When you hear that someone has “Japa-ed” to the UK, your first thought might be, “Ah, my guy don hammer!” But what if I told you that relocating isn’t the fairytale many people imagine?

The truth is, the first few years abroad are tough, and most new migrants are just trying to survive.

Let me paint you a picture.

The Reality of Starting Over

Tunde arrived in the UK last year with dreams of a fresh start. Back home in Nigeria, he sold everything he owned to fund his master’s degree. He imagined that once he landed, job opportunities would be waiting for him.

Reality hit hard. Six months in, he was still struggling to find a proper job.

Rent had to be paid. Food wasn’t free. Bills kept piling up. And to make matters worse, his tuition balance was still hanging over his head.

His friends back home would send him messages:
“Guy, abeg run me small thing.”
“You don de abroad na, just 50 pounds I need.”

But how could he explain that he was barely surviving himself?

The Weight of Debt

For many migrants, the journey to the UK starts with loans—some borrowed from family, others from financial institutions.

There’s Chiamaka, who came in as a student with her husband. The plan was simple:
• She would study,
• Her husband would work and support her,
• After graduation, they would build a better life together.

But life had other plans.

By the time she arrived, her tuition fee was only half-paid, and the remaining balance was due. Jobs weren’t coming as easily as expected, and her husband’s salary wasn’t enough to cover their living costs and tuition.

The painful part? They had to borrow even more money from Nigeria just to survive.

Now, even though they’re both working, their first year’s income isn’t for enjoyment—it’s for repaying debts.

So when you send them a message saying, “Send me something na, you dey abroad!”, and they don’t respond, it’s not wickedness—it’s reality.

When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

Then there’s Kunle.

He moved to the UK with his wife, full of hope. He was the student, and she planned to work to support them.

One month after they arrived, his wife walked out on the marriage.

He was left alone—no emotional support, no extra income, just him and his tuition balance.

Kunle had no choice but to work multiple shifts while studying full-time, just to keep his dream alive.

Today, he’s making progress, but it hasn’t been easy.

The Cost of Overworking

The struggle to survive often pushes people beyond their limits.

Migrants work long hours, barely sleep, and sacrifice their well-being, all in a bid to make ends meet. But at what cost?

There have been too many recent cases of tragic incidents due to lack of rest. The body is not a machine, and burnout is real.

If you’re in the UK, please rest when needed. You’re working hard, but don’t let survival mode destroy your health.

And if you have friends or family who recently relocated, don’t be too quick to judge them if they can’t send you money.

They’re not enjoying—many are just trying to survive.

Last Last, E Go Better

Relocation is hard, but it gets better with time.

So to everyone who just Japa-ed or is planning to, be prepared for the struggles, but don’t lose hope.

And to those at home, please be patient with your loved ones abroad.

They are trying. They really are.

One day, the story will change.

Until then, we keep pushing.