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London is undoubtedly the capital of cool. It’s a city full of intrigue, history and culture, a place that is bursting at the seams with things to do.

There are many reasons why people relocate here. Perhaps you’re looking for better education or have been transferred for work. Otherwise, you could be someone who just wants to try something new by moving away from your hometown.

While you may be excited about it, moving to London can be confusing if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, the information we share with you in this quick guide will make your relocation to London more pleasant and stress-free.

Let’s dive straight in!

High cost of living

London is easily one of the most expensive cities in Europe and the world by extension. The cost of living can make moving a challenge, especially if you’re not used to it. Expect to pay more for accommodation and basic shopping than in other parts of the UK.

As with most top cities, you’ll find that some areas offer cheaper rents than others, especially if they’re further out of the city center. You can find out how much your rent is likely to be by looking at the average rent costs in your chosen location.

Excellent transport

London has an excellent public transport system that covers the whole city and reaches the outskirts of the city. In fact, you will rarely need a car in London, especially given how driving in this city can prove to be expensive and an inconvenient nightmare best avoided.

The tube is fast, efficient, and can get you almost anywhere if you’re happy to put up with rush-hour crowds. There’s also a tram network servicing south London and several overground train lines that run through the city suburbs.

Consider the best place to live

Choosing the right place to live in London is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your time there. If you just landed and are looking for a place to live temporarily before you can get a permanent home, consider staying in a furnished flat, fully equipped with the necessary utilities and furniture. This will allow you ample time to familiarise yourself with this fast-paced city and also research the most suitable place or neighbourhood for you.

As we said, areas further from central London are more affordable, but there’s no such thing as a flat that’s cheap and well-connected by tube; so think carefully about where exactly you want to be before you commit to any contract.

You should also remember that house prices are higher in certain areas than in others. If you’re renting, consider how much of your salary you want to be spending on accommodation each month – and how much living space you need.

Mind shared housing?

Shared accommodation is a great idea to help you save money as you get familiar with your new location. Shared housing includes;

Living in a flatshare

This is where you’ll have your room in the property and share the kitchen and bathroom with your flatmates. It’s common for young professionals who live in London for the first time and want to save money on rent.

Living in a house share

This is similar to living in a flatshare but with more space, usually more people, and an area outside of the city centre. It can be harder to commute from here if you aren’t familiar with public transport, but it’s cheaper than living closer to the centre.

Get ready for the weather

London has a reputation for being rainy and gloomy, but it’s not quite as bad as people make it out to be. Still, the weather is colder than most parts of America — average temperatures are more like those in Chicago than in Los Angeles.

However, the Londoners are resilient and rarely let the weather ruin their mood, and you shouldn’t either.

Get the right apps

Some great apps are available that will make your move to London easier. For starters, the London Transport app will help you navigate the underground. It tells you what happens when something goes wrong with the trains or tubes – which does happen occasionally.

You’ll also need a map of London too, and this one is particularly great for cycling around the city. Finally, if you want to travel further out of London and save money on buying new tickets each time, we recommend downloading an Oyster card app instead.

Open a bank account

Although you can quickly get by with cash, it’s a good idea to open a bank account as soon as possible upon arrival in the UK. Most banks will require you to have proof of address, provided by a tenancy agreement or an official letter from your college or university.

In addition to your regular debit account, some banks offer accounts that provide interest on deposits and incentives for students, such as free travel insurance.

Conclusion

Relocating to London can be a stressful process. It’s easy for something to go wrong somewhere along the line if you don’t take care of everything ahead of time. With this guide, you’ll know how to settle comfortably in this exciting city. Good luck!