After Arriving on Spouse Visa?

I did a search on this board and the closest topic was last commented on in December - though I swear I've seen something more up to date, just can't find it. If there is something more up to date or if someone could point me in the correct direction, that'd be great!

I'm a planner and I like to make lists, so what's the first thing you did/should do when you arrive in the UK on a spouse visa?

So far, this is what I've come up with:
1. Get NI number
2. Get provisional license
3. Get on electoral roll (DH suggested this, but I thought I read somewhere that you can't do this until citizenship)
4. Get bank account

Anyone want to add to the list or give a list of their own?

You can't get on the electoral roll until you're a citizen.

You can't get on the electoral roll until you're a citizen.

Just what I thought.

My list also includes:
1)registering for the NHS and a GP
2)get added to the Council tax bill
and 3)find a vet (but I don't think you are bringing a pet)

edited for a typo

-Get yourself on utility bills.  Need several in both or either of your names.-this is for ILR documentation.
-Save everything official that comes in either or both your names (NHS letters, letters for appointments for vets, letters from the council, letters from your MP, bills, bank statements, etc)
-Introduce yourself to a few potential citizenship referees.  Although an American can be used for the "professional" one, it's good to be redundant with them in case something happens with one or more of your first picks. (More at the UKBA site scroll down to Section 5).


ETA: The list you originally found is very much relevant to most people arriving on spouse visas or just getting their FLR.  Like most things on this forum, it doesn't fall out of date in a few months unless there are major shake-ups.

You can't get on the electoral roll until you're a citizen.

You can put a note about not being a citizen on your credit report, though -- that helps in building UK credit.

You can put a note about not being a citizen on your credit report, though -- that helps in building UK credit.

Just a warning on this and YMMV, but I called to request to do this and was told that if I did, it would make it impossible to ever be approved for instant credit (ie store cards) because the report would always come up that there is a special note and it would have to be looked into.  I ended up not adding the ammendment/note and have not had any trouble getting credit or store cards.

Here's a list for UK citizens returning to the UK.

Not all these things may apply to you:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_4000140
 
I thought you might like this - tips from international students about living in Sheffield:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/100things/settlingin.php

 

Here's a list for UK citizens returning to the UK.

Not all these things may apply to you:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_4000140
 
I thought you might like this - tips from international students about living in Sheffield:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/100things/settlingin.php

 

Ooh, thanks so much! Got lots to read up on it seems 

I think there is a post somewhere about this.

Found it! http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=69901.0

The only thing that I can think to add at the minute is to find someone who meets the citizenship referee requirements (as they have to have known you for three years at the time of application!)

ETA. Link.