The United Kingdom has always been an extremely popular country for people to migrate to. The UK presents new beginnings in one of the most advanced countries in all aspects. There is a wide array of opportunities available, may it be for employment or education. The UK even has a sizable expat community, so you will definitely not feel like a fish out of water should you decide to settle here.
If you have been thinking about settling in the UK but do not really know where to start, do not fret. We will introduce you to everything you need to know, from visas to long residence rules, to help you kickstart your life in the United Kingdom.
Here are the things you should do before you pack your bags:
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Do your research.
The fact that you are reading this article now means that you have already started to do your research! However, here are some important pointers to guide you through the piles of articles. First, it is important that you get to know all the documents you will need, and how you can get them. It’s best if you can get someone to professionally guide you through this!
Next is that you should have a realistic understanding of what life in the UK is life. The truth is, what you see in shows and films is just a very, very small fraction of what it is really like. One fact that you need to face is that the high number of opportunities in London, coupled with its impressive salaries, also has an effect through the high cost of living there.
Be sure that you have an accurate grasp of what your life will be like once you make the big move. After all, it is a whole new country with its own set of traditions and cultures.
Get help.
While it is possible for you to do a big chunk of the migration by yourself, it will be better for you to seek professional help. This is because they will know the best ways to accomplish things, such as your visas in the quickest and most efficient manner.
One thing that is definitely a big concern is arranging your visa. There are a lot of conditions, barriers, and classifications that you need to sort out before you are granted permission to live and thrive in the UK.
Sort out your belongings.
If you have managed to get your visa and sorted out your work and accommodation in the UK, then it is time to settle your belongings before you leave.
The rule is that you should only bring along the essentials, along with things that you can not easily replace once you are in the UK. If you live overseas, it may be best to pack as light as possible, as the fees and costs of transporting a bulk of your belongings may cost more than just replacing it once you’re migrated.
Get your finances ready.
It is not a secret that migrating to a different country, especially the UK, is no joke to your budget. Before you even set anything in motion, it is of the utmost importance that you check your finances first. You should determine whether or not you can actually fund your move, and if you have enough to carry you through your first weeks in the UK.
Once you are actually living in the UK, we recommend starting a bank account right away. Most establishments are cashless, and you may need to set up one for your work sooner or later.