Digital Nomad Life in England

"Join The Leeds Library (private) because the public libraries are not so hot. Hang out in local cafes and you soon meet the regulars. Same goes for pubs. Take classes at Swarthmore or any number of colleges," said one expat who made the move to Leeds.

"Expats living in England often join clubs dedicated to particular interests or hobbies, such as book clubs, language exchange groups, running clubs, and sport leagues to meet people and stay engaged in their new environment. Volunteering for local charities and organizations is another wonderful way to both meet people and contribute to the local community. Local networking events, as well as using online resources and communities, can also be great ways for expats to meet people, build relationships, and create social connections. Additionally, attending festivals, exhibitions, and shows can be great opportunities for expats to experience new cultures and make new friends," explained one foreigner living in UK.

"Weston Super Mare (WSM) used to be a touristic spot but it has gone down a bit and now they are rebuilding it. It has a new Pier full of attractions, a lovely place to come and spend the day with the family. On the other side, 17% of services for drug addiction are based here so there is an eclectic mix of people here. Live revolves mainly around socializing," explained one expat living in Weston Super Mare, UK.

"From what I've observed is either you're working very hard to make ends meet, or you're with the university as either a student or facilty member, again working very hard. The younger set does play a lot, especially on weekend nights. In fact, they almost take over the streets till about 2am," said one person in Cambridge.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in England can be both exciting and rewarding. The country offers a rich cultural experience, as well as a diverse range of activities and attractions. Expats and digital nomads in England will find plenty of educational and employment opportunities, as well as affordable housing. The country boasts a large expat community, which makes it easy for newcomers to quickly assimilate and make friends. The United Kingdom also offers a vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and entertainment, making it an ideal playground for those seeking an ever-changing and interesting lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to UK.

"We chose our neighborhood based upon an area that a friend was already living in and recommendations from other US expats. About a month prior to our move, we came to London on a flat-hunting trip. With our relocation agent, we looked at about 20 flats in three different areas (St Johns Wood, Notting Hill/Holland Park, Kensington) over a two day period," said one person in London.

"There are several different options for finding a place to live in England. A good place to start is online classifieds sites such as Rightmove or Zoopla, where you can browse through hundreds of listings and narrow down your search by location, budget and preference. You can also search general property websites such as OnTheMarket, which provides details of rental and buying prices in a local area, or visit local estate agents or letting agents who will be able to provide information on properties in your desired area. Word of mouth may be another avenue to explore when searching for a place to live in England; ask friends or family members who may have information on available properties. Some estate agents also hold open house viewings that can be useful if you’d like to view properties in person," said one expat who made the move to UK.

"Think carefully of what part of the city you would want to live in. Public transport is good but most people drive their own vehicles. Parking is scarce however," said one person in Leeds.

"Depends from where you are moving.. if its from abroad... English culture is a challenge, it takes a lot of time to make real friends, but once you are in, you are in!!! :)," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Weston Super Mare.

"The main plus for me is the NHS. I was lucky to have good health insurance in the US and was close to top-notch hospitals and doctors. But many Americans have had to live with poor health care or none. The Affordable Care Act is in the throes of changing that, whereas the UK has provided full coverage for everyone for a long time at no point-of-service cost. The other thing I appreciate is good public transportation," remarked one member in Leeds.

"Many stores not being open in the evenings. All shopping, other than grocery, needs to be done on the weekend or during the workday," explained one person living in Hereford, UK.

"The greatest difficulty I had was in finding a job at the level I had had in the US. Another challenge is getting used to housing. Space is at a premium and very few houses provide the storage that Americans are used to," said one expat in Leeds.

"Expats in England often find the social behaviour and etiquette challenging, as it can be significantly different from their own culture. Many expats find it difficult to understand the concept of "reserving" where topics of conversation are avoided, such as religion and politics. Additionally, expats may be caught off guard by how little personal space is given when in social situations, compared to their home country. The UK's dry and often subtle sense of humour and sarcasm can also be an adjustment for expats who are accustomed to direct or more explicit ways of expressing themselves," remarked one member in UK.

"In order to stay in England for a longer period of time, you will need to apply for a visa or residence document. Depending on the length of the stay, you may need to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa for skilled workers, a Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa for those working in creative or sporting roles, or a Tier 4 (General) visa for students. Additionally, you may need to present a valid national passport, birth certificate, and proof of financial stability," explained one person living in UK.

"I once stayed with an English couple and offered to wash the dishes after the meal. They were totally amazed that I scrubbed out the tea pot," said one expat in Leeds.

"It is important to be aware of the different norms and etiquette in England when travelling. When dining, it is polite to ask someone if they have finished eating before you start, and it is frowned upon to leave mess on the table. Avoid discussing controversial topics, such as politics and religion, as it can be considered impolite. When introducing yourself, it is necessary to shake hands, unless otherwise stated by the other person. Be aware of your language; for example, using racist, sexist or otherwise offensive language is heavily frowned upon. Additionally, it is courteous to acknowledge people, such as in shops or on public transportation, as they pass or when they serve you. Lastly, try to be punctual and respect other peoples’ time," remarked one member in UK.

"Healthcare services in England are provided by the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded healthcare system. The NHS provides a wide range of services, including general practice, hospital care, mental health services, community health services, and long-term care. The quality of public healthcare in England is generally considered to be good, with the NHS providing free healthcare to all UK residents. Foreign residents in England are also eligible for free NHS care, although they may be required to pay for certain services. Expats in England can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats may also be able to access private healthcare services, depending on their circumstances," said one member in UK.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the rich cultural heritage of England, as well as the vibrant cities and beautiful countryside. They also enjoy the excellent public transportation system, the wide variety of restaurants and pubs, and the friendly people. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the weather in England to be too cold and wet, and the cost of living to be quite high. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who are not native English speakers," said one foreigner in UK.

"I enjoy the wide open spaces, seeing cows and people horse riding nearby. I like that I am 30 minutes or less to London. I like that museums and galleries are free," remarked one member in Welwyn.