Living in London: Making the Leap Across the Pond

Hi everyone!

I wanted to start my posts off from the beginning, and lately I have received a lot of requests from friends and family back home asking about the process of moving to London. Moving to the vibrant and diverse capital of the United Kingdom is an exciting adventure that many Americans dream of undertaking. From its rich history to its modern charm, London offers a unique experience for those willing to make the leap.

Over the course of almost a full year, I wasted lots of time trying to figure out the little details, so here are the basics: 1. Visas, 2. Housing, 3. Job Hunting, and 4. Cultural Integration.

1. Visa Process:

• Understanding Visa Options:

Before packing your bags, it's essential to navigate the visa process. Research and determine the most suitable visa for your situation. Check out the various UK Visas available Here. As a recent graduate from UW, I obtained a High Potential Individual Visa. This visa is not well known (my school advisors didn't know about it), so I suggest doing some digging to see if you qualify. Both my partner and my friend who travelled with me opted to stay for 6 months on the Travel Visa while searching for a Skilled Workers Visa to save time and money, even though they both qualify for the HPI.

• Application Process:

Prepare early and gather all necessary documents for your visa application. This typically includes proof of employment, accommodation, financial stability, and a valid passport. I recommend starting this process 6 months to a year before your planned travel. For the HPI Visa, this took me over six months to complete including a background check (which requires a diploma), biometrics application, and mailing in my passport. It also requires you to complete all of this before any travel to the U.K.

• Financial Considerations:

Be aware of the associated fees and requirements for the visa application process. Ensure that you meet the financial criteria, as this is a crucial factor in obtaining your visa. The HPI visa cost me over $3,000 in fees.

2. Finding Housing:

• Researching Neighborhoods:

London is a vast city with diverse neighborhoods. Research areas that align with your preferences, such as proximity to work, cultural attractions, and lifestyle. I highly recommend finding neighborhoods within a 10 minute walk to a tube station -- as the public transport is essential -- and within Zones 1-2 if you plan on making frequent trips to Central London. My favorite boroughs are Islington in the North, Hammersmith in the West, Waterloo in the South, and Tower Hamlets in the East -- where we found our first apartment.

• Utilizing Online Platforms:

Websites like Zoopla, Rightmove, and SpareRoom are popular for house hunting. My partner and I found our first apartment on SpareRoom within two weeks of searching. Consider reaching out to local real estate agents who can provide insight into the market and guide you through the rental process. We scheduled as many tours as possible in a day (~3-5) while staying at the Smart Camden Inn Hostel; I highly recommend recommend this hostel, for the service and location were fantastic.

• Understanding Rental Agreements:

Be familiar with the terms of a tenancy agreement, including rent, deposit, and any additional fees. Ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. We were able to find a six-month let with a double-room, private balcony, and shared kitchen for 1,200 pounds a month (600 each) in Zone 2.

3. Finding a Job:

• Building a Professional Network:

Attend networking events, join online forums, and connect with professionals in your industry. Social media centers like LinkedIn and Facebook can be powerful tools for building a network in London, but I also recommend Meetup for more personalized options with likeminded individuals.

• Job Search Platforms:

Explore a variety of job boards to identify potential opportunities. Tailor your resume and cover letter to align with UK standards, as well as writing a two-page CV including additional information such as an introductory statement, volunteer experience, and a section regarding your hobbies and interests. As an individual searching for remote Marketing and Business opportunities, I have found the most success with the job boards Handshake, WellFound, and JobIcy.

• Understanding Expectations:

The hardest part of searching for a job that catered to my needs in a new country was understanding that I would fail a whole lot more than I would succeed. I applied to over 200 jobs on five different platforms with almost 100 rejections for four months before getting freelance work that I feel passionate about. It takes so much time and effort and courage, but it is important to remember that a business should work for you as much as you work for them.

4. Cultural Integration:

• Navigating Public Transportation:

London's extensive public transportation system is a crucial aspect of city life. Familiarize yourself with the Underground (Central, Northern, Elizabeth, etc.), Overground (including the DLR, District Lines, etc.), buses, and trams to make your daily commute more manageable. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps work wonderfully for navigation, and there is no need to buy a pass or ticket. Simply tap your contactless payment at the gates to get in and tap the same payment (make sure to keep it consistent whether it is your phone, watch, or card) to get out. TLR will charge you only for your trip duration if you tap out correctly, and will not charge you over 7 pounds in a day (including bus lines).

• Embracing Diversity:

London is a huge melting pot of cultures, even more than the U.S. My first week here, I was astounded by the vast number of languages I heard on a single tube ride. Embrace the diversity, try new foods, travel somewhere different, try out some Meetups, and engage with the local community to enrich your experience and learn from others.

There are so many more things to share about living in London, but I hope this cleared up some of the initial questions. If you have anything further, please submit a response and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Best,

Hailey