Moving to a new city is always an exciting yet stressful experience. On the one hand, you’re filled with hopeful anticipation about all the new experiences you’re going to have. It might be just the fresh start you’re looking for in your personal and professional life.
On the other hand, settling into unfamiliar surroundings and building a new social circle can be challenging. Things can get particularly daunting when you’re moving to an advanced, fast-paced city like London.
While the urban metropolis avatar of London can sweep you off your feet the moment you visit the city, you might struggle to build your life in the city. It becomes even more difficult when you’re moving from a different country and don’t have many friends and family members in London.
How are you supposed to stay connected with your loved ones after you move to London? What if you fall sick and need to see a medical practitioner? What if you get locked out of your house and don’t have friends in the neighborhood? How do you get a hang of public transportation in London?
It is just a glimpse of the questions that might be racing in your mind once you’ve moved to London. But here’s what you need to know – the tough part is already over. If you’ve managed to pack all your belongings and relocate to the British capital, finding your footing in the city won’t take too long.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of things you should do right after moving to London. Let’s take a look.
1. Get Your Oyster Card
Once you’ve moved to London, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the urge to check out the city’s numerous tourist attractions. From museums and historical monuments to nightclubs and shopping streets – there are way too many places to explore in the city.
Or you might want to head to the suburbs on one of the weekends to spend some quiet time by yourself. Also, you’d want to get around the city to commute to your workplace and even buy essentials for your new home.
In any of these scenarios, the best way to move around in the city is to use public transportation. This, in turn, means you need to get an Oyster Card as soon as you set foot in London. It’s a nifty pay-as-you-go travel card that comes in handy when you’re using the London tube or bus system.
You can also access the Docklands Light Railway system using your Oyster Card. The best part is that getting an Oyster Card in London is a cakewalk. You can either apply online or get it at your nearest tube station.
2. Find a Master Locksmith
Looking for a locksmith may not be your top priority when you’re moving into a new city. Between unpacking your belongings and organizing your home, the hunt for a good locksmith often takes a backseat.
But consider a situation where you lose the key to your apartment days after moving to London. Chances are you’re yet to make any acquaintances in the neighborhood who will lend you a helping hand. Also, you may not have any friends in the city who’ll let you crash at their place for a few days while you get a new set of keys.
It’s always a good idea to find a licensed master locksmith in London and save their contact details on your phone. Ideally, you should look for an MLA-certified locksmith service that’s open 24×7. Also, make sure you choose a service that has offices or outlets located close to your neighborhood.
3. Register with a GP
Finding the right medical care in London can be cumbersome when you aren’t familiar with how the system works. That’s why registering with an NHS-approved general practitioner should be one of your top priorities after relocating to the city. It’s particularly crucial when you’re moving with your family and kids.
Start by checking the National Health System (NHS) index to find a GP in your area. All you have to do is enter the postal code or name of your neighborhood. Next, you need to provide your personal details to complete the registration. You’ll also have to furnish a document for proof of residence in the U.K. before you register.
4. Open a Bank Account
Whether you’re moving to London as an employee or professional, you’re going to have bills to pay. That means you’ll need to open a bank account in an international or a London-based bank.
Before moving, check with your current bank and find out whether they have partnerships with any British or international banks. It’ll make the process of getting a new bank account easier. Also, you’ll need to provide various documents, including proof of identity and residence to complete the process.
If you were to make a list of the cities you want to live in, London is likely to feature somewhere on the top. Planning ahead and preparing for various emergencies will go a long way to make your move to London a cakewalk. And before you know, you’ll find yourself getting used to the unique ways and habits of Londoners.
