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Moving To London 2016 Megathread - ALL QUESTIONS GO HERE

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  • 04-02-2016 11:55pm
    #1
    jenjoeful
    Closed Accounts Posts: 96 ✭✭


    Mod note: This thread is a collection of questions about moving to London for this yearAny and all questions relating to moving to London should be posted here. If you're looking for specific information, consult the FAQ, check the previous Megathread or use the Search Tool.

    New threads opened with questions about moving to London will generally be merged here.

    Hi
    Me and my other half are looking to move to London in the next 2 months from Dublin.
    We have job prospects, him in construction and me in IT so hopefully they work out.
    We are thinking we will earn maybe 50k sterling each. We would love a nice 1 bed or even 2 bed apartment within 30 mins of centre of london (which line i don't know) i've heard great things about Camden and it's surrounding towns.
    What would a train ticket cost per month?
    What kind of accommodation could we get and for what price?
    Can you get accommodation directly with a landlord and skip agencies?
    Is parking with accom out of the question? Any advice for newbies?


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    #2
    shrapnel222
    Registered Users Posts: 3,118 ✭✭✭shrapnel222


    jenjoeful wrote: »
    Hi
    Me and my other half are looking to move to London in the next 2 months from Dublin.
    We have job prospects, him in construction and me in IT so hopefully they work out.
    We are thinking we will earn maybe 50k sterling each. We would love a nice 1 bed or even 2 bed apartment within 30 mins of centre of london (which line i don't know) i've heard great things about Camden and it's surrounding towns.

    Camden is brilliant and pretty central

    What would a train ticket cost per month?

    Tube ticket is £120 a month for zones 1 and 2

    What kind of accommodation could we get and for what price?

    probably get a 1 or 2 bed place (depending on your standards) for between 1200 and 2000 (or less than 1000 if you consider a flat share)

    Can you get accommodation directly with a landlord and skip agencies?

    you can if you're lucky. do a google search and there's a few websites out there, but it's worth checking the big sites for more choice (rightmove and zoopla)

    Is parking with accom out of the question? Any advice for newbies?

    once again, some do some don't but you can apply for residents parking. If you're bringing your car over, bear in mind it takes a while to get uk plates, insurance etc, and you won't get residents parking with irish plates. if it is a relatively new car, better off selling it in ireland and buying one in the UK (much cheaper and easier)!

    see above


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    #3
    PhilTorres
    Registered Users Posts: 68 ✭✭PhilTorres


    Hi all,

    Going to be going over to join a few friends over there in the next couple of months. Would anyone have any recommendations for the best recruitment agencies to use for someone with a HR background?

    Thanks in advance.


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    #4
    shrapnel222
    Registered Users Posts: 3,118 ✭✭✭shrapnel222


    PhilTorres wrote: »
    Hi all,

    Going to be going over to join a few friends over there in the next couple of months. Would anyone have any recommendations for the best recruitment agencies to use for someone with a HR background?

    Thanks in advance.

    check out adzuna.co.uk, that'll link you to all the specialist HR recruitment agencies, and you can choose from there


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    #5
    Muzi5434
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭Muzi5434


    Hi all,

    I recently obtained a job in Slough and will be moving to London in a few weeks.

    I was told by many people to avoid Slough as an area to live in. I'm currently looking at Windsor, West Drayton, Datchet and Maidenhead (A bit far from work). I also want to live close to the train station therefore these areas are ideal.

    I know Windsor and Maidenhead are good places however could anyone shed some light on West Drayton and Datchet please?

    Thanks!


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    #6
    Banbha32
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭Banbha32


    Hey congrats on the job and welcome to (greater) London!! Slough is a dump alright and West Drayton is kind of the same. Have you thought about Uxbridge? Or would you have a car. I lived there for a year and is a nice small town has everything you need and is the last stop on the Metropolitan line so about 50 minutes to the centre of London for weekends etc.


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    #7
    Muzi5434
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭Muzi5434


    Banbha32 wrote: »
    Hey congrats on the job and welcome to (greater) London!! Slough is a dump alright and West Drayton is kind of the same. Have you thought about Uxbridge? Or would you have a car. I lived there for a year and is a nice small town has everything you need and is the last stop on the Metropolitan line so about 50 minutes to the centre of London for weekends etc.

    Thank you! :)

    I haven't considered Uxbridge and looking at it places there now on rightmove and seems like a good area!

    The plan is for me to drive to work and for the wife to be able to get the train into Central London


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    #8
    Banbha32
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭Banbha32


    Ya its worth a sconce. It is a nice little town in fairness, has everything you need and is the only town in that area connected by the tube. While London seems a fair bit out, if you are working in Slough its handy to live there and be able to still get to London in under an hour (You can get trains I think Chiltern Railway or Western Railway from the other places you mentioned but probably more expensive. Mind you they are building an Elizabeth line for 2018/2019 to connect Slough, West Drayton and Maidenhead to the tube). But it could be a good base to set up shop when you first move thats what I did. I would try and stay close to Uxbridge town as the further you go towards West Drayton the rougher it gets. Uxbridge has a shopping centre, cinema, a few nice pubs and restaraunts and all the big supermarket chains you might need (Tesco, Marks & Spencers, Lidl, Sainsburys and there is an Aldi towards Yiewsley/West Drayton). Also as it is almost countryside its not as noisy as London and can cycle along the canals in the summer. Its 27 minutes to Heathrow on the bus which is handy for trips home and visitors and 50 minutes to Oxford Street for central London shopping and theres a tube every 8 minutes or so (you only have to change once at Baker Street). So all in all its a nice place to start off anyway and see how ya get on. Good luck with the move :)


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    #9
    Muzi5434
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭Muzi5434


    That's very helpful, thank you! It's good to know that it has supermarkets and a good countryside!

    Would you happen to know what kind of a place Datchet is please?


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    #10
    Banbha32
    Registered Users Posts: 84 ✭✭Banbha32


    Afraid not i havent been to Datchet or Maidenhead :)


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    #11
    BrokenArrows
    Registered Users Posts: 7,500 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    Ya i lived in Windsor for 3 years which has nice easy access to Slough but it would be expensive for your other half to travel into London every day.
    Windsor itself is very expensive too for what it is. Plenty of nice little pubs and shops but not a whole lot else. Not even a cinema, you have to go to slough/maidenhead for that.

    As said Uxbridge is a good compromise. The town itself is ok and at least you're on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines if you want to get into central London


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    #12
    891681
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭891681


    hi, I'm 17 I will be doing my leaving cert in June and after that I plan on going to London working on construction site for about a month so as to make some money for college. I've been told that I need a national insurance number to be able to work there. I will be living with a relative who lives in surrey and I have lived in Ireland all my life. please help me how do I get this national insurance number


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    #13
    XrayGolf
    Registered Users Posts: 96 ✭✭XrayGolf


    From the gov.uk website:
    You need to apply by phone for a National Insurance number.

    If you’re moving to the UK you can only apply once you’re here. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number.

    National Insurance number application line
    Telephone: 0345 600 0643
    Textphone: 0345 600 0644
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

    You can start work before your National Insurance number arrives if you can prove you can work in the UK. You should tell your employer that you’ve applied for one, and give it to them when you have it.

    Jobcentre Plus may write to you and ask you to come to an interview where you’ll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.

    The letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity, eg:

    passport or identity card
    residence permit
    birth or adoption certificate
    marriage or civil partnership certificate
    driving licence
    You’ll be told at the interview how long it’ll take to receive your National Insurance number.


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    #14
    4068ac1elhodqr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    Just walk in to any Jobcentre, they'll have the forms and whotnot. Bring plenty of ID & proof of a current UK address.

    Interestingly, according to the Office for National Statistics, 'officially' 55,000 Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants came to Britain in the last year. But actually a total of 630,000 NI numbers were given to EU citizens in 2015, of whom '209,000' were Romanians or Bulgarians.

    You'll get an emergency tax BR code, but this higher (circa 40%) tax rate over-payment will be paid back to you automatically after processing. You'll also need some sort of basic/current UK bank account of course.


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    #15
    XrayGolf
    Registered Users Posts: 96 ✭✭XrayGolf


    Jude Helpful Skateboard wrote: »
    Just walk in to any Jobcentre, they'll have the forms and whotnot. Bring plenty of ID & proof of a current UK address.

    Interestingly, according to the Office for National Statistics, 'officially' 55,000 Romanian and Bulgarian immigrants came to Britain in the last year. But actually a total of 630,000 NI numbers were given to EU citizens in 2015, of whom '209,000' were Romanians or Bulgarians.

    You'll get an emergency tax BR code, but this higher (circa 40%) tax rate over-payment will be paid back to you automatically after processing. You'll also need some sort of basic/current UK bank account of course.

    There are no forms and you can't walk into the Job Centre to apply. You have to apply over the phone via the numbers in my above post and they will arrange a interview at a Job Centre nearest to where you live in the UK. You'll have to bring all your proof of identity documents to this interview, but this is explained in the letter sent confirming your appointment.


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    #16
    4068ac1elhodqr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,586 ✭✭✭4068ac1elhodqr


    Ah must of changed to call-centers from the good old days, https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

    Can earn £11,000pa tax free from April 16+, so handy for those student/seasonal workers.


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    #17
    891681
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭891681


    can I get my NIN from where I am in the republic of Ireland and have it ready for my temporary stay in England to do my summer job and then go back to Ireland for college or do I have to go over and then get the NIN.


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    #18
    XrayGolf
    Registered Users Posts: 96 ✭✭XrayGolf


    891681 wrote: »
    can I get my NIN from where I am in the republic of Ireland and have it ready for my temporary stay in England to do my summer job and then go back to Ireland for college or do I have to go over and then get the NIN.

    No, you can't apply for a NIN while living in the Republic, you have to be moved to/ living in the UK in order to apply.

    However, if you know someone you trust in the UK, you could use their address as your own and apply from the Republic, however you will have to go to the UK to a job centre near this address to attend a interview to complete your NIN application as mentioned in my first post above.


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    #19
    Lorne Malvo
    Registered Users Posts: 176 ✭✭Lorne Malvo


    891681 wrote: »
    can I get my NIN from where I am in the republic of Ireland and have it ready for my temporary stay in England to do my summer job and then go back to Ireland for college or do I have to go over and then get the NIN.

    If you have a job lined up in the UK, you can get the HR dept to email you a letter (a few lines stating you will be starting with them in the UK).

    -Phone the NI helpline no. up North, arrange an interview (it will be up North), bring your passport, proof of southern address and sufficient evidence you are moving to the UK to work (such as a few lines from HR); and that's it.

    You can also open a bank account with Bank of Ireland (UK) in Northern Ireland with your passport and proof of your southern address.


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    #20
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    Hi everyone!

    So I'm mover-around-er/traveller (Irish) and I'm scoping out London for a move this summer. It's my top choice. I see how popular Bristol/Edinburugh is but, one size doesn't fit all. As pricey as London is, it ticks all the boxes.

    I notice that a fair few Irish have been able to secure work in London while still living in Ireland. I've made a few applications myself and it's the usual email/skype/visit to London for interview. This route appeals to me.

    I'm looking to get some tips/advice? The first thing I'm looking at is making sure I get my estimated landing cost estimate right. So, I'm a single, young professional. I'm considering a scenario where I've a confirmed offer before making the move. What's a realistic, ball-park figure for those who've already made the move? I've found some pretty nice, shared apartments 20 minutes or so on the Tube out of the city for around half my typical salary, the same as other major cities I've been to. Add typical bills found on online guides and I've got an idea but would prefer to check in with those who've done it!

    The other thing on my mind is best form of accommodation when landing with short notice. I've done AirBnB in other big cities for 10 - 14 days, with minor extensions agreed with the owner when they have the availability ahead of moving into an apartment. I'm not sure how easily I could find an apartment for a month/two with very short notice, considering how competitive it's said to be in London.

    What do you think?


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    #21
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    damok89 wrote: »
    Hey, I was wondering how are you finding London now? I can totally relate to your post. II moved over here at the end of October and I am having the same problem. I am just after getting a room in a house share near Hammersmith so hopefully things will get better. I'm finding it lonely and I never thought it would be so tough.

    Hi Damok89, sorry to hear you're finding it rough at the start.

    I haven't moved yet, but I have lived in a bunch of cities abroad now.

    Have you tried www.meetup.com?

    It's a social group/hobby group-finder. Type whatever you want; Spanish for beginners, advanced kayaking, furiously excited knitting, whatever you want! Normal, everyday people, you can do something purely social, or something purely educational or both. Either way, I did that in Canada and it worked a treat. Sample different groups and find the friends/hobbies you want. I put aside a little bit of money for the social side of life when moving abroad, you can't stay at home feeling alone. Get out and meet people!

    Keep us up to date, and especially let me know if you try the site. :)


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    #22
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    completely confused wrote: »
    Hi everyone,

    Moved to London 2 months ago and have to say I'm finding it difficult. I lived in a different part of the UK for 3 years before this and got on great, so has come as a bit of a shock that I'm finding London life so lonely. How did you all cope in the period before you made friends? How did you make friends? My workplace doesn't have much potential for making friends unfortunately.

    I am looking to join a sports team but just generally feeling very down and viewing Ireland with very big rose tinted glasses! Please tell me it gets better?

    Hi, I just seen your post too. Check in the post above, I've tips! :)


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    #23
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    Lorne Malvo,

    That's sneaky and creative! I like it :D

    Working in other countries, I didn't have to deal with emergency tax, and in Canada or Italy, I walked in to a centre without an appointment and walked out with the number in about 15 minutes, so the UK looks slow and annoying by comparison. Never mind the hassle of emergency tax.

    I'll give that trip to NI trick a go. Cheers! :pac:


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    #24
    Lorne Malvo
    Registered Users Posts: 176 ✭✭Lorne Malvo


    Yea but I'm sure the UK is suspicious of border hoppers from the ROI (and other countries) ie working in one jurisdiction and claiming benefits in the other.

    Therefore some evidence that you will be working in the UK is required...


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    #25
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    Lorne Malvo wrote: »

    ...

    Therefore some evidence that you will be working in the UK is required...

    Perfect, that's exactly what I'll provide. Anything that speeds up or prevents this emergency tax situation makes me happy.


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    #26
    Muzi5434
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭Muzi5434


    Hi all,


    I recently got done with my car registration process with the DVLA and thought it would be useful to share the information here:

    1. Before arriving in the UK, request a VS5 registration pack from the DVLA and they will post it to your UK address or of a friend (https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla)
    2. Upon arrival inform HMRC that you've arrived with a vehicle and they'll tell you if any VAT is due (If it's your own car then probably nothing due). Use their online NOVA system
    3. Get the MOT on the car done via the VIN number
    4. Complete the registration pack that DVLA send out to you (You don't need to insure your car if it's registered in the Republic of Ireland, only Northern Ireland cars need to be insured) and send it back to them with the registration fee and tax for the car
    5. Any information you can't fill in the form leave it blank. If your car is less than 10 years old then you will need to Certificate of conformity to send with the application (You can obtain this from your car manufacturer)
    6. Once you receive your registration, a local garage will charge you around 25 to have the number plate installed


    Full information from the Gov website is here: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/registering-an-imported-vehicle

    Thr process seems daunting but it isn't. Just takes a while to get done.


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    #27
    BrokenArrows
    Registered Users Posts: 7,500 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    NewsMeQuick wrote: »
    Hi everyone!

    So I'm mover-around-er/traveller (Irish) and I'm scoping out London for a move this summer. It's my top choice. I see how popular Bristol/Edinburugh is but, one size doesn't fit all. As pricey as London is, it ticks all the boxes.

    I notice that a fair few Irish have been able to secure work in London while still living in Ireland. I've made a few applications myself and it's the usual email/skype/visit to London for interview. This route appeals to me.

    I'm looking to get some tips/advice? The first thing I'm looking at is making sure I get my estimated landing cost estimate right. So, I'm a single, young professional. I'm considering a scenario where I've a confirmed offer before making the move. What's a realistic, ball-park figure for those who've already made the move? I've found some pretty nice, shared apartments 20 minutes or so on the Tube out of the city for around half my typical salary, the same as other major cities I've been to. Add typical bills found on online guides and I've got an idea but would prefer to check in with those who've done it!

    The other thing on my mind is best form of accommodation when landing with short notice. I've done AirBnB in other big cities for 10 - 14 days, with minor extensions agreed with the owner when they have the availability ahead of moving into an apartment. I'm not sure how easily I could find an apartment for a month/two with very short notice, considering how competitive it's said to be in London.

    What do you think?

    Finding an apartment for only 1/2 months might be tough. You might be able to convince some people advertising for a permanent occupant to take you on for 1/2 months if you're willing to pay a premium on the normal rent.

    If you want to budget it then you could attempt to stay in a very cheap hostel for a few weeks until you find a permanent place.


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    #28
    NewsMeQuick
    Closed Accounts Posts: 643 ✭✭✭NewsMeQuick


    Broken ^^ Cheers. Yep, the more I think about it, I'll likely have to do the usual, temp. short accom. then find an apartment.

    National Insurance Numbers
    Is it still possible to get a national insurance number in the North while still resident in the Republic, with a confirmed job offer for the UK? I've read lots of posts of people doing this but someone is saying that's no longer possible?

    Has anyone done this in the past 6 months maybe?

    Thanks ;)


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    #29
    Muzi5434
    Registered Users Posts: 272 ✭✭Muzi5434


    NewsMeQuick wrote: »
    Broken ^^ Cheers. Yep, the more I think about it, I'll likely have to do the usual, temp. short accom. then find an apartment.

    National Insurance Numbers
    Is it still possible to get a national insurance number in the North while still resident in the Republic, with a confirmed job offer for the UK? I've read lots of posts of people doing this but someone is saying that's no longer possible?

    Has anyone done this in the past 6 months maybe?

    Thanks ;)
    You have to call them up to obtain an appointment and give a UK address which I presume could include a N. Ireland address. But I don't think you can get it if you give an Irish address


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    #30
    Young Blood
    Closed Accounts Posts: 393 ✭✭Young Blood


    Im looking to rent a 2 bedroom apartment in London either in Hackney or the docklands. Going to rent one room and keep the other for myself. Apartments are between 350-400 per week. Just wondering how much I will need to put up front and will I face any obstacles along the way?


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    #31
    BrokenArrows
    Registered Users Posts: 7,500 ✭✭✭BrokenArrows


    Young Blood wrote: »
    Im looking to rent a 2 bedroom apartment in London either in Hackney or the docklands. Going to rent one room and keep the other for myself. Apartments are between 350-400 per week. Just wondering how much I will need to put up front and will I face any obstacles along the way?

    Usually 4-6 weeks deposit is pretty normal and the first months rent so you're looking at about 4k upfront if you're paying 400 per week.

    If you go through an agency you will likely pay some admin and credit check fees. Probably 100-200.

    If you are just moving here not sure how the credit check thing works.


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