Welcome! This chapter is a practical “first days” guide so you can land, get the essentials in place, and settle smoothly. We keep it route-agnostic and focus on tasks most newcomers face. Always verify official guidance for anything time-sensitive.
Before you arrive (prep that saves time)
A little planning reduces stress on day one.
- Accommodation plan (hotel/short-let or temporary place with friends/family).
- Digital copies of key documents: passport, visa/eVisa details, job offer/contract, CoS summary, degree/test results if relevant.
- Proof of funds and a small amount of local currency/fee-free card for arrival costs.
- A simple folder naming system for documents you’ll reuse (banking, GP, school, ILR later).
First-week tasks
These are the anchors most people sort in the first few days. Tackle them in the order that makes sense for you.
- Temporary housing / short let arranged. Hotels/serviced apartments are common while you search for a longer let. Keep booking confirmations as proof of residence if needed.
- Right to Work & status basics. If you have an eVisa, make sure your current passport is linked and that you can sign in; be ready to generate a share code for your employer when asked. If you still have a BRP, follow current instructions that came with your decision.
- Register with a GP. Choose a GP near your address and complete the registration form (often online). Bring ID and proof of address if asked. Emergency/urgent care remains available even if you haven’t registered yet.
- Open a bank account. Some high-street banks require strong proof of address; app-based banks can be faster. Use your passport and status evidence; salary letters help.
- Set up mobile & transport. Get a UK SIM (PAYG or monthly) and set up contactless/Oyster where relevant; consider a railcard if you’ll commute.
- Record keeping. Create a “settlement” folder and start saving payslips, employer letters, and travel logs — invaluable for ILR later.
Housing & renting (quick orientation)
Finding a longer-term place usually involves referencing and a deposit.
- Search & viewings: popular portals and agencies will ask for ID and proof of funds/employment.
- Referencing: employers’ letter or contract, recent payslips, and sometimes a UK guarantor if salary history is short.
- Deposits & protection: deposits should be protected in a government-approved scheme; keep the certificate.
- Right to Rent: landlords/agents must check your immigration status (passport/eVisa share code or BRP).
- Council Tax & TV Licence: most tenancies are liable for Council Tax (students may be exempt); some households require a TV Licence if watching live broadcast or iPlayer.
Keep your tenancy agreement, deposit protection certificate, and utility set-up emails — great address proof for later admin.
Banking & money
A UK account makes payroll, rent, and bills easier.
- Where to start: app-based banks are often quickest; high-street banks may need stronger address proof (tenancy, utility, council tax).
- Docs to bring: passport, immigration status (eVisa sign-in/BRP), address evidence, job offer/contract.
- Salary & payroll: share the correct sort code/account number with your employer and update any tax forms they provide.
- Credit footprint: consider a mobile phone contract or a low-limit credit card used responsibly to build UK credit history.
Registering with a GP (NHS)
Access to primary care is central to settling in.
- How to register: search for local GP practices and submit the registration form (often called GMS1). Many practices offer online sign-up.
- What you may need: ID and proof of address; some practices ask for vaccination history.
- NHS number: if you don’t have one, it will be assigned; you can still register without it.
- Urgent care: you can use urgent treatment centres or NHS 111 while registration is in progress.
National Insurance (NI) number
Some people are issued an NI number automatically; others need to apply.
- Do you need to apply? Check with your employer’s HR and current guidance. If not auto-issued, you can usually apply online with identity evidence.
- Why it matters: correct tax and social security records, and often needed for payroll.
- Tip: your employer can start you on payroll before the NI number is issued, but update them as soon as you receive it.
Schools & childcare (if applicable)
Admissions and places are handled locally.
- State schools: apply via your local council; places depend on catchment and availability.
- Evidence: passport/ID for the child, proof of address, and previous school records if available.
- Timing: mid-year admissions can take time; contact multiple nearby schools to understand vacancies.
- Early years/childcare: research providers and waiting lists; keep contracts and invoices for records.
Utilities, internet, and bills
Set up basics early to avoid gaps and unplanned fees.
- Energy & water: take opening meter readings and register with the current supplier; switch later if you prefer.
- Broadband: check speeds/coverage before choosing a provider; installation lead times vary.
- Council Tax: register with your local council; ask about discounts/exemptions if eligible.
Mobile, transport, and driving
Getting connected and moving around quickly helps you feel at home.
- Mobile: PAYG is fast; monthly contracts help build credit once you have stronger address proof.
- Transport: contactless works on many networks; London uses Oyster/contactless. Consider railcards for discounts.
- Driving: depending on your licence and nationality, you may be able to drive for a limited period or exchange your licence; check current DVLA rules before driving.
Security & admin hygiene
Small habits keep your records tidy for extensions and ILR.
- Backups: store scanned PDFs of key documents in a secure cloud folder.
- Naming: standardise filenames (e.g.,
tenancy-2025-10.pdf,payroll-2025-11-payslip.pdf). - Travel log: track every trip’s exit/entry dates and reason; keep tickets/boarding passes.
Checklists (copy/paste)
Week-one essentials
- [ ] Temporary accommodation confirmed
- [ ] Employer onboarding: Right to Work check completed (eVisa share code/BRP)
- [ ] GP registration submitted
- [ ] Bank account opened (or interim app-based account)
- [ ] UK SIM activated
- [ ] Transport set up (Oyster/contactless/railcard)
- [ ] Document folder created (payslips, tenancy, utilities, travel log)
New tenancy pack
- [ ] Signed tenancy agreement saved as PDF
- [ ] Deposit protection certificate saved
- [ ] Council Tax registration completed
- [ ] Utilities set up with opening readings
- [ ] Broadband ordered/installed
FAQs
Do I need a BRP, or is an eVisa enough?
Many routes are moving to digital status. If your decision instructed you to collect a BRP, follow those instructions. If you have an eVisa, ensure your current passport is linked and you can log in. Your employer may use a share code to check your Right to Work.
I can’t open a bank account without proof of address — what can I do?
Try an app-based bank first (often lighter on address proof), then switch to a high-street bank once you have a tenancy or utility bill. Employer letters and council tax setup can also help as proof.
How quickly should I register with a GP?
As soon as practical after you have an address. Registration helps with routine care and repeats. You can still access urgent care and NHS 111 while awaiting registration.
Can my children start school mid-term?
Yes, through in-year admissions managed by your local council. Places depend on availability; contact several nearby schools to understand options and timelines.
Do I need an NI number before starting work?
No, many employers can start you without it, but you should apply if not auto-issued and provide it as soon as you receive it so your records are correct.
Information only — not legal advice. Processes and requirements change. Always verify current rules on official guidance, and consider speaking to an OISC-registered adviser for tailored help.