Frequently Asked Questions: London's Camden College of English

Where is the school? Where is the accommodation? What is British Council accreditation? Who are the teachers and staff at the school? Why is there a registration fee? Where do the students come from and what is the avearage age? Which course should I choose? What is the difference between a part-time and a full-time course? How do I apply to the school? Can I ask questions before I apply to the school? How do I pay? Do I need insurance? Can you help me to apply for a visa? What happens if I want to cancel my course? What should I bring with me to London? What happens on the first day at school? How will you know what my level is? Can I use the internet at school? Can I borrow books and do extra study at school? Will I be able to find a job in London? Will I be able to open a bank account in London? Can I have a discount on public transport? Are exam fees included in the price of a course? Do I have to buy a course book?

1. Where is the school?
The school is in Bloomsbury, which is central London (zone 1). The location is perfect as it is seconds from the British Museum and only 5 minutes from Oxford Street and Covent Garden.
2. Where is the accommodation?
The school is located in zone 1 and most of the accommodation is in zones 2,3 and 4. However, we can place students in residences in zone 1 when there is availability. We always try to place our students as close to the school as possible. Don't worry about where your accommodation is - part of the London experience is travelling on buses and the underground.
3.What is British Council accreditation?
The British Council inspects schools to see if the teaching, accommodation, publicity material, premises and facilities are a good standard. This is why it is important that you choose a school that can display this symbol.
4. Who are the teachers and staff at the school?
The school is run by husband and wife Stuart and Greta with a small team of dedicated teachers and administration staff. You can meet everyone here.
5. Why is there a registration fee?
You will pay a fee of £35 when you register for a course and you will get a "username" and "password" for our special e-learning course. This means you will be able to continue studying outside the class and when you return home.
6. Where do the students come from and what is the average age?
In 2007, students have come from over 40 countries. The main nationalities are French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and German. Minimum age: 18 (16 in July and August) Average age: 24
7.How do I know which is the right course for me?
First, think about your reason for studying. Is it because you need better English to find a job or to go to university, or is it because you want to take a course for pleasure during your holiday? Please ask lots of questions and we will help and advise you.
8. What is the difference between a part-time and a full-time course?
A full-time course is any course which is 15 or more hours per week (for students who need to apply for a visa, 15 hours per week is the minimum). Morning part-time courses (6 and 9 hours per week) are available for au pairs and nannies and evening part-time courses (2.5 - 7.5 hours per week) are available for all students (unless a visa is required)..
9. How do I apply to the school?
Download an application form and then email or fax it to the school. If you prefer, you can email the school and we will send you an application form. Please remember that you can ask lots of questions before applying - we are here to help you! We check that everything is ok and that the course and accommodation are possible. We tell you the total fees you need to pay. You send us a deposit or full fees (it depends if you need a visa) by bank transfer or credit card. We send you an acceptance letter and details of the accommodation. Please remember that we are here to help you. You must ask questions if there is anything you do not understand or that you are worried about.
10. Can I ask questions before I apply to the school?
It is important that you ask lots of questions. Send a quick message or contact the school by email, or chat online with MSN instant messaging (info@camdencollege.com). We will help you with advice about courses, accommodation, arriving and living in London.
11. How do I pay?
You can pay by bank transfer (students are responsible for all the bank charges), credit card (visa, mastercard), cheque (sterling) or cash (in person). Please ask if you are not sure.
12. Do I need insurance?
We recommend that all students have insurance that covers health, course cancellation and the possessions that you will bring with you. You may either arrange this independently or you can have a look at the student insurance package here.
13. Can you help me to apply for a visa?
Some schools advertise that they can give a student a visa. This is not true. Visas are issued by an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) either at an Embassy or Consulate or when entering the country. You must check what type of visa you need and how to apply for it. You will probably need to show the ECO evidence that you have applied for a course (we will send you an acceptance letter), can pay for your course and living expenses in the UK and that you intend to return to your country at the end of the course. Please look at UKCOSA, which is a site for international students where you can find information and advice about visas.
14. What happens if I want to cancel my course?
Please look at Terms and Conditions for complete information about refunds.
15. What should I bring with me to London?
You probably know that the weather is not always perfect in London. You should be prepared and be positive! The warmest that London gets in summer (July) is between 22 - 27C and the coldest in winter (January) is between 0 - 1C. Most students say that the interesting thing about the weather in London is that it can change many times in one day. Bring a jacket and sweater even in summer and make sure you have warm clothes for winter. An umbrella is also a good idea! Electrical equipment: please make sure that anything you bring into the UK, such as hairdryers, can be used on standard British voltage which is 240v ac 50HZ. Remember that UK plugs have three pins but you can buy an adaptor plug at most airports or at electrical shops in London. Passport size photographs - these are very useful for student cards, travel cards etc. Paper and pens - you are coming here to study!
16. What happens on the first day at school?
Please arrive at school at 0815 on your first day. You will take a test to see what your level is. There will be an introduction to the school for all the new students. You will take your first class. If the school has arranged your accommodation, we will check that everything is ok.
17. How will you know what my level is?
You will do a written test and have a short interview. This will help the Director of Studies to put you in a group with other students who are a similar level. If you are in the wrong class (too high or too low), we will move you to a different class.
18. Can I use the internet at school?
Yes, the internet is free for all students at school. There are 12 PCs (with European, Arabic, Korean, Chinese and Japanese) that include headphones for Skype. The school also has WiFi.
19. Can I borrow books and do extra study at school?
There is a library at school with books at different levels. Reading is very important to help you develop your vocabulary. There is also self-access material so that you can do extra studying after class. You can also borrow films on DVD to watch outside school.
20. Will I be able to find a job in London?
European Union students are free to work in the UK and Non-European Union students can work if they have the right visa. Generally, a student visa allows you to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. UKCOSA is a very good website with information about working in the uk for students. If you are legally allowed to work, finding a part-time job is not very difficult. Many of our students work in local restaurants and bars in the afternoon or evening. But remember, finding a job depends on your level of English, your personality and your experience.
21. Will I be able to open a bank account in the UK?
Banks are very strict about opening accounts and demand a lot of information from students. It is important to show how long you will be staying in the UK, the reason for opening an account and proof of a permanent address in the UK. The school will be able to provide you with a letter showing that you are registered as a student.
22. Can I have a discount on public transport?
If you study for 14 weeks or more on a full-time course, you will be able to receive a 30% discount on public transport. Please ask in the office at school for an application form. You will need a passport photo and to pay £5 to London Transport for the discount card.
23.Are exam fees included in the price of a course?
No. If you take IELTS, FCE, CAE or CPE, you will have to pay extra to register for the exam. The cost is between £90 -100 depending on the exam.
24. Do I have to buy a course book?
Yes. Course books cost between £15 - 20 and are necessary for General English and exam courses. You can buy the book at school when you arrive. On Cultural Experience and English for Work, all materials are included in the price.

It is very important that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions . If you have any questions, please contact the school.