Welcome to London
London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. It is widely recognised as one of the most influential cultural, financial, and political centres in the world. The city plays a key role in global education, research, healthcare, technology, tourism, fashion, media, and the arts.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
From April 2025, travellers to the UK will require an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) in addition to a passport.
This will also apply to travellers from EU countries from 2 April 2025. The British government's ETA portal was activated on 5 March 2025.
Please note: The ETA registration must be completed separately for each individual traveller (including children), regardless of the type of entry (flight, ferry, etc.). Only air travellers who only change planes in Great Britain and do not leave the transit area of the airport do not require an ETA.
The ETA can only be applied for online - via app or website. Please get your information and application details here:
Public Transport
Mile End Station
Located in Travelcard Zone 2, Mile End is a key station on the London Underground, served by three lines: the Central, District, and Hammersmith & City lines. It is positioned between Bethnal Green and Stratford on the Central line, making it easily accessible for travel across London.
Stepney Green Station
Situated on Mile End Road in Stepney, this station is also in Travelcard Zone 2. Stepney Green is served by the District and Hammersmith & City lines, and is located between Whitechapel and Mile End stations. It offers convenient access to central and eastern London.
Whitechapel Station
Just a short distance away, Whitechapel station is part of the Elizabeth Line, which provides a direct connection to Heathrow Airport, ideal for longer journeys.
Both Mile End and Stepney Green stations offer easy access to Queen Mary University, providing seamless travel options to and from the university.
CURRENCY, BANK AND ATM
The unit of currency is the British Pound Sterling (GBP, £).
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops, and restaurants. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. The nearest ATM to the venue at Queen Mary University is located on campus, with several bank branches and ATMs also available nearby on Mile End Road.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage: In the United Kingdom, the power plug sockets are of type G.
The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. If you are travelling from outside the UK, you may need a plug adapter and, for certain devices, a voltage converter.
Climate
In September, the weather in London is typically mild and quite pleasant.
The temperatures usually range from around 12°C (54°F) in the early mornings and evenings to 19°C (66°F) during the day. Although it’s generally not too hot, there’s a chance of some warmer days, especially at the beginning of the month. The city can experience some rainfall, as September is still part of the transition from summer to autumn. However, the rain is often light to moderate and tends to occur in short bursts, so it's not unusual to have several dry, sunny days in a row.
Getting to London
London is one of the most accessible cities in the world, with excellent connections by air, rail, and road.
By Air London is served by six major airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), London City (LCY), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and Southend (SEN). Heathrow and Gatwick are the largest and offer the widest range of international connections. All airports have direct transport links to central London.
By Rail London is the hub of the UK’s national railway network, with major stations including King’s Cross, St Pancras International, Euston, Liverpool Street, and Paddington. International travellers can arrive directly into St Pancras via Eurostar from Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
By Road London is well connected by motorways and national roads. Coach services and private vehicles can access the city via the M25 orbital motorway and a number of radial routes. Long-distance coaches arrive at Victoria Coach Station in central London.
Getting around London
London offers an extensive and efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, underground (Tube), and overground rail services.
The network is managed by Transport for London (TfL).
By Bus and Tram
London’s red buses are an iconic and practical way to travel the city. Trams operate in parts of South London. All services are cashless – travellers need an Oyster card, contactless payment card, or a mobile payment method (e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay).
By Underground (Tube)
The London Underground (or "Tube") is the fastest way to get around the city. Operating from approximately 05:00 to midnight (with some night services on weekends), it includes 11 lines and over 270 stations. Stations are marked with the distinctive red and blue roundel. Tube maps are available in stations, and signage is clear. You can check the official map of the London Underground on the Transport for London (TfL) website:
Tickets and Payment
The easiest way to travel is by using a contactless bank card or an Oyster card, which can be topped up at stations or online.
Daily and weekly caps ensure cost-effective travel. Always tap in and out at the start and end of your journey to ensure the correct fare is charged.
By Taxi
London’s iconic black cabs can be hailed directly on the street or at designated taxi ranks. All licensed black cabs are metered, and fares vary based on distance and time. Card payments are accepted in all black cabs.
Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, or Free Now, which operate widely across the city and are often a convenient choice. Minicabs (private hire vehicles) must always be booked in advance via an app, phone, or through your hotel—do not accept rides from unlicensed drivers on the street. For full details for getting around in London, visit:
If you plan to use Uber after landing at Heathrow:
Once you've cleared customs and collected your luggage, open the Uber app on your phone, and put your destination in Central London (e.g., your hotel or a specific address). Head to the Uber Pickup Location: Uber pickups at Heathrow are not directly at the terminal door like taxis, so you'll need to follow signs to the designated ride-sharing area.
Each terminal has a specific Uber pickup location
Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal): Uber pickups are located at Level 1, Car Park 2.
Terminal 3: Uber pickups are at Level 1, Car Park 3.
Terminal 4: The pickup point is at Level 1, Car Park 4.
Terminal 5: Uber pickups are at Level 1, Car Park 5
Tickets and Payment
For any further details about London please follow this link: