Living and working in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is known for their passion for tea and biscuits, the vibrant city London, and their charming villages and pubs, But have you also wondered what it would be like to live there?
Here we will dive deeper into the great country and give you an idea of what it has to offer.
Latest available jobs near the United Kingdom
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Currency
Pound Sterling (ISO code: GBP, symbol: £) is the official currency in the UK
Famous people
Some famous British people are Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, David Beckham
Population
The UK has ~67.3 million, residents, and almost half of them living in London
Typical food
Yorkshire pudding, fish & chips, Shephard's Pie, trifle, full English breakfast, banoffee pie
Avg. working week
They have an average of 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
The UK borders Ireland, the North Atlantic Sea and the North Sea. The capital is London
Languages
The official language is English, and their alphabet is Latin script
Healthcare
The UK has great healthcare that provides help for all residents. Read mroe in the FAQ section below
Work in England: Everything you need to know
The British work culture is very different from many places. Several expats always talk about how kind and chill the work environment in England is. What is highlighted about working in England is their sense of humour, also during work. So be prepared for a great deal of humour and interactions on a daily basis. Also, it is common to see birthday celebrations during work, or an afternoon to socialise. This depends on your type of job, but it’s very common in England.
But let’s not get confused, because British people actually work really hard on their duties, which make them value their well deserved relaxation. Going out with colleagues is common in England, so each Friday you can hang out in a pub at night to socialise.
Quick cultural tip: Be open to suggestions. The British like to give constructive feedback, so if they tell you something to improve your skills or your method, don’t take it personal.
Taxes in England
To be able to work you must have the National Insurance Number (NIN) which is your identification number for the tax administration. You can get this by calling and requesting it. They will tell you to go to a job centre responsible for your district. It can take two or three weeks to get an appointment, and since you won’t be able to work without this, we recommend you to call two or three weeks before arriving in the country, so you can have your appointment the day after you arrive.
VISA and other things you need to fix
After BREXIT everyone’s wondering if they need or not a VISA to travel to England, even being from the EU. Almost everyone needs to request a VISA if they expect to spend more than 3 or 6 months in England. However, this can change depending on the type of work, so HERE you have an official website from the British government to check which visa you need. Other things you need to fix when you move to England:
- National Insurance Number; required to work and pay taxes
- Register with a GP; sign up with a local doctor under the National Health Service
- Open up a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in the United Kingdom
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Life in the UK
This multicultural country offers a wide range of of cuisines, and experiences. From the bustling streets of London to the rolling hills of the countryside, there is something for everyone. The UK is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Stonehenge and the Tower of London. British people are known for their charming manners, love for queuing, and their passion for tea. Don’t be surprised if someone offers you a cuppa or engages in friendly banter. The UK is a melting pot of accents and dialects, so get ready to enjoy regional accents from Scottish to Cockney.
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.
Finding accommodation 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. These are the average monthly rent prices in England:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £900–£2,200
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £650–£1,700
- Room in a shared apartment: £400–£1,200
Cost 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:
- Groceries: £250–£400 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £12–£25
- Coffee in a café: £3–£5
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: £4–£7,50
- Gym membership: £20–£60
- Cinema ticket: £10–£18
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.
FAQ
Yes you need to apply for work permit to work in the UK for an extended amount of time. You can read all about it here.
The cost of living in the United Kingdom can vary depending on the region and city you are in. Generally, major cities like London have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Housing, especially in urban areas, can be quite expensive, with high rental prices and property costs. Other expenses such as transportation, groceries, dining out, and entertainment can also be relatively high. However, salaries in the UK tend to be higher as well, helping to offset the cost of living. It’s important to budget accordingly and consider individual circumstances when assessing the cost of living in the UK.
The United Kingdom has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The weather is often changeable, with rain possible at any time of the year. Winter temperatures range from 0 to 8 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures typically range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Coastal regions enjoy relatively mild winters due to the influence of the surrounding seas.
Public transportation in the United Kingdom is generally well-developed and reliable. Major cities have extensive public transportation networks, including buses, trains, trams, and underground/subway systems. London, in particular, has an extensive and efficient public transport system, with the iconic London Underground (also known as the Tube) being one of the most famous and convenient ways to get around the city. Other cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also have reliable public transportation systems. Additionally, the UK has a well-connected national rail network that allows for easy travel between different regions and cities.
The United Kingdom has a National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system that provides comprehensive and accessible healthcare to all residents. The NHS offers a range of services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialized treatments. Healthcare in the UK is based on the principle of universal coverage, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical services regardless of their income or status. The NHS is known for its quality of care, efficiency, and commitment to patient welfare. It is funded through general taxation, making healthcare accessible to all, and provides a safety net for the entire population.
