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The UK has long been a popular choice for people looking to put down roots here. Figures show that in 2022, 1.2 million people moved to the UK, and there are over 6 million people of different nationalities living in the UK. So what is it about the UK that continues to appeal?
The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The UK has a population of 67.7 million, most concentrated in its large cities such as the capital, London. In contrast, there are many sparsely populated regions, including the Scottish Highlands, one of Europe’s least populated areas.
People choose to move to the UK for many different reasons, including educational and employment opportunities, a world-renowned healthcare system and a good quality of life. If you’re considering a move to the UK, here are just some of the factors you should consider.
There are many different types of visas that will allow you to enter the UK, including family visas, student visas and work visas. Which one you need will depend on your circumstances, how long you plan to stay and what you intend to do during your time in the UK, including work or studying.
It is possible to bring certain pets with you into the UK, providing you follow strict requirements. If these aren’t met, your pet may be placed into quarantine for an extended period, so it’s important to ensure that your dog or cat meets all the criteria before travelling.
Driving in the UK is similar to driving in many other Western countries, with the exception that Brits drive on the left side of the road!
In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) maintains a database of registered drivers and anyone over the age of 17 who has passed their driving test and has a valid licence can legally drive in the UK. Citizens from certain other countries may be permitted to use their foreign licence for a limited period, after which time they may be expected to exchange this for a UK licence.
All vehicles must also be registered with the DVLA and need to pass an MOT (Ministry of Transport) inspection annually. Car insurance is also compulsory in the UK, and this applies to all vehicles being used on the road or kept in a public place. There are hundreds of different insurance providers to choose from, so make sure you get a car insurance quote that covers your needs.
The cost of living in the UK is currently on the rise, meaning that living in the UK is particularly expensive at the moment, especially compared with central and south Asian countries. To a certain extent, this higher cost of living is balanced out with higher wages, but you’ll still need to budget carefully for your move, particularly if you’re planning to live in one of the UK’s more expensive areas, such as Greater London, Oxford or Cambridge.
Around two-thirds of British citizens speak just one language: English. Though there are many bilingual or even multilingual people living in the UK, you will find that this is mostly due to having lived in other parts of the world or because of their heritage and upbringing. So, if you’re planning to move to the UK, you’ll need to have a reasonable grasp of English to get by.
It’s a cliché, but it’s true. It wouldn’t be right to discuss moving to the UK without mentioning the Great British weather! Though it has a relatively temperate climate, the UK’s weather can be unpredictable all year round, so if you move here, you’ll soon learn to dress in layers and always carry a raincoat or umbrella with you!
There are lots of great reasons to consider a move to the UK, including its natural beauty and the great quality of life on offer, but there are many important factors to think about when planning your move to ensure that you settle in smoothly to UK life.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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