5 Must-Read Books for Anyone Moving to the UK


When you first start dreaming of moving to England, it feels new and exciting. But the reality of what it takes to actually make it happen can feel completely overwhelming.
Each of these 5 books kept me motivated and inspired in different ways on my journey. I highly recommend these reads to anyone hoping to move to England.
Pin for later!
Moving to England from America

1. Moving to England by Juliette Wilder

The Ultimate Guide to Moving Overseas and Living Your Best Life in the UK

To put it plainly, this is book that I wish I had before, during, and after my move to England. Written over two years, this guide contains everything that I learned about:

  • Visas
  • Searching for Jobs
  • Healthcare
  • Working for the NHS
  • Getting Your Kids into British Schools
  • Going to University 
  • Buying/Renting a Home
  • Learning to Drive
  • Shipping Your Belongings
  • And So Much More!

Moving to England is a best-seller in it’s category on Amazon and has 5-star reviews from its readers!

2. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Moving to England from America
Adventures of an American in Britain

Bill Bryson moved to England in his early 20s and lived for 20 years before writing his classic Notes from a Small Island. It has sold millions of copies since it was published in 1998, and continues to be one of the best books on moving to England from the United States. He has also written about his experience moving back to America with his British wife and teenagers before eventually settling back across the pond.

Iโ€™ve been a Bryson fan for years and read this book long before we were considering moving to England.

More than just a travel memoir. itโ€™s filled with British history and brilliant insights delivered with Brysonโ€™s trademark wit and humor.



3. Watching the English by Kate Fox

Moving to England from America
The Hidden Rules of English Behavior

British social anthropologist Kate Fox has written the unofficial guidebook for anyone hoping to understand the English. In this charming book, Kate unpacks English customs, social norms, and unwritten rules of behavior.

 Many American expats will tell you that it can take years to crack the code of English social behavior. Reading Watching the English helped me understand my new neighbors and coworkers, and probably saved me from putting my foot in my mouth more than once!

4. The Paris Letters by Janet MacLeod

Moving to England from America
One Womanโ€™s Journey from the Fast Lane to a Slow Stroll in Paris

This is the inspirational story of Janice MacLeod’s journey from working a 9-5 that she hated to living her dream life in Paris.

Janice moved to France and not England, but what’s important about this book is that we could all be Janice. She was unhappy in her life and wanted something different. She set a goal of saving enough to take a year off in Paris and worked on it every, single day.

Our whole family read The Paris Letters and have passed it on to others who needed a little inspiration to reach their goals. Itโ€™s worth mentioning that Janice worked the program from The Artistโ€™s Way during her transformation.

5. British English from A to Zed

Moving to England from America
A Definitive Guide to the Queenโ€™s English

George Bernard Shaw said that the British and Americans are โ€œtwo peoples separated by a common language.โ€

Itโ€™s true to that basic communication in the UK is generally easy. If you ask someone where the bathroom is, they will likely know you mean the toilet. (Even though โ€œbathroomโ€ in the UK is a term reserved for a room with an actual bathtub). But there are still times when it can feel like we aren’t speaking the same language at all.

In addition to being a primer for common British terms, British English A to Zed is a fun and entertaining introduction to British culture.

These were the books that helped me during my move to England from the US. Each one of these books inspired me in a different way, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!


These were my top 5 must-read books for moving to the UK. Is there something that is inspiring you on your journey across the pond? Please share in the comments below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • How to Move to the UK as a Nurse

    How to Move to the UK as a Nurse

    Moving to the UK as a Nurse: A Life-Changing Opportunity to Live and Work Abroad considering Moving to the UK as a Nurse? This post dives into the benefits and challenges of moving to the UK as a nurse and highlights the key differences between nursing in the US and the UK. If you’re a…

  • 5 Must-Read Books for Anyone Moving to the UK

    5 Must-Read Books for Anyone Moving to the UK

    Each of these 5 books kept me motivated and inspired in different ways on my journey. I highly recommend these reads to anyone hoping to move to England.

  • How to Move to the UK on a Student Visa in 2025

    How to Move to the UK on a Student Visa in 2025

    Many Americans dream of moving to the UK on a student visa, but big changes made in the last year have made it harder. Here’s what you need to know. A student visa offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned academic environment that England has to offer….

Similar Posts

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *