Hi all,
I've been confirmed for a place to study at the University of Nottingham for Sept 2009. I'm very excited and of course, nervous.
Being a mature student (I'm 30), I really don't have a desire to live in dormitory housing or share a house/flat (too much reality tv show watching has warded me off of that), even if that's the easiest way to not have to worry about what to show as evidence of accommodation at customs upon entry into the UK. I just turn up on the date I'm told and move in. But I'm extremely independent and I've lived in my own place in Calif. for over a decade, so living with other people I don't know (most of them being younger) does not appeal. It was really important to me to A) finally get my ba and B) move/experience life abroad at some point in my life.
Having never lived outside the U.S. before, how can I secure a flat I'm interested in (let's say I've seen photos on the internet and the location is perfectly suited for my needs) without making more than one trip overseas? I know it's best to actually view a place before finalizing any deals, but ideally I would love to secure everything from stateside, have an address, and move into my place "straight away" so I have time to settle in before school starts. I've heard of people doing this in the U.S. when they want to or have to move states and don't want to do extended hotel stays while they are house/apt. hunting.
Can this be done overseas as well? Can anyone relay their experience of how they secured their place of residence having moved from the States to the UK? I wish I had someone to stay with to make this easier, but like I said, I really don't want to have to do the hotel thing, hopefully find a place, go home and get my stuff, fly back, etc. But is this really the only option I've got?
Thanks so much for any assistance anyone can provide.
I've been confirmed for a place to study at the University of Nottingham for Sept 2009. I'm very excited and of course, nervous.
Being a mature student (I'm 30), I really don't have a desire to live in dormitory housing or share a house/flat (too much reality tv show watching has warded me off of that), even if that's the easiest way to not have to worry about what to show as evidence of accommodation at customs upon entry into the UK. I just turn up on the date I'm told and move in. But I'm extremely independent and I've lived in my own place in Calif. for over a decade, so living with other people I don't know (most of them being younger) does not appeal. It was really important to me to A) finally get my ba and B) move/experience life abroad at some point in my life.
Having never lived outside the U.S. before, how can I secure a flat I'm interested in (let's say I've seen photos on the internet and the location is perfectly suited for my needs) without making more than one trip overseas? I know it's best to actually view a place before finalizing any deals, but ideally I would love to secure everything from stateside, have an address, and move into my place "straight away" so I have time to settle in before school starts. I've heard of people doing this in the U.S. when they want to or have to move states and don't want to do extended hotel stays while they are house/apt. hunting.
Can this be done overseas as well? Can anyone relay their experience of how they secured their place of residence having moved from the States to the UK? I wish I had someone to stay with to make this easier, but like I said, I really don't want to have to do the hotel thing, hopefully find a place, go home and get my stuff, fly back, etc. But is this really the only option I've got?
Thanks so much for any assistance anyone can provide.
