5 Ways to be a successful immigrant

Sam Richards
Authored by Sam Richards
Posted Thursday, April 25, 2019 - 10:17am

Build A Credit History

Companies like to see a good track record of debt repayment, but credit does not transfer across countries, leaving immigrants stuck with no credit in the U.K. However, your credit history need not be a source of anxiety, as there are several ways to quickly build up a credit score. 

The easiest way is to register on the electoral roll. EU citizens residing in the U.K. are eligible to register on the electoral roll, and this can be done by post, or online. The Money Advice Service suggests opening an interest-free overdraft if you can manage your finances responsibly. By paying your bills in full and on time, companies can see that you manage your finances responsibly, so pay your utilities bill as soon as it comes through. Over time, your credit history will start to build up nicely.  

Alternatively, if you’re struggling for cash now and you don’t have time to develop your credit file, there are options for no credit check loans in the U.K online. With this type of finance lenders will take into consideration other factors, such as your personal situation and whether you can afford repayments. This means that you can still qualify, regardless of your current UK credit rating. 

Stay Connected

Make sure to stay connected with friends and family back home. Keeping in touch with loved ones will help the transition to a new a country be easier. This doesn’t have to be expensive, you easily find a pay as you go sim deal from as little as £5 per month and many of London’s public spaces now have free Wi-Fi, as do a lot of its pubs and restaurants. 

Unless you’re fortunate enough to have family and friends already based in the U.K., you may feel isolated and lonely initially so staying in touch with those in your native country should ease these feelings and help you become a more successful immigrant. 

Secure Income 

Finding a job should be one of the first things you do as you relocate to the U.K. Large cities like London are more expensive than a lot of cities in Europe and may be a bit of a shock to the system. There are a variety of different sectors that are understaffed and looking for migrant workers to join their workforce. Career jobs such as nursing and engineering are suffering from shortages across the whole of the U.K. and such industries value migrant workers to prop up their infrastructure. 

If, you’re moving without qualifications, jobs in hospitality or private hire are easy to find in metropolitan areas. These types of jobs may also help you to improve your social life and give you a greater local knowledge of your new home to start with. 

Start Your Own Business!

For those that have just relocated to the U.K., starting a business is an exciting first step to kick-starting your new life. Of course, a lot of work will need to go into starting a new venture.You’ll need to register any new business with HMRC and there are lots of expense involved, so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. 

But, if you do want to start your own business, moving to the U.K. is a great place to start. Areas such as Shoreditch, in London are bustling with thriving start-ups, so there’s definitely a demand for interesting new businesses. One thing you will definitely need to consider though is funding. If you need outside help with this, securing credit may be a viable way of sourcing capital. There are a few ways you can access no credit check loans in the U.K. online, so it’s worth looking into. 

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely

If you’re thinking of relocating, then where you live will greatly impact your new life. Picking a large city such as London will be expensive, but it does provide you with a wide array of opportunities. Choosing a smaller town or city will be cheaper, but it will be offset by a lack of amenities. 

The property market in larger cities moves incredibly quickly, especially in London, and often rental opportunities will ask for a 6-week deposit and 1 month’s rent minimum upfront. If you’re choosing to live in London, and you don’t have many savings, you may need to consider applying for finance in the U.K. to secure the cash for these costs - just remember to pay back in full and on time. 

The Final Word

There is no right way to be a successful immigrant, but hopefully these tips will point you in the right direction. Build a credit score and finding a job will help you financially lead a great life in your new home, but don’t forget to stay in touch with loved ones. 

Picking your new home will have an impact on your lifestyle, so choose this wisely. If you’re feeling brave, why not start your own business? The opportunities for immigrants in the U.K. are vast, so make use of them. 

Share this