(no subject)
So my UK visa finally came through! I'll be working on my master's degree in London starting in September.
Of course now I have to start thinking about packing and getting all of my finances in order, which brings me to a few questions:
1. How did you choose which bank you wanted to open your checking account with (they're called current accounts in the uk, right)?
2. How common is it for places (especially ATMs) to accept credit cards that have the strip instead of the chip? I know I need to get a chip card eventually, but unless I can get a bank account before I move (and thus get a debit card) I might not have access to one for a few weeks.
3. Does anyone know of any sources other than Gumtree that are good for finding flats? I know I'm going to need to have flatmates, and I'd rather not go through a realtor if at all possible.
4. What are foods that you miss now that you're living on the other side of the pond?
5. What do you wish you had known or had done before you moved?
This will actually be my second time moving to London (I spent nine months there in university about five years ago), but this time it's for a much longer period and I don't have the safety net of a study abroad organization to help me through it, so I'm extra glad for any help you wonderful folks can offer!
Of course now I have to start thinking about packing and getting all of my finances in order, which brings me to a few questions:
1. How did you choose which bank you wanted to open your checking account with (they're called current accounts in the uk, right)?
2. How common is it for places (especially ATMs) to accept credit cards that have the strip instead of the chip? I know I need to get a chip card eventually, but unless I can get a bank account before I move (and thus get a debit card) I might not have access to one for a few weeks.
3. Does anyone know of any sources other than Gumtree that are good for finding flats? I know I'm going to need to have flatmates, and I'd rather not go through a realtor if at all possible.
4. What are foods that you miss now that you're living on the other side of the pond?
5. What do you wish you had known or had done before you moved?
This will actually be my second time moving to London (I spent nine months there in university about five years ago), but this time it's for a much longer period and I don't have the safety net of a study abroad organization to help me through it, so I'm extra glad for any help you wonderful folks can offer!