Your guide to getting started in the UK
Banking
Soon after arriving one thing you will need to organise is a UK Bank account so you can get paid and spend your hard earned cash!
A major hurdle you will face when opening an account is that most banks require you to have a UK proof of address. You most likely won’t have this fresh off the plane.
This is where App Based/Digital banking comes in! It is the future of banking. With technology forever evolving we now have access to banks which are purely designed for your smartphone.
There are no physical branches but you can access fantastic support via the app and online. The best part is that you are not required to have proof of address to open an account.
They are free and take less than 10 minutes to set up. You will need to provide them with an address, such as a friends place or your accommodation, so they can send out your debit card which usually arrives a couple of days after you create the account.
If you are stuck for an address, we can have your card sent to one of our branches.
Two Digital Banks we can recommend are MONZO and Starling Bank.
For the past two years running Starling Bank has actually been crowned Britain’s BEST bank at the British bank awards. Pretty good right?
Both banks also offer a savings account so you earn a little bit of interest and are free!! Plus you get an awesome fluoro bank card
We don’t have any affiliation with either bank, we just find this is the easiest and quickest way to get set up with your UK banking.
Transport in the UK Trains
Buses
Airports
The Tube / Oyster Card National Rail
The Trainline Cross Country Trains
The UK is well connected with underground and over ground train networks. Transport is generally reliable and frequently available.
National Express Transport for London - Buses
Check my bus First Bus UK
Mega Bus
Flix Bus - European Night Bus
You can pre-book bus tickets across the UK and into Europe, including night buses that leave and arrive in Eurppe in the morning
A Guide to England's Airports
England has numerous international airports dotted all over the country. Many of the smaller airports only operate flights between other European countries, but they can be a good choice for travellers who prefer a less stressful airport experience or who are headed to British destinations that aren't near London.
Should I buy a car?
Zipcar Karshare Turo Auto Express Autotrader
Try not to buy a car, unless you really need one. You can hire a car through a car sharing app for trips and cities are generally well serviced by public transport .
There are five major airports in London, as well as eight other international airports in cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol.
A c c o m m o d a t i o n Share Accommodation SpareRoom RoomGo HomeShare UK CoHabitas Roomies Netlettings Gumtree Flatmate UK Rentals Rightmove Zoopla On The Market Prime Location Open Rent Savills Rentthero Short-term Accommodation Airbnb Hostel World YHA UK Blue Pillow Bed & Breakfast UK
NHS- National Health Service
When you apply for your visa for the UK, you also have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This gives you free access to the NHS and your Dr and Hospital visits will be bulk billed.
H e a l t h & I n s u r a n c e
Make sure you register with a Dr local to you after you arrive, before you need to get an appointment.
Immigration Health Surcharge
NationalInsurance
Number
You need to apply for a NIN if you plan to work in the UK
Th s website is the best place to read about the NIN information. Apply here
There s also a paid service to ga n your NINcost ng £68
You will need to call once they have arrived nto the UK to book an appointment You need to have a Nat onal Insurance number while you are in the UK
Travel Insurance
You can get medical insurance for holidays and trips as and when you need to
Use a price comparison website to get super cheap quotes for European travel- just check what sports are covered an included in each package – because standard packages won’t cover things like horse riding and skiing.
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/trav el-insurance/
You can get one or two week long trips insured for 30- 40 pounds.
People normally get insurance for these short trips to Europe through places like TESCO- a supermarket in the UK which does insurance on their website
Or if you plan to travel multiple times in the year, you can buy a years insurance for travel in Europe. Just read exactly what sports are covered in each package. As the standard ones do not cover horse riding, skiing and higher risk activities.
Some teachers buy insurance for their flight to the UK in case anything is lost or damaged but this is a personal decision
are some great companies and helpful website about travel in Europe. Intrepid Travel Smart Traveller Europe Lonely Planet- Europe Re-Open EU Top Deck Tourradar NomadicMatt Contiki Costsaver Visas for Europe ETIAS Waiver for Australian Travellers Kayak Cheap Flights Momondo Fare Compare World Nomads Compare the Market Europe Hostel World Europe Eurostar
Travel Plans Here
Supporting You in the UK
Your Consultant
Your School
Your International Consultant
When you secure a Contract or Guaranteed Supply work in the UK through us (Teach in, Supply Desk or Justteachers) you will be signed a UK Consultant, who will be your point of contact throughout your time overseas.
Make sure you let them know if you have any issues and they are committed to supporting you while you are there.
If you are a new graduate teacher, you will be assigned an in-school Mentor to assist you in your first year of teaching in the UK.
Even experienced teachers are encouraged to reach out for support if you need it from the Senior Leadership Team in your UK school.
Even after you arrive in the UK, your local Consultant back in your home country is still available to you , if you have a question or need support.
Education Support
They also look to hear how you are going and what you are getting up to in the UK and across Europe in the holidays.
www.educationsupport.org.uk
Education Support is a UK Charity decicated to supporting the menal health and wellbeing of teachers and support staff
Any Questions? Just ask your Consultant.