Get your passport ready!
Congratulations on your acceptance into the St. Cloud State at Alnwick program. We are so excited you are going to become a part of the St. Cloud State at Alnwick experience and live and study at our Castle Campus.
All students will go through a pre-departure orientation to meet their fellow travelers and cover general safety and security tips.
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.
| U.K. Emergency | 112 or 999 |
| Alnwick Residential Coordinator (Wade Sherman) | +44 7712 679458 |
| Sovereign Taxis - Alnwick | +44 1665 606060 |
| SCSU Public Safety | +1 320-308-3333 |
| SCSU Education Abroad | +1 320-308-0119 |
Download one of these safety apps
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.
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
Coffee and Tea
Dining
Department and Specialty Stores
Thrift Shops
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
Budget Airfare
Transportation and Housing
Each student/resident of Alnwick Castle will receive a Castle Pass. This pass is needed to enter and exit the castle. When a student/resident leaves the castle, they leave their pass with castle security. Upon return, claim the pass from castle security.
The areas shown in red in the adjacent image are unavailable during non-tourist hours.
The Education Abroad team is incredibly knowledgeable about all things Alnwick and would be happy to speak with you about your questions.
Email: educationabroad@stcloudstate.edu
Phone: (320) 308-0119
In Person: 113 Lawrence Hall