Starting Life
EM Gurus > Career Pathways > UK Pathway > Starting Life
BRP Collection
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Collection:
Get from local post office (that you selected while applying for it, and can confirm the address from visa confirmation letter)
Within 10 days of arrival
More Reading: Getting your BRP if you applied from outside the UKÂ
GP RegistrationÂ
Find nearby Surgery (General Physician Clinic): Find a GP
Registration option:
Online Registration (Surgery Website)
In-person RegistrationÂ
Confirmation:
Mobile Message
Letter
More Reading: How to register with a GP surgeryÂ
AccomodationÂ
Services:
Rightmove: Website | Android | Apple (Long-term house rental & purchase)
Spareroom: Â Website | Android | Apple (Shared house rental)
Tenancy or renting information:
Prove right to rent: Get a share codeÂ
Rental Agreement / Inventory
Deposit Schemes
Changing Address: Inform the following
Workplace (Department & HR) - Email
Banks - Mobile Applications
Council - Website or email
Electoral vote - Re-register to vote
Memberships - RCEM, etc
More Reading:Â
Domestic BillsÂ
Council Tax:
Register with the council and set up a direct debit payment
Common discount options:
single person discount
student or have a student living with you
severely mentally impaired or you have someone living with you who is mentally impaired
More Reading: Start paying council tax
Energy Bill:
Find out who provides gas and energy to your new house: Find my supplier
Register and continue with the previous provider OR
Switch to a new energy provider: Compare and switch providers
Explore energy bill discount options, if eligible
More Reading: How to set up gas and electric for the first time
Water Bill:
Find out who provides water in your area: Find your supplier
Register with your area provider, they usually ask for the following details
Your name and contact details
The address of the property
The date you will be responsible for the water bill (i.e. the date you move in)
The meter reading (if there is a water meter installed)
More Reading: Water Bills Explained
Internet Bill:
Explore and compare options using Uswitch or CompareThe Market
Register with the provider you like
More Reading: Broadband and moving house
TV License
Requirement: Anyone watching or recording live TV broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer.
Coverage: A single TV license covers all devices in one household.
Cost: The annual cost for a colour TV license is around ÂŁ170.
Purchase: Licenses can be bought online at TV Licensing, by phone, or at a PayPoint outlet.
Penalties: Failure to have a TV license can result in a fine of up to ÂŁ1,000, plus legal costs.
Moving In: Upon moving to the UK, it is crucial to purchase a new TV license if you plan to watch.
Bank Accounts
Most bank accounts can be opened online through bank mobile apps
Online Banks:
Monzo: Website | Android | Apple
Use the invite code to get ÂŁ5
Starling: Website | Android | Apple
Use this referral link to get a free individual National Trust day pass.
Revolut: Website | Android | Apple
Sign up with my referral link
Traditional Banks:
More Reading:Â
Money TransferÂ
International Money Transfer Services:
Mobile Networks
Popular Networks: can order a free SIM delivery, then start a package later
Tips:
You can buy sim free from the network website online, then can buy a data plan later
Vodafone gives e-sims as well, if your mobile has this option
More Reading: How to get a mobile phone number and a SIM card in the UK
Electoral VotingÂ
Transport System
Trainline: Website | Android | Apple (Train, underground, tram & ferry tickets)
Stagecoach: Website | Android | Apple (Local bus service tickets)
National Express: Website | Android | Apple (Long distance coach service tickets)
Eurostar: Website | Android | Apple (Train tickets to Europe)
Santander Cycles: Website | Android | Apple (London bicycle hiring)
TfL Go: Website | Android | Apple (London transport information)
JustPark: Website | Android | Apple (Find & pay for parking)
Home Management
Tool Suppliers:
Repair Person Finders:
Finding Transport:Â
Online Shopping
General E-commerce and Fashion:
Amazon: Website | Android | Apple (Wide range of products across various categories)
eBay: Website | Android | Apple (Online marketplace for buying and selling goods)
ASOS: Website | Android | Apple (Fashion retailer specializing in clothing, accessories, and beauty products)
Shein: Website | Android | Apple (Fashion retailer offering trendy clothing and accessories)
Electronics, Appliances, and Home:
Currys: Website | Android | Apple (Electronics and appliances)
Argos: Website | Android | Apple (Electronics, appliances, home goods, and more)
IKEA: Website | Android | Apple (Furniture, home accessories, and household items)
Health, Sports, and Lifestyle:
Boots: Website | Android | Apple (Health, beauty, and pharmacy needs)
Superdrug: Website | Android | Apple (Health, beauty, and personal care essentials)
Decathlon: Website | Android | Apple (Sports gear and clothing)
Sportsdirect: Website (Sports apparel and equipment)
Sustainability and Community Sharing:
Food Delivery
Food Delivery Services:
Grocery Delivery Services:
Meal Kit Delivery Services:
High-End:
Mid-Range:
Budget-Friendly:
Meal Prep Delivery Services:
Car Financing
Popular websites to purchase car:
Purchasing Bicycle
Platforms:
Facebook (Marketplace & Facebay Pages)
Accessories:
Brands:
Types:
Road bike: Fixed frame without shocks, very light and fast, ideal for more buoyant cycling.
Mountain bike: Equipped with shocks, suitable for city hopping and more comfortable on rugged roads.
Safety:
A white front and red rear light is mandatory; failure to have one can result in a fine.
While there are frequent bike parking spaces, always use a lock due to the high risk of theft.
Tips:
eBay often charges for delivery but also offers an option for self-pickup.
Gumtree is a better choice for purchasing used bicycles, which are nearly new and function well.
Biking saves considerable time and money, avoids waiting for buses that do not always travel directly to your destination, and offers significant health benefits.
Bicycles are generally allowed on trains, though some buses and transport systems may restrict them; familiarise yourself with your city's regulations.
Use NHS Cycle to Work Scheme to obtain a tax-free bike and accessories to save money.
Contributor:
Dr. Muhammd Subhan: dr.msubhan@gmail.comÂ