FAQs

Do I need a visa to attend the conference?
If you are travelling from an EU country, you don’t need to apply to get a visa to visit the United Kingdom, however, if you are travelling from anywhere outside the EU, be aware that you will need a valid visa to enter the UK. Please visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/ for more information.

Will I be able to drive in England?
First of all, remember we drive on the left!
If you plan to drive to England from your country or perhaps hire a car when here, there are a few things you should know.

“Licences issued in the European Community and European Economic Area make up two groups that are treated equally. The full list is:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.”

If you come from a country outside the EC and the EEA, then other rules apply, as you can only drive vehicles up to 3.5 tones and with up to 8 passenger seats up to 12 months.

 
If you are still not sure, use this interactive tool:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/MotoringDecisionTrees/ExchangeaTestPassorForeignLicence/can_you_drive_in_gb.dsb

Speed limits are usually:-
1. 30 miles/48km per hour in towns and built up areas
2. 40 miles/65km on some town roads where shown
3. 60 miles/97km on most 'single carriageway' (2-way) roads
4. 70 miles/113 km on 'dual carriageways' and motorways

Insurance is compulsory, so make sure you are covered to drive and if you are hiring a car remember to bring proof of ID and your driving license. Most car hire companies request a valid credit card, which usually needs to belong to the person who’s hiring and driving the car.

Here are some car hire companies:

www.hertz.com
www.avis.com
www.europcar.com
www.enterprise.co.uk
www.easycar.com

Remember that some airlines will give you a better deal if you hire a car through them; otherwise ask the car hiring company if you are entitled to a discount for flying with whatever company you have used.

What’s the weather going to be like in September?

You might think that England is all about rain, but there are some sunny days too! September is usually a mild month with temperatures averaging 15 degrees celcius. You can check the weather conditions by selecting West Midlands at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk or you can go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2/?area=Birmingham

Most buildings are heated, so you will be better off layering your clothes, as the temperatures will change drastically depending on being indoors or outdoors.

If you plan on going on one or more of the trips we have planned for you, then make sure you bring a pair of comfortable, water proof shoes.

What’s the currency in the United Kingdom and will I be able to use my credit card?
Although part of the EU, the United Kingdom hasn’t changed its currency and the national currency is the Pound Sterling.
There are four British notes in use - £5, £10, £20 and £50. There are eight coins in use - 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Currency exchange: Money can be exchanged in banks, exchange bureaux and many hotels. The exchange bureaux are often open outside banking hours but charge higher commission rates.
All major currencies can be exchanged. Cash can be obtained from a multitude of ATMs available across the country.
You can also exchange currency in the post office in England and they don’t charge commission.
Credit & debit cards: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all widely accepted. However, check with your credit or debit Card Company.

Where is Birmingham and what’s there to do in my free time?
Birmingham is the second most populous city in England with about 1 million people and is located in the centre of the West Midlands region of England.
The city was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution in England, a fact which led to Birmingham being known as "city of a thousand trades".
For activities you might be interested in doing in your free time, please refer to the social programmes available on the homepage.

How do I book accommodation?
There are many hotels in Birmingham, if you haven’t booked a room, please refer to the accommodation link in the homepage. Contact the Birmingham Convention Bureau (BCB) on 00 44 121 202 5151 or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Will I get Wi-fi access?
In the university campus, you will have access to computers connected to the internet or if you are using your own computer, you will be able to access the free network.

If you are staying in student accommodation, you’ll have to pay to use the internet. The fees are £7/day or £15/week. You’ll also have to bring an Ethernet cable or buy one from reception.

If you are staying in the Conference Park, there won’t be internet in your room; however you can access it for free in the building’s communal areas.

How do I get to the venue?

From Birmingham City Centre: If you are in the city centre, it’s advisable to catch the train in “New Street” Station. The campus is only two stops away. The train stop you need is “University”. It will take you about 5 minutes to walk from the university train station to the venue.

For a better overview of the venue, please refer to the the conference venue and travel information pages.

Is parking available at the venue?
There are car parks available on campus. The standard fee is £1 per day from Monday to Friday and it’s free on weekends and bank holidays.

Will lunch be provided?
Yes. The conference fee includes a finger buffet lunch and 3 coffee breaks, which include tea, coffee, water, orange juice and some snacks. If you feel that you need anything else, let us know and we will try to cater for your needs. There are many shops on campus if you fancy something else.

Is the Gala Dinner included in the conference fee?
No. The conference fee does not include the Gala Dinner price. This 3 course dinner will be served in the Great Hall and there will be entertainment to compliment the great food and service available. Please note that places are limited, so early booking is recommedned as soon as the social section of the website goes live.

I’m attending the conference on my own, will I be alone?
There are people coming from all over the world, so you won’t be the only one on your own. The three coffee breaks and lunch will be a great opportunity for you to network and talk to people in the same area of study as you.  If for any reason you feel uncomfortable contact the organisers and they will do everything they can to make your experience an enjoyable one.

Are electrical plugs different from other European countries?
UK plugs are not the standard plugs used in much of Europe. You need a plug adapter for the electrical things you bring to the UK. Plugs in England have an extra level of safety - an on/off switch for each socket. Please have a look at this website for more information http://www.slowtrav.com/uk/instructions/appliances.htm

You haven’t answered my question, how do I contact you?
If we didn’t answer your question, please do not hesitate to contact us via email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone on 00 44 121 4640020.