ELECTRIC PLUGS

You may know that British appliances use 220 volt power rather than the U.S. 120 volt. That's the reason the hot water kettle in the mini-kitchens will boil water almost instantly. Most computers, hairdryers, cellphone chargers and cameras will handle both voltages but it's something you should check before you plug a new electrical appliance into a wall socket. You may need to flip a switch on some appliances.

British plugs also are a different configuration from U.S. plugs. They have three flat prongs. You can get a converter at any travel shop or store like REI. But, if you don't happen to come across one in the U.S., they're readily available at places like Staples near the dorm.