1. Are you a skilled professional who's recently moved to the United Kingdom? Congratulations on your move! Here are some things to keep in mind as you settle into your new life, i.e. your 'To Do' list once in the UK:
2. Have some UK pounds (Β£βs) with you to cover your initial shopping requirements whilst you sort out bank accounts and bank cards. US dollars ($βs) are of no use in the UK.
visitbritain.com
visitbritain.com
3, Get a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) mobile SIM card. A PAYG deal, as the name suggests, means you pay upfront & are not tied into any contract or commitment. You'll also have your own handset to put the SIM into or buy one separately.
4. Some employers provide you with a mobile handset plus SIM. However, for most, please check out moneysavingexpert.com to help you find the best PAYG deals.
Try and use Wi-Fi as much as possible to save on mobile data costs β most accommodation facilities provide free Wi-Fi.
Try and use Wi-Fi as much as possible to save on mobile data costs β most accommodation facilities provide free Wi-Fi.
5. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): pick up your BRP from a designated Post Office specified in your visa application. Your BRP will usually arrive within 10 working days of getting your 'decision letter' from the Home Office, saying that you can remain in the UK.
6. GP (General Practitioner): Your health comes first, so register with a GP: nhs.uk
a.) check the GP surgery website to see if you can register online.
b.) alternatively, call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient.
a.) check the GP surgery website to see if you can register online.
b.) alternatively, call or email the GP surgery and ask to be registered as a patient.
7. Bank Account: apply to open a bank account as soon as you get your BRP:
a.) Online via bank websites.
b.) Please check out: moneysavingexpert.com to help you find the best current account.
a.) Online via bank websites.
b.) Please check out: moneysavingexpert.com to help you find the best current account.
8. PROPERTY: most employers provide help with accommodation (for up to 3 months). As your free accommodation period will soon end, you will need to start looking for properties to rent.
Please follow the link for UK government guidance: gov.uk
Please follow the link for UK government guidance: gov.uk
9. Most people use online marketplaces to search for rental properties or walk into local estate agent offices.
More (50+) tips for renters: moneysavingexpert.com
More (50+) tips for renters: moneysavingexpert.com
10. Links to helpful organisations for any disputes with your landlord: housing-ombudsman.org.uk
11. Register To Vote: this also helps to build your credit/identity profile in the UK.
Visit gov.uk to register to vote in England, Scotland and Wales. Registering online takes about three minutes.
Visit gov.uk to register to vote in England, Scotland and Wales. Registering online takes about three minutes.
12. Household Bills: Council Tax
You will be responsible for Council Tax on your property. You must tell your council as soon as you move into your property.
If youβre unsure about paying Council Tax, check with your local council. gov.uk
You will be responsible for Council Tax on your property. You must tell your council as soon as you move into your property.
If youβre unsure about paying Council Tax, check with your local council. gov.uk
13. Household Bills: Gas & Electricity
moneysavingexpert.com
You could also try the Money Saving Expert: Cheap Energy Club
moneysavingexpert.com
You could also try the Money Saving Expert: Cheap Energy Club
14. Household Bills: Water
Water companies charge in two different ways. The first is unmetered and calculates a set rate that is decided upon by your home's 'rateable' value. The second method is metered, where you are billed for the amount of water you use.
Water companies charge in two different ways. The first is unmetered and calculates a set rate that is decided upon by your home's 'rateable' value. The second method is metered, where you are billed for the amount of water you use.
15. Household Bills: Water
You can't switch between water providers, so you're limited in what you can do to cut how much you pay. Here are a few quick tips on what you can do:
#forgotten" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">moneysavingexpert.com
You can't switch between water providers, so you're limited in what you can do to cut how much you pay. Here are a few quick tips on what you can do:
#forgotten" target="_blank" rel="noopener" onclick="event.stopPropagation()">moneysavingexpert.com
17. Household Bills: TV Licence
You Must Have A TV Licence to watch any live TV. Buy one at the TV Licensing Website: tvlicensing.co.uk
You Must Have A TV Licence to watch any live TV. Buy one at the TV Licensing Website: tvlicensing.co.uk
18. USED CARS: buying a used car is grt for cutting the cost of your driving as most new cars lose around 40% of their value in the 1st year. But there are risks, so it's important to take your time rather than rush into any deal & to buy with your head rather than your heart.
19. USED CARS: before you commit to buying a used car, itβs worth checking the vehicleβs MOT history on gvt records (see link). MOT records are held for up to 10 years, so you will be able to check a detailed history of the vehicle, incl. its MOT passes and failures, and ...
20...which parts of the vehicle failed the respective test. Some of the vehicle parts that get checked during an MOT include lights, the battery, tyres, brakes, steering, and suspension. It also includes the car's internal workings and engine: check-mot.service.gov.uk
21. CREDIT PROFILE: now that you have your own rental property and hopefully feel settled into your new UK life, it is time to think long-term, by building and improving your credit history β you will need a good credit record for mortgages, for example.
22. Everyone should take time to manage their credit report and score. Your credit report is important β it's no longer just about whether you can get a mortgage, credit card or loan. It can also affect mobile phone contracts, monthly car insurance, bank accounts and more.
23. Here are the 14 things you need to know to build your credit history:
moneysavingexpert.com
moneysavingexpert.com
24.LIFE INSURANCE: get it fast to protect your family. Never blindly go with a policy offered to you by your bank or directly with an insurer, as this is the most expensive way. Instead, it would be best if you got quotes from a number of insurers.
25. Consider joining a Workersβ UNION. Being a member gives you a huge range of benefits, from legal & welfare services to financial help for education & training. Members also get discounts on a range of financial services + special payments on death, accident, or fatal accident
26. Remember that settling into a new country can take time, so be patient and give yourself time to adjust. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
You might want to check out my other thread on the Tier 2 Skilled CARE WORKER visa application process π
Loading suggestions...