Lessons Learned from My First Year Living in London

It is baffling how a whole lot can happen in just one year. My first year living in London was a roller coaster ride filled with good, moderate, and unexpected moments.

 Living away from home can be challenging. You ponder on how to make the new city your home, start a new job, learn new norms, and make new friends.

Although I did some research before moving here, there are some lessons I learned only after moving to London. 

From my experience, Independence is important. Be it emotional independence or financial independence. 

Nobody owes you anything, you have to stand up and get things done. 

On a lighter note, I have learned so much in one year and would love to share some of them with you.

House-Hunting can be a bit of a hassle. Although, it is not impossible to find a good flat

My husband and I recently moved to a two-bedroom flat in South London and it took us two months of rigorous online search on the right move and Zoopla to get the apartment we wanted. 

Renting in London is quite expensive. The closer you are to Central London, the higher the cost. There are furnished, partly furnished and unfurnished houses depending on your budget and style. You have to be sure your budget will get you your preferred apartment.

One important thing to remember in most cases is that you pay a refundable tenancy deposit alongside your monthly rent once you have passed your tenancy checks. The deposit is no more than 5 weeks’ rent pay. However, the deposit is only paid for the first month.

Mobile Phones are Lifesavers. Have them with you at all times

If you are like me, you probably go everywhere with your cell phone. The device has been my best friend on different occasions. You need some applications on your phone. The weather app predicts how cold, sunny or rainy the day will be. Google Maps and TfL(Transport for London) are very important in moving from one place to the other. For persons that do not move around with cards and cash, payments are done through the phone. As a new person in a new city, your mobile phone is important.

London is an exciting city and a truly magical sight

With dozens of museums, parks, restaurants, theaters, festivals, concerts, and events, you could do exciting things every week. Every town has a town center where you find shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, game centers, and cinemas making it easier to have fun in your neighborhood.

With Christmas around the corner, festival lights and events are everywhere in London. It is that time of the year when everyone is happy and everywhere is bubbling.

Appreciate the Sun, it only comes a few times a year

I never thought I would appreciate the sun as much as I do now. London is a cold city. Even during summer, the weather is still slightly cold. You get to experience sunlight mostly during summer and this is enough to keep you warm and put a smile on your face. Adults are advised to take 1,500-2000 i.u Vitamin D daily to make up for the unavailability of vitamin D gotten from skin exposure to sunlight.

Healthcare is sometimes frustrating 

One of the best things about living in London is the accessibility to healthcare. However, it has gotten quite frustrating since the Covid pandemic. On weekends, the GP is closed, and you only call the NHS helpline or accident and emergency in severe cases. I have had instances where I had to spend over 60 minutes on the phone with the NHS emergency contact and different doctors before I could get an appointment in the hospital closest to me.

Avoid traveling during rush hour if you can

There are six zones in London and you might have to commute from one zone to a different zone daily or a few times a week. The cost of transportation is higher during rush hour in different zones. Some people spend over £60 weekly on transport to work depending on the zone you are going to. London TFL rush hour or the peak time is usually between 7:00 to 10:00 in the morning and 16:00 to 19:00. If you can, avoid commuting during these times.

Learn to appreciate your own company

The first few days of relocating to a new city can seem exciting and thrilling because of several goals and dreams you have about the new place. However, loneliness sets in after some weeks and you begin to miss your family and friends. Socializing with people can help in establishing new friendships but it takes time. This is why it is important to focus on yourself and do things that make you happy. It might be something as simple as reading a book, trying out outfits, taking pictures, and even eating a snack. 

From my experience, you might have some struggles living in London but as time goes by, you learn to love it. Interestingly, life is better compared to the beginning.