Top Ten Reasons to Move to the UK

Reasons to move to the UK are plentiful. It's why, in 2015, well over half a million people moved to the UK from other countries. Maybe you are considering moving there yourself but need a little more convincing? Send My Bag has created a list of ten reasons to move to the UK, which might just persuade you to take the plunge.

1. Education

The UK is chock-a-block with world-class educational institutions, from renowned providers of secondary education, such as Eton and Harrow, to some of the best universities in the world. The UK has seven universities in the top 50 of the Times Higher Education 2016-17 World University Rankings. These include Imperial College London (#8), University College London (#15) and the University of Edinburgh (#27). UK universities take up two of the top five positions, with the University of Cambridge rated fourth and the University of Oxford rated the number one university in the world.

2. Jobs

With its many metropolitan centres, the UK has a wide range and a large number of jobs on offer. There are also numerous skills in demand in the UK, with expats finding employment in the financial sector and in computer programming.

3. Health care

Although the UK health care system (the NHS) is currently under a lot of strain, it is something that UK residents are very grateful for. It provides free healthcare, including emergency care, to all who are ordinarily resident in the UK, including expats.

4. Rich History

The history of the UK and its constituent countries stretches back millennia. The region has experienced all manner of momentous events, from the Norman Conquest, to the Protestant Reformation, the English Revolution, the Restoration of the Monarchy and many more crucial events besides. This rich history is in evidence today in the country’s architecture, in its artefacts on display in numerous museums and in its recorded history and literary heritage.

5. The Royal Family

An important part of the UK’s rich and varied history is its monarchy and royal family. One of the benefits of having a royal family is that they lend a great sense of occasion to events, whether they are attending the opening of the London Olympics in 2012, remembering the fallen on Remembrance Sunday or watching the Wimbledon Tennis Final. There are also a number of stately occasions throughout the year related directly to the monarchy, such as Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament. Plus, there is always the possible excitement of a new royal baby or an elaborate royal wedding.

6. British Humour

British humour is well-known to be dry, deadpan, tongue-in-cheek and rather sarcastic. It has made for many brilliant comedians and comedic television programmes. Comedians who have honed their talent for British humour include Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican and Jack Whitehall, to name but a few.

7. Politeness

As well having a penchant for dry humour, the Brits are generally extremely polite. Kids are taught from a young age to say please and thank you, and you will hear Brits apologising and excusing themselves for all manner of extremely minor offences, even if there is nothing to be sorry for.

8. Patriotism

Like a lot of countries, the UK takes pride in being British. You need only hear a rendition of the song ‘Rule Britannia’ to realise the strength of that feeling. But the UK also has the added layer of national pride coming from its constituent countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This can only bring added enjoyment to events such as sporting competitions. This really came across in the recent Euro 2016 tournament when England, Wales and Northern Ireland all qualified for the competition.

9. London

The UK has many fantastic cities, but the nation’s capital is truly brimming with opportunity. It would be pretty difficult to get bored living in London, given the wealth of sites to visit, shows to watch, live music to listen to, activities to take part in and places to go shopping. The capital also has excellent educational and career opportunities for those deciding to move there permanently.

10. Great Comfort Food

London and other locations across the country boast world-class cuisine to stand alongside the food capitals of the world. But the UK is also brilliant at unfussy comfort food. Classic British dishes include Sunday Roast, Steak and Ale Pie, Shepherd’s Pie and Lancashire Hotpot - just the thing for a drizzly winter’s day.

Send My Bag can help make your move to the UK a whole lot easier by shipping your possessions internationally to the UK. You can send your possessions to the UK in suitcases or boxes and save yourself the hassle of checking limited items into the hold of your plane. Let Send My Bag take care of your luggage, instead, and properly enjoy your journey to the UK.

Take a look at our ‘Top Tips for Moving Abroad’ to help you make the move. If you are moving to the UK to study, make sure you are aware of any student visas you might need. See our guide on UK student visas to learn more. We also have a guide to moving to the UK to help you settle into UK life. In addition, we have some helpful tips on buying a home abroad that should keep you on the right track when searching for a property in the UK.

If you aren't convinced by our reasons to move to the UK, why not consider Australia or the USA?