Moving to London – What to expect? 🇬🇧
I’ve officially moved to London, and here’s everything you can expect once you’re here!
Discover the process of moving from Australia to London, including the logistics of relocating to a new country—everything from securing a visa, finding accommodation, setting up a bank account, and navigating the job market. Plus, learn about the cultural and lifestyle differences between Australia and the UK, from public transport and everyday expenses to local customs and unique quirks.
This guide covers all you need to know for a smooth transition and a better understanding of life in London!
Watch the full video here → https://youtu.be/e_AiW8mFwZ4
Reasons for Moving to London
Personally, I’ve always wanted to experience living abroad, and London is a great choice since it’s so central, plus everyone speaks English. It’s the perfect base for traveling to nearby European countries. I haven’t explored much of Europe yet, so being here will make it much easier to visit more places.
To give you an idea of just how close other European countries are by flight from London:
- One-hour flights: France, Netherlands, Belgium, etc.
- Two-hour flights: Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, etc.
- Three-hour flights: Portugal, Iceland, Croatia, etc.
These are just a few examples, but there are so many more destinations easily accessible from London!
If you know where Australia is on the map, you’ll know how isolated it is from the rest of the world. It takes over 20 hours to travel between Australia and Europe, so it’s a long journey! Now that I’m in London, it’s really exciting to be so close to so many new places to explore on this side of the world.
How did I move to London? VISA – Youth Mobility Visa
In Australia, there’s the Youth Mobility Visa, which allows you to live and work in the UK for 2–3 years. The requirements are that you must be under 35 years old (previously under 30), have at least AUD $5,000 in your bank account, and hold a valid passport.
I applied for this visa and got accepted! The whole process was fairly easy, and I have another video covering all the details.
UK Youth Mobility Scheme (Australia to UK) Video → https://youtu.be/wqQ2PtW22Ys
Read more about the UK Youth Mobility VISA:
After the whole VISA process was finalized in Australia
The only thing left was to pick up my BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) at the post office I had selected. I chose the one near London Bridge because it had good reviews on Google, and I wanted to be safe since I wasn’t familiar with the area before arriving in London.
BRP – Biometric residence permits (BRPs) is essentially your ID in the UK.
I found out this year that all BRP physical cards are expiring on 31 December 2024. So, I needed to apply for an e-visa online, which is now linked to my passport. Instead of requiring a BRP card, visa holders will have their status digitally linked to their passports, which aligns with the UK’s move toward digital immigration status verification.
If you’re planning to work in the UK, be sure to apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN), which functions similarly to a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia. The application process was straightforward online, and they sent me a physical letter with my NIN once it was processed.
National Insurance Number (NIN) Is used for tax and social security purposes. You can apply for it online, and once approved, you receive a physical letter with your NIN.
Once you’ve found a place to live, it’s a good idea to apply for the NHS, which stands for the National Health Service. The application process was pretty easy and can mostly be done online. The process for registering with the NHS can vary depending on your visa status and residency, but generally, it’s straightforward, and many services can be accessed online.
Finding a place to live in London
Before moving to London, I didn’t secure a place to live right away. Instead, I decided to stay in an Airbnb for the first month. This way, I could explore different areas and see if I liked a particular part of London. I had done some research on various neighborhoods to get a better idea of where I might want to settle.
Here’s an overview of what to expect in different parts of London:
- West London: This area is often considered posh and affluent. It’s quite nice, but because of its desirability, rent tends to be pricier compared to other areas. When I was looking for places, I noticed a lot of buildings had a Victorian-style touch to it and I suppose it adds to the charm of the neighborhood. Here are some suburbs in the area.
- Notting Hill: Famous for its colorful houses and the annual Notting Hill Carnival.
- Kensington: An affluent area known for its museums and royal parks.
- Fulham: A vibrant area with a mix of pubs, restaurants, and shops.
- Chiswick: A leafy suburb with a village feel, known for its parks and the River Thames.
- East London: Known for its edgy and artistic vibe, East London is bustling with life. There’s a lot happening here, from street art to a diverse food scene. Brick Lane, in particular, gives off similar vibes to Melbourne but feels a bit more unconventional and a touch rougher around the edges. Here are some suburbs in the area.
- Shoreditch: A trendy area known for its street art, nightlife, and creative scene.
- Hackney: An up-and-coming area with a diverse culture and thriving arts community.
- Stratford: Home to the Olympic Park and Westfield shopping center, it’s a bustling hub.
- Bethnal Green: Known for its rich history and the nearby Victoria Park.
- North London: I didn’t explore this area too much since it wasn’t on my radar for living, but I did visit Camden. It felt incredibly vibrant and chaotic, with its crowded streets and constant activity. Camden Market is a highlight, with an eclectic mix of shops and food stalls. Here are some suburbs in the area.
- Camden: Famous for its market, music scene, and alternative culture.
- Islington: A vibrant area with a mix of theaters, restaurants, and boutique shops.
- Highgate: Known for its historic village feel and beautiful park.
- Hampstead: An affluent area with stunning views, parks, and charming streets.
- South London: From my research, I’ve found that people often steer clear of this area as it can be perceived as rougher. I haven’t visited South London myself, so I can’t speak from personal experience, but I’ve read mixed reviews about the neighborhoods there. When I thought of South London, I was thinking of just Brixton. Here are some suburbs in the area.
- Brixton: A culturally diverse area known for its markets, music scene, and nightlife.
- Clapham: Popular with young professionals, it has a lively atmosphere and many green spaces.
- Wandsworth: Known for its riverside location and family-friendly vibe.
- Croydon: A large town with shopping centers, parks, and a growing food scene.
Australians in London
I’ve noticed that there are quite a few Asian Australians around the Shoreditch, Angel, and Islington areas, while most Aussie Australians seem to prefer staying in Clapham.
- Shoreditch, Angel, and Islington: These areas are popular among young professionals and creatives, which might attract a diverse crowd, including Australian Asians.
- Clapham: Known for its vibrant social scene and green spaces, Clapham is a popular choice for many Australians, particularly those who are new to London.
Apps/Websites to Use When Looking for a Place to Live in London:
From the beginning, I explored various websites and apps, including:
- Rightmove: One of the largest property listing websites in the UK.
- OnTheMarket: A platform that features properties from various estate agents.
- Zoopla: Offers a wide range of listings, including rental and sales properties.
- SpareRoom: Great for finding shared accommodations and flatmates.
- MatesPlace: Focuses on flat shares and roommate arrangements.
- Aussies in London Facebook Group: A community where Australians share housing opportunities and advice.
I applied to a lot of places but didn’t receive many responses. However, when I did hear back, the responses were positive, and I was able to schedule viewings. I only ended up doing two viewings, and both places offered to let me take them.
I decided to go with the second place since it was a bit more modern. However, I had to wait an extra month before I could move in, which meant spending another month in an Airbnb. Staying in an Airbnb for an extended period isn’t too enjoyable, especially since I didn’t have a proper kitchen. I found myself either eating out or relying on pre-prepped microwave meals from M&S for most of the first two months after moving to London.
However, some of my friends who moved to London had to go through multiple viewings and took a bit longer to find a place and get accepted because the market can be quite competitive. So, I suppose the timing of when you’re looking for a place really makes a difference.
Also, if you don’t have a job lined up or sufficient savings to prove your financial stability, agents will generally ask you to pay six months’ rent upfront. This increases the likelihood that a landlord will accept your application. While it’s a significant amount to pay upfront, it serves as a security measure for both the agents and the landlord. Alternatively, you can provide a UK guarantor, which means that if you can’t pay your rent, someone from the UK can cover it for you.
Make sure you have a clear idea of your non-negotiables before moving. For example, consider factors like proximity to a tube station, bus network, shops, grocery stores, or even a park if you prefer green spaces. Additionally, think about specific features you want in your living space, such as a modern kitchen, natural light, or in-unit laundry. Knowing your priorities will help you find a place that makes your stay in London more comfortable and enjoyable.
Finding a job in London
Finding a job in London can be very competitive.
It’s not the easiest place to start in a new industry, as many positions require specific skills and experience. Entry-level salaries often start around £28,000, which is approximately AUD $56,000. After taxes, your monthly income might be around £1,500, which would primarily go toward rent and bills. Living on this income can be quite tight, especially if you’re on your own, so house sharing is likely your best option, as it tends to be more affordable than renting an entire place by yourself.
I recommend gaining experience and securing a higher title before moving to London. This way, you’ll be in a better position to earn a more comfortable salary, allowing you to enjoy the city to its fullest.
I was fortunate enough to be able to work in the UK office for my company, which made my transition to living in London much smoother.
When applying for job listings, I primarily used LinkedIn to search for opportunities. It can be challenging because the response rate is often minimal, so reaching out to recruiters is extremely helpful. They can provide insight into roles that may be available in the pipeline and share opportunities that match your skills.
Some reputable marketing recruitment agencies to consider are Salt, Aquent, and Hays.
Setting up a Bank Account in London
For international transfers, I use Wise to convert Australian dollars to British pounds. I also still use UP with my Australian dollars, which automatically applies the real-time exchange rate when I pay in pounds.
As for a London bank card, I signed up for Revolut and found the process to be super quick and user-friendly. Revolut also allows you to hold money in multiple currencies, such as euros, which is a great feature for traveling.
I’ve also heard that many people in London use Monzo, so that’s another option worth considering.
Setting up a mobile plan in London
My friend referred me to Lebara, and I found it to be a great option since the first three months were half price. I opted for the £25 plan, which includes unlimited data and calls, as well as international EU roaming. So, for the first three months, I only paid £12.50. Here is the link for 50% off for the first three months: https://aklam.io/otp7ix
Another friend recommended Giffgaff and O2 as well, although I haven’t used them myself. They could be worth considering if you’re looking for more options
Types of supermarkets in London
Here is a list of supermarkets in London, from budget to premium options, along with popular Asian supermarkets.
Cheapest Options:
- Asda: Similar to Walmart, offers a wide range of groceries, household items, and more.
- Lidl and Aldi: Known for low prices and good quality, though with limited product ranges.
- Poundland: Mainly a discount store, but it does carry some grocery items at very low prices.
- Iceland: Specializes in frozen foods, but also carries essentials and has affordable options.
- Co-op: Generally affordable, with many smaller stores conveniently located.
Mid-Range:
- Tesco: A popular chain with both large stores and smaller “Express” locations; reasonably priced.
- Sainsbury’s: Similar to Tesco, with both larger stores and smaller “Local” versions in many areas.
Expensive/Premium:
- Harrods: Known for luxury items and a unique food hall, but at premium prices.
- Marks & Spencer (M&S): Offers high-quality groceries with a focus on fresh, premium products.
- Waitrose & Partners (also in smaller “Little Waitrose” stores): Known for quality and often organic products.
Asian Supermarkets:
- Oseyo: Specializes in Korean and other Asian groceries, with locations across London.
- Tian Tian Market: Offers a broad selection of Asian foods, including Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian items.
- Starry Mart: Known for Chinese and Japanese ingredients, with an online store as well.
- H Mart: A Korean grocery store with a wide range of Asian foods, recently expanding in London.
Transport in London
London has an extensive and convenient public transport network, including the Overground, Underground (the tube), and buses. Trains and buses run very frequently—often every 5 minutes or even less. Compared to Sydney, the transport system here is highly efficient.
Before arriving, I thought I’d need an Oyster card, but it turns out you can simply use contactless payment with a debit or credit card across all public transport, including buses, the tube, and the Overground. It’s quick and easy, so you may not need an Oyster card at all.
For day trips outside London, such as to Oxford or Cambridge, you’ll usually need to purchase separate train tickets. I recommend downloading the Trainline app, which makes it easy to buy tickets directly.
To navigate the city, Citymapper is the app everyone seems to use. It provides detailed route information and even tells you which carriage to board for the quickest exit—something Google Maps doesn’t offer. I’m still getting used to it, but my friends find it super helpful.
Things I Found Different Between Australia and the UK
- Service Fees: In the UK, a service fee is often added to the bill in restaurants and bars. This isn’t as common in Australia, where you usually pay only the menu price. You can ask to have the service charge removed.
- Split Bills: It’s standard in the UK for cafes, restaurants, and bars to offer split bills. In Australia, however, many places prefer a single payment for the whole table.
- Pedestrian Crossings: At traffic lights, the green pedestrian light is silent in the UK, so it’s important to watch carefully rather than waiting for an audible signal, as you might in Australia.
- Jaywalking: Jaywalking is common and more widely accepted here, whereas it’s often discouraged in Australia.
- Phone Snatching: Phone snatching is reportedly common, so I got a phone strap for extra security. With so much on your phone, it’s worth the precaution.
- Hard Water: London has hard water, meaning it contains minerals like calcium and limescale. I bought a Brita water filter jug from Argos to make drinking water more palatable.
- Pub Culture and Parks: When it’s warm, people often gather outside pubs to drink or have picnics in parks, which get crowded on weekends.
- Travel Times: London is spread out, so traveling within the city can take 30-60 minutes or more but the tube or bus makes travel seem quicker than Sydney.
- Cycling: Cycling is popular in London, with dedicated bike lanes and cycle hire options widely available.
- Theatre and Shows: London has a vibrant theatre scene, with far more shows and performances available than in Sydney.
- Indian Food: Indian cuisine is deeply embedded in UK culture; you’ll even find a curry-flavored sauce at McDonald’s.
- Tube Ventilation: The Underground lacks good ventilation, so dust is common, and you may notice that a sneeze can leave black residue.
- Public Transport: The frequency of buses and tubes makes public transport very convenient, eliminating the need to drive.
- Cost of Travel: Traveling outside London can be costly; for example, a round-trip ticket to Oxford can cost around £30 (about AUD $60).
- Summer and Winter Days: In summer, daylight lasts until 9 or 10 p.m., which is great for evening activities. In winter, the sun sets much earlier (sometimes as early as 4 p.m.).
- Parks: London has larger, beautifully maintained parks like Regent’s Park and St. James’s Park, where you can even spot ducklings and other wildlife.
- Few Bugs: Insects are relatively rare in London, which is a noticeable change from Australia. Since Australia is filled with them.
- Heating Over Air Conditioning: Many apartments lack air conditioning but have central heating, as London is designed more for cold weather than heat.
- TV License: You need a TV license in the UK if you watch BBC or live TV, which isn’t required in Australia. You may receive threatening letters about it but many people from UK said, you can ignore it if you don’t watch live TV.
Whether you’re preparing to move or just curious about life here, I hope this guide helps you get a sense of what to expect!
Related Blogs:
UK Youth Mobility Scheme (Australia to UK) Video → https://youtu.be/wqQ2PtW22Ys
Read more about UK Youth Mobility VISA:
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Travel, Explore, Moving to London, Moving Abroad, Youth Mobility Scheme VISA, Moving to London from Australia, London What to Expect, Living in London