14/11/2025
How to Survive in the UK After "Japa"—A Beginner’s Guide to Not Losing Your Sanity
1. So, you finally did it! You left behind NEPA wahala, Lagos traffic, and your mama’s hot, fresh jollof to start a new life in the UK. You thought life would be soft? Think again. The UK will humble you real quick! But don’t worry, here’s your "ultimate" survival guide to make sure you don’t just exist—you thrive.
2. Find Your "Plug"—This Is Not the Time to Be Shy
The UK is not a country where you just land and “figure it out.” Nah. You need connects! That one friend, cousin, WhatsApp group or random Facebook plug who can guide you on the cheapest supermarkets (Aldi and Lidl are your besties), where to get student discounts (NUS card is life), and which bus route will not take you to another planet. Befriend them. They are your GPS to survival.
3. Secure the Bag, But Protect Your Sanity
Listen the first time you will see £10 turn to N20k , you’ll be tempted to take every shift, every warehouse job, and every cleaning gig just to see pounds in your account. But let me tell you—if you don’t pace yourself, you’ll wake up one day speaking in tongues from exhaustion. The UK work system will test your stamina. Work, but don’t let pounds sterling finish you before you even chop life!
4. Your CV Is Your Golden Ticket—Polish It Like a Diamond
Let’s be real—nobody came to the UK just to wash plates forever. (Unless that’s your dream, no judgment.) If you have a degree, skills, or any experience, use it! Update your CV, jump on LinkedIn, apply for internships (even unpaid ones), and network like your rent depends on it—because it actually does. The goal is to upgrade from survival mode to big boy/big girl mode.
5. Friendships Are Like WiFi—Connect to the Right Ones
Ah, friendships in the UK! You will meet village people in disguise and also some genuinely good people. Be friendly to all but close to few. Some will only remember you when they need help with rent. Some will ghost you once they level up. Shine your eye. Find friends who actually support you and not just the ones who say, "Ah, you’re enjoying o!" while you’re crying inside.
6. Homesickness Will Hit You Like a Night Bus—Find Your People
There will be that day. You’ll wake up to cold, grey weather, you’ll miss home, and your soul will crave correct pounded yam with egusi. This is when you need your Naija community. Find your tribe—whether it’s in church, a cultural society, or that one Nigerian auntie who sells jollof rice and puff-puff from her kitchen. The UK can be lonely, but with the right people, you’ll survive.
7.Eye Opener: The First Few Months Will Be Humbling
You might sit in your tiny shared accommodation, stare at your UK bills, and wonder, "Who sent me message?" But give it time. With patience, smart moves, and a solid support system, you’ll go from struggling Japarian to certified UK big boy/big girl.
Stay sharp, stay strong, and most importantly—don't let the weather finish you!
Tag/share with that your Japa squad
