The excitement of the planning stage
You have decided to move from SA to the UK and the excitement sets in, but it is not all easy sailing. So hopefully the information on this page will help towards staying positive and making it easier to settle in the UK.
You start to get everything in place, the visas, plane tickets, maybe have jobs lined up or plan on looking for a job when we are in the UK.
You have started sorting through your household goods as the majority of people only take the essentials and items of sentimental value.
You have given notice on the property you rent, or have sold your house.
While you are busy doing all that, there is excitement and no time to think of anything but getting your ducks in a row to make the big move.
Emotions at that stage are usually excitement, a bit of fear of the unknown, but the excitement of starting afresh in a new country often over powers all other emotions.
Waiting for the big day
Now that you have everything in order and tied up all the loose ends, it may be worth spending time on doing as much research as possible in order to make it easier when you arrive, so that you are not walking in blind to how things work in the UK.
You have all your ducks in a row and are waiting for the big day when you make your way to the airport.
During this time, you will still feel the excitement, but you may also start to start thinking about the what if’s, which is quite normal.
Feel free to post questions in our Facebook group, you will be surprised how many little but important questions will be answered.
The group is very helpful, even if you just need a few kind words of support, whether you are waiting to leave or have already arrived in the UK
Leaving Day
You have gone through all the excitement of getting everything in order and the day has arrived where you will get on the plane, leaving SA and heading of to your new home in your new country.
Some people are more emotional than others on leaving day, and often the emotions are greater than we thought they may be.
It is after all the day we say goodbye to our country where we have lived all our lives, and also having to say goodbye to family and friends.
Sometimes there are emotions that we cannot prepare for, and no matter how hard we try to prepare, emotions have a way of taking over at times like this.
Its normal to have these emotions, but try and keep the excitement intact as well, and remember why you are making the move.
Everyone has different reasons for making the move, but no matter what it is, stay positive and focus on all the good things there are to look forward to.
Landing in the UK
As the plane starts to land, you may have different emotions flowing through your mind, both excitement and fear of the unknown.
Over the months you may have done lots of research and seen lots of posts and comments on the Facebook group about how lovely it is in the UK.
You have to remember that all the good things you have heard about the UK will not be experienced the day you land.
This can maybe make it feel like an anti climax as you don’t see the vision straight away, the vision you have carried in your head the past few months prior to coming to the UK.
On top of that you will have jet lag and may feel mentally drained, which is quite normal.
All of a sudden everyone is talking with a different accent, you may immediately notice a difference in culture. You may stop to purchase something in the airport, and all of a sudden you are using different currency.
You walk out of the airport and it can almost feel surreal. After months of planning, hearing about the UK here you are, standing in London watching taxis and buses whizzing by.
The First Few Months
When you first move here and for the first few months, it can be daunting, scary, not being able to see the bigger picture and feeling like you are going to be stuck in limbo. A feeling of not moving forward. You may start to get moments of panic when you feel you are not getting anywhere with accommodation, employment etc.
You may think you are the only one going through it, and maybe suffer in silence as you think its only you, but don’t feel alone in these thoughts, as there are many who go through this. .
All of this, all of these feelings and to top it all having salt thrown in the wounds by also feeling homesick, because of course our minds will tell us, if we went back home it would all be better.
For a few weeks or months you may have a feeling of wanting to climb on a plane and head back to SA, you may start to look for all the negatives about the UK to justify “your intended return”
Keep reminding yourself why you moved to the UK, and then in time, this should allow you to let go of SA and start to embrace the UK, accepting it as your home.
All the feelings and emotions you are going through, and yes at times it hurts really bad, the days when you feel you cant anymore and want to give up, is part of what so many go through and for the majority it does start to get easier over time.
Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other and stay focused on all the positive.
One of the biggest things is to be patient and to persevere, keep working on it day by day and it will build.
You are not alone in these feelings, so chat to others in the Facebook group, do a post of how you feel. The members in the group will embrace you with virtual hugs and words of support, to help get you through the bad days.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither can your perfect complete life in the UK be built in a day, it just can’t.
The vision that you had of your new life in the UK will become a reality in time, but for a while just keep your eyes focused on the goal and you will get there.
Its a bit like starting a new job you know, first few days you feel like a fish out of water, feel a bit lonely as you know no one, have to learn how the systems work etc, then before you know it you have settled.
This is how it works and you will get there.
Try not to worry or stress as this solves nothing and only makes you feel worse.
Yes its easy to say “stay positive” but just try it and over time you will become mentally stronger and be able to build that vision that you had and make it reality.
Own it! 
Some Helpful Tips
Learn the Language: Even if you’re familiar with the language, learning local phrases and expressions can help you connect with people and feel more at home.
Understand the Culture: Take time to learn about local customs, traditions, and etiquette. It will help you feel more confident and respected in social and professional situations.
Build a Support Network: Make connections with both locals and fellow expats. Join social groups, meetups, or community events to expand your circle of friends and support.
Find a Comfortable Home: Choose a place to live that suits your lifestyle and needs. Being in a comfortable environment can help reduce stress.
Stay Organized: Ensure your paperwork is in order—visa, work permits, health insurance, and bank accounts. The more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.
Explore Your New Surroundings: Take time to explore your new city or town. Visit landmarks, try local foods, and get familiar with public transportation. The more you explore, the more you’ll feel connected to your new home.
Stay Positive and Patient: Adjusting to a new country takes time. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate new systems and environments. Keeping a positive mindset helps.
Settle Into Your Routine: Establishing a daily routine will help bring structure and stability to your life, making the new place feel more like home.
Stay in Touch with Family and Friends: While you’re settling in, staying connected with loved ones back home can provide emotional support and reassurance.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talking to a counselor or expat group can provide guidance and emotional support during the transition.
