Moving to the UK: the checklist that saves you weeks

Your first month in the UK can feel like a chain of dependencies: you can’t do A until you’ve done B, and B needs C.

Here’s the order that usually works.

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Step 1: visa status and right-to-work basics

Before anything else, confirm:

• your immigration status and conditions
• what you can/can’t do (work, rent, study)
• what documents you’ll need for checks

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Step 2: housing plan (temporary first is fine)

You may need:

• short-term accommodation while you search
• a plan for deposits and upfront costs

Tip: don’t commit to a long lease before you understand commuting and neighbourhoods.

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Step 3: banking and proof of address

Proof of address is the classic UK bottleneck.

Plan how you’ll build it:

• tenancy agreement
• council tax letters
• official correspondence

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Step 4: NHS and GP registration

Register early. Do not wait until you need care.

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Step 5: your first 30 days admin block

Schedule time for:

• appointments
• identity checks
• document organisation

If you want, HAVN can map your first-month plan and help you avoid the common blockers.