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 at DHL Servicepoint HQ, we’re egg-cited to announce the launch of our latest Twitter competition.

This is one not to miss as, in celebration of Easter, we’re giving away two eggs-tra special prizes.

Ok, that’s enough of the egg puns now (we’re eggs-hausted!) All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is tell us your best egg joke.

We’ll help kick things off:

Q: What do chickens call a school test?

A: An eggs-amination.

How to enter:

Now we’re sure you can do much better than us in coming up with some cracking jokes. Just tweet us your entries at @dhlservicepoint by Tuesday 10^th April for your chance to win.

We’ll be shelling out £100 in high street vouchers to the winner, and the runner-up will get their hands on £20 worth of cinema vouchers.

Our panel of egg-sperts will announce the winner on Twitter on Wednesday 11^th April.

Good luck!

We’re open for business during Easter!

You can drop your parcels off at DHL Servicepoints across the UK, as outlets will be trading with bank holiday hours on Good Friday 6^th April, Easter Sunday 8^th April and Easter Monday 9^th April.

Terms and conditions

1. The Prize: £100 in High Street vouchers for the winner and £20 in cinema vouchers for the runner-up.
2. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. Only one winner will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will be closed at noon on Tuesday 10^th April. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter by Wednesday 11^th April.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Prizes will be dispatched by the 10^th working day of the date of the draw.
15. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at: Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS

The winner of our latest competition is announced…

It’s been another busy week on the @dhlservicepoint Twitter stream and you’ve certainly kept us on our toes with your brilliant entries.

This week we asked you what the weirdest package you’ve ever sent or received is, and with 113 entries you didn’t disappoint!

All week you’ve been tweeting us with your mad entries that have made us laugh, cringe, gasp – or all three! And we were particularly surprised to see a high number of entries about guinea pigs, teeth and various food types, including chocolate-covered ants!

Due to the high number of great entries, we decided to share our favourite top 10:

@finleypoppet: Emailed hotel to say we’d left son’s glasses. No problem we have them. Got a hearing aid instead. Must have got lost in translation! – How ironic!

@bev_metallica: A small box of guinea pig poo! No, really! (Sent to a pig on antibiotics who needed the healthy bacteria from it!) – Well you learn something new every day!

@WISHGIRL123: I’ve sent fertile chicken eggs and had live maggots sent to me for my chickens – What did the postie think of that?

@Saspidistra: This life-size cardboard dalek arrived in the post recently! – Thanks for the great photo.

@_sal1978_: I once had to send our garden scarecrow by courier to my sister when she was at uni to decorate a room for a party – What was the theme to that party?

@thunderbirdsGO: I received a Nappy Cake congratulating me on my 1^st child. I was 13, NOT pregnant & my parents totally freaked out! – We’re not surprised they did!

@trainsniffer: When my puppy lost her baby teeth my mother insisted I post them to her so she could put them in a scrap book – What else went in there?

@mumsiekelzof4: Some edible lollies with dead bugs inside from my sister in law. There was an ant, scorpion and maggot – What did they taste like?

@_Rachel_S: My Nan sent me a book on caring for tropical fish. I don’t own any tropical fish – Your Nan sounds great!

@Sarah_Ly1: I had my old teeth mould sent through to me recently, which I took when I had my brace when I was 13. Ewww – Gross!

And the winner is…

Although there were many fantastic entries, there was one clear winner that shocked us, scared us and made us laugh:

@For_Kate: Last year I received a packet of dried shrimp & a spanner with a note saying: “Thank you sweetheart” * scared face *

Congratulations Katie, you’ve bagged yourself £100 in High Street vouchers.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for more great competitions coming your way soon.

Follow us on Twitter @dhlservicepoint

So the weather is slowly (ok, maybe that should be ‘very slowly’) starting to warm up, and it’ll soon be time to change out of the baggy jumpers into something a bit more summery.

The shops are ready, stocking up on their spring/summer collections. The question is: are you?

We know that shopping can be an expensive habit but we’d like to give you the chance to get your hands on £100 in High Street vouchers to make it a little bit more manageable – just ‘cos we’re nice like that!

Here at DHL Servicepoint we deliver all sorts of items to people all over the world – from phones to passports, from cameras to clothes.

But what we really want to know is: what’s the weirdest package you’ve ever sent or received?

Wondering how to enter?

We’re a technical bunch so we want to see your entries via Twitter.

Firstly you must be following us on Twitter, at @dhlservicepoint and then tweet us with your wackiest answers! But remember: rude or offensive entries won’t be accepted.

Make sure you use the hashtag #dhlcomp so we definitely see your entry and you’re in with a chance of winning the fab prize.

Terms and conditions:

1. The Prize: £100 in High Street vouchers.
2. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. Only one winner will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will be closed at noon on Tuesday 13^th March. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter by Wednesday 14^th March.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Prizes will be dispatched by the 10^th working day of the date of the draw.
15. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at: Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS

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.

Winners of our Fashion Frenzy competition announced…

It’s been another great week on the @DHLservicepoint Twitter stream with lots of you entering our fantastic London Fashion Week competition.  Set the task of sending us an image you think defines ‘fashion’, you did a great job of showing your creative side.

We had lots of impressive entries, with many of you letting your inner fashionista shine. We loved @staceymariep’s entry of a DHL Mr Potato Head, created by her 3 year old son, and @emmajones84’s image of her trendy little girl.

Despite the tough competition, we have a clear winner – somebody who showed a creative flair and clearly put a lot of thought into her entry.

So without further ado, the winner is…

* Drum roll, please *

Clare Hargreaves from Wales with this great design. Congrats Clare!

Clare will get the top prize of £50 in High Street vouchers for her efforts.

The second place prize, £20 in Cinema vouchers, goes to @kelliec3 for her wacky entry below.

And the recipients of our fab three DHL dresses are @KookyKaty, @stacey_ray and @CazzaE.

@KookyKaty’s entry

@stacey_ray’s entry

@CazzE’s entry

Stay tuned for more great competitions, prizes and giveways.

Follow us on Twitter at @dhlservicepoint.

Strike a pose! It’s time to fashion.

Whether you’re a fully-paid up member of the fashionista bridgade, or simply a dedicated follower, you’ll want to look your best as London Fashion Week rolls into town.

On Friday 17^th February, the biggest names and brightest stars in global fashion will descend on London, for a five-day long celebration of everything that’s hot in the world of apparel. We’re anticipating edge so cutting, health and safety precautions are being drawn up as we speak.

LFW (or #LFW if you’re following proceedings on Twitter) is perhaps the most the prestigious event in the fashion calendar, with top designers from Stella McCartney to Alexandra McQueen unveiling their latest wares in front of a world increasingly self-conscious of its current wardrobe choices.

DHL Express will once again be Official Logistics Partner of LFW, managing everything from materials procurement, sample production, domestic and international transportation to warehousing and distribution.

To celebrate, we’re launching a competition to find our most style-savvy Twitter followers. Fantastic prizes include:

• Fabulous DHL fashion dresses, inspired by designer Michael Michalsky
• £50 in High Street vouchers
• £20 in Cinema vouchers

How to enter?

We really want to see your pictures! Tweet us at @dhlservicepoint with images on this theme: fashion. Our panel of judges will select the best – and most creative!

Just remember to use the hashtag #DHLFashion

And keep your entries clean. Anything unpublishable will automatically be disqualified.

Terms and conditions

1. Prizes are: DHL Fashion Dress (x3), £50 in high street vouchers, £20 cinema vouchers.
2. The draw is open to all @DHLServicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint Blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. 5 winners will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will close at noon on February 22nd. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter on February 22nd, 2012.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Prizes will be despatched by the 10th working day of the date of the draw.
15. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at:

Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS

So the shops are awash with heart shaped chocolates, cuddly teddy bears and bouquets of fresh red roses. It can mean only one thing: Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.

Whether that makes your heart swoon in anticipation or groan with despair at the commercialization of romantic love (spoilsport!), we want to mark the occasion by showing our Twitter followers and blog readers a little bit of love.

That’s why we’ve got our hands on £150 of high street vouchers to give away in our second annual Valentine’s Day competition.

So here’s the task:

We want you to tweet us to @DHLServicepoint, or post a comment here, telling us about the best present you’ve ever received from a loved one.

It can be anything – chocolates, flowers or a pair of novelty socks – but the more interesting you make it, the more chance you have of winning.

The response judged to be the most interesting, original, or laugh-out-loud hilarious, will win £150 of high street vouchers.

We’ll post our favourite comments along with the winner in another post on Valentine’s Day.

Remember: keep your entries clean. Anything unpublishable will automatically be disqualified.

Terms and conditions

1. The prize consists of one set of £150 high street vouchers.
2. The draw is open to all @DHLServicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint Blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. One winner will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will close at noon on February 14th. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter on February 14th, 2012.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Vouchers will be despatched by the 10th working day of the date of the draw.
15. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at:

Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or so crooned Andy Williams back in ‘63. And with the Christmas lights up, Slade on the radio and mince pies in the cupboard, it’s hard not to feel a little bit warm and fuzzy inside. Maybe the old guy had a point.

But one thing he forgot to mention was how busy – stressful, even – the build-up to Christmas can be. Especially if you’re unlucky enough to live away from many of your friends and family. And let’s face it – these days, that’s probably most of us. Rather than plonking presents under the tree mere seconds before you collapse into bed after one too many sherries, chances are you’ll have been getting into a festive tizzy about the logistics of it all. First there’s the epic hunt for those elusive gifts that people actually like. And then, once you’ve found them, there’s the matter of actually getting them there on time.

Some shipping companies don’t help, with early ‘last shipping’ dates that mean you have to start planning your Christmas shopping sometime in, oh, let’s see…late January?

Which is why we’re giving you later shipping dates, so you have more time to find that perfect gift – and more time to sit back, relax and enjoy this, the most wonderful time of the year!

Find out more about our last shipping dates here