My dear fellow old timers,
time flies on my end. I left US on the first day of my visa validity date (may 31st), and arrived to UK on June 1st. Going through UK immigration was unbeliavably easy. The lady scanned visa, stamped it with arrival date and welcomed me to UK. No questions asked! I thought I had to go to police to register but they informed me, it is not required in my case.
I booked a hotel one block from my employers office for 4 weeks (did not know how soon I would rent a house) and needless to say, the hotel was a rip off, something like 1400 GBP for 4 weeks, I did get half of it back sine I stayed there only 2 weeks.
The next day upon arrival I went to sign my contract and with the copy of it I went to Barcleys to open bank accounts. It should have been much more diificult, since I did not have residential address nor did I know anyone who could help with accomodations. It did help that I had a job and the branch manager opened bank accounts with companys buisiness adsress. She warned me that I would need to find residence within 30 days or they would close the account. Anyways, a week later I found an empty house close to the office and signed a one year lease. Went back to the bank and changed the address. Getting National Insurance number was also easer than other people's stories. I was prepared for a lot of hassle, but when I called the guy in Glasgow got it done the same day and I got the letter with the number within another week.
So, I was all settled within 3 weeks of arrival with all administrative little things. I am now waiting for all household goods and furniture that my wife will ship from US. She is finishing her Masters and will join me in December.
Bottomline, I had to cough up around 700 gbp for hotel and 2500 gbp for first month rent and deposit.
So, if anyone is coming to UK and does not know a soul, it can be quite expensive.
