Categories: City Life

You’re An Immigrant In The UK – What’s Next?

Moving to London seems like a dream come true; and it’s not necessarily wrong to think so, really.

It’s a giant megalopolis filled with items, foods and people from all over the world; with opportunity and new directions; with ways to improve your understanding of the world, and your outlook on what it’s like to be an adult with responsibilities.

Still, it comes with its own challenges, that might not be evident; especially not if you had never lived by yourself, or had never moved before.

Here are some things to look out for when you’re an immigrant in the UK.

Find a hobby

It might sound a bit ridiculous when you think about moving and immigration; believe me, though, it’s actually important.

Hobbies may seem like something that will just help you occupy your free time when you’re bored… which they will, honestly, and that’s already good enough. But in reality, hobbies will also help you make connections when you oh so desperately need that.

London is notorious for having incredibly niche interest events in their local community centres and libraries — anywhere from something as widespread as LGBTQ+ centred events, to something as specific as Dungeons and Dragons sessions for beginners.

Regardless of as to whether you’re a young student, or a really, uh, aged person past your forties, hobbies will help you connect — and believe me, an immigrant myself, that connections will help you out with multiple issues, from career to residency, to personal well-being.

Check the services and leisure around you

This advice applies for anything really — from electricity companies and the police department, to the nearby pubs.

Most importantly, however, it applies to the basic survival and transportation needs. Before choosing an apartment to move in to, always check how well-connected it is to public transport and grocery stores + pharmacies. It might seem decently simple, but commuting in London is actually quite a pain in the ass, especially in the more areas.

Explore the area you live in

You never know what you might find in the area you’re moving in to. Check for local pubs, local events, important local services (as mentioned above), local transport… But also, check for what the surrounding area is like before moving in.

If you’re a light sleeper, you really don’t want foxes screaming bloody murder under your windows. If you’re, for whatever possible reason, ornithophobic (fear of parrots), you don’t want to move in to Charlton, where free wild parrots are normal… etcetera. All areas in London are peculiar, one way or another.

In addition, there aren’t that many cities in Europe with such a large number of different ethnic communities; checking them out in advance may help you move in exactly where you belong (if that’s what you feel like).

Beware of your expenses

It is super easy to overspend in London. Transport is really expensive, food is kinda expensive, bills and even groceries are expensive… Beware in advance, especially so as an immigrant.

See Also

If you have to travel between multiple zones often, then investing in a pre-paid Oyster card might be beneficial. If you’re moving in to a new area, checking what the main water & electricity providers in said area are is worth it. If you’re a student, don’t forget to abuse the powers of your student ID (it usually provides you with a 10% discount at most places).

If you do big grocery shopping days, then going to ASDA is beneficial — compared to, say, Sainsbury’s or, even worse so, Waitrose. If you’re looking for a gym membership, then you can find ones as cheap as £18, if you look hard enough.

Basically, the whole point is be careful.

Do things in advance

This is pretty straightforward, but is still worth mentioning.

Check out the council tax band of your area before moving in. Check all of the papers you might need at least a month in advance before applying. Check out the schools in the area, if you’re moving with kids, or if you’re planning to have kids in the future. As I’d mentioned above, check how the billing works in that area in advance…

The list goes on. It never hurts to be prepared, especially so for an immigrant. Especially so in England, where, if you don’t bring something up, then the other party will just hope you have forgotten all about it.

Have you ever been an immigrant in your life? Where are you from, and where have you moved to? Share your stories with us in the comments — it might either help, or just be entertaining to read through!

Featured Image Source: https://vsco.co/tlbreau/media/594402a4c58a090004580000?share=MTQ5NzYyOTM2MQ%3D%3D&_branch_match_id=671505570962227891
Tamara Chagaeva

Recent Posts

7 Rom-Coms That Will Make You Want To Get Back Out On The Dating Scene

Getting back out there on the dating scene can be rough, it's easy to become happy in your own company…

1 hour ago

10 Spooky Halloween Decor Ideas For 2018

Halloween is a much-loved time of year for many people. It is the time to host parties, dress up, watch…

3 hours ago

Why Moving Away For Uni Is Good For You

Moving away for uni can seem daunting. It most probably means moving away to a new City. This means saying…

5 hours ago

7 Uses For Aloe Vera That Will Blow Your Mind

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick green leaves that store water. While aloe vera may be thought of…

7 hours ago

I Volunteered At A Refugee Kitchen And This Is What I Learned

It wasn’t your usual trip to France. We hopped onto the M20, went through the Channel Tunnel, got on the…

13 hours ago

The World’s Best Stargazing Spots

Sometimes all you need to make a holiday perfect is a sky clear enough for a stupendous night of stargazing.…

15 hours ago