Three tips for expats living in the UK

The UK is a hugely multicultural country, with migrants and expats coming to the country from all over the globe. According to statistics, 83.2% of usual residents in England and Wales in 2021 were born in the UK and 16.8% were born outside the UK, meaning that around one in six people were born outside the UK. There are several reasons why people choose to move to the UK, however, expats tend to move over for work for a set period before returning to their home country.

During this period, it’s natural to want to fit in by becoming acquainted with mannerisms, attitudes, and behaviours. You might be wondering whether you should tip in the UK and what ‘service charge’ actually means, for example. Here’s what you need to know.

Be ready for winter and summer
It’s no secret that the weather in the UK is very unpredictable. Seasons vary greatly and don’t always follow the expectations you might have. For example, you might experience brilliant sunshine in the autumn or rain in the summer. It’s always good to remain diligent. Even a single day can showcase multiple different types of weather.

Make sure your wardrobe has plenty of layers and be sure to regularly check the weather forecast. It’s also worth noting that homes in the UK tend not to have air conditioning, so if you do experience a heatwave, find out how to stay cool in your home and dress accordingly.

Working and life balance
Typically, companies in the UK offer 28 days of paid holiday if you work a five-day week, which equates to 5.6 weeks of holiday. Since the pandemic, many companies have opted for hybrid contracts, with many also offering remote contracts. This can be especially freeing to help you settle into the country and explore.

Not having to commute as regularly can also save money on transport, as well as precious time. For those who may need to drive when attending the office, or would simply like to explore further afield at the weekend, a small run-around car accompanied by temporary car insurance for as little as one hour, could be beneficial

British slang
Although the UK is a small country, the regional variation is huge. There are different accents and even different uses of language that can make settling here a little bit more complex. You might find that Liverpudlians speak and act very differently to people in Newcastle or those down in London, for example.

So long as you have an open mind and a good sense of humour, you can embrace this with ease and go with the flow. When it comes to understanding British slang, there are some language cues you might want to bear in mind. British humour can be niche, and understanding how Brits convey humour with language is a good place to start.