British Gal moving to Edmonton!

beccyd · 10-07-2012, 03:30 PM

Just wanted to put a small post to say hi!

My name is Beccy and I am moving to Edmonton to work at West Edmonton Mall week beginning 13th August. I'm moving out here on my own so just wanted to hear tips/opinions. Currently it's a little but daunting!

Be good to hear from a few of you!

Thanks
Beccy

KC · 10-07-2012, 04:27 PM

I think you'll love it here. We're a growing and improving city. Your standard of living may jump substantially and if you miss Britain, well, it's just the equivalent to a day sitting at the office away. You can tease friends with a message in the morning and a follow up at 4:30 saying that they could have been here by now!

Glenco · 10-07-2012, 04:48 PM

I moved here from England over forty years ago and have never regretted it. The open spaces and sunny skies are quite addictive. This I believe tends to make people more optimistic.
There is still a bit of a pioneer spirit in the community as most of our cultural institutions are relatively new and need the support of the community at large in order to succeed. By being open and inviting they are able to succeed making the social scene very dynamic.
If you can list your interests either myself or someone else on this forum could post links to places you may find of interest.
Best of luck.

Doppelganger · 10-07-2012, 05:04 PM

My son did the opposite five years ago - relocated from Edmonton to London as an 18 year old. He went under the auspices of the Student Work Abroad Program, but was left on his own to find work and accommodation, which proved quite daunting at first. Once those challenges were overcome, he had a marvellous experience.

It sounds like you already have work lined up, which is a terrific headstart. Do you have accommodation arranged yet, or will you be searching for a place to live when you arrive here?

SteveB · 10-07-2012, 05:09 PM

I moved to Edmonton from Blighty in 1996 and don't regret it at all.

Firstly, unless you live really close to work or on a very good bus route you'll need a car, so you'll need to take the Canadian driving test (you can drive up to one year on an international license but will struggle to get insurance). Once you have passed the driving test (it's a graduated program meaning there's a harder test a couple of years later), you'll then get charged an arm and a leg for insurance...even if you bring evidence of no claims over.

So, my advice, live somewhere close to West Edmonton Mall or on a bus route, although it can be painfuil waiting for a bus in -30.

Living in the city centre aka downtown is pretty cool and getting better by the year. There are lots of apartments for rent but rates can be higher than other areas.

Don't bother bringing too many winter clothes, you'll need to buy new (from England I brought layers that woudl be good in damp/cool climates, they were useless in winter here).

beccyd · 11-07-2012, 06:40 AM

Thanks everyone, really appreciating all the comments.

In reply to a few questions, I will be working at West Edmonton Mall with the sealions. My career in the UK is a zoo keeper and this is what I've wanted to do for a while.

I am looking for accommodation, but as mentioned with the driving situation, it's going to be pretty expensive, so I am looking to be as close as possible to my work. Any leads would be great! I'm looking for maximum $700 dollars a month including utilities, so I'm currently lookling at renting rooms.

As for interests, I quite enjoy walking (the scenic routes!), scuba diving, yoga, to be honest, I'll give most hobbies a try! So any suggestions, again, would be great!

Also, thanks for the comment about the clothes, I was planning to bring a load of winter stuff with me, but that has saved me a very heavy suitcase!

Barry N · 11-07-2012, 07:16 AM

The Westend of Edmonton has a lot of apartment buidings. I have no idea what rent would be though . Here is a link to apartment rentals in Edmonton. Good luck and welcome,
http://www.rentersonline.com/resourc....php?section=1

KC · 11-07-2012, 08:51 AM

Yes, the area around WEM has a large variety of housing options.

The City's Valley Zoo is fairly close and may offer you additional future employment options. You might even find a low cost basement suite in the nearby upscale neighbourhoods but you would need to use the bus service to get to WEM in the winter. It would be a fairly easy bike ride in the summer.

Maybe someone here will explain the typical rental options. I believe some rental situations include some utilities while others don't. i.e. condos vs apartments vs basement suites. Also cost of bus fare will likely be a factor in choosing between something within walking distance vs taking a short bus ride.( I don't know what bus fares are.)

http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents...ident-programs.

Citizen and New Arrival Information Centre
This centrally located information centre for Edmontonians is designed specifically to help new arrivals to our city get settled as effectively as possible. Located on the main floor of City Hall, it’s a service all citizens can continue to access to get information about Edmonton.
Newcomers Guide
The 28-page guide, produced with assistance from Alberta Employment and Immigration, is available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Somali, German, Hindi and Vietnamese. It*gives information about Edmonton housing, policing, garbage collection, transportation, public transit, education, health, recreation and leisure, libraries and municipal government."

Another link... And kijiji might have more listings (beware of scams though)
http://www.rentboard.ca/rentals/inde...207&psttyid=26

Does anyone know if the West Edmonton Mall itself offers tenants, etc. any services for new employees? (actually I guess, obviously, not)

Gord Lacey · 11-07-2012, 10:58 AM

So, once you get started at work we can have a special C2E "Meet the Sealions" day?

(don't worry, I'm kidding)

Like others have said, there are a lot of apartments in the area, but I don't know if they'd fall under the $700/month limit you've set.

Blueline · 11-07-2012, 01:03 PM

http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_r...alley-zoo.aspx

Cal76 · 11-07-2012, 06:53 PM

As a male I can't vouch for them, but it might be a helpful link:
http://www.edmontonnewcomersclub.com/

On a different note, don't worry about the lack of a car or winter weather. Plenty of folks here (like myself) get around very well using our public transit.

Welcome to Canada and Edmonton (from a newish Canadian here)!

10-07-2012, 03:30 PM	#1
beccyd First One is Always Free Join Date: Jul 2012	British Gal moving to Edmonton! Just wanted to put a small post to say hi! My name is Beccy and I am moving to Edmonton to work at West Edmonton Mall week beginning 13th August. I'm moving out here on my own so just wanted to hear tips/opinions. Currently it's a little but daunting! Be good to hear from a few of you! Thanks Beccy

10-07-2012, 04:48 PM	#3
Glenco Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edmonton, Alberta	I moved here from England over forty years ago and have never regretted it. The open spaces and sunny skies are quite addictive. This I believe tends to make people more optimistic. There is still a bit of a pioneer spirit in the community as most of our cultural institutions are relatively new and need the support of the community at large in order to succeed. By being open and inviting they are able to succeed making the social scene very dynamic. If you can list your interests either myself or someone else on this forum could post links to places you may find of interest. Best of luck. __________________ factum fatur quam lacuna

10-07-2012, 05:09 PM	#5
SteveB Addicted to C2E Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Capital Region	I moved to Edmonton from Blighty in 1996 and don't regret it at all. Firstly, unless you live really close to work or on a very good bus route you'll need a car, so you'll need to take the Canadian driving test (you can drive up to one year on an international license but will struggle to get insurance). Once you have passed the driving test (it's a graduated program meaning there's a harder test a couple of years later), you'll then get charged an arm and a leg for insurance...even if you bring evidence of no claims over. So, my advice, live somewhere close to West Edmonton Mall or on a bus route, although it can be painfuil waiting for a bus in -30. Living in the city centre aka downtown is pretty cool and getting better by the year. There are lots of apartments for rent but rates can be higher than other areas. Don't bother bringing too many winter clothes, you'll need to buy new (from England I brought layers that woudl be good in damp/cool climates, they were useless in winter here). __________________ Edmonton, Capital of Alberta

11-07-2012, 07:16 AM	#7
Barry N Addicted to C2E Join Date: May 2006 Location: Where the sun keeps shining thru the pouring rain.	The Westend of Edmonton has a lot of apartment buidings. I have no idea what rent would be though . Here is a link to apartment rentals in Edmonton. Good luck and welcome, http://www.rentersonline.com/resourc....php?section=1 __________________ "Show me a man with both feet on the ground, and I'll show you a man that can't get his pants on!" Last edited by Barry N; 11-07-2012 at 11:40 AM..

11-07-2012, 08:51 AM	#8
KC Addicted to C2E Join Date: Mar 2006	Yes, the area around WEM has a large variety of housing options. The City's Valley Zoo is fairly close and may offer you additional future employment options. You might even find a low cost basement suite in the nearby upscale neighbourhoods but you would need to use the bus service to get to WEM in the winter. It would be a fairly easy bike ride in the summer. Maybe someone here will explain the typical rental options. I believe some rental situations include some utilities while others don't. i.e. condos vs apartments vs basement suites. Also cost of bus fare will likely be a factor in choosing between something within walking distance vs taking a short bus ride.( I don't know what bus fares are.) http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents...ident-programs. Citizen and New Arrival Information Centre This centrally located information centre for Edmontonians is designed specifically to help new arrivals to our city get settled as effectively as possible. Located on the main floor of City Hall, it’s a service all citizens can continue to access to get information about Edmonton. Newcomers Guide The 28-page guide, produced with assistance from Alberta Employment and Immigration, is available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Somali, German, Hindi and Vietnamese. Itgives information about Edmonton housing, policing, garbage collection, transportation, public transit, education, health, recreation and leisure, libraries and municipal government." Another link... And kijiji might have more listings (beware of scams though) http://www.rentboard.ca/rentals/inde...207&psttyid=26 Does anyone know if the West Edmonton Mall itself offers tenants, etc. any services for new employees? (actually I guess, obviously, not) Last edited by KC; 11-07-2012 at 09:08 AM..*

10-07-2012, 04:27 PM	#2
KC Addicted to C2E Join Date: Mar 2006	I think you'll love it here. We're a growing and improving city. Your standard of living may jump substantially and if you miss Britain, well, it's just the equivalent to a day sitting at the office away. You can tease friends with a message in the morning and a follow up at 4:30 saying that they could have been here by now!

10-07-2012, 05:04 PM	#4
Doppelganger Partially Addicted to C2E Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: St. Albert, AB	My son did the opposite five years ago - relocated from Edmonton to London as an 18 year old. He went under the auspices of the Student Work Abroad Program, but was left on his own to find work and accommodation, which proved quite daunting at first. Once those challenges were overcome, he had a marvellous experience. It sounds like you already have work lined up, which is a terrific headstart. Do you have accommodation arranged yet, or will you be searching for a place to live when you arrive here?

11-07-2012, 06:40 AM	#6
beccyd First One is Always Free Join Date: Jul 2012	Thanks everyone, really appreciating all the comments. In reply to a few questions, I will be working at West Edmonton Mall with the sealions. My career in the UK is a zoo keeper and this is what I've wanted to do for a while. I am looking for accommodation, but as mentioned with the driving situation, it's going to be pretty expensive, so I am looking to be as close as possible to my work. Any leads would be great! I'm looking for maximum $700 dollars a month including utilities, so I'm currently lookling at renting rooms. As for interests, I quite enjoy walking (the scenic routes!), scuba diving, yoga, to be honest, I'll give most hobbies a try! So any suggestions, again, would be great! Also, thanks for the comment about the clothes, I was planning to bring a load of winter stuff with me, but that has saved me a very heavy suitcase!

11-07-2012, 10:58 AM	#9
Gord Lacey Addicted to C2E Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Strathcona - Mill Creek	So, once you get started at work we can have a special C2E "Meet the Sealions" day? (don't worry, I'm kidding) Like others have said, there are a lot of apartments in the area, but I don't know if they'd fall under the $700/month limit you've set.

11-07-2012, 01:03 PM	#10
Blueline Addicted to C2E Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Edmonton	City of Edmonton Zoo info http://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_r...alley-zoo.aspx __________________ Still waiting for the Arlington site to be reborn .......

11-07-2012, 06:53 PM	#11
Cal76 Addicted to C2E Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton	As a male I can't vouch for them, but it might be a helpful link: http://www.edmontonnewcomersclub.com/ On a different note, don't worry about the lack of a car or winter weather. Plenty of folks here (like myself) get around very well using our public transit. Welcome to Canada and Edmonton (from a newish Canadian here)!