Studying in the UK: Do’s and don'ts

You have secured a place at the university of your choice, your visa is organised and you are on your way to the UK. Well, that's the easy part over. Are you ready for the idiosyncrasies of British life?

QUIZ

1. While travelling on the Tube, on which side

of an escalator should you stand? a) The right-hand side.

b) In the middle.

c) Either side is fine. Londoners are an easy going bunch.

d) The left-hand side.

2. It is 8.45 am on the heavily delayed Northern line

and the train is packed. Should you: a) Start a conversation with the person next to you.b) Smile cheerily at fellow passengers to lift the

mood.c) Sing along to your favourite songs on your iPod

which is turned up to top volume.d) Refrain from making eye contact. You know that

under no circumstances whatsoever is it okay to look at anyone, speak to anyone or even acknowledge anyone on the Tube. Ever.

3. You reach the ticket barriers with several dozen

commuters hard at your heels. Do you: a) Wait until you get to the barrier and then rummage through your

bag muttering: "I know it's in here somewhere ... “

b) Trip up several people while you pull your small suitcase on wheels to a complete stop in front of the barriers to readjust the handle.

c) Ticket. What ticket?

d) Have your Oyster card or ticket in your hand. It's a race for the barrier.

4. A train arrives at your stop. There are quite a few

people waiting to get on. When the doors open, do you:

a) Let four trains go by, just in case you are crushed in the stampede.

b) Block people so they do not beat you to a seat.

c) Push your way on board. Are these people getting off or what?

d) Allow all passengers to alight before you even consider getting on.

5. You are reading a newspaper on a busy morning

train. Should you: a) Open the paper wide, taking up the space of three

passengers.

b) Read it with as little disruption to others as possible.

c) Point out interesting stories to people standing alongside you.

d) Not bother with your own paper. After all, you can easily read over someone else's shoulder.

6. Which of these is not a traditional food dish?

a) Toad in the hole.

b) Bangers and mash.

c) Stout buttie.

d) Black pudding.

7. Wales is:

a) Another name for England.

b) A country.

c) A county-shire.

d) A town somewhere in the North.

8. When greeting someone for the first time you

should:

a) Maintain reserve and grunt hello.

b) Bow from the waist down.

c) Squeal with enthusiasm and embrace them in a bear hug.

d) Kiss them on both cheeks.

9. You bump into someone you have met once or twice before. You don't really know them very well, so what is the safest topic

of conversation?

a) Their marriage.

b) The weather.

c) Your latest digestive problems.

d) How much money they earn.

10. You go to the pub with your new friends and someone buys you a drink. What are you obliged to do

in return?

a) Buy them one back.

b) Cook them a three-course meal.

c) Kiss their feet.

d) Leave as soon as you've finished your drink (you don't know them anyway).

11. When someone says they're off to "spend a penny",

what do they mean?

a) They're going to the loo.

b) They're going to change their outfit.

c) They're off to spend several pennies, and possibly even some pounds.

d) They're off to spend a penny.

12. Which of the following cannot be played in a pub?

a) Drinking games.

b) Snooker.

c) Darts.

d) Lacrosse.

13. Which soap is not set in the north of England?

a) Emmerdale.

b) Eastenders.

c) Hollyoaks.

d) Coronation Street.