Tag: living in the UK

Work out if you’ve made the transition from Aussie ocker to English blue blood with this essential expat's checklist.

The London Underground offers what some aficionados might say is one of the world's, if not THE world's, finest people watching opportunities.

Despite the traditionally romantic image of the English gentleman wielding a 48-inch, neatly gathered navy brolly, it doesn’t really match the reality on the London high street.

EXPATS NEED TO KNOW THIS: Dossing. Everyone does it. Whether it’s when you first arrive in London, on a stopover in between trips or in the week before you head back to Australia. Every Aussie who spends time in London will spend time dossing! But there is an etiquette...

Whilst some would consider the term 'English cuisine' an oxymoron, I disagree. I think the British have mastered simple comfort food. And how about the pub Sunday roast.

The quality of life seems to be far superior over there on the other side of the world. So why don’t all we Britons move into all that open space and indulge in the Australian lifestyle? Typically, we can’t be arsed.

Where is 'Mr. Right'? Could it be the guy you play ping-pong eyes with every morning on your way to work, awkwardly avoiding eye contact for longer than five seconds? Or is he just Mr Right Now?

When you live in a London houseshare packed with a motley crew of expats, you’re bound to end up with at least one oddball in the mix.

Many people are confused and in doubt about the exact purpose, process, and eligibility of the UK Biometric Residence Permits or BRP’s as they are often known.

OK, yes we do tend to hang out together in London, a lot. But there's a good reason for it and the fact of the matter is most Australian expats are open-minded professionals who give back to their adopted society as much as they take out.

I am a huge fan of utter debauchery. But, come on… People in glass houses, and all that.

I will be standing behind that yellow line, minding that gap and hoping that one day I have my very own perfect Paltrow fantasy.

To all you charity chuggers out there, It’s nothing you have done wrong. It is not you, it’s me... and it was London.

London expat lives expire. The friendships that grow along the way don’t have to fade, but sometimes they do.

Leave campaign advocates “non-discriminatory” skills and language assessment of migrants to Britain.

"Not only am I enjoying my teaching but I also have the chance to travel Europe on the long weekends and in school breaks. I often have to pinch myself about how incredibly lucky I am to be undergoing this stage in my career and life.”

BREXIT VOTE: "Whatever side you come down on, the most important thing is that you have your say. Don’t miss the opportunity to vote in this historic moment." - Minister of State for the Commonwealth urges expats to register and have their say on 23 June.

I strategically forgot the bit about hubby leaving his shoes in the middle of the doorway, and that he is an Aussie Arsenal supporter who can scull a beer in less than 30 seconds.

Australian author JAMES MAXWELL says if Britain leaves the EU he may be forced to leave his London home.

The Home Office recently made changes to the manner in which continuous period in the UK is calculated for Indefinite Leave To Remain visas. How does it affect you?

I’ve met my fair share of stereotypically conservative, whingeing, grumpy Brits. You know the ones. But sunny days are ahead...

I’d managed to negotiate the fruit and vegetable aisle - where capsicums are peppers, eggplants are aubergines, mandarins are clementines or satsumas, snow peas are mange tout and zucchini are courgettes - but earned ‘The Look’ at the checkout when I asked for ‘cash out’.

You had a whopping big typo on the front page of your CV, you illiterate peasant. Go back to convict country!

A look at those at the self-appointed apex of English social hierarchy: posh boys. They are quite different from the Aussie posh bloke.

When I moved to London, a city where one does not need to sit at home in a onesie, Bridget Jones style, swilling red wine from a schooner glass and instead celebrating the state of singledom with half-price drinks and speed-dating, I didn’t expect to continue to be surrounded by ...

Essential advice for your interview to help you secure that top job in London.

Australians feel they are part of a unique family which the UK is the heart of, so it would be nice to be recognised for that.

Poll finds overwhelming favour for freedom to live and work between ‘like-minded’ nations.

Australian business coach Gail Gibson found inspiration and success further afield than London.

We all had visions of an exciting, new and vibrant life ahead of us in London; an awesome social life and tonnes of travel. But then reality bites...

In a competitive working environment it is important to continue your professional education and keep your skills up to date. Here are three ways to fulfil your development needs.

I am not saying the Brits do not drink beer. There are still some true believers left.

Australians living in London fully embrace all this city has to offer, including its people. But sometimes it seems like the locals don't share our same enthusiasm for making new friends.

Many Aussie blokes were Englishmen just a couple of centuries ago, yet I had never heard even the most arty Aussie male talk about crying at the ballet, let alone proudly and in public.

"The changes are making this country a less welcoming destination for Australians," says Australian High Commission report into new UK visa restrictions.

Wife and mother ALEX BLACKIE shares a play-by-play report of a typical British Christmas Day.

Ever since the introduction of the very strict financial requirement of the UK Family Migration Route, many families and partners were unable to live together in the UK, simply, because they cannot meet the financial requirements of this immigration route.

Australians living overseas will be obliged to repay their HECS/HELP and TSL debts from 2016-17 financial year, after government closes loophole.

Moving to the other side of the world can be overwhelming, but the cost of literal ‘extra baggage’ and backaches from poor planning is worse. Keep things simple with a guide to packing for London.

The government’s tax changes for UK landlords, announced in this summer’s Budget, will significantly eat into landlords’ profits and, in many cases, will wipe them out completely.

A Tube map to visualise just how expensive it is to rent a one-bedroom flat in London.

Always wanted to know what benefits you are entitled to claim in the UK, as foreign national? You might be surprised to find out that there are some benefits you do have access to.

Here is something fun to do next weekend, the Weymouth annual Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival!

When you have a car accident, you’ll discover that UK law differs from Australian law when it comes to personal injury.

HONEYMOONING NOMAD: When reading a magazine recently, I came across the question "when was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Finally, the answer to that burning question... Which UK city devours the most pizza?

HONEYMOONING NOMAD: London garden, quite contrary; is my garden how I grow up?

EXPATS UNITED: Here’s a unique opportunity for expat Aussies in the UK to save on their British electricity bills.

In debate about the upcoming election, the UK’s role in the European Union is being questioned, especially by the likes of UKIP. But would Britain really look away from its Continental neighbours and back towards its Commonwealth family?

INFOGRAPHIC: Compare the prices of groceries in Australia versus the UK. Who pays more to do the shopping?