Top 25 Tips for Moving to London

If you're considering moving to London, you're probably aware that London is an incredibly diverse city with much to offer. People thrive in areas where opportunities are in abundance, a city like London is where each and every person wishes to go to make more than just a living. But a big city like London can be very intimidating initially, so we've scoured the internet for local advice and compiled a list of moving to London tips for you. So that you don't meet any kind of difficulties and live life in London stress-free.

A Guide to Moving to London: London's Lifestyle

London is one of the oldest and most notorious cities in England. Millions of people migrate here looking for opportunities, but they often forget that London has its own culture and way of living. One must know how the city functions day in and night to survive. Below are some moving to london tips;

1. Keep an eye on London's weather 

Unfortunately, London's reputation for having frequent rainfall is pretty accurate, so it would be wise to keep an umbrella with you just in case. London has four distinct seasons all year round, each with its charm. Pack waterproof clothing, an umbrella for the monsoon, and warm jackets for chilly days. Another aspect to remember is that, like most of the UK, London also follows daylight saving.  If you want to know more about this topic then head over to our blog on daylight savings in UK.

2. Get familiar with London

One important thing you need to learn about when moving to London is that the city is divided into zones and boroughs, which is crucial to know, especially when planning to live in London. 

London Zones

London is divided into six different fare zones managed by Transport of London. Zone 1 includes areas near the city centre, while Zone 6 marks the city's outskirts. If you plan to live in the city centre, you probably won't be moving out of Zone 1 daily. Still, it's good to know the different zones for when you need to travel further away from the city using the London Underground, where each zone comprises different boroughs. 

London Boroughs

There are 32 London boroughs, each governed by a separate council. Each borough has its unique charm. Knowing the different areas is important to decide where you want to live, study or work. For example, Islington is often cited as one of the most superior London Boroughs, so it would be wise to search for accommodation in Islington.

3. Most of London's attractions are free to explore

With some of the world's most spectacular sights, London is heavily blessed with attractions you must not miss if you wish to learn more about the city. You'll be glad to learn that most of these, especially the museums, offer free entry. Not only this, moving to London means enjoying the immense greenery at the city's several parks for a healthy hiatus.

4. Mind your manners 

The people of London are quite polite, so if you're trying to fit in, you might want to be the same. This doesn't necessarily mean going out of your way to talk to a stranger, but having the magic words at the tip of your tongue is best.

5. Consider giving up your smokes

If you're a regular smoker, moving to London might push you to quit. With cigarettes priced astoundingly high, almost around £13 a pack, London is no friend to any smokers. The city has laws forbidding smoking in enclosed public spaces and on pavement restaurants, cafes and pubs. 

A Guide to Moving to London: Transport

This guide to moving to London will brief you about the city's local transport. Think of it as a helping hand to assist you in getting yourself familiar with a city you are looking to move into. Below are some helpful tips to get around the city;

6. Figure out how to get around London

When moving to London, you must know how to get around the city. The London Underground, or the Tube, is one of London's best resources. However, it can cut quite a hole in your pocket and often is a podium for strikes and delays, which makes it worth exploring other means of transport in the UK. London's double-storied buses offer an affordable way of getting around the city. However, you might want to consider just walking to your destination most of the time. The destinations are within walking distance.

7. Get an Oyster Card

If you are using public transport often, make sure you purchase a London Oyster Card. Keep your card handy while entering and exiting the stations so you don't hold up the line behind you. Make sure you keep an eye on your card's recharge date.

8. Navigate using Citymapper

Living in London won't be as simple as it seems, often in the case of travelling. You must get the Citymapper app. It lets you visualise exactly which route to take and offers additional sorting options such as the fastest, quietest or most scenic route. You can even filter your results according to the mode of transport.

9. Get used to using passes

Moving to London means exploring the city, which initially requires much travelling. Suppose you plan on using public transport frequently. You might want to get your hand on a daily, weekly, or monthly pass, which allows you to save a few pennies. With the city's living cost skyrocketing, you will be glad to save on travel.

10. Expect to be impressed by cabbies

Taking a cab is another common way of getting around after moving to London. You're sure to spot a black cab driving on London streets during your stay here. These drivers, also known as cabbies, are skilled at remembering every road in the city. The recent rise in Uber and Google Maps popularity and use has sadly decreased the value of a cabbie's knowledge. However, you have got to admit. It's impressive to meet a cabbie who knows exactly where to take you without a glance at a map or phone. 

A Guide to Moving to London: Food

This guide to moving to london will also help you figure out a way to navigate your favourite restaurants in and around the city of london. You could also refer to this guide as "London Tips." Because ultimately, it's your friend guiding you around the new city. Below are some gobble-up tips one must know before moving to London.

11. Take advantage of the diversity in choices

Moving to London exposes you to its diverse culture, which means finding everything you could imagine regarding food and shopping, such as visiting some best restaurants in London and unusual haunts. Take your time exploring the city to narrow down your favourite spots. Get an idea of the most affordable options close to your housing in London.

12. Keep an eye out for the best deals.

Among grocery stores, you might notice that Sainsbury has relatively better deals than most other stores, offering quality goods at low prices. If you're planning on stocking up on food, head down to NISA Local, a 24/7 retail store selling products at wholesale prices, which means you save with big discounts. 

13. Cooking is much cheaper than eating out or getting takeout.

After moving to London, you'll soon realise how difficult it is to stay within your determined budget in this expensive city. There are several ways of saving money and cutting costs, including opting for home-cooked meals over takeout or dining out. It might require more effort and time, but cooking can equip you with an essential skill. So put on those aprons and try cooking, starting with easy recipes for college students.

14. Meal deals are a good alternative. 

If you can't cook yourself, try meal deals at grocery stores, which usually cost around £3-4. Some of these even offer additional snacks and drinks at lower additional costs, ensuring you're satisfied. Some of the best meal deals are at stores such as Tesco, Boots, and Sainsbury's.

15. London is the most vegan-friendly city in Europe.

You'll be thrilled to learn of this if you're moving to London and following a vegan diet. London's restaurants have several vegan options, some with menus designed especially for vegans. You should check out Temple of Seitan, Camden, Hackney, Brixton and King's Cross for fast food. You'll find vegan Caribbean cuisine at Eat of Eden, Brixton, Shepherd's Bush, Clapham and Lewisham. Holy Carrot, Knightsbridge, offers a vegan take on high-quality British cuisine. 

Don’t forget to…

A Guide to Moving to London: Essentials

Below are the essential moving to London tips. These are the vital aspects to be done as soon you settle down. Glance at the points below to familiarise yourself with important errands for your to-do list.

16. Register with NHS

 One of the first things you should do on reaching London is register with a local general practitioner. You can apply for a National Insurance number through your local government. All you need to do is register with a GP, provide an address and proof of residence. You can find practitioners near you with the help of the National Health System (NHS) index.

17. Be cautious

Yes, moving to London opens you to great opportunities, but you can't ignore that it can also invite trouble and make you prone to crimes. Carry your belongings safely around the streets of the city. Find out which neighbourhoods are safe and steer clear of the dangerous ones. If you ever run into any problem or get lost, don't feel shy to ask the police for help. London's police have a good relationship with the public and can be contacted by dialling 101.

18. Buy a UK sim card

Getting around in a new city requires you to have internet access. Although several places offer free Wi-Fi, getting a UK SIM card and data plan is undoubtedly better. If you plan on staying in London for a while, getting a SIM card or a data plan customised to your needs, such as calling abroad, sending large files, etc, is best. 

19. Download these helpful apps

Get ready to keep your phone close once you land in London, as you'll find several apps to help you find everything you need. As mentioned, Citymapper will help you track your route and its time and price. You can book cabs using Hailo or Uber. Deliveroo will drop off any dish you crave right at your doorstep. You can plan your day based on weather updates from the Met Office and an up-to-date list of events happening in the city using Gojo or the Great Little Place City Guide. 

20. Get a UK bank account

If you plan to stay in London for a while, opening a UK bank account is best. You'll use it to pay your fees, bills and other daily needs without additional charges. You could open a bank account at the local city bank or an international student bank account if you are an international student. 

A Guide to Moving to London: Living in London

The final addition to your moving to London tips is 'Living in London', an ultimate resource for making your life easy and convenient in the new city. Overall, London is an expensive city to live in, the standard of living here is a tad bit higher than the other cities in the United kingdom. People must know the city, people and areas well enough to live stress-free lives.

21. Plan a daily budget

Calculate your income and track your expenses to help stretch your money out. When moving to London, you will consider budgeting a saviour if done right. Using Excel or any other app that allows you to do so, you can create a record of your income and expenditure, according to which you can then understand how much you can expect to have left for travelling and treating yourself. Once you've done this step, decide upon a daily spending limit that you will stick to not dip into the red. 

22. Start job hunting

Getting a job is the simplest solution if you're looking for a way to increase your income. However, you must first ensure your visa allows for it, as some visas set restrictions on working and defying these could lead to forced removal from the country. If you can work legally, you can revamp your LinkedIn profile. You can also contact a few recruitment agencies for your portfolio or CV feedback.

23. Be wary of shady landlords

When signing your lease, there are several things to check before you do so. First, you must visit the chosen housing to ensure it is the right place. When you get the tenancy agreement, get a good lawyer to go through a copy of it. Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding the terms and conditions of the agreement, especially the small print. Ensure you completely understand your rights and obligations to avoid being the victim of rental scams and fraud. When booking with amber, we will ensure you do not face any trouble throughout your booking process and make it as smooth and simple as possible.

24. Expect a high cost of living

Moving to London offers residents several opportunities but cuts a huge hole in their pockets if not planned well. Before moving to London, understand the cost of living in London, check out the best and most affordable areas to live in when booking housing and get an idea of how much you will be spending on daily needs. 

25. Put together a roommate agreement

Sharing your housing in London is a great way to save on bills. You must get a written agreement with your roommates on how the bills and rent will be split and paid. Also, discuss and disclose the action plan if a roommate has to leave the housing. Check out our blog on how to write roommate agreement without any error.

There's often a lot of research to be done before moving to London. We have tried to present you with the essential moving to London tips to ensure the shift is less intimidating. London is a great city and a great place to live. No matter how scary it may seem after you move to London, it will undoubtedly be worth it. We hope these tips for moving to London will help you start this new journey. Bon Voyage! Also, check our blog on moving day tips for students.