* New edition of book for British citizenship test

The second edition of the official book for people planning to take the British citizenship test has been published (this should be used by anyone taking the test after 2 April 2007):

Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship Author: Home Office Publisher: The Stationery Office Books Date: January 2007

Student Life in the UK - What's happening in January?

January is the middle of winter in Britain. Average daytime maximum temperatures are 7°C, and at night the average minimum temperature is just 0°C. The hours of daylight are short, so people generally spend most of their time indoors and wrap up warmly when they go out.

Many people stay up late on the evening of December 31st to celebrate the start of the New Year at midnight. People may meet up with family or friends. Some cities organise fireworks or other celebrations. In Scotland this time is especially important, and the first two days of the year are public holidays (in the rest of the UK only New Year's Day is a public holiday). Christmas decorations are usually taken down on 6th January, which is known as Twelfth Night.

At this time of the year shops reduce their prices on many goods for their "January sales". Sales usually continue for a large part of the month, until shops have sold most of the stock which they bought before Christmas. It can be a good time to get a bargain …

Most British schools, universities and colleges start their second of the three terms now, usually known as either the Spring, Easter or Lent term. January is a good time to consider your longer-term work or study plans, especially if you are taking a course which finishes in June. There are also events this month for people who are thinking about taking postgraduate courses. If you are thinking to going to a university to study, find out when it is planning to have an open day. Companies often organise their main student recruitment efforts at this time of the year, both for summer internships and for full-time jobs for graduates. If you are at university you may want to contact the careers centre and to start to prepare your CV or job application forms. Some companies which want to recruit graduates may attend careers fairs in your area.

For information about how to write a British-style CV, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Work/CV.htm

January is also the month when many people start to plan travel in the Easter and summer holidays. If you plan to travel outside the UK or Ireland and you need a visa it is important to make plans many weeks in advance (the visa application process can take a long time). You may want to join an organised tour, or you may prefer to organise your own travel either alone or with friends. One popular way of exploring Europe independently is to buy a train ticket known as an InterRail or a EuroDomino pass. These allow you to travel free on most trains within the zones or countries you choose, although you may have to pay an extra charge on some services. If you plan to buy one of these passes you may need to check the conditions: you need to have been in the UK (or another part of Europe) for 6 months before you start your travel.

For information about some of the places which you may want to visit in the UK or Europe, see:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours.htm

For a guide to European train passes, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Transport/Train.htm

December is the start of winter in Britain. Average daytime maximum temperatures are 7°C, and at night the average minimum temperature is just 1°C. It may feel colder if winds come from the north (from the Arctic) or from the east (from Siberia). Snow sometimes falls in December, but usually only on higher ground and in the northern part of the UK (for example in the Highlands of Scotland). The days are shortest at this time of the year: it may not be light until 8am and it will start becoming dark soon after 3pm.

Most schools, universities and colleges have a holiday period which includes at least the period between Christmas and the New Year, but on some courses you may have to sit an exam before then. If you are studying English you may be taking one of the Cambridge ESOL exams (for example FCE or CAE).

Events this month are dominated by the build-up to Christmas. It is traditional for people to exchange cards with close friends, neighbours or work colleagues. Cards are opened when you receive them, and are displayed at home or in the workplace. If someone gives you a card it is normal to give the person a card in return. Although Christmas is a Christian festival people of all religions (or none) often take part in some of the customs. If you do not wish to send a card which says "Merry Christmas" then you can always choose one with a more general message such as "Season's Greetings".

People in the UK usually exchange presents with members of their family. They may place these under a Christmas tree and do not open them until Christmas Day (on December 25th). Sometimes people also give presents to close friends or work colleagues. If you are living with a host family during Christmas it may be a kind gesture to buy presents for members of the family who live with you. Presents do not need to be expensive, but try to find things which you think the person will like and wrap them up in colourful wrapping paper before giving them. Shops are busy in December and often open later than normal.

In the weeks before Christmas you may be invited to a Christmas party or meal. If you stay out late try to plan how you will get back home afterwards: on busy nights buses may be full and it may be difficult to find an empty taxi. Be careful, especially if you are a woman and are travelling back home on your own. Take warm clothes with you in case you need to spend a long time waiting outside.

If you plan to fly out of the UK in December try to book your flight early: note that the cost of flights can be high at this time of the year and airports can be very busy (arrive early so that you have plenty of time to check in and go through security checks). Check what sizes of bags you can carry and what you are allowed to take with you: strict new rules have been introduced recently at UK airports. Postal applications for visa extensions can take longer at this time of year, so if you need to apply at this time of year it may be wise not to plan to travel outside Britain until your passport has been returned

If you cannot be with a family or friends over Christmas this can be a lonely time. One idea is to join an organised tour over Christmas, but there are a limited number of places on these tours so you should try to book early. Some international students who have joined the HOST UK scheme spend a couple of days over Christmas visiting a British family.

For more information about events in December, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Events/December.htm

For tours in December, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Dates/December.htm

For a guide to how Christmas is celebrated in the UK, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Album/Christmas.htm

September is the start of autumn in Britain. The weather is starting to get cooler: average temperatures this month are about 18°C. Days are quickly getting shorter. This is the month of the autumn equinox, when day and night are each 12 hours (sunrise is at about 7am and sunset at about 7pm). Tourist attractions are less busy, so it can be a pleasant time to travel around the UK. It is the end of the harvest season. There is an old tradition called the "harvest festival" which celebrates this year's crops. Local schools or churches may organise a collection of food donations, which is then offered as a gift to poorer or older members of the community.

Because the Queen and the Government are still on holiday, this is the last chance this year to go on a tour of the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace or inside the chambers of the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. At the seaside town of Blackpool in north-west England special lights are turned on during the evenings between now and early November: this is a tradition since Victorian times and many people go to visit the "Blackpool Illuminations". On the evening of Saturday 9th September there is a famous annual classical music concert called the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London. You can watch this on television or you can go to one of the outdoor concerts which is held in parks across the UK at the same time (these are known as the Proms in the Park).

September is the time to apply if you want to do a local evening school course, perhaps to follow an interest or hobby or to study a new language. Typically lessons are once a week (during termtime only) and last a couple of hours during termtime. Classes are often taught at local schools. Many British people join these courses after work, so going to an evening school can be a good way to meet local people. You can find out about the courses which are available from your local library or council, or you may be able to buy a courses magazine at a newsagent's.

For more information about events in September, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Events/September.htm

Destination of the Month: Wales

When you come to the UK, try to visit each of the four countries (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), as each one has its own particular history and culture. The population of Wales is about 3 million. Its two largest cities are Cardiff and Swansea (both on the south coast). Welsh is the first language in some parts of the country (especially in the north-west), but English is the first language in most parts and is understood by everyone. The country contains some of the UK's finest castles at towns such as Conwy and Caernarfon. The country contains many varied landscapes and is an excellent place for outdoor activities. Some of the most beautiful areas are the hills of the Brecon Beacons (popular for walking and horse riding), the mountains of Snowdonia (popular for climbing) and the coastal areas of Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula (popular for surfing and walking). The central location of Wales makes it quite easy to reach from many parts of England, but away from the coastal areas it is not always easy to get around by public transport as many parts are hilly and not highly populated (joining a tour is a good way to see the more remote places). Wales was once one of the world's largest suppliers of steel, coal and slate, but these have declined and to a large extent have been replaced by newer industries such as tourism and electronics.

For more information about Wales, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Wales.htm

The start of the academic year

The end of September is the start of the new academic year at British schools and universities. You may be able to take advantage of "back to school" offers in shops or online, as companies compete by offering deals on books, stationery or other items needed by students. Universities and colleges organise induction courses for new home or overseas students. There may be "fresher fairs" where you can find out about the various clubs and societies which you can join (it is a good idea to get involved in a few, but make sure that you don't join too many so that you have enough time for study).

This is a busy time for finding accommodation because many students are looking at the same time (most universities and colleges have some accommodation, but usually not enough to house all of their students). Sometimes students get together with friends to live together in a house or flat, or they may rent a room from a local landlord or family. If you are renting a private room, make sure that you are given a tenancy agreement and ask about any house rules that apply. If there is a gas supply it is a good idea to ask to see the gas safety certificate. You may be asked to pay a deposit of perhaps 1 month's rent - this should be returned to you when you leave unless you have caused some damage or have not paid some of your bills. If anything is damaged or missing when you move in, make sure that your landlord knows this so that you cannot be charged for this (you may want to take photographs which show the original condition of the room).

For more information about looking for accommodation, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Life/Accommodation.htm

August is the end of summer in Britain. It is usually one of the hottest months, with average temperatures about 21°C (the hottest days sometimes reach about 30°C, but sometimes the maximum may be only 15°C). This is the main holiday season, so expect travel, accommodation and visitor attractions to be busy.

There is a "bank holiday" (a public holiday) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (but not in Scotland) on Monday 28 August. This is the only such holiday during the summer months, so it is a popular time for outdoor music festivals and for travel. There are music festivals during the bank holiday weekend in Reading, Leeds, London, Cardiff and Liverpool - these are normally very popular so to attend these you normally need to have bought tickets a few months earlier. During this weekend there is also a popular free street festival in London called the Notting Hill Carnival, organised by the local Caribbean community. In Scotland there is a holiday earlier in the month: on Monday 7 August.

For more information about events in August in the UK, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Events/August.htm

Destination of the Month: Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, one of the four countries which make up the United Kingdom. Its population is about 500,000. There is a palace here called Holyrood, next to which are the ruins of an abbey. Scottish kings and queens used to live in the palace and move when necessary to the castle, which has been built on an imposing site on the top of a cliff. A road was built linking the palace to the castle: this is known as the Royal Mile. The architecture in the Old Town (a safe walled area where people used to live) is quite different from what was built later outside this area (during the Georgian period, after union with England had been agreed). Edinburgh is an attractive city and contains many museums, shops and visitor attractions. It is particularly busy during the second half of August and at the start of September because this is when it hosts the Edinburgh Festival, an annual celebration of theatre, music and street art. If you plan to visit at this time it is important to book accommodation early. Because it is the capital city, Edinburgh is also the main place from which you can take tours to explore the rest of Scotland.

For more information about sightseeing in Edinburgh, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Scotland/Edinburgh.htm

Tours around the UK

If you have come to the UK to learn English or to find out about British culture it is a good idea to spend some time travelling around the different parts. Many students only go to a few places whose names they have heard, but there are many different intertesting places to explore. If you look at the photos in the Travel/Tours section of the UK Student Life website you can get some ideas about places you can visit. The UK is made up of four countries (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) - try to visit all four so that you can understand part of the different culture and history of each one, and so that you can get used to the various regional accents.

For more information about places to see in the UK and tours you can join, visit here:
http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/UK.htm

July is the middle of summer in Britain. This is usually the hottest month, with average temperatures about 22°C. The school and university years end now both in Britain and in most European countries. Language schools are usually full with European students who are taking short-term English courses during part of their holiday. Tourist attractions are busy: buy tickets in advance if you want to avoid queuing. If you are travelling it is usually wise to pre-book your transport and accommodation. Note that as well as normal types of accommodation such as hostels, bed and breakfast guesthouses or hotels, some universities rent out student rooms during July and August (this can be an affordable option for people who are travelling alone who want basic single rooms).

July is another busy month for events. At the start of the month there are the final stages of both the World Cup in Germany and of the Wimbledon tennis tournament (both competitions end on 9 July). There are concerts in many parks, and some rock festivals (including Hyde Park Calling in London, and T in the Park in Scotland). EuroPride is a European gay parade and festival which this year takes place in London on 1 July. The Proms are a series of classical music concerts in the Royal Albert Hall in London: these start on 14 July and continue until mid-September (cheap standing tickets are available for people who queue outside before each concert). There are flower shows at Hampton Park (near London) and at Tatton Park (near Manchester). The Farnborough Air Show is a major aeroplane display in south-east England. Unusual traditions at this time of year include a procession through the streets of Coventry led by Lady Godiva riding "naked" on a horse, and the catching and tagging of swans on the River Thames during the annual Swan Upping ceremony.

For more information about events in July in the UK, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Events/July.htm

Destination of the Month: Paris

One of the attractions of studying in the UK is that while you are here you can use the opportunity to see nearby European countries. Paris is one of the most popular places to visit from Britain. It is particularly busy on 14 July, which is a French public holiday: it was on this day in 1790 that a former prison and armoury in Paris called the Bastille was stormed, marking the start of the French Revolution. Paris can be reached in less than 3 hours if you take the Eurostar train, which currently starts from London's Waterloo station. A slower but cheaper way to get to Paris is to take a Eurolines coach from Victoria Coach Station. Joining an organised tour can be easier if you are not confident about arranging your own transport, accommodation and sightseeing or if you simply enjoy travelling together with other people. Check if you need a visa to enter France: if you do, you must apply several weeks before you travel. Remember to take some euros with you, and an adaptor plug if you want to use any of your own electrical equipment.

For more information about sightseeing in Paris, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Tours/Paris.htm

A word about European train passes

If you plan to make a trip around Europe during the summer, a convenient way to travel around is by train. There are many different types of rail pass available. Some of these (including InterRail and EuroDomino passes) may only be bought by people who have been living in the UK (or other European countries) for the 6 months before the start of the first journey. If you have not been in Europe long enough you can buy a Eurail pass: this is a bit more expensive and doesn't cover as many countries (for example, it doesn't cover travel in the UK - a BritRail pass covers train travel around Britain but can only be bought before arriving in the UK). There are many variations of each type of pass, depending on how many countries you wish to visit and for what period (or on how many days) you want to travel. Cheaper passes are available for people who are under 26.

For more information about buying a train pass to go around the UK or Europe, visit here: http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Transport/Train.htm