Live and work 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
If you are wondering what your life is going to look like if you decide to move to the UK, we’ve got you covered. England is famous for many things, including their royal family and buildings like the Elizabeth Tower (formerly and still known as Big Ben), and their red double-decker buses.
And nowadays Brexit is also one of the big topics that comes to mind, when it comes to England. This probably also goes for people – like you – who are interested in a job in England, wondering if you need a VISA or not, how long time you can stay etc. We will answer your questions if you keep reading.
Work in England & VISA for European Citizens
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.
With their balance between chill and hard work, England is a great place to gain experience at any job for starters. We can help you if you want to take the leap, and you’re always welcome to contact us at info@jobsqd.com if you have any questions.
VISA and work permits in England
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.
Work in London
The British big city with the highest commercial activity in the UK is London, and it has 1.563 businesses per 10.000 residents. So you can imagine there are plenty of places to launch your career. If you want to move to London you should know that it is not for everyone, but it’s home to many expats so there’s plenty of diversity. It’s a rainy city with high activity, so you can find a piece of any part of the world in this big city.
Regarding finding a home, we recommend that you make a list of your needs, e.g. whether it should be closer to your job or not as well as your budget. This will help you a lot getting used to the big city. So get yourself a map and an oyster card to explore the streets to assure yourself a better experience.
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.
Popular cities in the United Kingdom
Speak to one of our recruiters
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.
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:
Expenses | Approximate price (In pound sterling, £) |
Accommodation (including bills)* | 360-600 |
Food** | 160-200 |
TV License | 12,56 |
Mobile phone | 15-50 |
Clothes/Shoes | 25 |
Leisure | 120 |
Transport Oyster (weekly pass) | 28,60 |
Total | 804,56 – 1119,56 |
* 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.
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.
