hey everyone. thanks for reading my post.

i have decided to move to London and become a writer. i went to school for Journalism and was the managing editor of our college newspaper. i didnt finish my degree because my mom had breast cancer while i was in school, so i left. i kind of want to go back to school but id rather just get out there and live it, you know?

so here are my questions:

1) i know i need a visa to get to the UK. what are my chances of getting a work visa versus a student visa? which one would be better or the most advantageous? which is more likely to get accepted?

2) i work the desk a hotel and would like to do the same thing there as a source of income while i write part time and/or possibly go back to school. would getting into the hotel thing be an easy thing to do as a foreigner? an American?

3) what is the best way to tackle the housing thing? i dont think it would be a great idea to sign a lease for an apartment fresh off the plane. what about roommates or hostels? where should i look to get an idea of price ranges and the different areas?

im so excited about this idea and am currently doing all the homework and research i can to make this happen. i look forward to all your insight. thanks again for your time, everyone.

Assuming you're coming from the US, I think your current plan may need some re-thinking.

First thing to do is to check the UK Consulate website and read up on their visa process: Visas for the UK

It's normally not a matter of applying for a work visa - you need to find the job first in order to have your employer sponsor your visa application, or else you need to be in a field that is in demand in the UK. If you go the student visa route, your working hours will be severely restricted because it's assumed you're there primarily for your studies.

You might do better to try and finish your degree in the States, and then look into the possibility of doing an internship or exchange in the UK - either as part of the degree or on graduation.
Cheers,
Bev