Moving to a brand-new home is never easy. Things get even more complicated when you will have to move to a whole different city and even worse when you have to move to a whole different country. But, just because it is difficult, does not mean it is impossible. Although, things get a bit more complicated when moving to the United Kingdom. The challenges that you will face there may have a harder impact on you and your family. Acclimating to the UK standards may take a bit of time.
However, since you have decided to move to the UK, I believe that you should first prepare yourself a bit before you take that final leap. There are some things you can learn about the culture of the United Kingdom and the people that live there. You also need to find a way for transport, learn the roads, find a job and maybe even learn the accents.
But, you shouldn’t worry too much. With the right amount of planning, I think that every person is able to tackle all of these challenges. For you to make the right decisions, I can help you create the plan that you need to make some things easier on yourself.
Finding a job
One of the first things you want to do when you move to any country, not just the United Kingdom, is to find somewhere where you will be able to work. At first, it may seem to you like this is not some of the challenges you need to tackle because you haven’t had any problems finding a job in your past before, but right now, we are talking about a whole different country. You weren’t born in the UK which means that you may not have the same privileges as everyone else.
However, you shouldn’t let this discourage you. With enough effort, I’m sure that you will be able to find a job where you will feel comfortable and accepted. Although, I would recommend finding a job before you get there. This is a much safer approach.
Of course, if the reason for moving to the UK is because you got a job here, then you can just skip this step.
Public transport
If your plan was to rely on public transport for traveling in the UK, I think you will need to spend a bit more time researching it and learning how it works. This is especially true when it comes to bigger cities such as London. Although, driving your own car in your cities in the United Kingdom might not be the best idea. The traffic is usually pretty awful which means it is better to rely on public transport.
With the underground rapid transit, you can basically travel anywhere you want. And it is much cheaper than having to fill up the tank of your vehicle with the gas every week.
Different plug type
You probably would think that this might not be the most challenging thing a person has to prepare for when moving to the United Kingdom. But being left without battery on your most important devices such as your smartphone is never a good thing. The microwave, your fridge, the bedside lamp, and everything else will need to be compatible with the UK plugs. They are completely different from what is in the US and what is used in every other country in Europe.
If you’re looking to find an adapter, you should look for a plug type G.
Meet some locals
Whenever moving to a completely different city or country, it is always best to befriend someone that is local or at least a citizen from this new country, in the situation, United Kingdom. Of course, the best way you can do this is just by visiting any local bar or pub. This is especially true when it comes to UK citizens. These people love going to pubs and they enjoy meeting and drinking with strangers. That is why I believe that the bar is the perfect place for meeting new people.
I can’t exactly recommend you bars about the entire UK, but if you’re ever near Birmingham, The Vanguard, 1000 Trades, Fight Club Birmingham and Frizzenti are great options. And according to Kev’s Best, Frizzenti is the place for the best cocktails.
Language barrier
One of the biggest challenges anyone might face when moving to a country as a foreigner is the language barrier. Having trouble to fluently speak the official language of the country you have moved to, may prove as a serious problem. You may have trouble meeting people, finding a job, or traveling around the city. Although, since we are talking about the United Kingdom, we’re also talking about the English language.
These days, most people around the globe can speak English or they can at least understand the most basic words. But, the UK is not just England. There is also Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales too. The differences in accents between all of these four locations are huge. Sometimes it feels like all of them are speaking a completely different language.
Even when coming from a country that has English as an official language, for example, the USA, you still might have trouble understanding locals.
But, I wouldn’t worry about that too much. With enough experience, you will be able to understand most UK citizens. Most of the time, people from the UK will avoid using their dialect or accent to help foreigners keep up with them.
Driving on the opposite side of the street
When coming from every other country in Europe or the USA, you should always remember that cars drive on the left side of the street. It is the opposite of what you’re used to and you should never forget that. When you’re in a vehicle, make sure you stay in the right lane, and when you are a pedestrian make sure you look in the right direction.
There are tons of other challenges that you have to deal with after moving to the UK, but with enough effort and time, you will be able to overcome anything.
