Challenges of Moving to the UK

Before moving to the UK I started looking for flats (apartments) but found that most of the landlords required potential renters to see the property in person. That didn't stop me from looking and inquiring and requesting virtual viewings of the flats I thought might work. There are some great websites to find rental properties and which also allow you to contact the agents through email. The challenge with that is by the time an agent would respond to the email the flat would already have an offer on it so I would keep looking. It appeared that my best option would be to wait until I was in the UK. So that is what I did.

Now I am here and I am able to view flats which is great. I thought I had one secured but due to a "glitch" in their system, that didn't happen. One of the major challenges is that you need to have a UK bank account in order to transfer funds and set up utilities which is normal. In order to open a bank account you need a permanent address. Do you see where this is going? Yup, in order to pay a deposit on a flat and finalize a contract you need a UK bank account. A bit of a conundrum...but with some help, heavenly and otherwise, it will all come together. I have watched things come together during this journey and I have faith it will continue. I will keep you all posted. 

This week was induction week at Kingston University which means it was filled with introductions to campus, support services, amenities, and of course an in depth look at the course I am here for, Historic Building Conservation. Classes officially begin next week and I am so excited!

PICTURES:
An orange with a brownie for dinner was consolation for some disappointments with the hunt for a flat. Totally worth it! The other four pictures are views around campus, the river I cross almost daily and the other two are views from the building where I will spend a majority of my time. The last picture is the view from the classroom on the 7th floor.
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