Welcome to the United Kingdom
Moving to the UK is a significant life change. This guide covers everything you need to establish yourself successfully in your new home.
Before You Arrive
Prepare Your Documents
- Valid passport with visa vignette
- Certificate of Sponsorship details
- Employment contract
- Accommodation confirmation (even temporary)
- COVID vaccination records (if applicable)
Arrange Initial Accommodation
- Book for 2-4 weeks minimum
- Consider location relative to workplace
- Airbnb, hotels, or serviced apartments
- Ask employer about relocation support
First Week in the UK
1. Collect Your BRP
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP):
- Collect within 10 days of arrival
- Location specified in visa decision letter
- Usually a Post Office
- Bring passport
Your BRP contains:
- Your photo and fingerprints
- Immigration status and conditions
- Expiry date
2. Get a National Insurance Number
Required for:
- Working legally
- Tax purposes
- Pension contributions
- Benefits (if eligible)
How to apply:
- Call the National Insurance helpline: 0800 141 2075
- Or apply online via gov.uk
- Provide: name, address, BRP, employment details
- Number arrives by post (4-8 weeks)
Note: You can start working without NI number—employer uses temporary reference.
3. Open a Bank Account
Traditional banks require:
- Passport and BRP
- Proof of address
- Employment letter sometimes helpful
Major high street banks:
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Lloyds
- NatWest
- Santander
Digital banks (easier for new arrivals):
- Monzo
- Starling Bank
- Revolut (UK account)
Many digital banks don't need UK proof of address initially.
4. Get a UK Phone Number
Options:
- Pay-as-you-go SIM: Available at supermarkets, phone shops
- Contract: Requires credit check and UK address
Major providers:
- EE
- Vodafone
- O2
- Three
First Month
Register with the NHS
Healthcare through the National Health Service is covered by your Immigration Health Surcharge (already paid with visa).
To access NHS:
1. Register with a GP (doctor)
2. Find practices at nhs.uk
3. Complete registration form
4. Provide ID and proof of address
5. Receive NHS number
GP services:
- Appointments for illness
- Referrals to specialists
- Prescriptions
- Vaccinations
Find Permanent Accommodation
Rental market:
- Competitive in major cities
- Use Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom
- Estate agents for viewings
Required:
- References (employer, previous landlord)
- Right to rent check (BRP)
- Deposit (4-6 weeks rent)
- First month's rent
Average rents (2024):
- London: £1,800-2,500/month (1-bed)
- Manchester/Birmingham: £900-1,400/month
- Other cities: £700-1,100/month
Set Up Utilities
If taking over a property:
- Electricity and gas: Compare at uswitch.com
- Water: Provider depends on area
- Council tax: Register with local council
- TV Licence: Required if watching live TV
Understanding UK Tax
PAYE System:
- Tax deducted automatically by employer
- Personal Allowance: £12,570 tax-free
- Basic rate: 20%
- Higher rate: 40% (over £50,270)
Tax Code:
- Employer needs correct tax code
- Check payslips for accuracy
- Contact HMRC if issues
National Insurance:
- Additional deduction for NHS, pensions, benefits
- Currently 12% on most earnings
Driving in the UK
Using Foreign Licence:
- Valid for 12 months after arrival
- Then must exchange or take UK test
- Some countries have exchange agreements
If Exchanging:
- Apply via DVLA
- Surrender foreign licence
- No test required (eligible countries)
If Testing:
- Theory test first
- Practical test after
- Can take months to get test dates
Transportation
London:
- Oyster card or contactless payment
- Tube, buses, Overground, Elizabeth line
- Zones system for fares
Other Cities:
- Local bus networks
- Tram systems (Manchester, Sheffield, etc.)
- Local rail services
National Rail:
- Railcard for discounts (various types)
- Advance booking cheaper
- Apps: Trainline, National Rail
Social Life and Culture
Meeting People:
- Workplace social events
- Meetup.com groups
- Sports clubs and gyms
- Expat communities
- Local pubs
British Culture:
- Queueing is sacred
- Politeness expected
- Weather discussion common
- Pub culture significant
- Indirect communication style
Useful Phrases:
- "Cheers" = thanks
- "Lovely" = nice/great
- "Quite" can mean "very" or "somewhat"
- "You alright?" = hello (not concern)
Family Considerations
Schools
- Apply through local council
- State schools free
- Start dates: September (main), January
- Catchment areas matter
Childcare
- Nurseries: £1,000-2,000/month
- 15-30 hours free for 3-4 year olds
- Childminders available
- Tax-free childcare scheme
Family NHS Registration
- Register all family members with GP
- Same practice preferred
- Children's vaccinations through GP
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 999
- Non-emergency police: 101
- NHS non-emergency: 111
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk
Recruitroo UK Support
We provide settling support:
- Accommodation guidance
- Banking setup advice
- Local area information
- Ongoing support
The UK will soon feel familiar. We're here to help you settle successfully.