Passing the "Life in the UK" Exam

Last week I passed the "Life in the UK" exam and thought I would just pass on a few tips and relate some of my experience.  Read on, but you'll be disappointed if you are looking for sample questions.  They make sure you promise to keep it a secret.

I scheduled the exam for Great Portland Street London.  You can find the list of test centres and other helpful information at the official Home Office website .  Unfortunately you cannot book the exam on the website so you will have to phone.  You are advised to take exact fee in cash to the test centre with you -- 33.28.  It used to be 34 even, but thanks to the reduction in VAT you now get to carry change around.  I brought exact change with me for which they were very thankful, however a few other needed change and it did not seem to be a major problem.  What was a problem though was not bring proper identification.  I chose to take my passport which was fine, however at least one individual was turned away for not being able to show acceptable identification .

I arrived at 9:15 for the 10:00 a.m. test time.  First I signed in at the reception desk, was given a number and then asked to seat in the test waiting area.  When they called #3 I went into a side room with the test centre to officially log-in for this test.  This consists of your details being entered into the computer and then confirmed and agreed by you.  It took about 5 minutes and then I went back out to the waiting area.  They repeated this process with all 10 of the individuals taking the exam.  This took us up to about 10 a.m., at which time we were asked to file into the testing room.

Three staff were on hand to oversee and guide us through the exam.  We need our ID's on the desk in front of us throughout.  First we had the opportunity to run through a practice exam to understand how the software works.  This took about 2 minutes and then I raised my hand so that a staff member could come over and help me begin the actual exam.  Though the exam is 24 questions and you have up to 45 minutes, if you know the material it should only take about 10-15 minutes.

The preparation I had done for the exam was sufficient, but it could have been more thorough.  I read through the 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship ' as recommended and then spent about 2 hours reviewing the summaries.   I did pass the exam, however I know there were at least 3 questions I got wrong.  It is important to pay close attention to percentages and numbers.  There was more precise questions than I thought there would be.  


The timing of my taking the exam was mixed.  It has been 20 months since I arrived in the UK.  I would have benefited from some of the information learned while studying for the exam...such as making registering for a GP a priority.  At the same time, because I have waited so long to take the exam some of the information was known through experience -- a much more impressionable way to learn.


Now that I have passed, I can look forward to paying more money to acquire indefinite leave to remain (Permanent Residence).

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Using NHS for the First Time - Part 2

So with my head still throbbing away I visited the GP to register.  I arrived just before the 10-11 a.m. time for registering.  I was asked to take a seat in the nearly full waiting room.  After only a few minutes I was served at the side window.  I had brought all the necessary documents (passport, proof of address, NI number)  After a short look at my documents she informed me that they are not supposed to accept anyone with less than a year left on their visa.  My 2 year spouse visa has only 6 months left on it.  I was a bit flabbergasted.  I have been here for a year and a half and have paid my fair share of tax only to now be told I didn't qualify to receive the service. 

I pleaded my case with the attendant and explained that my wife and three children all used this GP and have done so for nearly that full year and half.  I've never need the NHS before now.  She went away for a few minutes and then came back to kindly tell me that they would make an exception even though they are technically not supposed to.  There are rules in place to prevent immigrants from mis-using the system.  If you looked at the NHS Direct website you would think it was set-up to support immigration as the site is available in 12 languages.

After registering I requested to see the doctor immediately as I had been suffering from a chronic headache for five days.  I was told they didn't have any appointments available, however the duty doctor would call me in about an hour.  So I went home and waited...and waited.  Around 2 hours later the doctor did call and we discussed all my symptoms over the phone.  He then prescribed Immigrain to me over the phone to see if that would solve my problem, if it was a migraine.  He explained to me that in the UK they practice medicine in a way where if they are not sure what they problem is they will try treating something and see if it works...sort of trial and error.  It reminded me of Doctor House.

Several hours later I had the prescription in hand and swallowed the first pill.  It did nothing.  So I waited the four hours directed and then took another.  Still, it did nothing.  A few hours later I took some Advil and was given some relief.  In the morning the headached had subsided and was only a nagging "hum".  After another day or two it seemed to fade altogether.

So what was my problem?  I don't know?  They don't know?  But at least it is temporarily gone.  At least I am now registered with a GP and will have a fighting chance to be seen in the future.  Or I may try to go directly to a BUPA hospital.

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Leefe Robinson in Harrow

Harrow - Eating & Drinking - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

This was an excellent choice for a fine family meal, although I would necessarily call it a family restaurant.

There are two sections, both a pub (with outdoor seating as well) and a restaurant. We'll focus on the restaurant because that is what we enjoyed.

We arrived at about 5:30 on a Wednesday...not exactly peak time, however it took about 5 minutes before any of the staff even acknowledged our arrival. Eventually we were guided to a seating area which was well suited for us. It was in corner out of the way and the cushioned chairs had full sides so the children couldn't slide off. Even though there is quite a lot of seating capacity in the restaurant it is well laid out so that there are lots of smaller groupings of tables divided into alcoves, raised platforms and open areas.

The service continued to be quite slow as we got going in placing our orders. We asked for a spoon and it seemed to be forgotten. The server's mind seemed quite distant from where we were so we tried to win her over with kindness (lots of please's and thankyou's) and in the end mostly succeeded by the time we left.

The food was EXCELLENT. We started off with a plate of nachos and toppings that was just enough to get our mouths watering. My wife and I ordered the 12 oz. portion of sirloin steak (one well done and the other medium) and it was cooked to perfection. The side vegetables -- mushrooms, greens and a unique onion roll-- were all quite tasty. Our two little ones shared a plate of pasta and sauce, but were most impressed by sharing some of our chips. We were all to filled to fancy a dessert.

The children were well behaved which made it a delight, especially since there were no activities-- crayons, etc.--provided to entertain them with.

In the end the service was questionable, the food and atmosphere were both excellent. Overall, we felt it was good value for money.
Check out my review of Leefe Robinson - I am travelnwork - on Qype

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Mobile Broadband for Travelers, Expats and Foreigners

Mobile broadband is certainly the latest and arguably the greatest broadband internet solution to arrive on the scene, and it is the first truly wireless form of broadband that can potentially allow you to take a broadband internet connection with you wherever you travel in the world. This is all thanks to the fact that rather than using a land line connection, mobile broadband operates over 3G mobile telecommunications networks.

Pretty much every developed country in the world has 3G networks available in some areas, and mostly urban and suburban places will have good 3G reception, though countries like Australia have telecoms providers who claim to have 3G networks available for 99% of the population. This level is currently higher than that available in the UK, but the 3G network coverage is different for each service provider. The mobile broadband services offered by T-Mobile, Orange, 3 Mobile and Vodafone all allow customers who have purchased their contract in the UK to connect to 3G networks in selected foreign countries, though the cost for doing so will vary depending on the network as we shall discuss below. If you are an expatriate living abroad or thinking about moving out of the UK then mobile broadband can be a really good option for internet connectivity in a foreign country. Let`s look at the offers available on the main networks and why you might consider using their services.

3 Mobile - In the UK 3 offer some of the best value mobile broadband packages and using their mobile broadband abroad is also good value. In selected areas, including Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland and Italy it will cost you just 10p per megabyte used within your monthly data allowance, and once that limit has been reached it will cost you Ł3 per additional megabyte. All of their contracts include a free mobile broadband USB dongle, but the maximum download speed that their networks are capable of is 3.6Mbps which isn`t the fastest out there.

Orange - Roaming charges in the EU with Orange are Ł4.11 per megabyte, but access to Wi-Fi hotspots in places like hotels and cafes is included for free in some areas which will be a bonus for some.

T-Mobile - Within the EU T-Mobile have a great value flat rate of Ł1.50 per megabyte, so if you want a good pay as you go mobile broadband deal, available in a range of countries and ideal for light usage then this may be for you.

Alternatively you might consider signing up with one of the local carriers in the country in which you settle. In the USA for example, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and AOL amongst others offer mobile broadband starting from under $20, and in Australia local telecoms company Optus and Big Pond have great value offers that trump most British deals out there.

Choosing a UK Mobile Broadband provider should be made simpler if you use a price comparison website and think about your needs before you start to shop. Whether you want cheap roaming charges or a large monthly data allowance, searching online should be your first port of call.

(Content and Comparison Courtesy of InMobileBroadband )

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Using NHS for the First Time

After three days of a chronic migraine and emptying the pain killers it seemed prudent to seek out medical attention.  If I was regularly sick sorting these matters out might seem like a snap, but this is the first time I've needed a General Practitioner (GP).  This was my first opportunity to put the system to the test.  After paying into the government healthcare system, I would now get to use it.  Are the nay-sayers correct?  Or is this National Health System, health-for-all, the way that all countries should be doing it --a model the U.S. should follow?

The experience might best be categorized as a journey and as such I've divided it into destinations.

Destination 1:  Visit GP to Register and schedule appointment - I should have known the morning was going to go poorly when traffic was snarled by an accident.  It took me 15 minutes to go the 1 mile to Stanmore Medical Centre.  They have a small car park in the rear of the building off Crowshott Avenue.  Arriving at about 8:35 a.m. I briefly waited in the line of 5 people to advance to the reception window.  I asked to register and was informed this could only be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10 and 11.  Even with a little persistence I was assured there was no other way for me to register -- "...they were working people too."  While waiting to receive the registration forms one of her colleagues asked me "Are you ok?"  I responded "No, not really."  To this she walked away and muttered that "she was sorry she asked."  I found this to be very odd as this is supposed to be a GP and of course most people were not going to be "ok".  Afterall, that is why most people would come isn't it?

Destination 2:  Walk-In Centre -- Not having had success registering at the GP, I was told I could try the Walk-In Centre in Edgware which was meant for people like me who are in-between GP's (or don't yet have one as the case may be).  I promptly drove across to the Edgware Hospital and parked in the lower car park.  In accordance with my day, the pay and display machine was not working in that section so I had to walk to the upper car park, pay, and then return down the hill to my car to display.  Once inside the wait line to the reception desk was about 5 people again and moved quite quickly.  After filling out a short form (because it was my first time at the walk-in centre) I was told to have a seat amongst the 50 or so chairs.  I took the opportunity to read, but ended up moving a few times to sit as far away as possible from all the snarling, coughing and sneezing sick people hovering everwhere -- they of course were not "ok" either!

After a short wait of 10 minutes my name was called and I was ushered into a nearby area.  The nurse took my vitals; blood pressure, temperature, pulse and blood sugar levels.  I was then given a small paper slip and instructed to return at 12:20 for an appointment with the Doctor.

Destination 3: Return to Walk-In Centre to meet with Doctor -- At my appointed time I returned to the walk-in centre.  After handing in my paper slip and checking in again I sat down and waited for about 10 minutes until my name was called.  This time I was met by the doctor who led me to the examination room.  This was a quiet, generously sized room away from the noise and distraction of the waiting room.  Here I was asked a few more questions.  I was assured that all my vitals were fine.  The doctor examined my ears, eyes, mouth and the side of my head and neck.  I was told there was no sign of an infection and that I should stop taking the pain pills I have been popping over the last few days as they may be part of the problem.  I shouldn't drink any caffeine.  If I needed something for the pain I should take dissolvable aspirin.  That was it.  That was the final diagnosis --or non-diagnosis!  If the pain persisted I shoud come back or register with the GP and get an appointment. 

Destination 4 - Visit GP to Register and schedule appointment --   As tomorrow is a Tuesday, one of the days I can register with the GP, I may as well do the deed and have my first appointment.  So I will likely take at least another half day off work and try to get some useful treatment that can identify the problem...not just shrug it off and offer aspirin.

At the end of my day my journey has led me back to where I started.  My head is suffering from a banging sensation as much as ever, I've missed a day of work and I have received no useful help.  On the bright side I should have more to write about the GP after tomorrow.  I'll let you know how sorting out the GP works, or doesn't as the case might be.  Then if need be I could call in the reserve forces -- BUPA, private insurance that offers top-up treatment.

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One of the Best Things about London - Spring Flowers

You wouldn't know it, but it is Spring.  Two weeks ago we were spoiled with warmth and sun in London.  Some joked that we were having our summer early and that would be it.  It gave the new buds and blossoms a kick start.  When I try to objectively evaluate the plusses and minuses of relocating to the UK, spring in London is near the top of what I enjoy most. 

I've started to snap photos of flowers all around the area -- from shrubs, trees, domesticated and wild flowers.  My only wish is that I had a great zoom lens to truly do their beauty justice.  The constantly changing lighting (sunrise, cloudy, hazy, sunny, dusk) creates differing affects with each color and variety.

We have begun to take advantage of parks near our home -- Canons Park, Stanmore Country Park, Stanmore Common and Bentley Priory Nature Reserve.  The birds seem to be rejoicing as they prepare their nests.  Pausing to listen to eaches own own unique song can bring a little joy to even the worst day.  Next month we hope to get to Hampton Court and Gardens -- and possibly ride the ferry from Westminster dock enroute.

Because of the moderate climate flowers begin to bloom in early march and continue throughout the summer and into late fall.  Just when I think I have seen the last flower a new one seems to surprise me.  Where do you most enjoy viewing the flowers around the UK?

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Fear of London Demonstrations over G20

My friday tube journey home on the Jubilee Line was like most others, scanning through the London Paper.  Friday's edition set the stage for the next few days leading up to the G20 summit on 2nd April.  It is to be a week filled with demonstrations taking place throughout London to protest just about every imaginable grievance -- save the planet, financial meltdown, human rights, etc. 

Other news publications were filled with fear-raising language

Next week's G20 summit will be one of the largest and most challenging operations British police have undertaken

All police leave in the city has been suspended and businesses are being advised to cancel unnecessary meetings

an almost unprecedented level of activity going on

City workers have been advised to dress down to avoid drawing attention to themselves

The terrorism threat level remains severe in Britain

It was during a G8 meeting in Scotland in July 2005 that four British Islamists carried out London's worst peacetime attack with four suicide bombings on trains and a bus which killed 52 commuters.

-- Excerpts from London Police prepare for G20 demonstrations

Is this written to strike fear into us?  or prudence?  London is arguably the capital city of the world and as long as it is it will continue to draw attention from all aspects.  It gives those who are angry a direction to channel their anxieties.  If something takes place in London it becomes world news. 

Fortunately, it appears the first march was completed in relative peace.  It is predicted to heat up though later in the week with the G20 Meltdown in the City , Climate Camp in the City, and Stop the War Coalition on 1st April - having been dubbed Financial Fools Day. 

There is likely to be tension flying high when the G20 kick off their meetings on the 2nd April.  A few steps of prudence would be advisable over the next few days to stay clear of any possible trouble.  If you don't have to travel to London, put off your visit for another week when the chaos will have subsided.

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