silent_scream: YOu mentioned we need to apply for the extra 10kg. How do we go about that? Does it apply to every airline?

About that 400GB HDD. I'm planning to bring an external 3.5"HDD along. Should I check it in or carry-on? Also what's the procedure like to bring in a lappie?
Heard that you have to turn it on so they can be sure it's not a bomb or something. Same for the external HDD?

Why a whole PC?

On the topic of lappies, can I get one of those external DVB Tuners and receive digital free-to-air broadcast over there? Not too keen on getting a TV which I'd probably have to dispose of when I come back.
OR any other tips on TV watching without having to pay the licence fee?

Sorry silent_scream, thought you and others may want to know this as well, so I tumpang ok

This post has been edited by jooku1: Jul 23 2006, 06:20 PM

So can escape licence? GBP110 is a lot of money

Ok, point taken about the TV licence. Guess have to load my external HDD with a few GB worth of TVB serials/movies Can't help it, TV junkie

A question about banks. From what I read, is HSBC really that shitty? Coz that's the only bank I can see online that offers a foreign students account. Others only offer for local students. Besides it's ATM/branch coverage is not too bad right?

So you don't have to be resident in UK for 3 years before you can open a students account? I need one ASAP coz my sponsor's allowances will be paid directly into it.

Also how long does it take to open one?

Sorry if I sound like a broken record repeating my questions, just want to make doubly sure before going there. Thanks for all the help guys

I'm concerned about the local student account, because if possible I would like to open this account rather than an international one. But if you note Natwest's website in the link below, it mentions "You need to be a permanent UK resident on a full-time higher-education course in the UK for at least 2 years."

http://www.natwest.com/personal02.asp?id=P...STUDENT_ACCOUNT

All I want is a simple account with no restrictions and monthly service charges or one time payment fees (something HSBC has).

You're right, those bloody mercenaries

Ok thanks for all your input goliath, really appreciate it

They do have it here, but of course at RM1 per transaction.Blood suckers!!!

Thanks for all the banking tips guys.

Now about accommodation. See I plan to move out of students accommodation after about 6 months coz my wife will be joining me. I'm in London by the way.
I know I can't be thinking of living in Zone 1 or 2. Looking at a single bedroom flat in Zone 3 or beyond. Thing is there's this council tax that is not included in most rental fees. How much is that? Do students have to pay?
Tried googling it, but can't understrand what they're going on about.

Help much appreciated.

If you need more detailed information don't miss EducationUK's pre-departure briefing this 19th August 2-4pm at British Council. I went for the earlier session, very informative and can even get info about visa application.
Check out

http://www.educationuk.org.my/

Yup, but bear in mind that there's no p2p sharing on university connections
Can't wait to move out, to get "freedom"

Bit comet, Bitlord or any other Torrent clients are p2p sharing applications. So the answer is no. Some universities will block it outright, some will not block but have heavy penalties if they find out you've been p2p-ing.

Question about excess baggage.

HOw much do airlines normally charge for excess baggage on the KUL-LHR route?

If too prohibitive, would it be more affordable to pack and send the excess items via post?

Anybody did this before?

Unfortunately as a govt scholar, I can only fly MAS

Guess have to take azarimy's tip, by posting my stuff earlier. GBP25/kg is a lot of moolah.

Breaking news!
After the foiled mid-air bombing threat involving British Airways flights from LHR, UK cuctoms has banned all hand carry luggage and specifically said NO LAPTOPS in the cabin!!
So have to check-in ah??

Those forumers who are over there, please update us here about latest situation.

Thanks

PS Damn those #$^#$%^#@$ terrorists!!!!

Excerpt from The Star

"Passengers faced delays as tighter security was hastily enforced at the country's airports and additional measures were put in place for all flights, and British Airways said some flights were likely to be canceled. Laptop computers, mobile phones, iPods, and remote controls were among the items banned from being carried on board.

Liquids, such as hair care products, were also barred, and Chertoff's statement raised the possibility that authorities were searching for a liquid explosive.

"Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane," Chertoff said.

Huge lines formed at ticket counters and behind security barriers at Heathrow and other airports in Britain. Ed Lappen, 55, a businessman from Boston, who was traveling with his wife and daughter to Russia, found himself temporarily stranded.

"We're safe, we're OK," he said at Heathrow. "Now my daughter is going to get a shopping trip in London."

The Department of Transport advised all passengers that they would not be permitted to carry any hand baggage on board any aircraft departing from any airport in the country.

Prescription medicines were OK; so were eyeglasses but not their cases, the department said. Contact lenses could be taken aboard in their cases, but bottles of solution were banned.

Passengers were also advised that no electrical or battery powered items, including laptops and mobile phones, could be carried into the cabin.

"I'm terrified really, I'm really scared," said Sarah Challiner, 20, who was waiting to board a flight from Manchester airport. However, she said she was reassured by her friends who worked as aircraft cabin crew.

"Eight hours without an iPod, that's the most inconvenient thing," said Hannah Pillinger, 24, also in Manchester. - AP "

This post has been edited by jooku1: Aug 11 2006, 07:49 AM

HOpe you're right about that.
Even if they say all flights on schedule to UK, doesn't mean they'll allow electrical/electronic items in the cabin. At the moment it sounds all-encompassing.

Let's see what happens later and keep our fingers crossed.

My university requests that any immunisation or blood test done must be by a UK approved lab. Most, if not all labs in Malaysia (Pathlab, Gribbles) are Australian accredited only.
As I'll be dealing with patients, Occupational Health in my uni requests that I have Hepatitis B immunisation. I;ve just got my booster shot last year, so I should be immune. HOwever to prove this, I need to do a blood test at an unrecognised lab here.
So, they said don't bother, just go over there and they'll do the blood test for me.
No point kena cucuk so many times.

Most important to get past immigration is a chest xray with a written report in English by a qualified doctor.

Yup like goliath said, depends on your luck, the ycan't be checking every student. But after this stupid bomb scare dono how la

This post has been edited by jooku1: Aug 11 2006, 01:03 PM

Sorry, I'm actually working in a hospital, so I just asked my medical colleague to do one for me. For those not as lucky as me, I think you can go to any clinic and hospital with xray facilities and the report with the film should be ready within the day.