What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to the UK, Germany, or USA – Real Stories from Nigerians Abroad

 

🌍 Introduction

For many Nigerians, moving abroad is the dream — a path to greener pastures, better jobs, quality education, or safety. But once the plane lands, reality sets in. Life in countries like the UK, Germany, or the USA comes with its own challenges, and many wish they had known the full picture before relocating.

In this post, we share real experiences from Nigerians living abroad, highlighting things they wish they knew before moving — from housing and jobs to racism, culture shock, and mental health. If you’re planning to relocate, these insights could save you time, money, and stress.

🇬🇧 UK: “I Wish Someone Told Me Rent Would Take Half My Salary”

Ugo, a Nigerian who moved to London in 2022 for a postgraduate degree, shared:

“I knew London was expensive, but I wasn’t prepared for just how bad it was. Rent took up more than half of my salary. And don’t get me started on council tax.”

Key Lessons for the UK:

• Rent is expensive, especially in London. Expect to pay £800–£1,200/month for a small room in shared housing.
  
  
• Council tax, TV license, and heating costs are often excluded from rent.
  
  
• Many Nigerians assume the NHS covers everything — but dental care and prescriptions often come at a cost.
  
  
• Job hunting is tougher than expected, especially if you don’t have “UK experience.”
  
  
• Mental health support is essential. The cold weather, lack of community, and work pressure hit many new migrants hard.
  
  

✅ Tip: Use local Nigerian Facebook groups in the UK to find cheaper accommodation and job tips.

• Check here “2025 Relocation Guide: Unexpected Expenses Nigerians Face Living in the UK, Germany & USA”

🇩🇪 Germany: “Language Was a Bigger Barrier Than I Expected”

Aisha, who relocated to Hamburg under the Blue Card program, admitted:

“I thought English would be enough, but without German, I was locked out of many job opportunities, even outside customer-facing roles.”

Things to Know About Germany:

• German language skills are crucial, even for tech or remote jobs.
  
  
• Integration courses are sometimes free, but waiting lists are long.
  
  
• Housing contracts can be confusing. Many require 3-month deposits and include hidden costs (Nebenkosten).
  
  
• Appointments at government offices (Ausländerbehörde) take weeks to months. You’ll need patience for documentation.
  
  
• Germans are reserved, and building friendships takes time. This affects networking and emotional support.
  
  

✅ Tip: Consider taking Goethe-Institut certified language courses before relocating.

👉 https://www.goethe.de/ins/ng/en/index.html

🇺🇸 USA: “Credit Score Runs Your Life Here”

Chuka, who moved to Houston through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, said:

“Nobody in Nigeria tells you that without a credit score, you can’t do much in America. You need it to rent, buy a phone, or get a car.”

Key Realities in the USA:

• Credit score is king. Without one, you’re locked out of many services.
  
  
• Healthcare is not free. One ER visit without insurance can wipe your savings.
  
  
• Many new migrants get stuck in survival jobs — warehouse work, delivery — even with degrees.
  
  
• Systemic racism is real, and sometimes subtle. Be prepared.
  
  
• Cost of living varies wildly. New York and California are far more expensive than Texas or Florida.
  
  

✅ Tip: Learn how to build credit early using secured credit cards and rent-reporting tools.

👉 https://www.consumerfinance.gov/

💡 Things All Nigerians Abroad Say They Wish They Knew

1. “Not Everyone Abroad Is Rich”

Many assumed that moving abroad meant instant wealth. But bills, taxes, and living expenses eat deep into income. It’s often a grind for the first few years.

2. “You’ll Miss Community”

In Nigeria, neighbors are family. Abroad, people often stay indoors. Loneliness is common, especially in winter.

3. “You Still Need Hustle”

One job may not be enough. Many combine 9–5 jobs with side hustles like Uber, Amazon delivery, or freelance gigs to survive or send money home.

4. “Your Degree May Not Count (Initially)”

Some Nigerian degrees or certifications aren’t recognized abroad. You may need to start from scratch, take bridging courses, or sit licensing exams.

5. “Documentation Stress Is Real”

Work permits, health insurance, tax registration — all require patience. Every country has its red tape, and it can be frustrating if you’re used to Nigeria’s informal ways.

🙋 Real Advice From Nigerians Abroad

🎓 On Career:

“Start applying for jobs even before you move. Update your CV to fit the local format.” — Ifeoma, UK

🏘️ On Housing:

“Don’t pay deposits without viewing the place or verifying it’s legit. Scammers love desperate newcomers.” — Kunle, Germany

🧠 On Mental Health:

“Have a support system — church, community group, or online friends. You’ll need it.” — Bisi, USA

🔌 Tools & Resources That Helped Them

1. Facebook Groups like “Nigerians in UK,” “Naija in Germany,” or “Africans in America” – for housing, jobs, advice
   
   
2. Expatica.com – Country-specific expat guides and legal advice
   
   
3. Local African churches or mosques – key for support, especially in the first year
   
   
4. YouTube Channels & Telegram groups sharing relocation tips
   

🧳 Final Thoughts: Prepare for the Unexpected

Relocating isn’t just about getting a visa — it’s about starting over in a new system with new rules, norms, and pressures. The most common regret among Nigerians abroad isn’t that they moved… it’s that they didn’t prepare enough.

🎯 Do your research. Plan financially. Learn the language. And find a community. The dream is real — but so is the grind.

Photo Credit: LexScope/unsplash