Your first week in the UK can feel like a complete blur. One moment you’re stepping out of Heathrow or Gatwick, the cold air hits your face, and you feel that rush, “Wow, I’ve actually moved!” The excitement is real. But give it a few hours or a day, and that excitement starts to mix with confusion. Suddenly, you’re thinking, “Okay… where do I even start?”
Don’t worry, it’s not just you. Everyone who relocates goes through this little identity crisis in the first week. The important thing is to focus on the things that will make your life easier in the long run. And that’s exactly what these first-week priorities are meant to help you do.
1. Start by Sorting Out Your Accommodation and Proof of Address
Even if you have already booked an apartment or a temporary place, the first thing you want to secure is proof of address. In the UK, this tiny document holds a lot of power. You’ll need it for almost everything, opening a bank account, registering with a GP, getting a job, applying for certain services, and sometimes even receiving important letters.
If you’re in a temporary arrangement like an Airbnb, a student accommodation, or staying with someone, you can ask them for a simple letter stating that you live there. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Your name, the address, their signature, boom, that’s it. Don’t underestimate how important this is; a lot of people waste days or weeks because they didn’t get this sorted early.
2. Open a UK Bank Account
Now, let’s be honest, without a UK bank account, you’re basically stuck. Your salary can’t come in, your mobile phone plan might not work, and even some subscription services will give you wahala.
Luckily, the UK makes this step easy for newcomers. Digital banks like Monzo, Revolut, and Starling allow you to open an account in minutes using just your passport and proof of address. These banks are super convenient, especially when you’re still trying to understand the system.
Traditional banks like Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, or NatWest are also good options, but they may require more paperwork and sometimes even an appointment. Either way, once your account is opened, you immediately feel like you’re finally “in the system.”
3. Apply for Your National Insurance (NI) Number
Your NI number is basically your gateway to working legally in the UK. It’s what connects your job, your taxes, and your contributions. Some people get theirs automatically printed on their BRP card, but if you don’t see yours there, you need to apply for one online.
And please, apply early. The process is free, but the waiting time can be long. Some people get theirs in two weeks, some in eight. But you don’t want to start job applications and then realise you should have sorted this out earlier. Even if you haven’t found a job yet, get this step out of the way.
4. Register with a GP and Get a UK Phone Number
Health and communication, these two things become more important than we realise.
Registering with a GP (doctor) is something many people delay until they need it, but trust me, it’s better to do it early. Just walk into a nearby clinic or register online. That way, if you ever fall sick or need medical advice, you’re already in the system.
A UK SIM card is also essential. Networks like EE, Giffgaff, O2, and Vodafone are easy to set up. Having a UK number makes everything smoother, from job applications to receiving verification codes on apps.
5. Explore Your New Environment and Start Connecting
Once you’ve sorted the important documents, give yourself time to breathe and settle in. Take a walk around your neighbourhood. Find your closest supermarket, pharmacy, post office, and bus stop. Learn your bus routes. Download apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, and Trainline to help you navigate.
And don’t isolate yourself. Try to connect with people, colleagues, neighbours, friends of friends, or even online communities. Having a support system makes settling in much easier and gives you a sense of belonging in a new country.
Your first week in the UK isn’t about being perfect or figuring everything out at once. It’s about handling the things that matter most, one step at a time. Once these basics are sorted, you’ll find yourself settling in much faster than you expected. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this.
