UK or bust!!!

[Lost in Transition]

I am, after four years of just talking, trying to move to London (or Dublin, or Edinburgh). I am on a journey of self discovery and adventure (see my introduction post :? ) and I feel this is an important step. I am wanting to move for three months to a year, returning for my first Burning Man! I am finding that without a huge savings account (or a savings account period) this is a challenging task. If anyone has any suggestions or stories of how they were able to do an extended overseas trip, I would love to hear your stories or suggestions. How to get a job, cheep accommodation's, getting around, etc.

Thank You :D

Feel free to take the poll if you feel one choice would be better than another.

[theCryptofishist]

My sister lives in England as the wife of one and mother of two more citizens. It's been tough, she's been shut out of a lot of work, for instance, as Commonwealth and EU citizens get first crack. When I was in Europe last year both the pound and the euro were strong against the dollar. We don't know what's happening in this economy--apparently Europe and China are very tied to us by trade and maybe emotionally--that their economies are weak too. Which tends to mean that more nativist tensions will express themselves.

I just googled "flat rental, london" and the first site I checked did not have any bedsits (studio apartments) in the whole damn city.

I don't really know what that means, and I don't want to do any more legwork for you, but it does not seem promising.

[Lost in Transition]

Thank you for the insight, I am running into similar information in my research. However where there is a will there is a way.

[gyre]

If you have any special skills, you might find work and lodging from that.

I was urged by some burners from Holland to find a squat in Amsterdam.

I hope you realize how big London is.
It is beyond comprehension for most americans.
I don't run into a lot of people speaking engilsh either.

[Artemis]

Is there some area of study that you could do in UK? That way you can plug into a community where you can find places to rent that are a little more affordable. It would also let you have a "trial" living arrangement to see what it's like to live there.

I have a few friends that have gone to school in Oxford or London and later were able to apply for work permits. I did a graduate degree in London recently where I was there for a few days ever other month. I echo Cryptofishist's sentiments. It is REALLY expensive to live there. Most things cost the same nominal price while the pound is twice the real value.

Nonetheless, I applaud your view that "while there's a will, there's a way". If you want to make it work, I'm sure you can do it. Might as well give it a try.

Another thought - one of my friends is living in London for the next 6 weeks having swapped her apartment with someone in UK who wanted to live in the states for 6 weeks. Could you swap your place? That might make this more manageable.

[Sail Man]

I don't really know what that means, and I don't want to do any more legwork for you, but it does not seem promising.

[theCryptofishist]

I don't really know what that means, and I don't want to do any more legwork for you, but it does not seem promising.

:shock: :lol:

glad someone noticed.

[Lost in Transition]

Sorry if this post came off as lazy :( I was just trying explore every angle to help expedite the process. Thank you to everyone that has posted feedback. I am finding that I may just have to save up and then stay at hostels and couch surf for the three months I would be allowed to stay without a work visa.

TY