Moving to the UK Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide

Moving to the UK may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! Our beginner’s guide is here to make your relocation journey smooth and stress-free. 

From visa requirements and essential documents to finding accommodation and embracing British culture, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to make your transition to the UK a breeze. 

So, buckle up and get ready to embark on an exciting adventure in the land of royalty!

Seek to understand UK visa options

The first thing you must seek to understand is the numerous UK visa options. This is because everyone moving to the UK will need a visa. So, understanding the visa options will help you know which is suitable for your travel. 

As you examine the numerous visa options, it is necessary to have a clear idea of why you want to move to the UK and what you want to do. This will help you make a proper choice. Once you’ve determined which visa is right for you, apply for a visa online.

You must note that for a student visa, you must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. While for a skilled worker visa, you must have been employed by a UK employer and have a “certificate of sponsorship” from your employer.

We prepared more details on visa options for you here.

Get your international passport

If you want to travel out of the country for business, leisure, study or relocation, you need to get an international passport. You can apply for this passport online. The passport is usually classified by pages, i.e. the 32-paged passport and the 64-paged passport.

The cost of obtaining your passport will depend on your age and booklet preference.

Create a budget

Having secured your visa, you need to create a budget that will help you plan your expenses and organise your task before relocating. Your budget should factor in the cost of getting a police report, medical report and any other associated costs.

It should also contain the cost of rent or mortgage payments as some employees may not make such provisions for you. You will need to purchase winter jackets and clothes that can be worn in the cold. So add it to your budget. 

Your budget must include the cost of food because you may need to purchase Nigerian foods that can sustain you during the first 3-6 months before you get familiar with the African market over there. Also, the cost of your flight ticket must be factored into your budget.

Find accommodation 

Before you arrive in the UK, start exploring the housing options. You can ask to share an apartment with a friend or relative who resides in the UK or search for a temporary hostel for a start.

Understand that rental prices in the UK vary from monthly to weekly payments. Identify the option that works well for you and understand the contract properly before signing it.

Book your ticket

There are many ways to book your ticket from Nigeria to the UK. You can decide to visit some online travel agencies like Skyscanner and Kayak. These agencies allow you to compare prices from different airlines. You can also book your ticket directly with the airline you intend to travel with. 

Also, there is the option of allowing travel agents to book your ticket for you. Understand that you can’t book for your ticket without a valid passport and visa. Also, check the baggage allowance, before you book your ticket. 

We wish you a safe trip and hope that you enjoy your stay in the UK.