Less than 4% of people around the world make the move to live in a different country to the one they were born in – and you’re one of them! So you’re probably more brave, curious and confident than most.
Even so, starting up somewhere new still feels pretty scary at times. That’s why we’ve put together five top tips that’ll help the UK feel like home.
Let’s start by leaving the house.
Get out and explore
Hopefully you’ve found somewhere to rent, are all moved in and have completed your week one to-do list. Now it’s time to get to know your neighbourhood.
Take some walks round the local area to get your bearings. You’ll get to know how long it takes to get to the nearest shops, doctor’s surgery, school and community centre. If you’re in one of the bigger cities like London, it’s probably quicker than driving anyway.
If you’re not sure where you can walk, try the Footpath app. You just draw a rough route on a map and it’ll plan it all nicely for you and show where you can follow paths, or cut through the park.
And while you’re using your phone, see if there are any Facebook groups for your area. They’re a great way to get to know what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
If you want to explore further afield, you might need the UK public transport system. The CityMapper app can help you plan routes for a day trip to the city centre, or to see the local sights.
Find some friends
Now you’ve got your bearings, it’s time to get to know some people.
The UK is a pretty friendly place, so the hard part is just finding somewhere to get a conversation started. Luckily there are loads of options for meeting up with like-minded people. It just depends on what you’re into.
Fitness fanatic? Look for classes at the community centre, or check Facebook for local running, cycling and sports clubs.
Parent? Baby and toddler groups are a great way for both you and your little ones to find some friendship and support. Or ask about joining the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to get more involved with your child’s school.
Follow a faith? Hopefully you found the local religious space for it on your walks. Why not attend a service? You’re sure to be warmly welcomed.
Students will be really spoilt for choice. UK universities usually have a club or society for anything you can think of from crochet to lacrosse.
For everyone else, the Meetup and EventBrite apps are also a great source of local groups and meetings.
And if you haven’t actually decided what you’re into, apps like Bumble For Friends (BFF) can help you just find some friends to try new activities with. Just be alert to scams on these apps and make sure you meet up in safe public places.
Prefer four-legged friends? There’s even an app for that. Try BorrowMyDoggy to match you up with a furry walking buddy.
Make sure you can keep in touch
New friends in the UK are important, but so is chatting to everyone in your previous country. Get a UK SIM card with a good data allowance in your very first week here. That way you’ll avoid spending a fortune on international call charges by making voice and video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime or Viber.
Perfect for updating the family about all your new friends and activities.
Add some home comfort
Unless you had everything you owned shipped to the UK with you, you might be missing some of your things more than you thought you would. Especially in an empty rented flat.
You can ask friends and family to mail some comforting items to make your place feel a bit more like home. Just watch the value – you’ll have to pay customs duty on anything worth more than £135 and 20% VAT (Value Added Tax) on gifts valued at more than £39.
There’s still plenty they can send without hitting those thresholds. Blankets, wall hangings, ornaments. Anything that makes you think of home and smile.
Alternatively, ask them to email or message you with lots of photos. Then you can get them printed and framed to decorate your new place. Companies like Snapfish will even let you make photo collages. That’s one way to make you smile every time you look at your previously bare walls.
Learn the quirks
There’s a few things about UK life that seem pretty weird to newcomers. Obsession with the weather. Queues for everything. And why are people nodding while they’re driving?
Actually we can help with that last one. Read our guide to driving etiquette to make it make sense.
And if you need to know the meaning of some odd British phrases, we’ve got you.
You’ve already had the sense of adventure and determination to get here, so you’ve definitely got what it takes to settle right in. Welcome home.
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