10 Things You Need To Know Before Moving To London

About 200,000 people every year up sticks from places across the UK and head to the big capital. Whether they move to London for work or simply fancy a slice of life in the city, they’re likely to be heading to a very different life to the one they leave behind.

So, before you pack your bags, what could you do with knowing about London? Here’s ten points to consider…

London is… not just one big place
Let’s get this out of the way before we start. London is not one easily defined place. It’s probably better to consider it as a region made up 32 boroughs and the City of London. Oh, and about 8.5 million people. Each area has its own identity and character and different economic conditions and housing markets. You’re not ‘moving to London’, you’re moving to Croydon, Kensington, Camden, etc. Get into this mindset to understand your destination much better.

London is… not somewhere to drive around
It’s time to kiss goodbye to your motor. Driving in Central London, as Moving To London puts it, is a ‘complete nightmare’. Then there’s the Congestion Charge. And the fact there’s barely any parking. And the fact that, unlike other parts of the UK, there is a public transport system.

London is… easy to navigate on the Tube
Once you ditch your car, you’ll need to embrace public transport. The London Underground is actually pretty easy to get your head around. Yes it can be crowded at times and yes no-one ever talks to each other but – engineering work aside – it’ll be there to get you from A to B. If the Tube can’t take you there, those red buses will. Get yourself an Oyster card and get moving.

London is… somewhere where it pays to speak to a property expert
You’ll all have seen the headlines about the property market and be fully aware that buying or renting a home in London can be expensive. In some boroughs, prices are rising at a rate of £500 a day. Don’t forget that the reason why you’re going – the jobs, the bright lights – is a reason for this. The important thing is to make sure you get your property choice right. Find a reputable estate agent which specialises in the London property market, so that you can find the right property for your needs.

London is… going to get you kudos
Once you’ve got your pad in London, expect to be elevated in the eyes of your friends back home. You’ll now be their ‘mate in London’ and they’ll want to visit and stay over. You can also boast about the celebs you’ve spotted on the Tube.

London is… a goldmine of free museums
The British Museum, the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum – they’re all free and all amazing. Fill your weekends exploring them.

London is… where it’s all at
From big sporting events at Lord’s, Wembley, Wimbledon and Twickenham to top concerts at the O2 and top tier events such as London Fashion Week or the Proms, it’s all going on in the capital. Get your tickets and enjoy living there.

London is… the home of global cuisine
Almost every country you can think of is reflected in the capital’s culinary offering. Whatever your taste – from Argentinian to Vietnamese – you’ll find something that you love.

London is… perfect for shoppers
There’s no need to rush out of work to the shops. Outlets in places such as Oxford Street are open until 9pm most nights.

London is… full of free publications
The Metro, City AM, NME, The Evening Standard, Sport, Stylist, Time Out. There are a lot of publications that you can pick up and read without paying a penny. Embrace these free reads to brighten up your busy commute.