Moving to the UK can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of challenges and responsibilities. Whether you are moving for work, study, or family reasons, there are certain things you need to do as soon as you arrive in the UK to make your transition smoother and easier. In this article, we will cover the first set of essential tasks to cater for upon arriving in the UK, how to get them done, and where to find more information and support.
Find your new home in the UK
One of the first and most important tasks to cater for upon arriving in the UK is finding a suitable place to live. Depending on your budget, preferences, and needs, you can choose from different types of accommodation, such as renting a flat, sharing a house, or staying in a hotel or hostel. You can use online platforms, such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or Spareroom, to search for available properties, compare prices, and contact landlords or agents. You can also use local newspapers, notice boards, or word-of-mouth to find accommodation options. Before you sign a tenancy agreement, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, the rent and deposit amount, the bills and fees, and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You can find more information and advice on renting in the UK from [Shelter], a charity that helps people with housing issues.
Register with the National Health Service (NHS)
The NHS is the public health system in the UK that provides free or low-cost health care to residents. To access the NHS services, you need to register with a local GP (general practitioner) surgery, which is a clinic that provides primary care and referrals to specialists. To register with a GP, you need to find a surgery that covers your area, fill in a registration form, and provide proof of identity and address. You can use the [NHS website] to find a GP near you, check the services they offer, and book an appointment online. Once you register with a GP, you will receive an NHS number, which is a unique identifier that you need to use whenever you access the NHS services. You can also apply for an NHS card, which is a plastic card that shows your name, address, and NHS number. You can find more information and guidance on registering with the NHS from [Citizens Advice], a charity that provides free and impartial advice on various issues.
Open a bank account
Having a bank account in the UK is essential for managing your finances, paying bills, receiving payments, and transferring money. To open a bank account in the UK, you need to choose a bank that suits your needs, provide proof of identity and address, and pass a credit check. You can compare different banks and their products and services on websites such as [MoneySavingExpert], [MoneySuperMarket], or [Which?]. You can also use online or mobile-only banks, such as [Monzo], [Starling], or [Revolut], which offer easy and fast account opening, low fees, and convenient features. However, these banks may not have physical branches or offer the same level of protection as traditional banks. You can find more information and tips on opening a bank account in the UK from [The Money Advice Service], a government-backed organisation that provides free and unbiased money advice.
Apply for a National Insurance number
A National Insurance number is a personal number that you need to work, pay taxes, and claim benefits in the UK. If you are moving to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you may not have a National Insurance number and you need to apply for one as soon as possible. To apply for a National Insurance number, you need to call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2075 and arrange an appointment at a Jobcentre Plus office. You will need to provide proof of identity, such as your passport or biometric residence permit, and proof of address, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill. You will also need to explain why you need a National Insurance number, such as for work or study purposes. You will receive your National Insurance number by post within 3 to 6 weeks. You can find more information and guidance on applying for a National Insurance number from [GOV.UK], the official website of the UK government.
Get a UK mobile phone number
Having a UK mobile phone number is important for staying in touch with your family, friends, and contacts in the UK, as well as for accessing various online services and apps. To get a UK mobile phone number, you need to choose a mobile network provider, such as [EE], [O2], [Vodafone], or [Three], and a mobile plan that suits your needs and budget. You can choose from different types of plans, such as pay monthly, pay as you go, or SIM only. You can compare different mobile network providers and their plans on websites such as [uSwitch], [Compare the Market], or [Confused.com]. You can also use international or virtual mobile numbers, such as [Skype], [WhatsApp], or [Google Voice], which allow you to make and receive calls and messages over the internet, without using a UK mobile phone number. However, these numbers may not work for some online services and apps that require a UK mobile phone number for verification or registration. You can find more information and advice on getting a UK mobile phone number from [Ofcom], the regulator for the UK communications industries.
Conclusion
These are some of the first set of essential tasks to cater for upon arriving in the UK. By completing these tasks, you will be able to settle in the UK more quickly and easily, and enjoy your new life in the country. However, there are many other things you need to do and know as a newcomer to the UK, such as applying for a driving licence, registering to vote, learning about the culture and customs, and finding out about the local services and amenities. You can find more information and resources on moving to and living in the UK from [Expatica], a website that provides news, guides, and tips for expats. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.
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