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Topic: What to do when you get there  (Read 1490 times)

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What to do when you get there
« on: October 21, 2008, 04:20:07 AM »
Okay, so I'm trying to compile a to-do list for when we arrive in England (November 19!!).  So far, this is what I've got:

-Get cell phones
-Get a bank account
-Find a house
-Sign up for council tax, utilities, etc.
-Find a job for my husband
-Find a GP and midwife and register with NHS

And then I kind of ran out.  I know there's stuff I'm missing.  So for those of you who have been there done that, what were the essentials for you to do upon arrival in the UK?  Or if you're a planner like me, what's on your list?
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10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
10/14/08: Biometrics done (as a walk-in a day early)
10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
10/16/08: Application received by courier and delivered to Chicago consulate
10/20/08: Called courier to ask about delays, told it was approved!!
10/21/08: Visa in hand.  Date issued 10/18/08
11/19/08: Flight to Leeds!
3/18/14: Checking service appointment for naturalisation
4/19/14: Naturalisation approved
5/15/14: Citizenship ceremony

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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2008, 05:55:14 AM »
The bank account will probably come last on your list.  You can't get one without an address, utility bills with an address, etc.
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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2008, 06:00:08 AM »
Oh, I know.  I don't have it in order yet, haha.  All I know is that cell phones should probably be first so we can have contact numbers for looking for houses/jobs.  I've already resigned myself to the fact that getting a bank account will probably like pulling teeth!
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10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
10/14/08: Biometrics done (as a walk-in a day early)
10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
10/16/08: Application received by courier and delivered to Chicago consulate
10/20/08: Called courier to ask about delays, told it was approved!!
10/21/08: Visa in hand.  Date issued 10/18/08
11/19/08: Flight to Leeds!
3/18/14: Checking service appointment for naturalisation
4/19/14: Naturalisation approved
5/15/14: Citizenship ceremony

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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2008, 11:25:14 AM »
We had no problem in opening a bank account.  We were lucky in that we found a flat the day after we arrived (it was our first priority) and the landlord allowed us to setup the direct debit afterwards while paying cash up front for the deposit and first month's rent.  From there, we opened our bank account, set up a telephone line with BT, setup our broadband (we didn't want to do the all-inclusive packages like Sky or Virgin because they were generally more expensive than what we wanted/needed).  We had rented a car to get our luggage from the hostel to our flat and then used it to our advantage by going shopping @ IKEA (as well as a few of the supermarkets).  We then registered with a GP and NHS.  We're still waiting for replies for council tax as well as utilities.
Oh, and we also got power cords for our computers so that we can plug them in.  There are places in the US which sell these cords for a good bit cheaper than what you'll pay here (I saw one which sold each cord for $2).  I found it easier to use a different cord in the UK rather than an adapter.
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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2008, 11:39:46 AM »
There's a really useful book called Living and Working in Britain that has great checklists of things to do once you get here. Get down to your local bookstore and have a leaf through it!  :)
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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2008, 04:13:41 PM »
Awesome, thanks for the recommendation!  Every time I go into a bookstore I look for relevant books, but most are about just traveling or are very specific to London.  Thanks again!
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10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
10/14/08: Biometrics done (as a walk-in a day early)
10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
10/16/08: Application received by courier and delivered to Chicago consulate
10/20/08: Called courier to ask about delays, told it was approved!!
10/21/08: Visa in hand.  Date issued 10/18/08
11/19/08: Flight to Leeds!
3/18/14: Checking service appointment for naturalisation
4/19/14: Naturalisation approved
5/15/14: Citizenship ceremony

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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2008, 08:12:42 PM »
Don't forget that you will need some time to deal with jet lag!

Especially if you have a multi-legged flight. 
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Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2008, 08:15:15 PM »
We're staying in a hotel till we find a house, so that's no help.  I think my brother-in-law would let us use his address for mail, but I don't know if that's breaking the rules-- if there's one thing I've learned from all this, it's to be legitimate the whole way!
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10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
10/14/08: Biometrics done (as a walk-in a day early)
10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
10/16/08: Application received by courier and delivered to Chicago consulate
10/20/08: Called courier to ask about delays, told it was approved!!
10/21/08: Visa in hand.  Date issued 10/18/08
11/19/08: Flight to Leeds!
3/18/14: Checking service appointment for naturalisation
4/19/14: Naturalisation approved
5/15/14: Citizenship ceremony

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  • Location: West London & Slough!
Re: What to do when you get there
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2008, 04:17:50 PM »
Hi there,

Get a Pay as You Go internet dongle from 3.

Instant broadband access - no contracts or hassle like that. I 'think' the £49 special offer to buy the dongle is still around...

Walk out the shop, plug into PC/Laptop, install software, press connect and literally I'd say within 3-4 minutes you will be online.

I'd say it's invaluable for newly arrived immigrants to help with all the stuff you have your list and more !

Cheers, Dennis! West London & Slough UK!
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