Welcome to UK Buddy – Your Trusted Guide to Living, Studying, and Working in the UK

  💰 Can You Get an NHS Surcharge Refund? (2025 Guide) 🏥 What is the NHS Surcharge? If you're a migrant or student coming to the UK for over 6 months, you're required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) . This gives you access to NHS services like seeing a GP, emergency treatment, and hospital care. 💸 Who Can Get a Refund? You may be eligible for a refund if you: ✅ Work in health and social care (including care homes) ✅ Paid the surcharge as part of your visa application ✅ Worked at least 16 hours per week on average in an eligible care job ✅ Have a valid UK visa 🕒 When Can You Apply? You can apply for a refund every 6 months if you meet the requirements. If you’ve paid for multiple years, you can get refunded for each full 6-month period worked. 📝 What You Need to Apply: Your NHS number Pay slips t...

💸 The Importance of Financial Stability Before Coming to the UK as an International Student Moving to the UK for higher education offers incredible opportunities. However, financial preparedness is not just recommended – it is essential. Below, we explore why being financially stable before arriving matters, supported by recent data and guidance. 🏠 1. Living Costs Are High and Vary by Region According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA, 2024), students in London should budget approximately £1,334 per month for living costs, while those outside London need around £1,023 per month. This covers accommodation, utilities, food, transport, and social activities. If you arrive financially unprepared, these basic costs can quickly become overwhelming (UKCISA, 2024). Reference: UKCISA (2024) Planning your budget . Available at: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Studying--living-in-the-UK/Planning-your-budget (Accessed: 7 July 2025). 📚 2. Foc...

  🧠 Mental Health Resources for Migrants and Students in the UK (2025 Guide) Relocating to the UK is a major life change. Whether you're an international student, care worker, or skilled migrant, adjusting to a new culture, system, and environment can be mentally exhausting. This guide highlights the best mental health resources available for migrants and students in the UK . From NHS services to free helplines and culturally sensitive therapy, there’s support available — often at no cost. All resources below are verified and linked to official sites. 🌿 1. NHS Mental Health Support The National Health Service (NHS) provides free and confidential mental health services if you're legally living in the UK. 🩺 Talk to your GP about depression, anxiety, trauma, or stress. 💬 Access IAPT Talking Therapies (counselling, CBT) in your local area. 📞 24/7 mental health crisis helplines available by NHS region. Registe...

  🧳 Bringing Your Family to the UK in 2025? Here Are 5 Things You MUST Know Moving to the UK with your family can be exciting — but the rules are changing fast. Whether you're a student or Skilled Worker, you need to understand visa updates, NHS costs, and housing requirements. This guide is based on official UK government sources to help you make informed decisions. 📌 1. Visa Rules for Family Members Have Changed Not everyone can bring their spouse or children to the UK in 2025. New immigration rules limit who qualifies for dependant visas. ✅ PhD or MRes students can bring dependants ✅ Skilled Worker visa holders can also bring family (if they meet financial conditions) ❌ Taught Master’s and undergraduate students can no longer bring dependants Reference: GOV.UK – Bring your family (Student Visa) 📌 2. Financial Requirements for Dependants You must prove you can financially support your...

--- 🇬🇧 Key UK Immigration & Skilled Worker Law Changes (Effective 22 July 2025) 🎓 1. Skill Level Raised to Degree-Level Only roles at RQF Level 6+ (graduate-level) qualify for Skilled Worker visas. About 111–180 occupations, including care assistants, chefs, retail managers, and bricklayers, will lose eligibility unless they appear on a new shortage occupation list. 💷 2. Salary Thresholds Increased The general Skilled Worker minimum salary rises from £38,700 to £41,700. PhD-relevant and specialist roles have higher salary floors too. 📋 3. New Temporary Shortage List (TSL) Replacing the Immigration Salary List for RQF 3–5 roles, the TSL includes only 52 critical occupations. No dependants allowed on these visas and no salary discounts apply. 👵 4. Care Worker Route Closure Skilled Worker visas for Care Workers (SOC 6135/6136) end for new overseas applicants on 22 July 2025. In-country visa switching remains possible until 22 July 2028 for those with at least 3 months continuous...

  10 Hidden Jobs in UK Care Homes You Didn’t Know Existed When most people think of UK care homes, they picture nurses or care assistants. But care homes actually employ a wide range of professionals in roles that keep everything running smoothly — and many of them are great entry points for job seekers, students, or migrants looking for work with minimal experience. Here are 10 hidden but valuable roles you’ll find in many UK care homes: Activities Coordinator – Plans and delivers events and recreational activities to promote mental stimulation and wellbeing. Source: National Careers Service UK Kitchen Assistant – Supports food preparation, maintains hygiene standards, and assists in meal service. Source: Carehome.co.uk Job Listings Laundry Assistant – Manages residents’ laundry services and ensures cleanliness. Source: Indeed UK Care Home Jobs Maintenance Officer – Responsible for general repairs and maintaining a safe care environment. Source: UK Care Ho...