Pack for all weather conditions
In the UK, the weather really can change day to day. In 2022, it rained over 150 days of the year. Yeah, seriously. Pack your umbrella, sunglasses and jumpers/sweaters to prepare yourself for all weather conditions. It does rain a lot. It’s not uncommon to get caught off guard when on your way to university or work and get drenched by the rain. This is a must know before moving to London.
Prepare for long commutes
Something you need to know before moving to London is how long it can take to get from one place to the next. Make sure you plan ahead to attend your classes because London is a BIG city. The average commute journey can take between 45 mins – 1 hour so make sure you’ve got some earphones or a book to keep you entertained for your journey. One of my biggest mistakes is not having any playlists or podcasts downloaded on my phone. I won’t be making that mistake again. Use @citymapper to help you navigate your way around the city.
Make sure to get your banking sorted
Setting up a bank account in the UK can be timely and tricky. We recommend getting yourself a credit card for your time here. Choose a credit card that has either a LOW or 0% transaction fee on purchases. Additionally, make sure you tell your bank that you are travelling to England. London is very much a card culture and you’ll rarely find anywhere that doesn’t accept credit. Sometimes there are places that don’t accept Amex so make sure you carry another, just in case.
Watch before you arrive
One of the best ways to get excited for an adventure to London is to take some time and watch some movies or shows that are based in that place. I’m sure you have seen some of the classics filmed in London. If you need reminding, some must-watches include: Notting Hill, The Inbetweeners, Love Actually, The Crown, Peaky Blinders & more…
Plan your trips outside of London
Your time in London can fly by in a blink. It’s important to remember there is a whole world outside of London that is accessible to you by train, bus, ferry or a short flight. Why not join us on our trips to Amsterdam, Paris, Wales and Scotland or check out some of our day trips. Keep exploring 🙂
See you in London! 👋🏻
