NI number: My experience and what you need to know

So for those of you that don't know when you come over to the UK you have to apply for an NI (National insurance) number. Even if you are like me British. 

If you have lived in the UK all your life you automatically receive your NI number when you turn 16, however if you have not lived in Britain you have to go through a process to get it.

This process is very annoying and not the best experience in the world. 

The first thing you have to do is call a number to make an appointment for the interview.  If you click here it will take you to the page with the number you have to call and it'll explain what an NI number is. 

So when you call  the number you will have a mini interview, where they will ask you why you need an NI number, your address etc.

They will then give you a date and place where you have to go for the proper interview. They will also tell you the documents that you will have to take with you on the day. 

You will also receive a letter confirming the date of the interview and all  the things you have to bring with you.

So when that day finally comes make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the place. My interview was an hour and a half journey away. So if  that is the same as yours make sure you have planned the journey beforehand. 

When you get to the place there will be a lot of waiting around and there will be some unfriendly people. I had a horrible bossy man tell me all sorts of idiotic things, but you just have to ignore them.

They will have already given you the time of your appointment, however you probably won't actually have the interview at that time. My appointment was supposed to be at 14.00, but I had to wait 45 minutes before  actually having my interview. 

The interview is very simple. The woman was very pleasant and I was literally sitting there for 10 minutes just answering normal questions. For example why I'm applying for an NI number, what my date of birth is, where I was born etc. 

She then asked for my documents (Passport, driving licence,birth certificate) and told me to take a seat because they needed to make copies if them. 

So like I said I did a lot of waiting around that day. I was in there for an hour and a half and only 10 of those minutes were actually spent interviewing me. 

After 30 minutes they called me and gave me back my documents and said that my number would come in the post in about 1/2 weeks.

I have now received it and won't ever have to do that experience again. 

Have any of you had to apply and get your NI number? If so what was it like for you?

Izzy

xxx

A much needed update

So, where to start?  I know I've went AWOL from blogging for a few weeks and I feel quite guilty about that. The problem was that I didn't have the inspiration to write anything and frankly wasn't motivated to do anything let alone blog. 

By now most of you will know that I moved to England nearly 2 months ago. It hasn't been in easy, but I'm not complaining because it was my decision and I don't regret it one bit. However, like with every new change there are and will always be good days and bad days. Fortunately for me most days have been good , but when they have been bad they have been pretty crap. I would feel sad, guilty,useless etc. Luckily if I have had a bad day I reflect on it and then go to bed thinking that tomorrow is a new day and that usually works.

I find that there is no use just moping around the house feeling sorry for myself, so I try to do something everyday, even if it's just a walk in the park. It lets me think and I get fresh air as well. 

I love getting out and exploring, I mean I moved to London for a reason, and that was to make a proper life for myself, and while I am always looking for a job it gives me a chance to really see and get to know London. There is so much to see and do in the city and everywhere is so easy to get to. 

So, what have I been doing in these few weeks? Well I got my National Insurance number sorted out and that's a story in itself, so there probably will be a separate blogpost on that. 

I finally have my room just the way I wanted it.

My bank account has been sorted out.

I now have an English driving licence, so the next step will be actually getting some driving lessons and eventually a car. 

I have spent quite a bit of time with my cousin which is really nice because she is like a sister and a best friend to me. 

I have been sending out my CV's to everywhere possible.

I've been to see my sister and niece a couple of times, and am going to see them this week as well. 

I have signed onto with the Doctors and have got my NHS number

What's next? The next step for me is to find a job. I have a job assessment on the 29th of September which I am nervous but also excited about, however I don't want to talk too much about that. I don't want to jinx my chances. 

So there you go. Quite a long post, however I think it was much needed. Look out for more post on this blog and on my beauty blog. For updates look out on my facebook page and twitter

Izzy 

xxx