So, you’re moving to London.
I get asked this information at least once a fortnight, so I thought it was about time I wrote it down. For all you aspiring Londoners, here’s a quick guide on how to hit the ground running!
1. Banking.
Getting a UK bank account set up is an important step – you are going to want to start earning some money as quickly as possible and you need somewhere for employers to pay into.
However getting a bank account set up in the UK can be a bit tricky and can take some time – often they will want to see some proof of your residential address, but you won’t be able to produce any utility bills or Council Tax notices in your name because you have only just arrived. Once you have got the account all approved, it will then take a seemingly endless amount of time for your debit card to arrive. One way around this is to get the process started before you arrive into the UK – HSBC offer a service where you can effectively complete the paperwork before you get on the plane, then you just need to get into a branch to complete some identification requirements and you will be set to go as quickly as possible. Personally I did mine through a local Barclays branch near where I was staying and didn’t have any issues.
2. Accommodation.
Hopefully you will have enough connections in London that you will be able to crash on someone’s couch when you first arrive, but in your first few days in the city you need to get on the front foot to find somewhere to live.
Again this is something you can get a head start on before making the move – use your real and virtual social networks to let everyone that you are making the move and looking for somewhere to live. Someone is bound to have a friend of a friend who is looking for a housemate.
If you would prefer to rent somewhere by yourself, be targeted in your search. Pick a location (ideally in the same neighborhood as your friends – it will make your social life easier), find a reputable lettings agent and let them know that you are serious. Good rental properties in good areas get snapped up quickly. Nearly all rental properties will come fully furnished. There is generally some room for negotiation on price – take your queues from the letting agent but they would be surprised if you didn’t try to bargain the price down at least a little.
3. Employment.
If you have managed to line up some interviews before landing in London then that is great. Most likely though you will have a few contacts and a rough idea of what you’re looking for but that’s about it. Seriously consider temping – in London there is a lot of short-term contract work for all sorts of roles and professions. It’s a good way to get some London experience on your CV and lets you test out a few potential employers.
4. Transport.
Grab an Oyster card from your nearest tube station (it takes about two minutes). Also set up your account for the hire bikes – you can do this online through the Transport for London website (takes about a week for the key fob (that lets you unlock the bikes) to arrive in the post.
5. Friends.
You will probably know some people who have already made the move to London. Even if you previously weren’t that close with them, make opportunities to spend time with them and get connected to their social circles. If you don’t know anyone London can feel like a very lonely place – try joining a sports club, it’s a good way to keep fit and meet people.
Everyone will tell you that your first twelve months in London is the hardest. Hang in there – it’s totally worth it. Just get your visa, save some cash, book your tickets and go! Whenever you’re eventually sick of London, you can go ahead and book your first mini-break!
photo credit: vasilennka via photopin cc
