subject: Tips for moving to London [print this page] Other cities across the UK may boast about their improving tourism credentials, but dynamic London is still where the action is. The historic capital is an enduringly popular place to visit and even better for living in, with many of the country's most fashionable and exciting attractions, amenities and experiences being more or less on your doorstep.
Whether you're moving to London for work, for its exceptional quality of life or simply to make a fresh start, you should find it fairly straightforward to find accommodation and get settled. With its numerous districts all conveniently connected by services such as the London Underground and frequent buses, you don't need to have a W1 postcode to be within easy reach of the best London has to offer.
If you've already got a destination in mind, it's a good idea to start looking for flats as soon as possible, whether you're more interested in trendy North London, the cultural West End or the outer districts. If you're more flexible, living outside of the city centre is usually the cheapest option, though sharing a city centre flat with someone else is also an effective way to cut down on living expenses. If you haven't yet secured a job in London, you could also find good deals on temporary accommodation before you're ready to commit to something more long-term.
Finding work in the capital can be much easier than in other, quieter parts of the UK, even if you're just looking for work as a temp. It's not uncommon to have to travel a fairly long distance to your workplace, but by living within the city rather than in Greater London you can avoid a more epic commute - and you won't necessarily have to pay more for that privilege.
London's public transport may have faced much criticism over the years, but the truth of the matter is that it still stands head and shoulders above others in Britain, and even compares favourably to other European capitals, especially given the sheer number of passengers needing to get from A to B at all times of the day and night. This allows many newcomers to London to recoup some of their living costs by selling their cars, calling on services such as van hire London when moving house or taking excursions beyond the city limits.
Living in London full-time can be an incredibly rewarding experience, so it's no wonder so many people who move to the vibrant city end up staying for good.
