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