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

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    #932
    Pigwidgeon
    Registered Users Posts: 6,590 ✭✭✭Pigwidgeon


    Does anyone know once you've had your national identity interview how long it takes to get your number? They said 4 weeks to me but I'm hoping it won't be that long! I don't think my work can pay me until they get it..


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    #933
    ballsymchugh
    Registered Users Posts: 7,936 ✭✭✭ballsymchugh


    they can pay you on emergency tax rates? open to correction


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    #934
    Pigwidgeon
    Registered Users Posts: 6,590 ✭✭✭Pigwidgeon


    ballsymchugh wrote: »
    they can pay you on emergency tax rates? open to correction

    Ah I didn't realise that. It's better than nothing I suppose!


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    #935
    rainbow kirby
    Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 26,928 Mod ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Pigwidgeon wrote: »
    Does anyone know once you've had your national identity interview how long it takes to get your number? They said 4 weeks to me but I'm hoping it won't be that long! I don't think my work can pay me until they get it..

    I got mine about a week after my interview.


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    #936
    djpbarry
    Registered Users Posts: 13,104 ✭✭✭✭djpbarry


    Pigwidgeon wrote: »
    Does anyone know once you've had your national identity interview how long it takes to get your number? They said 4 weeks to me but I'm hoping it won't be that long! I don't think my work can pay me until they get it..
    You don't need a national insurance number in order to get paid. You'll be on emergency tax until you receive one, but that will all be straightened out quick enough.

    Your employer hasn't told you that you won't be paid until you get an NI number, have they?


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    #937
    Pigwidgeon
    Registered Users Posts: 6,590 ✭✭✭Pigwidgeon


    They said something about they need all my details before I'm put on payroll. In hindsight I reckon that was more in relation to a bank account as opposed to national insurance. It's quite a big company so it was probably just my confusion!


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    #938
    Sam Swarek
    Registered Users Posts: 99 ✭✭Sam Swarek


    Pigwidgeon wrote: »
    Does anyone know once you've had your national identity interview how long it takes to get your number? They said 4 weeks to me but I'm hoping it won't be that long! I don't think my work can pay me until they get it..

    Was waiting over 6 weeks for mine after the interview


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    #939
    joythatisall
    Registered Users Posts: 15 ✭joythatisall


    Hey Guys,
    Could anyone help me with a few things?
    What areas would I look for rooms to rent if I want easy access to Central London - 1 hour maximum travel time. Basically I'm looking for somewhere as cheap as possible but easy access to the center for my job.

    Thanks


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    #940
    djpbarry
    Registered Users Posts: 13,104 ✭✭✭✭djpbarry


    joythatisall wrote: »
    What areas would I look for rooms to rent if I want easy access to Central London - 1 hour maximum travel time. Basically I'm looking for somewhere as cheap as possible but easy access to the center for my job.
    You'll have to be a bit more specific - most of London is within one hour of central London. What sort of things are you looking for in an area? Pubs? Cafes? Shops? Parks? Clubs?


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    #941
    joythatisall
    Registered Users Posts: 15 ✭joythatisall


    Sorry - Basically looking for an area with shops and pubs.


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    #942
    enda1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    joythatisall wrote: »
    Sorry - Basically looking for an area with shops and pubs.

    Questions you'll need to answer in order for anyone to help you:

    -What specific point/station in "central London" are you talking about?
    -Is that "1 hour", 1 hour train time station to station, or 1 hour including walking to the station and waiting for a train?
    -What is the maximum budget?
    -For what type accommodation? (Single room in shared hoiuse, shared bathroom; single room in shared house private bathroom, double room in shared house etc. etc.)
    -What are your trade-offs? (Prefer lively - young people will accept some anti-social behaviour in the area; want piece and quiet, will accept fewer nightclubs, etc.) These type questions.
    -Do you want and English place (think typical home counties conservative strong-waters) or more diverse ethnically.

    Seriously, you need to be WAY more specific in determining what you want in terms of an area and what trade offs you're willing to settle for in order to get a cheap place.


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    #943
    joythatisall
    Registered Users Posts: 15 ✭joythatisall


    Hi enda1,,

    Thanks for replying, sorry i havent been specifiic, I have tried to be below, Any help is much appreciated.
    Central London meaning - Portland Place, W1A 1AA

    Travel time: 1 hour including walking to the station and waiting for train

    -What is the maximum budget? Maximum is 500 pounds a month

    -For what type accommodation? Single room in shared hoiuse

    -What are your trade-offs? This is something I don't really mind, lively is fine, quiet is fine, but if I had to choose it would be quiet.

    -Do you want and English place (think typical home counties conservative strong-waters) or more diverse ethnically. This is something I dont mind either, I would rather live with diverse people.


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    #944
    enda1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    joythatisall wrote: »
    Hi enda1,,

    Thanks for replying, sorry i havent been specifiic, I have tried to be below, Any help is much appreciated.
    Central London meaning - Portland Place, W1A 1AA

    Travel time: 1 hour including walking to the station and waiting for train

    -What is the maximum budget? Maximum is 500 pounds a month

    -For what type accommodation? Single room in shared hoiuse

    -What are your trade-offs? This is something I don't really mind, lively is fine, quiet is fine, but if I had to choose it would be quiet.

    -Do you want and English place (think typical home counties conservative strong-waters) or more diverse ethnically. This is something I dont mind either, I would rather live with diverse people.


    Thanks for giving more detail. Checkout spareroom.co.uk and cross reference with google maps. Put your postcode as destination adn each flat you like as origin. Portland place is very well connected by all forms of transport. You can basically access it from everywhere (more or less) in London in under an hour. You could even live out in Hemel Hempstead a commuter town outside London if you wanted. Such a budget of £500/month allows quite a lot of opportunity.

    You should quite reasonably expect to find somewhere in Zone 2 for that such as in Shepherd's Bush in West London on the central line, or equally Elephant & Castle in South Central London.

    Do you have friends or certain things you'd like to be close to (walking/cycle distance) cause you may find that you'll be making long journeys if you base youself away from your friends/going out places. I'd primarily focus on putting myself with an easy commute to work with a close second being near friends. Time is the thing you end up with least of in London, you can stretch the pound but not the day.

    Good luck!

    p.s. Many others here will have many more recommendations on where to live in London. There's no best or worst place, it's all opinion and what you make of it.


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    #945
    silvervixen84
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 6,485 Mod ✭✭✭✭silvervixen84


    For any of the new arrivals, London Irish Centre are hosting some helpful meet-up sessions. The first one is on tomorrow night and focuses on employment.

    London Irish Meet-Up Sessions


    Wednesday 14 May @ London Irish Centre, London

    Are you new to London? Looking for advice, support and connections? Check out The London Irish Centre’s upcoming Meet-Up Sessions.
    Moving to a new city can be daunting and many people struggle to find employment, accommodation and make new friends. The London Irish Centre is running a number of free Meet-Up Sessions to provide information and advice for Irish people living in London. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections while gaining practical advice on employment, accommodation and building a social network..


    These free events will run on May 14th (Employment) and June 11th (Building a Social Network and Finding Accommodation). Whether you need practical advice or not these events will give you the chance to connect with other Irish people and build a community in your new city - and they’re guaranteed to be a bit of craic! So come along with any queries you have and connect with people in similar situations that may be able to help you out. You’ll also find out how the London Irish Centre can help you or indeed how you can get involved with the Centre’s vital work.


    Supported by the Emigrant Support Programme, these events aim to provide support and community for young Irish people who may be struggling to adjust to a new life in London. The London Irish Centre was first established 60 years ago to provide new immigrants with a place to stay and help them find a job. Naturally, the social support and sense of community grew from there.


    Last year 20,000 people moved from Ireland to Britain. Continuing the vital work of the past sixty years, these free events will provide practical advice on accommodation and employment and help many of these immigrants build new lives in London. Making connections and creating a sense of community is a vital part of building these lives and settling into a new city.


    Meet-Up Session 1 - May 14th @ 7pm: Employment
    On May 14th employment experts will provide information on obtaining work in London. From what to do when you first arrive, to dealing with employment agencies, and how to cope if you're struggling to find work, this evening will equip you with all the practical advice you need. This is a great opportunity to seek advice and learn from others who have had similar experiences.


    Whether you need advice on employment or accommodation, want to find out how to get involved in the Irish community or simply make new friends and build a social network the London Irish Centre Meet-Up Sessions are for you. As well as being an enjoyable evening all events will provide information on services available to anyone who is struggling. So come along, gain practical advice, meet new people and enjoy the craic. Ideal for those who are new to London - and those who are not so new!


    This is an absolutely FREE event. Book your place here: http://billetto.co.uk/meet-up-session-employment-and-accommodation


    Supported by the Emigrant Support Programme and the Irish Youth Foundation


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    #946
    Woden
    Registered Users Posts: 6,560 ✭✭✭Woden


    Any pre/post theatre menu recommendations around Villiers Street?


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    #947
    Grandpa Hassan
    Registered Users Posts: 1,945 ✭✭✭Grandpa Hassan


    Woden wrote: »
    Any pre/post theatre menu recommendations around Villiers Street?

    My favourite post theatre joint is Joe Allen. On exeter street, about 400m up the strand from Villiers street

    http://www.joeallen.co.uk/


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    #948
    RiseToMe
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭RiseToMe


    Guys I've landed a place in Primrose Hill, I don't live in London at the moment but moving over obviously. What's this area like?


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    #949
    Grandpa Hassan
    Registered Users Posts: 1,945 ✭✭✭Grandpa Hassan


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Guys I've landed a place in Primrose Hill, I don't live in London at the moment but moving over obviously. What's this area like?

    It is a lovely part of town. Loads of open space, and near Hampstead Heath. Very 'yummy mummy' and 'al fresco lunch' territory through....it's not exactly edgy!


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    #950
    rainbow kirby
    Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators Posts: 26,928 Mod ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Guys I've landed a place in Primrose Hill, I don't live in London at the moment but moving over obviously. What's this area like?

    About as middle class as it is possible to get. Very convenient if you run or cycle due to proximity to Regent's Park, Primrose Hill itself and Hampstead Heath. Some really nice coffee shops around the place though, had one of the best cupcakes I've had in London near there.


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    #951
    Olive8585
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 360 ✭✭Olive8585


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Guys I've landed a place in Primrose Hill, I don't live in London at the moment but moving over obviously. What's this area like?

    It's considered one of the best areas in London. Very, very pricey, very pretentious (IMO) but lovely. Popular with Yummy Mummies and celebrities.


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    #952
    RiseToMe
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭RiseToMe


    Hm not really into the middle class scene, snobbery really grinds my gears. May keep looking!


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    #953
    ballsymchugh
    Registered Users Posts: 7,936 ✭✭✭ballsymchugh


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Hm not really into the middle class scene, snobbery really grinds my gears. May keep looking!

    tower hamlets it is then!


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    #954
    Olive8585
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 360 ✭✭Olive8585


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Hm not really into the middle class scene, snobbery really grinds my gears. May keep looking!

    Yeah maybe Primrose Hill isn't for you then. Try Bethnal Green?


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    #955
    enda1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Hm not really into the middle class scene, snobbery really grinds my gears. May keep looking!

    Do you not see the irony in your post?


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    #956
    Grandpa Hassan
    Registered Users Posts: 1,945 ✭✭✭Grandpa Hassan


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    Hm not really into the middle class scene, snobbery really grinds my gears. May keep looking!

    Leaving aside Enda's comment, you are shooting yourself in the foot I think. If I had an opportunity to live in Primrose hill, I'd take it.....if nothing else for the open space all around you, which is rare in London. And Camden Town is only half a mile away, as is the London Irish Centre.

    People read snobbery into things like middle aged mums sitting around having al fresco lunches in organic cafes.....but it is actually just some people having a healthy lunch. Personally I think Primrose Hill is a lot less 'up itself' than supposed hipster parts of London


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    #957
    RiseToMe
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭RiseToMe


    I see how ironic it is yes.
    However I am moving over without my wife and being a young guy was hoping to be based somewhere with the possibility of making a few friends in my locality to spend the evenings with.
    There appears to be an air of hostility because I don't want to spend my free time in an area a demographic that doesn't my personal personality. It was just a question, I won't post on here again.


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    #958
    Grandpa Hassan
    Registered Users Posts: 1,945 ✭✭✭Grandpa Hassan


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    I see how ironic it is yes.
    However I am moving over without my wife and being a young guy was hoping to be based somewhere with the possibility of making a few friends in my locality to spend the evenings with.
    There appears to be an air of hostility because I don't want to spend my free time in an area a demographic that doesn't my personal personality. It was just a question, I won't post on here again.

    Apologies if you thought we were unhelpful. I think the 'snobbery grinds my gears' comment prompted the response.


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    #959
    enda1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    I see how ironic it is yes.
    However I am moving over without my wife and being a young guy was hoping to be based somewhere with the possibility of making a few friends in my locality to spend the evenings with.
    There appears to be an air of hostility because I don't want to spend my free time in an area a demographic that doesn't my personal personality. It was just a question, I won't post on here again.

    The classist biggotry, akin to racist or xenophobic stereotyping was the hostile act here actually. London doesn't need any more hostility as it's a cultural and social melting pot where you will be loving breathing and inevitably socialising with most all members of these spheres.

    Probably best to drop your hostility and open your mind somewhat before making the journey.

    Bye.


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    #960
    FTA69
    Registered Users Posts: 9,252 ✭✭✭FTA69


    RiseToMe wrote: »
    I see how ironic it is yes.
    However I am moving over without my wife and being a young guy was hoping to be based somewhere with the possibility of making a few friends in my locality to spend the evenings with.
    There appears to be an air of hostility because I don't want to spend my free time in an area a demographic that doesn't my personal personality. It was just a question, I won't post on here again.

    Living in London often means not having friends in your immediate locality unfortunately. Some very good friends of mine from home live here now and I see them every couple of weeks only because they live in south London or out in the likes of Ealing. It's too much of a distance to pop around for tea so to speak. That's something you need to get used to.

    Primrose Hill is stuck up its own hole, true enough. But like any area in London it's also diverse and by no means homogenous. As others have said, it's well connected and a stone's throw away from the city centre as well as Camden etc. If you can get a decent affordable spot there it's a great gaff to set yourself up.


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    #961
    Playboy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,923 ✭✭✭Playboy


    Good food and hot moms is a problem for some people?? Sounds like heaven to me :p


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