Moving to London

Hi there!

It's time.

I have lived in the Netherlands for most of my life, where I studied anthropology, got my degree, started a business with a friend and... well, I am at my wits end really.

Everything goes well, but I feel like I am doing just okay.

I have always wanted to move and after following a few courses at the art academy over here, I figured I might as well try my luck elsewhere, and do what I dreamed of doing.

But, I have no idea where to start. I speak English (I believe I speak and write it well), I have a bachelor's degree in anthropology and I spent a few years as a programmer/ graphic designer for our small business. So, I am pretty confident about my skills but I would still like to know where I can find a (simple) job and put my skills to good use 'easily.' Any sites? I found a few but I am not sure whether they're good sites. I was thinking about working in a bookshop maybe, and look for graphic design jobs later on, or by hanging out in the bar.

Also, I have saved a little money and I could- essentially -get on a boat, spend a few weeks in a hostel and look for a place and job locally. I have a few Scottish and British friends, but can't crash anywhere near London. I have a Dutch passport, so, technically, I am (Northern) European; does that make any difference? Is it easier to move to London or another big city as a EU citizen? I've heard it can still be difficult to move to the UK because of immigration issues.

I was also wondering about language proficiency. At my university we had to take a language proficiency test before we could start our master's degree (I started but decided to move , does a test like that come in handy when applying for jobs? Is it mandatory? I regularly speak English and I come from an American background (partially at least), so I figured it's not necessary to take the test. In the Netherlands this stuff is mandatory, and not speaking Dutch means it's nearly impossible to find a job.

Well, basically I worry about a job and housing. That's all.

What is the best course of action? I'd love to hear some answers and ideas! And about your experiences of course !

Thanks!

Wout

[ Edit: Edited on 25-Feb-2014, at 17:37 by sammaas1988 ]

I'm no expert but I think you just walk in and apply for jobs. There's no English competence test, no work permits for an eu citizen, just put your cv on some job websites and be prepared for some interviews.

You have to prove that you have the right to live and work in the UK - but your Dutch passport should cover that.

The job market in London is super-competitive. But there are jobs out there, you might just have to apply for quite a few before you get one, and be prepared to do something that isn't a dream job for a little while to get started.

Housing is quite pricey too. I would make sure you've saved up enough to get by for maybe 3 or 4 months before moving, if possible, to avoid any problems if things don't go your way.