Despite the decline of Australians moving to the UK, it is still considered a popular destination for most. The shared history, culture, and proximity to Europe made the UK the landing spot for many Aussies over the years. And of all the places in the UK, none stands out more than London.
If you plan to move to London from Australia, you have access to plenty of school and work opportunities. Taking the trip halfway across the world is no easy feat, so it is best to come prepared. Here are a couple of tips and tricks for a hassle-free transition:
Finding Storage Facilities in London
One thing you should know about London is that it is notoriously low on space. It has to accommodate over 9 million people along with businesses and other institutions. Since there is such a high demand for homes, even the smallest rentals can be quite pricey. There are two ways you can deal with it:
- Find a small studio flat
- Co-sharing: Look for flatshares or houses-hares
Both solutions are great to keep rent low, but they aren’t the solution for limited space. Sure, having furniture and appliances available are great when you are coming from overseas, but you don’t get to have much space for yourself. You always have to watch how much you are bringing home. You may need to give up any hobbies or interests that need a ton of space and equipment. Finding storage facilities in London is a must if you want to maintain your lifestyle.
So what does a storage facility do for you? Fragile items, seasonal clothes, sports equipment, tools, and hobby gear can all have a place in your storage unit. Not only does it help you deal with the clutter, but you can slowly accumulate things for when you get your own space. Additionally, having a self storage unit will help make the move easier. You settle in your new place without having to immediately unpack your house.
Looking For A Place To Stay
Much of your experience in London will be dictated by where you live. Living in the wrong area could mean a hellish commute to work or slim pickings when it comes to restaurants. It is best to do your research and settle on a place to help you set the tone for your stay.
Neighbourhood
If you want to stay near Aussie settlements–Shepherd’s Bush, Acton, Queens Park, Earl’s Court, Hammersmith, and Willesden are the places to be. These neighbourhoods, along with parts of Fulham and Putney, have been the go-to for Aussies on a gap year or working holiday for years.
For a more central location near popular tourist sites and job opportunities, Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden are excellent options. They may be pricey, but there is no shortage of activities.
If you prefer a quiet, suburban area, then Richmond, Chiswick, Camden, and Wembley can be for you. London is a very diverse place, so it isn’t hard to find a spot with the qualities you are looking for in a home.
Rentals
After you short-list the neighbourhoods you like, it is time to check out the type of properties available. Flats, terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and detached houses are common in London.
If you are moving solo, a flat is the most economical choice. However, if you plan on moving with family, you may need to decide between the three. Each one comes with their pros and cons, so best read up on them before signing your lease.
Tip
While you are looking for properties available, make sure to check their conditions for the rental—smoking vs non-smoking, pets allowed vs no pets allowed, etc. You wouldn’t want to go through all the trouble, only to find out that it isn’t a good fit. You can even construct party barriers if you are concerned about your privacy. What does a party wall mean? A party wall is a dividing partition between two neighboring buildings shared by the residents of both buildings.
Fixing Your Paperwork
Before you get to purchase your ticket for London, you have a lot of paperwork to get in order. If you are only planning on staying for a couple of years, you don’t want to waste a minute of it visiting offices and making appointments. Here are some of the documents you should have in order.
Visa
You might have visited the UK as a tourist in the past, and that doesn’t require a visa. However, if you plan to stay for more than 6 months or you intend to work, you need the appropriate paperwork. You can see what type of visa you need by answering this questionnaire. You can enter the UK as a:
- Skilled Worker (Tier 2-General Visa)
- Temporary Worker (Youth Mobility Scheme Visa/ Tier 5)
- Commonwealth Citizen (via UK Ancestry Visa)
- Student (Tier 4-General Visa)
- And other workers
Among these options, the Tier 5, Youth Mobility scheme is the most accessible. If you manage to qualify, you can start with this and switch to a sponsored work visa.
The requirements vary for each one, so it is best to read and see which has the best conditions for you. For example, you have everything necessary for a Tier 5 visa, but you have a British grandparent. Why get a visa for 2 years when you can get the Ancestry Visa and stay for 5?
Be aware of the conditions and apply for the right one.
Tax Return
If you plan on staying as an Australian resident, you’ll need to file for a tax return for any income you make while working abroad. You can file this online during tax season. The only time you are exempted from this is if you aren’t earning any income.
National Insurance Number
When you are moving to the UK, you need to have a national insurance number. Now it is very easy to apply for your NI number, but chances are you already have one. People staying in the UK for more than 6 months have biometric residence permits (BRP). When you have a BRP, your NI number is included at the back.
Bank Account
One of the most troublesome things to set up is your bank account. It is best to have one up and running before you even move to London. There are two ways you can do that:
- Make an account with an international bank that has branches in both the UK and AUS (HSBC)
- Make an account with a UK bank that accepts online applications (Barclay’s)
The requirements may vary, so please read their requirements and make your enquiries first. If you don’t mind setting up your bank account in the UK, Lloyds Bank is an excellent option. They have a simple and straightforward system that you can probably set up within the first week of your stay.
Tip
If you are on the fence with closing your Australian bank account because you plan on moving back home, don’t worry! You can always apply again. You can set up your account in Australian banks in London like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ, Westpac Banking Corporation, National Australia Bank, National Australia Bank Migrant Banking Centre, and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
After you have everything prepped and ready to go, you still have so much on your plate. Figuring out the Tube, dealing with the pouring rain, and feeling homesick – these are things that will take time. However, once you get into the groove of things and have a set of friends, moving to London can be a life-changing step!
