The more informed you are, the better you will know what to expect. The better you know what to expect, the more you will be able to settle into British life. And the easier you can settle into British life, the more you will feel at home. So, it’s best to read as much as you can.
Sources of Information
OKinUK is dedicated to giving you all the information you need to know before, and when you get to the UK. We have covered everything from how to get you (and your pets!) here, to what you can watch on TV.
We are here just to help you, and we are independent – we are not trying to sell you anything! - so you can trust what we have to say.
You may find there are things you need to know now, and things you want to come back to later. So, bookmark our website now so you can refer to our pages whenever you like.
Although we try to cover everything we can and constantly update our website, we still encourage you to read as much about the UK from other sources.
Reading for information
Keep a look out for information – newspapers and magazines in many countries have features on travel, so pick up anything that is written about the UK. You might find such articles more useful because they are written in your own language, by someone from your own culture. So it will be easier for you to associate with them and their perceptions of the UK.
Of course, searching the internet can get you the most diverse information you want very quickly – and usually, in your own language as well! But be aware that you need to find a site which can be trusted to be giving you accurate information.
If you want to find out about visiting the UK from a tourist perspective, there are a number of tourist websites, including one official one that has a lot of information about Britain and is available in different languages.
For a permanent resource you can take with you, you might want to consider buying a useful computer reference CD which contains all sorts of information about the country, with commentary, pictures and video, and a history of the British monarchy.
The internet and computer multimedia are great resources for finding information. But it is sometimes still a good idea to buy a good old-fashioned book which you can come back to again and again, wherever you are. It might be a good idea to order a comprehensive guide to the UK before you come. Then you can read about the area you are going to live in, and also places you may want to visit when you get here. Because once you’re in the UK, we’re sure it won’t be long before you want to start exploring!
These guides offer a taste of Great Britain by showing you historic sites, to quaint villages, our national parks (like the beautiful Lake District), to the best traditional country pubs. They are great for getting an idea of what the UK is like before you get here, as well as a valuable thing to have once you arrive.
Reading for inspiration
Reading does not need to be just about facts and information about the UK. If moving to another country means a big change in your life, you could try reading some motivational or inspirational books.
Don’t be sceptical! These are not just for the sort of people who want to retire at the age of 30 with a mansion, a Porsche in their garage. There are many works of fact and fiction you could pick up to help give you the drive you need to make a big move in your life, or just to help you believe in yourself.
You could also read more traditional fictional books which have similar messages behind them, of which there are many. Good fiction in any genre can be found in all British bookshops and chains.
By Matt Taylor
Leaving home 
