UK Geography Made Simple for Indians in the UK | ScottishIndian.com | Understand city, county, and postcodes
Understanding city, county, and postcode is essential when you’ve just moved to the UK and are faced with forms asking for this information. You might be wondering, “What even is a county? Why do I need three location names: city, county, and postcode?”
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. At ScottishIndian.com, we break things down for Indian students, professionals, and families in the UK. So here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you understand these common UK address terms.
🏙️ What Is a City?
A city is a big town — like how we say “metro city” in India. It’s where you’ll find universities, malls, jobs, and desi stores. If you’re studying or working in the UK, you’re probably living in or near a city.
Examples of cities:
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London
- Manchester
- Birmingham
Think of it like:
Mumbai = city
Delhi = city
Edinburgh = city in the UK
âś… Use your city name when filling out delivery forms, job applications, or registering with a GP (doctor).
What Is a County?
A county is like a region or district that includes cities, towns, and villages. It’s more of an administrative area. Sometimes you’ll be asked to write your county on official forms, but it’s not always required.
Examples of counties:
- Greater London (includes London and surrounding areas)
- Midlothian (includes Edinburgh)
- West Midlands (includes Birmingham)
- Greater Manchester (includes Manchester)
Think of it like:
Maharashtra (state) → Mumbai (city)
West Midlands (county) → Birmingham (city)
✅ If you don’t know your county, just Google: “What county is [your city] in?”
What Is a Postcode?
This is the UK’s version of a PIN code, but way more detailed. One postcode can represent just one building or a few houses on the same street.
Example:
- EH16 5AY → A specific address in Edinburgh
- SW1A 1AA → Buckingham Palace!
You’ll need your postcode for literally everything:
- Online orders
- Job applications
- Council tax
- Setting up WiFi
- Even checking your Uber Eats zone
Quick Recap
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| City | Main place you live/work/study | Edinburgh |
| County | Region that city belongs to | Midlothian, West Lothian |
| Postcode | Exact address locator (like PIN) | EH16 5XY |
Final Thoughts
If you’re from India and navigating UK systems for the first time, don’t stress over these county, city & postcodes. With time, you’ll get used to them.
For more desi-friendly explainers on life in the UK, visit ScottishIndian.com — we simplify everything from housing and banking to GP registrations and geography.
đź“© Still confused about your address or form-filling? DM us or ask in our community forum!
