How do I go about living in London?

Question

I would really like to move to london only for a few years. I know I will need a passport but what about a work visa? And how I get one. Also how much money should i bring with me to get started asuming that I will have a job within 2 weeks of moving there. Also is there anything i should know about it safe parts or bad parts anything like that.

Answer 1

For visa and work permits contact the UK embassy in your country. Or look online for info, there is a lot available.

If you are not able to get a workpermit you can risk working illegal but better not do it. The jobs you get are bad, the pay is not good and there is no way to get insured for health and to get money if you are ill or have an accident.

Before you even apply for a workpermit you should have a job ready for you, (it often is a requierment but if not it is still the best thing for you,) so start job-hunting as soon as you know when you want to leave for London.
If you have a rare skill or training in a kind of job there is a shortage of in England you might have a better chance to get a working permit. (Depends on where you come from. People from some countries get a permit no trouble, others not at all.)

If you do not have a job arranged before coming do not expect to get one in just two weeks, as there are many people who want to jobs and there are not that many jobs to go around, and the people who have been there longer know better how to get the jobs.

London is an expensive town to live, and appartments are imposible to get. If you have a job lined up for you, ask your employer for the best places to start looking. If not, try to contact other foreigners in London, either from your own country or just anyone you can get to talk with you, on-line or penpal or whatever.

Cheap housing is always in the worst parts of town, safety wise, as safe parts of town can get better rent for the same quality of housing.
Hostels are the first, short term, choice for most people moving to town, as you know what you are going to pay.
Some people share a three room appartment between a lot of people, like 15, (the people I met shared it with 30, but half always were travelling.)

Life in London is expensive, so save as much as you can before coming over, and expect to need at least 30 pound a day at this moment, that will leave you no money for sightseeing and fun, and it is only if you can stay in a cheap hostel or with friends. Costs can go up, so before coming talk with people who live in London, the kind of life you want or expect to get.