Moving To The UK? Here’s 5 Things You Need To Prepare Before You Arrive
Ready to make the big move to the UK? Each year, millions of people come to the UK in search of a better life, yet so many of them come unprepared. The UK offers endless opportunities for families, young adults and even elderly couples looking for a quaint down to wind down. Aside from the pull factors, there is a lot of documentation and groundwork to out in place first, as if you arrive without a plan, you could end up sleeping on an air mattress in a stranger’s living room. Before you jet off, here are five things I’ve learned you absolutely should sort out.
1. Visa and Paperwork: Your Golden Ticket
Think of your visa as a backstage pass. Are you here for work, study, family or just to see if you like the vibe? Each option demands different paperwork. You will almost certainly need a valid passport, proof that you have enough money to live on, evidence of where you’ll stay and, in some cases, a health check for tuberculosis. Start this process early, and in due time, you will have British Citizenship. I once met someone who delayed applying and ended up waiting three extra months in a hotel lobby trying to sort a missing form. And when your visa is approved, you’ll pick up a Biometric Residence Permit soon after you land. Guard that little card like it’s the last ticket to Wimbledon.
2. Finding a Place That Feels Like Home
House hunting from abroad can be like speed dating via photos. You swipe right on what looks perfect and then discover the bathroom has no lock. Do your homework: Google street view, read local forums, ask expats about noise levels or late-night kebab shops. If you’re arriving without viewing anything in person, book a short-term rental first. Spend a couple of weeks wandering the area, chatting with potential neighbours in the local café, tapping on doors if you have to. By the time you sign a longer lease you’ll know whether you’re in a friendly community or stuck above a pub with karaoke until 3am on Fridays.
3. Registering with the NHS: Your Health Lifeline
The National Health Service is a lifesaver, but only after you’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge when you apply for your visa. Once you have an address, call your local GP (General Practitioner) surgery and ask to register. This is where you go for colds, sore throats or that worrying rash you Googled at 3am. Appointments and hospital visits are free. Dentistry and eye tests usually cost a bit, but compared to some countries it still feels like a steal. If you hate waiting six weeks for a specialist, consider private cover. It might cost more but could save you from binge-watching medical dramas while you wait.
4. Opening a UK Bank Account: No Cash, No Cake
Arriving with only credit cards can leave you stranded when you need cash for the market or a bus ride. To open an account, you generally need your passport, your residence permit and proof of where you live, such as a tenancy contract or a recent utility bill. High-street banks like HSBC or Barclays will set you up, but if you want everything on your phone, try a challenger bank such as Monzo or Starling. Some of these let you open an account before you even arrive using just your visa details and a selfie. Once you’re set up, sort out online banking, standing orders for rent, and direct debits for your council tax. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not juggling envelopes of cash every month.
5. Picking Up Local Customs: Talk the Talk
You could live in the UK for years and still wander into a pub at noon looking for a “cheeky pint” only to find out they serve only coffee until 11. “Quid” means pounds, “loo” is the restroom and “biscuits” are what Americans call cookies. Grab a UK SIM card as soon as you touch down so you can hail a cab or check train times without hunting for Wi-Fi. Download transport apps—Oyster for London journeys, National Rail for longer trips. And if you want to make friends, browse Meetup or local Facebook groups for things you actually enjoy. Whether you’re into hiking, board games or indie film nights, there’s a crew waiting to welcome you.
Bottom Line
London might steal the headlines, but the UK is more than one city. Nail your visa and paperwork, find a place that doesn’t keep you up at night, register with a GP, open that bank account and learn a few local expressions. Do that and you’ll land with your feet on solid ground rather than spinning in mid-air. Safe travels and enjoy the next chapter of your story.
