Want to realize my dream of living for a while in England-How do I get started?

For years I have always wanted to spend some time in England. Unfortunately I am at the end of my college career, having wished that I would have applied to a study abroad (but that is no longer an option). However, in a few years time I would like to briefly move to England for about a year or so. I will have a B.A. in English and have career experience in various office settings (computers, customer service, receptionist, phones, filing, etc.). How could I go about realizing my dream of living in England? Ideas for jobs, renting a room, etc.? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just joined this forum today, and look forward to reading other peoples experiences and the various articles that are posted.

Thank you,
- Amber

Hi Amber!
Welcome to UKY!

I think the best way would be to continue your education and get a student visa. Unless you have a Master's Degree, you wouldn't qualify for a Tier 1 Visa.
Perhaps you can look into BUNAC www.bunac.org.

Hope this helps!

Welcome again!

Have you considered getting a master's degree in the UK?  It's expensive but a student visa is probably your best bet.  It's very difficult to get a visa that will allow you to work in the UK unless you have very specific and in-demand skills.

I think the best way would be to continue your education and get a student visa. Unless you have a Master's Degree, you wouldn't qualify for a Tier 1 Visa.

Actually that's not true any more.  As of April, a masters is no longer a requirement for Tier 1, but the earnings threshold for those with only a BA has been raised really high. 

Actually that's not true any more.  As of April, a masters is no longer a requirement for Tier 1, but the earnings threshold for those with only a BA has been raised really high. 

Oooh, thanks for the update! What's the earning threshold?

Oooh, thanks for the update! What's the earning threshold?

If you have only a bachelors the earning thresholds are £40,000 (for under 30 years of age - it used to be £26,000 for those under 28 with a bachelors!), £55,000 (30-34 years), £65,000 (35-39 years) and £75,000 (40 years or over)

If you have a masters, the corresponding earnings are £35,000 (under 30 years), £50,000 (30-34 years), £55,000 (35-39 years) and £65,000 (40 years or over).

I just played around with the calculator, and it looks like for salary, the points are:

0 points for less than 25,000
5 points for 25,000 to 29,999
15 points for 30,000 to 34,999
20 points for 35,000 to 39,999
25 points for 40,000 to 49,999
30 points for 50,000 to 54,999
35 points for 55,000 to 64,999
40 points for 65,000 to 74,999
45 points for 75,000 to 149,999
75 points for over 150,000

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator

Welcome to UKY! I hope you do find a way to make your dream of living in the UK for a while a reality. It is tough, but hopefully you can find a way to make it happen. It's always very disillusioning to find out how hard it is to get a visa, but the people here are very friendly and will answer any questions you have about the process. Good luck!

Hello and welcome!  Definitely look into bunac.  While it is only 6 months, and that's only half the time you're thinking, it may allow the day to day life stuff that you're looking to experience, but also give you a bit more freedom to travel around the country a bit.