Posted by Many of my friends are already aware that in October 2024, my entire family and I moved to the UK after spending 15 years in Belgium. Over the past three months, I’ve experienced a range of situations, and it’s been easy to focus on the negative and overlook the positive moments.
To shift my perspective, I decided to write a post dedicated solely to what I love about living in the UK over these past three months. I hope this list continues to grow throughout my one-year assignment. 🙂
1. The Grocery
No more hassles for grocery shopping! In the UK, most supermarkets stay open until 21:00 on weekdays and are also open on both Saturdays and Sundays. The same convenience applies to most shops and services.
Additionally, supermarkets often feature a pharmacy or Amazon collection and return points, allowing you to combine multiple errands into one trip. If you prefer not to go out, online ordering and grocery delivery are also quite affordable.
2. Government Services Efficiency
Government services in the UK are impressively digitized, from obtaining a visa to securing a parking permit. The speed is remarkable—one time, I ordered parking vouchers on a Friday, and they arrived in my mailbox the very next morning.
But we do pay expensive quids for the efficiency!
3. Nusery and Playground
Putting the cost aside, the quality of nurseries in the UK is excellent. Regulations stipulate that one caregiver can look after up to 3 babies, compared to up to 8 in Belgium. You can imagine the difference in quality!
Moreover, kids’ playgrounds are abundant and easily accessible everywhere!
4. NHS (national health service) is completely free!
In Belgium, I appreciated that medical visits could be reimbursed by health insurance for up to 75%. However, in the UK, if you’re eligible for the NHS, everything—doctor appointments, check-ups, and medicines—is completely free!
5. London is Just 33 Minutes Away by Train
There’s no rush for me to see all the attractions in one trip—I have a whole year to explore! London offers an endless array of cultural sites, with countless museums, galleries, and shows to enjoy. I never get bored!
Plus, there are so many delicious and authentic restaurants to discover, and they are never disappointing!
6. Location of My Rented House
I’ve got countless stories about my 2-bedroom rented house in the UK, which I’ll share in the future. For now, I’m focusing on the positives.
The house is in a strategically located area—very residential and quiet, yet only a 15-minute walk to the town center, a 10-minute walk to the train station, shopping mall, and a lovely Asian supermarket.
AI-generated picture, I wish this was my house!
It’s right next to a small park with playgrounds, so when we’re in the mood, I can take my son there for a quick burst of energy.
Plus, it’s just a 15-minute drive to my company saving me loads of time for commuting.
7. English Speaking Country
This one is obvious!
8. My Work and Colleagues
The highlight of my UK experience is undoubtedly my job—after all, it’s what brought me here.
My role has evolved from being a subject expert to a broader one with higher-level goals, encompassing multiple products and strategic initiatives, combined with coaching and team management. All of these aspects make me excited every day.
My colleagues at the new company are incredibly nice and friendly, making me feel safe and welcomed as I learn and contribute.
Starting a new life in a different country is undoubtedly challenging, and I am still in the process of settling in. However, as the new year begins and the weather improves, my one resolution is to reach a place where I can enjoy the UK without worries. Fingers crossed, I’m confident that this list of positives will keep growing.
Have you lived in both the UK and Belgium or another country? What are your reflections?
Read more about me in other articles:
From project to product management: Navigate the transition
Health insurance in Belgium – Are you using it to its full potential?
I moved to Belgium in 2019 having lived in the UK my entire life. What follows is a bit negative, but for now Belgium is the right place for me…
In a nutshell I miss almost* everything you listed… As well as living by the sea. Making friends is so much easier in the UK, particularly at work – I hope your experience is the same. I’ve struggled bigtime to make connections at work in Belgium – and not for want of trying! While in the UK I have made friends for life at most companies I have worked at.
Other things would include tax-free investing and the government letting you keep more of your earnings. Although with a Labour government in the UK, that will unfortunately be changing.
*London? I wouldn’t have minded if that was further away than the 60 mins or so I was from it 😉 Although unfortunately it’s where all the real jobs are**.
**I haven’t found where the real jobs are in Belgium yet 😉
Hey Chris,
Thanks for your comment! Oh wow, what a nice exchange of experience for us!
It will be nice if we meet one day in Belgium when I come back, so we can discuss even more 🙂
There are many things I miss about Belgium, I will aim to write something – maybe it can help shifting your perspective also, in the end we all want to be happy where we are at every moment.
Take care and happy new year!