Useful Information
Our school will be closed on the following dates:
2024 Bank Holidays
| Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
| 29 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 1 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 6 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 27 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 26 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December* | Wednesday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December* | Thursday | Boxing Day |
*the school is closed for the week of 23 – 27 December
Your First Day
Malvern House is committed to making sure your move to London goes smoothly. Your first day at our
First of all you will receive a warm, friendly welcome by Malvern House staff, who are here to help at all times. You will be invited to an ‘induction’ (Welcome Meeting) with members of the Malvern House team, who will give you information about the school, our facilities, and life in London. You will also be given a Welcome Letter and Student Progress Diary. After the break, you will join your class and meet your teacher and the other students.
On your first day you will get a warm welcome from our school staff and information on:
- Key staff in the centre and who to go to for help
- Malvern House facilities and a quick trip round the school and local area
- Malvern House extra services e.g study counselling, welfare support, social programme, free seminars
- Online welcome pack
ON YOUR FIRST DAY
STEP 1
Your first day is very important so please arrive at the school at 8.30.
When you arrive in the school, please go to RECEPTION – Malvern House staff will show you where to go next.
Please bring these items with you on your first day:
- Your passport with visa or national identity document for EEA students. (Please note,it might not be possible for you to join a class until we confirm your ID)
- Confirmation of Enrolment letter
- £40 to buy your first course book (or as deposit for a loan copy, for students studying for 3 weeks or less)
STEP 2
INDUCTION MEETING: Welcome meeting – introduction to the school and Malvern House staff. This will take place during the first part of the morning or afternoon.
All new students attend this important meeting, which covers information about Malvern House’s policies, as well as tips about your studies and living in London. Topics include:
- Your learning and progress
- Study advice and using the Study Centre
- Our courses
- Social programme
- Accommodation
- Opening a bank account
- Travelling around London
- Health and safety
- Our centre and facilities
You will be given a Student Progress Diary and a Welcome letter, which both provide information about the school. You will also have the opportunity to meet our key staff, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are under the age of 18, you will be given an extra induction to make sure you have all the information and support that you need.
STEP 3
YOUR FIRST CLASS: Please go to your first class after the break on your first day (10.30 am or 3.45 pm). Your teacher will be expecting you.
Cost of Living
Estimates vary as to how much students should budget for, and London, like other cities, can be as expensive as personal taste dictates.
Below is information on the average cost of living in the UK per week. Remember this is just an average example and costs vary from person to person, depending on your lifestyle.
If you wish to check how much these costs are in your own currency then have a look at www.xe.com.
Below is more specific information on the costs of certain items in the UK. Prices are based on average supermarket prices and can be either higher or lower depending on quality.
£ COST OF LIVING
- Av transport cost per month – £135
- School optional social programme – £100
- Combo meal at fast food restaurant – £5
- Av food cost per month – £265
Life in London
Malvern House provides support on all aspects of London life. We are here to help you before you leave home, when you arrive in London, and throughout your time studying with us.
At Malvern House we offer students the opportunity to buy Merlin Attraction tickets at a very competitive student rate. Please ask our team in the Study Centre, who will be happy to help.
For many students at Malvern House, it is their first time visiting the city. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and people have lived here for more than 2,000 years. It is a very large city filled with opportunity and exciting things to see and do, sometimes it might be difficult to know where to start – this page will help you understand a little about living in London!
London Eye
The EDF Energy London Eye offers breathtaking views of London from high above the River Thames. See Big Ben towering above the Houses of Parliament, follow St. James Park as it sweeps down to Buckingham Palace. Is the Queen at home? You’ll spot the flag flying if she is. A Standard Ticket on the London Eye lasts for approximately 30 minutes, the time it takes for the London Eye to revolve completely. Relax in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and enjoy the London skyline at your leisure.
The London Eye 4D Experience is a groundbreaking 3D film with in theatre effects, such as wind, bubbles and mist, to make the 4D.
London Eye River Cruise
Take a London Eye River Cruise and see London from a different perspective. Enjoy a unique 40-minute circular sightseeing cruise on the River Thames with fascinating live commentary that brings the city to life, presented by specialist guides. Highlights include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Madame Tussauds
Filled with 14 exciting, interactive zones and the amazing Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience, Madame Tussauds London combines glitz and glamour with incredible history.
Walk down the red carpet and strike a pose with Kate Winslet, before challenging your favourite sportstars like David Beckham or Lewis Hamilton. Start your royal experience with an audience with the Queen, before planting a kiss on Prince William’s cheek.
For the brave, get face-to-face with scary serial killers in our live fear experience SCREAM. After a sneaky behind-the-scenes look at how our World-renowned sculptors create the figures, relax in our taxis and relive the rich history of London.
Then step up to your favourite Marvel Super Heroes before getting ready to experience the spectacular and exclusive Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie, where our Marvel Super Heroes battle it out to save London from impending doom.
London Dungeon
Exciting, scary and fun – Delve into the ancient capital’s bloody history at the London Dungeon. We know that when it comes to history – the horrible bits are the best. Experience live actors, dark history, thrilling rides and special effects… are you brave enough to face 90 minutes of London’s goriest past?
Prepare to face the most sinister characters from our past, from serial killer Jack the Ripper, barber Sweeney Todd and regal Bloody Mary. Feel the shadow of the black plague and the fearsome torture chamber.
Plus, with three thrilling rides, there is something for the whole family: Traitors Gate underground boat ride; Vengeance, the UK’s first 5D laser ride and the ever popular Extremis Drop Ride.
Enter the world of The London Dungeon and take a journey with twists, turns, screams and laughter – a fun day out, unlike any other.
Sealife
Dive in and be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as you journey through the amazing underwater world of the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from Gentoo Penguins to tropical sharks. To get any closer you’ll have to get wet!
The Tower of London
The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even zoo! It is still home to the Crown Jewels and Beefeaters.
Hampton Court Palace
The flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic palace, which he extended and developed in grand style after acquiring it from Cardinal Wolsey in the 1520s. Its many royal occupants have ensured the palace has fabulous furnishings, tapestries and paintings. It is set in 60 acres of formal gardens, which include the famous maze and the Great Vine.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has been home to royalty for over 300 years. Take a journey back in time and discover the secrets of the last reigning Stuarts and the extravagance of the Georgians. Learn about the life of Queen Victoria in the 19th century and the fashion trends of the royals in the 20th century. Kids go free.
Banqueting House
Walk in the footsteps of a dazzling company of courtiers who once danced, drank and partied beneath the magnificent Rubens ceiling paintings. This revolutionary building was created for court entertainments, but is probably most famous for the execution of Charles I in 1649.
Kew Palace
Step inside this tiny doll’s house of a palace and sense the joys and sorrows of past royal lives in intimate detail, as King George III and his family come to life through a soundscape and display of fascinating personal artefacts.
At School
STUDENT AREA
Student relaxation area in the centre of the school, with vending machines for drinks and snacks and free access to computers for general use.
COMPUTERS
There is open access to computers for general use in the Student Area. Those in the Study Centre are for study purposes only.
LEARNER SUPPORT
A teacher is available twice a week for you to visit, you can get one-to-one advice about your studies, you can also ask the teacher for help on other things such as writing, or about life in the UK. Students are welcome to book a session with learner support and can do this at the reception desk.
EXTRA CLASSES
You can improve your English faster by joining some of our extra classes. There are several classes available, including: conversation, writing, pronunciation, and grammar. Sometimes special lessons are available such as nursing, media, and British culture. Please ask at reception if you are interested.
WI-FI
There is free WI-FI throughout the school and the password is: “Welcome2Malvern”
STUDY CENTRE
Quiet area for self-study with access to a wide range of books and materials for use in the Study Centre or on loan elsewhere on payment of a small deposit. Computers available for study use.
SOCIAL PROGRAMME
There are fun and interesting activities for you to join every week. Many of them are free and include games club, visits to places in London, quizzes, meals at restaurants, and more! All the information is on our Facebook page and you can find details all around the student area and study centre.
FOCUS GROUPS
Once a month, the principal meets the students to discuss their thoughts and feelings at the school. If you would like to, you can join. This is a great way to share your opinion and helps us to improve your school.
Before Leaving
Accommodation
You can book several types of accommodation through Malvern House or arrange your own accommodation. Many of our students will first book their accommodation through Malvern House and then move into a shared apartment with friends.
Note: Students arriving in the UK after 8pm must book a transfer if they stay in Malvern House accommodation.
Airport Transfer
For personalised service, book an airport transfer that will take you and your luggage, from the airport to your accommodation.
- Return transfer packages are also available
- Drivers will wait for 2 hours after the arrival of your flight. If you cannot locate your driver, please go to the airport Information Desk.
Drivers will carry a sign with your name on it. If you cannot see them, go to the airport Information Desk. Do not go with a driver from another company. Some unlicensed companies charge large amounts of money to newly-arrived foreigners at airports.
Travel Card
The travelcard in London is called Oyster and you can buy it before arriving in London. It allows you to travel on all public transport (Train, Overground, Buses, Tube, DLR). To buy your Oyster please click here.
If you study over 14 weeks you can apply for a student Oyster card, which provides you with a 30% student discount. This card can only be bought once you have arrived in London.
Advice on Renting Flats & Bedsits
Living in a flat or house with other students can be a really good experience. It gives you a chance to meet people who know the area and quickly make new friends. It also gives you lots of chances to practice using English!
www.crm-students.com
http://www.accommodationforstudents.com/
http://www.crm-students.com/crm-accommodation/london/
You can also find information about accommodation owned by private landlords from www.saferstudents.co.uk
Deposits
Remember that you will need to be able to pay the first month’s rent and an extra one or two month’s rent as a deposit before you can move in. The landlord/lady will return the deposit to you when you leave as long as there is no damage to the flat and that nothing is missing from the inventory (the list of items which belong to the flat).
(Get more information at www.gov.uk)
Information landlords must give tenants
Within 30 days of getting your deposit, your landlord/lady must tell you:
- the address of the rented property
- how much deposit you have paid
- how the deposit is protected
- the name and contact details of the tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme and its dispute resolution service (so if you argue with each other there are rules to help you solve the problem)
- their (or the letting agency’s) name and contact details
- the name and contact details of any third party that’s paid the deposit
- why they would keep some or all of the deposit
- how to apply to get the deposit back
- what to do if you can’t get hold of the landlord at the end of the tenancy
- what to do if there is a dispute over the deposit
Insurance and Safety
It is a good idea to buy your own ‘contents insurance’. Contents insurance covers only the things that belong to you, so in case of theft you will not lose everything. You can also get insurance for items you take out of the house, like your phone, laptop, and wallet.Make sure that you always lock your room door if you move into accommodation with people that you do not know. Also, check that windows and doors to your room/accommodation have good locks.
It is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure that all gas and electrical equipment is properly installed and maintained.
Make sure that there are fire detectors in the house/flat, and if there is a gas boiler in the house/flat it is good to have a carbon monoxide detector.
Companies such as Endsleigh cater for students and short term insurance: https://www.endsleigh.co.uk/
Immobilise
You can also register your items for free on the national property database Immobilise. You can register any item that has a serial number, e.g. mobile phones, mp3 players, laptops etc. You can also register bicycles.
Just go to www.immobilise.com
Crime and Safety
London is a large international city, and so some of the areas are safer than others. While you are here make sure that you take care to hide any valuable objects like phones when out at night, and don’t have money on show if you don’t have to.
When you get to the school you can ask reception about anything to do with your area and they will try and help you. You can also find crime statistics in the area by looking at: www.crime-statistics.co.uk
Paying Council Tax
You will get a Council Tax bill if there is someone living in your accommodation who is not a full-time student, but your house/flat might still be able to get a discount. Some Landlords will include this in your rent, so check when you first sign the paperwork.To be exempt from (not have to pay) Council Tax you must be a full time student. Please ask for a letter via Guided E-learning.
To count as a full-time student, your course must:
- last at least 1 year
- involve at least 21 hours study per week
If you are under 20 years old, your course must:
- last at least 3 months
- involve at least 12 hours study per week
The rules on Council Tax can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/full-time-students
Tenancy Agreement
A tenancy agreement is a contract between you and a landlord/lady.It lets you live in a house/flat as long as you pay rent and follow the rules. It also sets out the legal terms and conditions of your stay in the accommodation. It is usually written on paperwork which you and the landlord/lady both get a copy of. Always ask for a copy and keep it safe!
A tenancy can either be:
- Fixed-term (running for a set period of time, e.g. 6 months)
- Periodic (running on a week-by-week or month-by-month basis)
What should be in a tenancy agreement
A tenancy agreement should include:
- The rental price and how it is to be paid
- Information on how and when the rent will be reviewed
- The deposit amount and how it will beprotected
- When the deposit can be fully or partly withheld (eg to repair damage you’ve caused)
- The property address
- The start and end date of the tenancy
- Any tenant or landlord obligations (things you/they must do)
- Which bills you are responsible for
It can also include information on:
- Whether the tenancy can be ended early and how this can be done
- Who is responsible for minor repairs
- Whether the property can be let to someone else if you go away (sublet) or have lodgers (people who stay with you)
Citizens Advice has a guide on tenancy agreements:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/your_family/housing/tenancy_agreements.htm
Your rights and responsibilities
In all privately rented houses or flats you will have certain rights and responsibilities. (Information from www.gov.uk)
Your rights
As a tenant, you have the right to:
- Live in a property that is safe and in good condition
- Have your deposit returned when the tenancy ends – and in some circumstances have itprotected
- Challenge excessively high charges (e.g. bills you think are far too high)
- Know who your landlord is
- Live in the property undisturbed
- See an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
- Be protected from unfair eviction (being asked to leave the house/flat before the end of your tenancy agreement) and unfair rent
- Have a written agreement if you have a fixed-term tenancy of more than 3 years
If you have a tenancy agreement, it should be fair and comply with the law.
If you don’t know who your landlord is, ask (in writing) the person or company you pay rent to. If they do not give you this information within 21 days, your landlord may be fined.
Your responsibilities
You must give your landlord access to the house/flat to inspect it or carry out repairs. Your landlord has to give you at least 24 hours’ notice and visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it is an emergency and they need immediate access.
You must also:
- Take good care of the house/flat – e.g. by cleaning it and keeping it in good condition
- Pay the agreed rent, even if repairs are needed or you are in dispute with your landlord
- Pay other charges as agreed with the landlord – these may include Council Tax or gas and electric bills
- Repair or pay for any damage caused by you, your family, or your friends
- Only sublet a property if the tenancy agreement, or your landlord, allows it
If you do not fulfil your responsibilities, your landlord has the right to take legal action to evict you.
Useful Tips
- Talk to other students at the school to find out where they are living – someone may be looking for a flatmate
- Go and visit accommodation with a friend – never go alone
- If you are renting a house or flat, ask your landlord/lady if you can pay reduced rent during holiday time when you may be away
- When you move in, make sure that all of the items on the inventory (list of things in the accommodation) are in your flat/house and that they are not damaged
- If you are going to live in a shared flat with people you don’t know, check to see if your own room has a lock on the door
- Do not hand over any money until you have been given the key to your flat/bedsit
Useful Terms
- Bedsit – Single room, usually with sink. It is like a living room and bedroom in one. Normally you will share a kitchen and bathroom
- Studio flat – Bedroom with small private kitchen and bathroom
- Landlord and landlady – The owner of the accommodation
- Tenancy agreement – The paperwork you sign with the landlord/lady to book the accommodation
- All inclusive – Means that you should not have to pay extra for bills such as heating and electricity
- Council Tax – A monthly tax that everyone pays to the government in the UK.
- Deposit – Money you give to the landlord/lady before you move in that you get back when you leave as long as the accommodation is in good condition. If you damage the accommodation the landlord/lady uses your deposit to pay for the damages.
If you need help or advice with finding accommodation in London, please ask at Reception.
Moving Levels
The teachers regularly have meetings about the school and students and we discuss your progress together with your test results. If it is clear that you have achieved the standard required at your level, we may recommend that you move up a level. One of the things that helps us decide if a student can move up is a result above 85% in 2 consecutive tests. Please remember that this is not just based on your test results, but on your performance in class, your attendance, your homework, and your spoken English.
Student Safety
We want you and your things to be safe at school and around London. We have an emergency contact number which is +44 (0)7482 660030 or in a medical, police or fire emergency you can call 999.
Follow these simple steps to help keep you and your things safe.
- Always be careful with your bags and phones, (for example when you are in a café do not leave your bags or phones on the tables or unattended).
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you want to use your mobile phone, make it quick and don’t get distracted (for example do not walk around on Skype or Facetime because this is when a lot of phones are stolen).
- Don’t be an easy target – travel in groups.
- Do not let anyone you don’t know into the school building.
- Stay in areas with lights and avoid shortcuts.
- If you want to travel by public transport, plan your journey. Visit tfl.gov.uk to plan your journey.
- Put electronics (e.g. phone, tablet, iPod) away when not in use
Health
All the services below are free and confidential:
Ambulance: In an emergency, if you need an ambulance for yourself or someone else, you need to call 999 and ask for the ambulance service. You will need to provide your name, address and you may be asked questions on your/the other person’s health.
NHS Direct: (telephone advice line) 111. For all health information including advice on finding a doctor, dentist, pharmacy and support groups. An interpreter service is available free of charge — ask for the language you wish to use.
For advice on how to access NHS services as foreign national please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/
Contraception:
Brook Euston
92-94 Chalton Street
London
Greater London
NW1 1HJ
Tel: 020 7387 8700
Alcohol and Drug Services:
Antidote
London Friend
86 Caledonian Road
Kings Cross
London
Greater London
N1 9DN
Tel: 020 7833 1674
Mental Health:
If you feel depressed, seek help from your GP. If they think you need specialist help, they will refer you to a specilaist. If you cannot or do not want to speak to your GP, you can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 08457 909 090. Their website is www.samaritans.org.
Counselling Services:
If your GP thinks you need counselling, they refer you to a counsellor. Therefore, if you think you need this service, please contact your GP.
Domestic Violence:
If you suffer domestic violence, you can call the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you have any worries at all, please speak to a student support officer at the school reception.
Medical Treatment and Insurance
If you need emergency treatment in the UK it is usually free on the NHS (National Health Service) but you may have to pay for other types of treatment (non-emergency, hospital appointments, dentist).
If you are a visitor from the European Economic Area (EEA) then you are strongly advised to bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, otherwise you may be charged for your healthcare. The EHIC means you can get healthcare free or cheaper than usual.
However, the EHIC is not a replacement for medical insurance. Some services that would be free in your home country may not be free here and medical insurance is important if anything serious happens. If you come from outside the EEA, we strongly advise you to get medical insurance.
If you want to register with your local health centre, you might need a letter of introduction issued by the school. Such letters may be issued to our registered students upon application.
Your local medical centres, GPs, dentists and hospitals can be found at Visit http://www.nhs.uk/service-search. The school can help you to find address and contact details of the above centres.
Speak to a Student Support Officer at reception to get more information.
The law in the United Kingdom
It is illegal to purchase alcohol or tobacco products under the age of 18.
All drugs (cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine etc) are illegal to buy, sell or possess.
Drving — you must be at least 17 years of age and hold a full driving license/permit issued in your home country. You may only drive for up to 12 months from the date of arrival in the UK using this license. After 12 months you MUST contact the DVLA www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring to find out what you must do.
For information on roads and vehicles including operation and maintenance of national and local roads in England, traffic signs, insurance, penalties, required standards for vehicle efficiency, safety and registration, cleaner fuels and speed on roads visit the Department for Transport’s website www.dft.gov.uk.
– If you have any problems concerning the law, housing, immigration and your Rights whilst staying in the UK then you can contact London Citizens Advice (free of charge) https://londoncitizensadvice.org.uk/ or call London Citizens Advice Bureau on 0800 144 8848.