What you need to know before moving to London

The bright city lights of London are continually attracting new faces, both from other parts of the UK and further afield. If you’ve decided to take the plunge and give life in London a go, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you hand in your notice and start packing boxes.

London is vastly different from most other areas of the country, and you may find it takes some time to adjust. Transport options are different, working life is more demanding and the cost of living is the highest in the country. However, with a little research and preparation you can ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Here, we outline some tips to help you adapt to your new life in London.

Finding a job & working life

The job market in London is much more competitive than other areas of the UK, so it’s best to be prepared and secure a job before you move to the Big Smoke. Most recruitment is carried out via agencies in London so it would be worth registering with any agencies relevant to your field.

Working life in London is also pretty intense, with a 2021 report revealing the city has the highest proportion of workers doing unpaid overtime in the UK.  

Getting around

The nature of the layout of London means getting around in a car is much trickier than it is in other parts of the country. Invest in a Railcard and take advantage of the fantastic public transport the city has to offer. You may also find you can walk to a handful of the places you need to get to, as many areas of London are in close proximity to one another.

Using public services

You’ll need to get used to using public services in London including the tube and the London buses. However, even public services in London tend to be different from other areas of the UK, as the city has a high population and attracts a significant amount of people from other UK regions and abroad.

The busy nature of London infiltrates into the medical sector and the city’s hospitals, meaning medical staff are often overworked and more likely to make mistakes. Due to this, you may want to look out for the signs of medical negligence in London hospitals in case an accident or malpractice occurs.  

Cost of living

The cost of living in London is significantly higher than other parts of the UK, so you’ll need to be financially prepared for a sudden hike in bills, groceries, and other living costs. When you start working in London you should be paid a slightly higher wage than you would if you were living in a less expensive city (London waiting pay).