Moving to London can be difficult, especially if you don’t have connections or a positive attitude. Expats can suffer from “homesickness” for a while, but it’s crucial to prepare yourself for the experience, and there are several things to consider. Listed below are some tips to help you get started. Read on to find out how to move to London. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the right place to live in London and feel settled in no time.
Expat life in London
There are many different aspects of ex-pat life in London. First and foremost, it is a bustling, sociable city. If you have the time, you should explore the many free activities in London. A zoo, museums and the famous shopping district Oxford Street is free to explore. You can also visit the nearby Zoo to have a more relaxing day. Another benefit of living in London is the high number of expatriate social clubs.
Although London is a global metropolis, the city’s congestion can be a real nightmare. If you have any kind of chronic health issue, you may want to look into investing in a comprehensive insurance policy. While there are many different housing options in London, rents in popular areas tend to be incredibly high. As a result, if you want to live in an expensive neighborhood, you’ll need to act quickly to secure a rental contract.
Another positive of living in London is the diversity. More than 250 different languages are spoken in London. Approximately one-third of Londoners were born abroad. There is also an incredible amount of variety, with over two million people from over 300 different countries residing here. With so many people and things to do in London, it is no wonder that the city is a popular choice for expatriates. But there are some downsides as well.
Cost of living
If you are considering moving to London, there are many things to consider. The cost of living in London is among the highest in the world. However, you may be able to balance out the higher cost of living with the lower cost of transportation. While you may have to adjust your budget to live in London, the city has plenty to offer. In this article, we will take a closer look at the costs of living in London.
It is possible to find a cheaper place to live in London if you don’t drive. London’s public transport system is extensive and reliable, and driving can be a hassle. You may also need to purchase a monthly travel pass or an annual travel pass if you plan on living far from your workplace. Moreover, consider living in a different zone if you plan on spending much less money on transport.
The average monthly cost of living in London is PS4,944. The cost of living in London can be lower if you work from home. If you don’t have a family to support, renting a room in a flatshare can save you money. Property prices in London can be extremely expensive depending on the area you live in. A one-bedroom flat in South London can cost up to PS1,456 per month.
Cost of renting a flat
If you’re planning to move to London, the biggest expense you’ll face will probably be rent. In this expensive city, rent can exceed half of a person’s monthly income. The good news is that there are some affordable options available, and VICE’s column “London Rental Opportunity of the Week” can help you find an apartment that suits your budget and needs. However, if you don’t have the budget to move to the city’s prime neighborhoods, you’ll need to spend a lot of time and energy searching for affordable rental options.
Another aspect that you must consider when renting a flat in London is the cost of transportation. Rent in London is comparable to the price of renting in the biggest American cities. That’s why you’ll have to make some adjustments to your budget when moving to London. A good example of the cost of transportation is the cost of getting to work and school. It’s also necessary to consider whether you’ll be working or living in zone 1.
The basic costs include water, electricity, and gas. These expenses can range anywhere from PS800 to PS1500 per month, and a furnished apartment is worth an extra PS100-500 a month. Searching for a furnished rental on a site like Nestpick will help you find the right flat. You can filter your search by amenities, size, and location. Once you’ve found a suitable apartment, you can book it online and arrange a viewing.
Getting online
There are several advantages of getting online to move to London. First and foremost, there’s better coverage in the city. With 92 percent of the population covered by 4G, you can expect to have no problem staying connected. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can also use a pre-paid SIM card, which provides a certain amount of 4G data per month. However, if you have a laptop or desktop PC, you’ll need to use a Wi-Fi connection.
Moving to London is expensive, and you’ll most likely need to commute to work every day. This can take anywhere from ten minutes to two hours. The density of the population means that the commute is always hectic. Plus, if you don’t have a car, you’ll find yourself in a jam-packed tube carriage or stuck in a queue. In addition, you’ll probably miss interacting with colleagues and family.
After the lockdown, the property market in London is expected to increase, with many people searching for rural property or houses with more space. According to Hamptons International, 15% of Londoners wanted to move outside the city in April. Meanwhile, Rightmove’s figures revealed that in June/July 2020, more city dwellers will be interested in purchasing a village home. Compared to the previous year, demand for such homes is likely to increase.
Getting around
Getting around London is easy! The city is incredibly walkable, and major attractions are all within walking distance of each other. You can find a map of the underground system at any Tube station, or use the online Journey Planner to figure out your route. Once you’ve got a map in hand, you’re ready to head out! Here are some tips for getting around London on foot. Getting to your destination can take you less than an hour!
Taxis are a good way to get around. Londoners with luggage or limited mobility should take a taxi. You should be aware of unmarked cars and only hire pre-booked cars. Black cabs are different from pre-booked taxis, and they require advance booking. A London cab will have a black plate and will be able to see your location even before you get in. The fare for a black cab is generally more expensive than an ordinary London cab.
London’s public transportation system is excellent, and it is surprisingly affordable. The Tube is the most convenient way to get from point A to point B. There are eleven different colored lines, and trains run every ten minutes from 5 am until midnight. Some lines even run 24 hours! You can plan your route and save money with an Oyster card! To get around London by subway, you’ll want to check out the map on the Tube’s website or use Google Maps.
Getting a bank account
When you move to the UK, you should consider opening a bank account in the country you plan to live in. Several UK banks offer basic bank accounts for those with bad credit. You may want to open one of these accounts as well to control your finances in a foreign country. However, you should be aware of the currency exchange and transaction fees associated with such an account. There are other options available if you don’t need an account in the UK immediately.
If you’re relocating to London, you may want to open a free basic account. Some banks don’t require proof of address, but they still have very basic accounts. Depending on your circumstances, you may need proof of address to open an account. Fortunately, you can open an account without proof of address by using Sable International. You’ll need to provide a valid passport, proof of permission to live in the UK, and a residential address in the city. Utility bills aren’t required, but you’ll need to attend an appointment in London.
When you first apply for a bank account, you’ll need to show proof of identity. Depending on where you’re moving to, you may need to provide a passport or a national identity card. A study visa, a student ID, and a letter from your university can also help. You’ll also need a recent utility bill or rental contract as proof of address. Mobile phone bills generally won’t be accepted as proof of address.