From
the green fields and historic country houses to the bustling, multicultural metropolis
where anything goes that is London, the UK is definitely an exciting
destination. Like anywhere, it can seem complicated when you arrive. Read on for
my essential guide on how to get started in the UK.
Accommodation
Before
you start trying to sort out anything else in the UK you need to have somewhere
to sleep. Finding rental accommodation is often simple enough through letting
agents, which is a good option if you have moved to the UK with a selection of
flatmates (make sure you have six weeks rent upfront as a deposit, your first
month’s rent and references from previous landlords or their contact details).
If you are an individual, this may still be an option, but there are also
several websites where people list rooms they have available, such as www.gumtree.co.uk
Although
permanent accommodation is not essential urgently, it is important that you are
able to provide an address, and proof of that address, when the time comes to
open a bank account.
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| English country cottage |
Bank
account
Getting
a bank account in the UK is notoriously difficult, however, it is still possible
if you can prove who you are and where you live. You should expect to provide
at least one form of photographic identification and usually two proofs of your
address that can be letters from the council or a utility bill. There is
normally an application form to complete and when your account is opened you
will usually receive a debit card to access your money. Some accounts come with
a chequebook and you can usually opt for online and telephone banking too. If
you have little by way of credit history you may be given a Solo card until you
have built up some history with the bank and they upgrade you to a Visa or Mastercard-branded
debit card. If applying for credit cards Visa and Mastercard are readily
accepted by most retailers in the UK and Europe. American Express is accepted
nearly everywhere but occasionally not.
National
Insurance number
Employers
in the UK require a National Insurance number from their employers. The number
is like a personal account number. It links to your national insurance
contributions and ensures they, and the tax you have paid, are properly
recorded. Your national insurance account can also dictate whether or not you
are entitled to certain contribution-based benefits. You should call Jobcentre
Plus on 0845 600 0643 to apply for a number.
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| Bank cards |
Employment
Arranging
some of the above can be exhausting, but keep going; you are almost there! When
you are ready to start work (or need to) there are a wide variety of
opportunities in the UK employment market. The competition for jobs is tougher
than before the recession but it does not mean there are no jobs out there. A
good place to start is by registering at employment agencies. Most high streets
have an employment agency amongst them, such as Brookstreet. There are also
several online agencies including Monster, Adecco and Reed It is usually free
to register with them as they make their money by charging the hiring employers
a finding fee. Depending what sort of work you are looking for it is often
possible to visit businesses and leave a copy of your CV with them. In some
jobs, such as retail and bar work, this is a good way of becoming known to the
establishment, rather than just being a name on a piece of paper.
Communications
You
can pick up a SIM card to use in your unlocked phone just about anywhere in the
UK these days, including newsagents and supermarkets. If you are still arranging
that permanent address, buy a pay as you go (PAYG) SIM. PAYG SIMs are cheap and
make it easy to keep your usage within a budget. Most of the UK has good
network coverage too so there is little difference between providers.
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| SIM cards are easy to get hold of in the UK. |
Meeting
people
Britain
is a funny place and where in other countries it might be perfectly normal to
strike up a conversation on a train for example, this will be met with looks of
concern, fear, or perhaps both in the UK. A better place to seek friendly
company is in the heart of England, a pub. Britain is littered with pubs and they are an unmissable
cultural experience in themselves. So get yourself to a pub and grab a seat at
the bar. It won’t be long before you feel like a local.
Photo credits: hexadb, remedy451, Images_of_Money, Wonderane
