10 things you should know before moving to London

London is a vibrant city and one of the most prominent places, with thousands of expatriates living there. The numerous things to see around the city, dazzling pace of life, and a captivating blend of cultures explains London’s popularity. Are you considering moving to London? Here are 10 things you should know before embarking on your journey. 

London is the smallest city in London

The City of London that the Romans first defined covers only 1.1 m². It started expanding past the London walls during the Middle Ages. Settlements along the suburbs grew and were incorporated into the city to form modern-day London. Confusing as it may sound, everything outside London is a different city. 

Living in London can be costly

The cost of living in London is relatively high, depending on where you’re coming from. For example, suppose you’ll be relocating from New York. Living in London may seem cheaper. However, your finances will take a significant dip if you’re moving from a different part of the U.S. Rent for a single-bedroom flat will cost more than $2,000 monthly. However, you can consider renting in London with Spotahome a platform for medium/long term rentals which can make things easier until you find your perfect place.

Incredible food scene

London is one of the cities with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe. Further, the city offers diverse cuisine reflecting London’s multicultural residents. You can find dishes from different regions of the world in London. Soho, for example, boasts a wide range of restaurants to choose from. If you love street food, Camden should be a must-visit area. Borough Market offers numerous market stalls with some of the best ingredients.

Exceptional shopping opportunities

The renowned Oxford Street is a stretch of shopping paradise. Some of the world’s famed brands have established their flagship outlets here. The street is ever busy with thousands of people visiting daily. Harrods, a prominent department store, is also one of the biggest in Britain. It offers numerous products that align with everybody’s needs. Whether you’re shopping or not, exploring the store is an incredible experience. 

Must-visit museums

Are you passionate about knowledge? If you want to discover history, the Museum of London and the British Museum are must-visit places. The British museum boasts a collection of more than eight million substances, such as the Sutton Hoo ship burial treasures and the Rosetta Stone. The science museum and natural history museum attract millions of visitors yearly. If you’re looking for a unique experience, then Sherlock Holmes Museums are worth a visit. 

Some pubs in London are older than the U.S.

Pub culture is not only the core of London but stretches hundreds of years back. Some pubs in the city have been around long before the U.S. existed. For instance, The George Inn, near London Bridge, has been in operation since 1585. 

An electric football culture

Football forms a big part of London’s sporting realm. Numerous teams battle for dominance in the city. Premier League features seven clubs from London alone. Beware of showing open support to some teams in specific areas. Although it may not get you into serious trouble, some people take football strife seriously.

You’ll hardly drive

Londoners hardly drive. In fact, some don’t even own cars. Fortunately, the transport system in London is excellent, and the Underground can take you wherever you want. Further, the city is cycle-friendly and walkable. You’ll end up strolling and cycling more than you drive. 

Free healthcare

The U.K. healthcare program operates under the NHS. As a result, moving to London is an excellent opportunity to enjoy free healthcare. All you need to do is incorporate it into your visa process and pay a one-off fee. 

London experiences lots of rain

On average, there are 156 rainy days in London. The weather changes fast, and rains can fall suddenly, leaving you thoroughly drenched on a picnic day. 

Finally

London is a great place to move into. Are you thinking about moving to London? These tips will help you make an informed decision.