Every year, the United Kingdom, UK, receives thousands of foreign students/workers, while many travel to the UK for work or study, some relocate their families.
In this article, we will be revealing 10 things to do before relocating to the UK this 2025, either for work or study.
The article is authored by a UK residents which makes it more important. Following the facts that it’s coming from a place of experience.
The article is meant to inform, educate and give you first hand information on what you do before making plans to Relocate to the United Kingdom for study or work.
1. Sort out your Accommodation
Be sure of where you’ll stay before coming. Get short stay hotel or air bnb for few days or arrange short stay with a friend. Book multiple house viewings online & pay when you arrive if you like any.
Don’t enter into full accommodation contract prior to physical viewing. You might be shocked.
Sites for accommodation search: Gumtree, Spareroom, Zoopla, Rightmove, Openrent.
Rent range: £400-£1600 depends on number of rooms and the city
2. Define your relationship with your partner before relocating
If the relationship is already shaky, break up before you come. Don’t promise to bring a partner you’re not sure of to the U.K.
If ideas don’t align, reposition & clarify. Vision is progressive. Fine & responsible boys & women are all over the U.K.
3. Be sure of which post office to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Use post office finder on google. A BRP is can be used to confirm your:
- Identity
- Right to study
- Right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to.
BRPs are being replaced by eVisas. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status. You can still get a BRP if you were told you would get one and you made a visa application from outside the UK.
4. Open an online bank account
You can easily open an online bank account with Monzo, Revolut, Tide etc & apply for credit or debit card. You can set up proper high street bank account later.
5. Use of free Sim Card
When you arrive at the airport, use the free SIM card provided by your airline, top up internet & call credit for 1 week. Later you can decide best network service provider suitable for your location.
6. Apply for DBS
If you want to work as soon as possible especially in healthcare, apply for DBS immediately. The Disclosure & Barring Service is a check for criminal record.
A basic DBS check can be used for any position or purpose, however for certain roles, you may need a higher level of criminal record check.
It costs £21.50.
Most basic checks will be processed within 14 days.
7. Be clear of your exit plan if you’re a student
Plan and save for your Post study work visa on time and start early to apply for Sponsored jobs.
Know your long term plan if coming as a worker. Ideas can be fine tuned anyways but make sure you are not clueless.
8. Ready for Culture Shock
Get ready for culture shock, weather changes and romanticised greetings
Not everyone calling you “my love” is in love with you. Don’t fall for that. They’re just showing plastic courtesy.
9. Join a community as soon as possible
Either your country/Nigerian community or your professional community.
You need all the support you can get from them but avoid their gossips & unhealthy rivalry.
10. Be careful about who you take advice from
Not everyone in the U.K. has pleasant experiences. Do not let others drop their dirt, project their fears and lack of fulfilment on you.
You can succeed and thrive regardless.
Welcome!
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