英国做啥不做啥

What to do and what not to do in the UK?

 

Do not take photos or videos of British children without permission. Always ask if it is okay to take pictures.

 

Do not randomly take photos of pedestrians or British staff members. It is best to obtain their consent.

 

When walking, avoid playing with your phone and try to walk closer to the inside of the road. In recent years, there have been incidents of motorcycle gangs snatching phones directly from people's hands or stealing bags by pretending to ask for directions or the time when they catch you off guard.

 

Some attractions may have signs prohibiting photography. Do not take photos in those areas.

 

Do not disturb British guards, including running up to take photos or blocking their path.

 

Always carry a hat or umbrella as the weather in the UK is unpredictable, with frequent rain and wind. Even in summer, the weather is not particularly hot.

 

Most houses in the UK have central heating but no air conditioning since there are rarely very hot summers. However, there may be a few hot and humid days during summer, including on public transport like the London Underground.

 

In some art galleries or museums, photography may be allowed, but remember to turn off the flash.

 

Smoking indoors is generally prohibited unless in designated smoking areas.

 

The UK has many public holidays, and during these times, most shops are closed. Yes, you read that correctly, all shops are closed except during Christmas, Easter, and Bank Holidays.

 

No matter the situation, always remember to queue. If unsure whether to queue or not, ask the people ahead of you.

 

When crossing the road, follow traffic rules and press the pedestrian crossing button to activate the green light. Pay attention to the flow of traffic as cars drive on the left side in the UK, which is different from many other countries.

 

Driving in the UK is on the left side, and the steering wheel is on the right side.

 

Pedestrians in the UK walk on the left side.

 

When using escalators in the UK, do not block the way. Stand on the right and keep the left side clear for others to pass, as shown in the image below

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When in the UK, it's important to do the following:

 

Sort your garbage for recycling.

 

Avoid going out alone at night, preferably go with friends or classmates.

 

Be cautious when walking on the streets at night, especially near bars, as there may be intoxicated individuals. Walk quickly and avoid engaging with them.

 

If you encounter any issues that harm your interests, remember to seek legal and reasonable remedies. For example, if there are problems with deposits, excessive rent charges, or issues with the property.

 

Avoid engaging in uncivilized behavior such as littering or spitting.

 

Avoid engaging in excessive contact with underage individuals in the UK and try to keep your distance to avoid any trouble.

 

Avoid cooking dishes with excessive oil smoke in the UK, as it can trigger smoke alarms in houses and may result in fines.

 

In student apartments with kitchens, even regular cooking may trigger smoke alarms and lead to fines or even sprinkler activation.

 

Ten Sheng Miao reminds you not to disturb the swans in the UK. All swans in the UK belong to the Queen, and each swan is numbered. Harassing swans can lead to immediate deportation or even imprisonment. Similarly, do not mistreat pigeons, ducks, seagulls, or any other small animals as they are also protected.

 

When walking pets in the UK, always keep them on a leash and do not let them off until you are back home. If you encounter a dog attacking you on the street, quickly find a way to avoid it without engaging in any actions that may be considered illegal. Ten Sheng Miao advises adoption instead of purchasing pets.

 

Be cautious when ordering dishes like Kung Pao in some Chinese restaurants in the UK, as they might be sweeter than expected. It's a good idea to ask about the taste before ordering, as many Chinese dishes in foreign Chinese restaurants are tailored to suit the tastes of locals.

 

For international students writing academic papers, never engage in plagiarism. The consequences are severe, including expulsion, deportation, inability to obtain a degree or academic certificates, and all previous academic achievements becoming void. Serious cases may result in being added to an academic blacklist.

Do not cheat in exams. The serious consequences of getting caught cheating include immediate expulsion, deportation, or even legal punishment.

 

Do not engage in dishonesty such as not paying bills or committing illegal activities, such as not paying water, electricity, internet, or gas bills. Avoid automatic deductions from your bank account, such as gym memberships, if you don't have sufficient funds to cover them. Also, make sure to settle any outstanding debts, such as phone contracts or bank dues. Ten Sheng Miao reminds you that starting from the moment you choose to study in the UK, you enter the UK's personal credit rating system. If your personal credit is compromised, it can affect your future applications for various UK visas, including student visa renewals. That's why it's crucial to attend classes, sign in, and maintain a high attendance rate. If you are absent, make sure to provide relevant proof; otherwise, your student visa may be canceled or your next renewal may be denied, including the upcoming graduate visa, formerly known as PSW.

 

Protect your UK bank card, as it has a three-digit security code at the back. Anyone can use that security code for online shopping or payments. However, never engage in illegal activities such as using someone else's bank card, as it will be recorded in your personal credit history.

 

Regarding tax refunds in the UK, Ten Sheng Miao reminds you not to claim a refund unless you can guarantee that you won't return to the UK within 12 months. After your first tax refund, you must stay outside the UK for at least 12 months before you can claim a second refund. Failing to comply can negatively impact your personal credit in the UK. If you don't fulfill your obligations, you may face difficulties in future applications for various UK visas or entry into the country. For specific strategies and considerations regarding tax refunds in the UK, it's advisable to seek further guidance.

 

When entering the UK, be honest with immigration officials about your purpose of study and prepare the necessary documents in advance. Avoid mentioning immigration or overstaying.

 

Once you arrive in the UK, it is mandatory to register at the local police station. If you change your address, remember to update your registration at the police station accordingly.

 

The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is crucial. Do not lose it and keep it safe, as it serves as your identification document when entering the UK.

 

During formal banquets in the UK, it's best to avoid discussing topics such as politics, inappropriate subjects, or religion.

 

When buying a car, it is essential to have insurance coverage for both the vehicle and yourself. Although you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months with a valid Chinese driver's license upon your initial entry, you must still have insurance. Furthermore, it is advisable to obtain a UK driver's license before your license expires to continue driving legally.

 

When working in the UK, you need to apply for a National Insurance number.

 

Avoid asking foreigners about their privacy, as they may not appreciate such inquiries.

 

Carry both paper currency and coins with you, as some places only accept coins.

 

Tipping is not mandatory in the UK.

 

In public places like trains, avoid speaking loudly or causing disturbances. Some train carriages are designated as quiet zones, where talking is not allowed.

 

Do not mistake yellow daffodils for garlic shoots (蒜苔). Many people have accidentally consumed poisonous yellow daffodils. The image below shows yellow daffodils; they are toxic and should not be eaten.

 

If you open a door and someone is behind you, hold the door and allow them to pass or pass it on to the next person instead of abruptly letting it close. Remember to practice politeness.

 

Keep "Sorry" and "Excuse me" on hand to apologize or get someone's attention.

 

Flying from the UK to other countries by airplane can often be cheaper than taking a train.

 

When seeking medical care in the UK, it is advisable to make appointments in advance. If you cannot wait, consider visiting a walk-in clinic.

 

The time difference between the UK and other countries, including China, varies depending on the circumstances. During British Summer Time, the time difference is 7 hours ahead of China, while during British Winter Time, it is 8 hours ahead.

 

In many supermarkets or stores in the UK, you can request cashback when making a payment. This means the cashier will give you the requested amount of cash while charging that same amount to your bank account. It's like using the supermarket or store as a convenient bank with no transaction fees. For example, if you request £20 cashback, the cashier will give you £20 in cash and deduct £20 from your bank account. It's essentially withdrawing cash from a human ATM.

 

Ten Sheng Miao reminds you not to confuse England with other parts of the United Kingdom. The official full name of the UK is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain comprises England, Scotland, and Wales, each with its own distinct local government,while Northern Ireland is a separate region with its own government as well. When referring to the UK, it's important to be aware of these distinctions.

 

Lastly, remember to respect the local culture, customs, and laws of the UK. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and follow them accordingly. If you have any specific questions or concerns, it's always a good idea to seek guidance from relevant authorities or consult with professionals who can provide accurate and up-to-date information.

 

Enjoy your time in the UK and make the most of your experience!

If you want to buy alcohol or tobacco, or enter a casino, bar, and so on, it is a requirement in the UK that only adults are allowed. Therefore, the staff have the right to ask you to show your passport or the BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) as proof of your age. Because, based on appearance alone, we may all look quite young, most of the staff require ID verification. For example, recently Chen Kun was asked to provide proof, as shown in the image below.

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There's more, but Ten Sheng Miao will talk about them next time

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