The Adult Stuff
Moving to the other side of the world unfortunately involves masquerading as a grown up. Here is a guide to some of the adult stuff that's been involved in my big British move.
Getting Around
In order commence the adult stuff you'll need to navigate your way around. For this I recommend the best app every invented - City Mapper. You might think Google Maps is enough, but that's like a birthday cake without icing, sprinkles and candles. If you're travelling on the Tube you can either grab an Oyster card or use your pay wave card.
https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do
If you're still not prepared for adulthood, the cost of England's trains will shock you into premature old age. Download the Trainline App and consider purchasing a rail card. The "cheapest" train tickets can be found by purchasing well ahead of your predicted travel date and travelling during off peak times.
https://www.thetrainline.com/m/
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Collect your BRP as soon as you can. This card tells people you have the right to live and work in the UK, which is quite handy when you're trying to find somewhere to live, and somewhere to work.
Sim Card
Getting a phone number was next on my list. I opted for a Pay As You Go sim from O2. I originally signed up for 2GB of data, and more texts and minutes than I'll ever use for £15 a month. I recently downgraded to 1GB of data, plus texts and minutes for £10 a month.
Other recommended phone companies are Three and GiffGaff.
Bank Account
Next comes the challenge of entering the elusive circle of needing a bank account to get an address and job, but needing a job to get an address to get a bank account. If you can, try to get stay with a friend or relative when you first arrive and have your Australian bank statement sent to that address. Just make sure it contains your full name and full address. Lloyd's wouldn't accept this proof of address, but HSBC did.
I went into a branch with my passport and proof of address. I then made an appointment to open an account about a week later. This appointment took roughly an hour.
National Insurance Number (NIN)
Next I would recommend making a phone call to obtain an NIN. An application form will be sent to your address, which you then fill in and return, along with copies of your passport and BRP. During the initial phone call you're asked why you want a NIN. You want one so you can work. You can start work without it, but you'll be emergency taxed. During the phone call you're also warned the process can take up to 6 weeks. It took about 3 weeks for me.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
Facebook Pages
While you're doing all this grown up stuff you'll inevitably be logged into Facebook scrolling past all the people who seem to have it more together than you. Amidst the self pity make sure you join the Aussies in London Facebook group and like the Kiwis in London Facebook page. Both pages provide links to jobs, places to live, and a sense that you're not the only crazy one who packed up your whole life. The pages often have ads for short term lets, which is a good option if you're not quite ready to make a long term living commitment because you don't have a job.
Work
If, like me, you're interested in the Arts, two great websites to find work are The Stage and Arts Council England. I found my character performer job at Legoland on The Stage.
Many people in London also find work in hospitality, retail, teaching and administration. Temping jobs can be found through agencies such as Vibe and Love Success.
https://www.vibeteaching.co.uk/
A Place to Call Home
Once you've decided where you'd like to locate yourself the house hunt can begin. I use the term house hunt lightly because it's more than likely you'll only be able to afford a room. Aside from the aforementioned Facebook pages you can seek a room on SpareRoom, Kangaroom and Right Move. My wishlist featured fully furnished, close to public transport and bills included.
https://kangaroom.com/rooms/gb/england/greater-london/london
National Health Service (NHS)
Now that you've hopefully discovered your dream room it's time to register with a doctor. Find an NHS GP clinic in your area, rock up, fill in some forms, and your NHS number will be sent to your address. I only rocked up to my local GP yesterday, so I'm still waiting on the final step.
http://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx
This list, although exhausting, is not exhaustive. Each day it seems like there's some more adult stuff to get done.
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