From leaving home and learning a new language to starting uni and making new friends – starting afresh is daunting! And it’s difficult to know where to start when setting up your new life…
Thankfully Lebara Mobile are here with a little helping hand on where to get started, from the practical things like setting up a bank account to fun things like making new pals!
Bank account
First thing’s first, you’ll want to manage your money. Opening a current account allows you to manage your day-to-day spending, set up direct debits for those monthly necessities (like paying the rent, bills and Netflix!) and transfer money to friends or family across the world.
Either set up your account online, or pop along to the bank and make an appointment. Remember to take proof of identity in the form of a photo ID – passport or driving license – and a proof of address such as a utility bill or tax document.
Top tip: Get savvy! Many banks offer great rewards like cashback or vouchers just for opening an account, so use a price comparison website to find the best deals.
TV licence
Brits love their telly (short for television) so if you want to get immersed in their culture, you’ll want to get up to speed on their fave shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Eastenders and Blue Planet II!
If you want to watch live TV (watch programmes as and when they’re first shown) you must own a TV licence and this applies to the BBC’s on-demand service, iPlayer, too. It’s £147 for the year and you can pay quickly and easily online.
Top tip: If you live with friends and share a TV, you can split the cost of the licence between you. Sweet!
Mobile phone and broadband
Stay connected to family and friends back home by getting a great deal on your mobile and broadband – they’ll want to hear all about your adventures in the UK!
Yep, you guessed it, that’s where Lebara Mobile come in! With their cheap international calls and free SIM, you can call 41 countries all for just £10 a month. Plus you won’t even need to sign a contract. Best of all, calling or texting other Lebara customers is absolutely free – happy days!
And broadband? You can set this up easily online. Just check out the best deals via a price comparison website. Once ordered, it’s as simple as waiting on the delivery of your new router and plugging it in. Now browse/binge-watch/FaceTime to your heart’s content!
Driving licences and public transport
Getting from A to B in the UK is pretty easy, with buses, trains and taxis all readily available. Plus, you can often purchase weekly or monthly travel passes in advance that will save you money.
If you’re going to drive in the UK, there are several things you’ll need to consider. Firstly, if you’ve never driven before, you’ll need to take lessons and then a test, plus sit a theory exam which will test you on the rules of the road.
If you already hold a licence from another country, you may need to get it exchanged for a British one. Head to gov.uk to find out everything you need to know.
Top tip: There are so many incredible cities and counties to explore in the UK. The best way to see them? Take a road trip!
Get social!
Last but not least, you’ll want to get to know your new area and all the people who call it home. There are loads of ways to do this, so here a few ideas to get you started!
- Join a gym
- Join a local club or society
- Meetup.com
- Borrow My Doggy (make a four-legged friend!)
- Volunteer for a local charity or project
- Check out your local community centre
Top tip: A sure way to win over new colleagues, housemates or fellow students? Bake! Brits simply can’t resist a slice of cake. Don’t believe us? Watch The Great British Bake Off – with your new TV licence, of course!
Now, you’re ready to start your UK adventure! Don’t forget to call home and tell your friends and family all about it with Lebara Mobile’s cheap international calls and free SIM card!
