On 4th July 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain and the date has remained as a big day of celebration for Americans…
If you have family or friends in the States, more than likely they’ll be celebrating 4th July with backyard BBQs and explosive fireworks. DHL helps families and friends celebrate special events, like Independence Day, regardless of the distance between them.
We make it easy to send gifts to your friends this Independence Day. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!
Why not impress them with some of our favourite 4th July facts?
- On 4th July 1776, America declared its independence from Britain. It was the separation of 13 colonies from Great Britain.
- Each year on 4th July, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings.
- The estimated population on 4th July 2013 is 316.2 million
- Three of America’s first five presidents died on 4th July.
- 150 million hotdogs are consumed on 4th July every year
- 700 million lbs of chicken is purchased in the week leading up to 4th July
- 190 million lbs of red meat/pork is purchased in the week leading up to 4th July
- 25 million lbs of fireworks is sold to cities for public celebrations
- 11: number of places in the US with “Independence” in their name
Sources: (CNN, The Herald Tribune, US Census Bureau as of 7.3.2012)
Whilst we can’t deliver sizzling BBQs or explosive fireworks, we can help you join your American buddies in spirit by celebrating Independence Day with a hamper full of American goodies. Click here to find out more about our new competition. But hurry, it closes tomorrow!
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What are your plans for this summer? David from Foreign Students takes us through his top tips for international students’ summer holiday options…
If you’re an international student in the UK right now, chances are you’re in the middle of exams and feeling pretty stressed. However, before you know it, exams will be over and you’ll be faced with a three month summer holiday.
If you haven’t already made plans for the summer, then you have a few different options. Here we go through what choices you have and give you some top tips on how to make the most of your summer.
Go Home
The most obvious choice is to go home for the summer. You’ve probably missed your family and friends during your stay in the UK, and they’ll certainly have missed you. You can spend the summer reacquainting yourself with freshly cooked dinners, free laundry and no rent.
At home you can either get a summer job and save up some extra spending money for when you return to study, or else simply relax, recharge and get a head start on next year’s work.
Positives: See the people and things you have missed, save money
Negatives: May get bored a week after getting there
Stay in the UK
Even though you won’t have any lectures to attend, you may still want to stay in the UK over the summer. If you are settled and you are paying for your accommodation over the summer anyway, then it may be the best option.
The summer is a great chance to get some work experience that can improve your CV. Working full time or part time can help you save up that extra bit of cash to help you out during term time, and doing it in a job relevant to your degree can be really useful (you can search & apply for jobs here).
However, the best way to give your career prospects a boost is by trying to get an internship. Doing a one-three month internship in an industry you’re interested in will help you make contacts and will look brilliant on your CV. The only downside is that many internships are unpaid, so you will need to have some savings to help you through.
Alternatively, just relax and enjoy exploring parts Britain you haven’t had a chance to yet. You can travel around the UK really cheaply if you’ve got the time to take a bus. Plus, who knows, you may even get to see the mythical English sun!
Positives: Could get good work experience
Negatives: Accommodation expensive, may miss your family (?!)
Go Travelling
University summers are pretty much the one chance in your life that you have long periods of time with zero responsibilities. Therefore, it is the perfect time to travel the world.
If you are from outside of Europe, using the UK as a base and exploring the many wonderful cities of the continent would certainly be memorable. Travelling by train can be great value and very sociable, whilst staying in hostels means you can do it all on a budget (read this guide for top tips).
Another alternative is to volunteer. There are loads of programmes open to volunteers who want to travel and live in an unusual part of the world, whilst also helping others.
Positives: Unique experience
Negatives: Expensive
Now that you’ve seen some of your options, maybe you’ll think twice about simply going home and sitting in front of the TV for the whole summer. For three months you have total control over your time – make the most of it!
]]>Did you know that Mother’s Day is celebrated in May in many places around the world? If your mum lives abroad, let her know you’re thinking of her…
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days all around the world, with the majority of international celebrations taking place in May, many on the second Sunday of the month, May 12th. And as an international delivery company, we want to help take care of mums, wherever they are in the world.
So, if your mum lives overseas, let us help you make her Mother’s Day by arranging for her special present to be delivered safely with DHL Service Point. With over 1,300 DHL Service Points nationwide, including at selected Ryman, Staples, WHSmith, Safestore and Homebase stores, you’re bound to find us near you. Once you’ve found that perfect gift for mum, drop in to one of our locations, pick up a free envelope or box, pay at the till and we’ll make sure it gets on its way. And with free tracking, you can keep an eye on your gift’s progress and be safe in the knowledge that it arrived safely.
So, whether she’s in Canada or Croatia, Switzerland or Singapore, DHL Service Point will help you make her Mother’s Day, wherever she is in the world.
Don’t miss our new competition!
We’re giving one lucky person the chance to show your mum how much she means to you by winning her a Pamper Hamper; imagine her smiling face when a DHL box full of indulgent goodies lands on her doorstep!
Just enter your details on this page and tell us why she deserves to win. Good luck!
]]>Here at DHL Service Point, we like to give helpful tips and advice to students. And as our parcels travel around the world every day, we thought it would be a great idea to give some useful tips to those of you who are thinking of doing the same!
We asked top online hostel booking site, Hostelbookers, if they’d like to share some top tips for saving money before and whilst travelling, and luckily for you – they said yes! So here they are: 10 top tips for saving money before and during your travels.
Save Before
Before you hit the road, you need to make sure you’ll be able to support yourself throughout your travels. By doing a bit of research and making a few changes to your lifestyle before you set off on your big adventure, the pennies will soon add up.
1. Budget. Do your research and make sure you can afford to visit the countries you want to. The cost of living varies from place to place. For example, a bed for the night in Thailand will cost much less than it will in Australia, so make sure you know the price of accommodation, food and sights before you set off. Many countries also require you to get a visa before entry – you can send visas and important documents around the world using DHL Service Point.
2. Before leaving, you must check with your bank to find out what charges they have for overseas withdrawals – the fees will soon add up. Traveller’s cheques or specialist travel spending cards give you much better exchange rates and are worth looking into. It’s also advisable to clear any debts you may have. If you have credit cards, complete payments where possible or move debts to one account to make it easier to keep track of your money.
3. Don’t buy everything in the shops. Chances are, unless you’re climbing Machu Picchu, you won’t need hiking boots or sleeping bags. They’re expensive, bulky, and difficult to carry around and you’ll probably end up throwing them away when you realise how much space in your bag they take up! If you really feel like you should have bought something, get your ‘rents to buy it and post it to you via their local Service Point – it’s that easy!
4. Although you’ll spend a lot of time waiting for trains, buses and planes, there’s no need to stock up on piles of books before you go. Most hostels have a book exchange service and many travellers swap books and country guides with each other after they’ve used them.
5. Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves. Instead of spending a few pounds on a sandwich from the local supermarket, make your lunch at home. Stop going out for dinner and buy a cheap cookbook down the local charity shop and get experimental in the kitchen – you’ll save loads and have fun. Cancel any luxuries you may have, like Sky television – you won’t have a chance to keep up with any programmes whilst you’re away, so we’re sorry to say that now is the time to finally give up watching Hollyoaks!
Save During
It’s imperative that you have enough money to keep you going throughout your travels. Think how upset you’d be if you ran out of money half way through your trip and had to come home. But don’t worry; there are easy ways to save money whilst on the road.
6. Now of course, we’re a little biased, but hostels are a cheap way to bed-hop around the world and a great way of meeting friends! Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or a group of friends, staying in dormitory rooms is the cheapest way of grabbing a bed for the night. If you wish to have a bit more privacy, most hostels offer private rooms at a reasonable price. In some hostels, you can also work for your accommodation. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a free bed at the end of the day! Check out our range of hostels here.
7. Travel like a local. After all, you’ve gone abroad to experience life in other countries, so why fly or take tourist buses or trains, which are often overpriced? Transport is very good in many countries. For example in South America, the bus services are fantastic, even in second class. You will get reclining seats, films to watch and sometimes even a hot meal, for a fraction of the price of a first class ticket.
8. Eat like a local. Many people shy away from trying the local cuisine or street food, and opt for the tourist restaurants. Big mistake. Street food is often freshly caught or prepared that day, and as you can see them making it in front of you, you know what’s going into it, unlike in a restaurant. Of course, common sense comes in to play here and you should always choose the busiest stalls – if the locals are eating there, it’s sure to be good. Another alternative to eating in restaurants is using the kitchen facilities that many hostels have nowadays.
9. Haggle. It may seem like a strange concept after coming from a country where everything is a fixed-price, but it is often expected in many markets and cultures around the world. Lose your inhibitions and give it a go – you never know what bargains you might pick up.
10. Finally, if you are a student, make sure you get an International Student Card, which is valid in 120 countries and can save you money at many attractions, stores and restaurants around the world.
Now you’ve got your money in check, there’s only one thing left to do – go out there and have some fun!
Remember to visit www.hostelbookers.com, a cheap and easy way to book accommodation around the world.
DHL Service Point is available in many locations around the UK. It’s ideal for sending important documents, including visas and passports, at a reasonable price.
]]>This week Felicity West from UK Work Study takes us through some of her top tips for international students coming to study in the UK…
1. Plan your arrival in the UK
So your flight is booked and you know what time you’re due to land. But have you planned your travel between the airport and your university? Many universities offer help and subsidised or discounted transfer arrangements for their international students. Contact the International Office at your chosen university for details.
2. Bring local money with you
Make sure you have some British money (pound sterling – £) or a prepaid cash card topped up before you travel. Bear in mind that most shops in the UK will not accept £50 notes, and buses usually will not accept anything larger than a £5 note. A good option is to get a MasterCard® prepaid card, which you can top up in any currency from anywhere in the world.
UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes applications and help for getting a MasterCard prepaid card.
3. Pack for all weathers
The weather in the UK changes all the time and it is talked about daily. A greeting between people often includes a comment about the weather: “It’s a bit nippy today isn’t it!” (It’s cold!), “It’s pouring out there!” (It’s raining really hard!), “Turned out nice again!” (What a surprise, it’s sunny!).
Check this website for common weather expressions to join in the conversation.
4. Go to your university’s freshers’ week
At universities in the UK, a freshers’ week is usually held before teaching officially starts. The week consists of many events specifically for new starters to get to know the university, city and each other.
The main part of freshers’ week is the freshers’ fair, which is held on campus and showcases the university clubs you can join. Joining a club is a great way to make friends.
The NUS (National Union of Students) will also be there. For just £11 you can get an NUS Extra card which entitles you to 40,000 discounts in 120 countries as well as cheap entry into locally run university events.
5. Get a UK phone number
Make sure you have a UK sim card (and phone number) with you from day one. It will cost you less to keep in touch with your new friends at university, as well as when calling your friends and family back home to tell them what a great time you’re having!
There are many available to buy in the UK, but The UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes a UK sim card with credit on that is sent to you in your home country BEFORE you come to the UK.
6. Bring an alarm clock
The whole of the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Don’t rely on your natural body clock or the noise of your flat mates to wake you – bring a small battery powered alarm clock to make sure you are up and ready to go!
7. Register with a UK doctor
Most universities provide an on-campus GP (general practitioner) who can act as your doctor for minor ailments and complaints whilst you are away from home. Ask your international student officer for advice and information about the services available at your university.
Remember, in a serious medical emergency you can call 999 for an ambulance. This is also the same number if you need to speak to the police or fire brigade.
NHS Direct also have a website with a symptoms checker and other medical information and advice.
8. Get the resources needed for your studies in advance
You will need a supply of pens, paper and folders for your studies. Most universities have bookshops on campus where you can purchase these.
You may also have been sent a reading list for your first term, or will receive it on your registration. Order these from the bookshop as soon as possible as many people will be wanting the same books as you and stocks may run out fast!
One piece of equipment you may want to consider is an audio note-taker. It can be hard to make notes and remember everything that was said during a lecture, even if English is your first language!
The UK Work Study’s Study Pack includes a discount voucher for the purchase of a Sonocent Audio Note Taker.
9. Make the most of the language services at your university
If you are reading this and coming to study in the UK for university, you can probably understand English quite well. But how confident are you at having a conversation in English? Every former international student we spoke to for this article said they wished they had used their English more from day one.
The university experience is new for everyone, no matter where they come from. Remember, it’s not just the education you are coming to the UK for, it’s for new experiences and culture. Don’t be afraid to use English, it will only get better the more you speak it and will make you very employable in your future career.
10. Learn how to make a cup of tea
This is the most important tip. Almost everyone in the UK drinks tea. A lot! There are many coffee shops on every high street in Britain – there’s probably one on your university campus – but when the British get home they ‘put the kettle on’ (make a cup of tea).
Learn how to make the perfect cuppa here.
Finally, don’t forget to have fun. Now go and put the kettle on!
Find out more about the work of UK Work Study via their website, email or twitter.
]]>Here are our five essential tips to make sure you’re well organised before you kick off your travels abroad.
So you’re having a great time studying in the UK, learning new cultures and making new friends. But it’s coming to that time where you’re probably be thinking about what to do next.
Many students opt to go travelling after their studies to expand their horizons and to escape from home and work for as long as possible! You may see yourself as a bit of a free spirit but we urge you to make sure you’re well prepared before you travel.
Where in the world?
Firstly, you need to get a good idea of where you’d like to go. Be practical about the cost of transport, accommodation and living.
There are lots of useful companies that can help you figure out where to visit, such as STA Travel and Travelbag. Websites like Hostelworld and HostelBookers can help you book cheap accommodation.
Something else to look into is an International Student Card, which gives you lots of discounts around the world, including at Hostelworld.
Law and border
Many places require you to have a visa before travel into their country. Visas can be easily obtained at many embassies around London. Getting hold of them can take time, so plan ahead. You can find a full list of embassies in the UK and their location here.
You must also make sure that your passport is up to date. In the UK, a British passport must remain valid for at least six months after your scheduled return to the UK. For more info on passport regulations, click here.
Insure and go
Before you travel, make sure you have travel insurance in place in case of any accidents along the way.
A common pitfall is to buy the insurance that is offered through your travel operator. This could mean you’re paying over the odds.
There is a range of policies available, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal. Websites such as MoneySupermarket, SquareMouth and Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert are very useful for this.
Safety first
It’s also advisable to get vaccinations sorted before entering many countries. You can get advice about travel vaccinations from your GP, the practice nurse at your doctors’ surgery or at a travel clinic.
Whether you need any vaccines will depend on the country you’ll be travelling to, whether you have any medical conditions and whether you’re taking any medication. Find more info here.
Money makes the world go round
Another thing to think about is how you will get hold of local currency in different countries.
Never change money at the airport, as they tend to give the worst exchange rates. There are many options available to you and you can save £s by using specialist travel spending cards that give you great exchange rates.
Find loads of useful info on cheap travel money at MSE.
All aboard
Now the essentials are covered you can concentrate on the fun bit – planning your journey.
And remember, DHL Servicepoint is available in many locations around the UK. It’s ideal for sending important documents, including visas and passports, at a reasonable price.
Coming Soon! Keep an eye out for our great competition, where there’s £100 of High Street vouchers up for grabs.
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It’s always worth checking that the item you’re sending can be accepted for delivery. The list of items prohibited for shipment within the UK might surprise you…
Sending a present to someone special? Birthday, wedding or Christmas – whatever the occasion, DHL Servicepoint offers convenient and cost-effective delivery options to locations across the world. Perfect for making sure your presents are delivered quickly, with the care and attention you’d expect from the world’s leading logistics company.
But it’s worth remembering there are some things even we can’t deliver. This includes all those things that are prohibited for carriage by national or local laws and regulations. And the list includes a few potential gift items that might surprise you.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things we unfortunately can’t accept for shipment within the UK:
- Jewellery (or anything made from precious metals and stones) worth more than £1000 (per waybill)
- Watches with a value in excess of £1000 (per waybill)
- More than one electronics item (e.g. X-Box, MP3 Player, iPad) in a single package
- Designer clothing worth more than £1000 (per waybill)
- Costume jewellery worth more than £250 per item
- Antiques or works of art worth more than €50,000
For our full list of prohibited items, click here
If you have any queries about your shipment, drop our customer services team a line on: 0844 248 0844.
For more information on DHL Servicepoint visit: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/
]]>After lots of deliberation and a few, lets say ‘heated’, debates, the winners of a competition to produce artwork for our East Midlands Airport (EMA) hub have finally been announced!
Congratulations to our six Primary School competition winners: Eleanor Harper, Molly Daykin, and Lewis Morgan from Orchard Primary School, and Lois Abiodun, Laurie Field and Owen Dunmore from Kegworth Primary School. Illustrators Ros Goodall and Will Haywood were also announced as winners from Loughborough University.
For the competition, we asked students from the two primary schools and Loughborough University to create stunning pieces of art to liven up the hub interior.
There was only one catch: students had to try and capture the worldwide scope of what DHL does in their work. Not an easy task, but as you can probably tell from the image above, one that the students approached with real gusto and imagination. With over 170 local children and students entering, competition was fierce, but winners have been justly rewarded with a selection of prizes and the chance to have their masterpieces permanently displayed at the EMA hub.
“This competition has given students from Loughborough an excellent opportunity to develop their CVs. Being able to say that a global company such as DHL has commissioned your work is certainly a great head start for our illustrators,” explained Loughborough University’s own Illustration and Animation Lecturer, Andrew Selby, who helped judge the competition and ran art workshops for the children.
Headteachers from each school expressed delight at being involved in the project. “Our children really enjoyed the workshop. Knowing that their art will be hanging in one of the area’s biggest businesses has given them a sense of real pride,” said Anne Sherwood, Head at Orchard Primary School. It was a sentiment echoed by Louise Norton, Head at Kegworth Primary, who added: “The children were delighted to think of exciting and different ways in which packages could be transported to such a huge variety of places.”
The final images are on permanent display at DHL’s EMA hub. To see more examples of the entrants work, check out our Flickr page.
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