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 Thousands of young Australians head off to the UK each year on working holidays. Here is a comprehensive guide on the pleasures, pitfalls and how to go about it.
One of the most common questions I get asked by the Brits is why I came to the UK. They are baffled that so many of us leave behind the sunshine, beaches and barbecues.
For many Aussies it’s a base for travel to Europe and beyond. For others it’s the chance to expand career options and earn the pounds. For many I think it is just for the experience.
I came here for the challenge, to have adventures, see some of the world. I was planning on staying six months and have now been living in London for over three years.
Before you head off:
First, decide when you want to arrive in London, I came over at the worst time (end of October) so arrived just in time for my first northern hemisphere winter – a bit of a shock to the system. Apart from the weather there aren’t too many other factors to consider, as accommodation and jobs are readily available year round.
Next, apply for a working holiday visa through the UK in Australia Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Canberra’. Check the website for up-to-date information and current processing times. Working holiday visas are valid for two years, if you want to stay longer you will need to look at other visa options.
It's well known that setting up a bank account in the UK is not easy. I used a company called 1st contact and purchased a Kickstart London package before I left Australia. This currently costs £35 ($79AUD) and will assist you with opening a UK bank account. They have links to a number of UK banks and during a face-to-face session they will tell you exactly what you need and provide you with the forms to complete.
If you don’t have friends or family to stay with you will need to book some cheap short-term accommodation. There are hundreds of hostels and cheap hotels in London, and it is worth doing some research online and checking out reviews and photos as standards can vary.
What to expect on arrival:
When you land at Heathrow the easiest way to get into the city is the Heathrow Express. The train takes 15 minutes and a single ticket costs £16.50 ($37AUD) and will take you into Paddington in Central London.
Practical Living tips:
Depending on your specific career sector there are numerous recruitment agencies you can sign up to either for temp, contract or permanent work. You will need a National Insurance (NI) number to work in the UK (equivalent of a Tax File number in Australia).
Before you get to London, do some research into various areas of the city where you may wish to live. Transport is one of the main things to consider, proximity to a tube or train station is important. Some of the popular areas in London for Aussies and Kiwis include: Putney, Southfields, Wimbledon, Clapham, Balham, Tooting, Colliers Wood, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Acton, West Kensington, Fulham, West Hampstead, Kilburn and Golders Green. Check out the Gumtree website for rooms to rent in shared accommodation or flats.
Life in the UK:
The UK is culturally very similar to Australia and the differences are minor and quirky. You will slip into life here very easily.
There is a vast network for Australians living here including sporting and social clubs, the infamous chain of Australian bars known as the Walkabout and the fact that it won’t be long until you run into a fellow Aussie who wants to compare stories. TNT magazine will give you tonnes of ideas of events, gigs, shows, pubs and clubs to go to in the capital and travel beyond. The magazine comes out every Monday and is available outside most tube stations or available online.
Travel tips:
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Get an Oyster Card for easier and cheaper travel around London on the tube, bus and train.
- Read TNT magazine every week.
- Never turn down an invite to the pub and always get a round in.
- Be proud to be an Aussie but don’t tell everyone that Australia is so much better than the UK you will only get the response of ‘Heathrow is that way’
- Make the most of your time and travel as much as possible
- Visit the Aussie shop in Covent Garden if you are missing treats from home
- Buy International phone cards from newsagents, post office or corner shops – very good rates to call home.
- Don’t talk to people on the tube or even make eye contact.
- Do give the locals a hard time if Australia beat them at any sport.
Links
UK in Australia
Transport for London:
1st Contact
National Insurance
Gumtree
TNT Magazine
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