British Council Pre-Departure Presentation

Who Are We? Vision:

To create a bona fide Singaporean community in the UK

Mission:

The UKSSC seeks to create a sense of community among partner societies through various events and programmes, acting as their platform while promoting our cultures to our international counterparts

Organisation: – President – 2 Vice-Presidents – General Secretary, Treasurer, Sponsorship

Director and 6 Regional Directors

Our Partner Societies

• 54 SingSocs & ASOs in universities across the UK

• SingSoc (short for Singapore Society) – A local community of Singaporeans in a university that supports and

builds ties amongst one another

• ASO (short for Affiliated Student Organisation) – Groups that represent various alma mater in Singapore or professions

(e.g. law, medicine)

Our Sponsors

• What do we use our sponsorship & contacts for?

– Funding events & meetings that are in line with our vision and mission – Supporting partner societies whenever possible

Flagship Events • Annual Dinner & Dance

• Singaporeans In Conversation

Is That All?

• Absolutely not! – Support Individual SingSoc’s events – Regional/Nation-wide events

How is life in the United-Kingdom?

Studying In The UK – What’s It Like?

Studying In The UK – What’s It Like?

Seriously though…

• Academic Learning – In some of the most established universities, from

some of the world’s leading academics, and among potential thought leaders

– Get ready for a completely different education system

– World-Class facilities and resources

Professor Michael Cox, Professor Emeritus at LSE, and writer of multiple key IR texts

Lady Djanogly Library at the University of Nottingham, one of the most modern libraries in the world

Imperial College Library resources A lecture in University College London

Living In The UK: Lifestyle • Becoming Independent

– Living by yourself, being responsible for everyday necessities, and grappling with the basics of adult life

– More freedom but with more responsibility!

Pick up recipes, become the next Gordon Ramsey

Scout for, fit out, and maintain your home Manage you finances, and budget accordingly

Living In The UK: Transport

Young Persons Coachcard (National Express)

• 1/3 off most fares • 1 year (£10), 3 years (£25)

16-25 Railcard (National Rail)

• 1/3 off most fares • 1 year (£30), 3 years (£70)

Living In The UK: Shopping

• Supermarkets & Groceries – From really affordable

(Iceland/Poundland) to proper posh (Waitrose), you’ll be spoilt for choice when grocery shopping in the UK

– Remember to apply for loyalty cards!

• Essentials – Whether its household appliances or

medication, most university towns have them readily available

– Tip: Buy second-hand appliances from seniors!

• Retail Therapy - Nothing new here : >

• Student Discounts!

• Useful memberships to apply for:

Living In The UK: Shopping

Living In The UK: Play • Trust us, you’ll be amazed at how much there is to do in the UK during

your free time (of course, study first!)

Amazing Night life!

Plenty of activities for the Sporty!

Awesome activities like Forest-sized Paintball

Cool festivals to attend like Guy Fawkes Night!

Living In The UK: Play • Catch a London Musical or play! • Catch a football match!

… and so much more

Living In The UK: Travel

Visit the stunning Lake District in the Midlands

Get the best cream tea in the South

Take in the beauty of Scotland’s highland region

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Northern cities and London

Living In The UK: Travel

• Throughout your time here, you should definitely exploit the UK’s close proximity to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world…

Here in the UK, you have the entire Europe at your doorstep (compared to if you were in Singapore)

Budget carriers like Ryanair or EasyJet offer affordable means of air travel. Just be sure to read their fine print!

It’s not always a must to travel via plane, inter-rail or bus can be cheaper / more convenient at times

Before Flying Off

Before Flying Off

• Packing | Don’t be too kiasu!

– UK is a 1st world country: You’ll be able to get all your daily necessities there. Save the luggage space for the really important stuff (i.e. rice cooker, local food, bolster)

– Consult Your SingSoc: They’ll give you a more comprehensive, and location-specific packing list

– Contact Lenses Solution: Try to bring several bottles;

they can get quite expensive in the UK

– Winter Clothes: You don’t have to be in a haste to buy your winter clothes before leaving for the UK! In fact, the UK will have a much larger variety of designs at a lower price tag!

– Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Will I really use it?

The bane of your life

Before Flying Off

• Essentials | Check, check, double-check – Academic documents: Usually required for

university registration

– Diagnoses: For any medication, and to save you time eventually

– International / SG driver’s license: If you want

to drive

– Other Key Documents: Travel insurance documents, Bank statements, Visa etc. Don’t let these get in your way of

settling in smoothly

Knowing your s

1. “Hey! How are you/how was your day?”

2. = trousers X PANTS!!

3. = FOOTBALL X soccer

Assimilating into the British Culture…

1. Community 2. Be involved! 3. All-rounded experience!

Upcoming Events! • SGInC

– 19th August, 10am

• Annual General Meeting

– Elections for the UKSSC ExCo 2017/2018 – Look out for more details on our FB page and email list!

So What Now?

• “Like” UKSSC on Facebook! – Search for us and “like” our page (pretty

please?)

• Check out our website – www.ukssc.org and sign up for our newsletter

• Get in touch with your university SingSoc

– For news on summer events, Fresher’s information, or just to meet fellow uni-mates!

• Stay excited! – It’s a journey-of-a-lifetime that you’re about to

embark on, so get psyched!

Best decision ever

One of several orientation camps held by the various SingSocs

Thank you for your attention, and we hope to see you in the UK soon!