Moving To/Living In London Megathread - ALL QUESTIONS TO GO HERE

panama

That's great info thanks. What is insurance like? Obviously it depends on the car, I have an 03 1.9 diesel saloon if that helps.

83ste

panama wrote: »

That's great info thanks. What is insurance like? Obviously it depends on the car, I have an 03 1.9 diesel saloon if that helps.

Insurance will be more expensive - one of the questions you're asked when applying for cover is how long you've been resident in the UK. So even if you have many years of claims-free driving, insurers think that because you have limited experience of UK roads, you'll be a higher risk (absurd given the broadly similar driving environments in Ireland and the UK).

However, you can use any Irish no-claims bonus you've accrued, so that will soften the price a bit.

Also, car insurance is significantly more expensive in London than elsewhere in the UK due to the level of car crime in the capital.

jonnyfingers

serrity wrote: »

Also, car insurance is significantly more expensive in London than elsewhere in the UK due to the level of car crime in the capital.

I can attest to this. Just moved from Surrey to Beckenham and my premium has gone from £300 a year to £440, almost a 50% increase due to the change in post code.

Gerry91

Hello guys,

Rather than creating a new thread on the subject I felt it would be better post it here

Anyhow, I have just graduated from University with a Masters degree in Marketing. I have been looking for graduate jobs here and there but to no avail as of yet.

I would love to move to London- have visited regularly between rugby matches and visiting my sister who used to be over there- and have been flirting with the idea of a short term move until about Christmas perhaps. The aim is simple- get a bit of life experience. The Masters was a long year and I'd love to experience a bit of life across the pond even for a short term period.

So anyhow, a broad outline of plan-

- I would be aiming to move maybe late September for about three months. Now I understand accomodation might not be the easiest to find with students returning but surely a lot would be sorted by then? Anyhow, would short term lets (3 months we'll say) be tricky to come by? Look, it's only short term I only really want a roof over my head! I understand the property market moves very quickly over there and would be genuinely willing to take anything . I'm assuming zone 3 would generally be best bet? Gumtree and Sparemove are my two best options here I understand? The latter has been recommended by a good few I have asked

- Budget. For 3 months I'd probably need to take about £2000/2500 over I'd say? I'd be looking to cover deposit and first months rent for starters, money in case I needed to fly home (in case of emergency), and money to initially cover food/social and transport. Anything else?
Rent I'd be hoping for something about 500 pcm. How much deposit would you reckon I'd be expected to pay up front?

Accom- should I arrange viewings for date/date after I arrive, before I leave? Or start sorting this all when I get there? For first few days I have a few mates I could stay with on couch if necessary!

- Job. Literally something to pay the bills/rent. I'm solely going over for a bit of life experience and won't be living the high life that's for sure. Weekly spending should cover food, transport and pints on a Saturday night. I'll be looking to find a gym too but probably seeking any old spot really- PAYG if possible.

Anyhow, I've done my research and pubs/restaurant has been recommended for short-term stay. How easy is it to find short-term work in these places? even in retail? When I arrive over would I be expected to be long waiting to find any of these places to work? Bear in mind I'll be flat out looking from day one

The other scenario is a temp job in something related to my degree (i.e Marketing related, office work, any business job really). Even an internship- provided it's paid of course! Anyone have any experience looking for these, difficult to come by? Am I as well off going for the former option if looking for life experience and all that?

- NI number and Bank. the stickies have been brilliant for this, I won't say anymore

- GP- as above!

- Transport- Need to research this more. Can I get monthly oyster card? And just to cover certain zones? When i was there all I needed was daily travelcards- off peak. I'll probably only really look into this when/if I commit. Either way would I be spending much here you reckon? Bear in mind, during week I'll only really be commuting to/ and from where I work- I'll be looking to walk a lot of places really. Weekends- maybe explore a bit, head out via tubes/buses. Put it this way I won't set the world alight using it!

Think that's mainly it. But overall I'm just wondering do ye reckon is it a feasible idea? I'd love to do it now till NewYear and then look for work then, either here or maybe even over there if I like it! But anyway, short-term objective is 3 months life experience.

I'll be on my own- however, I know good few over there to head pints with/ meet up whatever! I'll be looking to meet new people of course. Through friends I guess and through work, social, meet up sites, even beers, whatever! I'm worried if i head with a mate we'll just hold each other back! Just 3 months

Sorry for long post and all questions! Have read through this thread- some where in similar positions to me and advice was top notch and plenty applies to me and have taken it on board. Just overall wondering do ye reckon I should go for it?

If I think of anything else I'll come back and post it!

Thanks a million,

Ger

silvervixen84

Hi Ger,

- I would be aiming to move maybe late September for about three months. Now I understand accomodation might not be the easiest to find with students returning but surely a lot would be sorted by then? Anyhow, would short term lets (3 months we'll say) be tricky to come by? Look, it's only short term I only really want a roof over my head! I understand the property market moves very quickly over there and would be genuinely willing to take anything . I'm assuming zone 3 would generally be best bet? Gumtree and Sparemove are my two best options here I understand? The latter has been recommended by a good few I have asked.

It can be tough to get accommodation, demand is quite high. Gumtree and Spareroom have worked well for me in the past but don't forget there is a flatshare thread here on the London forum too so you might find something that suits you there.

- Budget. For 3 months I'd probably need to take about £2000/2500 over I'd say? I'd be looking to cover deposit and first months rent for starters, money in case I needed to fly home (in case of emergency), and money to initially cover food/social and transport. Anything else?
Rent I'd be hoping for something about 500 pcm. How much deposit would you reckon I'd be expected to pay up front?

I don't know about short term lets, but you should allow for a month to six weeks' rent as deposit, plus the first month up front. Your transport costs will depend on what zone you live but a zone 2 travel card is £30.40 a week, and a zone 3 is £35.60 a week. Monthlies are £116.80 for zone 2 and £136.80 for zone 3.

Accom- should I arrange viewings for date/date after I arrive, before I leave? Or start sorting this all when I get there? For first few days I have a few mates I could stay with on couch if necessary!

If you can, a couple of days before you leave, arrange for some viewings for as soon as you get there. The sooner you find somewhere to stay, the sooner you're off your mates' couch!

- Job. Literally something to pay the bills/rent. I'm solely going over for a bit of life experience and won't be living the high life that's for sure. Weekly spending should cover food, transport and pints on a Saturday night. I'll be looking to find a gym too but probably seeking any old spot really- PAYG if possible.

Maybe you could see if there is a pub to work in that will let you live there as part payment?


I'll be on my own- however, I know good few over there to head pints with/ meet up whatever! I'll be looking to meet new people of course. Through friends I guess and through work, social, meet up sites, even beers, whatever! I'm worried if i head with a mate we'll just hold each other back! Just 3 months

Don't forget about us, we'll be having a beers soon I'm sure!

Gerry91

Thanks very much Silvervixen for reply!

Will definitely keep an eye out for beers and flatsharing thread

Thanks for the transport costs- gives me a better idea of how much I'll be needing!

Just think it'll be a nice move and at the end of the day am only there for a short-time- if anything goes wrong home isn't that far away!

Will be interesting to hear any more views

token101

Gerry91 wrote: »

The other scenario is a temp job in something related to my degree (i.e Marketing related, office work, any business job really). Even an internship- provided it's paid of course! Anyone have any experience looking for these, difficult to come by? Am I as well off going for the former option if looking for life experience and all that?

I'm looking for something related to my degree (online media) and finding it tough going so was looking for internships but most are either totally unpaid or else don't start paying until after a few months. I am a bit picky to be fair, and there are plenty of temp agencies around. Plenty of pub jobs around too. Also, don't know your own circumstances but if you're on the dole at home for over 4 weeks, you can transfer it here for a max of 3 months.

Gerry91 wrote: »

Accom- should I arrange viewings for date/date after I arrive, before I leave? Or start sorting this all when I get there? For first few days I have a few mates I could stay with on couch if necessary!

Maybe this is just my experience, but getting a house is tough going, or a decent one anyway. Most decent house/ flatshares are female only or else owner occupied. And they never answer the phone/respond to texts and when they do arrange a viewing, they cancel.

And then there's the comically **** ones. In the last 24 hours, I've seen a room that wasn't long enough for anyone over 6ft and an attic 'room' with a window the size of a refill pad. No joke it was like something from Anne Frank, for 100 quid a week!

But London's good craic like

Country lane

token101 wrote: »

I'm looking for something related to my degree (online media) and finding it tough going so was looking for internships but most are either totally unpaid or else don't start paying until after a few months. I am a bit picky to be fair, and there are plenty of temp agencies around. Plenty of pub jobs around too. Also, don't know your own circumstances but if you're on the dole at home for over 4 weeks, you can transfer it here for a max of 3 months.



Maybe this is just my experience, but getting a house is tough going, or a decent one anyway. Most decent house/ flatshares are female only or else owner occupied. And they never answer the phone/respond to texts and when they do arrange a viewing, they cancel.

And then there's the comically **** ones. In the last 24 hours, I've seen a room that wasn't long enough for anyone over 6ft and an attic 'room' with a window the size of a refill pad. No joke it was like something from Anne Frank, for 100 quid a week!

But London's good craic like

Out of interest what steps are you taking to get a job in Digital Media? I work in that sector, and it is absolutely booming with digital recruitment agencies desperate for people. I obviously don't know what skills you have, but you might want to look at contracting roles. Lots of contract digital marketing manager work out there for example.

token101

Country lane wrote: »

Out of interest what steps are you taking to get a job in Digital Media? I work in that sector, and it is absolutely booming with digital recruitment agencies desperate for people. I obviously don't know what skills you have, but you might want to look at contracting roles. Lots of contract digital marketing manager work out there for example.

I don't have sufficient experience to be a manager. I've been to see all the major recruitment agencies (Dg, Propel, Nakama)and they each gave me roles (mostly the same roles too) which were way, way beyond my experience level, put me forward for them and surprise, I didn't get any of them and haven't heard from the agencies since and phone calls/emails go unanswered.

If I had one bit of advice for anyone seeking work in that sector it would be to completely avoid any recruitment agencies. Firstly, because, as I've only learned relatively recently, most reputable digital agencies want nothing to do with them, and secondly, because the vast majority are absolutely clueless who will try to flog you any old thing for a few quid in their own pocket.

Alainn Beauty MUA

hi guys im moving to london in a few weeks so what is the story with getting a uk pps number and opening a bank account over there i wont have any bills in my name or fixed address for a few weeks ? also where is the best place to exchange euro to sterling in uk or ireland

thanks

enda1

Have you checked the sticky which answers your questions?

Funk It

Hello there. I have been recently offered a job in London (currently in NW England), so currently debating the switch, just wondering if anyone can help with any of the following:

• what would be a reasonable wage to consider a move to London?
• where would you recommend living (would be regularly travelling to Paddington Station)?
• anything else that you think is relevant to consider?

Apologies if this is a bit vague to begin with, but would greatly appreciate any advice.

enda1

Funk It wrote: »

Hello there. I have been recently offered a job in London (currently in NW England), so currently debating the switch, just wondering if anyone can help with any of the following:

• what would be a reasonable wage to consider a move to London?
• where would you recommend living (would be regularly travelling to Paddington Station)?
• anything else that you think is relevant to consider?

Apologies if this is a bit vague to begin with, but would greatly appreciate any advice.

What are you currently earning? Do you have any dependants? Do you want to love with zone 2? Do you want to live alone? 1 bed? Studio? Will you cycle or use public transport? Do you socialise much?

Seriously, at least a little detail could help. But to give a ballpark figure k owing nothing else I'd say £40,000/annum.

woof im a dog

enda1 wrote: »

£40,000/annum.

what

Funk It

enda1 wrote: »

What are you currently earning? Do you have any dependants? Do you want to love with zone 2? Do you want to live alone? 1 bed? Studio? Will you cycle or use public transport? Do you socialise much?

Seriously, at least a little detail could help. But to give a ballpark figure k owing nothing else I'd say £40,000/annum.

Cheers for getting back with a response, wasn't sure if I should have condensed all of the detail into the original post, might have scared anyone off from getting back to me.

I'm currently earning £20k+ (low to mid 20's), coming up to 2 years of experience after finishing my masters. The job was initially discussed as being in the region of £40k, but is currently offered over £30k, but I am hoping to negotiate upwards of this without counting myself out of the running.

I would preferably live with others if I was to move down, heard that single flats in London are quite on expensive side compared to up north.

Yip, I certainly do enjoy my socialising if I'm honest.

I currently walk to work where I am, but would of course be getting a train/tube or a mixture of both if I accept the job, Paddington has both train and tube stations, so that shouldn't be a worry.

I am down in London regularly for meetings, but I wouldn't have a donkeys of where to live down there.

Any info is greatly appreciated to be honest, I was worried that accepting a £30k salary in London would be madness, but maybe that's just because I don't know the true living costs down there.

EDIT: Oh, would be just moving down by myself, and I have no dependents. I'm only 25, but reckon that if I don't give London a go now I might never do it, seems like a good role too, just need to ensure the I'm not unknowingly selling myself short.

Heather_Honey

Hi,

Does anybody have any idea of what Wimbledon is like to live in?

Been offered a job in Woking that I would like to take but I want to live in London. The only thing that's stopping me is the cost of the train ticket £250-£350 a month depending on where I am in the city. That + rent would probably be crazy on my 28k salary... Anybody got any suggestions? Thanks!

x43r0

enda1 wrote: »

But to give a ballpark figure k owing nothing else I'd say £40,000/annum.

You don't need to be on anywhere near 40k to live in london

Anywhere from low 20's upwards is sufficient

rainbow kirby

x43r0 wrote: »

You don't need to be on anywhere near 40k to live in london

Anywhere from low 20's upwards is sufficient

Depends where you want to live and what your expected standard of living is. I can't imagine being able to have much of a life on low 20s!

x43r0

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Depends where you want to live and what your expected standard of living is. I can't imagine being able to have much of a life on low 20s!

Of course - You would be living quite basic and in a cheaper area on that salary but I would imagine it's possible to get by (can't say from experience though)

djpbarry

Heather_Honey wrote: »

Hi,

Does anybody have any idea of what Wimbledon is like to live in?

Wimbledon's a decent-sized town, with reasonable night-life options, but it doesn't compare to central London. It's also very expensive.

Funk It

Right, contract got offered today, but I am still holding out to see if there is any movement in it, but £30k is starting to sound like a half decent offer especially including the business development and bonus scheme.

So far I have been told that living in the NW of London would be handy to travel to Paddington and some nice areas.

Also heard that some site like sparerooms is supposed to be pretty good, so might have to check that out once everything is sign and the dust settles.

If anyone has any further information it would be greatly appreciated, quite enjoying the anticipation of getting this sorted and moving down now.

Fysh

Funk It wrote: »

Right, contract got offered today, but I am still holding out to see if there is any movement in it, but £30k is starting to sound like a half decent offer especially including the business development and bonus scheme.

So far I have been told that living in the NW of London would be handy to travel to Paddington and some nice areas.

Also heard that some site like sparerooms is supposed to be pretty good, so might have to check that out once everything is sign and the dust settles.

If anyone has any further information it would be greatly appreciated, quite enjoying the anticipation of getting this sorted and moving down now.

Have a look at the FAQ for advice and links about househunting/choosing areas to live. I reckon NW london is great, there's a lot on offer there and the transport links are generally pretty good. It's worth looking around the areas you're interested in, as the nicer areas can appear very pricey - but if you look around for a while and are quick to move, you can find places at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Funk It

Fysh wrote: »

Have a look at the FAQ for advice and links about househunting/choosing areas to live. I reckon NW london is great, there's a lot on offer there and the transport links are generally pretty good. It's worth looking around the areas you're interested in, as the nicer areas can appear very pricey - but if you look around for a while and are quick to move, you can find places at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Cheers Fysh, greatly appreciated, have provisionally accepted today, so won't be long until its full steam ahead with the move I reckon.

That is an impressive list you have going there, very informative.

Are there any particular areas in NW London that you would recommend at all? Don't have a clue what areas I am interested, pretty open minded to it all in the same sense that I don't know enough about London to have much of a view about the different areas.

Thanks again by the way.

zweton

Recently offered €40k for a role in London, would this be an ok salary for London?

83ste

zweton wrote: »

Recently offered €40k for a role in London, would this be an ok salary for London?

Paid in Euro or Sterling?

zweton

Hmmm im not sure, euro id imagine as im only going to be there for 2 months in the london office. The job will be based in ireland after that.
Was really wondering if that salary was ok for london if i was to be based there full time. Whats the average salary in london i wonder.

djpbarry

zweton wrote: »

Whats the average salary in london i wonder.

The average is heavily skewed by those who work in The City, who earn multiples of what the rest of us do. If you do find a figure for the average salary in London, it will be essentially meaningless as it won't be representative of what the typical Londoner earns. That said, £40k is definitely more than most Londoners earn.

If you want to know whether the salary you are being offered is reasonable, then look at adverts for similar positions and see what they're offering. Have a think about where you'd want to live in London, what kind of accommodation you'd be after, what kind of commute you'd be doing and see how much it would all cost. Think about what you'd like to do while living in London and estimate how much that would cost. Only then will you know whether £40k is a good London salary for you.

tok9

zweton wrote: »

Hmmm im not sure, euro id imagine as im only going to be there for 2 months in the london office. The job will be based in ireland after that.
Was really wondering if that salary was ok for london if i was to be based there full time. Whats the average salary in london i wonder.

A lot more than what I'm earning anyway

rainbow kirby

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Depends where you want to live and what your expected standard of living is. I can't imagine being able to have much of a life on low 20s!

I count myself as doing quite well when I get the equivalent of 22K (I have a zero hours contract so get paid a different amount each month). I was living on about £1000/month when I first came to London as a student and that was doable (but pretty grim - not much left after the essentials were covered). Problem with asking about salary is that it really does depend on the person. My sister feels poor on 35K because she's absolutely crap with money and fritters it away on rubbish. Other people seem to do fine on 18K.

That said, I think you can never really have enough in London if you don't want to be constantly thinking about money. I've never been anywhere like it for draining your finances. I get by because I'm careful and I have to be, but if you want to be going out for meals, going to the theatre and all that and living in a nice/posh area, you could be broke in no time, even on a 'good' salary.

zweton

Guys,

Is my p45 from ireland all i need to get setup tax wise? Will be working in London initially,are there any forms i need to fill out etc. Sorry for the silly question just want to be prepared.:)

Thanks