Practical Information
Official language
The official working language of the meeting is English and no translation is offered.
Official invitation
An official letter will be sent upon request to assist in meeting administrative requirements. However, this implies no commitment, financial or otherwise, for the Organising Committee. For more information, please contact esee2015@leeds.ac.uk
Visas
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa to enter Britain, If you are from any other country, find out about visa requirements before you travel by visiting http://ukvisas.gov.uk
If you require a visa letter from the organisers to attend ESEE 2015, please email esee2015@leeds.ac.uk
Money
Britain's currency is the pound sterling (£). Credit cards - especially Visa and Mastercard - are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. American Express and Diners Club cards are less commonly accepted. There are plenty of cash machines (also known as cashpoints or ATMs) dotted around Leeds.
VAT
Value-added tax (VAT) is a 20% sales tax levied on most goods and services except basic food items, books and children's clothing. Restaurants must, by law, include VAT in their menu prices. If you are travelling for leisure or business purposes, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. The VAT refund scheme is called the Retail Export Scheme or Tax-Free Shopping.
Electricity
UK appliances are fitted with three-pin plugs that can be connected to the UK mains supply through wall sockets. Unlike the sockets in many other countries, these have a switch to turn the power supply on and off - male sure you've turned it on if you're trying to charge your appliance. UK power sockets deliver an average voltage of 230v, although in practice this can be slightly higher. To charge devices that are compatible with this voltage, simply buy the appropriate adapter from the airport or high street shops. If your device runs on a lower voltage, however, then you will also need a converter to stop it from over-heating. Even if your country uses lower voltages, remember to check whether your device is dual-voltage (look for the 110 240v notation) before buying a converter.
Telephone
If you're visiting Leeds from abroad, don't forget that the UK dialling code is +44 (which replaces the 0) and to check your own country's code before you travel. Landline numbers in the Leeds area start with a ‘113' area code. If you are in the UK you would call Leeds by dialling ‘0113', if you are outside of the UK a Leeds number would start ‘0044 113'. If you are travelling to Leeds from abroad, using your mobile phone may cost you more than it does ant home. Check your networks roaming charges before you travel.
Climate and weather
Leeds has a changeable climate, the average yearly low is 3C (37F) and average yearly high is 15C (59F). For the latest local BBC weather report click here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2644688
Health services
The National Health Service (NHS) is the main healthcare provider in the UK. NHS treatment is free for UK residents. Overseas nationals are not eligible for free NHS treatment except if they need emergency treatment while in the UK. You are strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses. If you come from a country that holds a UK healthcare agreement, you are entitled to free or reduced-cost medical treatment if needed for a condition that started immediately after your arrival in the UK. If you're visiting from Europe, you need to carry a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in case you need immediate and necessary medical treatment in an NHS hospital. Without this you can be charged for treatment. Travel insurance is still advisable as it offers greater flexibility over where and how you're treated, and can cover expenses not paid for by the NHS. Find out more on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad
The Organising Committee assumes no responsibility whatsoever for damage or injury to persons or property during the conference.
Emergencies
Visitors should be aware of their personal safety. If first aid is required on campus please contact a member of staff in the building or for any other emergencies call Security via an internal telephone on x32222 or externally on +44(0)1133432222 - available 24 - hours. In the event of any security problems that do not pose any immediate danger, please contact University of Leeds Security via an internal telephone on x35494 or externally 0113 343 5494. Call 999 for the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) which is a free call from any phone. If you call 999 from within the University Campus, you must also let Security know you have done so. You can also call 112 for non-life threatening assistance and to report crimes. To report non-urgent crime, call the police on 101 from within the UK.
Chemists/Pharmacy
Lloyds Chemist is situated on Woodhouse Lane across from the Parkinson Buildin
Photocopying & Printing
The Print and Copy Bureau is open between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, on the ground floor of the Roger Stevens building where there are photocopying facilities and other audio visual services available.
Wifi Access
Delegates will be provided with a username & password to access the WiFi access upon registration. This can be used throughout the University Campus, including accommodation, and will enable you to access the Meet in Leeds network.
Instructions are issued with the Usernames & Passwords.
If you institution is a member of Eduroam you will also be able to use this service on the University Campus.
Please read the Terms of Service carefully to ensure that your browsing and internet usage complies with University regulations.
A technician will be available during registration to facilitate joining the wireless network.
There are also computers free for delegates to use in the coffee bars: Baines Wing (near the great hall) Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building, Waterside (adjacent to the print and copy building) The Mezz (first floor above the refectory).
IT Support
It support will be provided by ISS, The University of Leeds IT department. More information can be found here http://it.leeds.ac.uk/. Technical support will be available to all speakers however please note we do not support Mac computers, speakers are expected to provide their own VGA cables if required.
Smoking
On 1 July 2007 England brought in a ban on smoking in all public places. All meeting rooms, lecture theatres, foyers public areas, bars, doorways entrances and bedrooms within the University operate a no smoking policy.
Banks
Cash points: located within the Student Union building, outside the Ziff building and opposite Parkinson Building.
Banks: There is a Santander located on the ground floor of the Students Union.
Post Office
The post office is located in the St John Centre in the City Centre, 15 minutes walk.
Coffee Bars & Food
There are several coffee bars located around the university campus, which serve hot & cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches & paninis. The main University Refectory serves all of the food above plus freshly cooked hot food.
Shops
Essentials which is a mini-supermarket selling newspapers, magazines, stationery, drinks, sandwiches snacks and confectionary items.
City Centre shops are generally open between 9.00am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sundays.