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Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 12:49am On Sep 09, 2022

Adazeal:
Hi guys, please look at this issue and let me know if I'm wrong or not.

Please, I just want to be sure that I'm right so I can stand well or just close eyes and pay the so called bills.

Your opinions please. Sorry for the long read

Landlord's responsibility. Stand your ground.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: General New Zealand Student Enquires by Ticha: 10:49pm On Aug 21, 2022

Nadingo:
Hmmm @bolded. Any cities in particular to avoid?

Hehe none. The whole of NZ is a volcano waiting to go pop, not to mention earthquakes as and when they happen.

Travel › Re: General New Zealand Student Enquires by Ticha: 10:31pm On Aug 21, 2022

Nadingo:
Am I right to say that if I apply for Masters in International relations, I would be able to move along with my family, be qualified for post study work permit and my children, a fee-free education in NZ?

Would N35m successfully relocate a family of 5 (me, wife and 3 kids) to NZ via study route?

Are there reoccurring natural disasters in NZ one should be aware of?

1. Yes
2. I have no idea. I haven't studied in NZ so can't help there.
3. Lots. NZ sits on the Pacific ring of fire and has many active volcanos.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:28pm On Aug 19, 2022

Goke7:
Let's be a bit realistic, except you get a high skilled job directly from outside the UK, it's almost impossible to even get a 40k job in few months after arriving as most high paying jobs may require security clearance that requires at least six months residence in the uk. I agree we shouldn't put too much pressure on folks who are just coming in as it may be counter productive. Rather we should encourage people to work their way up to that high paying level.

Am a stickler for the slow and steady rise in the uk system. I've seen those who even rigged their cvs to get these high paying jobs and they fail to deliver on the job and some got sacked to go back to square 1.

The good thing about the UK system is that it rewards your experience and consistency in the long run. Let's take it easy guys.

I have almost 20 years teaching experience from 3 countries. The maximum I would ever earn in the UK unless I become a school head, is about £37k. If I moved to a private school, I'd earn max 10k more for a much more greater responsibility. And a school head/ principal salary often caps out at around 60/70k as well. My starting salary was £18,300 so in 20 years even with increasing wages, this is where I top out.
There are certain sectors that pay extremely well. Majority do not. It's just what it is. It's also why the average UK wage is under £40k.

I do understand what Amara means. The fact that I'd never earn more than £37k doesn't mean that's all I have to earn or rely on.

14 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:26pm On Aug 16, 2022

DadR:
Madam Ticha, I greet o.

Pls. I'm in a somewhat similar situation.

Since we rented our 2br apartment in May 2022, my landlord is yet to lodge the deposit we paid. Also, immediately we paid deposit and 1 month rent, he sent us a draft 6-month tenancy agreement for our review and concurrence before both parties sign off. We got back to him that we are cool with the terms hence we should proceed to sign off. Up till now he hasn't said anything about it. In fact, that was his last communication to us.

I've sent SMS, WhatsApp messages, emails, called but he would neither pick nor respond. The guy is alive o, hale and hearty.

We needed him to fix something in the flat too, we reached out but he ignored as usual.

What can we do please? Cos we intend to leave the flat after our 6 month tenancy and we want our deposit back.

Thank you.

You have a tenancy under law so fear not. As long as you're paying rent as agreed, you have an active tenancy. Lexus is right. In this case, you won't even lose your deposit regardless of damage because he has broken the law by not lodging it and therefore can't claim anything off it. Even if he lodges it later, he has still failed to abide by the tenancy act. The good thing about not having a signed agreement is that there are no detrimental clauses he can enforce - at all.

Write him formally - by email and text (preferred for evidence) or by post - registered delivery so you have evidence - detailing what needs to be fixed, ask to have the tenancy agreement signed by both of you and your deposit protection letter for your own records. For example, you will need the tenancy agreement for certain things - prove your address, visa stuff as and when the time comes...

Is the issue to be fixed quite bad? i.e. does it impact on you living there? If it is very bad and he's not responsive, contact environmental health. The council will force him to take action but of course your relationship with him may become fraught.

But if you're leaving after 6 months, just relax and take him to the dispute resolution once the tenancy ends and claim back your deposit plus the extra. And if he has not provided any right to rent documents, claim the whole of your 6 months rent back too. First and foremost - check that he definitely hasn't protected it. You can easily check any of the 3 services - https://www.gov.uk/tenancy-deposit-protection/if-your-landlord-doesnt-protect-your-deposit

Make sure you give the right notice. Which is one month. Read here for more information - https://www.gov.uk/private-renting-tenancy-agreements/your-landlord-wants-to-end-your-tenancy

18 Likes 6 Shares

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 1:34am On Aug 15, 2022

teeebest:
Hello Elders, I spent 6 months already in my rented apartment as stated in the Tenancy agreement. My landlady just told me verbally she sold the house, that the new owner would not be subleting and I need to quickly look for another place.

I'm thinking I should ask for an official eviction notice with the hope that I will have some time to look for a comfortable place for my family.

How does these things work in this country please?

Are you subletting? ie - living in one room and she lives there too? If so then you have very little wriggle room and you will have to leave. Boarders don't have much legal standing under tenancy laws.

However if you are renting the whole house, then she needs to issue a S21. And also check that it is issued properly. Did she lodge your deposit? Provide you with right to rent documents? Have an EICR and GSC? Are those in date? If no, she has to do all those, issue them and give you an S21.
If you deposit is not protected and those documents not provided, you can actually sue her for the whole rent you have paid...

4 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 3:16pm On Aug 09, 2022

kode12:
Hi people, I've got a question that has always been at the back of my mind. Asking oyinbo might be a bit awkward but I'm sure naija should understand.
Why are there so many kids in the UK with autism or on the autistic spectrum? It almost seems as though the Brits consider it a badge of honor saying their kids are on the spectrum or to use it to claim disability.

I've seen a lot of kids who the parents claim are on the spectrum and honestly, they seem cognitively okay, and if it were naija some proper brain resetting beating every once in a while will likely realign the child, but the parents here just seem to use "on the spectrum" as a pass to allow the kids become uncontrollable and something a complete nuisance.

Is there some kind of inherited genetic predisposition for brits to be on the spectrum or is that just some quasi-cultural thing that has become part of the medical norm for doctors to just label the kids as on the spectrum?

##Or is my perception on the matter just skewed because Nigeria doesn't do enough testing to determine if kids are on the autistic spectrum or have cognitive disabilities and just assume the child is a "dullard"?

There are many things at play.

Firstly, autism and other learning disabilities have always been historically mis and under diagnosed and therefore no support (medical, academic, social) has ever been provided for children or adults who have needed it.

Of course now (in the last 20+ years) that our knowledge has changed and crucially, there is a glut of information, so everyone and the government has gone the other way.

It's similar child birth. It is now very over medicalised (which is both good and bad). Same as breastfeeding. Giving children autonomy and independence or protecting them.

Basically majority of developed countries cater over generously to those seen as needing support in anyway which then leads to everyone wanting to access that support cos why not? Especially when it is financial.

After all, it's not long ago that women would have been institutionalised for PMS.

4 Likes

Travel › Re: General New Zealand Student Enquires by Ticha: 2:34pm On Aug 08, 2022

Ichabodcrane:
After studies in New Zealand, do they let u stay back and work there? I need to know please.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/post-study-work-visa

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 1:26pm On Aug 06, 2022

Anessi:
Hi Ticha, please do you live in Ipswich? Or by any chance, know any Nigerians living there that you can connect me with? I have some enquires to make.

No I don't live in Ipswich. I used to work across Norfolk and Suffolk hence knowing those areas well.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 10:07am On Jul 15, 2022

DAramis:
I understand. I am still searching for one open to people irrespective of where the person resides. The one I saw specifically requested for UK resident.

A pointer from you would not be bad. I will still do my own due diligence.

My suggestion will be to go for one that has international branches - as that would mean they cater to a wide range of investors.

Obviously we've had Janus a long time but they're also international.

We chose Hargreaves Lansdown in London for our 2nd one - the kids accounts were opened in New Zealand but we pay into it in pounds and are not resident in the UK for tax purposes but we are British citizens so I'm not sure if that was a consideration.

Hope that helps.

5 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 9:58am On Jul 15, 2022

Advision:
Not sure why you cancel...but yes you can withdraw cash using your amec card....I think you get charged 3% charge though

@MrMash That is a huge no no with a credit card. You'll also get charged interest everyday and the interest on withdrawals is hefty in addition to the % charge on the amount withdrawn. It is always much more than the interest on using the card for purchases. It's a very fast way to get into spiralling debt.

If you want to withdraw money from a credit card, get a specific money transfer card which is purposely designed for accessing cash from credit cards.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/eligibility/credit-cards/search/?goal=CC_MONEYTRANSFER

3 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 10:59pm On Jul 14, 2022

IamE:
Ticha
kindly organize zoom lecture
There is so much we need to learn from you

Ha! I am still learning too o. Everyday is a school day grin

1 Like

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 10:50am On Jul 14, 2022

DAramis:
Hello, I was going through the UK thread and came across your writeup on retirement. This shares stuff is actually what caught my attention.

"Global Vanguard All Shares account."
Could you help out on the current name and possibly the mobile app (what it looks like) for someone interested in investing?

Google is not giving me much heads up apart from Janus Henderson.

Different investment companies use different names for the generalist accounts that are stocks and shares in the FTSE index so you just have to find one that you are comfortable investing in.

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 10:11am On Jul 14, 2022

Solumtoya:
Hi hi, please do you still have this spreadsheet? It will be a good resource as I'm trying to move closer to my office in London

Send me a message and I'll send you the spreadsheet - you'll need to update the costs as the ticket and rental prices are from 2013! But all the stations within a hour travel time into the main London stations are listed there

1 Like

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 1:16pm On Jul 08, 2022

jesmond3945:
i will borrow your idea of having sleepover with other kids. Why i raised up this issue is because of what is obtainable in naija were parents relate to each other during school run. This enables children to form friendships with a lot of people which help them mentally and otherwise.

School run is drop and run. You'll only have time to chat if parents don't have work to go to. Ask the class teacher if they have a class WhatsApp or email group - you'll get to meet other parents that way. Also ask the children who their friends are and invite them for a playdate. If they gel, you can make it regular and they will then have a group of friends. You have to facilitate it though and be ready to hear any number of excuses from the parents as well.

1 Like

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 4:50pm On Jul 06, 2022

jesmond3945:
Greetings fam. How do you manage your children not having playmates after school. This is because here parents tend to shield their kids from playing with other kids who are not from their race. Talking about other black kids, they might not be always available to play with your kids. I believe that kids needs to play and bond with other kids of their age for them to grow up normally.

\

They play with other kids at school don't they? That is them bonding with children their age for at least 6 hours everyday for 39 weeks every year. Infact if you extrapolate it, schooling (and in other western countries) here is age based for a reason. That is a community of children for them to tap into. They most certainly do not need to go off and play elsewhere after school to grow as normal children.

My closest friends usually also have at least one black parent as well and that is very deliberate on my part. Our kids are not even at the same school. We have play dates and sleep overs. We take turns having the children during the school holidays so each family has all the kids one week and vice versa. We go off and do activities together. Hikes, holidays etc. Because we also house swap, we have an international community of 'friends and their children' as well. Some we never see again, some we have kept in touch with over the years and have had repeated visits and an established relationship. We are lucky enough to afford regular international travel which means if you plonk my 8 year old anywhere, he will instantly make himself at home.

The biggest downside of that is that their friendship group changes constantly as we often move and travel. Our over all plan is to be settled in one place preferably the UK for their secondary education whilst fostering all existing relationships around the world with travel. The key thing is that we have to be willing to foster those relationships till they can manage it themselves.

I know this comes from a huge place of privilege. However, it's essentially what we have always planned and envisaged so worked towards achieving it and making it possible.

9 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 5:01am On Jun 24, 2022

Viruses:
If this website is credible, you shouldn't be considering "Help to Buy Scheme"

Help to buy as a whole closes in Oct 2022. It's altogether possible that it has closed in some areas. The help to buy ISA is closed. The help to buy equity loan scheme is still open till Oct.

https://www.gov.uk/help-to-buy-equity-loan

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:55am On Jun 24, 2022

Pearlyfaze:
Thank you for your advice.

Will I still pay the 25% value of my property even after returning their money.

The amount you will pay back is the money you were loaned plus 20% of the value as at the time you're repaying. Whichever way, unless house values fall, you will lose that 20%.

https://www.gov.uk/help-to-buy-equity-loan

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:47am On Jun 24, 2022

Pearlyfaze:
Thank you our Ticha.

Yes we do not need ILR for option one.
With our planning and projection, we will be able to pay down or pay at least 80% of the Government loan before the five years expires.

Secondly we have a Lisa account that will be one year by February 2023, we intend to draw from the Lisa to add to our deposit?. -

The plan was to use only my sugars name to buy the first house and later use my name for our second which obviously will be a buy to let but the challenge is I cannot use LISA for a buy to let according to what is written on their site. So thinking of Buying the first together pulling our Lisa together.

Thank you for your advice.

1 - Yes you can add the LISA to the deposit.

2. The biggest issue with this is that the bank will only take your earnings into consideration which will of course reduce your purchasing power. Secondly If you have a joint account and any money is coming from there or sugar's account for the deposit, your sugar will have to either declare (signed and noted by solicitor) that the money is a gift to you and that they have no stake at all in the house. Thirdly buying in separate names does not reset the first home buyer advantages unless you're not financially linked in any way. It will have to be a completely arms length transaction.

My advice - buy the first one jointly as a family home and you can play shenanigans with any subsequent purchase.

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:38am On Jun 24, 2022

ukay2:
Madam Ticha, oga Lexusgs430 etc

What's your advice on LISA first time house buyer...can l sell the house or rent the house if l am moving to another city without losing the government 25% contributions with the LISA funds used for deposit for Mortgage. If am going to lose the 25% government contribution to the LISA, then I am thinking of getting my 30% deposit myself and pay for Mortgage so that I can still sell the house or rent the house if am moving out of the city. Then continue to contribute to the LISA account until at retirement.

Your opinions please

If you're selling to replace the family home then that's fine as you're still buying another home to live in. Otherwise, I have no idea what happens if you don't replace the sold home - a conveyancing solicitor will be able to advise.

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 4:06am On Jun 23, 2022

Ameryx:
Thank you to everyone who took time to respond to my post, justwise, ticha, viruses, Goke7, Amarathripple0 et al. I can't respond individually so as not to spam the thread but I am grateful for the words of encouragement.

What is your background? Academic and workswise?

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 3:54am On Jun 23, 2022

Pearlyfaze:
Good evening ancestors.
Thank you for all the advice and survival tips you always drop here for us.

Please na property advice I want this time.

Please I need to know which is better between the following
1. "Help to Buy Scheme."
2. Shared ownership.
3. Saving up my 10-20% Deposit.

I understand that for a Help to buy, one do not pay interest for a certain number of years.

Is it OK to pay the Government HELP off within the non Interest paying year, if one is able to do so?.

Secondly, Is the help to buy scheme classified as Public FUND as we are not entitled to public fund.

Thank you dear worthy ancestors.

Confirm that you don't need ILR for no 1. Definitely flee from no 2.
If you don't need ILR for no 1, and you are disciplined with money then go with that but you will not be able to buy another property ie one to rent out until you've paid off the government loan. So it also depends on your long term plans

2 Likes

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 10:49pm On Jun 21, 2022*

Ameryx:
To my main aim of writing, I think I am depressed. I could not find a job in my first 3 months here. I did it for 2 months and I had to quit.

Hang in there. It will get better. You have determination, grit and skills. That's the toolkit you need.
My first UK job - my manager was a 19 year old. He was the crassest idiot I ever came across. It was depressing and many times I often wondered why I moved over. There were times I would cry all the way to work and all the way back home. It was depressing and I can easily see how depression is a huge issue in most developed countries. There were many weeks I would eat once every 2 days if I wanted to ensure my rent was paid and I had money for petrol. However once I realised going back to 9ja wasn't even an option, I basically had to sit up and shape up which meant remaining in that job.
I worked care at night and at WH (William Hill) during the day and gradually moved to supported living then segued into teaching.

Was it easy? No.
Is it doable? Yes

Hang in there please. Do not give up!

28 Likes 1 Share

Travel › Re: 8 Things You Need To Know About New Zealand by Ticha: 8:44am On Jun 19, 2022

Holajaid:
Lagos.

That visa has been issued to someone who is currently resident in Australia but has no Australian citizenship. Do you have an Aussie residence visa?

Travel › Re: 8 Things You Need To Know About New Zealand by Ticha: 12:02am On Jun 19, 2022

Holajaid:
Hello guys

NZeta approved. Verified.

Pls if u are in New Zealand, I need some little advice , I don't won't to make some first timer mistake. Thanks guys.
I've read alot of comments u guys are really great and I have learn alot as well.

Femijck
Solin
Ticha
And the rest.
U have creat a research centre here.
God bless u all

Where is your current location?

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 3:03am On Jun 18, 2022

Tawak:
What about this relief? https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax

The stamp duty relief ended in 2021. Standard rates of stamp duty have been re-instated so you'll pay stamp duty on a purchase price above 125k as long as you declare that you do not own any other property anywhere else in the world

Travel › Re: General New Zealand Student Enquires by Ticha: 10:02am On Jun 16, 2022

Benyz:
Please, how easy is it to get PR after studies in NZ . I read on the internet that one needs 160 points to get ITA from the government which I find very hard to attain after checking out the point based system. I plan to apply to university of Wakaito for a PhD in geology. Any information around this would be appreciated.

It depends on the sector you end up in.

It's a good idea to familiariaze yourself with the INZ new rules around PR and visas after studies. The link below is a good place to start. That list grants the quickest PRs (obviously it's an election year in 2023, who knows what will change?!)

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/work-and-employment/green-list-occupations

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 1:30am On Jun 04, 2022

Lalaity:
Hello Everyone. Thank you for all the useful tips.
My cousin has a Job offer with the NHS in Sunderland and Devon. Please which location is ideal for a black family.

(I am making this post on her behalf)

Devon is historically very expensive. It's also a very large county. Where in Devon? It stretches from Plymouth to Exeter to Ilfracombe

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 11:24pm On Jun 02, 2022

mumzt:
Celebrate with me people. I just passed my driving test! Passed at first attempt!

Congratulations!

1 Like

Travel › Re: Living In The Uk-life Of An Immigrant (part 2) by Ticha: 11:51pm On May 27, 2022

IamE:
Thanks for the tip.

But the context Paki. Is just as it is to me saying "9ja" or "whitee" or "brits"
No racial whatever in mind. Just slangs.

It's not. It's a defined racial slur and would land you in hot soup if used anywhere else.

5 Likes

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 4:10am On May 20, 2022

LagosismyHome:
I can just imagine your kids in my head.... they will be groomed to excel because when you follow a topic you follow it up and down and thoroughly

Welldone. I don't know how you create the time and effort. ... I am always well impressed and that our previous offline topic, I haven't had the time to do anything yet. Smh for me. Hopefully this year

My sis, we can't come and be making the same mistakes our forbears made na grin

I'm in the UK from the end of June for about 6 weeks. If you want, we can sit and spend some time and get you going on the other front. Baby steps will get you going!

3 Likes

Travel › Re: Parenting In The UK As A Nigerian Migrant. by Ticha: 11:03pm On May 19, 2022*

Mamatukwas:
I understand but shouldn’t this (SPAG) be taught as part of the standard English curriculum in school? Why are parents having to pay extra for English lessons?? It’s like the standard in schools is a bit lower than I thought it would be. Cause this ideally should be fundamental things.

The whole discourse has surprised me Wallahi.

It used to be taught. Then we stopped teaching it and marking on it because it was disproportionately disadvantaging children. Employers followed by universities started complaining about how learners were starting tertiary quals and work with basic academic writing skills. So it's been tweaked slightly. For higher grades, SPAG is considered. For grades at C and below, it's not quite a consideration. Basically rule of thumb is, if I can just about make sense of what the learner is trying to say then an E or D grade probably a C if the most cogent points are there is ok.
Grades at B, B+, A, A+ then SPAG will most definitely be considered. Therefore, it's touched upon but not taught unless that school streams students then it will be taught to those streamed to a high ability class.

Due to large classes, almost every teacher teaches to the middle ie the C graders. Therefore, parents have to step in to support the mid and low level learners to move up.

Certainly in terms of high standards, a well run, high functioning school in Nigeria definitely produces better quality students. It's why Nigerian and Indian students do well in the UK and most developed countries (maybe apart from the US) because educational attainment is not the over all aim of school for them nor is it touted that way. To get that level of instruction and consequently achievement, you'd have to go private or pay tutors. Even the grammar schools and academies (where possible) cater to students who are almost naturally high achieving ie they won't make a borderline student good without our external input.

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