What do I pack when moving to the UK?

We could write chapters on this subject as there is so much to cover, however we want to keep you interested and have decided to cover something we are asked daily.

Number 1 and possibly the most important thing to bring is…

Money

We advise every candidate arriving to the UK to bring money.

Yes, you will have accommodation covered for the at least 1 month, however you will need cash.

You will need to buy groceries, or you need to travel around your local town or city.

Depending on the time you arrive, it could be 6 weeks before you get paid by the trust, so please BRING MONEY.

How much, well that is up to you, but no less than £500

Please remember once you are settled and it is time to look for your own accommodation, rentals usually request a deposit and 1 months’ rent in advance.

Documents

You will need to show copies of your original documents when sitting your OSCE exam if you are nurse.

However, we advise all candidates to bring the following documents:

Passport- yes you need this to get into the UK and it will be needed as a proof of identity when in the UK

Police Check – original copies from all the countries resided or practiced in within the last 12 months.

Degree or Diploma Certificate

Keep all documents in your hand luggage with you when you board the plane.

LUGGAGE ALLOWENCE

When travelling on an international flight, your luggage allowance can vary depending on the airline.

Please remember the hospitals will authorize flights that are in line with their budgets for international recruitment.

So, these leads to clothes.

It all depends on what time of year you arrive in the UK, but you can guarantee, regardless of the season you may experience rain.

UK winter will be very different to winter in warmer climates across the globe, so we advise bring a coat and jumper to keep you warm on the first few days and then purchase one here in the UK.

Bulky coats and jumpers will take up luggage space.

There are many shops you can purchase coats, a favorite with international nurses is Primark or you can order online at Boohoo, ASOS or shop at other high street stores online or in person such as H&M, Marks and Spencer, River Island…

Uniform

Your trust will provide you with uniform and you will completely a uniform request form ahead of your arrival in the UK.

Shoes.

You will need to purchase your own shoes, these will be plain, flat, and black.

If you can get these in your home country, great but rest assured you can purchase here in the UK at a reasonable price depending on where you shop.

Technology.

Bring phones, laptops, tablets, or other electrical goods, you will need an adaptor for your plugs to work in UK sockets. You can buy this in your own country or at the airport.

Food.

There are rules to bring food to the UK without any restrictions, however some trusts have requested staff do not bring foods.

Restrictions apply to food such meat, dairy, fish and other animal-based products and fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

More information can be found on the https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain

Tune in for more tips when preparing to relocate to the UK.

Love the Global Medical Professionals Team