[Martial Loh]

i'd pay the extra for the Stansted express - the normal rail service is not good.. Also, you gotta pay £3ish for the actual oyster card - it is refundable, as far as i know...and i think you can probably apply and get one whilst you're abroad, in preparatiion.

Pro tip - bendy buses are unofficially free..haha!
Brick Lane/Old St area is good.. Lots of clubs & bars to choose from

[Martial Loh]

Papaya in St. Anne's Court, off Wardour St...do a nice Thai curry (beef,chicken,veggie,red/green/cashew) with rice for £3.50..

Camisa & Sons on Old Compton St do decent priced sandwiches which they'll make for you on request. eg, Two ciabatta rolls with mozarella & salami for £2.50. Prices are a bit random, but great value.

If you like burritos, there's an awesome place called Mexi-Cali on Berwick St. The food is a bit pricier than you'd probably like - £5.50ish - but the burritos are very filling and tasty.

[Martial Loh]

£20 a night in Youth Hostels (the YHA ones) all around the centre.

[Martial Loh]

I've not heard the term "paki" for quite a long time. Are the poms you find in ozzy land generally racist?

In any case, I'd also avoid the brick lane curry houses. There're supposed to be a few good curry places down Whitechapel High St, which is just 5-10mins walk from brick lane. I'd still check out the drinking parts of that area though, if you like that sort of thing.

You can't go too wrong with the Kebabish Original (KO) franchises either.

[Martial Loh]