99% of people have something temporary arranged, such as staying with friends or relatives (probably the best option), in a hostel or B&B. Then once there, you look for something more permanent. Yes, you should be there in person, as you want to see a property with your own eyes and landlord/letting agent would want to meet you. It can be difficult to rent a place without established credit record in UK, so be prepared for a larger deposit and rent in advance.

Basically you need a deposit equivalent to a month's rent, plus a month's rent in advance (can be more when you are new in UK). You will have to pay the letting agent for registration (amount varies). Council tax if not included in the rent, and utilities (again if not included). Contents insurance (insisted by some landlords/agents - about £100 a year). Other optional items include TV licence (£145 a year), cable or satellite TV, landline phone and broadband (many just rely on PAYG mobile and broadband). Cheaper option would be a flat or house share, where the bills are usually pooled. So have at least £1,000 or so ready towards initial housing costs.

 

Awesome. Is there a limit on the amount that can be charged on the deposit or advance rent? The deposit sounds like it's the same as damage deposit here in Canada, but with the word 'damage' omitted.

Hostels sound pretty common over there..I'll stop worrying so much, ha.

Do you know a website that explains the process of getting a job in the UK? I've heard that it can be complicated... I'm trying to arm myself with all the applicable knowledge that I need well before I go.

 

No limit to deposit or rent in advance. Without establish UK credit record/file, you are probably asked to pay more upfront, unless you can have a UK-resident guarantor who is in full-time work.
See https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/Pages/default.aspx
Some employers don't like Tier 5 YMS with its two-year limit, but others aren't too bothered.

 

Cool. I hope you're getting paid in some way, seeing how helpful you are, Joppa!
That's fair that they would want more in advance where I would be a perceived risk to them.
..I'm sure that many realtors will be reasonable with the amount that they request... hopefully, anyways! I mean, maybe it will look good to them that I have the organizational skills to save 6000+$ to move to a completely unknown country? I don't know what to expect in that department, I'm just going to hope for the best.