Overseas doctors library

Life in the UK

Practical help with the move itself: housing, banking, schools, driving, tax and everyday life in the UK.

16 Life in the UK articles

Life in the UK

Accommodation for Doctors Relocating to the UK

Finding somewhere to live after relocating to the UK as a doctor: short-term stays, NHS accommodation, renting, buying and the trust support on offer.

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Life in the UK

Mobile Phones in the UK

Sorting a mobile phone after moving to the UK: checking your handset works, contracts versus pay as you go, the major networks and tips for getting set up.

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Life in the UK

Opening a UK Bank Account

Opening a UK bank account as an overseas doctor: when to apply, which banks to consider, the documents you need and how to be ready for your first NHS pay.

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Life in the UK

Understanding the UK Education System

A guide to the UK education system for doctors moving with children: key stages, GCSEs and A-Levels, school types, regional differences and enrolling.

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Life in the UK

Buying a Car in the UK

Buying a car in the UK as an overseas doctor: budgeting, licence rules, new versus used, checks, paperwork, road tax and insurance for getting to NHS shifts.

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Life in the UK

Purchasing a Property in the UK

Buying a property in the UK as an overseas doctor: eligibility, deposits, mortgages in principle, the step-by-step process and the costs to budget for.

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Life in the UK

Childcare Options in the UK: A Guide for Overseas Doctors

Moving to the UK with children? Compare nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs, government help with costs and how to fit childcare around NHS shifts.

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Life in the UK

Driving in the UK with an Overseas Licence

Can you drive in the UK on an overseas licence? Time limits by country, exchanging or testing for a UK licence, road rules and car insurance for new arrivals.

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Life in the UK

Festive Attractions in the UK: A Winter Guide for Overseas Doctors

Spending your first Christmas in the UK? Our pick of festive attractions for doctors and families, from London’s Winter Wonderland to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

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Life in the UK

Furnishing Your Home in the UK

Furnishing your first UK home on a doctor’s schedule: where to shop, what to budget, buying second-hand, renting furniture and making small spaces work.

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Life in the UK

Getting an MOT Test for Your Vehicle

What overseas doctors need to know about the UK MOT test: when it is due, where to go, what is checked, the maximum fee and what to do if your car fails.

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Life in the UK

Moving to the UK: Planning and Packing Tips for Overseas Doctors

Planning your move to the UK as a doctor: a timeline for visas, housing and banking, what to pack, what to leave behind and tips for moving with family.

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Life in the UK

Preparing for Winter in the UK: Tips for Overseas Doctors

Your first UK winter as an overseas doctor: what weather to expect, how to dress, heat your home, stay healthy, travel safely and beat the winter blues.

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Life in the UK

Securing Your First UK Credit Card: A Guide for Overseas Doctors

How overseas doctors can get a first UK credit card: why it is hard without UK history, steps to build your credit score, key terms and choosing a card.

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Life in the UK

Moving to the UK from Overseas: What’s an eSIM and How Can It Help?

What is an eSIM and how can it help when moving to the UK? How eSIMs work, checking your phone supports one and setting up a UK number before you land.

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Life in the UK

UK Income Tax

How UK income tax works for doctors new to the country: the tax year, the personal allowance and tax bands in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

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