My Adaptation to Life and Work in the UK 🇬🇧 — Three Years After!
It’s exactly three years I left the shores of Nigeria 🇳🇬 to relocate to the UK 🇬🇧. I boarded Egypt Air on the 8th of October and we had an eleven hours layover in Cairo! During that layover, the airline lodged us in twos in a five star hotel 🫢😃. It was awesome. We slept, refreshed and continued our journey the next morning. We landed 🛬 safely at Heathrow airport and the rest is history!
When I first landed in the UK three years ago, I was full of excitement — and nerves. I had read countless blogs, watched YouTube videos, and joined every WhatsApp group for new healthcare workers in the UK. I thought I was ready. But the truth? Nothing truly prepares you for starting life in a new country until you actually do it.
Looking back now, I can confidently say that while the journey hasn’t been smooth, it’s been worth it. The UK has stretched me, humbled me, and taught me lessons I didn’t even know I needed.
From “New Starter” to “Experienced Hand”
When I started working as a domiciliary caregiver driving to people’s homes to support them, it wasn’t a walk in the park. When I joined the NHS a year and some months later, I felt like a fish out of water. The systems, the endless paperwork, the abbreviations (NHS people love their acronyms!) — everything felt overwhelming.
Back in Nigeria, we worked hard too, but the pace, structure, and expectations here were on another level. I remember how nervous I was during my first shift — double-checking everything, terrified of making a mistake.
Fast forward to now — I’m the one guiding new starters, explaining where to find things, and offering reassuring words like, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” It’s funny how time and experience quietly build your confidence until you suddenly realize you belong.🤣😅
Work-Life Balance — A Lesson I Had to Learn
In my first year,I worked like there was a gold medal for exhaustion. I picked up every extra shift, determined to save, and prove my worth🙄😩(to who? I don’t even know!) But soon, my body reminded me that I’m human.
It took me a while to understand the British obsession with “annual leave.” Now I get it. Rest is not laziness — it’s survival.
I’ve learned to take walks, explore parks, enjoy quiet weekends, and even say “no” to extra shifts without guilt. My Nigerian hustle spirit is still alive, but now it shares space with a little British calmness.
The Art of Blending In Without Losing Myself!
Adapting to life in the UK has been about finding balance — embracing new ways while holding on to who I am.
I’ve learned to queue patiently (most days), say “sorry” a hundred times a day, and make small talk about the weather like a pro. Yet, I still blast Afrobeats while cleaning the house & driving to work, cook my jollof rice every Sunday, and video call my family just to hear familiar voices!😃
Being an immigrant means constantly blending worlds — and that’s okay. I’ve realized I don’t have to become “British” to belong; I just have to be me, growing and learning in a new environment.
Navigating Friendships and Loneliness
Let’s be honest — making friends in the UK is not as easy as it sounds. People are friendly, yes, but everyone seems to have their own bubble. In my early months, I missed the easy warmth of Nigerian relationships — the spontaneous visits, the loud laughter, the food sharing.
But slowly, I found my circle — colleagues who became friends, neighbours who check in, and fellow immigrants who understand the journey. Now, my little community keeps me grounded. It’s not about how many people you know, but how deeply you connect with the few who truly care.
Weather, Still a Frenemy😩😅
Ah, the British weather — still my biggest shock three years later. I’ve accepted that sunshine here is more like a guest who visits briefly and disappears without notice.
But I’ve adapted — I layer up, own more coats than I ever imagined, and have mastered the skill of checking the forecast before dressing. It’s not love, but it’s peace. ☁️
The Subtle Changes in me!
When I look at myself now, I see growth. I’m more patient, more organised, and a little more reserved (I suspect it’s the British influence). I’ve learned to appreciate small things — a quiet morning, a cup of tea after a long shift, a simple “thank you” from a patient.
I’ve also learned resilience — the kind that comes from standing on your own, building from scratch, and thriving in a place that once felt foreign.
Three Years In and still Counting!
My adaptation journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been beautiful in its own way. I’ve learned to find joy in small wins, laugh through misunderstandings, and celebrate how far I’ve come.
Three years after stepping into the unknown, the UK no longer feels strange. It feels like a second home — a place that’s challenged and changed me, yet helped me grow into a stronger, wiser version of myself.
I’m still learning, still evolving — and still carrying Nigeria in my heart!🇬🇧❤️🇳🇬
PS: That’s me three years ago inside the Egypt Air plane heading to London!
UzomaEzeigbo2025™️