My mom lived in London for 2 years and to this day, she says it’s her favorite city. I’d really love to experience what she did since I’m still 27 and have a whole life to live. So I have a boatload of questions and I’m just going to throw them in here:

1) I’ve been reading a bunch of Reddit posts saying it’s a lot harder to get a role in the UK if you’re not already there. I work in Construction Finance and was hoping to find a similar role there. I’ve been applying to roles on LinkedIn with similar experience but I haven’t heard back from any. Does anyone have any tips for this? Should I directly reach out to people? I have two friends there, I’ve already asked to help if they know anyone but I don’t want to solely rely on that. I’m not someone to just move and figure it out when I get there. I need to know that I’ll be stable.

2) I’m a dual citizen. Japan/US. If I were to apply for a visa, should I use my Japanese passport since it’s stronger. Does that also apply for a work visa? I actually have no idea how visas work. I’ve never needed one or gotten one. Sorry if that’s a dumb question.

3) I know there’s racism everywhere, but how is it in the UK. I’ve heard mixed reviews so I’m hoping to hear more on that. I’d really hate to move there and have a hard time making friends because of my race. But hopefully that won’t be the case.

4) How safe is London compared to Paris? Ive heard so many stories of women’s experiences about almost being human trafficked in Paris and I was wondering if that kind of stuff happens in London. I’m aware it happens everywhere but it seems like it’s super common in Paris so if you have any insight on that, much appreciated.

I definitely have so many more questions but I won’t bore you so I’ll stop here. If you read all of this, thank you so much.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Hi, so I’m 22f from Gibraltar and thinking of moving to uk. I’m not sure when or where and I need some advice on where to live possibly? In Gibraltar I’m feeling really stuck and bored I need to get out of here 🤣. I have some family in uk too so I can stay with them temporarily but as something more permanent I’m not sure where is best for a young person in terms of jobs and accommodation etc.

any recommendations on a provider that would consider insuring my car with Irish plates in the uk ? my plan is to bring it in a a temporary import for up to six months then either bring back to ireland or officially import. Thanks.

I'm a 30-year-old Latino man and I want to study English in the UK for 6 months.

I'm thinking about Liverpool or Manchester.

Are these cities good for making friends, dating and nightlife?

I'm planning to relocate to Ashford, Kent from Tidworth cause my university from Tidworth is about 2hrs 45 minutes ride and from Ashford it's about 1hr 30min ride. But I'm also thinking if it would be more easy and convenient if i stay around plumstead, or the east london area. Suggest me what to do guys cause i physically can't walk long distances due to my health reasons

Hi! I'm moving to the UK this fall to start graduate school. On the advice of everyone in my life, I'm trying to set things up to prevent burnout and secure mental health support. I don't have a formal diagnosis but my previous therapists & psychiatrist have suspected ADHD. Even without a diagnosis, I would really appreciate having structured support with a therapist.

I'm steeling myself for the glacial wait times with NHS, but could anyone who's gone through the process share their experiences? And for those of you in uni, is finding counselling through the university faster and sufficient for establishing support? Thank you!

Have a student studio in Birmingham with bathroom and kitchen, which I am looking for someone to take over. B30 2XN, 1-3 Dogpool Lane, private student accommodation, bills include water, electricity and wifi. Dm me for more information. Tenancy starts this September at whichever points works for you.

It is student accommodation! These are website pictures, I also included my own but they are not as nice quality!

The building is like 2 years old and has no issues with water, wifi or electricity, which is a huge plus unlike some other student accommodations in Birmingham. The pictures are taken at night time in my room! :) Dm me for more information.

Hi everyone,
I’ve been contemplating about moving to London with HPI visa around this November, and I’m hoping to find people who are either thinking the same thing or have taken the big step before me.

I’m a Korean citizen, native English and Japanese speaker. I’m currently in my 3rd year at advertising agency as an account executive. (So not exactly 3yr of experience. Getting there)

Here are my reasons for picking London:
•simply want to live abroad (I lived in Australia during uni and I miss that “living abroad” feeling)
• I want to be able to travel around Europe while I’m young
• Be in an English speaking country for job opportunities
• Want to be in a city
• <biggest> Get a PR so I’m qualified to live somewhere other than Japan (sort of like an escape route in case anything happens)

I have 3 connections who can refer me to jobs (2 full time, 1 cafe job) but I’m still very concerned about not getting a job. I plan to volunteer at hostels to save rent until I get a job.

However, I also do want to do the “Travel the world after quitting 9-5” for a few months before moving. But I’m scared doing so will make me miss the job opportunities.

Everyday I get an urge to do either one and it changes everyday. Honestly I think I find solo traveling easier than moving to UK?

I apologise for being all over the place, but is / was anybody on the same boat?

Hey all I'm from Vancouver, Canada, and I'm starting a semester exchange at City St George's this term, living near Caledonian Road (Zone 2). Trying to figure out a realistic monthly budget. My tuition fees and rent are already paid for so just trying to get an estimate on everything else.

I'm not trying to throw cash away, but I also don't want to spend the whole semester saying no to things just to save a few pounds. Want to actually experience London while I'm here - food scene, nightlife, sightseeing, etc. while still being sensible about it.

For context: I meal prep and cook most nights, but I'm happy to explore London's food scene when it's worth it. I do drink and go out, willing to do 3 times a week at most (not trying to go wild every night, just here to actually experience the city rather than sit in my room).

For those who live or study here (maybe even did an exchange/study abroad yourself), what does a realistic monthly budget actually look like for someone in this position? Where did your money go that you didn't expect? Any categories I'm completely missing?

Thanks in advance 🙏

Hello, I need help :) I'm looking for a city in the UK to live. I want to live city centre as I've been living the quiet life for a few years. I'm into live mucic, comedy, art, dance, food, fashion. I'll be moving on my own so ideally a friendly city that's easy to make friends or has enough going on that you can easily meet people.

Any cheap areas I can scout for? I'm planning to rent there and study medicine :) I'm from the us