Re-recruitment FT advice

Hi, I am current junior at an Ivy League school, and will be a SA in a BB in London this summer. As my peers in US prepare/network for the FT re-recruitment, due to various reasons I have also been looking at the option to re-recruit to PE, EB, other BB in London. Yet, I have been hearing that generally it's very rare in London. Is this true? 

I know that last year was terrible everywhere, but with M&A bouncing back I am hoping that there might be more FT opportunities. To maximize my chances:

When should I start networking? 

Maybe in person coffee chats in London? - I am coming two weeks earlier than my start date, but not sure if this makes a much difference (someone told me to do these after getting the return offer) 

How is the timeline? When do they start the applications, interviews, ACs?

Anything I can do/ courses to take to better prepare for the FT interviews, recruitment or for SA

Please, any advice would be very very helpful! - I am on the other side of the world, and feel like I am unaware of everything going. 

Thank you very much!!!