Bound guide to
London
Intro
Letter
So
you’re moving to the UK!
Now that you’ve made your decision that’s the hard bit done, right? Well... it quite possibly is, but there is a lot of groundwork to be done before even buying your ticket such as making sure you can legally enter the country, you have somewhere to sleep & which great bars you want to visit! You are supposed to have fun after all. So check out in here the things that will help you make the most of your stay like where to work, where to keep your money and how you can call home... to ask for more money. See you in London! The Bound Team
Contents
Pages
1. Need to know before you go! 2. Planning your trip!
3. You’ve Arrived!
4. Getting from A to B
5. A place to call home!
6. Everyday Costs
7. Find me work! 8. National Insurance
9. UK Banking
10. Just in case!
11. UK-Bound’s top must see or do!
12. Directory
*Content was correct at time of printing
FUN
Did you know...... It rains about 300 out of 365 days a year in Ireland The first traffic lights was in use 1868 in London to control the horse buggies London Underground has several abandoned underground stations In London the average tourist is being caught on surveillance cameras about 300 times a day Harrods department store in London still delivering goods by horse carriage Edinburgh is built on an extinct volcano
FACTS Of all the foreigners who travel to the UK about 50% visit London Only 12 people have ever set foot on the Moon Australia was once called New Holland QANTAS stands for Queensland and Northern Territories Airline Service 1 out of every 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met online There are 31,536,000 seconds in a year Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes
Need to know
before
you go!
o
Moving to the United Kingdom can be a scary and daunting task for anyone. There are several things you will need to know before jumping on the plane for the 20 something hour flight.
Visa Options You will have to contact your local British Embassy to apply for visas to live, work and study in the UK. There are several different types of Visas for the UK. Most will end up with on of the following: - Youth Mobility Scheme (Working Holiday Maker) - Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Visa) - Ancestry Visa Remember: As your visa expires, you may leave and re-enter the country on a ‘visitor visa’. With this type of visa, you will not be allowed to continue work, but you can remain in your home for up to 6 months. This could be helpful if you require extra time to re-apply for a visa extension.
Youth Mobility Scheme What is the youth mobility scheme? The youth mobility scheme is for young people from participating countries who would like to experience life in the United Kingdom. The countries on the scheme now are: - Australia - Canada - Japan - New Zealand
Under the youth mobility scheme, your national government is your sponsor. British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply under the scheme and do not need a sponsor.
Who can apply under the youth mobility scheme? To apply under the youth mobility scheme, you must be a national of a country taking part in the scheme, and have a valid national passport from that country, which will be all the evidence you need to show that you are sponsored by the government of your country to apply for a visa under the scheme. (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply under the scheme and do not need to be sponsored.) You can apply if you: - are a citizen of a country taking part in the scheme or a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas); - are 18 years old or over when your visa lets you come to the United Kingdom (becomes valid) and under 31 years old when you apply; - have £1,600 in available maintenance (funds) when you apply‌ .
Who cannot apply? - children under 18 years old who are either living with you, or you are financially responsible for; - been in the United Kingdom at any other time as a working holidaymaker or under the youth mobility scheme. You cannot apply for the youth mobility scheme if you are already in the United Kingdom. You should go to the visa services website for information on how to apply. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the relevant application forms. Visit www.ukvisas.gov.uk While you are in the United Kingdom under the youth mobility scheme, you are not allowed to switch into any other category of the points-based system or in to a visitor route.
How long can you stay for? If you are given permission to stay under the youth mobility scheme, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum time of 24 months. You can leave and come back to the United Kingdom at any time during the length of your stay under the youth mobility scheme. For more information visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Visa) What is the highly skilled worker category? The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.
Who can apply as a highly skilled worker? Unlike the work permits (soon to be replaced by sponsored skilled workers - tier 2), you do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds). You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are: - in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category - already in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category - already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the highly skilled worker category - applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as ‘entry clearance’) under the highly skilled worker category.
What points you have to score to apply as a highly skilled worker? To apply under the points-based system and be accepted into the highly skilled worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment. You must score: - 75 points for your attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, and experience in the United Kingdom) - 10 points for English language - 10 points for available maintenance (funds). If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused. Use the points based calculator to calculate how many points you have and whether you are eligible to work in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker under the points-based system. For more information please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
United Kingdom Ancestry Visa If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country and one of your grandparents was born in the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands or Isle of Man), you have United Kingdom ancestry.
You can come here to work if you can show that: - you are a Commonwealth citizen - you have a visa or other form of permission to enter the United Kingdom because of United Kingdom ancestry, or your permission to stay here in this category has previously been extended - you are aged 17 or over - you have a grandparent who was born in the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) or a grandparent who was born in what is now the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922 - you are able to work and you plan to do so in the United Kingdom - you can adequately support and accommodate yourself and your dependants without help from public funds (see rights and responsibilities for more information on what this means). You must obtain permission to enter the United Kingdom on the basis of United Kingdom ancestry before you travel here. They call this permission entry clearance. It will be in the form of a visa or entry clearance certificate. To obtain it, you should apply to the British diplomatic post in the country where you live.
If you have already entered the United Kingdom with a different kind of visa, you cannot switch to the United Kingdom ancestry category. They will only give you permission to stay in the country on the basis of United Kingdom ancestry if: - you entered the United Kingdom holding entry clearance based on your United Kingdom ancestry - we have already given you leave to remain based on United Kingdom ancestry. If you come to the United Kingdom in this category, you will not need a work permit. You will be allowed to stay for five years. After five years, you will be able to apply to live here permanently provided you still meet the requirements for United Kingdom ancestry and you have worked continuously in the United Kingdom for five years. For more information please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Bound community
Gaenor Kyne Perth, Australia
Best
bits of London - Shopping and more shopping!!! There is sooo much choice! Everything from your super classy stores where the rich and famous shop.... to cheap stores like Primark where you can get some great clothes at bargain prices. Then of course there are the markets... portobello for some cool retro items and Camden for something different and fantastic donuts! When you’re sick of shopping (I know hard to
believe) or you have run out of money (easier to believe) there is still plenty to do, the choices are endless. What I love most about the whole London working holiday experience is the people you meet from all kinds of walks of life which money can’t buy. Each person has a different story, and every day someone comes home with a new story to tell, life is never boring, everyday something different is going on.
Planning
your
trip!
g
The way you arrive in the UK can set the mood for your entire stay. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have a few of the essentials set out before you arrive. Buying a BoundPack from us will ensure you arrive stress free and ready to party.
When to come over? Arriving in the UK in May/June is the best for several reasons. - Longer days. During this time the sun will rise just before 5am and set in the evening around 9pm. This leaves extra time for relaxing in a beer garden with friends and enjoying the beautiful British summer. - Temperature. Lets face it, everyone loves a bit of sun. Temperature will normally sit around 25c / 77f but can reach into the mid 30s (90F) during summer. - Scenery. London is an amazing place all year round, but does look especially good during the summer. An afternoon stroll along the Thames, quick pint on The Tattershall Castle (boat pub,) or just tanning the day away in Hyde Park will help give a tourist the true experience of a summer day as a Brit.
Hand Luggage It may sound silly but your hand luggage needs to be planned right. Ifs, buts, and maybes should be thought through seriously. Here are some of the items which must be packed: - Passport with relevant visa - Recent Bank Statement - Address of final destination - Change of clothes suited to the weather in stopovers and final destination
- Credit Card, Travelers Cheque or some cash - Something to keep you occupied (i.e. magazines, playing cards, etc.)
The Flight over
The flight over can be one of the most painful parts to the big move. Depending on your origin, the relevant timescales are listed below. New York - 5 to 8 hours LA - 11 to 13 Hours Australia - 24 to 30 Hours New Zealand - 24 to 30 Hours South Africa - 11 to 12 Hours It is always recommended to break your journey up as much as possible. One of the greatest assets to the United Kingdom, is the close proximity of countries to explore within Europe. Why not start traveling right away? If your coming from Australia or New Zealand stop for a day or two in China, Singapore, or Dubai and check out the place. Accommodation can be found cheap, or even paid for by the airlines.
Security Unless you have been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard about the world’s tightening of airport security. This is for your safety, but let face it, it can be a bit of a hassle getting through customs. Below are some tips on swiftly getting through security and reaching your gate in time for
your flight to a new life. - Don’t pack any liquids, flammable or sharp items in your carryon luggage. You will be asked to remove them. If they are of value, unfortunately, this means you will lose them. - Pack your bags yourself and always keep an extra set of clothes in your hand luggage. - During check-in, pick up a name label for your bag. - Tie something bright to the handle so that it is easily recognisable when picking it up from the baggage pickup area - Lock all openings to your bag. There are also services at major airports where they can wrap your bag in plastic. If your bag has been tampered with, you will quickly know. - Before going through the metal scanners, remove belt buckles, phones, loose change, and anything else that may make the alarm go off. - If you’re with friends when traveling, don’t think it’s funny to make a joke about drugs, explosives, or any other sensitive topics. Authorities will have no problems searching you over suspicion.
Make sure you have enough cash! It is recommended to have at least the equivalent of £2,500 in your account as it may be some time before you start working.
Try to have £100-£150 on your arrival for any little expenses, such as accommodations (if you haven’t organised this with us) or your first British pint! If you are moving straight into a rented house or flat, you will normally be required to put down a deposit in case anything is severely damaged whilst you stay there. Think of this like your savings account, you will get this back as long as you keep the place in good nick. This would be around 2 - 6 weeks of your rent. Travellers Cheques would be the safest way and as London is full of bureau de change services you will have no problem with exchanging them for cash. ATM (or cash) machines will accept most credit, debit, or money cards, but with a charge from your bank back home. This charge is usually between £1-5 and should be checked before you leave home. *Remember to tell your home bank you will be travelling so that they don’t block your card when you need it most! Call all credit card companies you have business with as well. All BoundPacks will include a HSBC bank account. Upon arrival, it will be most beneficial to you if you pick up your British bank card as soon as possible. This will allow you to transfer your funds quickly and avoid any fees from your home country.
Bound community
Bec Emmett Victoria, Australia
Best
bits of London - being able to do anything on any night of the week, whether it be theatre, dining out or going to a pub to watch the football. Summertime is great for going to the many parks London has to offer Spending time playing football with your mates
whilst having a picnic and a bottle of wine is my idea of fun. Sunday roasts at a pub! Favorite Night out Shoreditch! Great food, bars and clubs. No pretentiousness! Camden also in the summer!
You’ve Arrived!
e
Welcome to the United Kingdom! You have just a few more moments on the plane and you can see the runway. It is almost time to say, “I’m here.” The plane finally touches down and you can hardly hold yourself from jumping out of your seat. The seat belt light disappears and it’s time to start exploring. Well not quite! You will still need to go through passport control. Here are a few things to remember:
- Fill out your landing card before you get off the plane making sure you know the address of where you are staying. If you have booked accommodation with UK-Bound.com, you should have this in your pack.
- Have all relevant documents ready to show the customs officer. They will want to see your passport and maybe even your bank statements to prove you have enough money to support yourself, while not working.
Remember that the passport officers see hundreds of people every day so even though you’re tired, a smile and politeness will help you from being interrogated by them.
Airport Transport Once you have collected your bags, it might be a good idea to turn your phone on and let everyone back home know that you have arrived safe and sound (providing everyone is still awake.) Below are the easiest ways to travel from your arrival airport.
From Heathrow Underground Head for the Underground (Tube) by following the signs. There are three Heathrow Tube stations, Terminal 1, 2 & 3 station, Terminal 4 station and Terminal 5 station. Heathrow is at the end of the Piccadilly Line (dark blue), so if you keep to the signs that say “this platform for city train” you should be fine. In the BoundPack from UK-Bound.com, you will have an Oyster Card with £5 travel credit. At this point, all you will need to do is walk to the gates and tap your card on the designated area. If you are unsure how to use the oyster card, the Underground staff are very helpful and will show you. *Small rule to these gates, people get very annoyed when tourists are not quick. Make sure you have your oyster card out and ready to tap. Your journey into London City will take approximately 45 minutes depending on where you want to go. If you book accommodation with UK-Bound.com, it will most likely be a short walk from one of the Piccadilly line stops.
When on the train, make sure you keep your luggage close to you and in the designated area when possible. These trains can get very full during peak times.
Heathrow Express The Heathrow Express can be taken as an alternative method of travel. It leaves every 15 minutes and only takes 15 minutes to the centre of London. The Heathrow Express will take you directly to Paddington Station, which is a great location for Hostels / Hotels and nightlife as it is located on three other tube lines and is an easy walking distance from other main stations. The luxury of taking this comfortable fast train isn’t the cheapest option. This will cost you £16.50 form the ticket machine or £19.50 if purchased on board the train.
From Gatwick Gatwick is a little further outside of London. Due to the greater distance, there is no Tube station at this airport. It is not the end of the world, though, as the overland trains are only a few quid more!
Southern Eastern Train Southern Eastern Train run regularly from Gatwick station to London Victoria, stopping at around 20 other destinations on the way. It will take you around 40 minutes and cost around £10.90
Gatwick Express If you can’t be bothered sitting on the train for the extra10 minutes (and something tells me you can), you can always take the Gatwick Express. This runs every 15 minutes and takes half an hour (30 minutes) to reach London, Victoria Station. The cost of this journey is £16.90 and set to rise in the near future. My advice is to save the extra £4 and buy yourself a pint when you reach Victoria.
You’ve made it!!!
Bound community
Alyson Beckman Los Angeles, USA
Want
to spend a fun night out on the town while becoming familiar with London? Grab a bunch of friends, dress up in neon, and go on the Circle Line Challenge! Get off at every stop (your oyster card eventually stops charging you), go to the closest pub and grab a pint of beer (cider beer is my favorite).
You will get a feel for the city as you are running around. For added fun: take a picture at every stop to remember it all. In order to make it all the way around start early in the day since pubs close at 11 and the tube closes at midnight. Make sure to check on tube changes the day of.
Getting from
A
to
B
g
Getting from A to B The United Kingdom is one of the easiest places to travel around. Even though the car population within London is in the millions, many of us can be kinder to the environment. Personal vehicles are just not a necessity needed for your average Joe in London. The public transport system is said to be one of, if not, the best in the world. Finding out the best and fastest route for you is made very easy, by using the journey planner on the Transport For London (TFL) website, www.tfl.gov.uk.
Oyster Card If you are going to purchase a weekly, monthly or yearly ticket you will be given an Oyster card which is a form of electronic ticketing used on the public transport services. An Oyster card is typically blue and the size of a credit card. These small travel passes can hold a variety of tickets, period tickets and travel permits. It is also a contactless smartcard which passengers must pass over electronic readers when entering and leaving the transport system in order to validate it. When entering the tube platform or bus you will have to touch the card on the designated spot for it to register your journey. Always remember to do this as inspectors are often on patrolling, all hours of the day and night and will catch you if you haven’t paid for your journey. If you haven’t paid you will be charged an “on the spot fine” which you will have to pay minimum of £20 right there.
Tube The Underground (AKA the Tube) is by far the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way of commuting around the street of Greater London. It is typically opened from 5.00AM to midnight, seven days a week. During peak time this can be a slight nightmare due to the volume of people trying to get to and from work. At times you will even see people being held outside the tube, to control the number of people on the platform Besides the crowds, the heat is another problem with this very intelligent metric system. During the summer months the temperature can reach into the high 30’s to low 40’s (centigrade) due to the lack of ventilation. Over the next few years, this disadvantage is set to change with new air-conditioned trains in the making. Fun fact: An upside to the exhausting heat: If it gets too hot, tube staff are instructed to hand out free water bottles to the commuters. The cost of a single journey is around the £2-£3 mark. Weekly and monthly tickets can be purchased at £25 - £100, but do frequently change in price. One of the most confusing aspects of traveling by tube is understanding the different zones. There are six major zones in London and the Greater London area. All six zones are clearly indicated on the basic tube map, but it is easy to forget which zone every stop belongs in. Zone 1 represents central London.
As you move further out of central London, the zone numbers increase. A typical travel pass is for Zone 1 or 2. If you have this pass on your Oyster card, and travel to Zones 3-6, you will be prompted to pay an extra quid, when reentering zones 1 and 2. With that said, however, you can purchase travel pass that gives access to all zones on the tube.
Bus There are buses and there are night buses. These are clearly marked on bus stops by the letter ‘N’ plus the numeral, (i.e. 7 or N7 represent different routes, depending on the time of day.) If you are having a night out on the town and the tube is closed (normally after midnight), there will usually be a way home by night bus. Routes and timing vary by bus number and bus stop. At these wee morning hours, the bus routes will be on limited service, so please plan accordingly. The cost of a singe journey will be £2. If you have to take more then one bus, you will have to pay this again. If you have a tube travel pass for zones one and two, your Oyster cards can be used on any buses. You can also buy weekly and monthly tickets, which will be £14 - £53. These tickets will only be valid for the London bus system.
Overland Trains The overland trains are run by National Rails and operate train services from London to most destination around the UK. You can get information on prices and journey times by visiting their website at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Black Cabs The famous London black cabs are known all over the world for their unique design and friendly drivers. Like everywhere, they can be hailed on the street or booked by calling directory services on 118 188. To note, it is polite to mention your destination to the driver through the front passenger window, prior to entering the back seat. Taxi Ranks are situated in locations where the public have high demands for taxis, e.g. mainline London rail termini, hotels, and major shopping areas. Fun Fact: 50% of ranks are within the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. Black Cabs are run on a timed meter, which often makes a journey across London quite expensive. Due to traffic, they may not be the fastest option either, but they are safe. To note, when entering a Black Cab, try to refrain from acting like a stereotypical tourist. A ‘slow’ or ‘lost’ cab driver could be trying to take advantage of you- to bump up his fare. Although it’s not customary, it is always good to tip the driver at the end of your journey. A reasonable tip would be to round up the fare to the closest pound. For instance, if the journey comes to £9.50, then give the driver £10 and tell him to keep the change.
Mini Cabs / Private Hire Mini Cabs are by far the cheapest private way of getting from one place to another in London. When making the booking make sure you arrange a price on the phone. Before you start your journey, confirm this amount with the driver as well. If you are picking up people on the way to your final destination, the driver will typically add a further £5 so don’t be surprised when this happens. To avoid any dangerous or illegal situations, always make sure your ‘Mini Cab’ is a registered vehicle with a registered driver. Unfortunately, it is a frequent scenario for strangers to offer cab rides in unmarked cars throughout London. These are often outside bars, clubs, or tube stations and occur late at night. Do not take these rides! If you just say ‘no thanks’ and continue walking, they will most likely move on to another pedestrian. One of the better mini cab companies would be Addison Lee. Visit www.addisonlee.com or call them on 0844 800 6677
Bound community
Alyssa Beinhaker New Jersey, USA
Best
bits of London London...what do I love? The people. The pubs. The culture. The atmosphere. Everything! I’ve been to NYC, Chicago, L.A...- basically every major American city and some European cities as well, but London is my favourite place in the world. Where else can you go to a pub at 1 in the afternoon to grab a pint, and meet people from South Africa, Australia, Sweden, and Scotland- all doing the same thing you are?
When I first travelled to London, it was supposed to be on a temporary three month internship. Within three weeks, I decided to make the move permanent. I never wanted to leave! It was just so refreshing. People were open-minded about everything and travelling and experiencing different cultures was just a short plane, train, or Eurostar ride.
Acallplace to
home
If you’re the typical traveller, you would most likely be staying in a hostel or a friend’s floor when you first arrive. Sleeping on the floor of a mate’s house is called Dossing.
Dossing As a dosser, you would be expected to pay anything from £5-£10 per night. Do realize though, you will be sleeping in someone else’s lounge, hall, attic or bedroom floor and the pain of packing your bed away every morning is not always the best. Dosser’s will also be expected to help out around the house, so be prepared to chip in with the everyday chores. As fun and adventurous as this might sound at first, it will grow old very quickly! A good night’s sleep will be a necessity once you’re settled and starting work.
Permanent Accommodation Finding permanent accommodation can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Each place that sparks your interest will require a visit and tour. Think of this almost as an interview, but not as scary. You need to feel comfortable with the house, the local area, and the people you are living with. The same goes for the current tenants. They need to make sure you match your description and aren’t a monster! There are a few questions you should be asking yourself at this stage - Where do I want to live? - How many people do I want to live with? - Do I mind sharing a room? - What is my budget?
Which area do I want to live? There are many areas that are Aussie, Kiwi, Saffa, Canadian, and American friendly. Although it was once known that Earl’s Court was kangaroo valley, which is no longer the case. Most of the kangaroos have moved further south of the river, out where the rent is cheaper. The most common areas for travellers are Acton, Kilburn, Willesden Green, Earl’s Court, Fulham, Putney, Wimbledon, Shepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith. Most of these locations are on the Western side of London and contain cheaper flat options. They also tend to have small back yards, for those of you that need those summer BBQs. With that said, please keep in mind that you have either just moved or are about to fly over 15,000 km so don’t feel you have to stick to the trend! Move away form the pack and be a little adventurous. By visiting www.gumtree.com you will find hundreds of people looking for a new flat mate or roommate.
How many people do I want to live with? This all depends on how much privacy you like. In many cases you will see 4-8 people living under the one roof. These are generally the party houses and you will find a lot of these in the areas mentioned above.
Another thought to keep in mind is the ratio of people versus bathrooms. Most of you will be going to work around the same time each morning. If there is only one bathroom, the fight scenarios about “who showers first” will be a not-so-fun regular occurrence. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stick with four or less people to a home. That way, rent is still split nicely, and you will have some people to come home to, while also enjoying quiet time to yourself.
Do I mind sharing a room? Sharing a room can be a far cheaper, but frustrating way of living in London. You won’t have a moment of privacy and those nights when you get a little home sick, a hiding place may be hard to come by. This is not always a bad thing if you are coming over with a good friend though. Splitting the cost will usually place your rent fees from £50-£80 per week.
What is my Budget? This is by far the biggest downfall to the great city that is London. The cost of accommodation can be a tough one for people, whether they are just moving to the UK capital or deciding to move homes. You should be budgeting for anything between £100-£150 per week to live in a moderate, nice house. If you are sharing the room add a further £20, then halve the total amount. While budgeting, please make sure you check the expenses for any bills. Some adverts will exclude these numbers from the total listed, while others will disclose all information. See Every Day Cost for a rough guide to bills When it comes to renting, the final factor, and possible dealmaker or breaker is the bond (deposit). This extra expense is often the nightmare for the renter, especially if you are moving homes. The landlord or agency will want this up-front and you will be looking at paying the equivalent of 2, 4 or 6 weeks rent. Think of this as a savings account with no interest. After you move out of the house (providing there is no damage), this money will be returned to you. REMEMBER: If you are just moving homes, your current landlord will not pay your deposit back until you are out of the property. Unfortunately, your new landlord will want the deposit prior to your move in date. Therefore, make sure you have around £600 in your account at the time.
Bound community
Kara Reardon Victoria, Australia
Best
bits of London What I love most about London is the fashion! Its definitely up there with the best in the world. Very fashion forward. Shopping in Oxford St at Topshop is my favourite of all! You also cant beat the London Summer. Sitting in a beer garden with friends is the best night out.
My favourite night out is the Whitehouse in Clapham. I always have a great night out with friends when there. Definantly recommend it to anyone.
Everyday
Costs
London is an expensive city. This is no secret! While living and working in this fine place, however, the everyday costs become much easier to deal with. You just need to be prepared and knowledgeable. An average wage can be between ÂŁ18k - ÂŁ30k, depending on the job and qualifications you hold. Below is an average price of some everyday items you may encounter.
*Prices are based on an average and were correct at time of printing. Prices are subject to change. They may also vary from area to area.
Internet Most of you will need a computer and internet access almost everyday of the week. Whether it is to search for your ideal job or to keep in touch with family and friends via facebook, a computer is a necessity for UK life. I suggest you either consider purchasing a personal computer or taking out an account with one of the hundreds of internet cafes across the UK.
Internet Cafe An internet cafe (or cybercafe) is a place where you pay an hourly (or by the minute) fee to gain internet access. It is best to buy a pass with unmetered charges for either a day or a month if you are unable to have it in your home. Your local high street is bound to have an internet cafĂŠ, so make sure you jot down their locations when exploring the city for the first time.
Home internet service providers With over 60 million people across the UK, the need for fast internet access in many homes is essential. There are hundreds of internet service providers who offer cheap 12 - 18 month contracts with up to 24mg download speeds right in the comfort of your home. If you don’t have a computer, High Street stores like PC World and Carphone Warehouse offer deals where they will give you a free laptop when signing to one of their contracts.
When taking out such a lengthy contract, do make sure you are able to commit for the full period of time. You don’t want to get into bad credit, especially this early on in your new life in the UK.
Some of the top internet service providers are: - Sky (great TV, Phone and internet packages) - Virgin (great TV, Phone and internet packages) - BT (British Telecom) - Talk Talk
Television If you enjoy vegging out on the couch and flipping through the neverending array of channels, you couldn’t be in a better country than the United Kingdom. British free to air television is by far one of the best in the world, mostly due to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). To watch television in the UK you will need the following.
TV License What’s a TV license? You may have heard that in the UK every household needs a TV license. To use the following equipment with a television, you will need to pay the license fee. - set-top box - video or DVD recorder - computer - mobile phone (for TV watching)
The UK has TV watching down to a science. Your contact details are automatically sent to BBC, whenever you purchase any of this equipment at an electronics’ shop. They want to know if you are registered, so they can enlist a new viewer. If you don’t know yet, the BBC is a unique television network. They air a wide range of popular public services for everyone, free of adverts, and independent of advertisers, shareholders or political interests.
Freeview Don’t be fooled by the name! Television in the UK is in a transition period and soon every consumer will need a Freeview digital set-top box to access channels. You can buy one in any electrical store. They are very cheap, costing only from £15 - £100. Even the cheapest box is still good enough for your normal day-to-day TV usage. Freeview is managed by DTV Services Ltd, a company owned and operated by its five shareholders - BBC, BSkyB, Channel 4, ITV, and Arqiva. Launched in October 2002, the Freeview service provides free-to-air digital TV channels, radio stations, and interactive services through an aerial. Freeview has over 26 entertainment channels, 3 children’s channels, 2 music channels, 4 interactive channels, 6 new channels, 7 lifestyle channels, and 24 radio channels.
Pay TV Although most of you will be thinking, ‘Gee that is a lot of channels for normal TV,” the thought of a Friends marathon for those rainy weekends might still be enticing. If your ears just perked up, you may be interested in Pay TV. Sky, Virgin, and BT offer hundreds of channels with their 18-month subscription TV service. This will set you back a minimum of £16 per month for the basic package, which won’t even include some of the general favorites, like MTV or E! News. There are providers, however, that do offer a great deal if you sign up with all three home services (phone, television, and Broadband internet.) To note, this cost often ranges from £20 - £80, depending on the different package you choose.
The Land of the Music Festival To live like a Brit, you have to think like a Brit- and the first thing that is on every Brit’s mind when the sun comes out, is one question. Who is playing in Hyde Park (or one of the many other venues?) There are a large number of music festivals in the UK, covering a wide variety of genres. Many of these festivals are world renowned, and considered British tradition. In fact, the infamous Glastonbury Festival has been going strong for nearly forty years. Regardless of your taste in music, there is a festival for you. Check out the following list of events, and book your tickets fast. They sell out quick! - Get Loaded in The Park - Glastonbury Festival - Wireless Festival - T in the Park - V Festival - T4 On The Beach - Party in the Park - 02 Wireless Festival - The Big Chill - Escape into the Park - Global Gathering - Plus much much more. If none of these are to your ‘cup of tea’, google “british music festival” and you will find a full list, ranging from Classical Music to Dance & Electronic to Jazz festivals. The UK truly has it all!
Bound community
Roisin McGee Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
“London
has the world of opportunities! No matter who you are or what you do, you will never feel out of place”. The bars, the clubs, the theater. London has everything you’re looking for.
My advice is....... “When finding you first house, look for something close to a park or the Thames (the BIG river). London has plenty of them and they come in handy when the sun is shining and the BBQ’s are happening.
Find me
work!
Although we would all love to just eat, drink, party, and sleep; that is a paradise we all have to work towards. Now, unfortunately, it’s time to get a job. Finding work in London is not the easiest, especially with the latest economic downturn seeing thousands of people laid off from their jobs. Without that putting you off, there still are companies looking for people like you. Whether your specialty is in Sales, Design, Public Relations, or as a bartender in your local Pub you’re going to need to remember a few important details and tricks.
Does your CV press their buttons? A CV, (also known as a resume in the states,) is your first impression tool for applying to a job. This piece of paper is basically your work experiences, special skills, education, and volunteer work- in a nutshell. While compiling your CV, make sure all of the information provided is relevant to the position requirements and is no longer than two typed pages. If you are called in for an interview, congrats and good luck! Remember to bring a portfolio of any previous work, a hard copy of your CV, and any additional certificates or awards that are necessary to the position. This will help show off your organisational skills!
Your CV should contain all of the following information: - Name - Address - Telephone (mobile and landline) - Email - Date of Birth - Marital Status - Nationality - Visa Status - Education - Qualifications - Work experience - Previous positions held - Personal information like interests, skills (keep to a minimum)
Stand out from the crowd! Without being over the top, employers love to see someone different and unique. With over 60 million people in the UK and 8 million of them in this wonderful city, you need to be on top of your game throughout the entire interview process. Prove to them why you are the best person for the job! - Dress Smart - Keep your hair tidy - Use only a small amount of perfume / cologne. You don’t want to smell like you work in The Perfume Shop - For men, it’s best to shave just before you go - Don’t be shy!
Sell yourself Think of yourself as an item for sale. What makes you special? Why will you work well for them? There if a fine line between cockiness and being cleaver about this. Always talk positive and tell the interviewer why you are perfect for the job. Remember to answer the question asked. Don’t start telling the interviewer about your experience with animals in Kenya, when they are asking about your experience in an office setting.
Put yourself in their shoes Talk about the role and how you are the perfect fit. Stay positive and discuss any common ground or interests you share. Do not talk about how the company should change or improve during this first meeting. It is unprofessional, and probably a bit insulting to your interviewer. Once you secure the job, then you should express any further opinions.
Where to start? There are hundreds of job agencies across London and the UK. Here are some of the best websites to upload your CV. All you need to do now is sit back and wait for the calls to come in. www.jobsite.co.uk www.londonjobs.co.uk www.gumtree.com www.reed.co.uk www.monster.co.uk When you have the patience and drive, sit yourself in front of a computer and create a profile on these sites. Then search the thousands of jobs online, in every category. All careers will be different in wages, but as a general rule you should be expecting to start a job at £17-26k You’ve got the job! Now that you have a job, let’s make it legal for you to work, receive salary, and pay taxes within the United Kingdom. At this point, your employer will want to know your National Insurance Number.
Bound community
Peter Huntley Toronto, Canada
London
is the most exciting
city in the world!
There is literally something for everyone and, contrary to popular belief, it doesnt always rain and is rarely foggy! Work hard, party hard, and enjoy this incredible city!
National Insurance
l
When
you come to work in the UK, you have to register for a National Insurance (NI) number. Once employed, your taxes are organised by your National Insurance contributions. This is VERY important. If you do NOT have an NI number when you begin getting paid, the UK will take approximately 49% of your salary. This number shrinks to only around 22%, but will differ from person to person with your income, once your NI number is set up. NI is a system of taxes and related social security benefits in the United Kingdom. National Insurance is used by Inland Revenue for identification purposes, and also registers you for eligibility for free hospital and general doctor services. You cannot obtain an NI number until you have commenced work, at which time you will need to contact your local department for Work and Pensions to apply for your NI number. This will either involve an interview or via post if organised though one of our BoundPacks. NI interviews are set up by appointment. These usually need to be scheduled by a minimum of 6-8 weeks before work. UK-Bound understands that this may be a bit confusing and inconveniencing. Our services can books your appointment or have your postal application ready for your arrival in the UK, allowing you time to get settled in your new life. That way, all you have to do is show up!
You will be required to provide two forms of identification from the list below: - Current valid passport - Full driving licence - UK Resident Permit - Marriage Certificate - Utility bill – paid in your name for the last quarter - Local authority rent card or Council Tax bill - Printed wage slips from current employer - Full or short birth certificates - Life assurance or insurance policies - Bank statements dated within the last four weeks - Letter from a Solicitor, Social Worker or Probation Officer
Bound community
Justin de Villiers Cape Town, South Africa
I’ve
travelled to many different countries and experienced many different cities, from the Southern Hemisphere to the North Hemisphere. If there’s one word I can say about London, it would have to be... CRAZY. The people you meet, the places you go from dawn until dusk always something to do. I’ve been here for 2 years now and I still haven’t done it all. There’s always something going on, whether it’s the Winter Wonderland
and Christmas sales on in December, the amazing outdoors festivals in Hyde Park and the O2 or as simple as spending a day with your mates having a pint in the park on a hot summers day. London is definitely the place to be and if things get just a little too crazy you can catch a cheap flight to endless destinations throughout Europe. You just can’t beat it, well except for home.
UK Banking
One of the very first things you will need to do when organising your trip to the UK, is set up a bank account. This is essential so that you are able to accept funds from your new UK employer. There are a number of High Street banks which offer great savings and current accounts tailored at people like you. They include: - HSBC - Barclays - Lloyds TSB Setting up a bank account can be a bit of a hassle. It takes a decent amount of time to set up your account, plus you will need to provide proof of identification. As you are new to the country, this will not be the easiest of tasks. With the recent economical downturn and the tightened world security, banks are extra cautious about their customers. All of these issues can be avoided if you buy a BoundPACK with us. Your pack includes the application forms for your HSBC Passport Account. Once open, HSBC will issue you with a “chip and pin” Debit Card. This is far safer then the usual Eftpos Card banks issue in Australia & New Zealand. With this card, you are unable to sign for purchases. Instead, you must enter your unique pin number to clarify that you are the account holder. These accounts will usually have a fixed contract of 12 months and a monthly subscription of £6, but the initial deposit needed to open the account is minimal. Unlike other countries, all banks in the UK offer free cash withdrawals from most ATM (or cash) machines (excluding the odd “LINK ones”.) “Link” machines are usually located in small corner shops and charge a transaction fee around £1.95 .
Bound community
Anton Pia Sydney, Australia
London
is a cosmopolitan city! Consistently vibrant with life, there never is a dull moment, no matter what narrow lane or monstrous park you find yourself in. It is a city that rewards you with friends, entertainment, experiences and life skills. It is a dynamic city that has potential to let you escape from your day-to-day life with its bieuty. You will work in rewarding jobs that you never would have done.
You can go to your favorite bands concerts with 50,000 other Londoners on a Wednesday night, then that Thursday you will dance to the top DJ’s. It is a cozy city that lets you immerse yourself into different cultures and communities. It’s the gateway city for the active traveler with endless and cheap journeys
Just in
case!
Being in a foreign country can sometimes be a scary thought as there is always the “what if� question going through your families minds. Tell them to stress less as we are going to give you the lowdown on everything on the numbers and information you may need in the case of an emergency.
Emergency services Like in every country, the emergency services consist of three main sections fire, ambulance and police. The easiest and fastest way to contact any of them is by dialing 999 or 112 from any phone in the country. Even if you have no credit on your mobile you will still get through to the operator who will direct you to the write person. *Remember - 999 should only be call if it is a serious emergency. If you have a paper cut its best to leave that to your home medical kit. As most of you will be traveling throughout Europe when you get here, it may be a good idea to jot down 112 as there emergency number. Although this can also used in the UK, they like to keep this unknown to most people to save the confusion.
Registering at your GP It is strongly recommended that you register with your local doctor within the first month of arriving in the UK Your local doctor, also known as a general practitioner (GP), provides a wide range of services including providing advice on health problems, physical examinations, diagnosis of symptoms, and prescribing medication and other treatments. Usually a small group of GPs work together in a practice, often referred to as a surgery, clinic or health centre. You need to register with a doctor in order to obtain a National Health Service (NHS) number. This allows you to: - Receive full NHS medical services whilst you are resident in the UK - NHS medical care is free and available throughout the UK
National Health System (AKA NHS) The National Health System is the name of the publicly funded healthcare systems in the United Kingdom. The NHS provides healthcare to any resident in the United Kingdom with most services free. This is covered by your National Insurance you pay when earning money through full time work.
Across the UK you will find many walk-in center for any member of the public. There are now around 90 NHS walk-in centers throughout England that offer: - treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, - assessment by an experienced NHS nurse, - advice on how to stay healthy, - information on out-of-hours GP and dental services, - information on local pharmacy services, and - information on other local health services. At NHS walk-in centre you will see experienced health professionals who deal with minor illnesses and injuries. They do not replace local GP or hospital services but complement them. There are some variations between services offered by NHS walk-in centers across the country but normally most centers can provide services for the following: - advice on local GP and pharmacy services, - blood pressure checks, - contraceptive advice, - coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, - dressing care, - emergency contraception, - hay-fever, bites and stings, - health promotion: diet, exercise, - information on staying healthy/local services, - minor cuts and wounds - care, dressings, - muscle and joint injuries - strains and sprains, - Women’s Issues
- skin complaints - rashes, sunburn, headlice, - smoking cessation support, - stomach ache, indigestion, constipation, vomiting and diarrhea, If you are going to use one of the walk-in centers expect to wait anything from 1-3 hours to see someone as they are extremely busy 24 hours a day. The NHS also offer a telephone and web service which is great for those embarrassing illnesses! Either log onto www.NHS.uk and use there National Library for Health or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647
Bound community
Paul Abbott Brisbane, Australian
London
is the city that never stops! Having something to do any day or time of the week makes London extremely addictive to any new settler. Whilst in London, I got to experience the drama of the football in an English pub whilst sinking pints with friends, partied in some great bars and clubs and was mesmerised by the Underground’s web.
Not only this, London was a great base to travel from, with Paris just over an hour away from you for a weekender! With a city bustling with cultural diversity there is something there for everyone.
UK-BOUND’S TOP MUST SEE OR DO! ICE BAR LONDON If sitting on bear fur, holding a glass made of ice, and freezing your ears off sounds enticing, the ICE BAR LONDON should be your first night out as a tourist. Seriously, though, it is definitely an experience! About twenty people go into the ICE BAR at a time, and are monitored in shifts- so no one gets frostbite. Every customer is given a fruity-alcoholic beverage and stays for about fifteen minutes. The ICE-BARtenders aren’t even allowed to work for more than an hour straight, JUST IN CASE. This stop will set you back 15 quid, but the memories and pictures are worth it. Plus, you’ll feel like you stepped right into that Bond film with Halle Berry, and when you step back into normal temperatures, you are in central London for a fun night out! Bound Recommends: Be a full-blown tourist for a night and visit Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, & ICE BAR LONDON.
PUBS WHITE HORSE (Oxford) & CHURCHILL ARMS (London) This Oxford pub is one of the smallest, oldest, and most famous pubs in all of England. It has been named as THE locale for both Winston Churchill and U.S. President Bill Clinton- even the Twilight actor, Rob Pattinson, has said the White Horse is one of his favourite places to drink. If you were only going to visit two pubs in all of England, the
White Horse and Kensington’s Churchill Arms should be it. With the former giving every customer a cozy atmosphere and all-encompassing British feel, the latter (which is in London,) takes you to a typical Irish setting with an overly enthusiastic ‘Jerry O’Brien’ as its owner. To make the Churchill Arms, even more appealing, walk to the back of the pub and you will find yourself in a full-out Thai Restaurant. That’s right- Irish Pub and Thai Restaurant in one! The Kicker- The food is amazing! Bound Recommends: White Horse and Churchill Arms both serve London Pride on tap. Try a pint.
Portobello Market London is known for their street markets, and one of the most famous is on Portobello Road. This colourful and fun street is filled with crepe stands, antique shops, a fruit market, and souvenir stores everyday of the week (except Monday.) To avoid the overwhelming crowds and to gain the full experience, Fridays are the best days to shop on this neverending street. It is also the best day to go celebrity spotting, or see filming of some upcoming Hollywood flicks. The Julia Roberts film, Notting Hill was shot on location on this street, and if you roam around a corner, you will stumble into the Travel Book Shop from that film as well. Portobello Road market is one of the nicest places to spend a sunny day in West London. Bound Recommends: Taste a Nutella cupcake from the Hummingbird Bakery (on a Saturday only.) Camden Street Market is another popular one.
TEA PALACE On a Sunday afternoon at 3.00PM, what would you normally be doing? When it comes to British stereotypes: high tea seem to be at the top of the list. High tea isn’t as common as you’d think, but if you are going to spend the extra pounds, and experience a real ‘high tea,’ you MUST go to the Tea Palace. (It is refurbishing and moving to a new location in Central London, so it will be a hotspot when you get there!) The Tea Palace is considered one of London’s best-kept secrets, but worth every penny. With regular celebrity spottings, (Huge Grant, Kate Moss) delicious homemade scones, and hundreds of flavours to choose from- this intimate restaurant with three-tiered platters, is the perfect place to bring any family or friends for a special occasion. You can even go on their website and order yourself a sample, if you don’t want to wait. Bound Recommends: the ‘Palace Tea’ on the menu. (Go to page 43, to a read a BOUND community member’s experience here.)
CAVERN CLUB/ MATHEW STREET It’s been over fifty years since The Beatles took the stage on Mathew Street in Liverpool’s own Cavern Club, but every day hundreds of travelers visit this famous British landmark. While visiting Liverpool, I recommend you take the ‘Magical Mystery Tour,’ (only 12 pounds) and experience the Beatles’ music brought to life. You will see Strawberry Fields, their childhood homes, and even the often-stolen ‘Penny Lane’ sign.
The end of the tour, drops you off right on Mathew street, during happy hour. 1 pound pints and one of the best bands in the world. A must-do day trip! Once you are in the Cavern Club, you can choose to go to the back stage and drink in a younger scene with a fee, or watch the free band of the night, often someone with a Beatles’ cover song or two. Bound Recommends: Go on a Thursday night and see The Mersey Beatles, a true Liverpudlian Beatles’ cover band.
Directory Transport National Rails 0845 748 4950 London Travel Information 0207 222 1234 National Express (bus) 0870 580 8080 Eurostar 0870 518 6186 Rail Europe 0870 5848 848
Airlines British Airways 0870 850 9850 Air New Zealand 0800 028 4149 Qantas Airways 0845 7747 767 South African Airways 0870 747 1111 Virgin Atlantic 0870 380 2007 Continental Airlines 0800 028 3687 For Easyjet bookings visit www.easyjet.com For Ryanair bookings visit www.ryanair.com
Personal Banking HSBC Tel Banking 08457 404 404
Health NHS Direct 0845 4647 Medicentre 0870 600 0870
Utilities BT (British Telecom) 0800 800 150 British Gas (gas and electric) Thames Water 0845 9200 888 Royal Mail 0845 7740 740
Taxes Inland Revenue & Customs 0207 438 6420 National Insurance 0845 600 0643
Embassies Embassy of the United States (0)20 7499-9000 www.usembassy.org.uk Australian High Commission 0207 379 4334 www.uk.embassy.gov.au New Zealand High Commission 0207 930 8422 www.nzembassy.com South African High Commission 0207 451 7299 www.southafricahouse.com
Emergencies 999 or 112 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade
For other important contacts visit www.yell.com or call directory services on 118 118
Get in touch Australia: +61 (03) 900 55 793 New Zealand : + 64 (0) 988 99 013 USA: +1 (323) 319-2917 or by email: info@theboundgroup.com
Special thanks to Alyssa Beinhaker Visit www.careblairs.org