Moving to London can be an incredibly exciting time. It can come with the promise of new professional and social opportunities and can often mark the start of a brand-new life chapter.
London is enormous, it is made up of countless distinct but interconnected communities. You’ll find something new wherever you go, every corner and neighborhood will offer something different. With so much on offer, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the sheer volume of choices you have. If you’re moving to London and you’re looking for some guidance on how to enjoy your first year in the capital, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out more.
Space Is A Premium
London is a densely packed, highly populated city where space comes at a cost. This can come as a shock for some people, particularly if they have moved from more rural areas where homes are typically more spacious and expansive. Homes in London tend to be on the small side, unless you’re making serious money, you’re going to have to make some lifestyle changes to get used to less square footage.
If you’re bringing a lot of stuff with you when you move to London, you may find out that your new accommodation isn’t big enough to house all your possessions. Consider looking for external storage options, Safestore offers London local storage with a range of unit types and sizes to suit any need.
Use Public Transport
London is a massive city, one of the biggest in Europe. It will take time to get used to the city and its different areas. While walking can allow you get around locally, London is far too big to properly explore on foot or even on bike. Owning and driving a car in London is expensive and impractical, so to get around the city you’re going to have to make use of public transport options.
Thankfully, London has an extensive public transport service, made up of the underground, buses, and trains. Learning how each of these services work and which are best for specific areas will help you settle into your new London life and travel the city like a true Londoner.
See The Sights
Don’t think that seeing the sights is reserved for visitors and tourists. London is so big and has so much to offer that you’ll be discovering new things for months and years to come. It is a city steeped in history, tradition, and culture, to make the most of your London experience you should strive to take in as much as you can.
If you’re an art fan, London has some of the finest art galleries in the world. Check out the Tate Modern or The National Gallery to satisfy your artistic tendencies. London is also home to a number of world-class museums. Visit The British Museum or the Natural History Museum for an experience that is both enjoyable and educational.
Don’t forget to check out some of the iconic London locations too. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London are all must-sees. Plus, knowing where they are will help you when you have visiting friends who want a tour of the sights.
Conclusion
Whatever reason you have for moving to London, be it for work, the social scene, or simply for a change, you will undoubtedly be feeling a mixture of both excitement and nerves. Remember to prepare for the smaller homes, learn how the public transport systems work, and take the time to see the sights to make the most of your first year in London.
Photo by Lucas Davies on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
