5 Things to Do When You First Arrive in the UK as a Migrant
By CareerBridge UK
The first few weeks in the UK can feel overwhelming — here is exactly where to start.
The first few weeks in the UK set the tone for everything that comes after.
You made it.
After all the planning, the paperwork, the waiting and the goodbyes, you are finally here.
Welcome to the UK. 🇬🇧
But now that you have arrived, what actually happens next?
For a lot of migrants the first few weeks in the UK feel completely overwhelming. Everything is unfamiliar. Everything feels urgent. And nobody gave you a checklist.
Until now.
Here are the five most important things to sort out as soon as you arrive — in the right order.
1. Sort Out Your Accommodation First
Everything else on this list becomes much harder without a stable place to live.
If you have not already arranged accommodation before arriving — this is your absolute first priority.
Here is what to look for:
Short term options — budget hotels, hostels or Airbnb give you breathing space while you find something more permanent
Private rentals — websites like Rightmove, Zoopla and SpareRoom are the most popular places to find rental properties in the UK
HMOs — Houses in Multiple Occupation where you rent a single room in a shared house. This is the most affordable option for most new migrants
University accommodation — if you are a student your university may offer halls of residence which is often the easiest and safest first option
One important thing to know — most UK landlords will ask for references and proof of income before renting to you. As a new migrant this can be challenging. Be prepared and have your documents ready.
Finding the right place to live is your first and most important step.
2. Register with a GP
This is one of the most important things you can do in your first week, and most migrants put it off for far too long.
A GP — which stands for General Practitioner — is your local doctor in the UK.
Registering with a GP is completely free under the NHS regardless of your immigration status. You do not need to wait until you are ill to register. Do it as soon as you arrive so that when you do need medical help you are already in the system.
To register simply find your nearest GP surgery — you can do this at nhs.uk — and fill in a registration form. You will need your address and passport details.
3. Apply for Your National Insurance Number
If you plan to work in the UK — and most migrants do — you cannot legally be paid without a National Insurance number.
Your National Insurance number is a unique reference that tracks your tax and national insurance contributions in the UK. Think of it as your financial identity number.
You can apply for your National Insurance number through the official government website at gov.uk — search for "apply for National Insurance number."
The process has moved mostly online and you will need to verify your identity as part of the application. Start this process early because it can take a few weeks to arrive.
Do not wait until you have a job offer to apply. Start the process as soon as you arrive.
4. Open a UK Bank Account
You need a UK bank account to receive your salary, pay your rent and manage your money while you are here.
This sounds straightforward — but for new migrants it can actually be one of the most frustrating parts of settling in.
Most traditional UK banks require proof of address and proof of income before opening an account. As a new migrant you may not have either of these things yet.
The good news is there are much easier options available:
Monzo — a digital bank that is very migrant friendly and quick to set up
Starling Bank — another digital option with no monthly fees
Revolut — great for sending money internationally too
These digital banks are significantly easier to open as a new migrant and can be set up from your phone within minutes.
Digital banks like Monzo and Starling make opening a UK account much easier for new migrants.
5. Start Your Job Search Immediately
Do not wait until you feel settled to start looking for work.
The UK job market moves quickly. Roles get filled fast. And the sooner you start, the sooner you will be earning.
Here is where to start:
Indeed UK — the largest job board in the UK
Reed — strong for care, support and professional roles
LinkedIn — essential for networking and professional roles
Totaljobs — another popular UK job board worth registering on
Set up job alerts on all of these platforms so you are notified immediately when a relevant role is posted.
And before you start applying — make sure your CV is written in the UK format. A strong UK CV is the difference between getting interviews and getting ignored.
Get these five things sorted and you are already ahead of most migrants who arrive without a plan.
So What Do You Do Now
You now have your five point checklist for your first few weeks in the UK.
Accommodation. GP registration. National Insurance number. Bank account. Job search.
Tick them off in that order and you will be more settled and more prepared than most migrants who arrive without any guidance at all.
But if the job search part feels overwhelming, that is exactly where I come in.
Getting your CV right, knowing which jobs to apply for and understanding how to present yourself to UK employers as a new migrant — that is what CareerBridge UK is here for.
Download your free CV checklist — built specifically for migrants applying for UK jobs — and start your job search the right way.
Need personal guidance? Get in touch today.
You did not come all this way to struggle alone.
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