Life in the UK - frequently asked questions

How do I get a National Insurance number?

You can apply for a National Insurance number online if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.  You will need to provide proof of your identity, which may require you to post photocopies of your documents or attend an appointment.

More information can be found on the UK Government National Insurance web pages.

Where can I set up a bank account?

The four major "High Street" banks in Britain are: Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and National Westminster (commonly known as NatWest). All of these banks have branches within five minutes walk of the main campus. Other well-known banks in the area include the Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Yorkshire Bank. 

Banks are generally open from 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday (check with individual branches). Some have more extensive opening hours. Only a few open on Saturday mornings and they are all closed on Sundays and public holidays.

How do I set up a bank account?

Once you’ve decided on the account you want to open, the bank or building society will ask you to fill in a simple application form. This can be either done in person or online.

If you’re opening an account with another person or people then each of you will need to complete an application form. You should refer to the bank’s instructions for opening a joint account.

Although each bank asks for different documents, most UK banks ask to see proof of identity (e.g. passport, national identity card, driving licences) as well as proof of address (e.g. utility bills, council tax bill).

When will I receive my salary?

Salaries are paid on the last working day of the month directly into your bank account.  The Payroll Office 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.

How do I pay taxes?

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 are 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). 

I am moving to Sheffield, am I entitled to relocation expenses?

To be eligible for a contribution toward the costs of relocation the job role into which an individual is newly appointed must be an open ended contract, at University Grade 7 or above.

The reimbursement of relocation costs is intended to support the recruitment of new University employees and therefore precludes existing employees transferring to a new post within the University, or those staff who have been promoted, from making claims for reimbursement of relocation costs.

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

Is there somewhere I can temporarily stay at when I first 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.

The Smart Moves Sheffield webpages also provide information on short term lets for University of Sheffield staff.

How do I find somewhere to live longer term?

Rightmove or 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.

This Rightmove tool suggests places based on your budget and property criteria. You can visit the Findahood website for detailed information about areas of Sheffield.  

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.

Rented accommodation will be furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished.  If the property is furnished it is important to check the inventory list carefully before signing and keep a copy for your records.

Once you have found somewhere to rent you will have to sign a contract called a Tenancy Agreement.  This document should contain information about the amount of rent, when rent will be collected, the length of the tenancy and what rights you and your landlord will have under the law. You should check the tenancy agreement carefully and make sure you understand it before you sign it.  

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.

Depending on your circumstances you may need to take out a mortgage.  There are a number of mortgage lenders in the UK, usually banks and building societies who offer a large range of mortgages.  You could speak directly to the bank or building society or speak to an independent mortgage or financial adviser who will be able to provide you with information about your eligibility for a mortgage in the UK.  

Do I need private health insurance?

If you move to England permanently, you are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment with the exception of some NHS charges (such as prescription medication) unless you are exempt from those. As such, 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. 

What healthcare provision am I entitled to?

If you move to the UK, you will not be charged for NHS hospital treatment from the date you arrive, as long as you intend to live permanently in the UK and you’re legally entitled to live here on a permanent basis.  You’ll be expected to prove that you meet these requirements. Your spouse or civil partner and children under age 16 (under 19 if in full-time education) are also exempt from these charges, if they live with you permanently.

Hospitals are responsible for checking who should pay for NHS hospital treatment.

The hospital will also ask you for evidence to prove that you’re legally entitled to live in the UK, such as:

• your British passport, or
• permission from the Home Office

How do I register with a GP?

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).

They will usually ask you to complete a form called a GMS1.

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.

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.

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

Regardless of your residential status or nationality, you are entitled to free emergency NHS treatment from a primary care practice (eg. GP practice) or an Accident and Emergency department.

If the situation is life threatening go to your nearest accident and emergency hospital or call 999.

Accident and Emergency departments in Sheffield

Adults (16 and over):

Northern General Hospital
Herries Road
Sheffield
S5 7AU

Children (under 16):

Sheffield Children's Hospital
Western Bank
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S10 2TH

There are also two walk-in centres in Sheffield (you do not need an appointment to see a doctor or a nurse).

Sheffield City NHS Walk-in Centre

Location: Rockingham House, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S1 3PB

Open 8am - 10pm

Telephone: 0114 241 2700

Walk-in as an unregistered patient and see a GP or a nurse without an appointment

Sheffield Minor Injuries Unit

Location: B Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF

Open 8am - 8pm

Tel: 0114 271 2071

The Minor Injuries Unit provides treatment for adults (over 16) for less serious injuries, such as sprains, cuts and grazes.

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

Childcare for 0-5 year olds

Childcare for children under four years of age is not usually available free of charge in the UK. The range of cost of childcare varies considerably, but it is generally expensive. You should expect to pay at least £35 per child, per day. Childcare is typically available between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and is not available on weekends, although term times will differ between providers.

Day nurseries

Nurseries accept pre-school children from as young as three months but the exact age varies from nursery to nursery. A list of day nurseries is available from the City Council website.

University childcare provisions

The University of Sheffield Students’ Union runs a nursery which co-ordinates the childcare needs of students and staff of the University of Sheffield, the Students' Union and the community. The Government also runs a Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can help towards the cost of childcare provision.

School education

Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5-18 in the UK. While some families home-educate their children, the majority send their children to state schools (which are free­), or to independent schools (which charge a fee).

There are four key stages in education:

• KS1 - 5-7 year olds (infant school)
• KS2 - 7-11 years olds (junior school)
• KS3 - 11-14 years olds (secondary school)
• KS4 - 14-16 years olds (secondary school)

After key stage four, children can either continue onto sixth form or college to undertake further education, or commence an apprenticeship.

If you will be employed in the UK for a period of 12 months or more, then your children are required by law to attend school. The Local Education Authority will provide a place free of charge for them in a state school near your place of residence.

State schools

State schools provide free school places to children aged between 5-16 years old. Places are usually prioritised to children living within the school catchment area. Please note: A catchment area is the list of streets surrounding each school. If you live within this area your child should get allocated a place at that school. However, parents do have the option to request places in schools out of their catchment area.

Independent schools

There are a number of independent schools in Sheffield and the surrounding region that charge a fee payable each term; many of these are located within a short distance from the main University campus. The Independent Schools Council provides more information about independent schools.

Details of schools in Sheffield and their locations are available on the Sheffield City Council website. Both primary and secondary schools are regularly inspected by Ofsted, an independent body which regulates state schooling; the results of school inspections are published online.

Obtaining a school place

You cannot pre-book a state school place before you have an address where you will be living. Once you have this you should contact Sheffield City Council’s Pupil Admissions Team.

Usually the Pupil Admissions Team will ask a few questions and then arrange for you to meet the Children Missing from Education Team who will help you to complete a form. This form will then be processed and you will receive a letter stating which school your child has been offered a place. You will then need to contact the school to arrange a date for your child to start school. Please note: By filling in an admissions form, you are requesting a place for your child at a particular school; this does not mean your child is registered at the school.

See the Council’s website for further guidance on the school pupil admissions process.

School times and terms

Every school is different but usually a school day usually lasts between 9am and 3:30pm. The school year lasts from early September to late July and usually has three terms. Half way through each term there is usually a one or two week holiday; you should ask to speak to your allocated/selected school about such matters. You should also ask your school for information about:

• School meals
• Transport
• Learning English
• Bullying policies