Brits - advice!

[Calienta]

I have a question for you Brits ...

I'm still debating moving to London/Edinburgh and setting down roots for a little while. I am also debating Northern Ireland (because my visa is for UK only). This will likely be in a year or so, once my life is at a good place for me to do so (money-wise, dog-wise, etc).

I had a few questions.

Firstly, what is the job market like in either location? I have Canadian credentials to be a travel agent or interior decorator, and will have 4-5 years of experience to do anything administration-related.

Secondly, housing? Specifically, housing with a small dog? I have Preston (my Boston Terrier) and I can't just leave him in Canada with my parents. I'd miss him :( I'd prefer something that has a small backyard (garden to you guys :P) for easy in and out, but that's not mandatory ... just preferable. I would be renting, not buying. Also, I understand there is something called flat-sharing, and while I would do this if I had no other choice, I really really don't want to. So what are the prices like as compared to income? And how do you go about getting approved to rent, would it be dangerous to just show up one day and expect to get something within a week?

Thirdly, areas to avoid? I'm thinking London or Edinburgh but are there specific areas in either of those cities that you want to steer clear of? Alternatively, what are great areas for a single girl to set up shop? And what about in Ireland?

I'm trying to get my researching done early because if it looks like I shouldn't go to the UK, I will go somewhere else. I'm just at a point where I need to make a drastic change - step out of my comfort zone ... And go do something with my life.

Thanks.

[Grendel]

The dog is going to be a problem, you're going to have to look into the rules on importation/quarantine. I think Canada is on the list of countries where you can bring the animal in provided it has a pets passport... If not, you're looking at something like 6 months in quarantine.

This website will help you (http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm)

Edit: When I say you're looking at 6 months in quarantine of course I mean the dog is. I was in no way making aspersions about you!

[Calienta]

Yeah don't worry about the quarantine - I have that already sorted. He won't need it, my vet and I will follow the rules to the T. This is why I'm aiming for the UK and not New Zealand right away - he'd be quarantined in NZ coming from Canada ... but if I'm in the UK for 6 months minimum THEN go directly to NZ ... He won't need to be quarantined :) Sneaky sneaky...

[Kat]

I don't know about London, Edinburgh or Northern Ireland, so I don't know how useful this is going to be, but I've worked in admin for a couple of years and I've been renting for quite a while.

I've done temping through agencies (which can also get you a permanent job) and if you've got good typing/data entry/ms program skills you shouldn't have a problem getting a fairly decently paid job (£7-9/hour, £16000+/year). Mind you that's not in London so availability might be lower and pay should be higher (and will obviously be higher anywhere if you manage to find something using your specific skills). I'd sign up with agencies before you arrive if possible and be prepared to hassle them on a daily basis because they tend to be quite good once you've worked for them a couple of times, but before that you can get ignored. I only know of a couple of national agencies: I've found Westaff to be pretty good and Office Angels to be pretty crap

Renting wise I live in a town that's fairly expensive, but still much cheaper than London. Here a 1 bed flat will cost £450/month, but if you want somewhere with a garden you'll probably have to go up to £600. Most landlords won't let you keep pets. I expect you could find something within a week, but yes it is dangerous- you would probably end up with an overpriced shithole and it'd be very hard to find somewhere that'd let you have the dog. I'd suggest staying in a youth hostel while you look - you can get fairly decent rooms in a lot of them - I think some have single rooms - although again the dog might be a problem. I'd say that if you're moving to a new country flat/house-sharing might be a nice way to meet people - and there are lots of websites where you can chat to people first- is there a particular reason why you don't fancy this? Rooms in a house are £300+ a month here; again, I don't know about London etc, sorry!

Be careful about the area you move to if you decide on Northern Ireland. As far as I know things are on a pretty even keel there at the moment, and generally it's no more dangerous than anywhere else, but there are some areas (especially in Belfast I think) that still have a lot of problems, but I don't know which ones - sorry!

Like I said, don't know how much use this will be and hopefully someone will reply with more specific information, but since they haven't yet thought I'd give you my perspective. Let me know if you think there's any other info I might have which will be of use to you. Good luck!

[TraPStaR]

I have a question for you Brits ...

I'm still debating moving to London/Edinburgh and setting down roots for a little while. I am also debating Northern Ireland (because my visa is for UK only). This will likely be in a year or so, once my life is at a good place for me to do so (money-wise, dog-wise, etc).

I had a few questions.

Firstly, what is the job market like in either location? I have Canadian credentials to be a travel agent or interior decorator, and will have 4-5 years of experience to do anything adminstration-related.

Secondly, housing? Specifically, housing with a small dog? I have Preston (my Boston Terrier) and I can't just leave him in Canada with my parents. I'd miss him :( I'd prefer something that has a small backyard (garden to you guys :P) for easy in and out, but that's not mandatory ... just preferable. I would be renting, not buying. Also, I understand there is something called flat-sharing, and while I would do this if I had no other choice, I really really don't want to. So what are the prices like as compared to income? And how do you go about getting approved to rent, would it be dangerous to just show up one day and expect to get something within a week?

Thirdly, areas to avoid? I'm thinking London or Edinburgh but are there specific areas in either of those cities that you want to steer clear of? Alternatively, what are great areas for a single girl to set up shop? And what about in Ireland?

I'm trying to get my researching done early because if it looks like I shouldn't go to the UK, I will go somewhere else. I'm just at a point where I need to make a drastic change - step out of my comfort zone ... And go do something with my life.

Thanks.

move with me to Aussie... its nicer there :P

[Zeus]

I think Motherfucker lives in Northern Ireland and Mad Bastard is a housing manager in England. They would probably help you out in answers.

[Calienta]

Great I'll wait for their replies:)

And thanks Kat - that was great advice. I will definitely sign on with temping agencies. I have a lot of experience that should get me a good placement within admin. Troubles me about the dog - but don't people in England have dogs? :P Or do all the dog owners own their house as well?

Also, about the flatsharing ... I'm a really private person and I also like things to be just so ... I can see myself getting really fed up if someone doesn't clean their dishes or wash the bathroom or something lol. My brother has two roomies who were strangers initially and he wants out, he got the shit end of the stick with those two.

PS: Trapstar: I may go to Aussie at some point :P

[Mikey:)]

I'd say 95% of landlords use the line no smokers/pets, finding a small place or house share that allows pets will be very difficult. If you have a look on www.gumtree.com you can have a look at whats available to rent in most parts of the uk. You will pay ridiculous rents in London, be warned!

[Smash Bros]

aussie is awsome if your coming here then let us all know. :P

[Calienta]

haha okay Smash - but I'm NOT babysitting :)

Mikey: Most landlords here say no pets either, but it's also against the law to discriminate against a renter based on pets. Sooo .. I could get the place, pretend I don't have a dog, and then bring him in sneakily lol. IF the law is the same. Or else I could hope to woo the landlord into letting me have Preston?

[NKVD]

I think Motherfucker lives in Northern Ireland and Mad Bastard is a housing manager in England. They would probably help you out in answers.

When seeking advice about moving to another part of the world, it's best to get advice from people known as 'motherfucker' and 'mad bastard'. :hehe: :hehe:

Sorry I can't resist sniggering at our handles sometimes!

[Adras]

Hahaha. I wish I could be of help here. I recommend looking to the Chelsea area if London. Don't know much abotu Edinburgh.

I found this about London Suburbs...this is inside the belt that is.


This whole site looks rife with information that could be very helpful to you. Have a look around. I may not be from the UK but I can use google just as well. :D Hope I helped.

[odd th0mas]

somebody actually wants to immigrate INTO the UK!!!! LMAO! That is frickin' classic! never thought i'd live long enough to witness this $h!+. :grin:

[Tca]

move with me to Aussie... its nicer there :P

i second this

if you don't mind living in the country, i have a nice house, 4 bedrooms only 2 are taken sooooooooo :hehe:

dogs very welcome and $100 rent a fornight will be fine :D

[HellRaiser]

Often times places ya think would be a good change ends up a nightmare.
The last thing ya want to do is pack your bags and move somewhere to start over you have no clue about.
Why don't ya just take a month off and go travel there and experience it to see if it will be right for you first?
Then you got plenty of time to see if any jobs suit ya and if the pay is okay.
You can get to to know the landscape and housing/apt, etc is decent enough and affordable.
Meet some people in the process and get all the scoop of good and bad area's.
Then you can make a solid informed choice before making an life altering change.

Because currently, you have a real good paying job with great benefits and retirement package.
You live at home, which is a huge benefit for savings too.

Maybe? If ya want a change of pace or fresh start, hell there are tons of places in your own Country where
it wouldn't be such a rough time to start over muchless going through all the red tape and politics, yes/no?

[odd th0mas]

i can see anybody wanting to bail on a country that charges 24-30 bills for a case of their own home grown BEER!!!

[Rexel]

Be careful about the area you move to if you decide on Northern Ireland. As far as I know things are on a pretty even keel there at the moment, and generally it's no more dangerous than anywhere else, but there are some areas (especially in Belfast I think) that still have a lot of problems, but I don't know which ones - sorry!



Just on reference to this point cali - Nothern Ireland and specifically Belfast is certainly no more dangerous than anywhere else in fact it is maybe a little less so. In general the people here are very welcoming.


All citys have their problems but Belfast is as safe as London or Glasgow or any other city you can think of. Living close to Belfast and commuting is probably relatively cheap in comparison to London and southern England but wages would be lower.

Certainly do not discount Belfast because of any fear of the past troubles - you will will never see anything worse than a few artistic murals on walls or possibly the odd band march in our summer 'silly season' and pretty much most of Northern Ireland is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

[Calienta]

Okay that's good to know about Belfast - thanks :)

And Thomas - I don't drink beer so the cheap case prices don't apply to me!

Adras: I don't see a link in your post? I can use google just as well, but I like to hear personal experiences :P

HR ... I know I've got it good right now, but it's so BORING! I'm dissatisfied, unhappy ... I want a change. I think taking a month to visit and experience the location is a great idea - it's something I'll definitely think about. I have a job offer to work up by Yellowknife at a resort for 4 months, which I would take except what's holding me back is I wouldn't be able to bring my dog.

And Jesse ... That offer is extremely tempting :P

[Dai]

Some wise advice from everyone so far, and mostly mine would be the same.

You know I'm from Edinburgh, so can talk mostly about that.

Did go out with a girl from Fermanagh though so been to Northern Ireland and Belfast many a time, and can totally confirm what Rexel said, great place, friendly people, never had trouble there myself.

Not rented for a while in Edinburgh but I think £250-350 for a room would be fairly standard, and again maybe £450 to 600 for one bedroom flat. If wanting private garden more?

It all depends on the area, condition and size of flat/room of course.

I don't know detailed wage structure for what you do, but friends of mine who have done temping were getting about £10-12 grand a year, e.g. working for the big insurance companies (Standard Life, Scottish Widows big employers) so the margin to live on if you had a one bedroomed flat would be limited.

Difficult to be prescriptive about areas. Areas I've lived in and liked - Marchmont, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Newington. I stayed in Gorgie (not brilliant, but definitely acceptable) and Meadowbank (fine area, bit cheaper) and currently in Corstorphine (nice, but about 5 miles outside centre of town). Personally I would avoid the more downmarket areas - Craigmillar, Pilton, Muirhouse, Wester Hailes, Sighthill - maybe I'm a snob, lol, but I really don't think someone coming all the way from Canada would get a proper impression of what a fun city this can be to live in when in those areas.

I'll await the beating from the Neds now, :cheeky:

[Calienta]

Thanks David:)

And what about the medical secretaries in your clinic, what do they get paid?

[Dai]

£11,000 a year, I think. They're often complaining to me, lol.

Definitely possible to get more than that quite quickly though. Both my sisters did temping and both reached the dizzy heights of £13000 basic within 3 months. And there's always the option of doing one job day and supplementing with a bit of bar work couple of nights.

[odd th0mas]

i can't imagine anybody wanting to live north of the 50 degree lattitude! in jus a few years the UK's main domicile will be an igloo....cheap rent tho! :grin:

ever consider moving south where the sun shines? a little color to your complection(?) would do you good! (H)

[Calienta]

New Zealand is next on the list, but I have to have my dog in the UK for 6 months before he can come to NZ with me and not be quarantined :) Stupid law.

[Kat]

Just on reference to this point cali - Nothern Ireland and specifically Belfast is certainly no more dangerous than anywhere else in fact it is maybe a little less so. In general the people here are very welcoming.
What I wrote on this subject was 2nd hand and a year or so out of date - I should have made that clearer, sorry. Hope I didn't cause any offence! :)

[So Warped]

Difficult to be prescriptive about areas. Areas I've lived in and liked - Marchmont, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Newington. I stayed in Gorgie (not brilliant, but definitely acceptable) and Meadowbank (fine area, bit cheaper) and currently in Corstorphine (nice, but about 5 miles outside centre of town). Personally I would avoid the more downmarket areas - Craigmillar, Pilton, Muirhouse, Wester Hailes, Sighthill - maybe I'm a snob, lol, but I really don't think someone coming all the way from Canada would get a proper impression of what a fun city this can be to live in when in those areas.

I'll await the beating from the Neds now, :cheeky:

You would struggle to get a nice one bedroom in Central-ish London for less than £1,000.
£1,000 in Central edinburgh would get you a nice 2 bed with castle views.
You could always try Glasgow where £1,000 will get you your own castle with moat and guards.

[Buckledmac]

You would struggle to get a nice one bedroom in Central-ish London for less than £1,000.
£1,000 in Central edinburgh would get you a nice 2 bed with castle views.
You could always try Glasgow where £1,000 will get you your own castle with moat and guards.

if rep was still available to give, that post would of earned it LOL

ive been to edinburgh quite a few times i love it there, great people, beautiful place and fantastic nightlife too(Y)

[Dai]

LOL, although it was not clear from your post that that was to buy the castle in Glasgow

:cheeky:

[Calienta]

You would struggle to get a nice one bedroom in Central-ish London for less than £1,000.
£1,000 in Central edinburgh would get you a nice 2 bed with castle views.
You could always try Glasgow where £1,000 will get you your own castle with moat and guards.

Moat and guards! Do the guards wear those furry tall hats and not move a muscle?

[Ridgeback]

You would struggle to get a nice one bedroom in Central-ish London for less than £1,000.
£1,000 in Central edinburgh would get you a nice 2 bed with castle views.
You could always try Glasgow where £1,000 will get you your own castle with moat and guards and your own stalker called Steff!.

That's better, I corrected it for you

[Calienta]

That makes it all the better, Ridge .... :w00t:

[Adras]

Haha. ^ Ridge

Sorry Cali. Other forum :D.
I figured as much just figured I would throw that out there.
It was just a link to the Relocation Bureau. Not sure what that is. They seemed to have alot of information about market prices, apartment and housing renting etc.

[Calienta]

hehe yes thanks I saw it :D

But MF has pretty much sold me on Belfast ... Sounds sweet.

[steff]

Choose Glasgow as a last resort, it's a shitehole.

[JaiJai]

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[Grendel]

New Zealand is next on the list, but I have to have my dog in the UK for 6 months before he can come to NZ with me and not be quarantined :) Stupid law.

Does Canada or the US suffer from rabies? France does so it's a rather sensible law IMO.

[Calienta]

No we're on the 'controlled' list. If we did have a rabies problem, we'd have a 6 month quarantine period to look forward to.

JJ - a friend of mine teaches in Korea, another in Japan. They both love it, and both wanted me to go but that feels too drastic for me ... I wouldn't understand the language, etc etc ... I'm not wanting THAT huge of a change heheh. But thanks :)