Internet taking ages to connect to wireless?

Basically, I have moved into a new flat, where we have wireless 20MB internet installed by virgin media. Every time I start my laptop/ laptop comes off standby I have to wait around 1-2 minutes for the internet to connect. It can find the internet connection easily but just saying ''Identifying'' for ages until it connects to a local network and finally to internet. Also apparently the modem has a range of 50m but in my room, around 10m away, the connection can be appalling and it sometimes can't even pick up connection. My laptop is around 3 years old. Its a HP dv9000. Anyone got any advice on how to make the connection quicker and stronger especially in my room ? Can we please not use complex computer lingo cheers :P