London is a metropolis in equal measures famous and infamous worldwide. It’s diverse, welcoming, and presents possibilities for career and personal progression not found in many other global cities. London also manages to infuriate, enrage and frustrate if you get it – or you get up – on a bad day. Moving to London, then, can certainly be challenging, and settling in quickly and comfortably is the make or break to whether it will be a love affair or a lesson in endurance. Here we offer some handy advice on what- and what not – to do to ensure a smooth transition into the capital. So, here are 5 IDEAL tips to help you settle in and learn to love London.
Be In London to Find A Suitable Place To Live
Although the struggle is real and the search so often fruitless, it is sometimes possible to find somewhere affordable to rent in London. The bad news is; this usually involves a flat share. If you’re not keen on the idea of brushing your teeth shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger, or walking in on things you can never unsee on a Tuesday evening, then you’ll have to enter the deflating, downright dehumanising hunt for your own place.
The most important tip when looking for somewhere for yourself is this: you have to be available and in the city when the call comes. Anywhere of any real appeal tends to go – or goes up in price – on the same day it becomes available, with pesky estate agents exacerbating the problem by exaggerating (and often simply manufacturing) the need for urgency. We’ve all heard ‘you have to see this place TODAY’ and then noticed it’s still on the market a week later. To circumvent this issue, consider a dedicated week to flat hunting in London in which you rent an Airbnb, before you move, or see if you can stay with a friend. During this time you can also familiarise yourself with a certain area – London has many of unique character and composition – and see if the vibe of the place is the right fit for you.
Get To Deeply Know The Transport System
There are many ways to get around the city, of course, and each area exploits the transport system differently. For instance, if in Battersea, you’ll get to know the overground ‘gingerline’ like the back of your hand. But if you’re housed just 10 minutes north in Clapham, the Northern Line on the underground will be your go-to, always. Use the City Mapper app or TFL official website to figure out how to shave seconds off various trips, giving yourself a strange sense of self-satisfaction in the process. We all love to announce our knowledge of the fastest routes and unorthodox shortcuts; take command of the transport system in your area and ingratiate yourself with your new group of London friends both at once.
London Is Always Expensive BUT At Times Free
When you quit your nine-to-nine after being exploited for minimum wage, a commute longer than most people’s average working day, massive amounts of overtime and little to no praise, or money, to show for it, you’re gonna have a lot of free time and not many pounds to spend. It’s during these dark times that you learn that London has much to offer, remarkably, for free. Museums, art galleries and many other education attractions are free – amazing and largely unique for a capital city. There’s also beautiful, wildlife abundant parks for a stroll, historic streets to take in and exciting street art and performances to enjoy.
Take Up a Course and Learn a new Skill
London is full of opportunity, and not taking advantage of that opportunity is a waste. In the capital there are plenty of ways for adults to learn new skills and expand their minds. Whether you want to further your career or learn a new hobby, London is the place. A great way to make the most of the career progression is to further your own qualifications. You can, for instance, gain extra business practice specific qualifications that will help you pick up vernacular that English business people use. Delfin School offer courses that tick that box, so click here to view their courses. Or if you just want to learn something new, there’s a whole host of London venues that offer free talks and lectures.
Familiarise Yourself With A Neighbourhood, Not The Whole City
Once you’ve found somewhere to live and work, focus on familiarising yourself with the neighbourhoods of your new home and office. London is one big beast, and impossible to conquer in its entirety, but honing in on individual boroughs, and discovering the ins, outs and unique quirks they have to offer, can be rewarding and fun. Learning to love London on a micro level is definitely the way forward if you want longevity from your move.
London is a fun city, perfect for the working young person. There is something for everyone, no matter your interest or wage. You don’t have to spend a fortune to live in London, you just need to be patient, smart and savvy. Good luck!
