The United Kingdom is a popular destination for people all over the world. There are many reasons why the UK is so popular. From the friendly locals to the conducive environment where you can develop as a better person or family, there is no doubt you will find the UK a pleasant place to be.
Whether you are an international student or a worker, knowing your way around the country within the first week of arrival can be daunting. From knowing where to register to something as simple as buying groceries, it is going to be a confusing and emotionally challenging moment.
Therefore, here are 15 things you should do when you arrive in the UK.
15 things you should do when you arrive in the UK
Clear immigration and customs
This is pretty simple. As soon as you arrive in the UK, you will be required to present yourself to immigration and customs. Make sure your travel documents such as your passport, visa (if required), and any supporting documents, are correct.
Collect your luggage
Head to the baggage claim and collect your luggage. Make sure to double-check tags and identify your bags.
Get the local currency and arrange your transportation
If you do not have pounds, this is the time to exchange currency or head to the ATMs at the airport. Also, plan for your transportation from the airport to your destination. Available options include public transportation, taxis, or pre-booked airport transfers.
Find an accommodation
The first thing you should do as soon as you arrive in the UK is to find a place to sleep. It is best to sort this out before travelling, like contacting family or friends to accommodate you, booking a hotel or already renting a space. This will save you time and stress of settling.
Even if you are arriving in the UK without sorting your accommodation first, there are still options. A serviced apartment which provides a home away from home, is one useful option. Also, bear in mind that the costs of accommodation vary from city to city. The cost of renting accommodation in London, for instance, is considerably higher than other major cities in the country. You may find rent even cheaper in smaller towns.
If you are considering buying a home in the UK, it is best to do thorough research and engage the services of an online property portal or a local estate agent who can help you with the process.
Register with the authorities
Now that you are in the UK, you may need to register with the local authorities during your first week in the country. Registration is typically based on your nationality and type of visa, depending on circumstances. To register, you’ll need to visit your local police station with the necessary information and documents. After that, you will receive a Police Registration Certificate (PRC) which must be registered within seven days. Failure to do so may attract a hefty fine.
If you do not need to register, then you still need to apply for a National Insurance number. This is essential to make life in the UK easier for you. You need NI to start a new job, pay taxes and apply for certain financial products. All you have to do is apply online. Then wait up to 16 weeks to receive your NI number. You can also start working before you get your NI.
Take care of your health insurance
One of the attractions of the UK is the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free healthcare services to residents. To be part of the scheme, you need to register. Meanwhile, note that the NHS is typically under-resourced and waiting times can be lengthy, despite its many benefits. Therefore, it is best to register with a private health coverage that can supplement the state system.
Arrange for other insurance products and services
Life in the UK is well organised. However, to enjoy the available products and services, you must make sure you take out coverage for them. For instance, you need car insurance to be able to drive legally in the UK. You also want to get a home insurance for your house. There are other insurance products you should consider even before moving to the UK.
Open a UK bank account
To make settling in the UK a little easier, you may want to open a bank account in the country. There are several national and international retail banks in the UK, such as HSBC, NatWest and Lloyds. Alternatively, you can open an account with a building society; member-owned institutions that are very popular in the UK. They include Nationwide and Yorkshire Building Society. Just visit a local branch or you can sign up online. You can also sign up for a mobile bank in the UK. Opening a bank account will make purchasing stuff easier.
Get a UK SIM card
You do not need anyone to tell you how important having a mobile contact is in this era of information and technology. You can only be contactable in the UK if you have a local SIM card. Not only will it help you keep in touch with family and friends back home, it will help you find a job and other important things you need to stay in the country.
There are two options when it comes to getting a UK SIM card – a prepaid SIM or a cell phone contract. Choose the one that suits you. Meanwhile, there are several UK mobile operators to choose from such as Lebara and Three.
Find a job
Living in the UK is not free. You must be able to earn an income to sustain yourself. Some lucky arrivals have already gotten jobs before entering the UK. If do not belong to this group, then it is best to begin the process within the first week of arrival. Job opportunities differ from city to city. The major concentration of jobs in the UK are in the major cities such as London and Manchester.
However, there are job opportunities everywhere. To get ahead, you need to tailor your CV according to the local job market.
Take care of your transport
Entering the UK for the first time often means moving around a lot before you can settle. Naturally, options largely depend on where you live. If you are living in a major city like London, it means you have to use the local public transport system to move around. On the other hand, if you live in smaller towns like Cambridge, moving on two wheels is enough.
With the poor and declining public transit infrastructure in the UK, you should consider getting your car, especially if your stay is permanent. You can use an existing license or an International Driving Permit or apply for a local license.
Get your home connected to utilities
After renting or buying a property, the next important thing is to connect the place to relevant utilities like electricity, gas and even water if your new home is not yet connected. Understanding utilities in the UK can be challenging for new arrivals. But you can sort all that out by doing research. If you are sharing a flat, then you are likely going to split the bills with your housemates.
Set up your internet, home phone and TV
After settling the basic utilities, it is now time to set up your internet connection and home phone. This is a straightforward process as there are many options out there for you and your family. Also, some companies offer TV packages, which allow you to access the best channels from the UK and beyond.
Enrol your children in school
If you are moving to the UK with kids, finding them a school should be part of your priorities. To guide you, it is important to understand the local education system. If you want to enrol your children in primary or secondary school, contact the local municipality as soon as possible to find out your options. State schools are the cheapest in the UK. However, educational standards vary across the country.
Alternatively, you can enrol your children in private schools, especially if you are looking for a specific education program, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). If you have younger kids, then childcare is an option you should try. Note that international schools, such as French-speaking nurseries, exist in London but they are very limited outside the city.
Enjoy the UK
All these processes must be stressful. So, if you have been able to pass through them successfully, then it is okay to get out there and enjoy the environment in your first week. There are fun places to be like the nearest museum, park or stadium to watch your favourite team play, a pub to unwind or take a boat ride down the Thames. Have fun.
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