Moving abroad is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. A new country brings fresh experiences, different scenery, and a lifestyle that often feels like a permanent upgrade.
But even when you love where you live, there is usually a moment when something small catches you off guard. It might be the first time you crave a proper cup of tea, or the first Sunday when you realise you cannot easily pop out for a roast dinner. Homesickness often arrives quietly, through the little things. The good news is that being an expat does not mean giving up everything you loved about life in the UK. With a few simple habits and routines, you can bring the best of Britain with you, wherever you are in the world.
The little comforts that make the biggest difference
Most British expats do not miss the big landmark moments of life back home. They miss the everyday details that used to feel automatic. The familiar rhythm of the week, the comfort of a local shop, and the simple predictability of British routines. It could be the sound of Radio 2 while making breakfast, a laugh over British humour, or even the shared national habit of talking about the weather.
These comforts are powerful because they create a sense of belonging. When you recreate even one small ritual from home, it can help your new life feel more grounded. Instead of thinking of British habits as something you have left behind, think of them as things you can carry with you.
Keep your kitchen proudly british
Food is often the quickest route to that cosy, at-home feeling. Most expats quickly discover that the things they miss are not fancy meals, but the staples. Tea bags that taste right. Marmite. Baked beans. Digestive biscuits. Gravy granules. Custard. Branston pickle. The kind of Cadbury chocolate that does not taste slightly different.
Many countries have British supermarkets or international aisles that stock UK essentials. If not, online UK food delivery services can be a lifesaver. Some expats also bulk-buy favourites when visiting home, then treat their suitcase like a personal supply run. Another option is to swap and share with other expats. Someone always knows where to find the good stuff.
It is also worth learning how to recreate British comfort meals with local ingredients. Shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips can all be adapted. Even if the sausages are not exactly the same, the flavour usually comes down to seasoning and technique. The goal is not perfection, it is familiarity.
Enjoy british tv, radio, and sport wherever you are
When it comes to feeling connected, British television and radio are hard to beat. There is something comforting about familiar voices, familiar humour, and the cosy predictability of UK shows. Whether it is a classic comedy, a favourite drama, or a panel show you have watched for years, British TV has a way of making you feel instantly at home.
“Streaming services can help, but many UK platforms are restricted outside the country”, according to SkyStream. “One popular option is using a VPN, which can help you access UK-based platforms when you are abroad by securely routing your connection through a UK server. This can make it easier to keep up with the shows, sports, and live TV you would normally watch at home. If you decide to go down this route, choose a reputable VPN provider and check the terms of the streaming service you are using, as some platforms restrict VPN use.”
Sport is another powerful connection point. Football, rugby, cricket, and Formula 1 are part of the fabric of British life. Watching matches abroad can be even more enjoyable when you turn it into a ritual. Early kick-offs become breakfast events. Late matches become an excuse to invite friends round. Even the time difference can add a sense of novelty to something familiar.
Build a social circle with a little UK spirit
One of the biggest changes when you move abroad is not the landscape or the language, but the social culture. Many British expats miss the easy banter, the pub chat, and the quiet comfort of British humour. The best solution is not to try and replicate your old life exactly, but to build a new social circle that still includes a bit of the UK spirit.
Look for local expat communities, British societies, or meet-ups. Many cities have groups for British people abroad, and they can be great for friendships, support, and even practical advice. British pubs and cafes can also become a surprising source of comfort. You might not want to spend every weekend in an expat bubble, but having one familiar place can make a huge difference.
At the same time, mixing circles is important. British friends help you feel understood, but local friends help you feel truly settled. The balance gives you both connection and growth. If you want an easy way to bring people together, host a casual night with British food. A simple spread of sausage rolls, crisps, and biscuits has a way of breaking the ice instantly.
Celebrate british traditions wherever you live
British traditions are portable, and they can turn an ordinary year abroad into something that still feels rooted in home. You can still celebrate Bonfire Night, even if you cannot have fireworks. Sparklers, warm drinks, and a cosy gathering can capture the feeling. You can still do Christmas the British way, complete with crackers, mince pies, and a roast dinner. You can still embrace the summer season with Wimbledon, strawberries, and a good excuse to watch sport in the sunshine.
These traditions matter even more if you have children. Celebrating British holidays and rituals helps them feel connected to their heritage. It also gives them a sense of identity, especially in families where one parent is British and the other is not. Traditions create a bridge between cultures, and they can turn your home abroad into a place where two worlds meet.
Stay connected to the uk without feeling stuck there
Staying connected to Britain is easier than ever, but there is a difference between feeling connected and feeling stuck. Constantly scrolling UK news or social media can sometimes make you feel like you are missing out, rather than helping you feel close to home.
Instead, aim for intentional connection. Weekly calls with family. A UK playlist you listen to on walks. Podcasts that keep you up to date without dragging you into a negative news cycle. Subscribing to British brands or newsletters can also bring a small sense of normality.
And when you do visit home, it helps to have a plan. Rather than trying to squeeze everything in, choose the things that matter most. The family meals, the favourite places, the comforting routines. That way, returning to the UK feels like a recharge, not a stressful race.
Home is something you carry with you
Being a British expat is not about replacing your old life with a new one. It is about building a life that includes the best of both worlds. You can embrace the adventure of living abroad while still holding on to the rituals, comforts, and culture that make you feel like you.
Start small. Stock your cupboard with a few UK essentials. Pick a British show to watch every week. Find people who share your humour and values. Celebrate the traditions that matter to you. Over time, those small choices add up, and your new home starts to feel just as real as the old one. Because home is not just a place on a map. It is what you keep close, wherever you are.
