Advice to Visiting Language Students in Cambridge

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Going to Pubs

• Go in a large group - the larger the better.
• Stand just inside the door for at least five minutes and then begin wandering around until you find a table you like - don't choose the first available table.
• Settle down there and chat for a while - there's no rush to order. The staff will happily wait before coming over to serve you.
• When your group is ready to order drinks, remember to order one by one - it's much easier for the staff that way.
• Don't hesitate to order a complex drink such as a cocktail - the staff will love the challenge.
• Wait till the staff ask for money before counting it out: exact change is always preferred. If you're not sure about our coins yet, the staff will be pleased to help you count them.
• Remember that all pubs serve coffee - it's one of their major functions.
• Once you've got a drink, you're welcome to stay till the pub closes without buying anything else.
• If more people arrive to join your group, feel free to take chairs and stools from anywhere around the pub - you won't need to put them back.
• Don't worry about encroaching on other groups in the pub (especially couples): English people will welcome the opportunity to meet visitors.
• If you feel hungry, ask the bar staff about the food on offer.
• Ask for an explanation of each item on the menu and then go back to your table to discuss your choice and, as with the drinks, order one by one, with another drink if you like.
• If you buy any crisps or nuts please put the empty packets in a glass or pile them up in an ashtray - the staff will really appreciate it.
• If you feel like singing, go ahead! You'll find others will want to join in.
• If you want some photographs to record the occasion, ask anyone nearby to take them for you. They won't mind a bit, no matter how many you want.
• If it's a nice day outside, do take your drinks out into the street and expore the area, or simply stand or sit in the street.

Cycling

• All language students need a bike so you will need to hire one from one of the many cycle hire shops around the City - your language school will give a list of them.
• It's a good idea to go in a large group - it's more fun and you'll have plenty of people to chat to while you're waiting around outside the shop for the last of your group to get a bike.
• You'll find that gathering to meet fellow students outside bike shops is a popular way to spend much of the morning, meeting new friends and so on, before moving on.
• You'll need to be aware of some basic tips for cycling around the City:
• Red traffic signals are only advisory - you can safely ignore them.
• If you can, travel with a group of fellow students. There's safety in numbers and anyway you can ride three or more abreast and chat to each other.
• Some City roads are rather dangerous and you will probably feel safer cycling on the pavements.