Moving to London is a tremendous change, but most people only realise it once they get there. London is fast and crowded, and if you haven’t lived in a city with a similar tempo to that of London, it’s only natural to feel disoriented. However, the change of air isn’t the only thing you’ll have to deal with. You need to sort housing, finances, and uni or work – and all of a sudden, the whole moving ordeal sounds somewhat chaotic.

In this guide, we’ll help you make that jump with less stress. We’ll go through the practical stuff people wish they had known before arriving in London. That includes which areas actually work for students, young professionals, and alike, what paperwork you need to sort, and how to get around in the city.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have an idea of what your first week might look like.

Is London a good place to live?

London can be a blessing or a nightmare. So it really depends on you, the way you live, and the decisions you make. That said, the best part of London is that the city gives you many chances to grow, meet new people, and try things you would not find anywhere else. At the same time, it can also push your limits in terms of prices, travel times, and the general chaos that comes with living in a big city.

Is London a good place to live after all? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros

• Plenty of chances to make the best out of your life. The city offers you some of the best places to study or work.
• You’ll likely meet people from all over the world, which gives you unique perspectives on life.
• There’s always something to do. Whether you want a quiet day in a park or a wild night out, London has it all.
• It’s a big city, and its every nook and cranny is a gem worth exploring.

Cons

• Rent is expensive, and finding a decent flat can take time. On top of that, you may need to make some compromises initially.
• Transport costs add up, and commuting can get tiring during the rush hours.
• London is lively and moves fast. It can be overwhelming if you prefer a much calmer pace.
• Daily life can feel quite pricey, even when you try to stick to a budget.

How to move to London?

If you are planning to move to London, below are the essentials you need to sort out before you arrive.

Get your documents ready

Start with your visa before anything, because it is the one thing you cannot rush. Students typically work with their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter and proof of funds. Meanwhile, individuals relocating to London for work rely on their sponsorship documents. Keeping everything backed up in more than one place saves a lot of stress in the long run.

It also helps to organise your key documents before you travel. Passports, university or work-related papers, and anything medical should be within reach. When these things are in order, you waste less time dealing with surprises during your first days in the city.

Think about communication and finances

Consider how you’ll communicate once you land. Using your carrier’s data roaming to check maps or contact your accommodation may hurt your wallet, as roaming fees can be astronomical. To avoid inconveniences from the start, consider activating an eSIM card for a few days or up to a week instead. This way, you can spend your first days without having to hunt for a phone shop or free WiFi spots while you are still jet-lagged.

Banking is another step to consider early. Obtaining a traditional UK bank account can be time-consuming, so many newcomers start with an online or neo-banking option to manage their rent and daily expenses until they are settled. Once you have an address and some stability, it becomes easier to open a standard account if you want one.

Prioritize your health and security

As soon as you know where you will live, register with a local GP, because that connects you to the NHS. It is free to do and means you can get help when you need it, rather than waiting until something becomes urgent. 

At the same time, look into basic insurance for your belongings. It is usually cheap, and it protects you if anything goes missing or gets damaged in shared housing.

Relocating to London: housing and budget

Figuring out how to move to London isn’t straightforward. Housing costs, deposits, and day-to-day expenses all hit you at once, so getting a clear picture of what you’ll spend is the first real step.

Finding accommodation

When you start searching for a place in London, keep your budget in mind. The estate market moves quickly, and listings come and go within hours, so checking a few rental sites each day is helpful. 

If a place seems strangely cheap for the area, assume there is a catch. Focus on neighbourhoods that fit your routine, whether that means a quick commute or quieter streets – whatever you’re prioritizing the most. Make sure your rental is conveniently located near your campus or workplace.

Once you find a room or flat that looks right, act quickly but still check the basics. Confirm the rent, deposit, contract length, and any additional fees before signing the contract. Good places get taken fast, but making sure the terms are clear will save you from problems later.

Understanding costs

It’s always costly to live in the capital city, and London is no exception to the rule. Think thoroughly about what your typical monthly expenses might look like once you start living there. If you don’t have a reference, a quick Google search on certain expenses for London might help. 

To put things into perspective, rent is where you’ll be paying the most. Though, don’t underestimate other expenses as they add up quickly. Include groceries, transportation, and a phone plan in the budget you’re making. Make sure to have some extra spare for expenses that always seem to appear when you least expect them. Utilities such as electricity, gas, and internet are usually on top of your rent unless you are in student housing, so double-check before you sign anything.

Getting around London

London’s transport system looks complicated at first, but don’t let that intimidate you. Most people rely on the Tube, buses, or trains, and all of them work with the same payment methods. You can use an Oyster card to pay fares or simply tap your contactless bank card or phone.

Cycling is also an option if you prefer avoiding crowds, and there are rental bikes across the city that you can pick up and drop off almost anywhere.

What would be helpful to learn is that the city is split into zones. The fares change depending on which zone you’re traveling to or from. Zones start from 1, which is the central London area, and expand outward. The further you travel across zones, the more you pay, so learn which zones you will move through most often. 

Finding work in London

London has plenty of work options, especially for students and recent graduates. A lot depends on what kind of job you want. Part-time roles in retail and customer service are common, and they tend to hire quickly. If you are aiming for something related to your profession, expect well-rounded interview stages and quite a bit of preparation from your part. 

Most people start with job boards. Websites like Indeed, Reed, and LinkedIn are used everywhere, and they update constantly. For part-time or casual work, many students also check local listings, university careers pages, or even walk into shops and ask if they are hiring. It sounds old-school, but it still works in London. Networking also helps, even in small ways. Talking to classmates or attending free events can lead to opportunities you would not find online.

A word of advice, if you’re adamant in finding work in London: stay organised and apply consistently. London has a competitive job market, but once you get your first role, the rest will become easier. After all, your first job in the city will give you experience and confidence. You’ll also get a clearer picture of where you want to go next.

Settling into London life

Adjusting to London might take some time. Though it helps to build a few small routines while you find your feet. Get to know your neighbourhood and learn the routes you will use the most. Figure out where you actually like to spend time so that the city feels less like a maze. Even something as simple as knowing which corner shop stays open late or which cafe is quiet enough to sit in can make the days feel more manageable.

Once you have those basics in place, the city becomes easier to read. You start recognising landmarks, you stop checking your phone for directions every ten minutes, and you get a better sense of how long it really takes to get from one place to another. Those little wins make a big difference in making you feel settled.

Final thoughts

Moving to London can feel stressful, but it becomes manageable once you plan the basics and allow yourself time to adjust. London offers plenty of opportunities to grow, meet new people, and try new things. If you stay organised and keep an open mind, London becomes a place where you can build a life that genuinely works for you.

FAQ

How much does it cost to live in London?

London is known for being pricey – though the actual cost depends on how you manage your money. Usually, rent is the most considerable expense. Then you have transport and groceries. Many students and young professionals make it work by choosing shared housing, using travel caps, and keeping a simple budget.

Which areas of London are best to live in?

Places like Camden or Shoreditch suit people who enjoy a busy, social environment, while Kensington and Chelsea offer a more polished feel if you can afford it. If you prefer calmer neighbourhoods, areas such as Richmond and Greenwich give you more space and greenery without taking you too far from central London.