A Beginner’s Guide to Moving to the UK

So, you’re thinking about moving to the UK?

Whether it’s London’s nonstop energy, Edinburgh’s old-world charm, or Brighton’s laid-back seaside vibes that have caught your eye, making the move can feel exciting but also scary.

This guide will walk you through it all. From visas to Sunday roasts, eSIMs, to everyday slang, here’s everything you need to know to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible.

Probably.

The UK isn’t the free-for-all it once was — unless you’re Irish (lucky you), you’ll most likely need a visa to work, study, or stay longer than six months. The visa you’ll need depends on why you’re moving:

• Student Visa: Heading over to study? This one’s for you.
• Skilled Worker Visa: Got a job offer in the UK? You’re going to need this (bonus points if your role is on the ‘shortage occupation’ list — think nurses, engineers, IT whizzes).
• Partner or Family Visas: Love brings people together. But UKVI loves paperwork even more.
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: For 18–30-year-olds from certain countries (India included), this 2-year working visa could be your ticket in.

Top Tip: The UK government’s Check if you need a visa tool is your best friend here. Use it.

If you’re coming from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the good old days of free movement are gone. Unless you’ve got settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (if you lived in the UK before December 2020), you’ll need a visa like everyone else.

And from April 2025, even short visits will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It’s quick to apply for, but don’t leave it to the last minute — that’s not the kind of suspense anyone enjoys.

The UK’s Home Office is a lot of things, but “fast” isn’t usually one of them. Visa processing times can be all over the place, and if they ask for extra documents (which happens a lot), it can take even longer. Save yourself the stress and get your application in as early as you can.

House hunting in the UK takes a lot of time and patience. You’ll probably find yourself scrolling through Rightmove at 1 a.m., wondering why the “spacious” flat looks more like a cupboard with a sink.

• London: A cultural melting pot with career opportunities galore. Also, mind-blowingly expensive rent.
• Manchester: Music, football, tech jobs, and a friendlier rent-to-space ratio than London.
• Bristol: Artsy, creative, and known for its green spaces (and excellent cider).
• Edinburgh: History, festivals, and a castle on a hill. Gorgeous — and yes, sometimes grey.

Smaller towns and cities like Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow, or Belfast can offer better affordability, so don’t write them off.

• Council Tax: A local tax on the property you live in, and it can add a few hundred quid a month to your bills. Students are usually exempt.
• Bills Included? Always check the fine print on what’s included in your rent. ‘All bills included’ can save you from extra monthly headaches.
• Deposit Protection: By law, your landlord must put your deposit in a government-backed scheme. Make sure they do.

• Rightmove
• Zoopla
• SpareRoom (for flat shares)

Flat shares are super common, especially in big cities.

Unless you have a lot of savings or you're moving to retire, you’ll probably need to find a job. Here’s what you should know to get started.

The UK job market can be competitive, but there are lots of opportunities if you’re in the right field. Areas like healthcare, tech, education, and finance are always on the lookout for people. Some roles are even on the official “shortage occupation” list, which basically means employers are extra keen to hire. As a bonus, the visa process for those jobs can sometimes be a bit easier.

• Healthcare: NHS trusts are always on the lookout for nurses, care workers, doctors, and allied health professionals.
• Tech: Developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts — your skills are in demand.
• Education: Teachers, especially in maths, physics, and computing.
• Finance: Accountants, auditors, and analysts.

Pro tip: If your role is on the shortage occupation list, your employer might even help sponsor your visa.

First thing’s first: it’s called a CV here, not a resume. UK CVs are generally 2 pages max, clear, concise, and focused on achievements. Forget the headshot (unless you’re in acting or modelling) and keep it professional but friendly.

Include:

• A personal statement at the top and include two or three sentences about who you are and what you bring to the table.
• Work experience: Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
• Education and qualifications: Especially if your degree isn’t from the UK (consider using NARIC/ECCTIS to check recognition).
• Skills: Relevant to the role.

• Indeed UK
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Recruitment agencies like Reed, Hays, and Michael Page.
• Company websites directly.

Expect competency-based questions like "Tell me about a time you solved a problem at work." Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Dress code? Business smart unless told otherwise .

Let’s talk about your phone. There’s nothing worse than landing at Heathrow, opening Google Maps, and seeing that your roaming charges could pay for a whole holiday.

The easiest way to get connected is with a UK SIM or eSIM. There are plenty of providers, but the big names are EE, Vodafone, Lycamobile, O2, and Three. eSIMs are a game-changer because you can download them in three minutes before you even get on the plane. No fiddling with tiny plastic cards. You even get a real UK phone number, not a virtual one.

100 GB eSIM

150 GB eSIM

United Kingdom

Unlimited Local SMS

EE UK

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data/​Calls/​SMS

Speed

4G

Price

$25.25

More Info

Buy Now

UK's Most Reliable Network

Autumn Promo

• eSIM pros: Instant activation, no need to hunt down a phone shop, and plans tailored for short or long stays.
• Hot Tip: Look out for pay-as-you-go options — no contracts, no stress. Perfect for people who aren’t ready to commit.
  
  Learn more about UK eSIM plans from the UK's largest networks here.

Wi-Fi is pretty much everywhere in the UK: cafes, pubs, trains, even some buses. But be warned, not all free Wi-Fi is created equal. Your mileage may vary between ‘streaming Netflix in HD’ and ‘can’t even load Instagram Stories.’

At home, BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and TalkTalk are the main broadband providers. Installation times can be slow (a very British problem), so if you’re moving into a new place, check how soon you can get hooked up.

WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app here. Forget about iMessage loyalty — Brits are all about the WhatsApp group chat.

Other handy apps for UK life:

• Citymapper: Way better than Google Maps for public transport routes.
• Uber / Bolt / Free Now: Ride-hailing options, though London’s black cabs are still iconic (and pricey).
• Deliveroo / Uber Eats / Just Eat: Food delivery, including late-night kebabs that feel like a good idea at the time.

The NHS is the UK’s public healthcare system. People love it, even if it can be a bit slow at times. Here’s what you need to know.

The National Health Service (NHS) offers healthcare that’s mostly free at the point of use for residents. But (and this is a big but) most visa holders have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. It’s about £800 per year for adults, and it gives you access to NHS services while you’re living in the UK.

As soon as you’ve got a UK address, register with a local GP (General Practitioner) — this is your first port of call for non-emergency health issues. It’s free to register and book appointments, but there might be a bit of a wait.

To register, you’ll usually need:

• Proof of address (like a tenancy agreement or utility bill).
• Your ID/passport.

999 is for emergencies only — think life-threatening situations, accidents, or serious health crises.

For non-urgent medical advice, call 111 (NHS helpline). They’ll tell you whether you need to see a doctor or head to A&E.

You don’t need private health insurance, but some people choose to get it for:

• Shorter wait times.
• Access to private hospitals and specialists.
• Additional dental and optical cover (NHS dental care isn’t always free).

If you’re employed, check if private health insurance is part of your job’s benefits package.

Because not all journeys to the UK look the same, here’s what you should know depending on where you’re coming from.

India and the UK have a long (and complicated) history — but these days, the connection is a lot friendlier, with strong migration links for work, study, and family life. Indian communities are thriving across the UK, especially in London, Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester. You won’t have to go far to find Indian groceries, festivals like Diwali, or cricket fans to debate over the latest match.

• Student visas are a popular route, with thousands of Indian students heading to UK universities each year.
• Skilled Worker visas are also common, especially for tech professionals, healthcare workers, and engineers.
• The India Young Professionals Scheme offers a 2-year work visa for 18–30-year-olds. There’s a ballot system, and you’ll need a degree-level qualification and proof of funds.

• Degree certificates (may require apostille/legalisation).
• IELTS or other English language test results — required for most visa types.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate — mandatory for visa applicants from India.
• Proof of funds — bank statements showing enough money to support yourself (amount varies by visa).

There’s a strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK, with well-established communities and family connections — especially in cities like Bradford, Birmingham, London, and Manchester. The UK has excellent halal food availability, with many mosques and cultural centres. Ramadan is widely recognised in schools and workplaces, though practices may vary by region.

• Family reunion routes are common for those joining relatives already in the UK.
• Student visas remain a popular choice.
• Skilled Worker visas are available if you’ve got a job offer in eligible sectors.

For student and work visas, you’ll need to show proof that you can support yourself — usually through recent bank statements meeting UKVI’s requirements.

Like Indian nationals, Pakistani applicants also need a TB test certificate as part of their visa application.

The UK is a top destination for Chinese students, with strong education links and a growing number of skilled workers making the move too.

• Student visas remain the most common route, with thousands of Chinese nationals enrolling at UK universities each year.
• Graduate visas (post-study work) allow you to stay and work for up to 2 years after completing your degree.
• Skilled Worker visas for those with job offers in eligible sectors like engineering, IT, and finance.

• TB test certificate — required for Chinese applicants.
• English proficiency test — typically IELTS Academic for study routes.
• Proof of funds — required for students and many visa types.

While WeChat Pay and Alipay are the norm in China, they aren’t widely accepted in the UK. Bring an international credit/debit card and consider setting up a UK bank account (Monzo, Revolut, or Barclays are popular choices).

There are vibrant Chinese communities in London’s Chinatown, Manchester, Sheffield, and other major cities. Universities also offer Chinese student societies to help you feel at home.

The Nigerian diaspora is one of the largest African communities in the UK, with many people coming for education, healthcare work, or family reasons. Nigerian communities are well-established in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. You’ll find African markets, churches, cultural festivals, and plenty of ways to stay connected to home.

• Skilled Worker visas, especially for healthcare professionals like nurses, carers, and medical staff.
• Student visas, with UK universities welcoming thousands of Nigerian students each year.
• Family reunion visas for those joining relatives already in the UK.

• Police clearance certificates are often needed for visa applications.
• TB test certificate — mandatory for Nigerian applicants.
• Proof of funds — required for most visa types.

If you’re sending money between Nigeria and the UK, services like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit often offer better rates than traditional banks.

The UK and the US share a language (mostly), but there are still a few hurdles to clear when making the move. Prepare for British sarcasm, tea obsession, and smaller living spaces than you might be used to. Oh, and get ready to queue. Brits love a good orderly line.

• Skilled Worker visas for those with a job offer.
• Student visas for university or postgraduate study.
• Ancestry visas if you have a UK-born grandparent (a golden ticket if you’re eligible).
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from January 2025 for short visits (tourism, business, or study under 6 months).

The NHS is not automatically free for visa holders. You’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application — around £775 per year.

• Drive on the left side of the road.
• US driving licenses are valid for up to 12 months. After that, you’ll need to exchange for a UK license (check if your state qualifies for a straight swap).

Post-Brexit life has changed the game for EU citizens moving to the UK, but plenty of Europeans are still making the move for work, study, and love. There are strong European communities across the UK, particularly Polish, Romanian, Spanish, French, and Italian groups in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond. Cultural festivals and food markets are a great way to meet people and feel connected.

• Free movement ended on 31 December 2020.
• Work and study visas are required unless you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required for short visits (coming into effect in April 2025).

• EU driving licenses are valid for short visits.
• For longer stays, you may need to exchange your license for a UK one — check the rules based on your home country.

• If you have settled or pre-settled status, you can access the NHS.
• Otherwise, you’ll need health insurance or pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa.

London might be known for sky-high rent, but the UK overall can be hard on your finances. Here’s what to expect:

• London: £1,500–£2,500+ per month for a one-bedroom flat.
• Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow: £700–£1,200.
• Shared accommodation: £500–£900 depending on location.

Always check what’s included — some rentals cover utilities, some don’t. Council tax adds a sneaky extra £80–£200 a month, depending on where you live.

Your weekly shop can vary wildly based on where you go:

• Tesco / Sainsbury’s / Morrisons: Middle of the road.
• Aldi / Lidl: Budget-friendly and surprisingly good quality.
• Waitrose / M&S: Fancy. (Your wallet will notice.)

• Oyster card: Best for London buses, tubes, and trains.
• Railcards: Under 30? Over 60? There’s a discount card for you.
• Driving: Fuel prices are high, and parking is a pain in city centres.

• Get a weekly or monthly travel pass if commuting.
• Explore charity shops for bargains (vintage finds = extra cool points).
• Many museums and galleries are free entry!

Welcome to the land of tea, queuing, and mild weather panic. Even if you’ve visited before, living in the UK comes with its own set of cultural quirks that might surprise you.

The British don’t just queue — they excel at queuing. Whether it’s the post office, the pub, or the bus stop, the unspoken rule is: join the line and wait your turn.

Pubs aren’t just for pints — they’re community hubs. You’ll find families having lunch, solo readers with a pint, or big groups watching football. Don’t miss the Sunday roast: beef, chicken, or veggie option, Yorkshire puddings, gravy, and enough roast potatoes to ruin your diet.

If you’re planning to drive, welcome to the left-hand side of the road — and the land of roundabouts. They’re everywhere. Don’t panic; you’ll get the hang of it (eventually).

Some useful translations for surviving daily conversations:

• Cheers: Thanks (or goodbye).
• Fancy a cuppa?: Would you like a cup of tea?
• Sorted: All good, fixed, handled.
• Mate: Friend, pal (or enemy, depending on tone).

Alright, you've read the guide, sorted your visa, and (hopefully) picked out a waterproof jacket. Here’s your last-minute checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks before your UK adventure begins.

✅ Visa approved and printed copies saved — Have both digital and paper copies of your visa, BRP (if applicable), and any confirmation letters. Keep these handy — airport staff may want to see them.

✅ Accommodation sorted — Whether it’s a temporary Airbnb or your long-term dream flat, make sure you’ve got a UK address to give on arrival forms.

✅ UK phone number ready to go — You can get a new phone altogether, or a SIM-only plan. If your phone is eSIM ready, you can bypass the store visit and get an eSIM-only plan (with a real UK number) in about 3 minutes! If you plan on using an eSIM, see what some of the largest UK networks are offering, starting at £10 per month.

✅ Job lined up (or job hunt plan in place) — If you don’t have a job yet, have your CV polished and know where to start your search.

✅ Bank account research done — Many digital banks like Monzo and Revolut allow you to open an account with minimal hassle. Having one ready makes life (and rent payments) much easier.

✅ National Insurance number application prepared — If you’re working, you’ll need this. You can apply once you’re in the UK — but check what documents you’ll need.

✅ Health insurance or IHS payment confirmed — Double-check your Immigration Health Surcharge payment or make sure you’ve arranged private health insurance if required.

✅ Important documents scanned and saved securely — This includes your passport, visa, academic certificates, proof of funds, rental agreements, job offer letters, and anything else you might need. Cloud storage and a USB backup? Extra brownie points.

✅ Pack smart (and sensibly) — Remember, UK weather can throw all four seasons at you in a single day. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, power adapters, and any prescription medications (with doctor’s notes if needed).

✅ Know your emergency numbers — 999 for emergencies, 111 for non-urgent health advice. Save these in your phone.

💬This is the first incarnation of our guide. Got any experiences, tips, or questions you think should make it into the next update? We’re all ears. Jump into the moving to the UK thread and share your thoughts.