First 90 Days in the UK: What to Do After Moving

Arriving in the UK is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

Whether you’ve moved on a Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, or another route, your first three months are critical. This period sets the foundation for your finances, housing stability, healthcare access, and long-term integration.

The good news? Settling in doesn’t have to be chaotic.

If you approach your first 90 days in a structured way, you can avoid the most common delays and build a stable base for life in the UK.

This guide walks you through exactly what to prioritise, week by week.

Before You Arrive (Preparation Phase)

Ensure your visa status is confirmed and that you understand any conditions attached to it, such as work restrictions or reporting requirements.

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Student Visa

Your transition will be smoother if you prepare in advance.

Before travelling, try to:

• Arrange temporary accommodation for at least 2–4 weeks
• Organise important documents (passport, visa, BRP/eVisa details, employment contract, university offer letter)
• Prepare digital and printed copies of identification
• Research local transport options
• Understand basic UK banking options

Having documentation ready speeds up everything once you land.

Week 1: Immediate Essentials

Your first week should focus on stability.

1️⃣ Collect Your BRP (If Required)

If you were issued a Biometric Residence Permit collection notice, collect it promptly from the designated location.

Without it, you may struggle to open bank accounts or sign tenancy agreements.

2️⃣ Secure a UK SIM Card

You’ll need a UK phone number for:

• Bank applications
• Rental agreements
• Employer contact
• GP registration

Pay-as-you-go SIMs are often easiest in the first week.

One of the first things many new arrivals organise is a UK phone number so they can communicate with employers, landlords and banks.
👉 See our guide on how to get a UK phone number.

3️⃣ Open a UK Bank Account

Most banks require:

• Passport
• Visa documentation
• Proof of UK address

If you don’t yet have permanent housing, digital banks may be quicker options initially.

A bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and setting up utilities.

4️⃣ Register With a GP

Healthcare in the UK is accessed through local GP surgeries.

Register as soon as you have a fixed address. You don’t need to wait until you’re unwell.

Weeks 2–4: Administrative Stability

Once immediate basics are sorted, focus on deeper administrative setup.

5️⃣ Apply for a National Insurance Number (If Needed)

Some visa holders already have one. If not, you’ll need it for employment and tax purposes.

Your employer may guide you through this.

6️⃣ Start Looking for Long-Term Accommodation

If you arrived in temporary housing, begin searching early.

You may need:

• Proof of employment
• References
• Deposit (typically 5 weeks’ rent)
• First month’s rent in advance

If you lack UK credit history, landlords may request additional rent upfront.

See our detailed guide on Renting in the UK as a New Arrival before signing any tenancy agreement.

One of the first tasks for new arrivals is finding accommodation. Our guide to renting a home in the UK explains how the rental process works, typical costs, and where to find properties.

7️⃣ Understand Council Tax

Council tax is charged by local authorities and depends on property band and household size.

This is separate from rent unless explicitly included.

Many new arrivals underestimate this cost.

Month 2: Financial & Housing Security

By your second month, focus on strengthening stability.

8️⃣ Finalise Tenancy & Utilities

Ensure:

• Deposit is protected in an approved scheme
• Utility accounts (gas, electricity, water) are in your name
• You understand payment cycles

Avoid informal rental agreements without documentation.

9️⃣ Review Monthly Budget

Your biggest regular costs will likely be:

• Rent
• Council tax
• Utilities
• Transport
• Groceries

Review spending after your first full month and adjust expectations.

For a breakdown of realistic costs, see:
👉 Cost of Living in the UK

🔟 Understand Employment Structure

If you’re working:

• Review payslips carefully
• Understand tax deductions
• Learn about pension contributions

The UK PAYE system deducts tax automatically, but errors can happen.

Month 3: Long-Term Foundations

By your third month, aim to move from “new arrival” to established resident.

1️⃣1️⃣ Explore Local Community

Settling isn’t just administrative.

Familiarise yourself with:

• Local transport routes
• Nearby supermarkets
• Community centres
• Schools (if relevant)

This improves comfort and routine.

1️⃣2️⃣ If Moving With Family

Focus on:

• School applications
• Nursery registration
• Healthcare registration for dependants
• Understanding catchment areas

Early planning prevents last-minute stress.

See:
👉 Schools & Family Life in the UK

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying bank account setup
• Underestimating upfront rental costs
• Ignoring council tax
• Failing to keep copies of documents
• Signing tenancy agreements without understanding terms

Preparation prevents 90% of early issues.

Quick First 90 Days Checklist

✔ Secure temporary accommodation
✔ Collect BRP
✔ Get UK SIM
✔ Open bank account
✔ Register with GP
✔ Apply for NI number (if required)
✔ Secure long-term housing
✔ Set up utilities
✔ Understand council tax
✔ Review monthly budget

Ready for the Next Step?

Your first 90 days lay the groundwork for everything that follows.

Once you’ve stabilised housing, finances, and administration, settling into everyday life becomes much easier.

You may also want to explore:

👉 Settling in the UK
👉 Renting in the UK as a New Arrival
👉 Work Visas
👉 Student Visas

With structure and preparation, your move to the UK can feel controlled, not chaotic.

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