Five places to move to for work if you can’t live in London
This post was written by an external contributor. Chinyere Ogwe lists five places to consider living in for good graduate job prospects that aren’t London.
For many graduates, moving down to London after finishing university is the goal. It’s where many prominent sectors are located, and it’s the capital city with a lot of opportunities on offer.
But for some students and graduates, moving to London is near impossible, or not a priority.
Even though many careers are London-centric, it is possible to carve out a successful career outside of The Big Smoke. Here are some of the alternative destinations for high graduate prospects if you can’t (or don’t want to) live in London.
Leeds
Leeds, West Yorkshire, is the third biggest city in the UK and is constantly growing. Loads of graduates and professionals are choosing to locate to the city for opportunities and a cheaper way of living.
The city has a diverse economy, with sectors like law, retail, science, marketing, digital media, creative, SMEs, publishing, healthcare, finance – the biggest outside of London – and IT taking prominence. You can find plenty of graduate roles here.
Leeds is the place to be to enjoy the perks of living in a metropolitan hub. From a variety of eateries, to the vibrant cultural scene, to the entertainment. But to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the peace of the countryside, you can drive to the Yorkshire Dales. There are loads of rural landscapes within a reachable distance.
Manchester
Manchester is ‘the land of Coronation Street, Oasis and world class football’ but it’s also a place that’s full of wonderful job opportunities.
This city has the second biggest media hub in the UK. So if your goal is to work in the media but you don’t fancy the move down to the capital, then look no further than Manchester. This city has a lot to offer without those astronomical London prices, being 30% cheaper.
Enjoy the historical and cultural aspects of Manchester, as well as the social scene, music, entertainment, sport, shopping – check out the Trafford Centre – and the nightlife. And you’ll be close to the countryside! Plus, if you like a curry, then there are plenty of places where you can indulge on Curry Mile.
Also, check out Manchester if you’re looking for your dream role in the marketing, advertising, public relations, technology, creative, energy, environment, financial, logistics, healthcare, digital and design industries.
When considering a job in Manchester, it’s important to leverage the city’s networking opportunities. With a growing media and tech scene, attending local industry events or joining professional groups like the Manchester Digital or the Prolific North can give you an edge in securing your dream role. Networking in Manchester is more accessible compared to London, as it fosters a close-knit community. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or through local meetups, where you’ll find plenty of chances to build valuable industry connections.
Bristol
Bristol is a lovely place to live as a student, but it’s also a wonderful city to live in as a graduate.
Voted the Green Capital of Europe in 2015, Bristol is a peaceful city that’s steeped in history. It’s also well-renowned for its local eateries, cafés, bars, cycling and Banksy. Even though the main aspect of the Bristolian economy was focused heavily on the sea trade, it now focuses on other sectors as well. These include creative media, finance, electronics and the aerospace industry.
Birmingham
The second biggest city in the UK has an economy worth ВЈ121bn. It’s one of the best cities in the UK to live and work in, so you can be sure to come by plenty of job opportunities here.
Birmingham is a city that’s a destination for transport, retail, health, finance, higher education, manufacturing, insurance, law, creative media, consultancy, engineering and events. As it’s the second biggest city, you’ll never run out of things to do. From dining out at various restaurants, to enjoying the entertainment, to visiting local attractions – i.e. the Bullring – and points of interest.
Living in Birmingham will cost you 22% less than the national average cost of living. However, the starting salaries for graduate jobs in Birmingham tend to be the same as the starting salaries in London. So, this means that you’ll get more for your money.
Edinburgh
Okay, so Edinburgh isn’t the cheapest place to live. However, it’s certainly beautiful, and many graduates choose to stay here after they’ve finished university.
The lifestyle in Edinburgh is certainly desirable. Edinburgh offers a wide range of small independent stores, leisure and outdoor activities, security and opportunities for further education and employment.
As for employment, Edinburgh offers plenty of graduate opportunities in banking and finance, technology, management, transport, sales and engineering.
Cost of Living Comparison
When considering alternative cities for work, it’s important to understand how the cost of living varies. For instance, rent prices in cities like Manchester and Birmingham tend to be much lower than in London, with average one-bedroom apartment rentals around £700-£900 per month. Cities such as Edinburgh may have slightly higher living costs, particularly in central areas, but still offer substantial savings compared to London. Utility bills, groceries, and dining out also tend to be more affordable in these cities, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of London’s typical costs.
Local Networking Opportunities
Each of these cities has its own vibrant professional network and career growth opportunities. For example, Manchester hosts regular tech meetups and conferences that attract industry experts, making it an excellent choice for tech professionals. Birmingham has several professional associations and career fairs for sectors like finance and engineering. In cities like Edinburgh and Bristol, you’ll find numerous networking events and workshops focused on startups and the creative industries, creating ample opportunities to connect with professionals and expand your network.
Public Transport and Accessibility
Transportation options can be a deciding factor, especially if you need to commute to London occasionally. Many of these cities, such as Birmingham and Manchester, offer well-connected rail links with London, making it feasible to travel back and forth for hybrid or occasional work. Within these cities, public transport networks are typically more affordable and less crowded than in London, with efficient bus, tram, and rail services. Moreover, most of these cities are more walkable and bike-friendly, reducing reliance on cars and making commuting both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Are you planning on living outside of London as a graduate? Let us know!
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