Accomodation

1. Introduction

　　When you arrive in the UK you will need to find accommodation. What you will find is that there are many cultural differences between the UK and Japan regarding traditions in the house and the bathroom. Some traditions may shock the Japanese. In this essay, we are going to write about accommodation in the UK. It is a very interesting topic and we would like you to know the differences in accommodation between the UK and Japan.

2. Main Body

＜Deferent custom between Japan and Briten＞
　　We will give two examples of different customs between the Japanese and the British. First, in my country people take a bath every day. But in Britain, there is no bathing; they only take showers. In Japan, we have a custom to take a bath with your family members. This time is needed to set the relationship on the right foot especially with the parents. We have talks about friend, girlfriends, problems, dreams for the future, etc. I think this custom is rare and wonderful. Secondly, we take off our shoes before entering the house. This is because we prefer sitting cross- legged on the floor to sitting on the chair. Furthermore, we sleep on the“futon” (thin mattress), which forces us to keep the floors clean at all times.

＜How to find UK accommodation＞

　Before coming to the UK, you need to find accommodation. You can negotiate with a real estate agent in UK, but it　is tough to do that. So we will introduce useful websites to you. Please see the below. These websites include property and other information about the UK life written in Japanese. I think the website, “Mix B”, is the most useful. The website has not only property information but also a communication signboard. On the signboard, people who will be going back to Japan can put up advertisements to sell household items that he/she does not want. You can buy them at low costs! There are many items on the board. 

  By the way, you do not need to worry about your accommodation. The ICC office will help you arrange your accommodation. The below graph is the ratio of ICC members’ house style. About 75% members chose the share house (University dormitory). So I am going to write about a share house on the next paragraph.

＜Share house＞

　　There is a unique model of households in the UK called a share house. In a share house, you can have private time in your own room. You share the kitchen, the bathroom, and so on. The style is very popular in the UK, but it is not common in Japan. This is because Japan is not a culture that usually lives with strangers. It is true that the share house style is becoming popular, but university students choose to live alone even though it costs more.
　 We will show you the benefits of the share house. First, you can save money. The rent is cheap and by sharing e.g. dishes and TV, you do not need to buy those items. Second, you are free from care when you are in trouble. The neighbors, called flat mates, are like a family. The third reason is important for students to learn English. You have to communicate with flat mates and negotiate how to use the common instruments. So you are always speaking English in a share house. The situation improves your English skills automatically. I live in the share house and am suffering from my poor English, but enjoy this hard circumstance.

３. Conclusion

　In conclusion, after much research, we prefer the UK accommodation system more than the Japanese accommodation system. Although we like living in a share house, it is difficult to change from the Japanese lifestyle to the UK lifestyle. We still feel the need to take off our shoes before entering the house and taking a bath before sleeping. LOL! There are many more advantages to the UK accommodation system than in Japan. In a share house, you learn many things from other people. For example, all the flat mates can learn about each other’s culture, customs, and lifestyle, which will give you new perspectives and life views. There will be times of disagreement and conflict, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Written by Hayato&Konosuke 

London markets

Introduction

  London is one of the biggest shopping city in the world. you can buy any

items such as fresh foods,trend clothes, vintage clothes, antique pots and more.

London has many nice markets, so this article introduce you some street markets in London, 

Camden market, Portobello market and Borough market. 

1.Camden Markets

• Location 

Camden Town (Northern line), 

About 30 minutes from Oxford Circus

Open 10:00am~18:00pm

• 3 remarkable markets 

     ・Camden market

     ・Camden Lock market

     ・Stable market

• Main product

・alternative fashion  (ex. Goth, Hippy/Ethnic clothing) 

If you like to go shopping in Harajuku, especially Takeshita street, you should go Camden markets immediately! Even though you don’t like Harajuku, it is worth to going to Camden, because Camden markets are one of the most popular street markets around the world. You really enjoy shopping. There are a lot of alternative clothing shops and stalls such as Goth, Hippy/Ethnic clothing. Not only clothing but also jewels are sold here. Sometimes there are stalls which sell some old British board games. It is difficult for you to see all stalls. To be honest, there are too many similar clothing shops and stalls for me to distinguish them.

 When lunch time is coming, you might be smelled various nice flavor around here, so you also enjoy having a lunch. Especially, there are many Asian food stalls. I found a Japanese food stall and Kagoshima tea shop. However, I cannot promise whether taste of them are good or not. 

If you want to know about Camden market, please chick this website!

http://www.camdenlock.net/ 

2.Portobello Market

• Location 

Notting Hill Gate (Central line), about 15 minutes from Oxford Circus)

Market open every Saturday

• Main product

・Antiquities/Vintage clothing

Portobello market is the largest antique market in the world. As you know, Portobello is famous for the location of a film Notting Hill. This is 5 minutes a walk from Notting Hill Gate station. Please follow the general flow of people. You cannot be really lost the way! Antiquities which have displayed on the street are pretty nice. Of course, you can buy them of your choice. Probably, you have few opportunities to see and buy these rare antiquities in Japan. You can find some very beautiful postcards and leather jackets. In addition to general market, Notting Hill Carnival has been held on August since 1965. It is said a famous carnival. Their prices are a little expensive, but you should try to reduce the price. However, it depends on you. 

If you have a time, please try to go Westbourne Grove. Different from Portobello, you can see a lot of famous brand shops and cool cafes there. Please care about pickpocket. 

3.Borough market

  Location

   8 South St.SE1

   London Bridge Station(Nothern line or Jubliee line)

 Open  Thursday 11:00~17:00

           Friday      12:00~18:00

           Saturday   8:00~17:00

 Main product

                                                                                           Organic food

 If you want to get fresh foods, you should go to Borough Market. Borough Market locate in Borough, and 3 minutes walk from London bridge station. London is one of advanced country about “Organic”, in Borough Market, you can find many plates written “Organic”. There are many fresh “Organic” foods such as vegetables, fruits,fish, eggs, cheese and more! , and also you can eat fresh fruit juices, sandwiches or seafood curry! 

 This market is very lively, there are a lot of people who want to get fresh foods. It seems like “Tsukizi” in Japan.  Salesmen shout out loudly to get pay visitors attention.There are many many shops, so you may catch your eye that you can not easily decide what to buy!  That is sure, however, you will have fun if you just walking around.

Conclusion

In London there are many lovely street markets, so if you want to see some nice vintage clothes, you should go to Camden Market. You can be fashionable British Boy or girl!  If you like beautiful antique things, you may be able to get lovely antique things at Portobello Market, and Borough Market is for special organic foods! You can be healthy.  

These street markets, Camden Market, portobello Market and Borough Market, you are able to find things which can not find in Japan.

Please enjoy shopping at London’s street markets to become a real Londoner!

KOICHI

YUNA

Football in London

Introduction

      The purpose of this study is to introduce football clubs in London. Possible audiences are ICC students who will come to London. Whether you like football or not, we want you to read this research. If you get interested in football by reading this, we will be delighted.

1. Football

     Football is one of the most popular sports in London. Londoners watch football games almost every day. Surprisingly, there are 15 clubs only in London. For instance, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are also famous in Japan. Generally speaking, Arsenal is the most popular among Londoners. In those days, working class tended to love Arsenal and upper-class inclined to love Chelsea, but now this old custom is not seen. Of course, you can support the team you like. Actually I like Manchester United. It is the football club in Manchester literally, but I like both Chelsea and Arsenal, too. I love football.

     I often hear that there are many people who come to London to watch football game. London has many football stadiums and pubs for watching games with drinking. It is no exaggeration to say that London is a football town. How about watching football games in London? Imagine that you watch a football game with drinking, shouting and laughing. I think everybody can get happy and forget bad things when they are watching football games. Football has a miracle power.

2. Chelsea

     In this section, the characteristic of Chelsea is represented. First, Chelsea is one of the strongest clubs in England. It was established in 1905. At first, it was small club and belonged to the second league. However it became bigger little by little and grew up to be one of the best clubs in England. In short, it is the club which has long history.

    Second, its home ground”Stamford Bridge” lies south west in London. It takes about 30 minutes from Oxford Circus by tube.  If you want to go there, you should take the tube of Victoria Line at Oxford Circus station and then change tubes at Victoria station. After that, take the tube of District Line. Fulham Broadway station of District Line is the nearest station to go there. After get off the tube, 3 minutes’ walking takes you there.

     Third, you should buy tickets if you want to watch games. Tickets are sold at official website of Chelsea, but it is difficult to get tickets because of the popularity. Therefore you should consult with a person who likes football. Incidentally, the official price of tickets for games of Chelsea is from £35~£60.

     Finally, present players of Chelsea are represented. The captain of the club is John Terry. He is one of the best DF players in the world and also the captain of the team of England. Frank Lampard is the vice captain. Of course he is very good player. There are many good players in Chelsea.

   

3. Arsenal

     This section will explain Arsenal. Arsenal is one of the professional English Premier League football clubs. Their base is North London. Arsenal is established by the Royal Arsenal factory works in 1886. Sometimes Arsenal is called Gunners. Also, the supporters are called Gooner in England. They have won 13 times in Premier League and 10 times in FA cup.

     Manager is Arsene Wenger. He was also manager in Japan Proffesional Football League before. Also, Arsenal has a lot of star players. For example, Cesc Fabregas, he is the captain. Furthermore, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Andrei Arshavin are popular in Japan too.

     Arsenal’s home is the Emirates Stadium and located in London. It is the second largest football club stadium in England. If you would like to watch the game, you can go to the stadium by tube or bus. Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) is the neatest tube station and you can walk to the stadium around 3 minutes. Finsbury Park (Victoria and Piccadilly Line) and Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line, North London Line) stations are around 10 minutes walk. These two stations should be less clouded than Arsenal.

     In addition, you will be able to purchase the tickets on official web site or discount-ticket shop before a month or three weeks ago. It takes from about £30 to £39 on standard seats at least.

     If you need more information about Arsenal, this web site is useful: The Arsenal http://www.arsenal.com/membership

Conclusion

     In above sentences, we introduced the goodness of football. Fortunately, we can easy to watch football games in London. We think we can get many things by watching football. We hope that you will be fond of football. Thank you for reading.

Ryoko and Yasuhiro

THE WEST END

Do you know the West End? The West End means the west of London literally. It is an area of central London. If you have ever been to London, you must have visited the West End. All guidebooks of London take up the West End. It is because In the West End, there are many lots of the main tourist attractions, businesses, headquarters and commerce. We introduce the details of The West End through three different subjects.

LOCATION

         

          First, we introduce the location. The River Thames flows across the capital city with meandering from the east. The northwest of the area that the river bends at an angle of 90 degrees to the south in central London is the West End.

          So the West End contains city of Westminster, Soho, Mayfair, and parts of Fitzrovia, Marylebone and some other places. There are also many famous streets like a Regent Street, Oxford Street, Charing Cross Street and Bond Street. In London, it is very important to know the names of streets because each of them has their own characteristics. Lots of first-class shops line in the Bond Street, so the street is similar to Ginza. And there are many shops for young women――for example H&M, ZARA and TOPSHOP――at the Oxford Street, it looks like Shinjuku. Trafalgar square and Piccadilly are also here. Moreover, the area is near the Buckingham Palace. That is a one of the reason why the East End is flourishing

WHERE TO VISIT

           In the West End, there are so many attractive spots where you should visit. We recommend some special spots. First, Leicester Square and Covent Garden are known for the entertainment. There are some popular theatres and you can enjoy plays and movies. Second, if you like to go shopping, it is a good idea to go Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. They are famous for the world-renowned shopping street. When you want to study arts, you should go to Tottenham Court Road. There is the British Museum which is one of the most famous museums in the world. We recommend that you should visit the National Gallery located in Trafalger Square.

History of the West End

          As we mentioned above, the West End is the centre of entertainments in London. Therefore, many upper-class people live there. On the other hand, there are many lower-class people in the east. The difference has been continuing since ancient times. Why?  We will introduce one of the main reasons. The term, the East End, has been begun to use in a pejorative sense in 19^th century. At that time, the population of London increased rapidly and overcrowded. So many poor people and immigrants moved to the east. In addition, construction of the St Katharine Docks that was an important port of marine transportation and the central London railway termini cleared away the slums. Therefore, lower-class and immigrants live in the East End, and upper-classes live in the West End there are many entertainments.

 

           When you visit London, you might enjoy the West End. Still, the more you know about the West End, the more you enjoy not only the West End but also London. It might be interesting for you to visit both the West End and the East End with being aware of the difference between them.

The British Library

Introduction

The British Library is really different library from other ones. A lot of people from all over the world including the tourists come there. On average, 2,500 people visits there every day. What does attract so many people? What is so special? We would introduce you about the British Library.

General Information

First of all, we would like to mention about general information. It is a national library of the United Kingdom and one of the great libraries of the world. It is located near King’s cross, St Pancras, Euston and Euston Square station, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB.(*1)  The opening hours are below(*2). A lot of public events are held at the British Library. It includes 11 reading rooms and over 1200 places to readers and has 12.5 million books, 45 million patents, 2 million map items, 300,000 manuscripts, 8 million stamps and philatelic items, and millions of other items including sound recordings, works of art, seals and photographs. But unfortunately, everyone cannot borrow the books or items above. You should register for a reader pass at first with personal identification and proof of address, specific references about full details of the items you want to see from the library’s catalogues and something which prove your belongings like business card, student card and so on. If you get the readers pass, you are allowed to use the reading room. But you still have many prohibited manner, you are not permitted to take your coats, bags, umbrella, pens, sharp implements and camera with you. It is managed under such strict rules.

*1

*2

Exhibition galleries and the shop

Reading Rooms 



 Reader Registration

History of the British Library

Next, we would like to state about the history. It was established in July 1973 after integration of the national library in the UK such as the library departments of the British Museum, the National Central Library, and the National Lending Library for Science and Technology under the British Library Act. At that time, a new building was not constructed and books are stocked in each library separately but the big one, current the British Library, was established because they have a space shortage. Then the British Library was completed in 1998.

How to enjoy the British library

As you read in the general information, the British Library is a research library so it is difficult to borrow books. Then, how can you enjoy it?

At first, you can see the wonderful collections in the library. There are some galleries you might enjoy: Digital gallery, PACCAR gallery and Folio society gallery, however, I strongly recommend you to go to The Sir John Ritblat Gallery. It is a permanent gallery and provides us “the treasures of world-class collections”. Their collections have wide variety, for example, Lewis Carroll’s original manuscript of Alice’s adventures Under Ground, Captain Scott’s diary which records his journey to the South Pole and the documents of Magna Carta. There are even the original hand-written lyrics by The Beatles. If you are not a big fan of The Beatles, you can learn it little bit and we are sure you will enjoy it!

Secondly, you can join the interesting events. In the British Library, there are a number of events available for free such as Library Tours, Viewing Tours for groups, dance performances and lectures. If you have enough money, it is good idea to pay money and try other lots of fascinating programme. (Most of them cost only 6-8pounds.) They will help you to deepen your knowledge and to improve your listening skill.

Finally, you can go to cafe to have great time in a library. We think people in the UK do not get together without alcohol or a nice cafe. There are coffee, cakes, sandwiches...etc, but our recommendations are hot chocolates and a pie with lots of cheese. At the cafe, you can finish your homework, chat with your friends and so on. We are very confident that you will find it very comfortable and like it!

Conclusion

As you read about the British Library, you might notice that how different it was comparing with Japanese libraries. In Japan, we cannot see such a great galleries at the libraries. Moreover, it is difficult to enjoy nice tea at the same place, too.

I hope you enjoyed our writing and found some useful information. Have a wonderful time at the British Library!

For further information;

http://www.bl.uk/

editting by Satomi Nakano, Eri Mashima

SHOPPING

 ★SHOPPING★

 Hello everyone! We think that LONDON is a beautiful city. Don’ you agree?

 London has many traditional shops. Of course, you can buy clothes cheap prices. Do you know what kind of shops in UK? We will show you some good information and some shops in LONDON. So, lets go!

・EXPENSIVE SHOPPING

　Many exclusive stores are found within walking distance of very nice part of London. We will show you some good and expensive shops. We hope you enjoyed receiving this message.

★BURBERRY(Bond Street station)　 http://uk.burberry.com/store/

　Do you know about BURBERRY? BURBERRY is considered to be symbolic of the United Kingdom. BURBERRY is famous for trench coat, which was invented by founder Thomas BURBERRY. The company has branded stores around the world. Of course, their popularity is beginning to grow in Japan. Do you know about BURBERRY CLASSIC CHECK? This is dyed camel texture with red, black and white line. When you go to New Bond Street, why don’t you go to BURBERRY? BURBERRY is centrally located in New Bond Street.

★HARRODS（Knightsbridge station）

　Harrods is an expensive department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. There are many well-known luxury brand stores. For example, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chloé, Givenchy, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, Dunhill, ARMANI…and so on. If you don't care about spend money, you can buy anything whatever you want.

　When you go to Harrods, you have to keep these promises.

・Ensure all clothing is clean and presentable and that the appropriate footwear is worn whilst in the store.

・Refrain from wearing clothing which may reveal intimate parts of the body, or which portrays offensive pictures or writing.

・Carry small rucksacks in your hand rather than on your back or shoulder. This is both to prevent damage to displays and for the comfort of all our customers.

・Refrain from eating and drinking.

・Refrain from taking photos in the Fine Jewellery, Banking Hall or Antique Furniture Department or in any area.

・CHEAP SHOPPING

There are many cheap and fashionable shops called “high street fashion brand” in London. Recently, in Japan it is increasing. It is called “FAST FASHION”. For example, TOP SHOP, H&M, ZARA, GAP, Forever 21 and UNIQLO. In this chapter, we will explain a cheap brand that represents U.K.

★We explain about TOP SHOP. There are about three hundred stores in U.K. In addition, this is expanded over twenty countries in the world. In Oxford Street, there is the largest store. It is covered five floors.

Since 2007, it started to make a new brand with Kate Moss who is the fashion icon in the world. Furthermore, many celebrities and models love TOP SHOP. For example, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lindsay Lohan and Beyonce Knowles.

★Also, London has a lot of STREET MARKETS. We can get used clothes, antique accessories, furniture and EVERYTHING. Moreover, you can enjoy just walking in the market.

 One of the famous and popular markets is the Camden Lock Market. Especially, on Sunday it is crowded many young people and tourists. If you would like to go shopping, you should go on Thursday and Friday because on that day it does not crowded comparatively.

・USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOU

　★If you have student ID, YOU CAN USE STUDENT DISSCOUNT!!

You can use many shops in London. Blow is a sample of shop.

・TOP SHOP (Oxford street station) 　http://www.topshop.com/

・Ryman (Sloane Square station) 　http://www.ryman.co.uk/

・H&M(Oxford street station)　 http://www.hm.com

・Mango(Piccadilly Circus station) 　http://shop.mango.com

・ZARA(Piccadilly Circus station) 　http://www.zara.com

　★In London, many shops have sales twice a year. The summer sale hold in the end of June to in the middle of July. The winter sale hold in the end of December to in the middle of January. We can buy top to 60% off.

　★If you go shopping, we suggest that you bring ECO BAGS. Because if you don't have ECO BAGS, you must pay plastic bags fee. In London, some supermarket and department store has original ECO BAGS. We think TESCO ECO BAGS is nice.

　★If you are go to an expensive shop, you do not touch too much. You want to see goods, please ask the clerk. Please behave with decorum.

　

　Thank you for reading. Is our information useful for you? London has many shops. So, if you had guidebooks, please look around many shops in London. Don’t forget bring your student ID & ECO BAGS!! Have a good time!!

    RIE, NAOKO