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Published April 25, 2024
Welcome to London, where everyday life becomes a mix of culture, history and diversity. Starting with how important it is to explore the city that will be your new home, this experience left an indelible mark and changed my perspective of seeing the world around me and at the same time, it made me a more tolerant and respectful person. Enriching my understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
1. Understanding London's transportation system: One of the first lessons I learned when I arrived is that it is not necessary to have a car to circulate through its streets, since London has a very well-connected transportation system. This city has different mobility options such as buses, trains and subways. The city is divided into nine zones: zones one and two cover the center, while zones six to nine extend the outskirts of the urban center. In case you use public transport as your primary way to commute it could be convenient to buy a weekly or monthly Oyster card or use contactless payment.
Furthermore, London is very bike-friendly, offering a wonderful way to get around the city. If you are a beginner seeking to build confidence or improve your biking skills you can go to Mile end Park, Victoria Park and London Fields, which offer a 6 km route.
Extra Tip: If you are between 16 and 30 years old or a senior citizen, you can obtain a Railcard and receive discounts on the train system. There are currently nine main types of plans available covering the needs from users of all ages, Each plan costs £30 per year, enabling you to travel to areas further away from London.
2. In search of a new home: Before finding a new place to live, remember that you have to see a flat or apartment before renting it, so I don't only rely on the photos on the website. Also, choose reliable options to be well informed. Personally, I don't recommend informal groups via social media. It’s better to visit the neighborhood yourself and check the connectivity with places of interest. For this reason, it is recommended that you stay in a temporary place before choosing your permanent residence. If the areas closest to the center are not within your budget, you can always live in the more remote areas such as zones four or five since they are very well-connected to the city center.
To make your search faster, I recommend rentaroof! Available not only in London, but also throughout the United Kingdom. It is known for being a user-friendly website which simplifies the process of finding accommodation allowing you to fill out your preferences according to your budget, preferred area and type of home at the same time you receive property alerts in real-time to your personal email, ensuring you stay informed about available options.
3. Living costs: London is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world so living costs can be very high depending on where you come from. Before moving it could be useful to make a budget and at the same time investigate living costs such as accommodation, supermarkets, public transportation and basic expenses to have a real monthly budget. Here I’ll provide an approximate living cost per month: Accommodation: £500 - £1000 Food/Groceries: £200-£300 Public Transport: £138 Phone monthly plan: £20-£30 in conclusion you need around £1308. It's important to consider that these prices can change, so I recommend having extra money for any unexpected expenses.
Extra tip: Research savings options like student discounts or memberships to reduce your monthly expenses. You can start by getting a Loyalty card at the supermarket you frequently shop, to get coupons and discounts.
4. Embracing cultural diversity : London is a multicultural city, full of people of different nationalities, and this diversity is one of the strengths of the city. There are plenty of cultures, and traditions to explore here. Everyone is different, and that means that you will fit in, and are able to experience a different food scene every day.
5. Building community connections : In London there is no time to be bored, I've learned how important it is to feel part of a community. Connecting with other people who share the same interests through book clubs, group sessions of your favorite sport or language classes can be fundamental to combat loneliness and cultivate meaningful friendship. In this way, you can have a sense of belonging in any new place where you go.
Bonus advice: As mentioned before, many people from various nationalities and cultures pass through London, some stay while others decide to move away. Therefore, there is an app that could be handy if you're new to London and have a limited budget for buying furniture or other items needed at home: Visit the websites freecycle.org or London Free. You should write a message explaining why you need the item that the person is giving away, and be very polite in your message, as it's the owner who decides who to give the item to. Additionally, research charity shops and second-hand stores near where you live. The best areas for second-hand shopping are Notting Hill, Brick Lane, Soho, and Camden.
In conclusion, moving to London was an exciting trip, every day I learned something new in this city. The cultural shocks, apart from leaving me surprised, now make me smile because I feel that I am now part of a community. It was the cost of leaving my comfort zone in order to work on my personal and professional growth. I leave you these five tips to make your transition more rewarding. At the same time, thanks to the lessons I've learned, I have many stories to tell. Embrace from each day's experiences and enjoy this vibrant metropolis. Welcome to London!
