VISAS

Be sure that you and your partner know what visa you need before you go through immigration, and be sure to bring the appropriate paperwork.

TIP: If you plan to work, you should double-check with your local consulate to confirm that spouses of students will continue to have working rights. At this point in time, spouses (as student dependants) are given full work permits upon entering the country. Expect to be grilled at immigration, and be prepared to show necessary paperwork.

PACKING

Packing for London is tough. While there are definitely windy rainy days when thick coats, hats and gloves are needed, there are also days where the sky is clear blue and the breeze is warm.

Also it's important to realise that once you are at London Business School there will be all kinds of opportunities to go skiing in the Alps, sailing in the Med, etc. If you think you will fancy a ski trip, do bring your ski clothes. It may seem bulky at the time, but at least you will have them when you need them.

And if you are planning to interview in London for work then bringing a formal black suit helps. Do carry all important documents which include your marriage certificate, your academic qualification certificates, your bank account statements from back home, passport size photographs, etc.

BUDGET

London is an expensive city, so it's important to plan your budget carefully. Here is a list of some of the most common expenses you will face while in London, based on a couple per month, living in a studio or one bedroom flat.

Rent	£800 - £1500
Transport	£15 - £100/person
Supermarket	£120 - £300
Water	£14 - £40
Electricity	£27 - £35
Phone	£35 (quarterly)
Council tax	Depends on where you live & type of property £50 - £65 (you don't pay council tax if it says on your visa/travel document "No recourse to Public Funds")
Cinema	£10 - £20
Dinner for 2: cheap/moderate	£20 - £30 (each)
Dinner for 2: moderate/expensive	£70 - up

When budgeting, remember to check all variables: length of studies, tuition fees, utilities, flights, etc. You can also include an estimate of incomes for the summer internship and second year project (if applicable to your programme).

MUST-HAVE BOOKS

• A-Z of London Streets
• Cheap Eats
• Zagat Survey to London Restaurants
• Time Out City Guide to London and also weekly magazine
• Living in London, published by the Junior League of London - fabulous, all-purpose resource for translating Brit-speak

Continue to Getting Settled