Moving to the UK - frequently asked questions

Money matters

How do I set up a UK bank account?

There are a variety of banks in the UK, including traditional banks with physical branches and digital banks which offer mobile-only banking.  If you have an existing account with an international bank, they might have a UK branch or offer international banking services.

You will be asked to provide documents to open your account such as proof of identity, proof of address in the UK (eg. recent utility bill or rental agreement) and proof or income. 

The specific requirements and process for opening a bank account can vary between banks, for example, digital banks may sometimes have fewer paperwork requirements.  It is recommended that you check the individual bank's website or contact them directly to for the most accurate information. 

When will I receive my salary?

Salaries are paid on the last working day of the month directly into your bank account.  The Payroll team will email you a form so you can send them your bank details, alternatively you can enter your bank details via MyJob which you will be able to access when you start working at the University.

What taxes will I pay?

In the UK your pay is subject to two compulsory taxes: income tax and national insurance contributions.

Income Tax

All workers in the UK must pay income tax, but the amount you pay will vary depending on the amount you earn and is subject to annual change.  Your tax will be taken via PAYE (pay as you earn) and will be deducted each month from your gross salary.  The government’s website has a guide to tax.

You may also have to pay UK income tax on foreign income including any wages you earn abroad, foreign investment or rental income from overseas property.  You can find more information about tax on foreign income on the government’s website.

National Insurance

National Insurance is a compulsory deduction from your pay that funds state-provided services like pensions and health care.  The amount you pay will vary depending on your income.  To work in the UK you must have a National Insurance number which is a personal number issued by the Department of Work and Pension (DWP).

What is a National Insurance number and how do I get one?

A National Insurance (NI) number is a unique number assigned to individuals in the UK.  It's used to record your National Insurance contributions and tax.  

If you are eligible to work in the UK you can apply for a National Insurance number online as soon as you arrive in the UK.

You will need to provide proof of your identity during the application process, using a document such as your passport. 

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Moving to the UK

I am moving to Sheffield, am I eligible for relocation expenses?

To be eligible for contribution towards relocation expenses, you must be appointed to a University grade 7 or above permanent position. 

The reimbursement of relocation costs is intended to support the recruitment of new University staff.  Existing employees taking up a new post within the University or those being promoted are not eligible to claim under the policy. 

For more information on relocation reimbursements, contact your relevant HR representative once you begin your role.

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Accommodation

Is there somewhere I can temporarily stay at when I first arrive in Sheffield?

It can be difficult to arrange longer-term accommodation in the UK while you are abroad so you may find it helpful to arrange short-term accommodation (for approximately 3-4 weeks) before you arrive in Sheffield.

As with any major city, Sheffield has many hotels as well as bed and breakfasts. There are also many landlords who offer short term lets for professionals moving to Sheffield.  An online search will provide you with a list of these.

Smart Move Sheffield, the University's private sector housing team maintains a list of temporary accommodation options in Sheffield, from bed & breakfasts (B&Bs) to short-term let apartments and five-star hotels.

This includes the University of Sheffield's short-term options - Jonas Hotel, flexible, hybrid accommodation containing en-suite bedrooms and communal kitchen and dining facilities; and Halifax Hall, a boutique hotel with en-suite bedrooms, and a bar and restaurant.

How do I find somewhere to live longer term?

Rightmove and Zoopla are the main online search engines available to use to find somewhere to rent or buy.  On these websites you can filter properties by the number of bedrooms, area, price and more.  Each property will be linked to an estate agent who you can contact for more details and arrange a viewing.

Renting a property

A wide range of properties are available to rent in Sheffield.  Minimum rental periods tend to be six or twelve months.  Renters will normally be required to pay a holding fee to secure a property, along with a deposit of one or two months’ rent.

Buying a property

If you intend to be in the UK for a longer time period you may wish to consider buying a property.  You can find an overview of the process and costs that are involved on this government website.

The accommodation web pages have more information about renting or buying a property in the UK as well as an overview of some of the areas to live in Sheffield. 

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Healthcare

What healthcare provision am I entitled to?

Paying the NHS surcharge as part of your visa application entitles you to access the same healthcare services as UK residents, including GP services and hospital treatment.

Some services such as dental and optical treatment are not free of charge.  You may also be required to pay for some prescriptions.

The healthcare web pages contain more information about healthcare in the UK.

Do I need private health insurance?

Healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded service which is free at the point of use for people resident in the UK (including those who paid the NHS surcharge as part of their visa application).

Therefore, private health insurance is not a necessity.  If you did choose to take up private insurance, the University offers staff members the opportunity to join the Westfield Healthcare Scheme. Your scheme contributions are paid directly from your salary. 

How do I register with a Doctor?

A General Practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact for nearly all NHS patients.  GP's work in local surgeries alongside nurses.

To register with a GP, you need to check if the practice is accepting new patients and covers the area where you live.  You can find a GP near you on the NHS Service Search.

Once you have found a suitable GP, you will need to contact them and ask to register with them. Some GP surgeries may ask to see proof of your identity. Examples include; photo identity (passport, driving licence) and proof of address documents such as a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water).

How do I register with a dentist?

To register with an NHS dentist, you need to check if the practice is accepting new patients and covers the area where you live.  You can search for a dentist near you using the NHS Find a Dentist search.

If the dental practice you first contact is full or doesn't provide NHS care, this doesn’t mean that no NHS dental care is available locally. Contact NHS England, they will be able to tell you which dentist in your area currently accepts patients.

I need emergency treatment but am not registered with a GP, what do I do?

Immediate medical care is available for emergencies which are life threatening by dialling 999 and requesting an ambulance.  

Information about urgent care and medical emergencies options can be found on the Healthcare web pages.

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Childcare and education

What childcare options are there for 0-5 year olds? 

Childcare for under four years of age is not usually available free of charge in the UK.  The average cost of sending a child under two to nursery in the UK is: £150 per week - part time (25 hours); £300 per week - full time (50 hours).

There are different options for childcare for 0-5 years olds depending on your needs.  These include day nurseries, childminders and pre-school nurseries.

Please see the childcare and education web pages for more information.

How do I register my child for a place at school?

You cannot pre-book a school place in advance of your child arriving in the UK as school places are allocated by the postcode of your permanent UK address.  Most schools have a catchment area, which means they have a maximum radius around the school and they are unlikely to accept children who live outside this area. 

You will need proof of address within the catchment area, such as a rental agreement.  Once you have your UK address you should contact Sheffield City Council's School Admissions Team.  If you are new to Sheffield and would like a school place, please call the Pupil Admissions Team on 0114 273 5790 or email ed-admissions@sheffield.gov.uk. 

You can find more information about the UK school system on the childcare and education web pages.

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Living in the UK

In the event of an emergency, who do I contact?

If you find yourself in an emergency situation whilst on campus, please contact University Campus Security at 0114 222 4444 (dial 4444 on an internal phone).

If you find yourself in an emergency situation off campus, please contact the emergency services by dialling 999. The emergency services include the police, ambulance service and fire brigade.

What are my rights and responsibilities whilst in the UK?

Whilst living in the UK, you have the right to:

• be treated fairly and lawfully regardless of your race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any disability; and
• practise your own religion - similarly, you are expected to show respect for people of other faiths.

It is your responsibility to:

• obey the law;
• care for your children (for example, children under the age of 16 must always be supervised by an adult, and they must go to school if they are aged between five and 16)

What legal matters should I be aware of whilst living in the UK?

Many laws in the UK are based on common sense and will be the same as in your home country. For example, theft, and assault are clearly not permitted. However, some laws may not seem very obvious to you, and will be different to those you are used to. Please be aware that the following scenarios are illegal:

• Cycling on the pavement
• An under eighteen-year-old buying tobacco and alcohol
• Smoking in bars, cafes, clubs, restaurants, on public transport, within most public buildings and all University buildings.
• Carrying or using any illegal drugs including cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, or mephedrone.
• Carrying any sort of weapon including knives, self-defence CS gas sprays, guns or stun guns/tasers.
• Falsely reporting the theft of property
• Buying property you think is stolen
• Offering bribes
• Driving a car without insurance or a valid MOT

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