VISA approved, moving to London, Help with finding HOUSING

There will be ups and downs, but you will be fine. Once you are all settled you will look back and wonder what the stress was about. The not knowing can be scary, but also fun (all the possibility).

If you are still feeling freaked out when you get here feel free to send me a message and I'd be happy to meet up with you and help out.

Wow thanks for the offer rainbowheaven!

The stress has been insane - I've got a lot to lose if nothing works out but I've also got a lot to gain if it does work. It's tough enough trying to move within the same city but moving across the Atlantic is a whole new ballgame - flats, NI numbers, bank accounts, drivers licence (since my Ontario licence is set to expire next June!), etc.. I'm sure there are plenty of people my age that do this but I'm one that tries to plan all things that can go wrong and how to "fix" them in advance. I am also submitting my online application tonight so I am excited for that. Hoping to get an appointment next week if at all possible.

Hi
I'm new here and wrote a huge reply and it disappeared so thought I would test by sending this small one.
For Accom in the UK check out these websites, which I have used frequently as I work around the UK.
spareroom.co.uk and uk.easyroommate.com
I have used this twice as I have been working around the UK in locum positions and am now in a town in Somerset, which some people call' Gods Waiting Room' lol.
I was born and bred in London and left for Vancouver 9 years ago and am a Canadian Citizen.
I have been back in the UK for about a year and have another 18months to go as I am studying and working and will be returning to Vancouver end of next year.

Most people to go to London tend to head to the most expensive areas where the tourists are, so you are competing.
London is expensive at the best of time much less if you head directly into Central London where there is no sense of community.
When living in London I live in Clapham Common which is South London and has a great vibe.
wikipedia.org/wiki/Clapham_Common
loveclapham.com

Other areas in S/L which are really nice are:
Clapham Junction/Lavender Hill, Battersea, Balham, Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth and Wimbledon.

I think every part of London has pros and cons but there are some fantastic places to live still.
Hope the above helps a little and please feel free to contact me if you need any more info.

hey! I was actually looking in the clapham common/clapham junction area myself!! My friend lives in clapham junction and when I was there in March, I really liked it.

I've been keeping an eye on spareroom and gumtree but didn't know the other one so I'll check that out too. It's been a great starting point to try and put together potential budgets and to keep an eye as to what is out there (and there has been several flatshares that I've really wanted lol).

I have noticed that a lot of people that don't like it/can't afford it go for the most expensive areas and want to live a life of lavish luxury....it doesn't quite work like that.

I've got my biometrics appointment in Toronto on Monday (thankfully just around the corner from where I work) and I think I have everything prepared as far as everything I need to submit.

Thanks for your post!!


Edit: yay I have my visa. Anyone know of a good/cheap place for temporary accomodation? I'm going to book my flight tonight for August 24/25

Hey there! I'm heading to England around the end of August as well and am currently looking at potential apartments. I'm looking at findaproperty.com as it also has articles on what to expect as a renter in England (leases, rules, laws, etc.) Have you set up any viewings yet? How was the response toward a person coming from Canada?

I'm heading over with a recruiter and they suggested trying Mrs. Wilson's Guesthouse at this site:
www.Ultimatehousing.co.uk

Happy househunting!