One thing that I found a little frustrating is how specialized so many shops here are. I’m used to being able to get a lot of things in one place; in the UK things can be a little harder to track down. So, to help you out…

Groceries: This is pretty straightforward. ASDA, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Co Op are all grocery stores in the London area. Some will have the appendage “Local” or “Express” to their names; that means they are smaller. Those smaller shops still usually have an impressive selection of produce, which is good. They also will likely be open long hours seven days a week — 6 AM – 10 PM or 7 AM – 11 PM.

These stores often also have a giant counterpoint — a “Metro” or “Superstore” version. This is important because shops in the UK with a large square footage are limited to being open for six hours on Sundays, and must be closed on Easter and Christmas. So, if you arrive on a Sunday, be sure to get your shopping in mid-day if your only option is one of these larger shops.

Toiletries: Many grocery stores (even the small locals) will have a selection of basic toiletries, which can help in a pinch. But for the bigger things — and in some cases for pharmacies — you’ll want Boots or Superdrug. They have cosmetics, dental care items, hair care items, skin care items, and some limited nutrition (vitamin) options.

Health: Boots and Superdrug may have a pharmacy in them, but the NHS also has pharmacies. Look for the green cross sticking out the side of the shop over the door, and that’s where you’ll go to get cold medicine, pain reliever, etc. Like the US, pseudoephedrine is a behind-the-counter medication, but while you don’t have to sign a register, they will ask you a LOT of questions about use. They also don’t have Vicks, but I’ve found that Night Nurse is a good equivalent.

Home Goods: I’m talking about things like sheets, or dishes, or kitchen supplies. Many of the “Super” versions of grocery stores like Sainsbury’s or ASDA have home goods sections. Dunelm is a smaller-scale Bed-Bath-and-Beyond-type store that will have a wider selection of pillows / duvets. Argos is also a kind of fascinating shop that is good for somewhat cheap home goods. We were able to get a large litter box, trash cans (rubbish bins), clothes hangers, etc., from this place. What’s fascinating to me is that this is essentially a catalog shop. You look either online or in a catalog, then place your order and their staff pull it from their shelves. They also deliver, which can be nice.

Pet Supplies: Pets at Home is a good shop option. They have supplies for dogs and cats, as well as smaller animals. We were able to find a couple of things we used in the US there, but be prepared that some of the higher-end brands aren’t available in the UK. I’m sure there are equivalents, so you’ll need to play around with brands and see what your little buddies like.

Office Supplies: Maplin has small electronics like printers and such supplies (but they’re are online only), as does Currys / PC World. Ryman has stationery.

Everyone has their own suggestions, tips, and tricks to combat jet lag. I’ve not found one that works super well for me. I used to try to stay up all day the day I arrive, but I just end up tired and still waking up way too early the next day. So I do suggest taking just an hour nap so you can get through the day.

I know, that’s controversial. But I can’t function without sleep, and I don’t sleep well on planes, so I chose to take a nap, and it allowed me to at least sort of function the first few days.

But it will be rough, so take care that you and your partner aren’t snipping at each other — or are more understanding if you are. Moving is rough; throwing sleep deprivation on top is rougher.

That said, here are some tips on how you might be able to beat jet leg better than I did:

NHS tips

15 Ideas

Sleep Foundation

Arriving in the UK

We took a red-eye flight and landed at Heathrow at 7:15 AM on a weekday, along with what seemed like 2,000 of our closest friends. That might sound like an exaggeration, but it took nearly an hour to get to the counter. It sucked. We were tired, cranky, nervous, and surrounded by people. Also, I hadn’t used the bathroom before getting in line, which is not an error I’ll be making again.

You’ll need to have your passport with you (duh) but also the letter that is included when your visa is returned. It explains in more detail your visa. The immigration agent who checked us in explained the system and process very kindly. Also, as I mentioned in the visa section, do NOT go to the e-gates, despite them saying people with US passports should use them. You need to talk to a human and get your paperwork checked.

By the time we got through, our luggage had been offloaded and removed from the carousel. We weren’t stopped at customs for inspection, so we got out the door at arrivals and were met by our ride to our temporary housing.

The Final Step

Within ten days of arriving in the UK, you’ll need to pick up your biometric residency permit. It’ll be at a post office close to the address you provided in your visa application as your temporary residency, and it’ll only take a few minutes to get. Bring your passports and your immigration letters, and you’ll be given these little credit-card sized permits with a (if you’re me, very unflattering) photo of you and some details about your visa, including:

• Dates that the visa is valid for
• National Insurance number
• Limitations on work (I, for example, am not allowed to work in sports broadcasting, I think)
• The fact that you are not eligible for benefits

You are not required to carry this with you as you move about the UK, but you will need to show it whenever you return to the UK from traveling abroad. I recommend sticking it in your passport so you always have it with you when you go away.