The 12 pros and cons of living in the UK

Is the UK the place for you? In this article, we’ll discuss all the pros and cons of living in the UK, so you know what’s in store for life in the UK.

Ellie

6 minute read

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Updated on 16 Aug 2024

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Living

For thousands of internationals each year, the UK is a land of opportunity, exciting new cultures and experiences. Whether pursuing a new career in one of the many major international companies headquartered in the UK or studying in one of the many prestigious British universities, the UK is a popular destination for expats. As with any country, the UK has its pros and cons. In this article, we’ll dive into both to help you decide whether the UK is the right place for you.

Living in the UK has many advantages which attract people from their home countries. The UK has some of the best career and educational opportunities in the world, one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and incredible cultural diversity. Let’s get into it!

1. The UK has one of the best healthcare services in the world

The National Health Service (NHS) is a low-cost healthcare service that anyone living in the UK can use. You’ll have to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) during your visa application process, which costs up to £1,035 per year. Once you’ve paid the surcharge, you won’t have to pay for any healthcare or medical services you use in the UK, no matter how expensive. Living in the UK, you’ll never receive an enormous medical bill regardless of how long or extensive your medical care is.

2. Working in the UK has many advantages

There’re plenty of benefits to having a career in the UK. Firstly, there’re 28 mandatory paid holidays for every full-time employee. On top of that, you’ll have about 8 public holidays each year, depending on which part of the UK you live in. Secondly, the UK is known to have a thriving job market with a range of jobs across all industries. While this has been impacted by Brexit, the availability of work in the UK is still very high compared to other countries in Europe. Also, remember that English is the national language, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll need another language to find a decent job. Finally, there’re comprehensive labour laws across the UK that protect workers, particularly in terms of pay, holidays and dismissals.

3. Education in the UK is excellent

From primary to high-level education in the UK, the quality of education provided in the UK is very high. Public schools are free for children between the ages of 5 and 18. If you’d prefer to send your children to private or international schools, there’s plenty to choose from. The UK is home to some of the finest universities in the world. The University of Oxford has been ranked as the best university in the world for the past 6 years according to Times Higher Education, with the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London also taking spots in the top 10 universities globally.

4. The UK is very culturally diverse

Stepping foot in any major UK city, you’ll quickly realise how diverse the UK is. A government report established that about 9% of the population of the UK are non-native. With so many nationalities living in the UK, it’s become a melting pot of different cultures. Various restaurants, festivals, religious celebrations, clubs and communities reflect the cultural diversity of the UK. As an international, this makes the UK an exciting place to live and explore, as you won’t just be experiencing British culture but a range of different cultures from the people you meet.

5. The British climate gives you a taste of all seasons

Climate is not always considered a pro of living in the UK, but compared to countries with more extreme weather, the temperate climate of the UK is ideal. You’ll rarely face extreme cold or heat in the UK. You’ll get to experience all seasons while living in the UK without worrying too much about the damage harsh weather can cause. The climate of the UK works hand in hand with the beautiful landscape. In nice weather, there’re plenty of gorgeous beaches to visit, incredibly scenic (but also accessible) hiking trails in the mountains and green parks to relax in. In colder weather, there’s nothing like cosying up in a small British pub or café to escape the cool air.

6. The UK is in a good location and has a great landscape

Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, its location in Europe makes it a great place to base yourself. From cities like London, Manchester and Liverpool, you can easily get cheap flights all over Europe when vacation time arrives. If you prefer to travel by train, you can easily reach mainland Europe via the Eurotunnel. There’re also many ferry lines to choose from, reaching all over Europe. But you mightn’t even want to leave the UK when your vacation arrives! Counties like Cornwall are known for their gorgeous beaches, great surfing spots, and quaint B&Bs to relax in. Or you can head north to the Scottish highlands for a hiking or camping trip. Weather permitting, you might even prefer to stay in the UK during your holidays.

As with any country, there’re some disadvantages to living in the UK as an international. Some of the advantages of living in the UK also have downsides. Let's take a look at the cons of living in the UK to give you a clear picture of expat life in the UK.

1. Brexit has created strict entry requirements for EU citizens

Before Brexit, EU and UK citizens could move freely to and from the UK. Most European citizens will now require a visa to live and work in the UK. While this has always been the case for most non-EU citizens, it’s a new hurdle for EU citizens to cross before they can settle in the UK. This has led to an almost 70% drop in migration to the UK from EU countries between 2016 and 2022.

2. The job market is competitive, and wages can be uneven

According to the Greater London Authority, the UK has seen a loss of jobs in the labour market following Brexit. With many major companies removing their headquarters from the UK after Brexit, the job market has become more competitive. On top of this, there’s a big difference in the average wages of those living in cities like London and those living in smaller towns and cities elsewhere. Higher salaries are necessary given the higher cost of living in London, but the wage gap is something to be aware of.

3. The NHS has its issues

Despite being considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world, the NHS has a few problems you should keep in mind. Some of the biggest issues the NHS faces are underfunding and staff shortages. These issues can lead to lengthy waitlists for relatively basic medical treatment. The strain faced by the NHS has led many internationals to opt for private healthcare, which is much more expensive but also much more efficient. You’ll also find that the quality of care the NHS provides varies a lot depending on where you live, with some services being completely unavailable in some parts of the country.

4. Education is expensive in the UK

While the public education system in the UK is free for those between 5 and 18 years of age, the standard varies greatly depending on the location. As a result, some people prefer to send their children to private schools, which can cost between £10,000 and £20,000 a year.

In terms of higher education, the UK is incredibly expensive— especially for international students. Typically, a bachelor's degree in the UK will cost about £22,000 per year for international students. Post-graduate degrees can cost up to £30,000 per year for international students. Of course, it’s possible to avail of scholarships if you’re considering studying in the UK, which can help bring the cost down.

5. British culture is not for everyone

Of course, where you live in the UK will play a big role in how you experience British culture. For example, living in cities like London, you’ll experience many cultures at once and always find something that suits you. However, living in smaller cities and towns, you’ll have to embrace British culture a little more. There’s a pretty big drinking culture in the UK, which can be difficult to work around if you’re not a drinker. Again, this won’t be a major issue in larger cities as there’ll be plenty of alternatives to socialise and meet people. But in smaller cities and towns, drinking alcohol and partying is part of the social scene. Meeting people can be tricky if you’re not up for joining the party.

6. The cost of living is high in the UK

While the UK has a decent average salary, you might find that the cost of living is slightly higher than your salary in parts. Of course, this depends hugely on where you decide to settle in the UK. In particular, the cost of living in London is very high. While the wages are also higher in London, a lot of internationals will find it difficult to balance their monthly paycheque with the high cost of living. However, the cost of living in the UK is manageable if you choose the right place for you and your budget.

Now that you’ve read all the things to know about the UK, it’s time to weigh up the pros and cons of living in the UK and decide if it’s the place for you.