A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved!

15/11/2012

Studying in a new country is amazing, as you get to learn English by making new friends and speaking to native people, you can visit some cool places and its nice to experience a different culture!

However, sometimes things happen that you are not happy about. If you are not careful, it could end up ruining your trip out here! Do you know that you can speak to us at Kaplan if you have any problems? Doesn't just have to be about visa or University applications! If you are ever unhappy - maybe about your class, homestay, not making many friends or not feeling comfortable generally, then let us know! Jenna is the welfare officer here, and that means she is here to help with any problems you have.

Also, you can help each other! Lee's class are going to write some problems and solutions below...do you agree with the advice?

98 Comments

Tatavou

18/11/2012 08:29:26 pm

Last week I broke my keys on my door because i was very stressed and i had an important meeting in a few time, so i was really in trouble! What advices can you give to me for that kind of weird and unpleasant situtation ?

no name

18/11/2012 08:37:07 pm

just go to the meeting and afterwards you have time to sort out your problem.

Jack

18/11/2012 09:56:23 pm

Call the caretaker. He will solve the problem.

Nicloas

5/12/2012 11:40:39 pm

If you can open the door maybe you'll can put a kick for unlock the door.

Unknown - high skills

18/11/2012 08:29:34 pm

I can figure out that I am getting fat(definitely) but I just can't stop eating! I can't go jogging coz It's too cold to go out somewhere thesedays. What should I do? HELP!

anonymous

18/11/2012 08:33:22 pm

My advice: Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you feel like eating or drinking just do whatever makes you happy. The time will come and you are ready to loose your weight again. For example when you go back to your country. But I know what you are talking about. :-) Just enjoy the great time you are having here.

no name

18/11/2012 08:50:58 pm

my advice you should stop eating alot .
if you want eat you should eat healthy food

Tatavou

18/11/2012 08:34:47 pm

If you want to practise sports, go to the swimmig pool or special area inside a building. But if you prefer to go outside, find a person who will motive you to move. And if you practise sports outside, you won't be so cold after few minutes

Unknown

18/11/2012 08:36:15 pm

You can try another king of sport like going to the gym for example or if you don't like it as well try the bedrooms activities ;)

khalid ,

18/11/2012 08:51:08 pm

My advise : Try to be positive , I am sure you can do a lot of things
just more patient .... force your self from time to time not to eat too much >>>

Brs

5/12/2012 11:45:30 pm

I think you must try to be carefully with your diet. You must try to eat healthy food and to drink a lot of water. You must also try to do exercise to get in shame. If the weather is good, you can go out to run and If it's bad, you can do another kind of exercise at home. Anyway, don't worry and good luck! :)

.... - high skills

18/11/2012 08:29:59 pm

What should I do if I feel very sick and I don't have the time to see a doctor? Symptoms: headache, cough, muscle pain, feeling tired, and running nose

sushi

18/11/2012 08:37:54 pm

You should ask the drugstor , maybe they can advice you a specific tablets .

Tatavou

18/11/2012 08:41:03 pm

Stop all activities, call your boss to say that you cannot work, lie down in your bed, prepare lot of tissues, a big cup of tea, some fruits and take a good rest. If someone of your family, a friend or your boy/girlfriend can stay with you it'll be better

Joe

18/11/2012 10:00:21 pm

Take asperin plus c

nicolas

5/12/2012 11:42:08 pm

Google is your friend !

anonymous / high skills

18/11/2012 08:30:11 pm

In 3 weeks I am doing my CAE exam and usually I am getting very nervous. What can I do to feel less nervous this time?

Unknown

18/11/2012 08:41:52 pm

Just 'Keep calm and Carry on'! Everything's gonna be alright!! XD

Welbeck SkillsHigh

18/11/2012 08:44:17 pm

The most important thing to do is to work hard before your exam. After that you will be more relaxed because you will be ready. If you are very nervous you should ask the chemist to give you a pill for your stress.

LULU

18/11/2012 09:52:51 pm

I think you should be more confident and believe in yourself, beacuse when you are confident you can pass the exam easily.

Miss my country. skills high

18/11/2012 08:31:13 pm

Hi everybody. I have been problem with the Mancunian accent.
How can I talk and understand the peole very well in Manchester?

Unknown

18/11/2012 08:35:51 pm

Watch some soap operas which are made in Manchester ;) Also, when you are chatting with people, ask them to speak more slowly for you. They would willing to do that :D

anonymous

18/11/2012 08:37:16 pm

At the beginning it certainly is difficult to understand the mancunian accent. But you will see the progress from week to week.
If you feel very bad, just go to Liverpool and experience the scousers accent. This one is even worse. If you come back to Manchester, you feel like you understand everything..

sushi

18/11/2012 08:39:37 pm

You should watch English moovies and listen the radio

Ibraheem Aljarallah - Skills High

18/11/2012 08:52:05 pm

It would be better if you watched TV serios that has Mancunian accent such as channel 4 or any other channels.
Good luck with that.

Jay

5/12/2012 11:44:20 pm

watching english movies and speak with english people!

jay

5/12/2012 11:45:13 pm

watch*

Soline

18/11/2012 08:31:22 pm

I had a meeting with a friend. I was very late and I had forgotten my cellphone at home . My friend was waiting for me and I was scared that he leaves.
what should I do in this kind of situation ?

Tatavou

18/11/2012 08:36:52 pm

Keep going and he's still not here, come back :/

no name

18/11/2012 08:43:31 pm

just go to the place where you're supposed to meet your friend and see if he's still there, if that's not the case you certenly have a problem.

Welbeck

18/11/2012 08:50:38 pm

You should come back home quickly and give him a call. If it's a good friend, he will wait for you.

Who am i? - high skills

18/11/2012 08:32:20 pm

I broke my flush handle.. But i don't want to call my flat agency coz they will charge me A LOT! How can i fix it? Do u have any idea on that?

...

18/11/2012 08:35:38 pm

You should call a friend, who has mechanical skills so he might be able to fix the flushing handle.

Julien Hostettler Skills High

18/11/2012 08:33:37 pm

1.The Public Transportation in Manchester ends at midnight during the week. The problem is that when I go out I have to take a taxi to go back home and it's very expensive. I don't want to spend too much money on that. Please help me because I'm getting poor.

anonymous

18/11/2012 08:39:13 pm

You should make friends with people who are living at liberty living. They may offer you a bed to sleep during the week.

Hi Julien>>

18/11/2012 08:43:14 pm

If you do not spend a lot of money , you have to stay in your home. becuase everthin in Manchester is expensive not just a taxi.

Claudia

18/11/2012 10:12:40 pm

I know after the midnigth is best part of tje party but maybe you can try to leave early sometimes :)

Ibraheem Aljarallah - Skills High

18/11/2012 08:34:05 pm

I am afraid of being kidnapped in this city because I have seen a lot of missing people posters in the street or newspaper since I came here. So, could anyone tell me how can I avoid that?

no name

18/11/2012 08:38:26 pm

You should enrol in a self defending course so you don't have to be afraid anymore.

Unknown

18/11/2012 08:40:32 pm

First of all, you'd better not to go out at late.. It could be very dangerous. If you still feel insecure, how about learning martial arts? That would help you protect yourself from others :')

anonymous

18/11/2012 08:41:41 pm

I think England is not particularly famous for people being kidnapped. As long as you are not walking around in the dark or at night and show off your mobile phone you should be fine.

sush

18/11/2012 08:45:42 pm

You should stay with friend , then you'll never be alone. So there'll be no reason to be afraid .

mohammed

19/11/2012 09:44:40 am

I think , avoid walking alone after mid-night and don't use your mobile .
but , don't worry If someone kidnapped you ..... just tell him ( you know me )

Julien Skills High

18/11/2012 08:38:04 pm

My host family has a dog and I'm affraid of dogs. I don't want to change my house because they are lovely. I don't know what can I do. That's why I ask you to give me some advices.

anonymous

18/11/2012 08:47:03 pm

I know how you feel, I don't like dogs either. But if you like your host family I suggest better not to change because it may get worse.
As long as the dog is not allowed to go into your room and behaves well I think you don't really have a choice/ or the ability to do something. You just have to accept the dog and maybe give him some goodies so he will like you... ;-)

Ibraheem Aljarallah - Skills High

18/11/2012 08:48:28 pm

I was like you, my first host family has a dog and it was the first time that I stayed closely to dogs but I get used to it.

Ibraheem Aljarallah - Skills High

18/11/2012 08:42:06 pm

I am looking for a nice accommodation for three weeks in December. Could you help me to find a place to live in at that time?

Welbeck

18/11/2012 08:52:41 pm

I found an accomodation for you so don't worry ;)

Ibraheem Aljarallah - Skills High

18/11/2012 08:54:05 pm

I appreciate that. Thanks pro.

J-Hi.

18/11/2012 10:04:05 pm

You can find an accomodation in Gumtree website. There is a lot of accommodation in Manchester there. You might like it.

Manuel Villalba Skills high

18/11/2012 08:42:59 pm

Hello, i have a problem and i dont know what to do. Last week I lost my wallet, I don’t really remember how, I just have a few pictures in my mind of how it could have happened, i know that i was in a club late night and after that i took a taxi back home, also i remember that i had a fight with my taxi driver because he took me to another place. in my opinion i think that during the fight i left it in the taxi.
I really need help with this because in my wallet i have my cards.

nooop

18/11/2012 08:51:49 pm

call the taxi company as soon as possible.

Unknown

18/11/2012 08:52:14 pm

First, you should go to your bank to freeze your account. Tell them that you lost your card. And then, call the taxi company whether they've found any wallet inside of the taxi. You may required the location and time that you took the taxi. Good luck!

18/11/2012 08:45:36 pm

Actually I have problem when i speak with anyone . some time
i confuse

Kim - skills high

18/11/2012 08:46:49 pm

There is a company interview question.I need to have a good answer,which is represents my capacity of logical,so that I can get a decent job.
It’s a Friday which is rain dogs and cats .There are three people at the bus station, who are waiting for the bus. At that moment, I am driving a car, which is only have two seats. I stop my car when I find those people.Because one of the person is my teacher who influence me most in my life.The other one is a young boy (girl)that I love.The last one is a old person who looks not good,and he is going to died if he can't go to hospital on time.what should I do?I only have two seats in my car.
Would you give me some methods to solve it?

mohammed

18/11/2012 09:59:58 pm

give your car to your boy(girl)friend to pick up your teacher and old man and back for you .

high skills

18/11/2012 09:43:19 pm

I have a problem with my homestay, her house is really cold and she never has her heaters on, she says that it to expensive and it will costs her a lot. I come from a very hot country and im not used to this. I need your advice please and thankyou

Khalid-High Skills 2

18/11/2012 09:52:07 pm

I would advice you to talk to her again and explain your problem more, if it doesn't work you should talk to the school about it they will probably know what to do in this case.

razhan

18/11/2012 10:02:50 pm

why do not change your home stay ? there are lots of home stay in manchester . you can find another one as soon as .

Chris - Skills High (13.05 pm)

18/11/2012 09:44:45 pm

I'm homestick and I feel alone in Manchester. Could you help me?

Khalid-Hihg Skills 2

18/11/2012 09:55:08 pm

The only way that I can think of is try and make new friends and go out with them as much as you can because it will take your mind off you being homesick.
Also try and focus on the reason that you came here to the UK.

Tiziana

18/11/2012 09:59:20 pm

I know this problem, I'm homesick too. What I do is to try to invest my time here in the better way, try to do something intresting, reading books in English,listening native speakers at a cafe and chatting your family by phone or internet, anfd above all and be positive with this experience.

Alessia

18/11/2012 10:07:22 pm

I totally understand you, because sometimes it's difficutl to join a group of people. First, I suggest you to do Kaplan activities, it's a good way to meet students. You can also try to go to the Footage on Wednesday evening. There are a lot of Kaplan students and it's a good way to practise your english. You will have a good time seeing a match on a big screen. Keep in mind that we are all in the same situation, so we don't have to be shy!:)

Tiziana,Skills Hight, 13.05 pm

18/11/2012 09:47:06 pm

I have actually a problem to understand the Mancunian accent because it really strong and ave all they speak too fast for me so sometimes I can't catch all the words and the meaning of what they are saying to me. This embararasses me a lot.

mohammed - skills High (13.05) link

18/11/2012 09:48:24 pm

I notice this problem in our collage ... How can we help each other to solve this unhealthy habit .

Khalid-High Skills 2

18/11/2012 09:48:37 pm

I have a problem organizing my free time, it seems that I have no plan of what kind of stuff to do in Manchester.
Could anybody help?

Razhan

18/11/2012 10:01:04 pm

you should play games coz playing games is a challenging mental task that produce as a state of flow

Razhan-skills High (1:05pm)

18/11/2012 09:48:57 pm

I have been bored in my free time, I do not know what I can afford to do. I always sleep in and spend lots of time on facebook that is really dull. I am addicted to it so I feel fed up. could you give me some advice to arrange my free time?

Khalid- High Skills 2

18/11/2012 09:58:57 pm

I have the same problem, and the only thing that I can think of is try to make plan with your friends on going out like visitting palces etc.

mohammed

18/11/2012 10:03:34 pm

try going to cinema or walking in city center , If you alone can you go to a gerenral library like Manchester Uni.

HIGH SKILLS

18/11/2012 09:49:43 pm

Hello, I need your advice. Two days ago i wanted a taxi to take me back home but i didnt have any money left in my wallet, I find it hard to save money and this can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. Can you please help me save money and spend it wisely?
Thank You.

Joe - Skills High

18/11/2012 09:51:39 pm

I have some problems with the public transport system in Manchester. What is the right ticket? Which is the right bus?
I need your help?

Khalid-High Skills 2

18/11/2012 10:01:34 pm

You could try to use the internet there are a couple of websites like www.gmpte.gov.uk
and traval direct
they helped me alot

mohammed

18/11/2012 10:10:58 pm

the right ticket and bus depend on your home or you can buy monthly ticket for all bus by £51 .

razhan

18/11/2012 10:12:09 pm

you should wake up soon and go to bet at 12pm

Tiziana, Skills Hight, 13.05 pm

18/11/2012 09:53:51 pm

It's not so easy for me to have friends out of the school, maybe because I'm not so young as the other classmates here, so it's more difficult to keep in touch with others when out, and often I feel just a little bit alone.

Skills High (13.05)

18/11/2012 09:55:19 pm

Hi, does anyone have some good advice for Christmas gifts shopping?When is it the best time for shopping in Manchester and do you have favourite shops here? Every year, it's a puzzle to find good gifts :)

unkown

18/11/2012 09:56:24 pm

Hi !
I really need a new haircut, but I have no idea where to go. Do you know any good hair salon? And also, if you know, how much it costs ?

Khalid-High Skills 2

18/11/2012 10:10:49 pm

there are lots of hair dressers around here you can choose any place you want the cost is between £10-20
if your looking for somthing fancy you try looking online before choosing to go one.

Alessia

18/11/2012 10:11:55 pm

You can aslo try to go in the Arndale Center, there are plenty of hairdresser and the prices are normal! Don't forget, there is always a student account :)

J - Skill high

18/11/2012 09:56:38 pm

Hello, I have a problem with my IELTS exam. I took the exam last week. I found that difficult for get a score that I wanted ( 7 total 9). It consists of four skills.(Writing, speaking, reading and listening) Wrting skill is quite tough for me. How should I do?
Could you give me some pieces of advice for this exam?

Claudia - Skills High 13:05 pm

18/11/2012 09:57:44 pm

Hi!

I'm having problems making local friends. Since I arrived here to Manchester, in the school, I have had the opportunity to meet and share with others studens, it has been great becase now I know a little bit of differents countries and I have friends in differents parts of the world. Now I really would like to know local friends. I think It's useful way to improve the English.

Does anyone know some good tips for making local friends??

Melina - Skills High (13.05 pm)

18/11/2012 09:59:46 pm

Hello, I would like to have some pieces of advice about a situation that annoyed me. When I am alone, in my house for example, I don't feel really good, a little bit depressed and homesick... I need to go out a lot to free my mind and feel better... How can I do to try to feel better ? I am really well surrounded but I sometime feel alone...

Your best friend

22/11/2012 12:23:05 am

Hi Intermediate 4!

I'm coming to the UK to study at Kaplan, but I'm worried about money. I've heard that everything is different over there?

Can you give me some advice??

Thanks....
Your best friend.

Luigi De Gouveia Intermediate 4

22/11/2012 01:38:29 am

Hi Best Friend

If you don't want to waste a lot of money my suggestion is: If you don't care live with any family, you can take a homestay, Kaplan have a package to include all breakfasts, dinners and a private room, is a good option for you.

To use the transport you can spend less money if you pay up front for the ticket for 4 weeks or more, and you can use the bus any times, you can decide wich options suit you depend of your activities, because you can buy this ticket for one or two companies or for any company, between more companies is more expensive but is good because you avoiding pay everyday in any bus.

If you want earn money you can work part time, maybe a bar or pub.

I hope this information can help you.

Reggards

Luigi

Vilma

22/11/2012 01:40:06 am

Hi my best friend,

My first and very important advide is you should prepare budget, how much money you need for accomodation, food, school and how much you can spend for fun - pubs, party, because Manchester is famous for good and exciting nightlife.

You must to chance some money to British currency before you come here., because is possible some shops not accept your credit car and wihout cash you will have big problem. Msybe you should ask in your bank if you have special fee when you pay by card in UK.
Well, you must be careful about money and not spend for futility.

You should visit Kaplan for few weeks, because if you want worthwhile job you must have good english level.

Good luck.

Iñaki Baraibar

22/11/2012 01:24:57 am

I think is a good idea you make a budget about your life in UK. It is depend numbers of weeks. We think is better if you pay the acommodation and the college before you arrive in UK and then you only need to make budget about your life here.

I should exchange some money before you take the plane because you don't know if you have some problems in the airport or you nned to take a taxi. Here you found a lot of places where you can change your money. Is good you change all money in the same time because the tax cahnge. Almost you be made of money.

Open a bank account is neccesary, but you need to take a letter from the collegue where you study, and It is important to apperar the time/weeks you wil, stay here.. If you don't make this, you won't have an account here in UK.

You can found a lot of ATM or cash machines arround the city, so you don't worry about this.

I think if you are student, you will found a job, some students work in pubs or supermarket, but you need a good level of english.

Dario Morales

22/11/2012 01:25:18 am

Firstly, I think one way for not waste a lot of money is beeing in a homestay because you get breakfast and dinner, also you can use the microwave, washing machine and internet.

If you live in a homestay you don't spend too much money because you don't need to pay extra for household appliances, you just spend money on lunch. Probably if you live in the same house with somebody from your country, he could lend you money when you need it. it's my first advice.

Secondly, I think opening an account in a bank like Barclays is easy because I've already had experience with it, but it was easy because Kaplan help us with a letter that says how long our course is.

Humberto Ribes INTERMIDIATE 4

22/11/2012 01:30:41 am

Firstable I recomend you to sign for Kaplan International Colleges because is the best academy I've ever been. There are wifi in all floor. The college is in the city center of Greater Manchester in Portland Steet (one of the streets with most nigh life in Manchester). The price is high but you're investing in a safe value. As a means of payment have two types: pay up front the first day or maybe is easier for you to pay in instalments. If you can change your currency at the airport do it, it's better if you wait to change here. In general Macnhester like all United Kingdom is expensive but if look forward maybe you find some places to eat or have a drink by an affordable price. The accomodation in homestay is unbeatable but some friends told me that in residence it's good too. I think it's a unique experience and if you get the chance to come not waste it.

SofSof Int 4

22/11/2012 01:37:06 am

Hii,

To begin, you must to be find an accomodation because it's a very difficult to find them and it's very expensive. Or if you live in outside of Manchester it's a little cheaper.

Other thing, you can open your own account. For this can help you you must just ask at the reception to explain you.

Moreover, it's better to buy your food in the TESCO for exemple or there other shops.

If you have any questions you can ask me.

see you ;)

Lea int4

22/11/2012 01:38:18 am

Hi

Yes I can:

So to begin with the food you can go at midday to fast-food restaurant who are cheaper than the others or to supermarket and cook your own food if you are in a residence or a flat.

The accomodations are very expensive so you must bring a lot of monney if you want to take the public accomodations. You can take the bus or tram or go by foot, witch is the less expensive :)

You can also choose if you want to stay in residence, in a host family, a flat or in a hotel, who is very expensive!

If you want to open an account it's can be very difficult and futhermore you have to bring all your personnal information with you.

If you want to make shopping there is a lot of place where you can go, and many shops. So you will probably find what you want.

And the most important thing you must bring a umbrella! :)

Saud M

22/11/2012 01:40:31 am

Ｈｉ　Ｌｅｅ
Ｉ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｔｈａｔ　ｙｏｕ　ｌｉｋｅ　ｔｏ　ｃｏｍｅ　ｈｅｒｅ　ａｎｄ　ｓｔｕｄｙ　ｅｎｌｉｓｈ　ｌａｎｇｕａｇｅ　ａｔ　ＫＡＰＬＡＮ。　Ｓｏ　ｌｉｆｅ　ｈｅｒｅ　ｉｓ　ｄｅｆｆｒｅｎｔ　ａｎｄ　ｙｏｕ　ｓｈｏｕｌｄ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｌｉｔｔｉｌ　ｔｈｉｎｓ。　Ｈｅｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｃａｎ　ｆｉｎｄ　ATM every where, you don't have to carry more money in your pocket. For transportation don't worry there are many ways here at UK. The best way is the bus because it's the cheapest one and you can pay up front for 8 weeks and you don't need to bay after that. Also the tram is the second option that you can use and it's still cheap that taxi.

Best wishes
سعود
Saud

Jordan intermediate 4

22/11/2012 01:43:21 am

Hi,
Here the life is expencive but you can find ATM everywhere so you don't have to carry a lot of money, and cerdit cards are acceptable.
For transportation is better to use bus or tram than taxi, it's cheaper and easier.
You can find many cheap restaurants. So you don't have to spend your money in high class restaurants. In spite of, you can work in restaurants washing dishes and cleaning the floors to earn money.
Now, if you get in trouble, I can borow you money as much I can.

Kouki (Intrermediate 4)

22/11/2012 01:43:37 am

OK, for now I will introduce some advices.

At first, I will talk about accomodation. While living in UK, homestay is the best choice of accomodation. it has many advantages. We can be served breakfast and dinner for free and the other essential equipments like microwaves, washing machine, and the Internet is also available.

Secondly, when you are planning to open an account in a bank, it's easy to do it, so no problem. We have already had experienced with it, but it was easy because Kaplan help us with a letter that said how long is our course. When it'll be finished, it's more comfortable to withdraw money.

Lastly, I tell you how to save money in UK. If you don't care about money in daily life, you may run out of money. I suggest that you should think of budget and try to save money. Concerning food, you'll be able to save money if you use some cheap supermarkets. I can't say which is better, but you can easily find out it by comparing some supermarkets.
For another example like transportation, you can save money buying commutation tickets. Though it depends on company, but in my case, bus company serves weekly ticket. I think fee for transportation is too expensive, so it's effective way to reduce spending money.

I can't inform all of the information, but I hope it become good information for you.

Eman Bashir Almelah

22/11/2012 01:43:48 am

Hi hawa,
i know that you will come here next month. so i wanted to tell you some things bout living in the uk. first of all you have to exchane a good amount of money about 6000 libyan dinar. to pay for the hotel, your food and for transports, after your arriving you have to go to the police for regestraion,and opening an account in the bank, i have opened an account in Lloyds TSB and there are other options such HSBC, but before that you have to get a letter from your language center to be able to open an account. Then you should senD your documents of your scholarship and your account number to our embessy in london to complete procedures, and i want to tell you that there are different packages for internet and calls and you can choose which option suit you and there are different ways to pay if you want for example to buy a mobile phone you can pay up front or ininstalments. I hope these infomation will help you.
good buy

Weixin(happy)

5/12/2012 11:51:00 pm

I have stayed in Manchester for 40 days.This city is fantastic.I love it!
Many new friend,but sometimes I feel longly and homesick.

Abadi

26/9/2013 06:45:26 pm

my teacher Alex when he angry speak Liverpool accent and I can understand hem!!!!!?????!!!!! (^-*)

Abdullah

26/9/2013 06:46:39 pm

I stayed in Manchester 7 months. This city is beautiful. before I was read about on UK, I hope visited. All streets clean and status. Transportation is comfortable. There is not civilized homeless and spitting in the streets.

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved!

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