today i woke up at 11.35am.
well, i was awakened by a friend's call asked me to ask the STA travel agent whether our airline ticket have prepared or not as they don't answer my friend call.
then i just phoned them and the first call was hanged up as they can't listen clearly.
at the second time i phoned them, they just answered that "we will tell you in your email when we received the air ticket from the airline that in charge to issue it" and i can sense the voice tone seems like blaming the another party for not issuing the ticket.
frankly speaking, i just feel that it's sounds like it was my fault to ask about it when she answered in a little "annoying tone" to me but i believe anyone would ask about it since it is just 10 days left before we depart to UK and the flight ticket still not ready yet after we made payment?
therefore i assume this might be the so call as typical Malaysian type of "after sales service" (ass) and guess my friend was right that our country still haven ready yet for the next level of marketing service.
in fact, i think they should at least phone us to notify us that we shouldn't need to worry about the air ticket instead of just letting us wait. (actually i was afraid that they "run" away with the $$~ >.<)
during the afternoon, mother just cooked some noodles as our lunch.
somehow i do feel myself seems to be a little "useless" as i choose to sleep rather than doing something useful such as reading some books that can improve my English.
the moment i woke up again was at 6.10pm.
after having my dinner, i continue to surf some information and settle some necessary stuff that need to be submitted or take note in UK.
well, i do faced some difficulties when filling up the SHU online pre-enrollment form as i can't login and found out that the username was something start with "b10XXXXX" when i send an email to their support stuff for solving my problem.
anyways, i was facing some problem to choose the 14-19 advanced diploma level 3 and it took me about 15 minutes finish fill up the form as shown below.
besides, i just read the senior advice for Sheffield Tarc and found it is quite useful to take some note and precaution before departing there as below.
____________________________________________
For those who are going to the UK on this coming summer, here are a summary of the basic stuff that you might find helpful for your summer course, I will include some basic stuff you need to bring over and what you should not bring.
Essential documents
1) Passport.
2) Valid driving license (make sure you renew your license before you come as Malaysia driving license can be used in the United Kingdom for a period of 1 year from the day you enter UK. Believe me, a road trip in the UK with your mates are very fun indeed)
3) Passport size photos.
4) Bank draft and proof of financial evidence as the immigration requires you to show your proof of financial before allowing you to enter the UK.
For your studies
1) Laptop. (mouse, speaker, mic and webcam if needed)
2) Thumb drive or CD-R/W. (MUST save a copy for all files every month/week)
3) Two pin plug. (MUST! UK don't have such thing) for laptop and phone charger, rechargeable batteries. (you will have enough power point at hostel,extension cord not needed, most rooms have six power points) *Only applicable if you are going to travel to Europe, UK plug is same as Malaysia plug (if you plan to travel to Europe, get a power adapter that can be used in various countries and continents. I bought mine for about RM20, it's a good investment)
4) Bag, ALL stationery and pencil case. (expensive there!)
5) External hardisk. (the connection over here is real good so some of you guys might do some serious downloading, your existing hardisk might not be able to store all the heavy downloads. Go get 1 500GB external hardisk which costs you less than RM400 and of course, this is optional.)
For your health and living
1) Basic medicine for flu, cold, cough, headache, gastric etc. (very important)
2) Basic first aid. (e.g. yokoyoko)
3) Nail cutter. (here, it cost around 3 pounds = around RM20 each!!!)
4) Toothbrush. (toothbrush around RM7+ each in UK)
5) Cotton and cotton buds.
6) Small tissue pack. (no need to bring a lot, most of the public toilets have tissue paper provided)
7) Bath towel.
8) Clothes hanger. (just bring a few of it, you can request to keep the clothes hanger when you shop at Primark)
9) Clothes brush. (pre-paid washing machine is approx 2 pounds for washing and 1 pound for drying, you need to do the laundry once per week or if you can stand it, maybe once every 2 weeks, so you do the math yourself and yes, you can hardly find any brush over here, during my time, we were given two free tokens weekly as one for the washer, one for the dryer)
10) Slipper, socks.
11) Shaver.
12) Lingeries, bras, stocking, panty liners and pad. (for gals)
13) Pepper spray or personal alarm. (expensive there)
14) Very strong folded umbrella. (strong winds + crazy weather in UK! REMEMBER TO ASK FOR THE TOUGH ONE)
15) Digital camera and rechargeable batteries. (for your sweet memories)
* for shower gel, toothpaste, shampoo and lotion, just bring one week supply or travel pack. Here, they have cheaper daily use products. (such as Tesco, they have their own brand of shampoo and shower gel, it's really cheap!) * Sewing kit, can get a set from 1 pound shop, share with friends.
Food
If you still have space for luggage:
1) Special seasoning or dried cooking paste. (e.g. curry powder, bakkutteh and chili sauce, they don't have chili sauce over there)
2) Some special dried food. (e.g. Chinese mushroom)
3) Some instant noodles for the first few weeks when you are still not comfortable going out to eat and too lazy to cook proper meal.
4) Milo and some local coffee you like as those that are available here tastes a little different from what you usually drink. (* Don't bring biscuit or cookies as the cookies here are seriously 10 times better than Malaysia's cookies and its cheap too.
P/S: I am not sure about this, but please don't bring dried seafood over as I've been told that if you get caught, you going to receive severe penalty for the possession of it. Ask you parents to send it over.
(Chinese grocery stores have almost everything but just a bit expensive, only bring things which is special or hard to find if you still have space for luggage)
* Please DON'T bring your own cutlery, frying pan, cup, mug, plate or whatever, your student accommodation will provide every single one of you your own set.
* Rice cooker? not advisable, we usually cook rice using the pot supplied by the halls and we are quite good at it. You can buy rice cooker here at reasonable price as well.
For partying / clubbing (although not encouraging, but i know u will ignore my advise)
Not sure whether you wanna attend the freshman party or dinner organize by uruni, they normally organize it during the first month of admission. (you might wanna wear tie, coat, leather shoe, high heels or put on make up) For my year, they organised a summer beach party so those formal wears are not required. (the theme for my year was summer beach party too)
* Please don't clubbing too much, it's not safe to travel at night!
Banking
You are not required to open a HSBC account in Malaysia and transfer the money here, its quite troublesome. Just go and buy a bank draft and open an account over here. Usually, SHU will give you guys a bank letter for Natwest. The letter is required for you to open an account as a proof that you are a student over here. Usually they will distribute the letter during enrollment day.
Please go and book for bank appointment A.S.A.P or after you get your bank letter. The system in UK is all based on appointment and if you are late, you going to wait for ages to set up your account. For Natwest, they will give you a debit card (Solo), credit card and cheque book which is rather useful for online purchasing.
** Read the terms and condition properly and DON'T SIMPLY SET UP DIRECT DEBIT WITHOUT PUTTING MONEY IN YOUR STEP ACCOUNT, YOU WILL BE CHARGE 60 POUNDS FOR IT AND DON'T DO LATE PAYMENT FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD, I HAS BEEN CHARGED 160 POUNDS FOR LATE PAYMENT AND HANDLING FEES, DAMN IT!)
For telecommunication
It's not easy to get a post-paid mobile phone connection as you need a good credit score (i.e, debit card balance) to sign for free phone and contract, so its not advisable to sign up for a phone. You can use your malaysia mobile and get a pre-paid (there: pay-as-you-go) SIM pack from any mobile shop to kick off your UK "miserable" mobile phone experience. Welcome to the real world. (during my time, the uni gave each of us a SIM card from Nomi network, but most of us switched to Lebara network cause they offered free calls and SMS within the same network during summer, check it out)
Trip
Please don't simply sign up for trips as some of it are really not worthy. Some seniors might try to convince you guys desperately but you can always do some research on your own and ask for second opinion before committing yourself. Try to have some road trip ( For example, Scotland and Liverpool) it is an experience of a lifetime and it is fun, trust me). You are grown ups now and you don't need to be spoon fed right?
P/S: Manchester United fans can contact Andrew after you reach Sheffield. Most probably, he will be organizing another trip to watch Manchester United and you guys can get to watch the Champions in action in Old Trafford and for your information, he organised a trip to watch MU vs Juventus last year.
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR UK STUDENTS' LIFE
Map: You can find any destination in UK by just type in the UK postcode!
Try to search for LJMU or SHU, for example, Charlotte Court postcode is S24EQ), even look for places in Europe when u travel. (now also available for Malaysia! Yeah!) from this web: www.multimap.com , map.google.co.uk
Transportation - Rail
1) www.nationalrail.co.uk (consists of all rail network in UK, except Megatrain)
2) www.trainline.co.uk (consist of all rail network in UK, except Megatrain)
Individual train companies
1) www.megatrain.co.uk (just 1 pound if book earlier!)
2) www.virgintrains.co.uk
3) www.silverlink-trains.com
4) www.gner.co.uk
5) www.centraltrains.co.uk
6) www.northernrail.org
7) www.midlandmainline.co.uk
8) www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
* All linked with each other, sometimes have promotional price, usually 4 travel together can get discounted rate, check it frequently for any special deal.
* Alternatively, log on to www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk , if you stay for more than a year there, check this out see whether it's worth apply for student railcard.
Coach
1) www.megabus.co.uk (only 1 pound if book earlier!)
2) www.nationalexpress.co.uk (always have FUNFAIR for 1 pound only, check it out!)
*and some intercity coach info available in all local tourist info center.
Budget airlines
1) www.skyscanner.net (one stop website for all budget airlines in uk!)
2) www.ryainair.co.uk
3) www.easyjet.co.uk
4) www.bmibaby.co.uk / www.flybmi.co.uk
Transportation to airport
1) www.nationalexpress.co.uk
2) www.easybus.co.uk
3) www.greenline.co.uk
4) www.transsvision.co.uk
PLEASE GO TO KLIA EARLIER
- Check in earlier to get a better seat / to sit with your friends. (or else talk to yourself for more then 13 hours!)
- Don't bring overweight luggage as some of the staff of certain airlines (Etihad and Emirates) won't allow even 32 kgs for check in and going to charge you for it.
* Remember to keep all important document in hand luggage and label your big luggage. (your name, uni name and UK address, contact number) and lock it when aboard. Keep your uni add and contact number handy (for emergency).
* I might miss out some of the things here.
*This copy is edited from the one I received previously from Ms.Lim and Andrew so credits goes to them. All the comments are made from a neutral perception as I don't get any credits from the seniors. You can always ask for second opinion.
P/S: In Short, what you need to bring is MORE FOOD and LESS clothes! Heed this advice, else you'll regret like me! Cannot buy all the things that you want because of luggage allowance.
Have a safe journey, all the best and enjoy your days in UK! =D
____________________________________________
overall i feel that this would be the last thing i take note before departing to there.
honestly, i did think a little about my past because most of my classmate had went there and now only left few people that i know.
sometime i just can keep telling myself that "no use to keep crying over a split milk" and should keep looking forward by appreciating what i have.
besides, i realized all the while the reason i have the "jelly" feeling was due to can't get something.
for example, when i read a post in the forum about someone had won 70K SGD from gambling in Singapore, i tends to be "jelly" especially he post the picture as below.
then i realized that what for "jelly" for something that should not be proud such as winning money from gambling activity right?
at last, today's date was quite special as it is "520" (我爱妳) which means "I love you" in Chinese and i saw many people post their happy coupling status.
somehow i just have some feelings toward the "連詩雅 Shiga - I'm still loving you (喜愛夜蒲電影主題曲)" song as shown below.
actually i do have a feeling of want to find the Chinese fortune teller to ask about my love fate but it seems useless as what can i do if i know it?
in addition, i feel that my life nowadays was like the picture below.
perhaps i was "too free" and resulted me to think so much things again.
>.<
well, i was awakened by a friend's call asked me to ask the STA travel agent whether our airline ticket have prepared or not as they don't answer my friend call.
then i just phoned them and the first call was hanged up as they can't listen clearly.
at the second time i phoned them, they just answered that "we will tell you in your email when we received the air ticket from the airline that in charge to issue it" and i can sense the voice tone seems like blaming the another party for not issuing the ticket.
frankly speaking, i just feel that it's sounds like it was my fault to ask about it when she answered in a little "annoying tone" to me but i believe anyone would ask about it since it is just 10 days left before we depart to UK and the flight ticket still not ready yet after we made payment?
therefore i assume this might be the so call as typical Malaysian type of "after sales service" (ass) and guess my friend was right that our country still haven ready yet for the next level of marketing service.
in fact, i think they should at least phone us to notify us that we shouldn't need to worry about the air ticket instead of just letting us wait. (actually i was afraid that they "run" away with the $$~ >.<)
during the afternoon, mother just cooked some noodles as our lunch.
somehow i do feel myself seems to be a little "useless" as i choose to sleep rather than doing something useful such as reading some books that can improve my English.
the moment i woke up again was at 6.10pm.
after having my dinner, i continue to surf some information and settle some necessary stuff that need to be submitted or take note in UK.
well, i do faced some difficulties when filling up the SHU online pre-enrollment form as i can't login and found out that the username was something start with "b10XXXXX" when i send an email to their support stuff for solving my problem.
anyways, i was facing some problem to choose the 14-19 advanced diploma level 3 and it took me about 15 minutes finish fill up the form as shown below.
besides, i just read the senior advice for Sheffield Tarc and found it is quite useful to take some note and precaution before departing there as below.
____________________________________________
For those who are going to the UK on this coming summer, here are a summary of the basic stuff that you might find helpful for your summer course, I will include some basic stuff you need to bring over and what you should not bring.
Essential documents
1) Passport.
2) Valid driving license (make sure you renew your license before you come as Malaysia driving license can be used in the United Kingdom for a period of 1 year from the day you enter UK. Believe me, a road trip in the UK with your mates are very fun indeed)
3) Passport size photos.
4) Bank draft and proof of financial evidence as the immigration requires you to show your proof of financial before allowing you to enter the UK.
For your studies
1) Laptop. (mouse, speaker, mic and webcam if needed)
2) Thumb drive or CD-R/W. (MUST save a copy for all files every month/week)
3) Two pin plug. (MUST! UK don't have such thing) for laptop and phone charger, rechargeable batteries. (you will have enough power point at hostel,extension cord not needed, most rooms have six power points) *Only applicable if you are going to travel to Europe, UK plug is same as Malaysia plug (if you plan to travel to Europe, get a power adapter that can be used in various countries and continents. I bought mine for about RM20, it's a good investment)
4) Bag, ALL stationery and pencil case. (expensive there!)
5) External hardisk. (the connection over here is real good so some of you guys might do some serious downloading, your existing hardisk might not be able to store all the heavy downloads. Go get 1 500GB external hardisk which costs you less than RM400 and of course, this is optional.)
For your health and living
1) Basic medicine for flu, cold, cough, headache, gastric etc. (very important)
2) Basic first aid. (e.g. yokoyoko)
3) Nail cutter. (here, it cost around 3 pounds = around RM20 each!!!)
4) Toothbrush. (toothbrush around RM7+ each in UK)
5) Cotton and cotton buds.
6) Small tissue pack. (no need to bring a lot, most of the public toilets have tissue paper provided)
7) Bath towel.
8) Clothes hanger. (just bring a few of it, you can request to keep the clothes hanger when you shop at Primark)
9) Clothes brush. (pre-paid washing machine is approx 2 pounds for washing and 1 pound for drying, you need to do the laundry once per week or if you can stand it, maybe once every 2 weeks, so you do the math yourself and yes, you can hardly find any brush over here, during my time, we were given two free tokens weekly as one for the washer, one for the dryer)
10) Slipper, socks.
11) Shaver.
12) Lingeries, bras, stocking, panty liners and pad. (for gals)
13) Pepper spray or personal alarm. (expensive there)
14) Very strong folded umbrella. (strong winds + crazy weather in UK! REMEMBER TO ASK FOR THE TOUGH ONE)
15) Digital camera and rechargeable batteries. (for your sweet memories)
* for shower gel, toothpaste, shampoo and lotion, just bring one week supply or travel pack. Here, they have cheaper daily use products. (such as Tesco, they have their own brand of shampoo and shower gel, it's really cheap!) * Sewing kit, can get a set from 1 pound shop, share with friends.
Food
If you still have space for luggage:
1) Special seasoning or dried cooking paste. (e.g. curry powder, bakkutteh and chili sauce, they don't have chili sauce over there)
2) Some special dried food. (e.g. Chinese mushroom)
3) Some instant noodles for the first few weeks when you are still not comfortable going out to eat and too lazy to cook proper meal.
4) Milo and some local coffee you like as those that are available here tastes a little different from what you usually drink. (* Don't bring biscuit or cookies as the cookies here are seriously 10 times better than Malaysia's cookies and its cheap too.
P/S: I am not sure about this, but please don't bring dried seafood over as I've been told that if you get caught, you going to receive severe penalty for the possession of it. Ask you parents to send it over.
(Chinese grocery stores have almost everything but just a bit expensive, only bring things which is special or hard to find if you still have space for luggage)
* Please DON'T bring your own cutlery, frying pan, cup, mug, plate or whatever, your student accommodation will provide every single one of you your own set.
* Rice cooker? not advisable, we usually cook rice using the pot supplied by the halls and we are quite good at it. You can buy rice cooker here at reasonable price as well.
For partying / clubbing (although not encouraging, but i know u will ignore my advise)
Not sure whether you wanna attend the freshman party or dinner organize by uruni, they normally organize it during the first month of admission. (you might wanna wear tie, coat, leather shoe, high heels or put on make up) For my year, they organised a summer beach party so those formal wears are not required. (the theme for my year was summer beach party too)
* Please don't clubbing too much, it's not safe to travel at night!
Banking
You are not required to open a HSBC account in Malaysia and transfer the money here, its quite troublesome. Just go and buy a bank draft and open an account over here. Usually, SHU will give you guys a bank letter for Natwest. The letter is required for you to open an account as a proof that you are a student over here. Usually they will distribute the letter during enrollment day.
Please go and book for bank appointment A.S.A.P or after you get your bank letter. The system in UK is all based on appointment and if you are late, you going to wait for ages to set up your account. For Natwest, they will give you a debit card (Solo), credit card and cheque book which is rather useful for online purchasing.
** Read the terms and condition properly and DON'T SIMPLY SET UP DIRECT DEBIT WITHOUT PUTTING MONEY IN YOUR STEP ACCOUNT, YOU WILL BE CHARGE 60 POUNDS FOR IT AND DON'T DO LATE PAYMENT FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD, I HAS BEEN CHARGED 160 POUNDS FOR LATE PAYMENT AND HANDLING FEES, DAMN IT!)
For telecommunication
It's not easy to get a post-paid mobile phone connection as you need a good credit score (i.e, debit card balance) to sign for free phone and contract, so its not advisable to sign up for a phone. You can use your malaysia mobile and get a pre-paid (there: pay-as-you-go) SIM pack from any mobile shop to kick off your UK "miserable" mobile phone experience. Welcome to the real world. (during my time, the uni gave each of us a SIM card from Nomi network, but most of us switched to Lebara network cause they offered free calls and SMS within the same network during summer, check it out)
Trip
Please don't simply sign up for trips as some of it are really not worthy. Some seniors might try to convince you guys desperately but you can always do some research on your own and ask for second opinion before committing yourself. Try to have some road trip ( For example, Scotland and Liverpool) it is an experience of a lifetime and it is fun, trust me). You are grown ups now and you don't need to be spoon fed right?
P/S: Manchester United fans can contact Andrew after you reach Sheffield. Most probably, he will be organizing another trip to watch Manchester United and you guys can get to watch the Champions in action in Old Trafford and for your information, he organised a trip to watch MU vs Juventus last year.
ADDITIONAL INFO FOR UK STUDENTS' LIFE
Map: You can find any destination in UK by just type in the UK postcode!
Try to search for LJMU or SHU, for example, Charlotte Court postcode is S24EQ), even look for places in Europe when u travel. (now also available for Malaysia! Yeah!) from this web: www.multimap.com , map.google.co.uk
Transportation - Rail
1) www.nationalrail.co.uk (consists of all rail network in UK, except Megatrain)
2) www.trainline.co.uk (consist of all rail network in UK, except Megatrain)
Individual train companies
1) www.megatrain.co.uk (just 1 pound if book earlier!)
2) www.virgintrains.co.uk
3) www.silverlink-trains.com
4) www.gner.co.uk
5) www.centraltrains.co.uk
6) www.northernrail.org
7) www.midlandmainline.co.uk
8) www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
* All linked with each other, sometimes have promotional price, usually 4 travel together can get discounted rate, check it frequently for any special deal.
* Alternatively, log on to www.youngpersons-railcard.co.uk , if you stay for more than a year there, check this out see whether it's worth apply for student railcard.
Coach
1) www.megabus.co.uk (only 1 pound if book earlier!)
2) www.nationalexpress.co.uk (always have FUNFAIR for 1 pound only, check it out!)
*and some intercity coach info available in all local tourist info center.
Budget airlines
1) www.skyscanner.net (one stop website for all budget airlines in uk!)
2) www.ryainair.co.uk
3) www.easyjet.co.uk
4) www.bmibaby.co.uk / www.flybmi.co.uk
Transportation to airport
1) www.nationalexpress.co.uk
2) www.easybus.co.uk
3) www.greenline.co.uk
4) www.transsvision.co.uk
PLEASE GO TO KLIA EARLIER
- Check in earlier to get a better seat / to sit with your friends. (or else talk to yourself for more then 13 hours!)
- Don't bring overweight luggage as some of the staff of certain airlines (Etihad and Emirates) won't allow even 32 kgs for check in and going to charge you for it.
* Remember to keep all important document in hand luggage and label your big luggage. (your name, uni name and UK address, contact number) and lock it when aboard. Keep your uni add and contact number handy (for emergency).
* I might miss out some of the things here.
*This copy is edited from the one I received previously from Ms.Lim and Andrew so credits goes to them. All the comments are made from a neutral perception as I don't get any credits from the seniors. You can always ask for second opinion.
P/S: In Short, what you need to bring is MORE FOOD and LESS clothes! Heed this advice, else you'll regret like me! Cannot buy all the things that you want because of luggage allowance.
Have a safe journey, all the best and enjoy your days in UK! =D
____________________________________________
overall i feel that this would be the last thing i take note before departing to there.
honestly, i did think a little about my past because most of my classmate had went there and now only left few people that i know.
sometime i just can keep telling myself that "no use to keep crying over a split milk" and should keep looking forward by appreciating what i have.
besides, i realized all the while the reason i have the "jelly" feeling was due to can't get something.
for example, when i read a post in the forum about someone had won 70K SGD from gambling in Singapore, i tends to be "jelly" especially he post the picture as below.
then i realized that what for "jelly" for something that should not be proud such as winning money from gambling activity right?
at last, today's date was quite special as it is "520" (我爱妳) which means "I love you" in Chinese and i saw many people post their happy coupling status.
somehow i just have some feelings toward the "連詩雅 Shiga - I'm still loving you (喜愛夜蒲電影主題曲)" song as shown below.
actually i do have a feeling of want to find the Chinese fortune teller to ask about my love fate but it seems useless as what can i do if i know it?
in addition, i feel that my life nowadays was like the picture below.
perhaps i was "too free" and resulted me to think so much things again.
>.<