Live and work in the United Kingdom

Basic facts about the UK

The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.  England occupy two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and offshore islands as the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly. They border Scotland to the north and Wales to the west.

As a kingdom they have their own monarchy which is one of the reasons why England is so popular. The late Queen Elizabeth was on the throne since 1952, and she was highly appreciated in the kingdom. Furthermore, you can experience the joy of all four seasons in England. Also, everything is kind of closeby in England. If you wish to visit another village it is around 30 min away by car or 2 hours tops, so you can plan weekend trips to get to know the country.

England’s culture over the years

Culturally, England has been a homogeneous country regarding its traditions, but with the expansion of the British empire it started receiving customs from many diverse countries including Afro Caribbeans, Asian, Muslims and other immigrant ethnics. This has made England a highly tolerated country for immigrants. Right now it is settled as the most crowded country in Europe which explains why their VISA requirements to enter the country has been discussed the past years.

Typical English food

The culinary arts in England may not be the healthiest but it surely is delicious. Their food is based on beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and fish, all cooked with the minimum of seasoning and generally served with potatoes and maybe one other vegetable. Their preferred fish is cod or haddock, deep fried and served with fries: best known as fish and chips, and it’s one of the most popular dishes. Their breakfast is a good starter for the day, with eggs, beans, sausage, bread, bacon and salad. Cream tea is also a darling, and it’s strawberry with cream and a cup of tea (with a bit of milk). In general, if you are a tea lover, England will be perfect for you.

English food is not that spicy, they prefer to add different flavours from various ingredients instead of seasoning too much. Living in England would definitely make you appreciate the mixing between many flavours, it will spread your knowledge about what you consider normal at food.

How to find a place to live in England

The availability and price of accommodations or a room in England will depend on the zone you want to live in, and the proximity to public transport. But let’s talk about the MUST-know things about renting in England.

• Additional cost: Besides the price of the rent, remember there are always extra bills that you also have to pay, and these utility bills should be included in your budget. 
• We recommend looking for something around 30% of your income, and if it’s in London, you will probably end up with 40%.
• You have to make an “offer”: The renting price in the announcement is not necessarily the final one. Renting is kind of complicated in England, and especially in London landlords wait to see the different offers before choosing one that benefits them most.
• Deposit: Usually, deposits are calculated about 5 weeks of rent, which you will get back if you didn’t cause any damage to the property during your stay. Make sure your deposit is held by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). If the landlord refuses to return your deposit under false assumptions you will be able to open a dispute and get your money back.

When considering budget-friendly places to live in the United Kingdom, it’s important to look beyond major cities where the cost of living tends to be higher. Consider smaller towns and suburban areas that offer a more affordable lifestyle. Places like Nottingham, Leeds, and Newcastle upon Tyne can provide a good balance between affordability and amenities. These cities offer a lower cost of living compared to London or Edinburgh, while still providing access to cultural attractions, quality education, and employment opportunities.

Costs of living in England

England ranks number 12 in the list of countries with the highest costs in the world but it’s still a place many expats favours as home. Here are some regular monthly  expenses to take into consideration before moving to England:

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.

**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks.

Still not convinced about the UK?

Living in the UK is perfect if you want to improve your language skills, have a relaxing life but with plenty of big city life and vibe. You won’t get bored living in England, and if you’re the adventurous type. England is very well-connected with the world and you can quickly get to exciting locations and places. Working in the UK will allow you to gain experience in a good environment with humour but also professionalism. Living in the UK also means embracing the unpredictable weather. Pack your umbrella and expect a mix of sunshine, rain, and even four seasons in a single day. The British people have mastered the art of cosying up in a pub with a pint or curling up with a good book during rainy days.

There’s a wide range of attractions and places to see. In England, visit iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Stonehenge. Explore the vibrant city of London with its world-class museums, theaters, and shopping districts. Head to Scotland and experience the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, visit Edinburgh Castle, and explore the historic streets of Edinburgh. In Wales, don’t miss out on the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia National Park and the charming villages along the coastline. Lastly, in Northern Ireland, visit the Giant’s Causeway, tour the historic city of Belfast, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Causeway Coast. There’s an impressive cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and music festivals. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or contemporary art, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences to enjoy.