is it to get a prepaid cell phone there, and for what price?
Ridiculously easy. You can buy them all over the place from all sorts of stores, probably even gas stations. You'll pay probably a minimum of £20 ($40) and go up from there depending on the functions you need (camera, etc). Amazon.co.uk is a surprisingly good place for these.
I wouldn't wait for Internet unless you're going to dorms or some place where it'll already be available. BT and ISPs can take ages to set it up. It just took me a month in my new house, for example, to get broadband, although phone service was within hours.
Do you recommend loading up on warm clothes here to save money, or are there thrift shops there that offer good deals?
Ten years ago I'd have said.. buy the clothes in the US. But now the UK has been absolutely flooded with reasonable quality, ultra cheap clothing. Tesco or Asda (the British Wal*Mart) do great ranges of clothes at low cost (like a pair of jeans for £3 / $6) and with the season turning now, the thicker, heavier stuff is coming out on show. Cambridge also has a branch of "Primark", a very well known discount clothes store (somewhat on a par with Marshall's in the US).
Regarding Cambridge, quick snippets of advice.. go to pubs, they're good in Cambridge, for food too! Don't have a car, buy a bike because that's what everyone else is doing (it's also against local regulations to drive inside city limits and be a student at Cambridge, I'm told!). Don't worry about the temperature, it's not THAT cold in England anymore :)
posted by wackybrit at 3:17 PM on September 9, 2007
Ridiculously easy. You can buy them all over the place from all sorts of stores, probably even gas stations. You'll pay probably a minimum of £20 ($40) and go up from there depending on the functions you need (camera, etc). Amazon.co.uk is a surprisingly good place for these.
I wouldn't wait for Internet unless you're going to dorms or some place where it'll already be available. BT and ISPs can take ages to set it up. It just took me a month in my new house, for example, to get broadband, although phone service was within hours.
Do you recommend loading up on warm clothes here to save money, or are there thrift shops there that offer good deals?
Ten years ago I'd have said.. buy the clothes in the US. But now the UK has been absolutely flooded with reasonable quality, ultra cheap clothing. Tesco or Asda (the British Wal*Mart) do great ranges of clothes at low cost (like a pair of jeans for £3 / $6) and with the season turning now, the thicker, heavier stuff is coming out on show. Cambridge also has a branch of "Primark", a very well known discount clothes store (somewhat on a par with Marshall's in the US).
Regarding Cambridge, quick snippets of advice.. go to pubs, they're good in Cambridge, for food too! Don't have a car, buy a bike because that's what everyone else is doing (it's also against local regulations to drive inside city limits and be a student at Cambridge, I'm told!). Don't worry about the temperature, it's not THAT cold in England anymore :)
posted by wackybrit at 3:17 PM on September 9, 2007
For long distance calls, if broadband and Skype isn't an option, use a long distance phone card. Once you have a pay as you go cell phone (which is very easy, mobile phone places are everywhere, shop around for what you want and once you've decided you'll have a phone and phone number immediately).... go into a convenience store and buy a long distance phone card - they're advertised on posters in the window and called things like 'Mad for Minutes' and sold in denominations of 5, 10, 20 pounds. The card is basically just a scratch-off PIN number. You call a low-rate access number, enter that PIN number and it'll tell you how much credit you have, then you dial whatever long-distance number you want - rates vary depending on if it's Mongolia or France, but this is the cheapest way to call long distance. But if you can call from a land line - a phone booth, or your office, or somebody's house, you get 10X as many minutes out of a phone card than calling from a cell phone.
posted by Flashman at 4:02 PM on September 9, 2007
posted by Flashman at 4:02 PM on September 9, 2007
But opening a bank account is very hard. I was turned away by all the major banks until I went to HSBC, who gave me a 'basic bank account' for the first 6 months or so, until I had a steady track record of pay cheques.
So I'd suggest you try them first - it is much better to have an account here than to try and juggle finances from the States.
posted by Flashman at 4:06 PM on September 9, 2007
So I'd suggest you try them first - it is much better to have an account here than to try and juggle finances from the States.
posted by Flashman at 4:06 PM on September 9, 2007
You want to go ahead and open a bank account right away, even if you don't end up using it. If you're a student it's free to set up (HSBC will probably be your only option) and you don't have to keep a minimum or anything.
Oh, by the way, if you can manage to do so, keep your HSBC account. I closed mine and now I'm kicking myself. HSBC is everywhere and if you transfer money over to your HSBC account you can withdraw money wherever you want without incurring the fees that will plague you otherwise.
The nice thing is that the UK never charges for ATM uses, so aside of course from the foreign transaction fee (which is a real pain) it actually can cost less to get money from an ATM in the UK than it costs in the US (i.e. $1.50 for other bank's ATM + $1.50 for your bank's ATM = $3).
Skype is nice but if you want to be more frequently reachable then you should both get a phone card. Google for "phone card email pin" and you'll find loads of companies that sell phone cards online -- they email you the PIN instantaneously. You can even set it up so when you call it automatically recognizes your number so you don't have to enter a PIN, and it can be rechargeable. Now, the company I buy from doesn't have that but it does have a friend referral system that gets you $5 off your next purchase. So if that interests you, contact me, I'll refer you to the site, and both of us will get $5 off the next cards we buy. Then, you refer your girlfriend and she buys a card with $5 off. Everybody wins.
As far as getting clothing: unless you enjoy clothes shopping a lot I'd recommend against waiting to get clothing as you'll soon become fairly busy as a student. What you can do is hold off on things like hats and gloves, all of which can be bought at local markets for almost nothing once it starts getting really cold. Another thing to save you headaches: bring as many pairs of socks and underwear as you can, or, if you like, buy them when you get to the UK (Marks and Spencer's makes some very nice undies that are fairly reasonably priced, or you can buy them at the market but, uh, wash them first). Having loads of underwear means you can wait ages before having to do a load, which is very nice.
posted by Deathalicious at 5:35 PM on September 9, 2007
Oh, by the way, if you can manage to do so, keep your HSBC account. I closed mine and now I'm kicking myself. HSBC is everywhere and if you transfer money over to your HSBC account you can withdraw money wherever you want without incurring the fees that will plague you otherwise.
The nice thing is that the UK never charges for ATM uses, so aside of course from the foreign transaction fee (which is a real pain) it actually can cost less to get money from an ATM in the UK than it costs in the US (i.e. $1.50 for other bank's ATM + $1.50 for your bank's ATM = $3).
Skype is nice but if you want to be more frequently reachable then you should both get a phone card. Google for "phone card email pin" and you'll find loads of companies that sell phone cards online -- they email you the PIN instantaneously. You can even set it up so when you call it automatically recognizes your number so you don't have to enter a PIN, and it can be rechargeable. Now, the company I buy from doesn't have that but it does have a friend referral system that gets you $5 off your next purchase. So if that interests you, contact me, I'll refer you to the site, and both of us will get $5 off the next cards we buy. Then, you refer your girlfriend and she buys a card with $5 off. Everybody wins.
As far as getting clothing: unless you enjoy clothes shopping a lot I'd recommend against waiting to get clothing as you'll soon become fairly busy as a student. What you can do is hold off on things like hats and gloves, all of which can be bought at local markets for almost nothing once it starts getting really cold. Another thing to save you headaches: bring as many pairs of socks and underwear as you can, or, if you like, buy them when you get to the UK (Marks and Spencer's makes some very nice undies that are fairly reasonably priced, or you can buy them at the market but, uh, wash them first). Having loads of underwear means you can wait ages before having to do a load, which is very nice.
posted by Deathalicious at 5:35 PM on September 9, 2007
One other thing: I came from Virginia and can tell you that it is much chillier than Virginia and thus, also SC. But the truth is that that is really more about averages than anything else. It doesn't get significantly colder in England, it just becomes gray and cool earlier and stays that way until later. Basically, you do not need "warmer" clothing than you have in S.C., because you need things like sweaters and a winter coat in SC anyway. You will need to wear gloves and a hat, though, and a scarf is an absolute necessity. All of these smaller items can be purchased in the UK.
posted by Deathalicious at 5:39 PM on September 9, 2007
posted by Deathalicious at 5:39 PM on September 9, 2007
There's no Primark, but there is a TKMaxx. I second Tesco and ASDA for cheap clothing, and there are plenty of charity shops if you're really short on cash.
Food wise, pubs vary, but The Cambridge Blue, The Castle and The Kingston Arms are very good - Check the Pub Guide for more information.
There are also many good curry houses (Mill Road area) and Japanese food (Teri-Aki, Yippee and Wagamama.), though these are not always cheap. Student favourites include Gardies, the Van of Death and Van of Life in the evenings at the market place (not as bad as they sound) and Clown's on King Street (Italian food.)
Getting a bicycle is by far the best way to get around town. Long term renting is possible (from places such as Station Cycles at the railway station,) but a fair bike costs as little as £80, and it's worth the investment. Make sure you buy a strong lock too - Cambridge has a big bike theft problem.
posted by Neon at 6:10 PM on September 9, 2007
Food wise, pubs vary, but The Cambridge Blue, The Castle and The Kingston Arms are very good - Check the Pub Guide for more information.
There are also many good curry houses (Mill Road area) and Japanese food (Teri-Aki, Yippee and Wagamama.), though these are not always cheap. Student favourites include Gardies, the Van of Death and Van of Life in the evenings at the market place (not as bad as they sound) and Clown's on King Street (Italian food.)
Getting a bicycle is by far the best way to get around town. Long term renting is possible (from places such as Station Cycles at the railway station,) but a fair bike costs as little as £80, and it's worth the investment. Make sure you buy a strong lock too - Cambridge has a big bike theft problem.
posted by Neon at 6:10 PM on September 9, 2007
Neon: There was no Primark when I was last in Cambridge, but I have this address for one now, supposedly? Primark, 57-61 Burleigh Street, Cambridge, CB1 1DJ.
The nice thing is that the UK never charges for ATM uses
The banks don't, but the machine location can. Generally ATMs connected to banks or supermarkets are free to use. ATMs in petrol stations and convenience stores tend to charge somewhere between 1 and 2 pounds.
posted by wackybrit at 6:44 PM on September 9, 2007
The nice thing is that the UK never charges for ATM uses
The banks don't, but the machine location can. Generally ATMs connected to banks or supermarkets are free to use. ATMs in petrol stations and convenience stores tend to charge somewhere between 1 and 2 pounds.
posted by wackybrit at 6:44 PM on September 9, 2007
Things to do first:
Move your stuff into your room. Check your pigeon hole. Fill out all the first-day admin stuff. Sign up for the various library, IT etc. intros in college - you might find they don't activate your access to various things until you've done those intros.
Wander around town towards your faculty. Sign up for various passwords (Athens esp., as you'll probs go home in the vacation). Sign up for various intros and tours (esp. if your faculty has a large, confusing library. Some make up their own sorting system, so it's wise to take the tour).
On your way back to college, see if there are any shortcuts (e.g. through other colleges) to save you time. Pop into Sainsbury's (or even Tesco) and buy essentials. (IKEA starter pack is perfect if you're fully or semi-self catered. Two of everything, plus various pots and pans. You'll need to get that elsewhere though).
Check out your college's homepage. Look out for any freshers events that you can go to, or grad stuff if your grad pres. has organised stuff. See if there are any clubs or societies you want to join.
Go to your college bar. Go to other college bars with friends. Nice ones include: John's; Trinity; Jesus; Magdalene; Queens; Trinity Hall; St Catherines; Clare; Emmanuel. Avoid Churchill; New Hall; Robinson and Girton because it's miles away from anywhere. The grad ones tend not to be as nice as well.
Nice pubs:
Eagle (off Trumpington Street), Anchor (down by Queens), Bun Shop (on Kings Street near Clowns).
Rainbow is a cool vegetarian restaurant on Trumpington Street as well. Casimirs is on Kings Street, sort of opposite Clowns. Does good sandwiches.
There's a ton weird and wonderful shops (including Oxfam and Samaritans - charity/thrift shops) up past Parker's Piece on Mill Road, and some neat restaurants. Quite a few supermarkets of Asian origin up there, if that's you thing (Korean, Chinese, Japanese etc.).
posted by djgh at 8:27 PM on September 9, 2007
Move your stuff into your room. Check your pigeon hole. Fill out all the first-day admin stuff. Sign up for the various library, IT etc. intros in college - you might find they don't activate your access to various things until you've done those intros.
Wander around town towards your faculty. Sign up for various passwords (Athens esp., as you'll probs go home in the vacation). Sign up for various intros and tours (esp. if your faculty has a large, confusing library. Some make up their own sorting system, so it's wise to take the tour).
On your way back to college, see if there are any shortcuts (e.g. through other colleges) to save you time. Pop into Sainsbury's (or even Tesco) and buy essentials. (IKEA starter pack is perfect if you're fully or semi-self catered. Two of everything, plus various pots and pans. You'll need to get that elsewhere though).
Check out your college's homepage. Look out for any freshers events that you can go to, or grad stuff if your grad pres. has organised stuff. See if there are any clubs or societies you want to join.
Go to your college bar. Go to other college bars with friends. Nice ones include: John's; Trinity; Jesus; Magdalene; Queens; Trinity Hall; St Catherines; Clare; Emmanuel. Avoid Churchill; New Hall; Robinson and Girton because it's miles away from anywhere. The grad ones tend not to be as nice as well.
Nice pubs:
Eagle (off Trumpington Street), Anchor (down by Queens), Bun Shop (on Kings Street near Clowns).
Rainbow is a cool vegetarian restaurant on Trumpington Street as well. Casimirs is on Kings Street, sort of opposite Clowns. Does good sandwiches.
There's a ton weird and wonderful shops (including Oxfam and Samaritans - charity/thrift shops) up past Parker's Piece on Mill Road, and some neat restaurants. Quite a few supermarkets of Asian origin up there, if that's you thing (Korean, Chinese, Japanese etc.).
posted by djgh at 8:27 PM on September 9, 2007
There are a lot of thrift shops in Cambridge, on Mill Road, Burleigh Street, and Regent Street, but in the U.K. they are called "charity shops" usually.
Personally I think The Eagle should be visited once, and only once, in its role as a tourist destination (DNA discovery, WWII U.S. airmen's bar). Generally the better pubs, with better atmosphere and beer, are not in the immediate centre and include The Cambridge Blue, The Castle (the one on Castle Street and not the one on Regent Street), The Live and Let Live, and The Free Press.
There are lots of cheap restaurants in Cambridge, catering to the student and post-student crowds. Harder to find, in most people's view, are good restaurants. But it really depends how fussy you are. There are a lot of Indian restaurants in Cambridge, some of them excellent and most of them cheap or reasonable.
Others are right to recommend the Asian (in the U.S. usage) and Indian grocers, most of which are on Mill Road. In fact most of the interesting independent shops in Cambridge are on Mill Road.
It does get cold in Cambridge -- damp cold. This can be worse than dry-air cold temperatures that are much lower. And it's harder to hide from because U.K. housing stock isn't as good at dealing with either hot or cold temperatures as in countries with more extreme seasons. Poor ventilation in the summer, and warmth escaping through bad insulation in the winter.
It is nonetheless one of the nicest small cities in the U.K. to live in, and London is only 45 minutes away by train whenever you need more.
posted by galaksit at 9:21 PM on September 9, 2007
Personally I think The Eagle should be visited once, and only once, in its role as a tourist destination (DNA discovery, WWII U.S. airmen's bar). Generally the better pubs, with better atmosphere and beer, are not in the immediate centre and include The Cambridge Blue, The Castle (the one on Castle Street and not the one on Regent Street), The Live and Let Live, and The Free Press.
There are lots of cheap restaurants in Cambridge, catering to the student and post-student crowds. Harder to find, in most people's view, are good restaurants. But it really depends how fussy you are. There are a lot of Indian restaurants in Cambridge, some of them excellent and most of them cheap or reasonable.
Others are right to recommend the Asian (in the U.S. usage) and Indian grocers, most of which are on Mill Road. In fact most of the interesting independent shops in Cambridge are on Mill Road.
It does get cold in Cambridge -- damp cold. This can be worse than dry-air cold temperatures that are much lower. And it's harder to hide from because U.K. housing stock isn't as good at dealing with either hot or cold temperatures as in countries with more extreme seasons. Poor ventilation in the summer, and warmth escaping through bad insulation in the winter.
It is nonetheless one of the nicest small cities in the U.K. to live in, and London is only 45 minutes away by train whenever you need more.
posted by galaksit at 9:21 PM on September 9, 2007
Nthing Skype, as you can call for any length of time, for free.
Another note about ATMs - Barclay and Bank of America are partners, so the former won't charge for the latter's card withdrawals.
posted by lhall at 9:34 PM on September 9, 2007
Another note about ATMs - Barclay and Bank of America are partners, so the former won't charge for the latter's card withdrawals.
posted by lhall at 9:34 PM on September 9, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
Money: I kept open a US bank account and opened a UK bank account. I transferred a few thousand to the UK one and got paid in the UK to that one. I used the UK one to pay my utilities and rent. I only used my US bank when I really needed cash quickly and to pay US bills (like credit cards.) Some stuff will require you to have a UK based credit card/debit card... like concert tickets (as I recall), so might as well get one. School will help you get it set up. Look in my profile for a lot of answers regarding moving to the UK for school.
You'll have a great time there. They are WAY more fashion forward than we are in the US. I brought a suit, 2 pairs of jeans, a winter coat and a light weight coat, and some PJs. Other than that, I bought what I needed there.
posted by k8t at 3:12 PM on September 9, 2007