I’m Kayla, and I actually did this. I moved to Scotland from the U.S. to Glasgow last year. It was scary and sweet at the same time. I’ll tell you what I used, what I paid, and what I wish I knew sooner.
I’ll keep it simple. Real steps. Real numbers. Real goofs too.
First, picking a city (and why I chose Glasgow)
I spent a week in Edinburgh and a week in Glasgow before the move. Edinburgh is stunning. If you’re still mapping out a scouting trip, this rundown on the best time to visit Edinburgh lays out what each month is really like. But rent was high, and flats went fast. Glasgow felt warmer, cheaper, and had more gigs. I like noise and art, so I picked the West End in Glasgow. Could I have gone to Inverness? Sure. But I wanted trains, jobs, and coffee shops.
Small thing, big deal: the weather. It’s damp. My hair knew before I did.
My visa story (Skilled Worker, with the new rules)
I came on a Skilled Worker visa. My sponsor was a tech firm in Glasgow.
- My employer gave me a Certificate of Sponsorship (see the official description here).
- I paid the visa fee and the health surcharge. My cost was about £1,035 per year for the health part. It hurt, but it’s needed.
- I did biometrics, then I waited 3 weeks. I got a digital status, not a plastic card. For work checks, I shared a code from the UKVI site. Easy once you know.
Note: rules changed in 2024. The salary bar went up. Some jobs still qualify at lower rates, but not all. If you’re a student, a partner, or on a Youth Mobility Scheme, your path will be different. Just don’t guess. Read the rules or call the helpline. I did both. For a detailed explainer of the current Skilled Worker minimum salary requirements, check out this breakdown.
Packing and shipping: what I actually used
I sold most things. I shipped 4 boxes with Seven Seas Worldwide. It took 5 weeks door to door. My guitar made it. My blender did not. RIP. I packed a carry-on with rain gear, meds, and a folder with docs. That folder saved me at least five mini-panics.
I also brought a small dehumidifier in my checked bag. Yes, really. People laughed. Then they came over and loved my dry towels.
Landing day: quick wins that saved me
- SIM card: I put a giffgaff SIM in at the airport. Data worked right away. Later, I moved to EE for better signal in the Highlands.
- Banking: I opened Monzo with my passport and selfie. Then I opened a “big bank” account once I had my lease.
- Temporary stay: I booked 12 nights in a small flat near Kelvingrove. This gave me time to hunt for a long-term place without panic.
You know what? Having data on my phone on day one felt like oxygen.
Renting in Scotland (very different from England)
I found my flat on S1Homes and Citylets. I viewed six places in two days. I picked a one-bed in the West End with squeaky floors and a bay window. I’m a sucker for light.
Here’s what stood out:
- No “Right to Rent” checks in Scotland. Nice.
- Tenancies are “Private Residential Tenancies.” No fixed end date. I can give 28 days’ notice.
- My deposit went to SafeDeposits Scotland. That’s the law.
- No agent fees. Just deposit and first month’s rent.
Costs? My rent is £990/month. Council tax is £145/month for me (Band C area; your band may differ). If you live alone, you can ask for a 25% discount. I got it after a quick form on the council site.
Tip: on move-in day, take meter readings and photos. I set energy with Octopus and internet with Virgin Media. If your flat has thick stone walls, Wi-Fi can be rough. I added a mesh booster. Nerdy, but it worked.
Work and the National Insurance number
I started work before my NI number arrived. That’s allowed. I applied online, got a letter in 2.5 weeks. Payroll fixed the tax code later. If your code looks wrong at first, don’t panic. Mine did too. It settled after my second payslip.
Healthcare: fast for GP, slow for dentist
I registered with a GP near me. I filled a form and brought ID. I got seen in two weeks for a minor thing. For nights, call 111 (NHS 24). It works. For dentists? That took months. I finally found an NHS dentist by calling around and joining two waitlists. For glasses, I used Specsavers on Sauchiehall Street. Smooth and cheap.
Small home things that made life better
- A Meaco dehumidifier. My windows stopped crying. My towels stopped smelling like a wet dog.
- A heated clothes airer. Drying clothes indoors is a sport here.
- Good rain jacket, not a fashion jacket. I got a Rab shell. Worth it.
- Blackout curtains. Summer light lasts forever. It’s cute until 4 a.m.
Getting around (and not getting soaked)
- Buses and subway take contactless. Tap on, done.
- I bought a Two Together Railcard with my partner. Saved a ton on ScotRail trips to Stirling, Mallaig, and Aberdeen.
- If you’ll drive, check if you can swap your license. I waited and then took lessons on roundabouts. Brave move. Worth it.
One rail ride I recommend to every newcomer is the easy hop from the capital out to the water and hills—here’s how my three real journeys from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond actually played out if you want the blow-by-blow.
Culture check: tiny things that matter
People say “cheers” for thanks. Bring layers. Midges in summer? Evil. I carry Smidge spray on hikes and it helps a lot. Try a ceilidh. You’ll spin, laugh, and maybe fall on your face. It’s fine. Also, chips with curry sauce at 1 a.m. Don’t ask. Just try.
And if dating apps are on your radar once you’re settled—particularly if you’re interested in meeting confident, older women—this guide to the best dating apps for connecting with mature partners can point you to platforms that actually work in the UK, with clear tips on safety, etiquette, and getting past the first “hello” without the usual guesswork.
If, on the other hand, you ever swing back to the States and find yourself in Louisiana without the time or patience for endless swiping, you can arrange a professional, no-strings-attached date in minutes through this directory of vetted Zachary escorts. It lists real bios, transparent rates, and up-to-date availability so you can lock in companionship quickly and focus on enjoying your evening.
When you’re ready to trade the city streets for some loch-side paddling or a hike with locals, Can You Experience has easy-to-book outings that’ll show you corners of Scotland you’d otherwise miss.
Money stuff I wish I knew sooner
- You need a TV Licence if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer. I paid yearly. Done.
- Water is billed with council tax in Scotland. No separate water bill for me.
- Keep some savings for winter energy. My bill jumped by £40/month when it got cold.
- Keep records. I use a simple Google Sheet for rent, tax, and visa dates.
Real costs from my first month
- Airbnb: £78/night x 12 nights
- Visa health surcharge (paid before arrival): about £1,035/year
- Deposit: one month’s rent, protected
- First month’s rent: £990
- Council tax: £145 (after single person discount)
- Energy setup and first month: £85
- Broadband install and first month: £40
- SIM: £10 to start
Could you do it cheaper? Yep. Share a flat on SpareRoom and you’ll save a lot.
Mistakes I made (so you don’t)
- I waited to buy a real raincoat. Don’t.
- I assumed I could get an NHS dentist right away. Nope.
- I forgot to take meter photos at handover. I had to guess later. Never again.
- I thought cash would help. Scotland loves cards. I barely touch coins now.
Quick checklist I’d hand to a friend
- Pick a city that fits your budget and vibe.
- Confirm your visa route. Check new salary rules if it’s Skilled Worker.
- Pay the health surcharge and keep the receipt.
- Book two weeks of short-term housing.
- Order