Postcodes explained

One of the hardest things to get your head around when in London are postcodes.

"People will find you quicker than a curry house in Brick Lane"

Once you understand what all the letters and numbers mean, you will join the millions of Londoners who speak their own crude and cryptic language. Gone are the days of giving directions, simply rattle off your postcode and people will find you quicker than a curry house in Brick Lane.

Postcodes follow a standard format: letter + (letter) + number + (number/letter) [space] number + letter + letter ... For example, a house in Willesden Green, in the North-West of London, could have the postcode NW2 7UU.

Broken down, this is:

NW - North West

2 - district in North West (there are other NW codes with different numbers, like NW10)

7UU - property location (which street and which side of the street the property is on)

London postcodes begin with a compass direction in London, then take the city or town name as their initial letter (eg. Manchester - M, Birmingham B, and so on).

Getting around town

Get a London A-Z street directory (available at all good newsagents); most Londoners have one, so you won't look like a tourist.

"If you're staying long-term you may want to get an Oyster Card, which you can keep topping "up

Invest in a good pair of walking shoes as you're going to be legging it about London. In between your urban treks, though, you've got a few options for getting to where you want to be.

The tube
Spanning 12 miles and made up of 12 colour-coded lines, the London Underground (aka the tube) is the world's oldest (1863) subterranean transport system. It will seem every bit its age, too, when your train stops mid-journey or you're left waiting on a platform (on average, there are four breakdowns an hour). Having said that, when it's running smoothly, the tube is usually the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B in London .

The cost of your ticket depends on the number of travel zones (there are six) you're going to cross. A Travelcard allows you to travel on all modes of transport — tube, bus, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and overland trains — within the zones selected. Daily, weekly, monthly or annual Travelcards are available. If you're staying long-term, you may want to get an Oyster Card, a pre-pay system which saves you having to buy Travelcards. For more information and fares, see the Transport for London website.

Buses
The red bus network is cheaper, but often slower, than the tube or train. Routes reach every corner of the capital. Night buses — with the letter 'N' before the route number — run all night. See the Transport for London website.

Taxis
Black cabs: They're as famous as London's red buses, but these days they don't only come in the black variety. You can hail them on the street — if the light is on, they're available. They're pricey, but can seat up to five people. To book, call 020-7286 0286 or see www.londonblackcabs.co.uk. Call the Public Carriage Office on 0845-602 7000 for queries.

Minicabs: These are ordinary, unmetered cars which operate as taxis. London Transport has numbers for licensed minicab firms. Book by phone or in person from the company's offices which are located all over the city. It's illegal for minicab drivers to pick up passengers on the street. Fares should be agreed in advance and are usually cheaper than black cabs. There are many unlicensed — and illegal — taxis operating in London. Use them at your own risk. Last year, 140 women were sexually assaulted by illegal minicab drivers.

Boats
Take to the water for a different view of the city. There are several boat services running regularly up and down the length of the Thames in London. See www.londontransport.co.uk/river.

For an informative guide to all modes of transport in the capital, contact Transport for London (www.tfl.gov.uk; 020-7222 1234.)

Internet access

Internet cafes are like off-licences in London. There is one on every corner and in fact, some off-licences are internet cafes as well so there is no excuse in not getting in contact with your parents or your mates.

"Many local libraries offer free internet access"

Most cafes offer access from £1 an hour and most will have printing facilities at a fee for when you need to update your resume for that killer job.

Many local libraries offer free internet access and general computer usage, as well as computer courses. Victoria, Fulham, Brixton, Putney, Marylebone and Kensington public libraries are popular.

EasyInternet Cafe is London's cheapest and best-known chain of internet stores. There are branches at Victoria, Tottenham Court Road, High Street Kensington, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. For your nearest store, visit their website. See www.easyinternetcafe.com

Finding accommodation

When you first arrive in the UK it's daunting to decide where to live. Most people stay in London because the job opportunities are greater. When choosing a place to live in London, check out the area first and what shops and ammenities it has to offer.

"A popular choice with new arrivals is 'dossing'"

When it comes to accommodation in London, Antipodeans and South Africans tend to head west (Hammersmith, Fulham, Shepherd's Bush, Acton), north (Kilburn, Willesden, Dollis Hill, West Hamstead) or south (Clapham, Fulham, Southfields). But people are also increasing in numbers in the cheap and trendy areas of east London (Shoreditch, Old Street, Bethnal Green, Hackney) and bohemian north-east (Camden, Angel/Islington).

The further out you live, the cheaper it is, but it costs more to commute.

Dossing
A popular choice with new arrivals is 'dossing'. This involves sleeping on a friend's couch or floor for a minimal fee until you find a job and get on your feet — or outstay your welcome. The dossing fee generally goes towards household bills.

Hostels
Many welcome long-term guests and some include breakfast. Weekly rates range from £70 to £200. Hostel tenants can often pick up work in the hostel, which typically comes with cheaper rent. Just ask at reception.

Roomshare
If you don't mind sharing a room in a house with anything between six and 20 people, you can get by on as little as £40-£60 a week for rent.

House/flat share
For your own room in a small household, budget for upwards of £120 per week. In general, though, you're probably looking at around £80-£100 per week for rent. When you move in, you'll usually be expected to pay at least one month's rent as a security deposit and your first month's rent upfront. It's illegal for a landlord to charge more than two months' rent for a deposit.

Going solo
You can get a bedsit (a self-contained room with a small kitchenette in a house with a shared bathroom) from about £80 a week. Hot water and gas will usually be included in the rent, while electricity is often paid through a coin meter. For £100 upwards, you can get a studio, which includes a kitchenette and your own bathroom.

Pubs
Ask at pubs to see if they have any rooms. Sometimes you can get a job and a home in one, and the deal may also include meals and beer.

Squatting
It's not illegal, but breaking and entering is. Contact the Advisory Service for Squatters (www.squat.freeserve.co.uk; 0845-644 5814) and request their handbook.

Bills
Check whether the quoted price of rent includes bills. If not, you're up for another £20-£30 per month for gas and electricity (depending on how many people you're sharing with). Gas, in particular, can be expensive, especially in winter, as most internal heating runs on gas. Then there's council tax. The amount you pay is determined by the area in which you're living (some councils charge more than others); and the value of the property. The average cost is around £30 per month, but it could be anything from £17-£65 a month. Council tax is higher in the larger cities.

Leases
Leases typically run for six or 12 months. Read the small print to be sure of what you are and aren't responsible for. Whoever signs the lease is responsible for the rent and leases can be difficult to get out of early. If you're leaving, it's best to find a new flatmate to take your place on the lease.

Rental flats and houses generally come with basic furniture and you should be asked to sign an inventory list which details the complete household contents and any existing marks and defects (if not, create one yourself and post a copy to your landlord/ agent). Complete this thoroughly to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage when you leave. Most landlords will require proof of your employment; some will ask for bank references and letters from previous landlords are helpful.

Where to look
Hostels: There are six YHA hostels in London — Earl's Court, St Pancras International, Oxford Street, Holland House, St Pauls and Thamseside. Prices start at £25 a night. Call 0870-770 6113 or see www.yha.org.uk. Also try Piccadilly Backpackers (www.piccadillyhotel.net; 020-7434 9009) and The Generator (www.generatorhostels.com; 020-7388 7666).
Renting: Check the private ads in TNT and our website - www.tntmagazine.com/propertyzone. You can also check out the Loot newspaper (www.loot.com) for shared houses, flats and houses.

Know your rights
Housing law in Britain is complicated, but you can get free legal advice from a Citizen's Advice Bureau (www.nacab.org.uk). If you choose to use a letting agency, beware of unscrupulous agents and exorbitant fees. Wherever possible, use an agency that has signed up with the National Approved Letting Scheme (www.nalscheme.co.uk; 01242-581 712). Agents belonging to this scheme have agreed to follow set industry standards. The laws are complex, but as a rule it's illegal for an agency to request payment for:
- Putting your name on their list or taking your details;
- Providing a list of rental properties.
For more information, see www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in the UK is not always easy. Often you need to have proof of address and other documents that many people don't have when they first arrive.

"The interest rates can be high — so beware of going too far into debt"

It's notoriously difficult to open an account in the UK. To save yourself some headaches, try to organise an account before you leave home. It's worth checking whether your home bank has an affiliation with a UK bank as this can speed up the process once you get to the UK. If you're going to be working for an agency, they can often help you open an account.

If you do put off this task until you arrive in London, good luck — one bank branch may issue you an account on the spot, while another will mess you around. Get together as much documentation as possible, including proof of ID (passport, driver's licence and/or birth certificate) and evidence of your UK address (a utility bill or lease with your name on it should suffice, but not always). It's also worth bringing a letter from your bank at home as record of your credit history, and a letter from your agency or employer in the UK. The more documentation you have, the easier your application should be.

Some companies like 1st Contact (www.1stcontact.com) will help you get the show on the road for a small fee. This is a great way of doing it because they already have established ties with several major banks and can cut through all the rubbish.

Services between banks vary, so shop around. You should, however, be able to open an account within a week. There are several types of accounts, rates and charges. Switch or Solo are similar to Eftpos. You may also be offered a Cirrus/Maestro ATM card that can be used internationally.

Most banks won't issue credit cards unless you have a long and reliable credit or savings record in the country. If you need a credit card to survive, it's best to bring a Mastercard or Visa card from home. If things get really tight, you should be able to get an overdraft, although the interest rates can be high — so beware of going too far into debt.

The major UK banks are Lloyds TSB (www.lloydstsb.com), Barclays (www.barclays.co.uk), NatWest (www.natwest.co.uk), Royal Bank of Scotland (www.rbs.co.uk) and HSBC (www.hsbc.co.uk). Also try building societies, as they may have better rates. Visit www.switchwithwhich.co.uk for a useful guide to all the bank and building society accounts on the market. Opening hours for UK banks are typically 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some open on Saturday mornings.

Finding a job

As one of the biggest cities in the world, London offers a large variety of job opportunities for travellers, both temporary and permanent. With everything from bar and retail jobs to high-flying managerial and finance positions on the cards, you're sure to find your niche somewhere.

"There's no reason why you can't have a job or at least some interviews sorted before you touch down"

Job-seekers on working holiday visas are popular candidates for short-term contract work, which is ideal for those who want the flexibility to work and travel. Temping is also a good way to get your foot in the door of your chosen career — work hard, impress the bosses and it may not be long before you land yourself a permanent job.

The employment market remains relatively buoyant compared with a few years ago but, depending on your field, it might still take a week or two to find work, so be prepared. That said, if you do your homework, make contact with agencies and send them your CV before you leave home, there's no reason why you can't have a job or at least some interviews sorted before you touch down.

Your CV
This is the most important piece of paper you will need in London bar your passport so make sure it is on target. The first thing you have to realise is that the UK format is different to that at home and if you don't even bother re-formatting your CV, there's a fair chance it will be thrown in the bin no matter how good you are.

If you are not sure what you want to do in London then do up two or three CVs tailored to each sector to maximise your chances of getting a job. There is no point telling someone how well you can pour a beer if you want to work as a receptionist. Use a bit of common sense. And don't get too creative on your CV hoping that because an agency or employer is on the other side of the world, they won't contact the referees you have named in your papers back home. They will.
CV tips - Download CV template

Recruitment agencies
For many new arrivals to the UK, dealing with an employment agency is a new experience. Depending on who you see and what skills you have to offer, they can be either your best friend or an endless source of frustration. Nevertheless, they're most likely your best bet at finding work. Here's how to go about it:

* Get the contact details of agencies from TNT Magazine, the phonebook or the web. Phone first to explain that you would like to forward your CV for consideration, then confirm it has been received and arrange an appointment.
* Take a hard copy of your CV, references, passport with your working visa and your National Insurance number or, in Ireland, your PPS number. If you don't have a number, explain that you're in the process of getting it.
* In addition to a one-to-one interview, you may also be asked to take a range of aptitude tests on the software packages you are most proficient in.
* It's best to join more than one agency to increase your chances of a quick result and a variety of job options. Once you're registered with an agency, call regularly to keep them on your case.
* Two major advantages of using agencies is that they can help you get a bank account sorted and some offer free training on their computers to get you up to speed.
* Stay on good terms with your agency as they'll be more willing to help you find work again when you return from your travels. If you let them down, you could find yourself blacklisted.

If you get a job right away, the agency will issue you with an emergency National Insurance (NI) number until you sort a permanent one (see our NI section)

Do it yourself
If you can't find an agency that caters to your specific skills or would rather just take the matter into your own hands, there are plenty of newspapers, magazines and websites which advertise vacancies. For work in a variety of industries, check the adverts in TNT Magazine.

* Most local and national papers carry job advertisements daily. Check out the London Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Metro and local newspapers. Several papers publish specific industry job supplements (media, education, finance etc) weekly.

* If you're looking for work in a specialised industry, it's worth getting your hands on the relevant trade publication. And don't underestimate the value of contacting potential employers directly and using any industry contacts you have. Sometimes it can just be a matter of your CV being in the right place at the right time.

* On the internet, check out TNT's Jobs section, www.monster.co.uk, www.fish4jobs.co.uk, and www.totaljobs.com. See www.recruit-online.co.uk or www.londonjobsguide.co.uk for links to other relevant UK job- hunting sites.

Getting an NI number

When you start working in the UK, you'll need a National Insurance (NI) number. NI pays for pensions and health services, and numbers are issued through the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

"In six to eight weeks, you'll get your number in the post"

Sorting a NI number can be frustrating.

Call your local council with your postcode and work details to find your local office and make an appointment. Take your passport, a letter confirming you're employed or registered with an agency and two or three other forms of ID. In six to eight weeks, you'll get your number in the post.

See www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk, call your local council for contact info or go to your nearest Job Centre.

If you're having trouble getting through to your local office to make an appointment, try sending an email to london.ninocallcentre@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk, giving your name, address and phone number.

You should then be sent a form to fill in and return via email. They will then contact you by mail with your appointment time and location.

Another useful method is to call 0845-6000 643 — give them your details and they should offer you an appointment time then and there.