How to move to London: Step-by-step guide

Learn the essential steps for a smooth move to London, including visa selection, finding the right neighbourhood, and effective budgeting.

Angelina

5 minute read

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13 Nov 2023

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Moving

Are you considering a move to London for work or study? Navigating the relocation process to London can be challenging, but our step-by-step guide is here to make it a stress-free journey.

Here's an overview of how to move to London:

1. Get familiar with the daily life in London
2. Understand the visa and resident permit requirements
3. Look for work or study opportunities
4. Sort out your documentation
5. Plan your budget
6. Find a place to live in London
7. Wrap up and get your tickets to London
8. Get a local SIM card
9. Get a hang of London's public transport
10. Collect your residence permit
11. Enroll in the National Health Service
12. Open a UK bank account

To get an idea of and adjust to the daily life in London, here is a list of 9 things to know before moving to London:

1. Population: London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and one of the most populated cities in Europe, with over 9 million residents.

2. Time zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter and British Summer Time (GMT+1) during the summer.

3. Weather: London experiences a temperate maritime climate. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Summers are moderately warm, with temperatures averaging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rain is common throughout the year.

4. Cultural diversity: London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with over 300 languages spoken. A wide range of cultures, cuisines, and communities distinguishes daily life in London.

5. Education and employment: London is a bustling economic hub, excelling in finance, technology, creative industries, tourism, and healthcare. These diverse sectors offer a wide range of study and work opportunities in the city.

6. Safety: London is generally considered safe. Still, it's essential to stay vigilant in certain areas and during evening hours.

7. Local etiquette: In London, politeness and etiquette are highly valued, with standard practices including polite greetings, queuing, apologizing for minor inconveniences, and demonstrating good table manners. Respecting personal space and adhering to social norms of punctuality and formality, particularly in business settings, are integral to daily life in London.

8. Recycling and waste collection: London has strict recycling regulations, with designated bins for various types of waste. Understanding the local recycling system is essential for responsible waste management.

9. Entertainment: London offers a rich cultural scene, including West End theatres, music venues, cinemas, and art galleries. It's a hub for cultural events, vibrant nightlife and Entertainment.

The type of visa and resident permit you'll need depends on the purpose of your move, whether it's for work or study. In the UK, there are 2 primary visa options for internationals:

Skilled worker visa

A skilled worker visa is for qualified employees with a job offer from a UK employer. It's a popular choice for expats who want to relocate to London for work.

To be eligible for a skilled worker visa, you must meet these requirements:

• have a signed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• obtain a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer, which includes details about the job you've been offered in the UK
• work within one of the approved job categories
• receive a minimum salary, which varies based on the type of work you'll be doing
• demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a minimum of B1 level

Student visa

If you're looking to study in the UK, you'll likely need a student visa. To apply for this visa, you must fulfil the following conditions:

• be accepted by a licensed UK higher educational institution
• obtain a CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) reference number from your UK educational institution
• have a minimum of £1,334 per month to cover your living expenses for up to 9 months, in addition to the necessary funds to cover your course fees for 1 year
• demonstrate English proficiency based on the CEFR scale: B2 for higher degrees, B1 for lower levels

Before your move, it's crucial to research job or educational opportunities in the UK. This step will help you make informed decisions about your preferred location and the specific visa requirements.

If your move to London is for work and you require a visa, ensure that you apply to companies recognized as licensed sponsors in the UK.. To make the process easier, read some tips on how to find a job in the UK.

Getting your paperwork in order is a crucial step to relocating to London. If your documents aren't in English, having them translated and legalized is essential. Once your documents are in order, start the visa application– process. Remember to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) matching your visa and stay's length. Taking care of these document details early on will make your transition to London much smoother.

London is a fantastic city, but it has a steep price tag. Monthly living expenses, excluding rent, hover at approximately £996. Rent constitutes a significant chunk of your expenses, raising your average monthly cost of living to £2,169.

The good news is, when you're working, the cost of living in London should be manageable; London's monthly average salary is around £3,233.

Each London neighbourhood has its own distinct character and lifestyle. Think about what suits you. Do you like busy city life or a quieter, more relaxed area? Consider how far your place will be from where you work or study and what's nearby.

Some of the best London boroughs include:

• Islington: known for its vibrant cosmopolitan vibe.
• Hackney: a trendy and creative hub.
• Lewisham: offering a diverse and community-driven atmosphere.
• Kensington and Chelsea: renowned for its upscale lifestyle and cultural scene.
• Richmond upon Thames: boasting scenic beauty and a serene riverside.
• Wandsworth: a family-friendly area with great amenities.

Start looking for a place to stay well before you get to London. That way, you won't be stressed out when you arrive. If you can't view a place in person, a reliable option is HousingAnywhere, a verified rental platform offering trustworthy choices with detailed listings and images. So, feel free to explore rental homes in London and confidently secure your space.

As your departure date approaches, book your plane or train tickets to London as early as possible, as doing so can often result in cost savings. About a month before leaving, terminate your rental contract and cancel local subscriptions and utilities to avoid extra charges. Those moving to London with belongings might want to consider using a removal company.

Upon arriving in the UK, visit a mobile network provider store (e.g., EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) to obtain a local SIM card. Choose a plan (prepaid or postpaid) based on your needs, provide your ID, select a UK phone number, and top up your balance as required. Installing the new SIM card will give you access to calls, texts, and mobile data, ensuring you stay connected while in the UK.

Navigating London's comprehensive public transport system is essential, and one way to make your journeys more convenient and budget-friendly is by getting an Oyster card. This card offers access to buses, trams, the Tube, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Overground, and most National Rail services within the city. Top it up with credit, and you're ready to explore the city with ease.

Once your residence permit is ready for pick-up, make your way to the designated location. The specific location depends on whether you selected the Post Office collection option during your visa application or were given an Alternative Collection Location (ACL) code by your sponsor.

If you're planning to work in the UK, you need a National Insurance Number, which is crucial for tax and social security purposes. If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), your National Insurance number might already be on it. Register with a nearby General Practitioner (GP) for access to the National Health Service (NHS) and enjoy universal health coverage.

Consider opening a bank account in the UK to manage your finances and receive payments, especially if you plan to work. A local bank account will help you handle your financial matters more efficiently.

Now, it's your turn to take the first step towards your London dream. Whether you're moving to London for work, education, or a new adventure, remember that thorough preparation is the key to success. Good luck on your journey!

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