Moving from Denmark to the United Kingdom

A PhD scholarship in Bath set our move in motion

We decided to move after I was awarded a scholarship for a PhD in Bath, having been selected from 3,500 applicants. The neuroscience programme will last four years.

This opportunity was what prompted us to leave Copenhagen and start a new chapter in England. It was a big change, and the best way to describe the whole experience is probably overwhelming but exciting.

Finding a moving company through Sirelo

When it came to finding a moving company, I started with Sirelo. We contacted several companies before eventually choosing Jonas.

I chose them because they made me feel that they had everything under control and took responsibility for the process. That was particularly important to me, as I had previously had a disappointing experience with another moving company.

Looking back, I’m happy with our choice and feel that the service we received was worth the money.

Transfer of Residence relief, customs and what to bring

One of my biggest concerns before the move was whether our belongings would be collected on time and qualify for customs duty relief under the UK’s Transfer of Residence (ToR) scheme.

Another question was how much we should actually bring with us. I had expected the move to cost less than it did, and we’ve ended up buying quite a few things since arriving in England.

Looking back, I wish we had brought more of our belongings from Denmark.

I also learnt that moving companies may charge for a minimum shipment volume, measured in cubic metres. Knowing this beforehand would have helped me make a more informed decision about what to take.

The move itself was easy, but I missed my bed

The move itself went smoothly. What I found more difficult was waiting for our belongings to arrive.

Although we knew when they were expected, the wait felt quite long. More than anything, I missed having my own bed.

What went well during our move

• The moving process itself was straightforward.
• I was happy with Jonas and the service we received.
• I felt confident that the company had everything under control and took responsibility for the process.
• We knew when our belongings were expected to arrive.

What didn’t go as expected

• The move was more expensive than I had anticipated.
• Waiting for our belongings felt longer than expected.
• I particularly missed my bed while we waited for the delivery.
• We ended up buying things in England that we could have brought from Denmark.

Adjusting to life in Bath: hills, history and friendly people

My first impression of England was that it was incredibly beautiful and very different from Denmark.

One of the first things I noticed was how hilly Bath is. Coming from Denmark, where much of the landscape is relatively flat, it took some getting used to walking up and down hills every day.

At the same time, I think the hills are part of what makes Bath such a charming place to live.

The historic buildings, beautiful streets and green countryside surrounding the city give it a special atmosphere. It has also been interesting to experience the differences in everyday life and culture compared with Denmark.

What stood out to me most, though, was the people. Everyone I’ve met has been friendly, kind and welcoming, which has made settling into a new country much easier.

How Bath gradually started to feel like home

I’ve met some lovely people through my PhD, and attending social events has helped me make new connections.

Although moving to a new country was exciting and a little overwhelming at first, I quickly developed a positive impression of Bath and life in England.

However, I don’t think it truly started to feel like home until our belongings finally arrived.

Once I could decorate the house properly and surround myself with our own things, it began to feel like our home rather than just somewhere we were staying.

What I would do differently when moving abroad

If I were giving advice to someone planning a similar move, I would focus on preparing early and thinking carefully about what to bring.

Based on my experience, these are the things I would do differently:

• Start planning early. Give yourself enough time to organise the move and deal with the necessary paperwork.
• Apply for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief well in advance. Check the application requirements and make sure you understand which dates and documents are needed.
• Plan the arrival of your belongings carefully. Coordinate the collection and delivery dates with your moving company and check how these relate to your ToR application.
• Think carefully about how much to bring. If your moving company charges for a minimum shipment volume, bringing a few additional belongings might be more cost-effective than replacing them after arrival.
• Check your insurance coverage. Consider having the moving company pack your belongings and ask whether professional packing affects the level of protection provided.

From a PhD opportunity to a new life in Bath

Our move from Copenhagen to Bath began with the opportunity to pursue a four-year PhD in neuroscience. What followed was a major change in our everyday lives.

Before the move, I was particularly concerned about customs relief and whether our belongings would be collected on time. Looking back, I also wish we had brought more of our things with us.

Fortunately, the moving process itself went smoothly, even if waiting for our belongings, especially my bed, was harder than I expected.

Once everything arrived and I could finally make our house feel like home, settling into life in Bath became much easier.

Together with the welcoming people I’ve met through my PhD, that has helped turn an unfamiliar place into somewhere I feel comfortable and happy.

If I had to sum up the whole experience in just a few words, they would be: