English before moving to the UK
British English has its own habits: very polite indirect language, many regional accents, and everyday words like "GP", "council tax" and "flatmate". This guide covers what newcomers meet first and how we practise it.
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Written and reviewed by Mourade Boulanouar — Founder & Head of Teaching, EnglifyLast reviewed
In short
Before moving to the UK, practise registering with a GP and talking about symptoms, renting a flat (deposit, tenancy agreement, council tax, bills), British politeness at work, and listening to regional accents. Englify teaches these situations in live online lessons on Google Meet. This is practical language preparation, not visa advice.
Key facts
- Live classes with a teacher, online on Google Meet
- 60-minute sessions, levels A0 (complete beginner) to C1
- Free level check and free trial class before you pay
- 14-day refund from the first class, requested on WhatsApp
- Price given in your currency on WhatsApp or during the trial class
Related questions
Words you'll need in the first weeks
| Area | British words | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Health | GP, surgery, NHS, prescription, A&E | Family doctor, doctor's practice, public health service, medicine order, emergency department |
| Housing | flat, flatmate, tenancy agreement, deposit, council tax, bills | Apartment, person you share with, rental contract, money held by the landlord, local tax, utilities |
| Money | current account, sort code, direct debit | Everyday bank account, bank branch code, automatic monthly payment |
| Daily life | queue, the high street, a top-up, cheers | Line, main shopping street, adding credit, thanks |
British politeness
British English uses a lot of softening. "Would you mind…?", "I was wondering if…" and "Sorry" are everywhere. Being too direct can sound rude even when your grammar is correct.
Sounds rude
Give me a coffee.
Sounds natural
Could I have a coffee, please?
Sounds rude
Move.
Sounds natural
Sorry, could I just get past?
Sounds rude
I want an appointment.
Sounds natural
I was wondering if I could book an appointment.
Accents
You will hear many accents — London, Manchester, Scotland, Wales and more — plus international English. In lessons we practise listening to different speakers and, just as important, asking politely for repetition without embarrassment: "Sorry, I didn't catch that."
Talking to the GP
Booking
"I'd like to book an appointment, please. It's not urgent."
Describing the problem
Where it hurts, since when, how bad, what you have tried.
Understanding advice
Dosage, side effects, when to come back.
Checking
"Just to make sure — twice a day with food?"
Exam or everyday English?
Visas, universities and employers may require an approved English test. Check the official UK government website for requirements. For exam preparation see /ielts-preparation-morocco. This page is about the English of daily life.
Where to go next
Each of these pages answers a different question. Pick the one closest to your goal:
- English before you move (all countries): /english-before-you-move
- English before moving to Canada: /english-before-you-move/canada
- English for Arabic speakers: /english-for-arabic-speakers
- Online English for learners in the UAE: /english-for-arabic-speakers/uae
- English for work: /english-for-work
- Personalised English lessons: /personalised-english-lessons
- Online English speaking practice: /english-speaking-practice-online
Frequently asked questions
- How can I improve my English before moving to the UK?
- Practise real situations out loud: the GP, renting, banking, work small talk and phone calls, with a teacher who corrects you. Listen to different British accents regularly.
- Do you teach British English?
- We teach the vocabulary and politeness used in the UK and practise listening to British accents, in live online lessons.
- Do you give visa advice?
- No. We teach language only. Check visa rules on the official UK government website.
- Can I continue lessons after I arrive?
- Yes. Lessons are online on Google Meet, so you can continue from the UK.
- How much do lessons cost?
- We give the price in your currency on WhatsApp or during the free trial class.
Explore more
Start with a free level check and a free trial class
Tell us your goal on WhatsApp. We check your level, give you a free trial class and tell you the price in your currency before you decide.