The ultimate guide to moving to London as a graduate
Welcome to the Big Smoke, kid.
You’ve made it. You’ve waded through the murky forest of application forms, defeated your dragon of an interviewer, and found the hidden treasure. Congratulations, you’re officially moving to London! ?
Before you start poppin’ that champagne, there’s just one little thing you need to sort – your accommodation. “Simple,” you say to yourself. “I’ll just Google it.” Ah, my sweet, innocent pal. That’s where you’ll be wrong.
Moving to London involves making about a hundred different micro-decisions. Which zone? Borough? What is more important: proximity to a pub or to the supermarket? Not to mention the astronomical rent prices.
We’ve been there. Like you, we laid in our beds, scrolling through property listings on our phone until we get too sleepy and drop it on our faces. Arranging a move to the city is no joke – so we’ve compiled this honest, no-nonsense guide that’ll hopefully help you find your new London home.
When searching for accommodation in London, consider using a rental comparison tool to evaluate your options effectively. Not only will this save you time, but it will also help you understand the market better. Make a list of your must-haves—like proximity to public transport or green spaces—and create a budget that includes not just rent, but also utilities, council tax, and other living expenses. Remember, being flexible about your location can open up more affordable options. Consider looking in up-and-coming neighborhoods; these areas often provide a better balance between cost and quality of life, allowing you to enjoy all that London has to offer without breaking the bank.
Location, location, location
Despite what all the TV shows tell you, London isn’t just made up of the Big Ben and the London Eye. The city is divided into five major areas: North, South, East, West and Central London. Beyond that, there are 33 different districts (called boroughs) in London, each with its own unique character.
Different hunting techniques
So, you’ve figured out where you want to live in London. It’s a nice area, not too busy or too quiet, and there’s a 24-hour Tesco in the vicinity. Perfection. However, when you come to look up properties in the area, there’s one major problem. You have no idea how to go about actually looking for a place to live. There are a few bits and bobs you need to know before you embark on your London house-hunting adventure.
Budgeting
It ain’t easy being a graduate. You’ll be the poorest you’ll ever be in your career, and London is one of the most expensive universities in the world. Yay.
It’s a good thing then we’ve put together the ultimate guide to budgeting on a graduate salary. So, you know, your overdraft can stand a chance.
Your ultimate guide to budgeting on a graduate salary
Renting rights as a tenant
Unless you’re super lucky, your first time residing in London will probably involve you renting a property. So here is a full list of all the things you need to know. Buckle up kiddos. This won’t be a fun read, but we promise to keep it as simple and practical as possible.
Your no-nonsense guide to your renting rights as a London tenant
Getting around
Learning how to get around the big, bad city of London is no mean feat. Getting lost on the Underground, getting off at the wrong bus stop, and, god forbid, taking an obscenely expensive black cab are cardinal sins. Lucky for you, we’ve broken down the swishiest ways to get around town. You’ll look like you’ve lived here for years.
Your guide to getting around London like a true Londoner
Meeting new people
A new city can be lonely for some. The comfort of being able to pop over to your best mate’s flat at university becomes a distant memory. You go to work and wonder if you’ll ever hang out with people who are not your work friends. There hasn’t been a user manual for how to make new friends in London. Until now.
Your guide to meeting new people and making friends in London
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to London
Moving to a new city comes with its own set of challenges, and London is no exception. One common mistake is underestimating the cost of living. London is expensive, so it’s essential to budget not only for rent but also for transportation, food, and entertainment. Another mistake is underestimating travel times; even short distances can take longer than expected due to traffic and public transport delays. Additionally, rushing into rental agreements without carefully considering the neighborhood or rental terms can lead to issues later on. To ensure a smooth transition, take time to plan and research thoroughly, helping you avoid these common pitfalls and enjoy your London experience to the fullest.
