What to consider when moving to London for work
Have you been lured to the big smoke? Find out what you need to consider when moving to London for work.
England’s capital still boasts the country’s best professional opportunities across many sectors, from finance to media and creative arts. It’s also like no other city around to live in – and making the transition can be daunting if you’re unprepared.
London’s population is actually projected to decline in 2021 for the first time in over 30 years, but the sheer number of people could still come as a shock. At the same time, you’ll have a whole new world of possibilities to explore – both professionally and personally.
So, what are the key things to consider that will help make your big move a success?
Pricy property
Unless you’re mega-rich, the chances are that you’ll be planning to rent a flat or house share while you settle in. London is vast and can be tricky to cover, so it helps to have a rough idea of the areas you’d be happy living in to narrow down your options.
In an ideal world you could stay on a friend’s sofa temporarily while you take the opportunity to view different properties and settle on a living situation that’s right for you.
Planning your commute
Ideally the property you settle on will also be relatively close to your work. You’re still likely to have a commute of some sorts however, which could involve the tube, buses or cycling. It could be worth doing a test run before your first day.
Getting an Oyster card will make paying for your travel easier – you can load them with weekly, monthly, or yearly passes if you need to.
Using apps
There are countless apps out there that can make getting around London and discovering its secrets quick and easy. Citymapper is ideal for working out the fastest way from A to B, for example, as it factors in tubes, trains and more.
Tripadvisor is another app that can make your days off more straightforward. Whether you need a bite to eat after visiting the London Eye or elsewhere, it’s easy to find the top-rated establishments nearby.
Budgeting
London is famed for being expensive, yet salaries are also higher than elsewhere in the UK to reflect this. But however, you’re being rewarded for your skills, you’ll want to work out a rough cost of living and create a budget to suit it.
There are plenty of ways to save money while enjoying yourself too. The city offers lots of free museums, exhibitions and festivals, for example.
Maximising your career opportunities
The fact you’re moving to London for work suggests you’re aware of the opportunities the city offers. You’ll also be exposed to more networking opportunities through events, recruitment agencies and after-work drinks – just try to keep your work hours manageable!
It’s easy to see the appeal of London. Whether you plan to live there for the short or long term, researching what to expect will help you settle in to your new city.
