Can Expats Vote In UK Elections? All You Need To Know part 2 – Part one is here.
Overview of what living in the U.K Entails
Living in the U.K as an expat is great! There are so many positive things about being an expat, including fantastic work opportunities, various free activities to do, and there are always events happening. Getting your residency card is not too difficult either.
However, it’s best to arrange everything before you leave your home country, so you are ready to move on arrival. Moreover, there are some negative things about being an expat in the U.K, though. For example, it is very cold, and it rains a lot! Below are a few pros and cons of living in the U.K as an expat.
Pros
Great Public Transport System
People who live in the U.K can commute in comfort and style, using the underground or train systems to get around their city. The underground/train system in the big cities is efficient, clean, and comfortable. And with a range of easy-to-use apps available for iPhone or android, traveling around the city is simpler than ever.
Quality Education Can Be Found Across the Country
There are many top universities in the U.K that offer world-class educations to students from all over the globe. Whether you’re a student looking for a bachelor’s degree or a post-graduate program, the U.K has a university that meets your needs. Also, as an expat, if you have a child trying to find the right school to attend, many options are available.
There’s Always Something for Everyone
Whichever city you choose to live in as an expat, it won’t be hard to find things to do outside your home and work life. Whether it’s watching football at the pub with friends, drinking wine in a local bar, or taking day trips to see castles, there are many activities that you can partake in.
The abundance of Culture and History to Learn About
The U.K has played a major role in world affairs for centuries, so there are endless amounts of history to learn about. Not only that but there are endless opportunities for people who would like to see the culture and history in person. There are many museums and historical sites around the country that can be visited to expand your knowledge of the past.
Food Is Tasty and Affordable
There’s a reason why gastronomes come from worldwide to sample the unique foods available in the U.K. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal at a fine dining restaurant or something quick and cheap at a street food vendor, there’s an option for everyone.
The Climate Is Mild All Year Round
The climate varies depending on the part of the country that you’re in, but it can be said that the weather is mild enough to avoid seasonal extremes. This makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors during all four seasons without being too hot or cold.
Work-Life Balance Is Important For Most People
The work culture in the U.K involves a good deal of respect for employees to spend time with their families and focus on their personal lives. It’s not uncommon for people to take a few days off work to travel or relax without worrying about it negatively impacting their career.
Cons
Weather
The last two summers in the UK were both quite bad and wet. While England may have been better historically, it still gets cold, but not as cold as Siberia or other countries at similar latitudes. So if you are from somewhere hotter, this may seem like a big change.
Expensive Housing/Renting
In cities like London and Manchester, renting can be very expensive, especially renting by the week. However, other cities like Birmingham and Liverpool are much cheaper to live in. This can make it expensive to move around if you are not local.
Longer Commutes
If you live outside of London, expect your commute to be longer than before (and more expensive). Public transport is good, but services may not run as frequently as you are used to. Be prepared for a longer commute when you move to England from outside of London.
Food
In the U.K, food is more expensive and not as good as in some European countries or even in the USA (although this depends on where you go). If you have a family, be prepared for a bit of a shock when comparing food prices to what you paid before.
Driving On the Left Side of the Road
This may seem quite obvious, but it can be very dangerous if you are not used to this (although many people do it without noticing). It might also waste your time trying to get somewhere and keep forgetting which side of the road you are supposed to be on.
Frequently Asked Questions about Living in the U.K
What are the average prices of cars?
The average car in the United Kingdom costs around £9,000 – £10,000 to buy new, and a second-hand car will cost around £5,000. In fact, the price of a car in the UK is generally more than in most other countries, largely because of higher taxes.
Can expat live conveniently in the U.K?
Yes. The UK is highly developed with well-developed transport, telecommunications, and other infrastructure networks. Many expats choose to live in London, which has an international airport and excellent access to waterway channels along the River Thames.
How cold does it get in the U.K?
In general, this varies depending on where you are in the UK. However, temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) in some places during the winter months. This is because the cold, damp air from the North Sea meets colder air coming down from Scandinavia and Russia.
How many people in the U.K speak English?
Around 98% of the UK population speaks English. The other major languages spoken in the United Kingdom are Welsh, Polish and Punjabi. More so, English is also one of the official languages in the Republic of Ireland, although only around 1.5 million people speak it.
Conclusion
The voting age in the UK is 18, as mentioned earlier. However, if you are registered to vote, and you leave the country for more than 15 years, then you may lose your right to vote. This law has been controversial, with many people claiming that it should be overturned. Nonetheless, refer to this platform for more information.
