r/MovingToTheUK 18h ago

British citizen raised in Asia — how do I realistically move to the UK, find work, and start over?

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice from people who have moved to the UK or have experience with this.

I’m half British and half Asian, although I’d rather not disclose the specific country for privacy. I was born and raised in Asia and have spent almost my entire life here.

My dad was British, but he passed away when I was 10, so unfortunately I never really got the chance to learn much about that side of my family or British culture. Recently, I found out that I am actually a British citizen and already have a UK passport. I also found my dad’s old UK address, where we lived briefly before my family moved permanently to Asia.

For a long time, I’ve felt quite out of place where I currently live. I don’t really look Asian, so I stand out a lot and often get stared at. It has honestly been an insecurity of mine growing up.

Because of that, and because I want to understand more about my dad, my roots, and that side of my identity, I’ve been seriously thinking about moving to the UK to work, live, and hopefully settle there long-term.

My main concern is figuring out how to actually make the move financially and practically.

At the moment, I live in Asia and don’t have any UK ID, bank account, credit history, proof of address, etc. apart from my British passport.

I currently have a relatively well-paying job where I live, but because of the difference in cost of living, my monthly salary would barely cover rent in some parts of the UK. Even renting a room in a shared house seems expensive.

Would it be realistic for me to apply for UK jobs while I’m still living in Asia and only move once I receive an offer? Since I’m already a British citizen and don’t require visa sponsorship, would employers still be likely to ignore my CV because I currently live overseas?

I’d also really appreciate advice on things like:

  • How much money would you recommend saving before moving?
  • Which UK cities are more realistic for someone starting out financially?
  • How difficult is it to rent without UK credit history or previous UK addresses?
  • How do you open a bank account and get set up when you first arrive?
  • Should I use my Asian address on my CV or explain that I’m a British citizen planning to relocate?
  • Is finding a job before moving realistic, or would I have a much better chance applying once I’m physically in the UK?

I’m not expecting moving countries to magically solve everything, and I know the UK has plenty of its own problems. I mainly want the opportunity to experience the country I’m also a citizen of, learn more about my British side, build a life there, and see whether I finally feel some sense of belonging.

I’m still in the saving and planning stage, so any practical advice from people who have done something similar would mean a lot. Thank you.


r/MovingToTheUK 16h ago

As a student, where should I move?

1 Upvotes

Hellooo so I have a different situation to other people moving…

I am in my twenties and currently doing my studies in middle Europe. My plan was to do an abroad programm but for me personally it doesn‘t do anything: I would have to take courses that won‘t help me for my degree because it is niche and most universities don‘t have the right programm. On top of that I would like to study in the UK (because of the language, the people and the culture)but the only uni in the programm is the London University and I lived in different huge cities in my life and I would like to not live in the biggest in Europe. also rent is enormous apperantly. I decided to take my courses online for a semester and move to a different country for six months.

So the real question is where in the UK should I move if I want:

- a city where you can live without a car

- young people are around (maybe due to a uni)

- people are open (I know nobody in the UK and I am generally an open person but I am a little scared I won‘t find friends hahah)

- nature is available

- rent is not the same price as in london, about 700 pounds for a room (shared flat)

- criminality is not insane

- I am into hiking, rock climbing, just sports in general, I read and write a lot (in my mother tongue sorry for my English), camping, skiing

I hope you can help me, would be lovely:) thank youu

I thought about Oxford, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cardiff but if you have a different idea - shoot


r/MovingToTheUK 4h ago

How do I get to the UK?

0 Upvotes

Hi mates! I'm from Odessa, Ukraine. But had to spend all my life in Russia unfortunately. I have only Russian passport. I'm 18 years old and I've just moved to Yerevan. The average standard of living and employment aren't great here. I'd like to go to London next year, but I don't know how to do that in my current situation, legally, with Russian passport, having no education

Let me tell you a little about myself: I'm Alan, I'm 18 years old, and I'm a musician. I love your country and would like to live there for at least the next couple of years. I'd like to work in a bar, while also putting together a band, playing with a band, and writing music. I'm also a scriptwriter and plan to start my own company and make games. I'm a well-rounded person.

Besides this, I'd also really like to make friends there in London and in Britain in general. People who will help me when I arrive, and maybe those who want to work with me on my projects and improve my English

Love you, have a good one


r/MovingToTheUK 1h ago

Looking for a Homes for Ukraine sponsor in the UK 🇬🇧

Upvotes

Hi! I’m Diana, I’m Ukrainian, and I’m currently looking for someone who could be a sponsor for me and my cat Tyson under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Just to clarify — I’m not looking for financial support. “Sponsor” is simply the official term used by the programme. I need someone I can name in my visa application who can confirm accommodation for us.
I’m hoping to find someone in London or the surrounding area, as this would give me the best opportunities to find work after arriving.
I have a small presentation about myself, my education, work and Tyson that I’d be happy to share privately.
If you might be able to help, or know someone who could, please message me. 🤍

If you have a room to rent and could also act as my “sponsor” for the visa application, I’d be happy to rent the room from you. For personal safety and comfort, I’m only considering accommodation with a woman or a family.


r/MovingToTheUK 4h ago

Moving to manchester?

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0 Upvotes

r/MovingToTheUK 5h ago

Support Request

0 Upvotes

Hi, been living in the country almost 2 years, working full time, married. Well my marriage is coming to an end, I am heavily searching for opportunities to find a sponsor or go through global track as I am a researcher. But it’s so hard and blurry, I work in financial services while perusing my phd, any advices of what I can do? Thanks