If you’ve made the decision to move to the UK to work or study – congratulations! An exciting journey lies ahead, but there are a few things you need to know before packing up and heading to Great Britain.
Get your visa early
It can take weeks or even months to get a Tier 2 Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa, so make sure you apply in plenty of time. You can find out more online – the application process for a Tier 2 visa means you must be in employment with a UK organisation who are on the official sponsors list. Make sure you don’t leave your UK visa application until the last minute or you could find yourself ready to go but with no visa!
Bring your documents
It’s a good idea to bring your original documents from back home, such as your ID, any proof of residence, educational qualifications etc. Having these to hand can make things easier if you need to hunt for accommodation or apply for anything whilst in the UK, and originals are always better than photocopies, which may not always be accepted.
Start your search for accommodation now
If your employer in the UK isn’t providing you with accommodation, you’ll need to hunt for private rented accommodation, and although the market in the UK is healthy, it can take some time to find the right property. It’s a good idea to start your hunt early, so that you have an idea of the type of property you can afford and how much money you will have left to budget for bills and living expenses. It may be that your employer will offer assistance or advice on finding accommodation in the UK, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Travel light
There’s no need to bring everything you own if you’re coming to the UK temporarily, to study or to undertake volunteer work. Bring the essentials; you’ll find you can buy all the things you need here, and this way you’ll have less to pack! Don’t forget to bring anything you may not be able to get here such as prescription medication, identification documents and of course, your visa and passport!
Moving to the UK is a big decision and you’re sure to have an exciting time, but it pays to be organised and make sure you have everything in order before you set off, to make sure your experience is as stress-free and positive as possible.
