Tips for IMG Doctor as a Beginner in the UK

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Living overseas alone makes me be more organized.

This post aims to share my personal experience.

 

1.       Record down WHERE you had given your UK home address

It is good to have a habit to record down.

We might change the working location due to different reasons.

Some may as well as go for a training post from a non-training post.

Some may change the workplace due to social reasons.

Who has my address? Ans: Bank, GMC, medical indemnity, HMRC, BMA



You need to inform and manually change your home address when you move.



Options for it will be Royal Mail: Redirection service
https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection

It is subject to charges.

2.       Record down and set a remind of all your documents that going to be expired.

Eg. Passport, credit card, visa, driving license

You can put those dates into a folder and set reminders in your calendar.

You might as well as put the reminder one month ahead so that you have the time to apply the new one.

If you are using iPhone, you can use the function in “REMINDERS”

 

3.       The first bank for us to open could be an online bank

– eg Monzo.

Most of the high street banks in UK require you to show them: BPR, Employment letter, and passport.

Monzo account: passport, UK address, and selfie.


If you would like to open a Monzo account, you can use my referral code.

Monzo: https://join.monzo.com/c/wxf6s3w (free to install, you can get £5)

You will need a UK address (where a visa/master debit card will send to you in 2-3days time).

Later you can get a street bank account. It will be more convenient if you have a debit card while you travel in the UK.


You need a card (debit/credit card or Oyster card) while you are using the bus in London. They don’t receive cash anymore. Oyster card could cost you 5pounds (you can only use it in London). Monzo card will be free (you can use it anywhere).

 

4.       Phone/ Internet


Most of the places have free Wi-Fi. My friend helps me to get Lebara (cost 5£/ month, with 3GB data, unlimited SMS, 1000mins UK to UK call, 100min UK to International call, unlimited Lebara to Lebara call).

Personally, I think it is good to have a cheap phone plan on hand at the beginning and I can use hospital Wi-Fi when I am working. We can always change accordingly later.

 

5.       Transfer money back home country / from home country

I found Wise is quite a good and cheap option.

Do compare with your local bank or money exchange dealers.

If you would like to open a Wise account, you can use my referral code.

Wise: https://wise.com/invite/ih/peyn5 (free to install, you get the first free transfer up to RM2500)
What countries that I can send using wise? Link

6. Finding your accommodation 

For share house - Spareroom

For studio or whole flat - Zoopla, Rightmove

Contact your HR for hospital accommodation

Crime check: Police.uk, CrimeRate, UKCrimeStats

Numbeo website to compare the cost of living

Google map/ street to have a view


7. Use loyalty cards or apps

eg KFC, Costa, Greggs, Boot, Starbucks, Nectar

* Some have a point system. Some give free products when you sign up for an account. It is free to sign up.

 

        8. Always keep everything documented to protect yourself

        eg. your conversation with the landlord, with your line manager

        Use email rather than a face-to-face talk



Useful link: 

IMG Welcome to Wessex Handbook 

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-by-imgs.html

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2016/06/check-list-for-img-starting-work-in-uk.html 

https://roadtouk.com/plab-2-visit/checklist-for-img-doctor-in-uk/


Please add in comments if you have any additional tips for our beginners. 


Here is the table of contents for other topics: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/table-of-contents.html


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