lostgirlwildworld

Hehe...thanks Pablo :biggrin: Glad to have sorted out some short term accommodation for my arrival finally!

Thanks everyone Particularly like your advice too Maryrose02, I'll try to avoid the pommies-only trap!

Hehe, thank you :biggrin: That's about the only thing I can control the outcome of at the moment until I actually get there so I've thrown myself into being prepared!

I'm in the same position as you right now...moving in 18 days and starting to pack everything up! My only top tip packing wise so far is to pack at least one UK extension lead (4 or 6 plug) so that you can use one travel adaptor to plug in a range of appliances with a UK plug during the first few weeks until you get plugs changed (if you intend to do this!). In terms of paperwork, I created a file to take with and a file to leave behind with someone I trust (in my case, my brother). The file I'm taking with contains: Passport (and certified copy) Birth Certificate (and certified copy) Visa Grant Notice (and certified copy) Driving Licence Paper and Card (and certified copies) Skills Assessment Certificate IELTS Assessment Certificate Police Check Certificate GTC and QTS Certificates (and certified copies) PGCE Qualification Certificate (and certified copy) PGCE Qualification Transcripts (and certified copy) Degree Qualification Certificate (and certified copy) Degree Qualification Transcripts (and certified copy) A Level Qualification Certificates GCSE Qualification Certificates Employment References (three most recent employers) Landlord References (three most recent landlords) I have also scanned all of these documents in (including the certified versions) and have them saved locally on my laptop, on a hard disk and in my Microsoft Skydrive account! The file I am leaving behind includes also includes the items that have certified copies above and my HMRC documents, bank statements and pension details. In addition to this, I have written to HMRC giving authorisation for them to deal with my brother on my behalf and provided my banks with a Third Party Mandate to give him permission to deal with them too, just in case. Don't forget before you go to provide your banks with a Form R105 (to receive interest without any tax taken off) and to send Form P85 (together with your P45) to HMRC. I will have to get my brother to send my Form P85 off for me after I have left as my P45 will not have been issued before I go, hence giving him authorisation. Hope that helps a little!

Hey Jude Nice to hear from someone in a similar situation I haven't made a concrete decision about where to live, trying to keep an open mind but ideally looking at the inner east (Fitzroy, Richmond, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Carlton, East Melbourne, etc) or north (Brunswick, Northcote, etc). What line of work are you in? I'm a teacher but I'm not sure I will continue with this in Melbourne... Ash

Hey I'm moving to Melbourne from Brighton and arriving in early April. I'm going on my own and pretty much diving in at the deep end as I don't have a job or long term accommodation yet. Oh, I also don't know anyone! I am, however, very excited nonetheless! Wondered if anyone had any top tips for getting settled or fancied arranging a social after I've arrived?! Would love to hear from anyone who's been there a while or anyone arriving soon! Ashleigh