moving out for first time. renting/money saving tips anyone?

So I'm moving out from my parents and in with my GF in August.

We just agreed a house and am going through the deposit/references/bank statements stuff now. This is all new to me - any tips or advice much appreciated.

one specific question you may be able to help with;

• water/gas/electric - where do I start with this? I have the current providers names (british gas and united utilities), do I need to contact them directly? will I just get bills delivered to the house once a month or what?

thanks all.