01
Understand the difference
See how everyday systems in the U.S. differ from what you’re used to in the UK.
Moving from the UK to the U.S.?
Move with a plan
— not just hope.
A practical UK-to-U.S. guide that translates everyday American systems, from credit and renting to healthcare and settling in, with a clear roadmap for what to tackle before the move, when you land and through your first 90 days.
GET THE FREE BETA
5-page preview · No payment required
Created by a Brit who made the solo move from London to Los Angeles.
New country.
Same you.
Same you.
UK → U.S.
context
context
What to
tackle first
tackle first
Real everyday
systems
systems
Settling in, not
just setting up
just setting up
Knowing you can move is one thing. Knowing how to actually build a life once you arrive is another.
How It Works
Translate the system. Find your next step.
The method turns unfamiliar U.S. systems into practical decisions you can understand and act on.
02
Know what to tackle first
Understand what needs attention before the move, at arrival and during your first few months.
03
Take the next step
Use practical explanations, checklists and prompts to move forward with more confidence.
Know what to tackle first and what can wait.
I knew I wanted to build a life in America. What I didn’t know was how many everyday things I’d have to figure out just to get started.
The Founder
From London to L.A.
I moved from London to Los Angeles and spent years learning how everyday life in America actually works, from credit and banking to healthcare, renting, paperwork and all the little systems you don’t realise are different until you’re living here.
But I also learned that moving countries isn’t only about paperwork and practicalities. It’s about rebuilding familiarity, friendships, community and a sense of belonging.
The Life Manual is the resource I wish I’d had when I arrived: practical, straightforward guidance designed to help the next person spend less time figuring things out the hard way and more time building their life here.
Shakira xThe Guide
Inside The Life Manual
The practical questions no one thinks to explain alongside the personal side of starting again.
01
Before You Move
What should you sort in the UK so your first weeks don’t become a scramble?
02
Arrival Week
When everything feels urgent, what actually needs attention first?
03
Your First 30 Days
Which early tasks help the rest of your life start falling into place?
04
Banking & Credit
No U.S. credit history. Where do you even start?
05
Renting & Housing
What happens when your UK rental and credit history doesn’t translate?
06
Healthcare & Insurance
What do you actually do when you need a doctor in a system you’ve never used?
07
Transportation & Getting Around
Do you need a car straight away, or can you get established another way first?
08
Everyday U.S. Systems & Paperwork
The small differences nobody warns you about until you’re trying to do something ordinary.
09
Belonging, Homesickness & Building Community
How do you build familiarity and community when everything still feels new?
10
Your First 90 Days Roadmap
How do you turn dozens of unfamiliar tasks into a sequence you can actually follow?
Because moving countries isn’t only about getting set up. It’s about building a life that starts to feel like yours.
Actual Pages From The Beta
A Look Inside
UK assumptions. U.S. realities. Practical next steps.
Your First 90 Days
Moving isn’t one decision.
It’s dozens of unfamiliar decisions arriving at once. The Life Manual helps put those decisions in an order that makes sense.
01
Before You Move
Arrive with more clarity.
- Gather key documents
- Research housing
- Budget for setup costs
- Understand healthcare basics
Shakira’s Note
“The more you can organise before you land, the less you’ll have to figure out while everything still feels unfamiliar.”
02
Arrival Week
Handle the right first steps.
- Open a U.S. bank account
- Get a phone / SIM
- Save key addresses and contacts
- Organise an essentials folder
Shakira’s Note
“You don’t need to solve your whole life this week. Start with the things that unlock everything else.”
03
Days 1–30
Build your everyday foundations.
- Apply for SSN if eligible
- Review insurance
- Set up utilities / transport
- Begin building routines
Shakira’s Note
“This is when the small systems start becoming your everyday life. Give yourself time to learn them.”
04
Days 31–60
Build momentum and familiarity.
- Build credit intentionally
- Start meeting people
- Understand workplace and cultural differences
- Develop weekly routines
- Find regular places that help the city feel familiar
Shakira’s Note
“This was the stage where I realised settling in wasn’t only about paperwork. I also needed routine, familiar places and people.”
05
Days 61–90
Feel more settled and connected.
- Strengthen your community
- Check in on homesickness and emotional adjustment
- Review anything that still feels unclear
- Deepen social connections
- Decide what your next steps are
Shakira’s Note
“If you still feel homesick or unsettled sometimes, that doesn’t mean the move is going badly. Building familiarity takes time.”
Practical milestonesCultural adjustmentEmotional check-insCommunity building
The full Life Manual is coming soon. For now, start with the free beta.
Who It’s For
Practical guidance for people building a life in the U.S.
The Life Manual is designed to make unfamiliar systems easier to understand before they become expensive, stressful or time-consuming surprises.
This is for you if…
- You’re moving, considering a move, studying, interning or starting work in the U.S.
- You want practical UK-to-U.S. context before making big decisions.
- You want to understand everyday systems such as credit, healthcare, renting, banking and paperwork.
- You also want guidance around settling in, homesickness, routines, friendships and belonging.
What it is not…
- Personalised immigration, legal, tax, medical, insurance or financial advice.
- A promise that every person should follow one universally “correct” setup order.
- A generic guide to America with endless information and no context.
- A replacement for qualified professional advice where your personal situation requires it.
The goal is system-readiness: enough context to ask better questions, know what to tackle first and avoid preventable mistakes.
FAQ
A few things to know before you start.
What is the free beta?
The free beta is a 5-page preview of The Life Manual. There is no payment required. It gives you a feel for the guide’s approach, including UK-to-U.S. system translation, practical checklists and first-steps guidance.
What will the full Life Manual cover?
The planned full guide covers ten core areas: before you move, arrival week, your first 30 days, banking and credit, renting and housing, healthcare and insurance, transportation, everyday U.S. systems and paperwork, belonging and homesickness, and your first 90 days roadmap.
Is this personalised legal, immigration, tax, medical or financial advice?
No. The Life Manual is practical relocation and system-readiness guidance. Where your circumstances require personalised professional advice, you should use an appropriately qualified professional.
Is the guide useful if I haven’t moved yet?
Yes. The beta is designed to help you understand unfamiliar systems and identify useful preparation before you leave the UK.
When will the full guide be available?
The full Life Manual is still in development. The free beta is the current starting point.
You don’t have to figure out every part of your new life after you land.
Build your first 90 days with a plan.
Start with the free beta and know what to tackle first — and what can wait.
You can
do this.♡
do this.♡
Departed LHR
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Arrived LAX
Free 5-page beta
Start with a clearer first step.
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