I know stuff like this has been posted before however I'm asking afresh because I have a question that generally won't apply to most people.

So as the title says I'm after a residency (in UK - US advice might be useful too but I'm specifically interested in the UK.
How do people go about getting a residency? Any tips?
I've heard the "offer a free shift and don't take tips" before, anything else?
What hourly rate should be the abs mininum and whats realistic? (preferably in GBP)

And now for the twist...
I'm from London but at university in Nottingham. My accomodation only allows me in for 10 weeks then I move out for a month then back in for 10 weeks then off for all of summer.
Next year I'll have a 52 week contract but until then I'm in this weird situation where the most I can work at a time is 10 weeks before being 100 miles away. Is it actually likely I'd be able to get a residency that will work given how I only live here for 10 weeks at a time?

I first have to assume that you are good enough to be booked regularly AND long-term. Beyond that, it's a matter of making a difference in how things run where you are working. You are a representative of the establishment first... a magician, second.

All that being said, 10 weeks might actually work to your advantage. Find the right place and let it be known that you work seasonally. If you land that first booking, and they like you, once you are about to conclude that run, go ahead and try to get re-booked for when you will be returning.

It's less a residency than a steady booking while you are able to work it.

Hadn't thought about it that way... I'm not around at Easter and most of summer though so that night create a problem...

Good luck to you.