A NIGERIAN MAN LIVING IN UK ADVICES NIGERIANS ON FEW TIPS FOR SURVIVING IN THE UK
As a married man, I’d like to inform you that there is a greater likelihood that you will need to babysit, cook, do the dishes, change diapers, get the kids ready for school, etc. once you arrive in the UK. It’s best to familiarize yourself with this beforehand.
Not to make fun of your personality, but you might need to do these things to keep the family going. Furthermore, as the wife, keep in mind that you might not get to enjoy the luxuriant lifestyle of “my husband is responsible for family upkeep” nope. You are intended to compliment one another in every way since you live in the UK.
If you’re single, I advise you to look for a single room with an en-suite bathroom or a studio that is furnished and includes all utilities. Renting a two-bedroom apartment by yourself is not recommended. For available rooms, search Spareroom, on the market, zoopla, Rightmove, or Facebook market.
Check out Facebook market for inexpensive or free pre-owned or new items like furniture, mattresses, bedding, kitchen utensils, and the like while you wait to be able to purchase your desired item(s). I got my microwave on Facebook market for £10 and it’s as good as new.
To avoid being conned, I caution you to pay at the time of delivery or pickup. Register with Olio for free products (both new and used), including food, both locally and abroad.
Even if you might not be able to open a Standard Bank account for a few months, you can sign up with an online bank like Monzo or Revolut to conduct your transactions because they are convenient and secure. Additionally, if you want to convert £ to #, sign up with Lemonade. It’s free and simple to use.
When interacting with persons from various cultural origins, it is best to ask each person how and what they want to be addressed. Don’t assume anything because people become insulted if you address them incorrectly.
Be mindful of the time; if you need to start working again by 9:00 to relieve others, make sure you get there a few minutes early. The individual you will be covering for at work also has a husband or nanny covering for them at home.
Avoid trying to force or alter your accent when speaking. Everyone’s ability to communicate is hampered the more you attempt to adapt or force a British accent. They will hear you more if you speak softly and clearly than if you pretend to have a British accent. They will be happy to speak more slowly and softly if you politely ask them to do so if you can’t hear them.
All of the jobs around here are stressful, so don’t be picky when looking for work at first. At least you’ll be able to update your CV for the future. I hope you understand.
Let “PLEASE AND THANK YOU” become your go-to daily mantra; it makes a big impression and can open doors for you.
Avoid gossiping since it’s not a secret around here and everything you say could come back to haunt you.
If there is a British Heart Foundation store nearby, visit it to save money. They sell nice items for as little as £1.