Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s been three years since I decided I was moving to London! While you might imagine red buses, royal sightings, posh accents, and afternoons of high tea at the Savoy, the reality is you are right and wrong at the same time. Contrary to popular belief, life in London—and the UK—isn’t all tea and crumpets, as I’ve come to realize over the past three years. And quite indeed, London itself is a city full of complexities. But it is still a city that offers a vibrant life and a captivating variety of things in the middle of its fast-paced and often challenging lifestyle. Therefore, these are things, I think, you truly must understand first first and foremost, before you move here.
The High Cost of Living
London is undeniably one of the most expensive cities in the world. From accommodation to dining out, costs can quickly escalate if you’re not careful. I can tell that when I first moved here, I thought I had done some thorough research and honestly believed I was financially ready to take on London. After all, I thought, it could not be any more expensive than any other megacity I had lived in. I had saved diligently, created a detailed budget, and accounted for what I thought were all possible expenses – including dining out. I was wrong.
Once you’re here, the harsh reality will hit you hard. Life in London often feels like you’re working just to pay rent and cover transportation costs. Rent is extremely high, and transportation isn’t cheap either. For example, a modest one-bedroom apartment in a central location can easily cost more than what many people earn in a month. Public transport, while extensive and convenient, can also drain your budget with high fares, especially if you’re commuting daily. Beyond just housing and transport, there’s the cost of daily necessities like groceries, utilities, and even a simple cup of coffee which often cost more than in other cities. So make sure you have a good budget and plan your finances to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The Unpredictable Weather
Where do I begin? I am writing this in June, sitting on a sofa covered in a blanket. It’s supposed to be summer, right? Welcome to London, where the weather has a mind of its own. Unless you come from a country where it’s always cloudy and rainy, you’re in for a surprise. If you are coming from a place with nice weather, you really need to be prepared. Days can be depressing because you can go for weeks without seeing any sun. Add drizzles that start out of nowhere, and you’re even more bewildered. It’s hard to know what to wear sometimes; even in the middle of July, you can experience all four seasons in one day. How do you honestly dress up for that?
Occasionally, you will naively rely on weather forecasts, only to learn they are more like vague suggestions. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been drenched because the “clear skies” turned into a monsoon. And don’t even get me started on the winter months. Damp, chilly, and dark by 3 PM—it’s like living in a Dickens novel without the charming characters.
Despite all this, there’s a strange charm to London’s capricious climate. It keeps you on your toes and makes you appreciate those rare, glorious sunny days even more. My advice? Always have a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and a good sense of humour. Embrace the chaos, because learning to love—or at least tolerate—London’s weather is part of the quintessential experience. After all, if you can laugh through the rain, you can survive anything this city throws at you.
Public transportation In London
One of the things I love about London as a metropolis is its transport network. The city’s public transportation system is extensive and incredibly well-connected, making it easy to get around. From the iconic red buses to the sprawling Tube network and overground trains, you can travel virtually anywhere without needing a car. Make the Oyster card your best friend as it will allow you to get around easily when hopping on and off buses, trains, and the Tube. Crucially, before packing your bags and moving to London, make sure you understand fare zones and peak times to save yourself some cash.
Peak hours, typically are between 6:30 to 9:30 AM and again 4:00 to 7:00 PM. And as expected, these are the commute times with high fares, and even a short journey can add up quickly. So if you’re not careful, you might find a significant chunk of your money swallowed by travel expenses. So avoiding rush hours is a strong recommendation. If your schedule allows, travelling during off-peak hours will save you both money and the stress of dealing with crowds.
Understand British Etiquette As a Foreigner
Navigating London isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s also about understanding and respecting the cultural etiquette that defines this vibrant city. London is a melting pot of cultures, but it has its own unique set of social norms that might take some getting used to.
First and foremost, queuing is practically a national pastime. Whether you’re waiting for a bus, ordering coffee, or checking out at a store, always stand in line. Cutting in line is a major faux pas and will earn you disapproving looks. People here also highly value politeness. Simple phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” go a long way. You’ll notice that Londoners often say “sorry” even if it’s not their fault—it’s a habit ingrained in the culture. This politeness extends to everyday interactions, from asking for directions to ordering food.
Another thing to remember is the multicultural environment. With people from all over the world, it’s important that you are open-minded and respectful of different cultures and traditions. This diversity is one of London’s greatest strengths! And one that’s enriching the city’s social fabric and presenting you with endless opportunities to learn and grow.
be Open-Minded About Food
One of the best things about living in London is the sheer variety of food available and places to eat. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street food stalls, the city offers a gastronomic adventure that caters to every palate and budget. You can literally find authentic dishes from every corner of the globe without ever leaving the city. Craving Japanese sushi, Indian curry, Italian pasta, or Ethiopian injera? You’ll find all that and more within a short distance. Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane are just a few of the many places where you can explore a world of global flavours. So make sure you visit these markets and make the most of it.
Having said that, dining out in London can also be very pricey. High-end restaurants and even mid-range eateries can quickly drain your wallet. So cooking at home is a great way to save money and enjoy meals tailored exactly to your taste. But be careful where you shop for your groceries! Shopping for vegetables at Waitrose isn’t the same as shopping for vegetables at Lidl. So do your UK supermarkets research.
Dating In London
So you’re still single and moving to London huh? Lean in. You need to know dating in London can be as exciting and dynamic as the city itself but comes with its own set of challenges. The beauty of it is that it has a diverse population of singles, countless social venues, and a variety of dating apps that will give endless opportunities to meet new people. But on the other hand, the fast-paced lifestyle and busy schedules of Londoners can also make navigating the London dating scene a bit tricky and slippery.
Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are popular yes. But one thing you’ll notice while trying to meet people here is the preference for dating people living in the same area zone or at least in a nearby fair zone. Obviously, people prefer this because it is more convenient to meet up. With the city’s size and public transport complexity, dating someone who lives far away is seen as impractical and frustrating. So there’s no point in dating someone who lives on the opposite end of the city if you rarely get to see them.
Meanwhile, the best places to meet other singles in London are at its popular social spots. Think pubs and bars in areas like Shoreditch, Soho, and Clapham which are always buzzing with singles looking to mingle. Coffee shops and cafes in trendy neighbourhoods like Notting Hill and Camden are also perfect for meeting new people. But if these are not the kind of places you want to meet your potential MR or Mrs Right, there are also cultural events, such as gallery openings, theatre shows, and music festivals, which are excellent for finding like-minded singles.
Overall dating in London can be incredibly rewarding as the city’s energy and excitement make for memorable and adventurous dates. Moving to London as a singleton? Try to make the most of it and keep an open mind. And you might find that special someone amidst the hustle and bustle of this incredible city!