Living and Working in the UK
The United Kingdom is an exciting country which you can truly enjoy for a short visit or for a longer period if you decide to enrol in a course of study, work or even settle here. The country is experiencing a booming economy and has built a strong reputation for its diversified and cosmopolitan life attracting people from all over the world. There is a mix and match of cultures with more than 50 nationalities and as many as 300 different languages. As such one cannot help but feel welcome to live there! In addition, there are plenty of excellent universities and colleges, museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants as well as pubs, beautiful parks and open green spaces which will cater to anyone’s interest and entice you to come to the UK on a temporary or a permanent basis. Life in the UK can be a true rollercoaster while working in the City, London’s famous financial heart, or it can take a slower pace in the quaint British countryside. LIVING IN THE UK EDUCATION IN THE UK The United Kingdom education system is divided broadly into five areas: * Preschool * Primary School * Secondary / Public School * Career and Vocational Training * University or other tertiary institutions The United Kingdom is renowned for its excellent educational system and its high standard universities. To graduate from a British school or university is a fantastic ticket for a successful career in the UK or anywhere else in the world. You may wish to study and improve your English or enrol onto a wide variety of courses and qualifications open to overseas students. Education is important in the UK. Children must attend school from the age of 5 to 16 years old. Before the start of formal schooling many children attend nursery. They then begin with primary education and this usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary school where at the age of sixteen they sit the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). These important exams test their knowledge in subjects under the national curriculum. After completing the GCSEs, they have the option to go onto college or to continue at high school for two more years. After high school or college, many students decide to go to University where they will be studying for three or four years in order to obtain their degree. Fees Most school children receive free education whilst others attend independent fee paying schools. Students need to pay to attend University. The fees vary from one University to another and overseas students are required to pay higher tuition fees. Students may have the option to obtain a scholarship or take out a student loan. Term The school year is 39 weeks long and is divided into six terms. It usually starts in September and ends in July. The University year usually starts in September/October and ends in May/June. The main holidays are at Christmas, Easter and Summer. LIVING IN THE UK HOUSING IN THE UK The United Kingdom has a diverse population of approximately 60 million with the majority living in England. The major towns and cities are fast expanding to cope with the increase in the population. Urban Life or Countryside The UK offers the choice of living in urban areas or in the countryside. In urban areas people often live in flats, although it is also possible to live in houses with gardens. It is, however, unusual for properties to have a large garden, a drive way or a garage. In villages there is comfortable and spacious accommodation with good links to nearby city centres which allows people to live outside of cities with the convenience of getting to work easily. This option also offers easy access to lakes, forest and woodlands during weekends. Upon initially arriving in the UK many different types of accommodation are available to stay in. Options include renting a private house, flat sharing, staying in a hostel, private boarding or buying your own property. Description of Houses Most houses are made of brick or stone and are joined together in rows. These are known as terraced houses. Other types of houses include detached or semi-detached houses. Houses usually consist of bedroom(s), living and dining room, kitchen and bathroom. It is common for gardens to be located at the back of the house. Architecture Victorian or Georgian styles are very characteristic of architecture in England and large houses have now been converted into flats. Characteristics of Victorian houses include bay windows, iron railings, patterns in the brickwork, stained glass in doorways and windows, decorations on the walls and roofs made of slate Characteristics of Georgian houses include pillars in the front of the house, square symmetrical shape, a paneled front door in the centre, sloping roof, paired chimneys and sash windows (windows which slide up and down). Prices Once you have decided on which type of accommodation you would like, a location, and a price range, there are many different ways to find a property to buy or rent. You will find plenty to choose from, depending on your taste and budget! Prices for renting or buying properties differ greatly depending on which part of the UK you wish to settle in; London being the most expensive. The average rental cost in the UK was £759 per month in September 2006 when the average price of a new home in the UK was £255,787. However, the average cost of renting in London is about: · £150-£200 per week for a Self-contained bedsit or studio flat · £180-£250 per week for a 1 bedroom flat with a lounge, kitchen and bathroom In addition to the rent or mortgage, people need to pay Council tax and utility bills. When you move into your accommodation you will need to find out who the current water, gas, electricity providers are. You may wish to compare their prices with their competitors and you will be free to open accounts with other providers, if you prefer to do so. LIVING IN THE UK FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT THE UK Geography The United Kingdom is an island situated in west northern Europe with a population over 60 million people. The capital is the busy city of London with more than 8.5 million inhabitants. The country is a political union made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Government and Political System The UK is a democracy with a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II. The head of Government is currently Mr Gordon Brown (PM). Language The official language is English although people also speak Gaelic, Welsh and Irish. Currency The local currency is the Pound Sterling (£). British people The British are usually reserved in manners and speech. They are known for their politeness and their sense of humour which can be hard for foreigners to understand. Religion While the UK is predominantly a Christian country, all religions are represented and respected in our multicultural society. Churches, mosques, temples and synagogues are located in most major cities. LIVING IN THE UK HEALTHCARE IN THE UK Healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) which was set up in 1948. It is recognised as one of the best health services in the world by the World Health Organisation. In the great majority of cases the service is completely free of charge. You may also think of pursuing a medical career in the NHS as good doctors and nurses are in high demand! If you are allowed to stay in the UK for over 6 months, you will be entitled to NHS treatment. You will, however, need to register with a General Practitioner (GP) in your catchment area. If you are sick you will need to make an appointment at the GP surgery and depending on the seriousness of your condition, you will be attended by a doctor or a nurse. If necessary, your GP will refer you onto a specialist at a hospital. In case of emergencies you should go to your nearby hospital or call 999 for emergency services. In case of minor health issues or minor injuries you can also go to a walk-in centre which is open from early morning to late evening, seven days a week. You do not require a prior appointment and you will be attended by a nurse. There is also an extensive private health system for those wishing to pay an additional fee to receive extra benefits for optical, physiotherapy and dental treatment when they use private healthcare services. WORKING IN THE UK The UK will offer you a multitude of employment opportunities to start and pursue your career. A member of the European Union and G8, the United Kingdom is ranked amongst the largest economies in the world. You may be able to come to the UK under different working schemes which aim to attract the high skilled and shortage occupations. There are many places to seek employment via high street recruitment agents, advertisements in national or local newspapers or via the internet. You may wish to check the employment situation on reputable internet recruitment agencies or in the national press. Your success in finding a job will depend on the type of work you are looking for and which part of the UK you intend to live in. If you work in London, you can expect a higher salary compared to the rest of the UK. WORKING IN THE UK FINDING JOBS IN THE UK If you pass the United Kingdom Visa Eligibility Assessment and decide to purchase the Advanced Service, you will receive detailed advice on finding work in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom labour market is competitive and your success in finding a job quickly will depend on the type of work you are looking for, which part of the country you are living in and the general economic climate. However, job opportunities in the United Kingdom are incredibly diverse and job vacancies are easy to find. WORKING IN THE UK UK LABOUR MARKET TRENDS The UK market is very attractive to skilled workers abroad. The UK has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. The labour market is buoyant for graduates in many disciplines and there is a shortage for skilled migrants in certain sectors such as engineering, dentistry, medical specialisation WORKING IN THE UK UK LABOUR MARKET TRENDS The UK market is very attractive to skilled workers abroad. The UK has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. The labour market is buoyant for graduates in many disciplines and there is a shortage for skilled migrants in certain sectors such as engineering, dentistry, medical specialisation.