travel

If you're gearing up to study abroad in the UK, you likely have many things on your mind - where you're going to live, what classes you'll take, what part of France you'll visit on spring break. Emergency preparedness is probably not as high on your list as, say, driving on the other side of the road and learning British slang. But questions that would come naturally to you at home, like where to call for an ambulance or what happens if you get sick, may not be readily apparent in a new country. You don't want the first time you think about how to refill a prescription to be when you've run out. This handy checklist will help prepare you for potential emergencies abroad and let you get back to researching weekend castle trips.

You've seen Mary Poppins gliding through its skies, while cock-er-nee cab drivers bellow, "Ah don't go sath of tha riva" and gents in bowler hats cradle bulldogs like small children. Big Ben bellicosely booms as Buckingham Palace parades the Queen's Guards and David Cameron prowls the streets like a Prime Ministerial madman.

London - the city where everything is happening. But sometimes, through the madding crowd of Union Jack memorabilia and tourist trap tat, finding something to suit your tastes can feel daunting.

That's why we've put together this list of the London less travelled. So, strap yourselves in, drop your car off at the Gatwick meet and greet and ride on through to these oddities.

Time for War!

Whether you're a pacifist or a warmongering nut job, there's no doubting the seismic impact that the Second World War had on the history of civilisation. And what better way to feel what it must have been like than to stand in the very room Winston Churchill used to strategize in.

Opposite the Churchill Museum, the War Rooms were the focus of Allied efforts to repel the Nazis. If you're a history buff, you'll be fascinated - bar a few scribblings on Churchill's legacy, the rooms have been authentically preserved.

If you find yourself looking for something simpler, more meditative or relaxing to do than the normal rounds of restaurants, bars, and shops on your next break, consider spending time listening to music. From the pure sounds of choirs, to the pulsing beat of Japanese drummers, or the haunting melodies of classical compositions, there are musical concerts, programs and events open to the public across the globe.

Instead of spending hours buying often pointless souvenirs or clothing on a shopping spree, you could uplift your mind listening to sacred sounds. Whether you choose to search out sombre chants, rhythmic drumbeats, or rousing exaltations, you're sure to find a sound to stir your soul. Read on for five top spots around the world where you should take some time to just stop and listen.

So you've passed your exams, bagged some conditional offers from university, nailed your driving test, what's next? Of course you should spend the summer celebrating but don't be caught out last minute when you only have a couple of weeks to prepare for university! If you prefer the more independent option of whizzing around on your own four wheels (let's face it, who doesn't?) then you'll want to best kind of car to take with you when you start studying. Here's a top class pick of the best cars that students can drive while on the sweet road to freedom...

1. Fiat 500

One of the most popular city cars in the last few years, the Fiat 500 has become an iconic car that has retained its awesome appeal. As long as you're not planning to haul all of your junk into the tiny boot and small back seats, then the 500 is ideal for whizzing to lectures, karting around friends or making that long-awaited trip home.

2. Toyota Yaris

Listed in the top 10 most reliable cars in Warranty Direct's Reliability Index, the second-generation Toyota Yaris is fantastically practical, great fun to drive and affordable to maintain. It's a newly designed, refined car which means better handling and an efficient engine. Plus, because it's so safe, it marks very low on insurance rates, even if you're a young driver.

When you study in Britain you may find it helpful, or even necessary, to learn to drive. Driving in the UK opens up a huge range of possibilities and can make your living situation much easier. If you are looking for work whilst you study then it can also help if you are able to drive, as this will create a lot more opportunities for you. You may find that once you pass your test it will help you to settle quickly, as you will feel a huge sense of personal satisfaction as well as independence.

Getting as Much Time Behind the Wheel as Possible

Learning to drive can be stressful, and it is important that you have as much time behind the wheel as possible. This is so that you can hone your skills and master all the manoeuvres that you are taught during the lesson. You will find that during the lessons you do not have much time for practising one manoeuvre, and this is because you want to cover as much as possible in these lessons. If you have somebody that can teach you privately (such as a friend or family member), then you will need to take out learner driver insurance. This will give you the peace of mind and cover you need to practice becoming a safe, competent motorist.