Working While in grad school

Hello,

I just started grad school in the UK. I know I need to apply for a National Insurance Number. Any idea on how long the process takes? I haven't even started looking for jobs yet, but I'm hesitant to even bother if I don't have the National Insurance Number. Thanks!

I actually started working without my NIN and did the application after.  I had more taxes taken out (I think) until I got my number...but the process didn't take too long.  I had to go to Taunton (I lived in Exeter) to do the interview.  It took me maybe an hour at the most.  Then I just had to wait for the card to arrive in the mail.  Maybe a week or two?

The longest wait, actually, is getting an appointment for the initial paperwork.