What to do after I arrive in the UK?

[Arthur Little]

Hi, can I open a bank account without a job first?

Yes, D'Ann ... you can, IMO. Please see my reply in #23 of your corresponding thread, 'Where to Start'.

Did my husband and I misunderstand what we were told at the Barclays bank, that I could open a bank account of my own only when I have a job?

Possibly you did, ... ... so it may be a good idea if you were to take a look at Trefor's subsequent response on the same thread, as different people have had varying reactions to their efforts to open independent accounts - depending upon which Bank(s) they decided to approach.