In my view, London is one of the best cities in the world. Of course, it has its drawbacks—the weather can be dreary and housing is incredibly expensive—but it’s also rich in history, culture and entertainment. When push comes to shove, most people who live here wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else. Attitudes towards people from other countries tend to be positive—probably helped by the fact that around 40% of Londoners were born outside the UK. So you’re likely to find Londoners welcoming and accepting. You’ll surely meet lots of interesting people and have a fun, exciting time.
Before anything else, check whether you need a visa to enter or stay in the UK. If you do, GOV.UK is the official government site and your best source of up-to-date and reliable information. But in this section, I’m going to focus on housing.
Renting in London
Unfortunately, there’s no way around it—accommodation is expensive. I’m reluctant to recommend specific areas, as so much depends on where you’ll be working or studying, as well as your personal preferences. The best approach is to spend time walking around neighbourhoods you’re interested in to get a feel for them.
If you’re a student, you may be able to get accommodation through your university. While not cheap, it’s convenient and generally safe and secure. If that’s not an option, many people share a flat or house to save money. The most popular site for finding a room is SpareRoom. There are thousands of listings and therefore a lot of choice, though some features come with a fee. Shared rooms are usually furnished, and you can expect to pay at least £650 a month. While rent is generally lower the further you are from the city centre, it’s not always that simple—commute times, transport links and local amenities matter too.
SpareRoom has a good reputation, but scams do happen, so please be careful. Follow all their safety advice: never transfer money without seeing the room first, and always confirm that the person renting it has the legal right to do so. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re unsure, feel free to check with me—I’m happy to give you my opinion.
House sharing can be both a fascinating and challenging experience—especially if it’s new to you. Expect some funny stories along the way! I recommend not sharing with people from your own country, as it’s easy to slip into speaking your native language, which won’t help your English improve.
If you’d prefer to rent your own place, a one-bedroom flat will cost you from £1,400 per month. You could also rent a larger property with friends or sublet extra rooms. Properties are usually at least partially furnished, and you’ll likely need to go through a letting agent. There are many agents in London, and most operate in a similar way. The best sites to look on are Zoopla and Rightmove, which aggregate listings from multiple agents.
Recent legal changes mean agents can no longer charge most of the high fees they used to, and deposits are capped (see GOV.UK for details). However, agents may still require proof of income, references and credit checks. If you’re new to the UK, you may need to provide a guarantor, or pay six months’ rent upfront, although that may soon no longer be the case due to further changes anticipated. To avoid agencies, consider using OpenRent, where private landlords advertise directly.
Whatever you choose, always check what’s included in the rent. Renting a room usually includes more utilities than renting an entire property. Be aware of council tax (check your borough’s website) and the TV licence, which are often unfamiliar to newcomers. If your landlord allows it, you might be able to switch energy or internet providers using comparison sites like Uswitch. Also ensure your deposit is protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Buying in London
If you’re in the position to buy property, that’s great! Zoopla and Rightmove are again the best places to search. In the UK, flats are usually leasehold, and even some houses are. This can be a confusing concept if you come from a country without leaseholds. Make sure you understand terms like freehold, leasehold, ground rent, service charge and stamp duty. The website MoneySavingExpert has a great guide for first-time buyers. Given the high prices in London, you may want to look into the government’s Shared Ownership scheme.
If you have any questions about living in London, feel free to ask. Don’t forget to check out my other pages on working, studying and going out. While there may be things to get used to, I’m confident you’ll enjoy your time in the city.