[HDNG]SERVICES:[EHDNG][PARA][STAT][BULL] Creche [BULL] Lesbian and Gay Society [BULL] Mature SA [BULL] [PARA]Overseas SA [BULL] Postgrad SA [BULL] Minibus [BULL] Women's [PARA]Officer [BULL] Self-defence classes [ESTAT][PARA]ULU runs the above services as well as playing host to an [PARA]opticians in the ULU Building and producing an[ITAL] excellent [EITAL]annual [PARA]Welfare Handbook. Students usually go to the University's [PARA]Central Health Centre in Gower Street (Bloomsbury again), [PARA]where counselling and health and dental treatment are on offer. [ITAL][PARA]Generally, London students tend to use their own colleges' [PARA]provisions, the local public health services, the Citizens Advice [PARA]Bureau or else, suffer in silence.[EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Drugs: [EBOLD][ITAL] Many Londoners live for years in the capital without ever [PARA]encountering them. Others, however, walk around with their [PARA]eyes open. Every drug you've heard of and a great many beside [PARA]are readily available on the streets and in the pubs and clubs of [PARA]London. Cannabis is perpetually prevalent and ecstasy currently [PARA]has a high profile. Heroin is more common than in most cities, [PARA]and the abuse/use of crack is spreading, especially in the South.[PARA]They're often more expensive than elsewhere, but that shouldn't [PARA]be regarded as any guarantee of quality - dangerous mixtures [PARA]are common and the risks are your own. [EITAL]There are a number of [PARA]help centres (including Narcotics Anonymous 071-351 6066)[ITAL] and [PARA]the authorities usually take a progressive but firm attitude.[EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Women: [EBOLD][ITAL]Anyone who isn't familiar with London, but particularly [PARA]women, should remember that the diversity of the capital has a [PARA]nasty slant - it's easy to turn a corner from a delightful residential [PARA]area and suddenly find yourself in considerably less attractive [PARA]surroundings. ULU's self-defence classes and subsidised [PARA]alarms are not laid on as anybody's idea of a good joke. Without [PARA]being sensational, in London there are risks it's best to avoid.[EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Lesbian, gay and bisexual:[EBOLD] [ITAL]Far more than most places, it's [PARA]possible to be 'out' in London without experiencing constant [PARA]prejudice (although that doesn't make coming out any easier, and[PARA]there are plenty of sad bigots around as well). The gay [PARA]community in London is sizeable and proud, and has marked out [PARA]a large chunk of Soho as pretty much its own. As a result, there [PARA]are plenty of entertainments which don't conform to heterosexist [PARA]stereotypes and a few London boroughs make special housing [PARA]provisions. Many of the best clubs have gay nights or even, for a [PARA]change, straight nights. And don't forget the Pride March and [PARA]Festival, every summer.[EITAL][PARA][BOLD]Disabled: [EBOLD]College facilities vary. The ULU building[ITAL] [EITAL]has afront [PARA]ramp, and lifts to all floors, as well as door labels in Braille. [ITAL][PARA]Getting around London can be hellish even for those who are fully[PARA]mobile, but plenty have learned to cope.[EITAL][HDNG]FINANCE:[EHDNG][PARA]College arrangements vary. [ITAL]Life ain't cheap[EITAL] - see above.[PARA][PARA]
