Moving to the UK sounds simple enough on paper. You’ve got a job lined up, you’ve done some research, and you’re ready to go. But the first few weeks have a way of humbling even the most prepared newcomers.
The Bank Account Problem
One of the first things you’ll need after landing is a UK bank account. And one of the first things you’ll discover is that opening one isn’t quick. Most high street banks want proof of address, but you can’t get a proper address without a tenancy agreement, and you can’t always get a tenancy agreement without a bank account. It’s a frustrating loop.
Digital banks like Monzo or Starling are more flexible with ID requirements, which is why so many newcomers start there. But if your employer needs to pay you into a traditional account, or you’re thinking ahead to a mortgage, expect the process to take a few weeks. Bring every document you can think of: your visa, employer letter, passport, and any correspondence with a UK address on it.
Where to Live When You First Arrive
Finding a permanent rental takes time. Letting agents will want references, proof of UK employment, and sometimes a UK-based guarantor. If you’ve just arrived, you won’t have most of that.
That’s why most relocating professionals book temporary furnished accommodation for the first month or two. It gives you a base to work from while you sort out referencing and viewings. Many relocating professionals lean on serviced apartment providers during this window. Firms that specialise in expat housing, such as Situ, can source flexible-term serviced apartments across UK cities, which takes the pressure off while you sort out referencing and viewings.
Don’t assume you’ll find a permanent flat within the first week. In competitive areas like Birmingham, Solihull, and London, good rentals go fast.
NHS Registration Takes Longer Than You’d Think
You’re entitled to use the NHS once you’re living in the UK, but registering with a GP practice is a separate step. You’ll need to find a local surgery that’s accepting new patients, fill in a registration form, and then wait. The NHS says registration usually completes within about five working days, but it can stretch to two weeks or more in busier areas.
Access varies hugely by practice. NHS figures show around 45% of GP appointments happen the same day they’re booked, but non-urgent slots can still sit two or three weeks out, especially if you want a specific GP or a face-to-face slot rather than a phone consultation. So make sure to register as soon as you arrive, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
The Rental Market Has Its Own Rules
UK tenancies work differently to what you might be used to. Since the Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May 2026, all new private tenancies in England are periodic from day one, with no fixed six or twelve-month term. You can leave with two months’ notice once you’ve moved in. You’ll typically pay a deposit (capped at five weeks’ rent, or six weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more) plus one month’s rent in advance.
The referencing process can be the biggest hurdle. Agents use third-party companies to check your credit history, employment, and previous landlord references. If you’ve just moved from abroad, you won’t have a UK credit file.
The old workaround of paying six months upfront no longer works, since rent in advance is now capped at one month. Instead, it helps to be upfront about your situation, provide an employer reference letter, and ask whether a UK-based guarantor service would satisfy the agent.
British Weather Isn’t What You Expect
People joke about the rain, but the real surprise is the grey. From October through to March, daylight hours shrink dramatically, and overcast skies become the norm. It’s less about downpours and more about weeks where the sun barely makes an appearance. If you’re moving from a sunnier climate, this hits harder than you’d expect. A good coat and a vitamin D supplement will become your best friends.
Life Outside London
The West Midlands is a growing destination for international workers, particularly around Birmingham’s business district, the NEC corridor, and JLR’s Lode Lane plant in Solihull. The pace of life here is noticeably different from London. That’s mostly a good thing: lower living costs, shorter commutes, and a friendlier atmosphere.
Building a social life outside of work takes effort, though. Joining local clubs, sports teams, or community groups is the fastest way in.
Your First Six Months Set the Tone
The practical stuff, bank accounts, GP registration, tenancy agreements, all gets easier once you have a UK address and a few months of history behind you. Give yourself patience and a realistic timeline. Most expats say the first three months are the hardest, and by six months, things feel more settled.
Article written by Lydia White
