If you are relocating to London for work purposes or just looking for a change of scenery, there are several things you should know beforehand. By failing to research your new city ahead of time, you run the risk of making a number of costly or time-consuming mistakes.
Continue reading to find out what you should know ahead of your move to the Big Smoke.
How to navigate the London Underground
The London Underground is to London what the Subway is to New York City. If you want to get around London, you must find out how to navigate its most popular mode of transport. Whether you were born and bred in the city or are only visiting on a short-term basis, the Tube is one of the greatest hurdles you will face during your time there and can take years to master. Studying the map can only get you so far. To familiarise yourself with the process of travelling from one side of London to the next, you must take the Tube if and when you can. Within a few months, you’ll be a pro. You can fund your travels with your own personal credit or debit card or purchase a separate rechargeable pay as you go Oyster Card ahead of time.
It is an expensive city
As with all major cities, London is not cheap. This includes rent, bills, food, transport, and amenities. But if you are low on funds, there are a number of steps you can take to relocate on a budget. If you are a solo traveller, try searching for flatmates on a trusted website months in advance or moving in with a friend or family member until you find your feet. If you are travelling far, it may benefit you to research London storage options ahead of time so you can protect your most prized possessions during the move. By establishing a daily, weekly, or monthly budget early on, you can learn how to manage your money and control your finances. This is especially important if you are relocating ahead of finding a job.
How to communicate with loved ones back home
One of the first things you should do after your big move is find out how to communicate with loved ones back home. Whether you have travelled overseas or just down the road, you may be required to switch mobile networks. Buy a local pay as you go SIM card to get started. Once you are familiar with how much you are comfortable paying each month, consider a data plan. Which one you choose depends on which services you require. This may include calling abroad, sending large files, and social media messaging. If you are only a part-time social media user, most airports, cafes, bars, restaurants, and even parks, in London are equipped with free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
Most museums, exhibitions and festivals are free
While London may be one of the world’s most expensive cities, there are plenty of activities you can get involved in for free. With hundreds of events taking place at any one time, you are guaranteed to find a way to kill time on a day off in the city. As with the rest of the UK, most museums, exhibitions and festivals in London are also free so you can immerse yourself in centuries of local history and culture for less than a penny.
If you have decided to move to London, there are a few things you must know beforehand. Firstly, you must find out how to navigate the London Underground ahead of time and familiarise yourself with the cost of rent, bills, food, transport and amenities. You must also find out how to communicate with loved ones back home and know that most museums, exhibitions and festivals are free.
