Your First Month in the UK: An Essential Checklist for Indian Arrivals

Introduction

Congratulations on your move to the United Kingdom! Relocating to a new country is both exciting and challenging, filled with opportunities and new experiences. As you embark on this journey, having a clear roadmap for your first few weeks can make the transition significantly smoother and less overwhelming. Our UK Arrival checklist is here to help you!

The UK, with its rich history, diverse culture, and robust infrastructure, offers a welcoming environment for newcomers. However, navigating the initial administrative tasks and settling into daily life requires some know-how. This guide aims to provide you with practical, step-by-step advice on essential tasks to complete during your first month in the UK.

From registering with a doctor to setting up your banking, from getting connected with a local mobile number to understanding the public transport system, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share insights on where to shop for groceries, including where to find familiar Indian ingredients to make your new place feel a bit more like home.

Remember, while this checklist covers the essentials, take things at your own pace. Settling into a new country is a process, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at times. With proper planning and the right information at hand, you’ll soon find yourself navigating British life with confidence and ease.

Let’s get started on making your transition to the UK as smooth as possible!

1. Registering with a GP (NHS)

One of the first and most important tasks upon arriving in the UK is registering with a General Practitioner (GP). The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare services to residents, and your GP will be your first point of contact for most health concerns.

Why Register with a GP?

Registering with a GP is essential as they provide primary healthcare services, prescribe medications, and refer you to specialists if needed. Having a GP from the start ensures you have access to healthcare right away, rather than scrambling to find one when you’re unwell.

How to Find a GP

Finding a GP near your new home is straightforward:

1.Use the NHS website’s “Find a GP” service (www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp) to search for practices in your area.

2.Check which surgeries are currently accepting new patients.

3.Consider factors like distance from your home, opening hours, and patient reviews.

4.You can also ask neighbors, colleagues, or fellow expats for recommendations.

Documents Needed for Registration

The good news for newcomers is that registering with a GP is relatively simple. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID, or even an NHS number to register. However, some GP surgeries may ask for:

•Proof of identity (passport or driving license)

•Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement)

If you don’t have these documents yet, explain your situation to the surgery. They should still register you, as the NHS guidelines clearly state that lack of documentation should not prevent registration.

The Registration Process

1.Visit your chosen GP surgery in person or check their website for online registration options.

2.Complete a GMS1 registration form (available at the surgery or sometimes downloadable from their website).

3.Some surgeries may ask you to book a new patient health check appointment.

4.Once registered, you’ll receive an NHS number (if you don’t already have one).

Special Considerations for Indian Nationals

If you’re taking any medications prescribed in India, bring your prescription details with you. Your new GP may need to review these medications as some might have different names or dosages in the UK, or may not be available at all.

What If a GP Surgery Refuses to Register You?

A GP surgery can only refuse to register you if:

•They’re not accepting new patients

•You live outside their catchment area

•You’ve been previously removed from that surgery’s patient list

If you’re refused registration and believe it’s unjustified, you can contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or Citizens Advice for assistance.

Remember, registering with a GP doesn’t cost anything, and it’s a crucial step in ensuring you have access to healthcare services during your time in the UK.

2. Opening a UK Bank Account

Setting up a bank account is a crucial step for managing your finances in the UK. Having a local bank account makes it easier to receive your salary, pay bills, and handle day-to-day expenses.

Why You Need a UK Bank Account

A UK bank account is essential for several reasons:

•Most employers require a UK bank account to pay your salary

•Setting up direct debits for bills and rent is much easier

•You’ll avoid foreign transaction fees from your Indian bank

•Many services require a UK bank account for payments

Common Documents Needed

While requirements vary between banks, you’ll typically need:

1.Proof of identity: Your passport, driving license, or national identity card (for EU nationals)

2.Proof of address: This can be challenging for newcomers, but options include:

•Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement

•Utility bill (less than 3 months old)

•Council tax bill

•Letter from your employer confirming your address

•Bank statement from your existing bank addressed to your UK address

Banking Options Without a Permanent Address

If you’ve just arrived and don’t have proof of address yet, you have several options:

1.International Banking Services: Some major UK banks offer international account services that you can apply for before arriving in the UK. Banks like HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest provide these services, though they may require a larger initial deposit.

2.Digital Banks: Online-only banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut often have more flexible requirements for address verification. Some may accept your home country address initially.

3.University or Employer Letters: If you’re a student or have recently secured employment, a letter from your university or employer can sometimes be accepted as proof of address.

4.Use a Temporary Address: If you’re staying with friends or family temporarily, you might be able to use their address with their permission, along with a letter confirming your residence there.

Steps to Open an Account

1.Research banks: The “Big Four” UK banks are Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, and NatWest, but there are many others including digital banks.

2.Compare accounts: Look at monthly fees, overdraft facilities, mobile banking features, and any welcome offers.

3.Book an appointment: While some banks allow online applications, as a new arrival, visiting a branch in person is often more successful. Book an appointment in advance if possible.

4.Attend the appointment: Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your employment, income, and why you’re opening an account.

5.Activate your account: Once approved, you’ll receive your debit card and online banking details by mail within 7-10 days.

Tips for Indian Nationals

•Some banks have specific accounts designed for newcomers to the UK

•Consider banks with branches or ATMs near your home or workplace

•Check if your Indian bank has a partnership with any UK banks

•Look for accounts with no or low fees for international transfers, as you may need to move money between India and the UK

Remember that while opening a bank account might seem challenging at first, banks in the UK are accustomed to helping newcomers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explain your situation if you’re having difficulty meeting the standard requirements.

3. Getting a UK SIM Card and Mobile Phone Plan

Staying connected is essential when you’re in a new country. Having a UK mobile number makes it easier to communicate with local contacts, potential employers, and service providers.

Why Get a UK SIM Card Quickly

Having a local phone number is important for several reasons:

•You’ll avoid expensive international roaming charges from your Indian provider

•Local businesses and contacts will be more likely to answer calls from a UK number

•You’ll need a UK number for various services, including banking verification

•Many essential services send verification codes via SMS to UK numbers

Types of Mobile Plans in the UK

The UK offers two main types of mobile plans:

1.Pay-as-you-go (PAYG): These prepaid plans allow you to top up credit as needed without any contract commitment. They’re ideal for newcomers as they don’t require credit checks or long-term commitments.

2.Contract plans: These monthly plans typically come with 12, 18, or 24-month commitments. They often offer better value but require credit checks and proof of address, which can be challenging for new arrivals.

Top Mobile Networks for New Arrivals

Several networks are particularly suitable for newcomers:

1.Giffgaff: Known for flexibility with no contract obligations, Giffgaff offers “goodybags” (monthly bundles) starting from £10. You can order a free SIM online before arriving in the UK.

2.Three (3UK): Offers competitive pricing and good international roaming options. Their PAYG plans start from £10 for 12GB data with a 30-day validity.

3.EE: Has the best coverage in the UK but tends to be more expensive. Their 4G coverage is excellent, making them a good choice if reliability is your priority.

4.Vodafone: Offers good coverage and specific international calling plans that might be useful for staying in touch with family in India.

5.VOXI: Popular with newcomers as they offer unlimited social media usage that doesn’t count toward your data allowance.

How to Get a SIM Card

Getting a SIM card in the UK is quick and straightforward:

1.In-store purchase: Visit any mobile phone shop, supermarket, or convenience store. Major providers like EE, Three, O2, and Vodafone have their own shops in most town centers.

2.Online order: You can order a SIM card online before arriving in the UK, which can be delivered to your UK address.

3.Airport purchase: Most UK airports have shops where you can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival.

Documents Required

For PAYG SIM cards, you typically don’t need any documentation. Simply purchase the SIM, insert it into your phone, and follow the activation instructions.

For contract plans, you’ll usually need:

•Proof of identity (passport)

•Proof of address (which can be difficult for new arrivals)

•UK bank account (for direct debit payments)

Tips for Indian Nationals

•Make sure your phone is unlocked before leaving India

•Check that your phone is compatible with UK networks (most modern phones are)

•Consider plans with good international calling rates to India or use apps like WhatsApp for calling home

•If you need to make frequent calls to India, look for special international calling bundles

•Keep your Indian number active (perhaps on a dual-SIM phone) until you’re fully settled in the UK

Remember that mobile coverage can vary across the UK, especially in rural areas. If you’ll be living outside major cities, check coverage maps for different providers before committing to a plan.

4. Understanding and Using Public Transport

The UK has an extensive public transport network that makes getting around convenient, though it can seem complex at first. Understanding how the system works will save you time and money while helping you explore your new surroundings with confidence.

London: The Oyster Card System

If you’re in London, the Oyster card is your key to navigating the city:

1.What is an Oyster card? It’s a reusable smartcard that you can load with credit (pay-as-you-go) or travel passes. It works on all London public transport including the Underground (Tube), buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.

2.How to get one: You can purchase an Oyster card at any Tube station, many convenience stores, or order a Visitor Oyster card online before arriving in the UK. There’s a £7 refundable deposit for a standard Oyster card.

3.How to use it: Simply tap your card on the yellow reader when entering and exiting stations (for trains), or when boarding buses and trams (tap only when boarding, not when exiting).

4.Benefits: Oyster fares are cheaper than buying paper tickets. The system also has daily and weekly caps, meaning once you reach a certain spending threshold, you won’t be charged for additional journeys that day or week.

5.Contactless payment: Alternatively, you can use a contactless debit/credit card or mobile payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) exactly like an Oyster card, with the same fares and caps. This is increasingly popular among residents.

Public Transport Outside London

Other UK cities have their own transport systems:

1.Local buses: Available in all towns and cities, usually operated by private companies. Download the local bus company’s app for timetables and tickets.

2.Trams: Cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Nottingham have tram networks.

3.Local trains: National Rail services connect cities and towns across the UK.

4.City-specific cards: Many cities have their own versions of travel cards:

•Manchester: Get Me There card

•Birmingham: Swift card

•Liverpool: Walrus card

•Glasgow: Bramble card

Useful Apps for UK Transport

Several apps can make navigating UK public transport much easier:

1.Citymapper: Excellent for journey planning in major cities, showing multiple route options and real-time updates.

2.National Rail: For planning train journeys across the UK and checking live departure times.

3.Trainline: Useful for booking train tickets in advance (which can be significantly cheaper).

4.Bus company apps: Most local bus companies have their own apps with live tracking and mobile tickets.

5.TfL Go: Transport for London’s official app for London travel.

Money-Saving Tips

Public transport in the UK can be expensive, but there are ways to save:

1.Off-peak travel: Trains and some urban transport are cheaper outside rush hours (typically before 9:30 AM and between 4-7 PM on weekdays).

2.Railcards: If you’re under 30, a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard gives you 1/3 off rail fares for £30 per year. There are also Family & Friends, Two Together, and Network Railcards for different circumstances.

3.Season tickets: If you’re commuting regularly on the same route, weekly, monthly, or annual passes offer significant savings.

4.Bus passes: Similar to season tickets, these offer unlimited travel on local bus services for a fixed period.

5.Plan ahead: Booking train tickets weeks in advance can save you up to 60% compared to buying on the day of travel.

Remember that public transport etiquette in the UK includes queuing for buses, standing on the right on escalators (in London), and keeping conversation volumes low. These unwritten rules help everyone have a pleasant journey!

5. Initial Grocery Shopping

Finding your way around grocery stores is an essential part of settling into life in the UK. Whether you’re looking for familiar Indian ingredients or exploring British food options, knowing where to shop can make your transition smoother.

Major UK Supermarket Chains

The UK has several major supermarket chains, each with different price points and offerings:

1.Tesco: The largest supermarket chain in the UK, offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Larger Tesco stores often have dedicated world food aisles with Indian ingredients.

2.Sainsbury’s: Slightly more upmarket than Tesco, with good quality fresh produce and a decent selection of international foods.

3.Asda: Known for competitive pricing, Asda (owned by Walmart until recently) offers good value for everyday essentials.

4.Morrisons: Features an extensive fresh food section and in-store bakeries. Many branches have a respectable world foods section.

5.Lidl and Aldi: German discount supermarkets offering excellent value. Their range is more limited, but prices are significantly lower than the “Big Four” above.

6.Waitrose: A premium supermarket with higher prices but excellent quality. Their international food selection is more limited but of high quality.

7.M&S Food: Marks & Spencer’s food halls offer premium ready meals and high-quality ingredients, though at higher prices.

Finding Indian Groceries

For specific Indian ingredients that might not be available in mainstream supermarkets:

1.Dedicated Indian grocery stores: Most UK cities with significant Indian populations have specialized Indian grocery stores. These are treasure troves for spices, lentils, rice varieties, snacks, and frozen Indian foods.

2.Online Indian supermarkets: Websites like Quality Foods Online, Veenas, Spices of India, and Red Rickshaw deliver Indian groceries nationwide.

3.Local markets: Many cities have markets where you can find fresh produce, including Indian vegetables, at competitive prices.

4.World food aisles: Larger branches of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda have expanded world food sections with common Indian ingredients.

Money-Saving Tips

Grocery shopping in the UK can be expensive, but there are ways to save:

1.Loyalty cards: Most major supermarkets have loyalty programs (Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, etc.) that offer discounts and points.

2.Yellow sticker items: Supermarkets reduce prices on food nearing its sell-by date, usually in the evening. Look for items with yellow stickers for significant discounts.

3.Own-brand products: Supermarket own-brand items are usually cheaper than name brands and often of comparable quality.

4.Online shopping: Comparing prices across supermarkets online can help you find the best deals, and delivery is often inexpensive or free above a minimum spend.

5.Local markets: For fresh produce, local markets often offer better value than supermarkets, especially toward the end of the day.

Practical Tips for New Arrivals

1.Bring your own bags: UK supermarkets charge for plastic bags (usually 20-30p each), so bring reusable shopping bags.

2.Check opening hours: Unlike in India, UK supermarkets are not open 24/7. Most large stores open from 7 or 8 AM until 10 or 11 PM on weekdays, with reduced hours on Sundays.

3.Self-checkout: Most supermarkets have self-checkout options which can be quicker for small purchases.

4.Online delivery: If you’re busy settling in, consider online grocery shopping with home delivery. Most major supermarkets offer this service.

5.Seasonal differences: Be aware that produce availability is more seasonal in the UK than you might be used to in India.

With a bit of exploration, you’ll quickly find your favourite places to shop and might even discover new ingredients and dishes to enjoy in your new home.

6. Registering to Vote (If Eligible)

While settling into your new life in the UK, you might want to participate in the democratic process. As an Indian national, you may be eligible to vote in certain UK elections, depending on your status.

Eligibility for Indian Nationals

The UK has specific rules about which foreign nationals can vote in which elections:

1.Commonwealth Citizens: As India is a Commonwealth country, Indian nationals legally residing in the UK are eligible to register to vote in:

•Local government elections

•UK Parliamentary (general) elections

This is a significant benefit that citizens from many other countries don’t enjoy. To be eligible, you must:

•Be a resident in the UK

•Have leave to remain in the UK or not require such leave

•Be 18 years or older

How to Register to Vote

Registering to vote in the UK is a straightforward process:

1.Online registration: The quickest way is to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The process takes about 5 minutes.

2.Paper registration: If you prefer, you can download and print a paper form from the Electoral Commission website or request one from your local Electoral Registration Office.

3.Information needed: You’ll need your National Insurance number (if you have one), your passport, and your address details.

4.Verification: After you submit your application, your local Electoral Registration Office will process it and may contact you if they need additional information.

When to Register

It’s best to register as soon as you’re settled with a permanent address in the UK. However, there are specific deadlines before each election:

•You must register at least 12 working days before an election to be able to vote in it

•If you move to a new address, you need to register again at your new address

Why Register to Vote

Even if you’re not planning to stay in the UK permanently, registering to vote has benefits:

1.Civic participation: It allows you to have a say in local issues that affect your daily life.

2.Credit score: Being on the electoral register can improve your credit score in the UK, making it easier to get mobile phone contracts, loans, or mortgages.

3.Proof of address: Your voter registration can serve as an additional proof of address for various services.

Special Considerations

•You can only vote in person at your designated polling station, by post, or by proxy (appointing someone to vote on your behalf)

•You’ll need to re-register if you change your name, address, or nationality

•Your voter registration is separate from any registration you maintain in India

Registering to vote is not mandatory in the UK, but it’s a good way to engage with your local community and have a say in how things are run. It’s also one more step toward establishing your life in your new home.

Conclusion

Congratulations on taking these important first steps toward settling into your new life in the United Kingdom! The first month in a new country can feel overwhelming, but by tackling these essential tasks one by one, you’re building a solid foundation for your time here.

Remember that millions of people, including many from India, have successfully made this transition before you. While there may be moments of confusion or homesickness, the systems in the UK are generally well-organized and designed to accommodate newcomers.

Let’s recap the key tasks we’ve covered:

1.Registering with a GP: Ensuring you have access to healthcare from day one.

2.Opening a bank account: Setting up your financial life in the UK. Once you’re set with this, get tips on How to craft a UK ready CV.

3.Getting a UK SIM card: Staying connected affordably.

4.Understanding public transport: Navigating your new surroundings efficiently.

5.Finding grocery stores: Keeping your kitchen stocked with familiar and new foods.

6.Registering to vote (if eligible): Participating in your new community.

Beyond these practical tasks, don’t forget to take time to explore your new surroundings, meet people, and begin building a social network. Join community groups, attend local events, or connect with other Indian expatriates through cultural associations or online forums like LinkedIndian.

The UK’s rich cultural diversity means you’ll likely find communities that celebrate Indian festivals, restaurants serving regional Indian cuisines, and opportunities to share your culture with others while embracing new experiences.

Be patient with yourself during this adjustment period. It’s perfectly normal to have days when everything feels foreign and challenging. However, with each passing week, you’ll find yourself navigating British life with increasing confidence and ease.

Welcome to the United Kingdom! We wish you a successful, fulfilling, and happy time in your new home.