I’m going to be applying for a different visa to stay in the UK since my five year visa is coming to an end. As part of the new visa, I’ve had to take the Life in the UK exam that meant acquiring a copy of the book and then reserving an examination.

Finding an examination centre is easy on their website, and although I found one nearby that did Saturday exams, the next available one was during a Monday morning period. Despite what you hear about the exam, the revised second edition seemed to be really pragmatic, and many tips that really would have been useful for anyone when they first arrive in the UK. They do a really decent job summarising the long history behind the UK and despite needing to sometimes memorise some strange percentages and facts, most of it makes a lot of sense.

When some people arrive in a new country, it is really safe for them to simply stay around the people and the culture that they’re aware of. Depending on how open that community is to other things, simple everyday tasks might seem strange. The book covers many practical aspects to living in the UK, such as how the government works around (and the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland), essentials that are easy to take for granted such as how rental agreements and the process for buying houses works all the way to the school system, work system and what things are covered by the NHS.

Sitting an exam was really interesting as well, since I hadn’t studied for one since leaving University. You end up with forty-five minutes on a multiple choice computer exam to answer twenty-four questions. I finished my exam in five minutes, after which I was allowed to see the steward to get my pass/fail result and although that seems quick, at least five people finished ahead of me, with one person finished in what seemed like two minutes. I made sure I even double checked them.

They don’t really tell you if you get stuff wrong, which would have been nice, but I’m glad I passed.