3 Reasons Why You Should Think Twice Before Moving to the UK

 

3 Reasons Why You Should Think Twice Before Moving to the UK: A Complete Guide

The United Kingdom has always been one of the preferred destinations for expatriates and students from all corners of the world. Whether it is the allure of the cobbled roads in London or the natural splendor of the Scottish Highlands, there is no denying the charm. Nevertheless, behind this picture-postcard image hides the truth which is shocking enough for some individuals. The UK has its advantages, but unfortunately, it is far from being an ideal place. In case you are thinking about moving permanently to the UK, you need to know what pitfalls await. Here are three important reasons to avoid making the move.

1. The Crushing Cost of Living and Stagnant Wages

For newcomers, there is nothing more jarring than the extreme cost associated with life in the United Kingdom. It is not just the case of living in London as even the cost of life in all other regions like England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is exorbitantly high as well. The cost of housing in particular is exceedingly high with relation to the wage scale of the area. You will pay close to 40% of your income to live in a space much smaller than North America, Australia, and Europe.

In addition to the rental cost, basic needs such as food, electricity, and taxes have shot up astronomically. The energy crisis has brought to light just how vulnerable the budget of average Brits really is. Moreover, the wages paid out have been lagging behind inflation for over ten years now. In many instances, the pay check from your job in the UK may only amount to half of what you can earn in the USA or Germany working at the same job, yet your costs would be equally high. For instance, even simple logistical problems can cost you dearly. Regardless of whether you plan on living in a commuter town or exploring cities, transportation will start adding up rather fast. Assuming that you arrive at Luton airport and require to travel by cab from there, Taxis in Hemel Hempstead could be a good choice for you, although there are dozens more daily expenses that you may not have anticipated.

2. The Gloomy, Depressing Weather (More Than Just Rain)

People tend to make jokes about English rainy weather, but living all year long under the sky covered with clouds isn't a joke at all. Actually, it poses a huge psychological challenge. Relocation to the United Kingdom implies adaptation to the climate where you will have to deal with constantly cloudy sky, wet atmosphere, and lack of sunshine during the day. On some winter evenings, it is possible to experience sunset as early as 3:45 PM in the north parts of England and Scotland. Thus, along with clouds and misty weather, it results in a deficiency of Vitamin D.

Seasonal affective disorder occurs rather frequently in people who come from sunnier countries. Constant drizzle – not always heavy rains, but rather chilly and wet mist that hangs in the air – makes it impossible to engage in any outside activities for weeks in a row. Moreover, this type of weather influences the social sphere as well. Thus, any impromptu barbeques or walking tours are pure gambles. For individuals who need to be surrounded by the sun and natural light to feel comfortable and inspired, the English "gray blanket" may result in lethargy, sadness, and even isolation.

3. The Overwhelmed National Health Service (NHS) and Housing Crisis

Despite the NHS being considered a source of national pride and supposedly providing completely free healthcare to all individuals who live in the country, there has never been more urgency in making changes to improve its current situation. Living in the UK, one accepts the risk that one might not even be able to visit a doctor during an illness. There are very long waiting periods to get a referral to a specialist, which often takes several months or even years. Non-emergency procedures like hip replacement operations and cataract surgery face a waiting period of several years. Even GP visits can be considered a challenge because some surgeries open their booking lines at 8 AM sharp each morning to get the same day appointment slots.

The second part of this crisis relates to the shortage of housing. For many years now, the country has been building too few homes. That creates competition in the rental market, where you will need to pay more than the asking price to even be able to afford a tiny flat and even then you will not be assured that your lease agreement will last beyond 12 months due to the no-fault evictions clause known as Section 21. Such unpredictability is draining. Think about being dropped off at Luton or Heathrow after a long-haul journey from across the ocean and finding out that the accommodation you planned on using has gone already. Then booking an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead to reach another property listing only to find out that there are 20 others who did the same thing.

Conclusion: Is the UK Still Worth It?

Coming to the UK should not be made lightly either. Despite all its charm—the historicity, the quaint pubs, the banter about the royals—it all comes with layers of financial stress, gloomy weather, and bureaucratic issues with medical care. While there is nothing wrong with having an enviable income (over £100k a year), a job that ensures that, private medical insurance, and an ability to withstand grey days, you can definitely appreciate the history and being closer to continental Europe.

Also read: Living in England: 15 Essential Things to Know Before Moving to the UK

But for the ordinary individual and families in the middle class, the combination of low wages against astronomical prices, the impact of bad weather on mental health, and a dysfunctional rental and medical system makes life incredibly difficult. Instead of selling everything you own, booking a one way flight, and setting up camp for good, you need to ask yourself one question: Do you feel prepared for spending more than you earn, feeling constantly miserable from the weather, and fighting to get even basic amenities?