An honest and practical guide to settling into British life, from someone who once had to figure it all out herself.

When I first moved to the United Kingdom in October 2019, I had my luggage, important documents, and a reasonable amount of excitement about beginning a new life abroad. What I didn’t have was a manual explaining how everything worked once I arrived. Apparently, nobody hands you one at the airport. You simply collect your bags, find your way to your accommodation, and begin discovering that even the simplest things can work differently from what you’re used to.

Coming from Cebu, Philippines, I had to adjust to more than the weather. There were unfamiliar household bills, different ways of communicating, new transport systems, and ordinary administrative tasks that somehow required an impressive amount of paperwork. I also discovered that the UK isn’t all London landmarks, charming cottages, and afternoon tea. Sometimes, it’s standing at a bus stop in freezing rain while wondering whether you’ve dressed appropriately for the season.

After years of living here, I’ve learned a few things that would have made my early days considerably easier. So, whether you’re moving to Britain for work, study, or family, here are 20 practical things worth knowing before you arrive. I’ll also include useful websites, common mistakes to avoid, and a quick-reference table you can save for later.

1. Check your visa and immigration requirements before making travel arrangements. Your first priority should be confirming that you have the correct permission to enter and live in the UK. Requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of travel, and individual circumstances. If you’re coming for employment, make sure you understand the conditions attached to your visa, including any restrictions on the work you can undertake. Many immigration statuses are now recorded digitally through an eVisa, which you can access using a UK Visas and Immigration account. Before travelling, check that your passport and immigration details are correct. Don’t rely entirely on advice from friends who moved several years ago because immigration procedures can change. Useful links: Check if you need a UK visa | Access your eVisa.

2. Organise your important documents before leaving home. I recommend creating a secure digital folder containing copies of your passport, visa or immigration information, employment contract, qualifications, accommodation details, and relevant certificates. Keep original documents accessible when required, particularly if your employer needs to verify your professional qualifications or right to work. If you’re travelling from the Philippines for a regulated profession such as nursing, check the documentary requirements of your employer and professional regulator beforehand. Don’t forget emergency contact details and the address of your first accommodation. Searching through old emails after a long flight is not the ideal introduction to British life. Useful link: Prove your right to work in the UK.

3. Prepare enough money for your first few weeks. Even when you already have a job waiting, you might not receive your first salary immediately. Depending on your arrangements, you may need to pay for accommodation, groceries, bedding, transport, mobile data, and other essentials before payday. Ask your employer when you will receive your first payment and whether relocation assistance is available. Prepare a budget based on your circumstances, and keep an emergency reserve where possible. One habit worth breaking early is converting absolutely everything into Philippine pesos. It’s understandable, especially when you’ve only recently moved, but eventually you need to assess affordability against your income and expenses in pounds. Otherwise, even a supermarket sandwich can become an emotional financial event.

4. Research your town and neighbourhood before choosing accommodation. Britain is much more than London, and living costs vary considerably between locations. Before accepting accommodation, investigate the distance to your workplace, public transport availability, nearby supermarkets, local safety information, and access to healthcare services. Check the actual journey rather than relying on the distance shown on a map. Five miles may sound manageable until you discover that the buses are infrequent during evenings or weekends. I live in Wolverhampton, and I’ve come to appreciate the convenience of having useful amenities and other destinations within reach. Useful links: Google Maps | National Rail.

5. Understand how renting works before paying anything. If you’re renting privately, read the tenancy agreement carefully and establish what is included in the rent. Some properties are advertised with bills included, while others require you to arrange and pay for utilities separately. Ask about the deposit, payment dates, notice arrangements, heating, council tax, and any additional responsibilities. In England, there are rules governing tenancy deposits, permitted charges, and right-to-rent checks. Never transfer money to an unverified person simply because they promise to reserve a room for you. If possible, arrange a viewing or use a trustworthy accommodation provider. Useful links: Government guidance on renting | Tenancy deposits.

6. Learn what council tax is because rent isn’t always your only housing expense. Council tax is a local charge that helps fund services such as waste collection and other council responsibilities. The amount depends on the property, local authority, and applicable discounts or exemptions. Many adults are responsible for paying it, although certain arrangements and circumstances are treated differently. For example, qualifying households with a single liable adult may receive a discount. Check whether your council tax is included in your accommodation arrangements and who is responsible for the bill. It’s an expense that can easily be overlooked when preparing a moving budget. Useful link: Council tax explained.

7. Open a UK bank account and compare your options. Having a UK bank account makes it easier to receive your salary, pay bills, and manage everyday expenses. Different banks have different account-opening requirements, so check which documents you need. You may be asked for identification, address details, or evidence of immigration status, depending on the provider. Some accounts can be opened online, while others require additional verification. Compare fees, mobile banking features, and whether the account is suitable for your circumstances. Don’t assume you need to pay for a premium account to manage ordinary spending. Useful link: Information about basic bank accounts.

8. Understand your National Insurance number and your first payslip. If you’re moving to the UK for work, you’ll encounter the term National Insurance number, often shortened to NI number. It’s used in the tax and National Insurance system. Check whether you already have one before applying, because some people receive one through their immigration arrangements. You can begin working before receiving a number if you can prove your right to work. Once you’re employed, familiarise yourself with your payslip. Your gross salary is not the same as the money you receive in your bank account. Deductions may include income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and other applicable payments. Useful links: Apply for a National Insurance number | Check the tax on your payslip.

9. Register with a GP instead of waiting until you become unwell. One of the first things I’d recommend after settling into your accommodation is registering with a local GP surgery. A GP, or general practitioner, is usually your first point of contact for non-emergency medical concerns. In England, GP registration is free, and you do not need proof of immigration status, identification, or proof of address simply to register. This doesn’t mean every NHS service is necessarily free for everyone, as hospital charging and eligibility rules can differ. Find a nearby surgery, check whether it’s accepting patients, and complete the registration process. As a nurse, I particularly encourage people to understand how to access appropriate healthcare rather than waiting until a problem becomes urgent. Useful link: Register with a GP.

10. Learn when to use NHS 111, your GP, and emergency services. The NHS provides different services depending on the urgency of your medical concern. For non-emergency issues, your GP or local pharmacy may be appropriate. In England, NHS 111 can help you identify where to obtain urgent medical advice when you’re unsure what to do. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999. Don’t assume every medical issue requires an A&E visit, but equally, don’t delay emergency care when it’s genuinely needed. Understanding these services before you need them can save considerable confusion. Healthcare arrangements vary across the four UK nations, so check the guidance for the country where you live. Useful links: NHS 111 | Find NHS services.

11. Learn how public transport works before your first commute. Depending on where you live, you may rely on buses, trains, trams, or a combination of services. Before your first day at work, plan your journey and check the timetable for the actual day and time you’ll be travelling. Weekend, evening, and bank holiday services may differ. Train tickets also have different conditions. Advance tickets are often cheaper but usually restrict you to a particular service, while Off-Peak tickets allow travel within specified periods. If you travel regularly, check whether you’re eligible for a Railcard or whether a season ticket would be worthwhile. A little planning can save both money and the embarrassment of discovering you’re on the wrong train. Useful links: National Rail journey planner | Railcards.

12. Check whether you can use your overseas driving licence. If you already drive in your home country, don’t assume your licence allows you to drive in Britain indefinitely. The rules depend on the country that issued your licence, the type of vehicle, your residency, and other circumstances. Use the official government checker before driving. Remember that vehicles in Britain travel on the left-hand side of the road, which may require some adjustment depending on where you learned to drive. If you plan to buy a car eventually, budget for more than the purchase price. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, vehicle tax, and other costs can add up. Useful link: Check if you can drive with a non-GB licence.

13. Prepare for British weather, especially if you’re coming from a tropical country. When I first moved here, I quickly learned that checking the forecast should become part of the morning routine. British weather can change throughout the day, and temperatures that look manageable on paper may feel colder because of wind and rain. Invest in practical layers, a waterproof coat, comfortable footwear, and appropriate winter clothing. You don’t need to buy an entire wardrobe immediately. Start with essentials and learn what suits the climate and your daily activities. I personally adore autumn because of the beautiful colours, but even my favourite season comes with its fair share of unpredictable weather. Useful link: Met Office weather forecasts.

14. Understand your heating system and energy bills. Heating is something you should learn about before winter arrives. Many British homes use central heating, but the system varies from property to property. Familiarise yourself with the thermostat, heating controls, and any instructions provided by your landlord or accommodation provider. Check how your energy bills are calculated, whether you pay by Direct Debit or another arrangement, and how to submit meter readings when necessary. Condensation and damp can also become problems, particularly during colder months, so pay attention to ventilation and signs of moisture. A cosy home is wonderful, but discovering an unexpectedly large energy bill is considerably less charming. Useful link: Ofgem energy advice.

15. Know how household rubbish and recycling are collected. This might sound like a strange thing to include in a moving guide, but trust me, it’s useful. Local councils have different systems for general waste, recycling, food waste, and garden waste. Collection days and rules vary by address, and some materials cannot be placed in ordinary recycling bins. Once you’ve moved in, visit your local council’s website and find your collection schedule. Check which bins are provided and when they need to be put outside. It’s one of those small responsibilities that becomes part of everyday British life surprisingly quickly. Useful link: Find your local council.

16. Learn how to save money when grocery shopping. Grocery shopping becomes much easier once you know the different supermarkets and understand which ones suit your budget. Aldi and Lidl are popular for affordable everyday shopping, while Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and other retailers offer their own ranges, promotions, and loyalty schemes. Prices vary, so don’t assume one supermarket will always be cheaper for every product. Compare unit prices, plan meals before shopping, and check reduced-price sections when appropriate. If you love Filipino food, explore nearby Asian shops for familiar ingredients. You don’t have to abandon your favourite dishes simply because you’ve moved countries. You might just need to become more creative about where you buy the ingredients.

17. Check whether you actually need a TV Licence. This is one of those British household rules that can confuse newcomers. You generally need a TV Licence to watch or record live television on any channel or streaming service, or to use BBC iPlayer. However, watching only on-demand content through services other than BBC iPlayer does not usually require one. The requirement depends on what you watch, not simply whether you own a television. Check the official information rather than assuming every household automatically needs a licence. Useful link: Check if you need a TV Licence.

18. Take advantage of free and affordable activities. One thing I’ve learned from living in Britain is that enjoying yourself doesn’t always require spending a fortune. Public parks, libraries, walking trails, local markets, and many museums can offer wonderful ways to explore your surroundings. Some attractions charge admission, while others are free or offer discounted entry. I particularly enjoy discovering places with interesting history, beautiful architecture, and scenery that changes with the seasons. Before paying for an expensive day out, check your local council’s events page and nearby attractions. You might be surprised by what’s available close to home. Useful links: National Trust | English Heritage.

19. Get comfortable with British communication and everyday etiquette. People in Britain have their own expressions, manners, and conversational habits. Someone asking “You alright?” is often simply greeting you rather than suggesting something is wrong. “Cheers” can mean thank you, and “not bad” may actually be a fairly positive response. Queuing is taken seriously, polite requests are common, and conversations about the weather appear almost unavoidable. Don’t worry if you initially misunderstand a few things. You don’t need to imitate every British habit, but understanding the social customs can make everyday interactions much easier. You can keep your own personality while learning how people communicate around you.

20. Give yourself time to settle into your new life. This final tip might not involve an application form or official website, but I consider it just as important. Moving abroad means adjusting to a new environment while continuing to manage your responsibilities, finances, relationships, and personal goals. Some days will feel exciting, and others will be surprisingly ordinary or difficult. You may miss familiar food, spontaneous conversations with family, or the comfort of knowing exactly how everything works. Build routines, explore your neighbourhood, stay connected with loved ones, and make room for new friendships. You don’t need to understand everything during your first month. Settling into a new country isn’t about knowing everything immediately; it’s about becoming a little more confident each time you figure something out.

Quick-Reference Table: Your UK Moving Guide

For anyone who prefers having the essentials in one place, here’s a summary of what to organise before and after arriving.

Please note: This article is based on my experience of living in England. Some rules and public services differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Immigration requirements, fees, and government guidance may also change, so always check the official sources for the latest information.

Final Thoughts: Welcome to Your New Chapter

Looking back at my first years in Britain, I realise how many things I learned simply by doing them. From understanding my payslip to figuring out heating controls, even the smallest discoveries gradually made everyday life easier. Some lessons were amusing, some were expensive, and others left me wondering why nobody had mentioned them beforehand.

Moving to the UK has given me opportunities, responsibilities, challenges, and experiences that I couldn’t have fully imagined when I first left Cebu. It has also taught me to appreciate familiar things from home while learning to enjoy the peculiarities of another country. I still find myself discovering something new every now and then, which I suppose is part of the adventure.

If you’re preparing to move here, I hope this guide makes your journey a little easier. Do your research, prepare your documents, manage your finances carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You won’t get everything right immediately, and that’s perfectly normal. Eventually, the unfamiliar streets become your regular routes, the confusing systems start making sense, and the place you once knew only from photographs begins to feel like somewhere you belong.

And if you’re already living in Britain, I’d love to know: what is one thing you wish someone had told you before you moved here? Share your experience in the comments. Your advice might be exactly what another newcomer needs to read.

Until the next Anjventure,

Anj,

still checking the weather before leaving the house.

First Month in the UK: A Practical Guide for Newcomers