London is a beautiful city bursting with history, culture, and potential for young people like you. The city is home to some of the biggest companies, the most popular brands, and the best colleges and universities in the world. If you are looking into moving to London to study, here are a few things that you first need to learn.
Not Everything is Expensive
Although some shops use Euros to transact, the primary system of currency being used in London is the Great British Pound. London is a megacity that, like New York and San Francisco. However, it is possible for an international student to live there without going broke after one week.
A huge portion of your budget will likely go to paying rent, but you can actually find affordable student accommodation in Central London. Buying groceries from supermarkets will not break the bank either; in fact, there are several supermarkets that offer a great deal like Aldi and Lidl. Like in the United States, you can get money-off vouchers that will help keep your expenses within budget.
Moreover, London has “one of the largest urban transport networks in the world” which means you can easily get around without the need for your own vehicle. Get an “Oyster Card” so you can take the “Tube” (the London Underground).
The Sun Shines… Sometimes
Contrary to popular belief, it does not always rain in London. However, the weather does become very cold most of the year. When packing, do not forget to bring your coats, your jumpers, your jackets and hoodies, your cardigans, etc. to keep yourself warm.
When the sun does come out, then it is a reason for celebration. Everybody goes out to enjoy the sunshine whenever they can. There are plenty of parks in London where you can walk, have a picnic, and bask under the sun before it goes back to hiding again for the rest of the year.
You Got to Get Used to Many Different Regional Accents
Not everyone in London speaks like Sir Patrick Stewart or Benedict Cumberbatch. There are different regional accents across the nation. As a newcomer, it might be a little challenging to recognise and identify dialects but, the longer you stay in the city, the easier it will be to learn the differences.
When Dining Out
One local specialty that you probably already heard about is fish and chips. There are shops everywhere in the city where you can try it out (for an authentic experience, choose cod). There are also several food markets where you can get a good meal for a little more than pocket change. If you want a drink, a pub will serve you sandwiches with your beer.
When dining in restaurants, if the bill lists a service charge, you do not have to leave a tip.
So Many Places to See
London has some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. In the middle of the city, you can go visit the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palance, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the famous Big Ben. There are also a number of museums and galleries you can visit like the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and the British Museum. Best of all, many of them are free!
There are plenty of things to do in London, so many places to visit, and so much to learn. As long as you are open to new experiences, you will find yourself feeling at home in this bustling city.
