Airfare is included with all St. Cloud State programs in Alnwick, unless you not from a Minnesota State College and Universities location. Part of the application process will include all students submitting the “Airfare Commitment Form” so we know your plans for travel. Many students travel to and from Alnwick on the program dates outlines online; however, some students wish to travel after the program dates. If you would like to extend your trip or fly a different route than the group, please indicate that on your Airfare Commitment Form when it is give to you to complete. 

Important Phone Numbers
To call the U.S. from overseas dial +1 or 001 (this is the country code for the U.S. and Canada) in your phone then dial the phone number. The country code for the U.K. is +44.

Download one of these safety apps

• Safe@St.Cloud - the official St. Cloud State University safety app
• Maps.me - offline navigation & directions
• Circle of 6 – Two taps lets your circle know where you are and how they can help

Pack light and bring clothing that can be layered. Alnwick Castle can get a little cold at times, but when you are out and about, wear layers; the weather in the U.K. can change quickly. Good walking shoes/boots are also a must.

Pro tip! Waterproof outer wear is essential.

Alnwick Castle provides a duvet (comforter), duvet cover, pillow, pillowcase, fitted sheet, and a towel for your use during your time there.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi inside the Alnwick Castle is linked to the St. Cloud State University network. This means you will have access to Wi-Fi the entire time you are inside of Alnwick Castle's SCSU spaces.

Wi-Fi outside of the castle and abroad is extremely common and it is very different than in the U.S. Often you will have to register to use the Wi-Fi or you will only be allowed 15 minutes free. It is not uncommon that you will be required to pay to use the Wi-Fi which will range from one hour up to a few days. Free Wi-Fi is available in many places in Alnwick (Barter books, Costa, pubs, etc.). 

Cell Phone
Your cell phone plan will determine how your phone will work in the U.K. iPhones can be used for iMessage when you have Wi-Fi. You can also buy a cheap phone in the U.K. for texting and calling. Students in the past have unlocked their U.S. phone and inserted a U.K. SIM card once they are abroad. Check with your phone service provider to make the best decision. 

Apps
Apps are a great way to stay connected and communicate with your friends and family in the U.S.

• WhatsApp
• WeChat
• Skype
• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• XE Currency Converter 
• Trainline
• Maps.me
• Safe@St.Cloud
• Uber/Lyft

Send treats to your Husky at: 

Student’s Name
St. Cloud State University
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1NQ
England

National Health Service (NHS)

Students are insured by GeoBlue while abroad. Many of the services you may need will be provided by the NHS but they do have the right to charge you directly if it is needed. If this happens, students pay up-front and then file a claim with GeoBlue insurance. The Alnwick Resident Coordinator and the Education Abroad Office can help your process the claim. 

Alnwick Medical Group
Phone: +44 01665 656000
Address: Consulting Rooms, Infirmary Drive, Alnwick NE66 2NR U.K.
Website: www.alnwickmedicalgroup.co.uk

GeoBlue, the program insurance provider, covers the required medical insurance. Included in the coverage is medical issues including emergency medical evacuation but also political/natural disaster evacuation. 

Grocery

• Morrisons: A chain grocery store carrying a wide range of foods and supplies
• Sainsbury’s: A chain grocery and general store selling things from housewares, clothing and food
• NISA local: A small grocery store selling snacks, drinks and treats. Open late!

Coffee and Tea

• Bari Tea: A locally owned tea shop with specialty tea and homemade soups and desserts
• Costa Coffee: A coffee house chain that can be found all around the U.K.
• Grannies: A small tea house for a nice cup of tea and sandwich

Dining

• Strawberry Lounge: A place with sweets, great food and amazing milkshakes and scones
• Greggs: Awesome cheap breakfast
• Caffee Tirreno: Italian food with a great atmosphere
• Chop Suey House: Chinese Food
• Yan's Restaurant: Chinese Food
• Mumbai Flavours: Indian Cuisine
• Black Swan: Pub food
• Dirty Bottles: Pub food, specializes in burgers!
• Pizza Zone: Pizza, Kebabs, Fries – take away
• Pizza Royale: Pizza! For take away
• Liliburn’s: Variety of options and amazing flavors

Department and Specialty Stores

• Wilkonsons (Wilko): Homewares and home goods
• Yorkshire Trading Co: Forgot something at home? This is the place to get it
• Barter Books: A unique second-hand book store with a wide variety of book options and a restaurant to sit and read at inside
• M&Co: A chain clothing store in Alnwick and all over the UK
• NEXT: British multinational clothing brand
• Clarks Shoe Store: Shoes!
• Dorothy Perkins: Women’s clothes
• Superdrug: Pharmacy
• WH Smith: Pharmacy

Thrift Shops

• Oxfam: Selling a lot of books and various other things to help those in poverty
• Mind: Selling clothing with a few movies and household items. Proceeds go to mental health awareness and help
• Cancer Research UK: There are two of these shops in town selling clothing and a variety of other things. Proceeds go to cancer research

Ground Transportation

The Alnwick bus station is located by the Morrison’s and will take you to Alnmouth or Newcastle (depending on the bus route). 

There are also many taxi services that can take you to places around Alnwick or bring you to the train station in Alnmouth.

Sovereign Taxis – Alnwick +44 1665 606060

The closest train station to St. Cloud State at Alnwick is the Alnmouth station, roughly four miles from Alnwick Castle. Bus or taxi is needed to get there.

Closest Airports

• Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
• Edinburgh International Airport (EDI)

Budget Airfare

• Easy Jet
• RYAN air

Transportation and Housing

• Rail Card – train ticket discounts for National Rail
• Trainline – Order train tickets on line (app version recommended)
• Oyster Card – Transport card for London Underground and bus system
• Paddywagon – Coach bus tours and trips around Ireland
• booking.com – Booking hotels at a discount
• HostelWorld – Reliable hostel review and booking site