Prior to living in London, I had visited the city numerous times. The Big Ben, the London Eye, West End theatre…check, check, check. The truth is, no amount of weekend escapes to London can teach you all the little things that are only evident as an insider. Having lived here long enough to know the bus combinations that get me from Kensington to Canada Water, but not nearly enough to fully understand why people are using dating apps, I feel like I’m at a good stage to advise newcomers on making the world-to-london transition.
- Get good walking shoes… and an umbrella
While the London underground is significantly more reliable than transport in other cities and perfectly suitable if you’re a tourist without important meetings to attend, soon you’ll realize it is not half as glamorous as suggested by all the “Mind the gap” souvenirs. From delays, to technical issues, to man on the rails (this actually happens), there is always a cause for stress if you need to get somewhere fast, especially at peak hours. If you are living in London, I’d suggest getting a house as close to your place of work or study and walking whenever you can (honestly, it is often faster).
Also, make sure to take an umbrella with you. Always.
2. You can’t use cash on a bus
Contrary to other cities, you can’t actually pay with cash on the buses, so if you are using a pay-as you- go Oyster Card (which can only be charged at underground stations) make sure you have enough money to cover for your entire trip. Alternatively, you can use a contactless card.
Note that even if you have insufficient money to cover for a particular bus ride, you will still be allowed on and will need to pay the difference the next time you charge your Oyster Card.
3. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone. Making friends is easy!
For some reason, I was always told that people in big cities are lonely and that it is harder to make friends. However, I’ve found quite the opposite in London. The diversity of the population means that any racism or judgement is, in most cases, nonexistent. Furthermore, as there are so many foreigners (with their families in distant countries), you’ll find that most people are open to making new friends and simply hanging out.
4. Myth: You can’t have fun without spending money!!
Many people believe visiting London is all about spending, spending, spending. The truth is however, there are so many amazing things you can do for free!
In summer time, I’d recommend Hampstead Heath ponds, Southwark Park and Regent’s Park for a picnic, a walk or even a date! If you rather stay inside, then know that museums, libraries and art galleries are mostly free. Finally, I’d strongly suggest using Meetup and Eventbrite to look for local gigs, workshops, networking and classes on every possible topic (again, so many of them are 100% free!).
5. There is no better place to start a new hobby!
London is a true melting pot and as a result, you can easily get involved in ANY activity you can think of. Brazilian Zouk? Hot Yoga? Pottery? Peruvian Cuisine? Martial arts? Yep. yep. yep.
The best part is that, unlike other places where classes are based on memberships, almost everything here can be done as a drop in. It is honestly soo easy to experience and discover new activities, as well as make tons of friends in the process.
Yes, this is the perfect time to form that harmonica band you’ve always dreamed of.
6. Workspaces?… more like work-anywhere
One of the most amazing things about living in London is that basically every cafe is a work space (and there are so many cafes!). You can go to a Costa, Pret or Starbucks and unapologetically connect to the wifi and spend hours working or immersed in a book. And no, you don’t need to continue buying coffees to stay.
If you feel a bit guilty about spending a long time there (I did for a few weeks), try sitting downstairs or upstairs. Honestly, staff couldn’t care less if you visit everyday.
7. Social norms can be strict….or completely nonexistent.
One thing you realize after a few visits to the underground is that you must, MUST, stick to the right on escalators. People are busy and need to get to places and they won’t be happy if somebody is obstructing their path. I found this quite strange considering that in everything else (roads, traffic, swimming lanes), you must stick to your left, but it is how it is.
On the other hand, jaywalking is 100% ok in this city. Nobody really respects the traffic lights, it is more of a look-both-sides-and-powerwalk sort of ritual.
So there they are! Seven things that would’ve made my life easier as I became familiarized with the city and tried to understand the paradox of a “Family Pub” (I still can’t).
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