International Students
5. Part-time jobs in College
If you need some extra pocket money, you may want to work part-time in the library as a Library Supervisor. The per-hour rate is £3.60. It is not hard work and you have time to study while you are on duty. If you are interested, please contact the librarian.
You can also work part-time in the college bar from either 8.30pm or 9.30pm until 11.30pm during term time. You would be asked to work at least one shift every 10 days with an hourly rate of £4.10.
During the examination period for the undergraduates, you can also earn some extra pocket money as an Invigilator in the College. The Tutorial and Admissions Office will send out an email on this sometime in April / May.
Part-time jobs are also available in Sainsburys and restaurants like McDonald's.
6. Telephones
Network Telephones
The University is linked by its own telephone network. To make a call from one network phone to another, simply dial the extension number, which is normally a five digit number. For example, if you come across a telephone number given as (3)33312, it means that it is part of the University network and you only have to dial the last 5 digits if you are dialling from a telephone within the network. Callers from outside the network will have to dial the extra preceding digit. Calls from within the network are free. From some of these network phones, calls may also be made to non-networked phones both within and outside the UK. Restrictions are placed on each extension, which limit the range of outgoing calls.
External Telephones
There are many companies which provide telephone connections through their own network. The main telephone company in the UK is British Telecom, but it will be worthwhile to shop around in order to obtain the best student package available. NTL customers can call University network numbers free of charge.
GU Phonecard
The GU sells its own phonecard, which costs £17 and includes £8 worth of free calls on top of that. You get £25 worth of phone calls for £17, making the phonecard a very worthwhile investment. Any time you want to place a call through the card, you dial a free phone number and the company will arrange your international calls at their rate. These rates are usually much cheaper than any regular service provider. More information can be obtained from the Graduate Union reception regarding phone rates to different countries.
ntl Phones
The University has an agreement with ntl that allows students to have a phone line in their own College room. For an initial payment of £10, you can connect to ntl and have a phone line with free calls to other ntl phones, voicemail and call waiting, for £7.50 a month. More information can be found on the NTL website.
CU2 Phones
Graduate students are also able to get a CU2 extension, which can be particularly useful for students not living in College accomodation. A CU2 extension emulates a standard home telephone line. However, by dialling a two digit feature access code (*1), the user is automatically connected into Cambridge University's Telephone Network (UTN), where free of charge calls can be made and received from University extension users and other CU2 users and free of charge calls can also be made to the University Data Network dial up service (Magpie). By dialling *1 and additional codes you will also be able to make calls to other organisations who are connected to the University Voice Network, e.g. Addenbrookes Hospital. CU2 users can make normal out going calls which are billed directly to the individual account holder by ntl. Discounts which have been previously negotiated with the University Telecommunications Office will apply to all CU2 users. More information can be found at www.ntl.com/locales/gb/en/at-uni/cu2/default.asp" and www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/telecomm/cu2regs.html.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are very popular; most students have one. There are five main networks in the UK (O2, Orange, Three, T-Mobile and Vodafone), all of which offer a dazzling array of options. Fortunately, these options fall into two main camps:
- Pay as you go - Pay as you go offers you an easy way to use a mobile phone. There's no contract to sign, there are no monthly bills and there's no commitment. You simply buy a pay as you go mobile, activate it by making a call and buy calling credit as often as you need to. Pay as you go offers the advantage of avoiding a long-term commitment, but the initial cost of the phone will be more higher, you will tend to have higher call charges and you will miss out on some services.
- Pay monthly - Paying monthly for a mobile phone lets you avoid the worry of running out of credit whilst offering you the advantages of itemised monthly bills and services that aren't available to pay as you go customers. When you buy a pay monthly mobile, you'll be asked to sign an agreement form that commits you to staying connected for a 12-month minimum period and will arrange to pay your monthly bills by direct debit. In return, you'll pay a much lower subsidised price for your mobile phone and call charges will tend to be less. However, you will be tied in for a year and will have to pay line rental.
Before you buy a phone, it is best to think about how much you will use it, what kind of numbers you will call, the time of day you will make calls etc and then find a price plan that fits your needs best.
7. Transport
Air travel
The UK has a fairly deregulated air industry and as a result several low cost carriers have appeared in recent years. If you book well in advance or look out for special offers, registering on their mailing lists, you can travel around the UK and Europe for very little. These include:
- bmiBaby - http://www.bmibaby.com/
- easyJet - http://www.easyjet.com/
- Ryanair - http://www.ryanair.com/
- Virgin Express - http://www.virgin-express.com/
Cars
Owning a car
Undergraduates are not usually allowed to keep cars or motorcycles in Cambridge without special permission. Graduates under 24 must also obtain a certificate through their Tutor and a University license from the Motor Proctor, who is based at:
Motor Control Office
22 Trumpington Street
Cambridge
Tel: 01223 (3)33310.
Any member in statu pupillari, unless holding MA status (essentially being over 24), who keeps, hires or uses a motorcycle or car (mopeds are exempt) within the precincts of the University without permission from the Motor Proctor can be fined 175. Permission from the Motor Proctor does not constitute permission to park in any Colleges or University grounds. Under the terms of the Motor Proctor's license, students agree to park their cars in a private off-street parking space. Similar restrictions apply to graduates under 24 keeping a boat on the River Cam.
Car Parking
Some Colleges are able to provide car parking along with accommodation, although many can or will not. Colleges may charge for the use of a parking space, which can be up to 200 a year depending on the College.
If you are accommodated in College owned houses or rent in the private sector it is quite likely that you will live in a 'Residents parking zone' area, where to park on the road you must obtain a permit for around 50 a year from the local council (visit Customer and Support Services reception in the Guildhall, Market Square). To obtain the permit you must produce prove ownership with your vehicle logbook, have your driving license registered to the Cambridge address and have proof of residency at the address in the form of a rental contract or a stamped letter from the College as landlord.
Driving legally
Overseas students who wish to drive whilst in this country must take out a provisional driving license within one year of becoming resident here, unless they have previously passed a UK driving test or have held a full UK license during the last ten years. If you own a car in Britain you must legally have the car registered in your name on the logbook, have insurance, have valid road tax and, if it is over 3 years old, a valid MOT certificate. The university takes a very dim view of it's members endangering others' lives and commiting criminal offenses by not abiding by these laws. Not only can you get a hefty fine but a police record.
Car Hire
There are many companies that hire cars. Try www.leisurecars.com.
Coaches and Buses
The coach station is located on Drummer Street. From here you can catch coaches to hundreds of UK and European destinations, timetable information can be found at http://www.nationalexpress.com. If you're aged 16-25 or a full time student, you can buy a Student/Young Person Discount Coachcard (£10 for one year, £19 for three), giving you savings of up to 30% on many National Express coaches.
There is also an extensive local bus network, serving many locations in Cambridge and local towns and villages, more information can be found at http://www.camcnty.gov.uk/sub/eandt/highways/bustimes.
Commuting
Some graduates, especially those with families to accommodate, choose to live outside the city where accommodation is cheaper. If you intend to do so you should consider your transport options carefully, especially as to whether there is a good bus service. Public car parking in Cambridge costs upwards of 20 a day and many departments and Colleges do not have the capacity to allow graduates to park on-site. There is a good park and ride service, whereby you park your car on the city outskirts for free and then pay to take one of the bus shuttles provided, this can be very good option if you are receiving day visitors to Cambridge, although beware that the car parks close at night.
Cycling
The classic image of Cambridge sees gown-wearing students cycling to lectures. Although wearing a gown while cycling is no longer compulsory (and indeed is somewhat dangerous) cycling remains the most popular method of transport within our very crowded, and very ancient, city.
A few legal points regarding cycling: In the UK, it is illegal to cycle at night without a front and rear light. These have to be continuous lights; flashing LEDs are not technically enough. The police regularly fine people for cycling without lights; it's also supremely dangerous. It is illegal to ride your bike on the pavement, additionally many streets in Cambridge are one way and you can only legally cycle in one direction. For maximum confusion, there are also several streets (e.g. Downing Street) which are one-way for cars, but have a contraflow cycle lane, so you can cycle in either direction. Inconsiderate and illegal cycling often leads to aggressive responses from the public which all cyclists then suffer from.
Wearing a cycle helmet isn't a legal requirement (but is probably a good idea!). If you're going to buy one, make sure it has a British Standard kitemark. Many Colleges operate a scheme whereby cycle helmets can be bought at cost price or you can claim the cost of a helmet back. It is worth asking your MCR if this is the case. You can also buy cycle helmets and lights at the Freshers' Fair.
There are many shops in Cambridge that sell and repair bikes. At the start of every term, the Police hold an auction of recovered stolen bikes - look for posters around town. To avoid having your bike stolen in the first place, always lock it to an immovable object. D-locks tend to be the most effective. Certain areas of town tend to be bad for theft and vandalism of bikes - try to leave your bike in a secure bike rack, preferably in a secure area. Colleges issue numbers to paint on your bike, to help identify it if it is stolen - this is usually run by the Porters. You should also keep a record of the frame number, and ideally get it written on your receipt when you buy a bike, so that if there's later any dispute you can prove that you own it.
Taxis
Taxis are a convenient, albeit expensive, way to get around. Regular taxis can only legally carry four people so if there are more of you you need to request a people carrier. There is usually an additional charge for items of luggage. Taxis carry a council license number, the driver should have an identification card and all taxis should display a list of fares, these vary and are higher at night and on bank holidays. Some taxi numbers are:
- Panther 715715
- Cabco 711111
- Camtax 313131
Taxi ranks can be found at Drummer Street, Emmanuel Street, the train station and St Andrews Street, although they are not all in use 24 hours a day. You may have to wait a long time for a taxi (particularly on Friday and Saturday nights) so don't get left on your own expecting a taxi to miraculously appear.
Trains
Cambridge's train station is located just south of the city centre, at the end of the imaginatively titled Station Road. There is a fast and regular service to London and many trains to local destinations, but trains to other UK cities are mostly slow, irregular and often involve changes. Train tickets and timetable information can be obtained from http://www.thetrainline.com, it is usually cheaper to buy tickets this way. If you're aged 16-25 or a full time student, you can buy a Young Persons Railcard (£18 for one year), giving you a third off most rail fares anywhere in Britain.
Walking
Cambridge is a pleasant city to walk around, and small enough to make walking a practical alternative to cycling/cars/taxis. Use your common sense though - like all cities there are muggings, drunken assults and the odd rape/sexual attack, especially late at night around quiet or open areas. Don't be stupid - get a taxi, walk home in a group, go to the nearest College if being followed, get your free personal attack alarm from your welfare officer. Find out where the less salubrious areas are before walking through them. Wearing your college scarf/boat club sweater around certain areas of North Cambridge is essentially an advert for trouble!
This page last updated Fri Apr 21 17:02:23 2006 by taw27Not logged in.
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