Moving to London? How exciting! It’s big, fast-paced and diverse, all of which can be quite overwhelming for newcomers. Whether you’re moving for work, education or just to start a new chapter in life, here are our tips for finding your feet in the capital.

Choosing the right borough

London consists of 32 boroughs, each with its own character, housing market and array of local amenities. The options available to you will likely depend on your budget, lifestyle and place of work or study.

If affordability is your main concern, you’re best looking towards outer boroughs like Croydon and Bexley. You’ll sacrifice proximity to the city centre, but you’ll still be well-connected by train and tube.

Those with a bit more to spend can afford to look at more affluent and trendy areas. The likes of Richmond, Shoreditch and Clapham are in high demand with renters and buyers.

Finding accommodation

The property market in London is highly competitive. As such, it’s crucial to start your search as soon as possible. If you’re moving from elsewhere in the UK, be prepared for some eye-watering rent prices as you get closer to the centre.

Reach out to experienced London letting agents to register your interest and get alerts for new property and room listings. If you’re a young professional or student, check for shared properties to help lower the cost of rent and bills.

Getting around London

London is incredibly well-connected for such a vast city, but it’s not always the easiest to navigate if you’re new. Transport for London (TFL) operates the Underground, Overground, bus, tram, road and river networks.

If you’ll be commuting into the city regularly or travelling around for leisure, get familiar with the various Tube lines, bus routes and life on foot. Also, take time to understand the different ticket and payment options including Oyster cards and contactless payments.

Building your social network

You may already have connections you can rely on while you settle into life in the capital. If not, making friends in a big city can be daunting. But there are ways to build your social network including local groups, sports clubs and meet and greets.

Apps like Meetup and Bumble For Friends can also come in handy, allowing you to connect with others over shared interests and passions. Wherever you settle, get to know your neighbours and check local community Facebook groups and forums for local events.

Discovering the best of London

London is so much more than a tourist hotspot. The opportunities to explore are even greater when you live there. Start by seeing the iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, but then start to venture out to different places as you become more comfortable.

Parks like Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park are great if you want to escape the city for a while. Famous markets like Borough, Camden and Portobello Road offer a fascinating and eclectic mix of food, flowers, vintage goods and fashion.

Enjoy living the London life!