You’ve finally arrived at a decision. You’re planning to move to London – one of the most interesting places in the world. Whether this move is something you’ve considered cautiously for months or is something akin to a whim, the British capital offers more than its reputation.
The city of London has a lot to offer to its dwellers; from museums, and top-notch restaurants, to an extensive range of job opportunities in any field, you’ve got plenty enough that awaits you. But more than that, you’ll find that you’ll never run out of things to love about this city.
However, before you can fully enjoy your time as a resident, you’ll first have to consider some of these things before moving. Knowing some of these will help you manage the potential hurdles more efficiently and make the overall experience easier and hassle-free.
1. Getting a work visa in London isn’t always easy
The real challenge often comes after the move has been made. In this case, you should know that securing a UK skilled work visa in London is a challenging process considering the strict qualifications and criteria you need to go through. For this, you can expect a minimum of about three months for it, though there isn’t usually a guarantee of successfully acquiring one. More than that, they can also be quite expensive to apply for.
Otherwise, you can also consider the eb2 visa for the US if you’re considering permanent residence while working in the country. Make sure to check out the requirements and process of getting one so that you won’t have to experience delays and make the experience easier than usual.
2. Avoid renting an apartment without visiting it first
One thing that can sully the whole experience for you is if you hastily rent an apartment without cautiously evaluating it in the first place. It’s important to remember that rental scams are also quite prevalent in London. Regardless of where you’re moving, there will inevitably be people who will try to deceive you in the rental market. In this case, international expats or movers are more at risk since they’d typically rent a place even before they set foot in the country. To guarantee your protection, you can work with an agent in the area who can give you valuable advice on the various neighbourhoods. They can also help you determine a suitable fit for where you wish to reside and the budget you’re willing to spend on it. Once you have made the decision to finally relocate, make sure to hire a reliable London Man and Van to take care of your stuff.
3. London is an expensive city
If you’re moving to London in hopes of escaping ridiculously high expenses, then you might be in tough luck for that matter. If you’re currently on a tight budget, you may find yourself stretching your funds thin while residing in the city. This is mainly because everything in London –morning coffee, entertainment, and groceries- tends to be pricey. Nonetheless, you can always find a way to work it all out if you know how to budget your money efficiently. Actively plan your budget and be conscious of your discretionary spending in London. Make sure that you have enough savings to go around as much as possible.
4. Meet new friends proactively
Meeting new friends in a new place is especially hard, especially if you’ve only just recently moved. There will be times when you’ll feel like a cultural outsider, and the loneliness will eventually take hold. However, instead of moping around in your place, try to see this as an opportunity for you to broaden your network. The internet and social apps have made it far more convenient for you to connect with people who share your preferences and interests. Even if you’re more of an introvert, you can always find ways for you to establish meaningful relationships in the city. The good thing about this is that you learn more about the country’s culture through them and have excellent company throughout your stay.
5. You can leave your private vehicle back home
If you own a car, you can consider leaving it back home or selling it if you’re planning on resuming your life as a London city dweller. Besides the fact that the city has limited parking spots, you’ll be impressed by London’s top-notch public transportation. Wherever you’re going, you’ll have no qualms about going on the bus, tube, or even bicycle to get to your destination. Save yourself the unnecessary headache and expense of getting a car, especially since life in London is enjoyable with its public transportation.
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