Moving to a new country is a strange experience. You spend months planning it, imagining what it will feel like, and then suddenly you’re standing in an airport on the other side of the world wondering if it’s actually real.
That’s exactly how my first few days in the UK felt.
The First Few Days Didn’t Feel Real
When I first landed in the UK, it honestly didn’t feel real. For the first few days I was running purely on adrenaline and excitement.
Then the homesickness hit.
For about the first five days, I missed home more than I expected. Leaving behind friends, family, familiar weather, familiar food — everything suddenly feels very far away.
But something interesting happens after about a week.
You slowly start settling in.
The streets start feeling familiar. The accents become easier to understand. And the little routines of daily life start forming.
Opening a Bank Account Was My First Challenge
One of the first practical things I needed to do was open a UK bank account.
In my case, I needed:
- My passport
- Proof of address
Because I was staying with my uncle, I couldn’t provide a normal utility bill in my own name. Instead, he wrote a letter confirming that I lived with him and provided a council tax bill as proof of address.
After submitting everything, the account still took a few days to fully activate.
So if you’re moving to the UK, my advice is simple: sort out your banking as early as possible
Public Transport is actually really good!
One thing that surprised me quite quickly was how good the public transport is.
Buses and trains run frequently, and it’s fairly easy to get around once you understand the system.
One tip I’d recommend: research the transport options in your area before you start commuting.
Many areas have:
- travel cards
- weekly passes
- transport apps
These can save you a surprising amount of money.
Always Check for Store Discount Cards
Another small thing that helps a lot financially is signing up for store discount cards.
For example, shops like Sainsbury’s offer the Nectar Card, which gives you discounts and points on everyday purchases.
At first it seems small, but if you’re living abroad for a long time, these savings add up.
So whenever you start using a local supermarket or shop regularly, check if they have a loyalty card.
Dress for the Weather (Seriously)
This might sound obvious, but British weather is very different from South Africa.
Layering is essential.
You might wake up to cold weather, have a warmer afternoon, and then rain in the evening.
A good rule I’ve learned quickly: always bring an extra layer.
British People Are Friendly — If You Are
Before arriving, I had heard mixed opinions about British people being reserved.
But my experience so far has been pretty positive.
If you’re friendly and open, most people respond the same way. A simple smile, greeting, or small conversation goes a long way.
It makes settling into a new country feel much easier.
The First Week Is the Hardest
Looking back now, the first week was definitely the hardest part.
You’re adjusting to everything at once:
- new environment
- new routines
- new culture
- and being far from home
But once you push through those first few days, things start getting easier surprisingly quickly.
And suddenly, the place that felt completely foreign starts to feel a little more normal.