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The country itself offers a blend of centuries-old traditions, modernisation and multicultural diversity, making it a unique living experience that combines professional opportunities with an excellent quality of life. From the iconic sights of London to the serene countryside of North Yorkshire to the industrial city of Manchester, England as a country presents ample opportunities for individuals ready for a new adventure.

England is part of the sovereign state of the UK

Three countries are on the island of Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales, with the former being the largest and most southernmost part. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, are on the island of Ireland.

The United Kingdom (officially the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the UK for short) is the sovereign state, which includes: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For °µÍø½ûÇøriates wishing to move here, it can be confusing. The key difference to remember is that Northern Ireland is part of the UK, but not part of Great Britain, since it's located on the island of Ireland, not on the island of Great Britain.

The UK is strategically located in Western Europe, bordered by the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its land mass covers some 243,610 km², with a coastline of 12,429 km - making it one of the largest countries in Europe, and the 80th largest country in the world.

The country's capital city is London, which is arguably one of the most recognisable cities in England. The capital is the largest city in the country, and is home to over nine million people, as it serves as a global financial hub. There are, however, several other major cities and regions that are worth considering when moving to England as an °µÍø½ûÇø, including:

• Manchester: a major industrial and cultural center in the northwest of England. Famous for being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
• Leeds: a thriving commercial center in Yorkshire, and the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire.
• Birmingham, England's second-largest city after London, is well known for its manufacturing heritage.
• Liverpool: a historic port city with a rich maritime heritage. Birthplace of The Beatles and famous for the Liverpool Blitz in World War II.
• Bristol: a major city in the southwest of the country, known for its aerospace industry.
• Newcastle: a bustling city in the northeast, which is famous for its friendly locals, rich history and lively arts.
• Sheffield: Former steel capital of England, which is now a modern university city.

Unlike countries like the United States of America, Canada and even Australia, England's compact size makes it very easy to explore the different regions here. There are transport links connecting all major cities and rural areas, plus the country's location also provides easy access to continental Europe, making it a great base for those who love to travel.

Read also Living in London

England has a growing population

With a population of , the UK ranks as one of Europe's most densely populated countries. England itself is home to 58 million people, with demographic growth largely driven by immigration and London's status as a global city.

England boasts language diversity

The official language spoken in England is English, but the UK's linguistic diversity is a great reflection of the country's cultural heritage overall.

Welsh is also an official language, particularly in Wales, where bilingual education is common. Other languages like Celtic Scottish and Celtic Irish are also spoken by UK residents.

During your time in England, you'll also come across many dialects, slangs and accents, which certainly add character to daily interactions while living here. These include:

• RP (Received Pronunciation): often referred to as Standard English or the King's English, this accent is traditionally associated with the middle and upper classes.
• Cockney: traditional London working-class accent, famous for rhyming slang and specifically associated with the East End of London.
• Scouse: Liverpool's distinctive accent, influenced by Irish immigration. A Liverpudlian - an inhabitant of Liverpool - is also referred to as a Scouser.
• Geordie: Newcastle's warm and friendly accent. Arguably one of the strongest and most distinctive accents in England.
• Yorkshire: Northern England's straightforward, no-nonsense dialect (that might sound a bit like mumbling at times, to be honest).
• Brummie: a truly distinctive accent that is monotone in nature, with long stretches hitting the same note.
• West Country: Southwest England's rural accent, which has historically been associated with farmers and fishermen.
• Estuary English: somewhere in between cockney and RP, the Estuary English accent is a modern and influential variant of the language that's primarily associated with the area along the River Thames and its estuary.

Of course, you'll no doubt hear Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish accents at some point during your time in England. The former is instantly recognisable, whereas the Scots tend to use the sound ‘oo' instead of ‘ow'. And finally, the Northern Irish accent is quite strong, but beautiful to listen to.

For °µÍø½ûÇøriates, don't worry about understanding every accent immediately. Locals are generally patient and helpful if communication barriers arise.

Read also Studying in England

England has one of the world's leading economies

As of 2025, the United Kingdom continues to be one of the world's leading economies, with a nominal . In fact, the UK ranks as the sixth largest economy globally, and remains a major financial center, despite the Brexit-related changes you'll have likely seen over recent years.

These days, the economy is overwhelmingly service-based, with services accounting for roughly 80% of GDP. The biggest economic drivers are financial and professional services, technology and digital industries, healthcare (the NHS alone employs 1.3 million people), creative industries and education. While manufacturing still exists and is quite sophisticated compared to years gone by - think automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals - it's a smaller part of the economy than it was previously.

Tourism and retail also make large contributions, and while agriculture barely registers as a percentage of GDP on an annual basis, it remains culturally important in rural areas and contributes to food security for the country overall.

Finally, the United Kingdom is part of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Group of Seven (G7), the Commonwealth, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The country is also a member of NATO, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and various financial organisations like the IMF and World Bank. Following Brexit, the UK is no longer a member of the European Union (EU).

England has a booming labor market

For any °µÍø½ûÇø, finding work is a top priority - not only is a job needed for financial survival, your visa may be tied to your employment and your employment history in the UK is considered before you're considered for anything like a mortgage, credit card, or even some rental applications.

Read also Working in England

Thankfully, there are several industries where °µÍø½ûÇøs moving to England see success, which include:

Healthcare

The NHS (which stands for the National Health Service) is across the UK, which means there are opportunities everywhere. Major teaching hospitals in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds are always recruiting. Plus, every GP surgery, community clinic and care home across the country needs staff. On the other hand, the pharmaceutical industry isn't restricted to just London and Cambridge - there are also operations in Macclesfield and Kent.

Finance and banking

London is obviously the big player with the City and Canary Wharf, but that doesn't mean you should overlook other cities. Leeds has a growing financial sector, and cities like Birmingham and Manchester have large banking operations. And while the salaries might be lower outside London, so is the cost of living.

Technology

This industry is booming around the UK, not just in London. In fact, Manchester is referred to as the ‘Northern Powerhouse' as here you'll find loads of digital agencies and tech startups. Bristol also has a massive tech cluster, Leeds is growing fast, and even smaller cities like Bath and York have their own tech communities.

Professional services

Every city needs lawyers, accountants and consultants. And while the big international firms cluster in the capital, there are plenty of regional practices doing well in cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester.

Teaching

If you're already a qualified teacher, the good news is that you won't need to retrain to teach in England. There are things you do need, however, like applying for the English ‘qualified teacher status' (QTS) among . Across England, you'll find international schools everywhere, as well as state-funded schools, independent schools, academies, state boarding schools, and others. Universities always need lecturers, and there's a demand for English language teachers. So, simply put: if you have the qualifications, you'll find work.

Creative industries

London might get the headlines, but there is ample creative work happening all over England. Manchester has a huge media scene (the BBC has major operations here), Brighton's full of creative agencies, and cities like Liverpool and Newcastle have thriving arts scenes.

Manufacturing

This is an industry in England where being outside London actually pays off. The UK is currently the in the world and the sector employs over 2.6 million people. Automotive manufacturing, particularly, is huge in the Midlands, aerospace is big around Bristol and Preston, and the North West of England remains the of the UK overall.

Read also Starting a business in England

England has a complex political system

You'd be forgiven for thinking the political system of England is complex. You're not wrong. The system is a web of institutions and processes that govern the country, and learning how these components work together is helpful for any °µÍø½ûÇøriate moving here.

Afterall, understanding the political system will help you to navigate public services, understand policy changes that might affect you and help you to potentially participate in civic life.

The monarchy and constitutional monarchy

England is considered a constitutional monarchy, meaning the monarch's powers are defined and limited by a constitution - a set of principles by which the country is governed. As a result, the monarchy plays more of a symbolic and ceremonial role in the political system.

The current monarch is King Charles III, who also serves as the head of state, but his powers are largely symbolic and, as mentioned, limited by the constitution. The constitution also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the government, parliament and judiciary.

The King's duties include opening and dissolving parliament, giving royal assent to legislation and representing the country at home and abroad, for example.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet

The executive power is held by the Prime Minister, an elected figure who leads the government.

They are responsible for leading the Cabinet, which is made up of senior government ministers, which includes the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary. The Prime Minister - or the PM - and the Cabinet work together to make key decisions on government policy and legislation.

The PM is appointed by the monarch and is usually the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons. At the time of writing, the position is currently held by Keir Starmer.

House of Commons and House of Lords

The Parliament of England is made up of two key houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The former is made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public in general elections. These individuals represent different political parties and constituencies across the country.

The House of Lords, on the other hand, is made up of appointed members - including life peers, bishops and hereditary peers. They provide expertise and scrutiny to the legislative process.

Both houses work together to create and pass laws, with the House of Commons having the final say on most issues.

Devolved and local governments

Devolution in England basically means granting certain powers from central government to local governments in different regions, like Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In the former, there's the Scottish Parliament and in the latter, the Welsh Assembly.

In England, there is also the devolution of powers to local councils across the country. This has ultimately led to a more diverse political landscape across England, with different regions having the ability to make decisions that are more tailored to their specific needs and priorities.

England has diverse landscapes

What draws many °µÍø½ûÇøs to the UK is its diverse landscape that's packed into a relatively small area. There's everything from rolling green countryside and dramatic coastlines to historic market towns and bustling modern cities.

The architecture across England tells the story of the country - medieval castles, Georgian terraces, Tudor houses, Victorian industrial buildings, all intertwined with sleek, modern developments.

England has a rather humid climate

The climate across the UK is defined as a ‘humid temperate oceanic climate' if we're going to be scientific. Which, plainly speaking, means it's generally mild but can be unpredictable.

Where you live can also influence the climate you experience while living there. Southern England tends to be warmer and drier, with London often a few degrees warmer than the rest of the country. Head north to places like Manchester, Leeds or even Newcastle, and you'll get more rain and cooler temperatures.

Don't believe the stereotypes about constant rain in England, though - yes, it rains, but it's often light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. What catches new °µÍø½ûÇøs off guard after moving here is how changeable the weather actually is. It's true that you can experience all four seasons in just one day in the UK.

Speaking of seasons, here's an overview of what to expect:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures (8 to 15°C), blooming flowers and longer days.
• Summer (June to August): Warmest period (15 to 25°C), occasional heat waves and long daylight hours.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooling temperatures (5 to 15°C), beautiful foliage and increased rainfall.
• Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures (2 to 8°C), shorter days and the occasional snowfall.

Suffice it to say, any °µÍø½ûÇø moving to England should invest in quality waterproof clothing and layers for year-round comfort. The unpredictable weather has helped shape British culture - always carry an umbrella and don't let rain stop your plans. After all - there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

Read also Relocating to England

Social life in England

One of the main concerns of any °µÍø½ûÇø moving to a new country is building a social circle from scratch, but thankfully, England offers plenty of opportunities for you to connect with like-minded people - you just need to know where to look.

England's social scene might be a bit different to what you're used to. There can be an initial reserve that can seem standoffish, but once you break through that polite barrier, you'll find people are largely warm and welcoming. The key here is understanding that friendships develop gradually through shared activities rather than instant connections.

Pub culture remains central to British social life - and it's not just about the drinking. These days, pubs serve as community hubs where people can gather for quiz nights, watching sports like football matches, celebrating birthdays or simply catching up with friends. Even if you don't drink alcohol, most pubs serve great food and non-alcoholic options, making them inclusive social spaces.

Joining a club or society is arguably the most effective way of meeting individuals with similar interests, though. Hiking groups, book clubs, photography societies, amateur dramatics… There's something for everyone. Although admittedly, these are easier to come by in larger towns and cities. It's worth looking for Facebook groups for °µÍø½ûÇøs that are specifically designed to help newcomers settle in - they can be goldmines for both practical advice and social connections.

Another great avenue for socialising is sports and fitness. Football is obviously huge, but don't overlook cricket, rugby, tennis or running. Many gyms and leisure centres also run group classes. Cultural events and festivals happen year-round across England. From music festivals in summer to Christmas markets in winter, these events bring communities together in relaxed environments.

Read also Things to do in England

Volunteering is deeply ingrained in British culture and provides meaningful ways to contribute while building friendships. Local food banks, wildlife conservation projects, festival volunteering - they're all great opportunities to meet others.

Finally - and this is true for any °µÍø½ûÇø worldwide - your work colleagues will become surprisingly important to you. Especially in England where after-work drinks on Friday, office quiz teams and charity fundraising events are common ways for colleagues to bond. For families, school communities are also natural social networks. Joining the PTA is a good place to start!

The cost of living in England is quite high

How much it costs to live in England will depend on where you decide to settle. Unsurprisingly, London is to live in. It's 39% more expensive to live in London than Manchester, 52.6% dearer than living in York, and a huge 78.7% more expensive than life in Wakefield.

Of course, your salary should reflect these differences depending on where you live. For instance, a £30,000 salary in Manchester provides a similar lifestyle to £45,000 in London - so this is worth keeping in mind when applying for jobs and searching for places to live.

Housing, council tax and utilities

Wherever you settle, housing will likely be your biggest expense. In the capital, expect to pay rent between £1,500 and £3,000+ per month for a one-bedroom flat, with two bedrooms starting around £2,500.

However, places outside London offer much better value, which is great if you are able to work remotely for your job. A two-bedroom flat in Manchester might cost £800 to £1,200, while in smaller cities like Leeds or Newcastle, you could find something decent for £600 to £900.

Council tax is an additional housing cost that catches many °µÍø½ûÇøs off guard. This local government tax ranges from roughly £1,000 to £3,000 annually, depending on your property's value and location. But there is good news: if you're the only adult in the property, you can get a 25% discount.

Your utilities (so gas, electricity, water) will typically cost between £100 and £200 monthly for an average home, internet and mobile phone packages are generally reasonable, with the former costing around £25 to £40 a month.

Read also Accommodation in England

Transportation

Transportation costs depend heavily on your lifestyle. A monthly bus pass in most cities can cost up to £80, and if you're driving, petrol hovers around £1.40 to £1.50 per litre. Plus, you'll need car insurance, road tax, potential congestion charges in some cities, and the cost of your actual car.

Healthcare

It is free via the NHS at the point of service for residents, though as an °µÍø½ûÇø, you'll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. Prescription charges in England are currently £9.90, but many people can qualify for free prescriptions (or you can pay a monthly fee of £11 via direct debit to make things easier if you have regular medications).

Food shopping

It is surprisingly affordable if you know where to shop. Budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer excellent value, with a weekly shop for two people costing between £60 and £80. Mid-range options like Tesco or Sainsbury's run £80 to £120 weekly, and you should expect to pay up to £150 at premium stores like Waitrose or M&S.

Dining out, entertainment and leisure

Restaurant meals range from £8 to £15 for casual dining to £25 to £40+ for nicer establishments. A cinema ticket these days costs between £8 and £15, gym memberships run between £20 and £50 per month, and a pint at the pub ranges from £3.50 in the north to £6 in central London.

Childcare

For families, this will likely be the next highest monthly outgoing after housing. Sadly, in England, it's notoriously expensive, with full-time nursery costs ranging from £800 to £1,200 per month outside London, and £1,200 to £2,000 and above in the capital. However, recent years have seen changes to government funding and these days, working families can apply for 30 hours of support for children as young as nine months old to help with costs.