Essentials for living in the UK
The essential information you need to know when working in the UK as an international medical graduate
Living in the UK
When working in the UK as an international medical graduate, you will also need to get used to a new country and its systems, culture and laws.
We hope that this information for IMGs will support you to settle into life in the UK.
Registering with a family doctor or General Practitioner (GP)
How to register with a GP surgery
Setting up a bank account
Getting a bank account – Citizens Advice
It can sometimes be difficult to set up a bank account in the UK without a permanent UK address or some other documents.
Driving on a non-UK driving licence
Accommodation: finding somewhere to live
Before you arrive:
- Make sure you arrange to book a hotel or temporary accommodation in the area of preference. Use the following sites: booking.com, trivago.com, and Airbnb
- Applying to Sovereign hospital accommodation is easy and quick but you need to apply very early to guarantee a place. Use the link: Gloucester key worker accommodation | Sovereign Housing.
Have you arrived?
The next step is to search for permanent accommodation through any of the following websites: Rightmove, Zoopla, or On the market. Book for viewing after choosing the appropriate option that suits you and your family. Don’t forget you need your BRP to prove your right to rent the property. However, the process of application might take about 3 to 4 weeks until you have the keys in your hand. Once you get the tenancy agreement you are eligible to apply for bank account, GP, and place in a schools for your kids.
Your Health
Your health and well-being are important to us and we have a Staff Health and well-being service that is open to all staff and can provide advice on your physical, emotional and financial well-being. Read more about the benefits we provide for our staff.
You may also find this national guidance useful.
GMC guidance – This guidance explains good medical practice in the UK and why it is important to inform them of certain health conditions and advice on managing your own health.
Your wellbeing – This British Medical Association (BMA) link talks about keeping yourself well, both physically and emotionally.
Your children
If your child is under 4 years
- If you are a working parent, there are various childcare options if you have no family support to look after your children: nursery, childminders, nannies, or au pairs.
- You can search for nurseries or 'Childminders near me' and book your child in advance. Most nurseries and childminders work on weekdays; Monday to Friday and their working hours are usually between 8am to 6pm. There are also on-site nurseries at both our hospitals.
- If your child is above 3 years or at preschool age the government offers free 30 hours in the nursery.
If your working hours are longer and variable over weekdays and weekends, nannies and Au-pair are better options. Search for registered agencies on websites or call them. They can offer nannies or au pairs that match your requirements. Here are some of the agencies:
- Citynet Global Service Limited - 07411040238
- Harmony at home nanny agency - 01242374135
If your child is over 4 years
If your child is of school age then you might find this website useful for schools in Gloucestershire. You can scroll down for a link, and use your postcode to find a school near you. You may choose a school according to its Ofsted rating and fill the application form and send it to your preferred school.