₦airaland Forum

IcecoldDon:
,

Thank you for this.

I have said this in the student room and will say it here again. You are relocating to any country out of Naija, learn two things:
1. Trading (crypto or stock)
2. Hand work as we call it in Naija. One I have found to be very profiting is baking (cake and pies)

Both require less amount of money to learn and practice. Baking flour and sugar are very cheap here in the UK and the house you rented has an oven with tray inside.

Trading, depending on which and your level of knowledge can give you atleast 20% of your investment 3 times a week (if you do daily trading and eliminate human greed). The good thing is times have changed, this things you can Learn on YouTube. There are lots of videos and people teaching this things online for free. Why for free, because they already made millions so your $100 learning fee won’t increase them, plus focus is on making more millions and the only way to do this is having more people investing.

If you think trading is risky and you don’t want that level of risk. Then learn how to bake. There are breakfast restaurants everywhere in the UK. In fact everywhere in the world (except Nigeria). Bakers or pastry chef make good pay and restaurant job is always available. why is the job always available becauese these are part time job done by students, so when they finish their study, they move job or relocate. Automatically a spot is available for the next man. Also restaurant owners tends to open more branches/outlets when they see their business growing. One thing people hardly tell you is that whites like to employ Africans (Nigerians) not just because of our strength. But because of our problem solving skills. Nigerians and Indians are one of the most loved, forget the scam stories and all, a wise man knows that there are negative people in every part of the world.

Eliminate that spirit of saying everything you don’t know is a lie. No b lie, on this same chat room I met one guy who is also into trading and we spoke over the phone once for about an hour. Within that 1hour we shared how we trade, I learnt a lot from just that one hour call. The guy disappeared or I disappeared and we never spoke again. We should learn to use the internet. Life’s are changing everyday by just simply learning things on YouTube and zoom by people.

Early this year, when the covid tied the world, I don’t know if people were scared of end time or it was just God touching peoples heart. Free training con full everywhere online. Even in a areas that ought to be rare like cybersecurity. Zoom had free open rooms you could join and learn things for free.

Knowledge is everything. Make we de learn.

hustla:
Wahala no come too much laidis

£2500 kwa

Lol.

@lexusgs430 what of donating of organs? Sey if person donate NHs go handle the other parts of the body? Hahahahahahahhaha. You can’t donate and still get cost to attend to na Abi?

Una no go kill person with this dead body matter wey una bring come table.

LagosismyHome:
Great things happen when a couple work together. .... so many cultural things in Nigeria needs to be unlearnt .... welldone and more power to you and your household


A couple friend just moved, their latest fight, the wife said a wife is not supposed to bring one naira/pound into the household.... and the man feels he should not do a single house chores...I don't even know where to begin with such mindset

Sis no blame either of them ooo. Na Nigerian issues de cause those things. I like to travel a lot and I do that because I learn new things whenever I go to a new country. Forget all those things wey we de watch for film, until you go the country before you go know the reason behind everything the people do.

Before relocating to the UK, me and my wife lived in Naija for 2yrs. During that period we see so many things and hear so many things. The one wey shock me na one day, a very good friend of mine (childhood friend that is like a brother ) came to our house. Cos of our relationship my wife already made pepper soup for the guy say we go eat with drink. My wife didn’t serve me cos she was thinking I will eat with my friend since he was like a brother.

Well long story short, Oga came and said he wanted to rest a bit before eating. So my wife served me something to hold myself with before Oga ready. After my wife dropped the food and left.

My friend just whispered to me:

“Guy why your wife de serve you with one meat. E no good, as head of the house you suppose de eat with nothing less than two meat. E no good no let another person see this kind thing”

I was shocked and surprised because the guy in question is a young man and not an old man. Me, when you sound stupid to me thinking you are smart, I respond with a joke to tell you, you are a joker. “ i just asked him if he saw “beware of dogs at my gate”..

But before he left, I felt like it was important for me to talk to him cos he’s actually like a brother. I had to start explaining to him that those things parents of those days did was as a result of poverty. So they think eating more and having the bigger portion meant they were the head. Now you eat whatever makes you happy.

Sometimes I don’t even eat meat because you go eat meat for rice, eat for semo and soup, eat for pepper soup and still eat with wine. Make person no con start to de do like animal one day. because na animals de eat meat always.

@dfmum I just read where you said you are not schooling but working. I don’t think it would be different, in fact it might even be worse as your crazy colleagues or boss may provoke you at work and you go de vex go house. It happened with my wife some times. I told her to always quench the fire for our door before she open am enter house cos no be we cause her problem (lol).

@ dr Lexus. I get one story wey I go gist you about one of my neighbor wey I go blow her eyes this new year if she no careful with me. Hehehehehehe. I go gist una for night, I think my village people or my wife village people de try reach us thru her.

I think sharing experiences helps give the reality of things. Make I share my story.

I have always believed in carrying my load (family) to everywhere I go to. My reasons are:

1. I get this inspiration when I see them.

2. I want them to enjoy everything I enjoy.

3. Financially I believe it will be too much having to keep my family in Naija or anywhere else and me being away. The maintenance cost will be high, as I will be doing everything in two’s …

4. Naija is not a safe place. What that means is you will always have your BP going up and down with the constant security issues in Nigeria (kidnapping and killing)

Even before our child came to the picture we traveled together and when one was going for training, the other will look for a short course to do (this is expensive, part of the reason our child came 2yrs after our marriage). This helped us grow together, as well as have similar-same goals.

Fast forward to coming to the UK. My wife was watching our son while I attend classes and do my part time crypto trading. We were good. Could afford all we needed. But I noticed my wife wasn’t happy as she felt like she should be working to help out financially. I tried to explain to her that the most important thing was helping the family which she was doing already. After my first semester I had no other option as having an unhappy partner is the last thing any man wants so I gave in and she got a Job.

Now the battle was taking care of a 2years old active male child, attending classes, and trading crypto daily (cos new variance of covid regularly means business could shut down again). The first weeks wasn’t funny as it was a lot for me. My wife tries to bath him and give him breakfast before she leaves. But some days it was too early and I don’t like to wake someone up from sleep to do anything. (In fact I still carry one of my mum sister for mind cos she use to wake me up then for irrelevant things).

It was challenging, in fact for the first time in my life, I thought maybe it wasn’t a good idea to come with them to the UK together. That was the first time I ever had that thought and was unhappy to even think that way. Luckily the next day was my wife’s off and early in the morning 7am, I took a 20mins walk just to get my mind and head together. While I was walking I noticed how beautiful the city is and I immediately got a reminder of why I like to carry my family with me everywhere I go. Na there e con click say things can’t be the same with a child involved and that the best thing for me was to enjoy the challenges. And that was it.

When I went back home, I became my normal self. Already my wife was doing all the shopping in the house with her card and she wasnt using my card. So I started enjoying not selling my coins to have pounds. I just changed my mindset towards everything and decided to accept and have fun with everything that comes my way. I normally don’t take this sweet drinks as I prefer fruit, but we buy them cos my wife and son likes to take them. I told my self I was gonna finish the juice she buys in less than 2days. To my surprise she was replacing them after I finish am. For lectures, I attended only the classes that was perfect for me and my son’s timing and watched records for the ones that didnt suit us. For group meetings (teams and zoom) I was constantly muted and only unmute to contribute (of course before the start of any meeting I declare to them that I will be muted because my child is here and i didn’t want them to add “ one little finger to our project”). I played with everything that concerned him and school. There was a day I was having a project meeting with one of my team and a guy asked if I had any final note to add to our work I just type “ twinkle twinkle little star” . They all started laughing and i told them thanks for accepting most of my contributions via chat rather than the usual call.

Now for result, first semester with my wife watching our son, I got only B’s and 1 D (no A’s). For the second semester I had combined duties , I got equal number of A and B with only 1C (the C was in a 10unint course, I believe it won’t matter much) . Third and final semester was project (result is not out) but I hope to get something better as I had a better understanding of time management and Timaya’s song - “this life I can’t kill my self o”.

Having kids and studying can not be an easy thing for any one weather man or woman. My advice is don’t try it, it stresses you mentally and if you are unable to manage the situation properly you will become aggressive towards your child (for doing children things).

To the lady that talked about her children and husband’s situation. You have gotten lots of good advise here from different people, I even had to share my story because of you. But don’t take any of the advise you have been offered, take only the one you and your husband agree to. Be careful not to force any of the suggested ideas on here to your partner, as this may not yield a good result. Just take your time and trust me the right idea will come to you. Remember you only got advise for the part of your situation you shared, they may not be the best idea considering your situation (which as human we can’t share completely with anyone except God).

For anyone (weather man or woman) considering coming to the UK with kids and partner. Just know that it won’t be easy, even money can’t do it (if you care a lot about who is actually watching your child) and the man must be ready to take care of the child(ren) after-all na you born them.

One thing I have told myself in this life is that I will have the best and perfect relationship with my child(ren). I want them to be able to share any and everything with me knowing that I won’t judge them but love them.

Last last na God de help us. So always seek for him in everything.

simplesimple:
Hi,
Was reading through your posts but didn't find answers to these questions.
Did you choose a school in Scotland
How much where you required to have as pof for the family of 6 and please what documents did you submit.
I'd be glad if you can assist me with more information.

Hi,

I think you quoted the wrong person. You were meant to quote lawali. I came in last year and don’t know if the amount changed. But you are required to have POF for everyone traveling with you.

Regards

ybahrbz91:
@Chreze Thank you so much for this information.
I plan moving to Glasgow next year February.
What is the average cost of Airbnb for a month.
How is Accommodation like at West Glasgow?

Hi,

The price of Airbnb is not fixed and sometimes difficult to estimate as it is based on availability. But one thing I know is that to get a good accommodation and at a good rate, you have to search and book early. February is a special month globally so there is high tendency that nice apartments with good price will be taken fast. My advice is you check Airbnb now, put your budgeted amount and see what comes out, if you see something you like, you just proceed to pay if you have your visa and sure of your flight.

Also, I think accommodations in Glasgow are not bad. By “not bad” I mean what you will obviously get an accommodation in the UK. What I can tell you is that a distance of 30 - 40 mins drive by bus can change the price of an apartment drastically. As a Nigerian we spend 30mins on a standstill traffic in Lagos (for example). That 30mins distance here can save a lot in your pocket for accommodation. So if you put in the Lagos traffic lesson, you will use it to get a cheaper apartment and drive 40mins by bus to your destination everyday.

The bus system is very good, I say this because as students (if that is your situation), these options help one save money.

obalala:
Landing in southampton next week, thanks for this info and update

Congrats. Please note that the information I shared is 99% accurate for Glasgow (or maybe Scotland). I have never visited London or England and so don’t know if the same applies 100%. I know similar from reading but never been there and don’t know what applies. You might wanna confirm from people who live and stay there.

Blessings

lawali:
Guess I can say good night . I actually resumed late to this forum. Going by about 30 pages I have read so far, I should have been here earlier.

I will still go back to read part1 and all pages of this part but I am struggling with time now.

I appreciate the creator, Fatimo04, the gurus I know from other group-Justwise, Lagosishome and many amazing folks here.

Ah, my journey on this mission started 3 years back from US thread and back to UK.

As e be now, my family of 6 finally got visa Nov ending. My initial plan is to sort out Accomodation within 3wks b/4 our journey but that was truncated by red listing that lasted for about 2 Wks.

I urgently need help on how to secure reasonable accommodation in Scotland-close to Glasgow/Paisley where I can peacefully raise kids and teenagers. Suggestion of areas to focus on will be appreciated. I have been searching Zoopla for weeks with no success yet. Our journey is this weekend and I think I may just settle for bnb/hotel for now till I sort this out but hoping it will be short to save money.

Pls like which documents do I need to collect from kids schools to transfer to UK school. I have final school results already but not sure if that suffices.

I have many other questions to ask relating to tax benefits for student & partner joint registration for lease, opening bank account, life generally but kindly respond on accommodation thing and school entry documents.

Thank you all.

You just reminded me of when I came to this place, so make I tell you more.

Getting the Airbnb for 1month might be a good option. When you get to the house here’s what to do and what I consider the order.

1. On the day or night of your arrival. Go to lebara site and order for a SIM card. It’s free. (http://lebara.co.uk/). And they will have it delivered to your apartment in about 48hrs. When buying the SIM card, go for the option of getting an unlimited calling and texting plan with data. The minimum is £5. That unlimited call will help you cos you will spend lots of time trying to understand what an average scots-man has said. The Accent different from the UK accent you think you know.

2. Once you get your sim, open a revolut or Monzo account immediately. Revolut will give you a virtual card. This virtual card you can use to pay for things while you wait for the physical card. Monzo don’t give virtual card but will send a physical card to your apartment in the shortest time.

3. With your SIM card you register for the letting sites and start the proper house search where you can call the landlord. Try to set up viewings for the day your isolation ends. So that you can get on the market quickly.

4. On the day of your stepping out. You can get a one week bus pass. With this bus pass you can go round to check houses with unlimited bus rides. This will help you when you miss you bus stop or your way. You can get the first bus app downloaded, then buy the one week ticket and scan with your phone. The ticket cost £17 for adult and £15 for students. Trust me this ticket will help you as moving with bus is the best option in Glasgow.

5. You can start to perfect your google usage. Especially the map. It’s a safer out here cos it works. One time in naij, google took me and my bro thru a one way street. Na God save us that day we for pay lastma.

The rest I think you will learn by experience and add to your own baking process.

Blessings

With all those my note I still forget something.

I think having the kids medical record is as important as school records (if not more). Get their medical record like which vaccine they have had and when. Especially for the younger kids (babies).

lawali:
Guess I can say good night . I actually resumed late to this forum. Going by about 30 pages I have read so far, I should have been here earlier.

I will still go back to read part1 and all pages of this part but I am struggling with time now.

I appreciate the creator, Fatimo04, the gurus I know from other group-Justwise, Lagosishome and many amazing folks here.

Ah, my journey on this mission started 3 years back from US thread and back to UK.

As e be now, my family of 6 finally got visa Nov ending. My initial plan is to sort out Accomodation within 3wks b/4 our journey but that was truncated by red listing that lasted for about 2 Wks.

I urgently need help on how to secure reasonable accommodation in Scotland-close to Glasgow/Paisley where I can peacefully raise kids and teenagers. Suggestion of areas to focus on will be appreciated. I have been searching Zoopla for weeks with no success yet. Our journey is this weekend and I think I may just settle for bnb/hotel for now till I sort this out but hoping it will be short to save money.

Pls like which documents do I need to collect from kids schools to transfer to UK school. I have final school results already but not sure if that suffices.

I have many other questions to ask relating to tax benefits for student & partner joint registration for lease, opening bank account, life generally but kindly respond on accommodation thing and school entry documents.

Thank you all.

The question are much and some above my level. I will touch on the part I know.

For accommodation, here’s what I did, I got an Airbnb apartment for a month, it turned out the owner was a good guy, during that last December lockdown me and the guy discussed and luckily him and his partner had properties that was empty due to the lockdown. Long sorry short, we got one of the apartment for a short 6months stay. I think this was possible for me because it was just me, wife and 1yr plus kid then.

Why my story? you could try it out too if it will work. Back to your questions.

It’s been challenging getting houses in Glasgow. It started with the climate summit, don’t know what the situation is right now. But I assume not too far from before. Paisley should have more options or staying in the towns closer to Glasgow city center. With your family size, I don’t think the yearly bus pass thing will work as you might need a car to have everyone together. I saw lots of houses around paisley when I was looking for one. Also East Kilbride and uddingston has flats too. They are not so expensive and the houses are nice.

For school for your kids, above 3’s get some hours fee free. Below 3, you will have to pay for. Mayb £750 and above depending on the hours you are going for.

Back to accommodation as I believe that would be top on your list. Try openrent (http://openrent.co.uk/) with them you get to speak to landlord directly. Explain your situation and reason for urgent need of an apartment. I noticed some of the landlord do this thing where they give houses to people who has job or school closest to the house. I think they see it as “who it benefits the most”. You might want to search closer to your place of work or school and add that as a reason for wanting the said flat. If you stick to the town outside city center of Glasgow, you are bound to get something good for your family size and at a low fee to start the country with.

From my experience, houses first appear on openrent and rightmove before they get to zoopla, before you contact at zoopla, they already overbooked for viewing. So you might want to put more energy on those two letting sites.

When searching for house, check the epc rating. With your family size I think that should be beyond the normal level of importance as warming the flat might cost more than the rent if the epc rating is not right. A good epc rating of C minimum might be your target. Not the C close to D ooo.

You can do the epc search yourself as it’s a life saving thing to know and it’s also fun to know. But if it gets confusing. You write here again, I am sure someone will respond.

If you need more tips, go to Fatima’s post of 2yrs ago. That was where I got my starting tips, before experience baked it up.

Blessings

Domistic:
if I heard you correctly, your wife that you are married to has never discussed about her Turkey refusal in time past and you have never seen your wife passport before or known about her travel history . Your own wife? Please don’t come here and be lying like we are all kids

Sometimes cut some people some slacks. This things can be true even as crazy as they sound. Yes as Nigerians we tend to lie a lot, but sometimes this things can happen.

Two areas to not get yourself involved in:

1. Husband and wife matter
2. Other people’s family issue.

Even if they bring am come your front. Give plain advice and go your own way.

@kenny, someone wrote something about uploading at the center for a fee. I think that sounds like a good advice if you are troubled about the mistake.

quivah:
Effect of living almost year in UK?
Lol.

Hahahahaha. Mama that thing be like small thing for our eye, but the way some people de take am no b small. Then one day I con reason am self. if I say make you call me ma, you no suppose de argue with me na, you suppose just call me ma. Na there I con start to understand them better.

mystikal:
Just putting this out there for any help I can get.

Arrived Glasgow on the 27th of November, stayed at a B&B for some days before moving into a recommended friend's flat in Maryhill road G20 where I am paying 400 pounds/month for a room. This arrangement is just for a month as the original room owner is due back in the first week of January.

I am currently searching for a studio or one room in a flat to move in before January in Glasgow. I have searched all the relevant sites and found a few, and looks like I might be settling for a 600 pounds/month room in G1 cos of the aesthetics, flexibility of tenancy and proximity to the University of Strathclyde where I am doing my PhD, but it is quite pricey and was looking for something in the region of 400-500 pounds per month, and was hoping if anyone here has any information that might help. I would be most grateful

Hi bro,

I will advice you to put more effort on open rent. The conversation is direct with the landlord and most landlord in Glasgow are reasonable. I also think your £400 budget is reasonable and if possible you can increase it a little bit.

I understand you want to stay close to your school. But here are some suggestion which I think are worth considering.
1. It might be noisy around that Univeristy area and I don’t know what you like, but you can get an apartment outside the city center for a good price and above all a good apartment.
2. First bus is a very good bus company in Glasgow and a year student bus pass (£400) means you can go out anywhere and anytime within the city. That’s paying £1.1 a day for unlimited bus access in that day. Normally it is £4 for a days bus pass for student.
3. You can also get a flat (mayb 2bed) with a fellow student and share the rent and bills. Atleast you guys will only pay for rent as you will both get exemption on council tax for the period of your study. This is not a bad idea if you are single and don’t mind sharing flat.

My advice will be, get an apartment outside the city center, then get a 1year bus pass. You will see nice apartment with that your £400 pound somewhere around East Kilbride. And yes it might be above 30mins bus drive to your school, but first bus frequent that place with multiple buses going that direction and above all, the apartment will be very very nice.

If you specifically want to stay around your school and don’t mind a little city noise, then ignore my advice above. Also I have called you bro because of the (m) on your profile, if I was wrong you correct me. It’s more reasonable addressing people by what they prefer.

Regards and welcome to Glasgow.

So almost a year ago I was here asking if I could carry hot water in my babys flask ( as I know say I get hot temper and that Nigerian airport people fit trigger the hot temper with that their mumu behavior.

—— well long story short. MSc program don finish. Just so happy. Can’t believe 1yr is close to an end. I can’t stop thanking the people who are contributing to this platform. The level of resources on this page alone no be here.

God bless you all.

@lagosismyhome, I always smile when I open NL and see your post or reply.

@aprokodaughter, how far, I remember we started the waka around same time. Sure you complete as well. If I read your post well, you got a job as well. Nice. Congrats

And na so like play MSc program don finish ooo. The endless quiz and project has finally ended.

If you on the journey, believe and have faith. It might not be clear from the start, but trust me with dedication and focus, it shall all end in praise.

Dependents get council tax exemption as well. Write to your council tax peeps. Fill the exemption form online and Upload details of you and your partners visa. They will send the exemption certificate to your apartment, one for you and the other for your partner with details of exemption period.

That’s how I did for myself and wife. Like someone said about visa rules. My wife’s own was not do medical works (or something like that). I didn’t read that well because e no concern us. Na Pastey chef she be and e far from medical work. I don’t know if that played any role.

But from what I read last year (and believe it’s still applicable this year). The dependent is exempted from council tax just as the main applicant.

justwise:
This argument is a yearly thing here, those who are planning to use untouchable loan to get a visa then come here with little or no money will get angry as they are doing now but you know what? Since 2009 when this thread started i'm yet to see any one of them come back here to say they have succeeded in studying and working to pay school fees, no jack has done that, soon one will open a thread to cry how the UK take your money and you get no job, they are racist bla bla bla.

All this fighting talk ends when they get to the UK and face reality, then they start looking for ways to stay back, claim to be gay, suddenly God has called them to become a pastor, marry their granny age mate here to stay, sham marriage etc.

When you pay thousands to the school and did not come with the money to survive here then you are not smart or intelligent

I believe deep down, we all know the truth. Naija hard well well, so people just want to leave by any means. Na to just de remind them say some of this ways them no de always work as we de think am.

You know say we Nigerians we too de lie. Person wey go de abroad de do another thing go tell family and friends say na school and work. You go believe them and enter, then you go con realize say the story wey them tell you get k-leg.

Just talk the one wey you won talk. Trust me, people wey go hear go hear, even if say na one person life you fit change with your advice, that one na kingdom work already…

With regards to the work and school discussion. When people who are here tell you it’s a challenging combination. Take it as the truth. When someone tells you it’s impossible, take that too cos he/she may be speaking from experience.

I don’t think combining any two activities at the same time can ever be easy and I think working and schooling is difficult in any part of the world. I know guys who work and study and I will tell you it’s not easy. Believe me. It’s very challenging.

Is it possible? Yes very possible and you can still get a good result.

Will I advice anyone? ….hmmmmm….

Here’s what I will advice:

Try to get something (enough money) to cover your first semester, during the first semester, use it to understand how your Univeristy function and it’s difficulty level. Trust me, the difficult level for University’s varies. Some Univeristy are more difficult (especially those at the top), while some are not so difficult. (I purposely did not use “are not difficult” and that because difficulty is self defined)

After the first semester, you will be able to decide for yourself how you intend to merge the work and school. And possibly you would have made friend(s) that will give you some school update and assist you too.

The reason why Mr(s) A was able to work and school could be because his/her Univeristy was not as difficult as Mr(s) B. Hence why Mr(s) B would tell you it’s difficult or impossible to work and still get good grades.

Above all, don’t ignore advice from people because it’s not in line with what you want to hear or believe. Take every advice you get, Use only the ones you believe and trust. Everything no be argument and curse. Person wey tell you say make you no work and school no go de when you begin face panel for plagiarism because you could not properly translate what you have read into writing.

Trust me my brothers and sisters, e easy for this UK to just change for person eyes like magic oooo. All those plans and imagination wey you don dream of go just turn tears and regret.

In the voice of my people: God no go shame us…

Blessings

TheGuyFromHR:
It's not.
Scottish mid-income earners and above pay more tax than the rest of the UK, so the SNP throws in services such as this one and the extra 15 hours free nursery school.

Men that tax thing can be somehow when you receive your pay sha. My wife didn’t receive the thing well when she got her first proper pay. I had to preach so many things for her to come to terms with it. It was kind of much sha.

But hey, I would rather pay high tax and have things working. Than pay little n get the little stolen by some illiterate or bunch of elderly liars.

mizGene:
Hello everyone,
Please can you confirm if the NHS cover for students and their dependents cover prescribed medicines as well or is it just the services?

For Scotland (Glasgow) yes. My wife gets her prescribe drugs for free from the pharmacy.

I don’t know if it’s same across the UK. But I would expect it to be.

ukapplicant:
Hello family, please does anyone knows of good stores in UK or precisely hull for laptops?

Go to the website of the brand you are interested in buying eg hp.com.uk . Make order and payment. It will be delivered to your provided address. They have student offer, check to get discount as a student. Alternatively you can get from currypc (online or in store) Search for your choice, pay and it will be delivered to your address.

TheGuyFromHR:
Ah, you're still summarising the f- word. You havent really lived in Glesga yet then
I've not spent much time in Glasgow, just passing through on my way to or from London by night bus when I was a student in Aberdeen, but I have memories of the volume of profanity you hear in that their bus station behind GCU or on the couple of times I upgraded to a train and had to walk from Central to Queen Street. I don't think I've heard so many "f-cks" thrown around in a short space of time, even in London.

But on the other hand, I do agree with you about the friendliness of Glesga people, they are known for that, along with that their strong accent, they have this way of getting up close and initiating conversations (someone at a bus station once took it upon himself to show me how to pronounce Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen properly and gave me a lecture about the Aberdeen dialect).

Yeah you are right with the F-word. But I think it’s common in most cities abroad. But the difference is, here it is mostly used as an exclamation than an abuse. They use it to express surprise, shock, happiness, excitement and all. They say it laughing and smiling. It’s hard to fault a usage of that nature.

LagosismyHome:
Drop authorisation letter with a very trusted person and any document needed for pickup . So that the person can pick up the passport and then send it to you in UK... no need to come back to naija for that

As for UK yes she can enter. The officer might tell you that she has the wrong papers if she intending to be there not for visiting but you can explain. Just ensure you know your right that legally she can enter. Hopefully shouldn't be an issue

God go bless you for this job wey you de do for this places since only God knows how many years ago.

And for others too who still do this same job. Una no go find anything and not see am.

Studying in UK is fun. Almost done with my masters program (3months to go), here are some advice based on experience.

1. Before leaving Naija, try to learn something eg handwork (this advice will never go old). New things to learn that will make life easier and better for you here, learn financial trading (stock or crypto). This stuffs can help you make some money while you focus on your studies. Crypto is very good (yes high risk) but take your time to learn properly, eliminating the human greed, it will make you a thousandnaire in any currency of your choice.

2. Research is a good skill to posses as most university here expect you to posses this. It’s not a Nigerian thing as most of our program (if not all) in Nigeria are taught and not research based. But here even the taught programs have a reasonable amount of research work in them.

3. Try to arrange some money for your program ( this is difficult base on Nigeria issues) but this will help you focus on your program and work less. Hence why I advised trading as you can do that at home without going out.

4. In Nigeria we are known for essay writing, rather than paper summary. But trust me, it’s a lot more difficult writing an essay here as you will have to reference everything to avoid plagiarism (this is a very big deal here, browse about it’s proper meaning). But on the contrary paper summary is not as difficult as it seems, all you have to do is read the paper very well, then drop the material and summarize base on your understanding of the material. I will say this again, this is easier compared to essay writing.

5. Take your time now while you are waiting for your visa or planning on traveling to learn two things. What Plagiarism is all about in the UK and how to read a paper. Reading a paper sounds easy but it’s not. To avoid plagiarism, there are certain rules to reading a paper that will guide you. (Search YouTube for materials on “Research and Professional Skill”) this should help you in building your writing skills.

6. If possible learn how to bake and make pastries. Learn the normal baking of cake and other pastries (pies and donut and all their relatives). If you know the basics, it will be easier to learn and work at breakfast restaurants here as you just need to get their recipes. Whites like pastries (this is same for most cities in the world). Hence why it is considered easier to get restaurants job. Bakers are constantly needed, because new breakfast-shops open almost every time and the pay is more than frontline staff at restaurants.

7. Listen more than you talk. Listen to people talk, most of the things you think you know are not the way they are or ought to be. A lot of things even the little things like “English language”.

8. Make YouTube and Google you best friend. This two apps/site helped me a-lot. you can get the answer to anything/everything on them. But remember Plagiarism if you are using them for school work that will be submitted.

9. plagiarism was mentioned severally in this my long story, that’s because it’s the reason why most people won’t be proceeding to project stage in my school. And the funny thing is, plagiarism is as little as using your teachers words/note without clearly stating you got it from his/her note. Dumb right, but a very big deal over here.

Again, learn trading, forex, stock or crypto. It will help you as you can be getting some small small thing to hold body. This is just a ruff summary of things that can help you here.

Above all, give some time to your studies as it’s the first reason why you are there. When in skool, try to work for short hours maybe work for just food and rent. Don’t over do it, remember your program is probably 1yr or 2 and it will be nice to graduate with a good result. If not for anything, at-least for the time and money you spent going to study abroad. After your program you can work for 23hrs a day and sleep 1hr, that’s between you and your GP that time.

Blessings.

[quote author=Chreze post=106114751]So I had a very humbling experience yesterday. We (myself, wife and 2yrs plus kid) have been in Scotland (Glasgow) for almost 10months now. Before going with the option of Scotland. I had 3 countries I wanted to live and raise a family (in the world). Finland, New Zealand and Scotland. My reason for these options was mainly focused on living in a society where love for human is of high priority

PS: Glasgow is not perfect. I do go to the kids park and I hear them use little foul words too. But that’s about it, above all, they love. The people are loving and it shows in the children.
[/quot

F-ing hell, this thing long. Na after I post I con see say I de copy note since.

But hey, once in a while long post to pass a message should be considered.

So I had a very humbling experience yesterday. We (myself, wife and 2yrs plus kid) have been in Scotland (Glasgow) for almost 10months now. Before going with the option of Scotland. I had 3 countries I wanted to live and raise a family (in the world). Finland, New Zealand and Scotland. My reason for these options was mainly focused on living in a society where love for human is of high priority to the people there.

Before streamlining to those options I got lot of attractive offers for MSc and all that from other parts of the world. But because my no1 aim of relocating abroad is for my child and hopefully children, I decided to go for Glasgow (Scotland). I want my child/children to live with humans ( as in real human with human feelings and consideration when doing things). I did lot of research about the Glasgow/scots and was impressed with what I saw online. Got a 10k discount from my Univeristy and I accepted it because it was in the top 100 Univeristy in the world (which for one silly reason is important to me).

On my way from the airport December last year, glasgow didn’t give me that wow vibe (maybe because we were comparing it to other cities we had visited in the past (like Paris and it’s siblings). But based on my research, I was like maybe na covid cause am.

I have lived here for 10 months and I can tell you that Glasgow is one good place to raise a family. The people are loving and very nice.

Now this is the important part:
Today I went to view a property we were considering for long term stay and before leaving the house I got a full day Glasgow city pass. It’s the one I get normally when I am going out cos I can stop anywhere and check anything, then continue my waka (all in same pass). I went with my son to view the property, after the viewing then back to the bustop. This is outside Glasgow city (Unknown to me). I tried scanning my bus pass on my phone and it was rejected, tried twice and same, the driver checked and said it won’t work. Being surprised, I had to come down to check why it didn’t work as it has always been my waka waka ticket.

As I was checking my phone and considering getting another pass back to the city center, two young boys (aged probably 7 - 10 or so) approached me,

Boys: hi, I was in the bus you were about boarding, here (they offered me a coin I think 2pound) you can use this.

Me: in shock and surprised, I replied, oh thanks guys (and I started to explain to them what happened)

Now this is the part that almost got me to tears. After my explanation this boys replied me with

Boys: Sure?

Me: I said yes and thank you very much.

They said ok and left. I stood there for some minutes surprised. The sure they asked me was if those my stories were adult lie lie story I guessed. This boys are f-ing young believe me.

Now I have had the elderly be nice and wonderful (especially when they see you with your kids), similarly with younger guys too. But for this kids own, it knocked me off. This boys came down the bustop after where I was standing to offer me a coin to take a bus.

Please and please, if you are married, unmarried but planing to, have kids, don’t have kids yet. Please when you are planing to relocate abroad, abeg break the Nigerian chain of going for where you will make money. Money is not everything oooo. I repeat MONEY Is NOT EVERYTHING oooo. Go to places where people are humanly nice (I used the word humanly because you know they are not nice for any gains other than humanity). I don’t want to talk bad about any city/country in the UK. My message is just to let you know that Glasgow is a wonderful place. The people are great. This doesn’t mean the house issue is not here, but even in that difficulty, you will still see someone offer you something to hold on to while you search for the wonderful place you want.

Make your research, base them on something order than money. Let’s raise wonderful children that will not be all about what their grandfather did to slaves or how their grandfather was a slave. Children that will just love themself and not see colour as anything.

I had to put this here because all the time, all I see here is “where I will make money” and all that. Please note I am not saying money is not important, a little money and a little human will be a balanced environment.

PS: Glasgow is not perfect. I do go to the kids park and I hear them use little foul words too. But that’s about it, above all, they love. The people are loving and it shows in the children.

erico2k2:
I had this same damn problem when I was in Nigeria just now,I take it you are talking about paying for the covid jab, I had to get my friends in the Uk to ring their bloody customer service of which waiting time was up to nearly one hour!

No bro. It’s passport renewal and she used her uk bank card. I try not to do anything thing cyber with Naija banks. Any challenge, you go begin call bank manager and director to resolve the issue. I no get strength.

Mimzyy:
Oh I didn’t experience this as the payment process was seamless after my card was approved.

Can I ask if you’re trying to make payment in the uk with a naija card? If yes, probably the site wouldn’t allow? Maybe try registering a different card?

Sorry I couldn’t help further.

Thanks for the reply. It’s actually a uk bank card. It’s annoying.

Mimzyy:
I believe you need to register your card first (if you haven’t done so) before you can use it on the site. At least, that’s how I did mine. You’ll submit the card details with proof of id, then you’ll get an email like the one below when the card has been approved for usage.

P.S I used my debit card. The website also classifies/addresses all cards as credit cards from my experience.

Hi Mimzy, so my wife got a reply that the card has been approved. But she still tried the card and after clicking “make payment”. The window disappears and goes back to the “entering of card details” page again. She has tried different web browsers, but still same issue. She has also sent mails to complain about the experience twice but still no response. Do you have any idea on how to go about this.

Anyone had this kind of experience?

Mimzyy:
I believe you need to register your card first (if you haven’t done so) before you can use it on the site. At least, that’s how I did mine. You’ll submit the card details with proof of id, then you’ll get an email like the one below when the card has been approved for usage.

P.S I used my debit card. The website also classifies/addresses all cards as credit cards from my experience.

Thank you.

Happy weekend guys. Please anyone recently paid for passport renewal. My wife has been trying to pay on the innovation site and it’s not accepting her debit card. There are mixed information on if it’s just credit card that is accepted or both debit card.

Please anyone can help. At first I thought it was network or site is down, but it’s over 3days now.

Also if it’s credit card, is there anyway one without a credit card can make payment? Cos we don’t have one at the moment and we are not in England.