The United Kingdom is a relatively small island nation with over 90,000 square miles, but it is home to many unique cities. A variety of towns give a cross-section of life in the UK, each with its unique personality, history, and culture. Ranging from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh in the north to the coastal city of Southampton on the south coast, and everything in between makes living in the UK a dream for everyone.
When it comes to picking a city in the UK to live and work in, it’s critical to find one that meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for the most fantastic city in the UK for families, ex-pats, property sellers, or students, there is a city for everyone. Let’s look at some of the best places to live and work in the UK and what they offer.
The United Kingdom is a country that is full of contrasts. There is something for everyone, from the craggy highlands of Scotland to the beautiful turquoise coves of Cornwall; the country profoundly caters to the needs of\ everyone planning to live and settle in this beautiful country. For many people, relocating to the United Kingdom entails settling in London, with its bustling metropolis and charming districts. However, outside London, some of the best places to live are in the United Kingdom.
For UK-based ex-pats, living outside London offers a whole new universe. Living in the UK is substantially lower outside London, but you’ll also be closer to the beautiful British countryside. You’ll also visit some of the UK’s many attractive towns and cities with distinct energy and personality. Here are the top ten best places to live in the UK.
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10 Best Places to Line in the UK
Following are the top 10 best places to live in the UK if you are plan move from your country.
1. London
London, England’s capital, is the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of Europe’s leading cities. One of the most fantastic destinations in the UK for ex-pats is this dynamic and international metropolis, which is home to many explorers who have made the UK their home. Because of its immense size, London encapsulates British culture and is a city of a thousand experiences.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, the UK’s northernmost country, is another of the country’s major cities. Even though Edinburgh is Scotland’s smallest city, it has traditionally functioned as the country’s cultural and spiritual hub.
3. Birmingham
Birmingham, dubbed “the second city,” is located in the Midlands, England’s geographic core. Once the UK’s industrial capital, Birmingham has transformed into a global urban metropolis undergoing a modern revival. BWith its strong ex-pat community, Birmingham s one of the best cities in the UK for newcomers. Another factor that makes Birmingham a desirable place is a thriving urban economy that does not come at an exorbitant price.
4. Manchester
Another well-known city in the United Kingdom, has long been at the centre of British culture and identity. Manchester boasts a vibrancy that is often unrivalled elsewhere, with world-class restaurants, nightlife, and shopping districts. Because of this outpouring of fun and vitality, Manchester is not only a fantastic place to live, but it is also one of the best cities in the UK for students.
5. Reading
Reading, 40 miles west of London, is an ideal place to live if you don’t want to be surrounded by the capital’s chaos but still want to be within an hour’s drive. Because of its proximity to London, Reading is a lovely place to commute from if you need to work in a big city.
6. Southampton
Southon England’s south coast, Southampton lo naval and nautical heritage. Southampton has a solid connection to the sea, having hosted the Titanic’s maiden voyage and Cowes Week, one of the world’s oldest regattas. Individuals who prefer sailing, water activities, or just want to be near the water make the city an excellent area to live in.
7. Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has grown in popularity as one of the most desirable places in the United Kingdom, not just in Scotland. Despite its growing popularity, the cost of living has remained low, with a low cost of living than the rest of the United Kingdom.
8. Bristol
Bristol, located in the southeast of the United Kingdom, has linked its history to England and its global position. The city is historically famous for its shipyards and marine industry, is today known as a refuge for start-up firms. Bristol is a desirable location for employees and businesses, thanks to its strong educational standards.
9. Liverpool
Liverpool, undoubtedly one of the UK’s most internationally identifiable cities, has long been regarded as one of the country’s most important places to reside, and for a good reason. Liverpool’s atmosphere and hospitality are well-known throughout the United Kingdom.
10. Leeds
Yorkshire’s largest city, Leeds is the most northern English city on our list, and it is well-deserved. Leeds is a shopper’s paradise, having some of the most extensive shops outside the city limits. This makes it a great site to shop, but it also contributes to the centre city’s expanding economy.
Interesting Read: Top 10 Tips on How to Save Money Being an Expat in the UK
Cheapest Places to Live in the UK
The first thing you’ve heard about studying in the United Kingdom is that it’s too costly. It’s past time to dispel the myth that the United Kingdom is an expensive destination for international students to study.
In terms of living costs, the United Kingdom is a fairly diversified country, ranging from cheaper locations to more expensive places to live in huge cities like London. You can discover affordable areas to live in in the UK no matter how much money you have in your pocket, and none of this comes at the expense of a regular living. In principle, it is correct to claim that his budgetary plans determine a student’s living expenses in the UK.
Having a clear budget plan before beginning your journey at a UK institution is critical because your ability to stay in the nation may depend entirely on it. This starts with locating a residence that is more appropriate for your needs. If this is your first time living on your own, you may find it helpful to have a rough idea of how it looks, which is the primary goal of this blog.
1. Lincoln
It is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK, with a weekly rent of £118.80. A travel pass can be purchased for about £30, the second-lowest. Strathclyde, Glasgow – Strathclyde is one of those cities becoming far less expensive than it once was. Housing is not likely to be a significant issue in this city, as you can locate an apartment for £117.30 per week on average.
2. Cardiff
Apart from being the capital of Wales, Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students to reside in. The city’s average monthly rent is £114.19. Furthermore, because public transportation is inexpensive, you do not need to buy an apartment near your university’s campus. The University of Cardiff is the only Welsh member of the Russell Group of universities and is in Cardiff. Most students studying in Cardiff work part-time and receive funding from various sources, making the city more affordable.
3. Belfast
Belfast is one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK for students, despite being the capital of Northern Ireland. In Belfast, you may rent an apartment for £113 per week. Compared to the rest of the UK, this city has the cheapest taxi fares.
Leicester — The city of Leicester is well-known for its low-cost transportation. A travel pass will cost you around £29 on average. The weekly price fluctuates at £133.79, which is acceptable for rent.
4. Lancaster
Lancaster is a town in the Lancashire district. A beer costs £2.80 in Lancaster, the lowest price of all the cheapest areas to live in the UK. The average weekly rent is £139. You’ll find a unique place to live in Lancaster and its increased affordability.
5. Stirling
Stirling is one of the sites where overseas students find it significantly more inexpensive. In 2017, a room in Stirling could be rented for £115 per week. Public transportation is also completely free. A trip card in this city costs £30, making it one of the cheapest ways to travel between the locations. The breathtaking Scottish scenery in Stirling will leave you with no regrets.
Moving to the UK? You wouldn’t want to miss the following.
Most Expensive Place to Live in the UK
When it comes to the costliest cities in the UK, it’s hard not to think of London, with its bustling business and sky-high home prices, as the most expensive. This, however, is not the case, perhaps to your surprise.
It is among the world’s most prosperous economies. Its advantages, such as solid employment and cultural flexibility, make most immigrants feel welcome. And, with so much to offer, selecting to live here will almost certainly necessitate a lot of help.
While the UK has a high upkeep level of life, you can still realise your ambition of living here by adopting budget-friendly changes. However, if living to extravagant standards is on your bucket list and you have already saved a significant amount of money to supply yourself with a fancy replica of your home here, you are in luck!
1. Bushey, Hertfordshire
In Hertfordshire’s Hertsmere borough, Bushey is regarded as one of the most expensive places in the UK because of its mediaeval ambience and tranquil setting. This community comprises 3,208 acres of land and 10 acres of land flooded from the Great Bushey to the New Bushey.
The houses in this village are made mainly of brick, with tiled roofs on the older ones, and have an old-fashioned look. Even the soil, primarily composed of chalk with gravel and clay, sounds opulent. If you’re thinking of buying a place here, you’d best have a big wallet because a studio apartment starts at £188,000.
2. Windsor, Berkshire
A town in southeast England, west of London, on the River Thames. Windsor Castle, the famed residence of the British Royal Family, is in this area.
This location is also known for having a lot of sightseeing opportunities that you may take advantage of when visiting London. Apart from that, you can buy a property here if you want to live in luxury for the rest of your life, as they have state apartments with sumptuous furnishings and artworks from the royal art collection. The price of becoming neighbours with the Royal Family was £ 1,959 for a day of stay in their serviced flat.
3. Bath, Somerset
Bath is the largest city in the English county of Somerset, and it gets its name from Roman-built baths that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
This location was designed not just for enjoyment and leisure but also to preserve history dating back to the Roman era. Bath is a great destination to visit because it has so many restaurants and some of the best stores in the country. However, if you’re looking to buy a home, the average selling price of a flat in this area is £ 348,140.
4. Slough, Berkshire
A town in Berkshire, England, Slough is 20 miles west of downtown London and 19 miles north of Reading. Slough was named the most significant town in the UK to live and work in 2017 because it is home to several major corporations.
This town, which has 164,000 people, offers places for £600,000. It’s an excellent spot to live if you want to take quick travels to nearby places because they have easy access to London and Heathrow airports. With their cultural diversity of food and shopping, this town also offers foreign flavours.
5. Westminster, London
The city of Westminster, one of London’s 33 boroughs, offers a luxury setting where you may feel elegant and be close to royalty. This city is close to Berkshire because it is located along the Thames River. You’ll be more relative to notable historic locations, including Buckingham Palace, Soho, the West End, Covent Garden, St. James’, the House of Parliament, and Big Ben if you live in this town.
Indeed, acquiring a house here will make you feel like attractions surround you. Of course, the amount you must pay is significantly higher than the usual flat price since their lowest offer is £650,000.
Interesting Read: UK Travel Guide – Everything You Need Before You Plan Your Visit
Worst Places to Live in the UK
Have you ever wondered where the worst location to live is in the UK? Various variables can contribute to a decent living environment in this country of over 67 million people. A clean and hygienic atmosphere and a location where individuals feel safe and deem safe for their families, particularly children, are some of the most crucial.
According to a recent BBC piece, the United Kingdom sees its worst slide in living standards since 1956. Rising inflation and declining employment have caused a significant ripple effect that has reached even the most economically sound areas of the United Kingdom. When such circumstances arise, the qualities required for a satisfying life experience are met.
As a result, living conditions in some areas, towns, or parts of cities frequently deteriorate. The website ilivehere.co.uk recently published a list of the UK’s worst locations. More than 110,172 people voted and helped make s list a reality. Most of the towns on the list are highlighted due to a substantial shortage of more than one mentioned necessity.
Let us now look at the UK’s top 10 worst places.
- Aylesbury
- Huddersfield
- Luton
- Liverpool
- Peterborough
- Bolton
- Corby
- Jaywick
- Slough
- Bradford
Banking Services in the UK
Like banks in many other countries, banks in the United Kingdom offer various services in accounts, credit cards, lending possibilities, and money transfers. These are some of them:
- Insurance policies in the United Kingdom include home and car insurance.
- Funds, bonds, and stocks are examples of investment possibilities.
- Mortgages in the United Kingdom
- Pension plans in the United Kingdom
How to Open a Bank Account in the UK
You can open a bank account in a branch or online once you arrive in the UK. Unless you already bank with an international provider with UK coverage, you will almost always need a UK address when applying. When applying for a bank account, most banks require you to fill out an application form and submit a credit check (unless you’re starting a simple account). Each bank will have its own set of documentation that must be submitted. To open a bank account in the United Kingdom, you will need to provide proof of your identification and address.
Most banks are likely to ask for:
- Passport/valid photo ID
- A recent utility bill (less than three months old) or council tax bill
- A recent bank or credit card statement
- Proof of studying in the UK (if applying for a student account)
- Proof of employment (some banks may ask for this)
- Many standard bank accounts in the UK can be opened within 1-2 days.
How to Open a Bank Account in the UK from Abroad
Some UK institutions, such as Barclays and HSBC, provide international bank accounts that can be opened before relocating to the UK. The exact procedures differ by the bank. However, what it takes to open a report in the United States may be lengthier than in the United Kingdom (sometimes around 10-15 days). You might be able to open the account online, but if not, you’ll need to book an appointment with the bank branch in your home country nearest to where you live. Passport/ID, proof of address, and income are all required documents; some offshore accounts also need minimum monthly payments to supply further evidence, such as visa information if you live in a non-EU/EFTA country.
How to Open a Business Bank Account in the UK
If you’re beginning a business in the United Kingdom, you can open an account with any central bank. Freelancers and unlimited sole traders/partnerships are typically required to present a passport/ID for each partner and proof of personal and company addresses. Limited firms must additionally submit a Companies House registration number and the names and addresses of all directors and estimate their yearly turnover.
A credit check is typically required of all those involved in the operation of the business. Most UK banks that offer business banking have a specialised business manager or staff member. They’ll typically want to meet with you to discuss how to open a business account, your business goals, and what you hope to get out of it. You might be asked to write a business strategy or a budgeting prediction for them to review. If you plan to seek the bank for a loan at any point, this will be a must.
How to Find a Job in the UK
You can still hunt for a job in the UK through the EURES (European Employment Services) website if you’re from the EU or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). EURES is a European Commission-managed job site network to facilitate free mobility within the European Economic Area.
You can post your CV and seek assistance on the legal and administrative concerns of working in the UK and looking for work. However, the UK will leave the European Economic Area in January 2021 because of Brexit. As a result, EURES services will no longer be available after 2020.
Find a Job through the government’s online job search engine. Moreover, various jobs can also be found on the high streets of larger towns across the UK, where you can explore job openings in person. Get a print of your CV whenever you plan on moving to these areas.
In addition to this, the websites like CV-Library, the UK’s top independent job board with approximately 200,000 live opportunities across all sectors, you can explore thousands of full and part-time jobs, post your CV, and manage applications.
Famous Job Websites and Local Job Search Platforms
Few famous websites where you can share your CV include:
- Adecco
- Adzuna
- Careerbuilder
- Everyjobsite
- Fish4
- Gumtree
- Indeed
- Jobsite
- Monster
- Reed
- Totaljobs
Apart from these websites, a few of the acclaimed news media websites like the Guardian are a great place to look for graduate and professional jobs, especially in arts, culture, media, marketing, government and politics, housing, social care, etc. the environment, and education. Find more in our comprehensive guide about planning and working in the UK.
Look for jobs in various industries on the internet; each day’s print edition focuses on a different sector. Check out The Telegraph if you’re looking for a professional position. Job openings in the charity and not-for-profit sectors can be found on The Big Issue’s website.
Lastly, examine company websites for open positions and information you might utilise to make a speculative application. You may learn more about the company and its competitors and the person’s name to contact if you want to make a direct approach.
Instead of looking for the name of the person in charge of hiring or the budget, look for the person in charge of hiring or the budget. Contact the company by email or phone if the name isn’t included on the website.
Education in the UK
The education system in the United Kingdom is known worldwide for its excellent quality and standards. Early years, primary years, secondary education, Further Education (FE), and Higher Education (HE) are the five phases of education in the British higher education system (HE). Britons begin their education at the age of three and are required to attend school until they reach the age of sixteen (compulsory education), after which it is their decision.
In England, all three and four-year-olds have been entitled to 15 hours of free nursery education for 38 weeks since September 2010. Early childhood education occurs in various contexts, including public nursery schools, nursery courses, and private nursery schools.
There has been a significant expansion of Early Childhood education and care. The Education Act of 2002 expanded the National Curriculum for England to include the Foundation Stage, which was initially implemented in September 2000 and covered children’s education from the age of three to the conclusion of the reception year, at the age of five.
Stages of Education in the UK
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a single regulatory and quality framework for the provision of learning, development, and care for children in all registered early years settings between birth and the academic year in which they turn 5.
It was implemented in September 2008 and is a single regulatory and quality framework for providing learning, development, and care for children in all registered early years settings between birth and the academic year in which they turn 5. At the end of the academic year, when a child turns 5, the EYFS Profile (EYFSP) is a statutory assessment of the child’s development and learning achievements.
The British state system divides the school year into terms, albeit the actual dates vary significantly depending on the preferences of individual schools. It’s worth noting that academies have the authority to create their calendars and hours so that they may deviate from the norm.
The first term spans typically from September to December, with a two-week holiday break. School reopens in January and runs until the end of the period in March or April, around Easter time. There is another break before the summer term, which usually lasts until the middle of July. Schools are closed on public holidays and take a ‘half-term’ break in the middle.
Healthcare System in the UK
The National Health Service is a government-sponsored universal healthcare system in the United Kingdom (NHS). The NHS collects publicly funded healthcare systems in the United Kingdom. It encompasses the National Health Service (England), NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care. Citizens are citizens.
The UK’s healthcare system entitles them to access healthcare, but they also can purchase private health insurance. Patients will have more authority and knowledge due to the plan, including more hospitals and beds and more doctors and nurses.
Appointment wait times are significantly reduced, healthcare for senior patients is enhanced, and stronger regulations are in place. According to a study of seven industrialised countries, the United Kingdom’s healthcare system is one of the most efficient. Quality, efficiency, access to care, equity, and healthy lives were all examined in the Commonwealth Fund report.
The Goal of the Department of Health
The goal of the Department of Health is to assist people in living healthier and longer lives. We lead, develop, and fund health and care in England, ensuring that individuals receive the support, care, and treatment they require while also being treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. The Department collaborates with new and changing health and care organisations to attain this common goal.
They cooperate with other government sectors to allow health and social care organisations to deliver services by national priorities. We set goals and budgets on behalf of the Secretary of State and hold the system accountable.
The Secretary of State for Health is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the entire system works together to meet the requirements of patients and the general public and represent their experiences.
