Three years ago, my husband and I packed up our life in New Zealand and moved across the world to London. It was hands down one of the best decisions we’ve ever made—and I honestly wouldn’t change moving to London for anything.
That said, adjusting to life in a new country (especially one as big, fast-paced, and wildly diverse as London) came with its fair share of learning curves. From navigating the rental market to figuring out how to make friends in a city of nine million people, we definitely had a few “if only we’d known…” moments.
So if you’re planning a move to London—or even just dreaming about it—here are 10 things I really wish someone had told me before I arrived.

1. Choose where you live wisely
London is massive, and every neighbourhood feels like its own little world. Some are buzzy and energetic, others quiet and residential. Where you choose to live will completely shape your day-to-day experience, so don’t rush this decision.
When we first arrived, we signed a lease in a random neighbourhood we hadn’t even visited—just because it was on the train line. It ended up being convenient, but the vibe wasn’t quite right for me, and I probably wouldn’t have picked it if I’d spent more time exploring first.
There’s always going to be compromise (unless you’ve got an unlimited budget), but think about what’s most important to you. Do you want walkable cafes and restaurants? Peace and green space? A quick commute on a specific Tube line? Research your options, visit if you can, and choose somewhere that matches your lifestyle.
2. The rental market moves fast
Renting in London is not for the faint of heart. The market moves at lightning speed—flats often get snapped up within hours of being listed. You’ll want to be actively monitoring sites like RightMove and Zoopla daily, and be ready to pounce the second something decent pops up.
Get in touch with a few letting agents early on, and have your documents ready to go: passport, proof of income, references, and anything else they might ask for. If you’re moving from abroad and don’t have a UK income yet, be prepared to pay up to 6 or even 12 months’ rent upfront. It’s brutal, but common—and better to know ahead of time than be blindsided like we were.
Make sure you’ve got your paperwork ready—passport, proof of income, references—because you might need to make an offer on the spot. It can be intense, but once you land the right place, it’s all worth it.

3. Pack like a minimalist
Shipping your life across the world sounds appealing… until you realise it’ll take 3–6 months and cost a fortune. Unless you’re moving permanently, I honestly wouldn’t bother. If you’re coming for a year or two, start fresh and furnish your place locally.
There are loads of secondhand bargains to be found on Facebook Marketplace—especially from people leaving London who are desperate to offload furniture, kitchenware, and home essentials.If you do decide to ship things over, be ruthless. Only bring what you truly need. You won’t have a ton of storage space in London flats, and clutter adds up fast. Explore these strategies if you need help downsizing before the move.
4. Open a digital bank account first
Opening a traditional bank account in the UK can be surprisingly tricky when you first arrive—especially without a fixed address or UK credit history. The easiest workaround? Start with a digital bank like Monzo or Revolut.
You can open an account online in minutes, and they’re perfect for day-to-day banking. Once you’ve settled in, you can always switch to a high street bank later if you need to.

5. Get a PAYG SIM card
It can be tempting to sign up for a monthly phone plan straight away, but this can be a pain without a UK bank account or proof of address. A much easier (and cheaper) option is to go with a pay-as-you-go SIM. I’d recommend Voxi or GiffGaff—both offer flexible, low-cost plans with generous data and no contracts.
6. Join local Facebook groups early on
When you first move to London, finding a sense of community can feel overwhelming. One of the best things I did was join local and expat Facebook groups. These are great for finding sublets, furniture, job listings, events, and even making friends. Look for groups based on your neighbourhood, nationality, or interests—there are so many out there.
7. Get a Railcard and link it to your Oyster
If you’re eligible for a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard (or another type), this is a no-brainer. It gives you a third off all off-peak train travel, and you can also link it to your Oyster card for discounted Tube fares. It paid for itself after just a couple of journeys. You can apply online before you even arrive—it’s one of the best transport hacks in London.

8. Use a bike to get around
The Tube is great, but it’s not always the fastest—or most scenic—way to get around. I use Forest and Lime electric bikes all the time. You can unlock them via app, ride across the city, and drop them off wherever. Super convenient, and often quicker than public transport. If you’re staying long-term, buying a secondhand bike is also a great investment.
9. Make your money go further
Yes, London is expensive—but if you’re strategic, there are so many ways to save. Most grocery stores, delivery apps, and subscription services offer discounts to new customers—so take advantage of all the sign-up offers when you first arrive.
For eating out, First Table is a hidden gem—it gives you 50% off the bill when you book the first sitting at selected restaurants. For shows, TodayTix is perfect for last-minute theatre deals, or you can queue for day tickets at West End box offices.
London is full of little savings like this—you’ve just got to know where to look.

10. You can’t do it all—so pick your priorities
London is bursting with things to see, do, eat, and experience. Museums, concerts, markets, rooftops, festivals, day trips, new openings—you could live here for ten years and still not tick everything off the list.So instead of trying to do it all, focus on what you care about most. Whether that’s exploring local cuisine, making the most of free cultural gems like the V&A, Tate Modern, and British Museum, going to live gigs, or using London as a base to explore the rest of Europe—be intentional about how you spend your time.
Final thoughts
Moving to London is exciting, overwhelming, and life-changing all at once. You’ll make mistakes, find your rhythm, and slowly fall in love with the chaos. Hopefully, these tips help you skip some of the headaches and feel a little more prepared for what’s ahead.
If you’re planning the move (or you’re already here!), feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share more tips or answer any questions. London can feel big and daunting at first, but once you find your feet, it’s truly one of the most rewarding places in the world to live!
Moving or traveling to London? Read these articles next:
- 19 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London (2024)
- Top 10 Things to Do Alone in London
- 7 Harry Potter Filming Locations at Lacock Abbey to Visit (2023)
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