Three years in the past, my husband and I packed up our life in New Zealand and moved the world over to London. It was arms down the most effective choices we’ve ever made—and I actually wouldn’t change transferring to London for something.
That mentioned, adjusting to life in a brand new nation (particularly one as massive, fast-paced, and wildly numerous as London) got here with its fair proportion of studying curves. From navigating the rental market to determining tips on how to make buddies in a metropolis of 9 million folks, we positively had a couple of “if solely we’d recognized…” moments.
So should you’re planning a transfer to London—and even simply dreaming about it—listed below are 10 issues I actually want somebody had advised me earlier than I arrived.
1. Select the place you reside correctly
London is huge, and each neighbourhood looks like its personal little world. Some are buzzy and energetic, others quiet and residential. The place you select to reside will fully form your day-to-day expertise, so don’t rush this determination.
Once we first arrived, we signed a lease in a random neighbourhood we hadn’t even visited—simply because it was on the practice line. It ended up being handy, however the vibe wasn’t fairly proper for me, and I most likely wouldn’t have picked it if I’d spent extra time exploring first.
There’s at all times going to be compromise (until you’ve bought a vast funds), however take into consideration what’s most necessary to you. Would you like walkable cafes and eating places? Peace and inexperienced area? A fast commute on a particular Tube line? Analysis your choices, go to should you can, and select someplace that matches your life-style.
2. The rental market strikes quick
Renting in London isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. The market strikes at lightning pace—flats typically get snapped up inside hours of being listed. You’ll wish to be actively monitoring websites like RightMove and Zoopla every day, and be able to pounce the second one thing respectable pops up.
Get in contact with a couple of letting brokers early on, and have your paperwork able to go: passport, proof of earnings, references, and anything they may ask for. In the event you’re transferring from overseas and don’t have a UK earnings but, be ready to pay as much as 6 and even 12 months’ lease upfront. It’s brutal, however widespread—and higher to know forward of time than be blindsided like we had been.
Be sure to’ve bought your paperwork prepared—passport, proof of earnings, references—since you may have to make a proposal on the spot. It may be intense, however when you land the fitting place, it’s all price it.
3. Pack like a minimalist
Delivery your life the world over sounds interesting… till you realise it’ll take 3–6 months and break the bank. Until you’re transferring completely, I actually wouldn’t trouble. In the event you’re coming for a yr or two, begin contemporary and furnish your home regionally.
There are a great deal of secondhand bargains to be discovered on Fb Market—particularly from folks leaving London who’re determined to dump furnishings, kitchenware, and residential necessities.In the event you do resolve to ship issues over, be ruthless. Solely convey what you actually want. You gained’t have a ton of space for storing in London flats, and litter provides up quick. Discover these methods should you need assistance downsizing earlier than the transfer.
4. Open a digital checking account first
Opening a standard checking account within the UK may be surprisingly difficult while you first arrive—particularly with out a fastened deal with or UK credit score historical past. The simplest workaround? Begin with a digital financial institution like Monzo or Revolut.
You may open an account on-line in minutes, and so they’re excellent for day-to-day banking. When you’ve settled in, you’ll be able to at all times change to a excessive avenue financial institution later if you might want to.
5. Get a PAYG SIM card
It may be tempting to join a month-to-month telephone plan right away, however this generally is a ache with out a UK checking account or proof of deal with. A a lot simpler (and cheaper) choice is to go along with a pay-as-you-go SIM. I’d advocate Voxi or GiffGaff—each provide versatile, low-cost plans with beneficiant information and no contracts.
6. Be part of native Fb teams early on
Whenever you first transfer to London, discovering a way of group can really feel overwhelming. The most effective issues I did was be part of native and expat Fb teams. These are nice for locating sublets, furnishings, job listings, occasions, and even making buddies. Search for teams primarily based in your neighbourhood, nationality, or pursuits—there are such a lot of on the market.
7. Get a Railcard and hyperlink it to your Oyster
In the event you’re eligible for a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard (or one other kind), this can be a no-brainer. It offers you a 3rd off all off-peak practice journey, and you can even hyperlink it to your Oyster card for discounted Tube fares. It paid for itself after simply a few journeys. You may apply on-line earlier than you even arrive—it’s the most effective transport hacks in London.
8. Use a motorcycle to get round
The Tube is nice, nevertheless it’s not at all times the quickest—or most scenic—option to get round. I take advantage of Forest and Lime electrical bikes on a regular basis. You may unlock them by way of app, journey throughout the town, and drop them off wherever. Tremendous handy, and infrequently faster than public transport. In the event you’re staying long-term, shopping for a secondhand bike can also be an incredible funding.
9. Make your cash go additional
Sure, London is dear—however should you’re strategic, there are such a lot of methods to save lots of. Most grocery shops, supply apps, and subscription companies provide reductions to new clients—so reap the benefits of all of the sign-up provides while you first arrive.
For consuming out, First Desk is a hidden gem—it offers you 50% off the invoice while you e book the primary sitting at chosen eating places. For reveals, TodayTix is ideal for last-minute theatre offers, or you’ll be able to queue for day tickets at West Finish field places of work.
London is stuffed with little financial savings like this—you’ve simply bought to know the place to look.
10. You may’t do all of it—so choose your priorities
London is bursting with issues to see, do, eat, and expertise. Museums, concert events, markets, rooftops, festivals, day journeys, new openings—you might reside right here for ten years and nonetheless not tick every part off the checklist.So as a substitute of making an attempt to do all of it, deal with what you care about most. Whether or not that’s exploring native delicacies, taking advantage of free cultural gems just like the V&A, Tate Trendy, and British Museum, going to reside gigs, or utilizing London as a base to discover the remainder of Europe—be intentional about the way you spend your time.
Last ideas
Shifting to London is thrilling, overwhelming, and life-changing all of sudden. You’ll make errors, discover your rhythm, and slowly fall in love with the chaos. Hopefully, the following pointers enable you skip a number of the complications and really feel a bit of extra ready for what’s forward.
In the event you’re planning the transfer (otherwise you’re already right here!), be happy to achieve out—I’m at all times joyful to share extra suggestions or reply any questions. London can really feel massive and daunting at first, however as soon as you discover your ft, it’s actually one of the vital rewarding locations on this planet to reside!
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