Apart from finding the right job in the UK, finding accommodation in the UK is also a high priority. Although options and prices differ, be flexible with location, as you will have more to choose from!
This ensures that when you finally arrive in the UK, you will have somewhere to stay to after your long flight. Youth hostels can be a great way of meeting new friends who may also be on the lookout for finding accommodation in the UK.
If you have family in the area, now is the time to call them and secure yourself a place on their couch for a few days! Moving to a new country is often a time when we connect with long-lost friends or family members.
Renting a place by yourself can be difficult when you move to the UK, as real estate agents often want a guarantor (UK resident and home owner) or 6 months rent upfront. Instead, think about renting a room in an established flat or house. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends, and you can often move in relatively quickly. Most flats are fully furnished in the UK, although you may need to provide bedding and kitchenware.
Use this search tool to find out which areas in the UK have the cheapest rent.
Bring any references you have from past landlords to demonstrate that you will be a good tenant. Make sure you have a deposit ready (usually the equivalent of a month’s rent) and be sure to act fast when you find the right place – good places get snapped up quickly.
It is not a good idea to commit to long-term arrangements that you have not seen before you arrive. The place may not meet your expectations or have antisocial neighbours, or be too far from public transport.
There are also many great websites you can use to find your own place or a spare room. These include:
Living in the right place can make or break your overseas working holiday, so give yourself plenty of time to research all your options!
