I was just wondering if there is some kind of agency that gets people started when arriving in the UK. Something similar to oz experience or visit oz which helps backpackers arriving in australia. Just after something to take some of the stress away. ie making a few friends to start with, opening bank accounts, help finding jobs etc
I was just wondering if there is some kind of agency that gets people started when arriving in the UK. Something similar to oz experience or visit oz which helps backpackers arriving in australia. Just after something to take some of the stress away. ie making a few friends to start with, opening bank accounts, help finding jobs etc
BUNAC is the only one I know of, but you'd have to have travelled through one of their partners to make use of it. Assuming you are from NZ, is the one to go to
Hey thanks heaps for that had a look at the web site and it seems pretty good. Anyone used these guys before or have any other advice?
Hi,
Before I left NZ, I set up my bank account using ANZ which created an international bank account with Lloyds which charged a monthly fee but when you get here, you can close your international bank account and open up a classic account which costs nothing. When I applied, ANZ will charge you $100 but it might have gone up now. You can also transfer money when you create your account so that you don't have to carry cash around with you which is good. There are also other companies that will create an international bank account for you. I think Thomas cook did and HSBC. I know there was a branch of HSBC in Auckland around Wellesley Street but when I was back there last year, it was gone and I think a TSB took its place.
Remember to change your address on your bank account ASAP even if the accommodation is temporary because you will need proof of address to apply for other stuff here.
When you get here, you have to apply for your national insurance number because you'll need it for when you've found work. You just go to your nearest job centre (google national insurance and how to apply). Depending on which part of the country or London you are, it could take weeks or months just to get an appointment. I think you need your passport and a proof of address (bank statement). It only took me a few days because I applied in Camden, but I've heard of people taking weeks or months because they were in Shepherds Bush or something.
I stayed with friends for about 2 weeks before looking for my own place and at the same time, I was looking for jobs. It took me 4 months to find a job and that was via referral. This was in late 2008 which was the start of when all the bank crashed and it was an IT job. So you might have better luck now. Beware of scammers when looking for places to stay and if it's too good to be true, then it's a scam.
I applied for everything on my own, my visa, setting up my bank account, did my research on where I can find accommodation (normally gumtree but there's lots of other sites available now for flatshare) so I would investigate whether it'll be cheaper/easier for you to do it yourself or get someone else to do it for you. I also kept up to date with the border agency requirements for the visas and read the guidance notes several times before I applied. They are going through a consultation process at the moment to limit immigration, so it will be a good idea to check the website every so often.
Good luck!
Cat
Hey Cat thanks a lot for the advice and info. I've applied for my visa and am going do my bios next week. Heres hoping it all goes smooth. Cheers
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