Preparation time! Step one- book the flight
Currently it seems like everybody is moving to the UK. Like, everybody. Three years ago I thought I was being the crazy, innovative one by moving to a foreign city – pffft. So, as promised I’m continuing with my series on how to move to England. If you’re here you’ve either already made the commitment to moving, or you’re in the process of considering it. Welcome. Grab a glass of wine. Sit down. Lets talk.
How much do I need to organize before I go?
I’m assuming you have already obtained your visa so I’ll move forward.
Final step- organize a day out !
Accommodation
Definitely have a few first nights planned out. The last thing you want to be worrying about upon landing at Heathrow is where you’re going to stay. The tube can be stressful enough. If you have friends in the UK don’t be afraid to hit them up for a night’s stay. During my two year tenor in London I took in boarders all over the place and I genuinely felt happy to. Helping a fellow traveler out is like, law.
Not lucky enough to have a hook up ? Book a hostel, a hotel, a bed and breakfast. Anything. If you’re arriving without work then I’m assuming you’re thinking long term and cheap. As crazy as it sounds to me now I lived in this hostel for six weeks while I set myself up with a job and a flat. It was clean, cheap (at the time but I see their popularity has increased), and comfortable with fast broadband, a kitchen and restaurant, laundry, lounge and common room with a television and, rather importantly, it was close to central London and in a cute town. I ended up moving ten minutes down the road to West Hampstead. If you’re on the cheap and feeling adventurous, consider living in a hostel. You’ll be surprised how many other people are doing the same thing you are and you’ll meet lots of people.
Thinking you can organize a flat before you arrive? Well, maybe you could. But it would be hard work. And probably pointless if you don’t know where you’ll be working. London is a big, big place (for example). Find a job first and then pick a location to live in accordingly. You’ll want to sight the place first hand and check out the area. Likewise, flat leases tend to start with a big bond and a handshake. Save your money, for now.
Work
If you are looking for something industry specific then Google agencies in the area you’ll be living in. It can’t hurt to introduce yourself now and send through copies of your CV. You can arrange interviews for your arrival. Flexible? Check out Gumtree for some very comprehensive job listings. Make sure all your references and relevant certificates are in order and if you like, make copies. Brush up on your job search skills- do you have a cover letter? Are you contact details updated? What are UK employers looking for in an employee? How can they contact you when you arrive?
Packing
Ahhh packing. It’s tempting to want to take everything. Before I left I seriously considered packing linen. Linen! I’m going to let you in on a little secret- England has everything you have in your country. Including sheets. Pack enough clothes for a week, maybe two. Pay attention to what the weather will be like when you land. Bring a couple of photos. Resist the urge to pack albums and books and photo frames. New life, new stuff. Trust me, you won’t miss it.
Bank account
Depending on who you’re talking to its either quite easy or quite difficult to open a bank account in the UK. I’m going with the latter. Most banks won’t open an account for you without having a proof of address first. Therefore, it’s pretty much impossible to attempt open one before you’ve even set foot in the country. If you have friends in the UK who will let you use their mailbox, by all means go for it. Many employers are actually quite flexible about the fact you may not have a bank account open right away so don’t panic if it takes a few weeks. I found the banking systems in the UK to be rather archaic. Don’t be surprised if you’re waiting a long time for your Eftpos card (which they call a bank card.) Be patient but diligent with processing times. Chase things up quickly if you think something is amiss but be prepared for a wait.
Sanity
Plan to get frustrated. A lot. Be real and plan an outlet for your pent up craziness that is likely to ensue. Make a list of things you really want to see and do in your new city and dedicate time twice a week at least to go and do exactly those things. There are a ridiculous amount of free things to do in London and being out and about will remind you why you’re there- because it’s the greatest city in the world.
