Chelsea, London
I first visited London when I was 16, and I loved it! I recall telling my mum, "I could definitely live here". It was fast and lively, yet felt familiar. I visited twice more before I made the decision to just do it!
I had come to the point in my life when I thought it wasn't an option in the foreseeable future. Then my opportunity came and I grabbed it with both hands.
After A LOT of packing and a lot of tears, my best friend and I boarded our flight to London. We had intended to be a little more prepared, but we had done all we could and it was time to go.
We learnt very quickly that some of the information we had gathered online pre-trip was absolute gold, some was rubbish, and some was just missing.
So, here is my Moving to London: 10 Things I Wish I Knew.
1. You need an address for pretty much everything!
Other than actually finding somewhere to live, you need an address for everything.
Bank accounts, phone contracts, National Insurance Numbers, collecting your BRP card, and registering for the doctor. I couldn't even register for tickets to a show without an address.
I would advise everyone that finding somewhere to live should be your number 1 priority.
2. Rent is expensive!
Okay, so I did expect this. I knew that I wasn't going to get much for my money. My advise, do plenty of research. You are extremely lucky to spend under £700 per month. The closer you are to the centre of London the more expensive it is, but the further out you are the more you spend on transport. It's a delicate balance.
3. Transport is expensive!
In my first month I spent £100+ on traveling in and out of London on the tube.
Thankfully, our housemates (fellow Australians and seasoned Londoners) are full of useful tips, including the bus being a flat rate of £1.50.
St Paul's Cathedral, London
4. Finding a job will take time.
My qualifications are in architecture, and I knew I wanted to work in this field. As I was being very specific I knew it wouldn't be easy. I started to put in the leg work a few months before I arrived in London, and starting contacting recruitment agencies. I was so confident I would have interviews to attend as soon as I arrived. However, recruiters like to meet with you before they start searching for opportunities.
My best friend works in office administration. We thought she would find a job straight away, so she didn't start her search until we arrived. In reality it took her 7 weeks to get her first job offer.
The lesson is, come prepared!
5. Where you live may impact where you want to work.
Getting in and out of London can take time. Finding a job that is close to where you live, or vice versa, is valuable. Keep in mind, it's acknowledged that anything under an hour is considered reasonable.
6. Monzo is actually really, really good!
You'll need a UK bank account to get paid into, and to set up any direct debits.
I'll be honest, I was slightly skeptical when reading about Monzo in forums pre-trip. Everyone was raving on about it, but it wasn't until I arrived I realised why. Now, while you still need an address, its super simple to set up from your smart phone. You also only need one account and then you can creating "pots" for saving.
7. Wages are a lot less.
Don't have big expectations as wages are a lot less in London. A little shocking considering the cost of living is quite high. £9-10 an hour is consider to be good. £10-12 an hour is considered great. Of course this can depend a lot on your employment type, but I have definitely had to accept I'd be stepping down a pay grade.
8. People can be a bit rude.
Possibly its a product of living in a big city but people can be a little be short, even flat out rude. Customer service is not what I am used to back home. The other day, a woman even felt it necessary to tell me it was raining anymore when I still had my umbrella up.
Just don't take it to heart, it's not you!
9. Always stand to the right!
Or face the wrath of your fellow commuters. You've been warned!
Camden Town, London
10. There is that much to do in London!
In fact, there is so much to do you will never need to travel anywhere else.
London is full of iconic attractions, parks, museums, galleries, west end and east end shows, quirky streets, shops, and restaurants and cafes.
Now tell me why you wouldn't move to London! I sure don't regret!
All my love, S
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