Getting a Visa is also a complicated process. The only additional issues are language and health-related. Trains in England also constantly run late, which is a nightmare if youre using them to get to work or a conference when you have to be there on time. Growing up in a multicultural city, I love walking down the street and hearing a variety of accents, seeing people of different ethnicities, and enjoying a range of ethnic foods from various places around the world. 3.3.1 Some of the most beautiful districts in London include: 3.4 Salaries are high. And the new points-based immigration reform is still being hammered out just months before the UK is due to end the freedom of movement with the EU. This can even just be checking emails but it means you dont get to turn your brain off and take a proper break. Dining out in London is an expensive experience. Getting around England by train is very doable. If I could do it broke at 16, so can you! The train network in London is probably one of the best in the world. Travelling to a new city or town is like going to a new country. If youre looking to move for better work opportunities, the UK might just be the country for you! It's only got. As a solo female traveller and an expat who goes abroad alone, I really value safe locations. Cost of living in Singapore. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, while other areas are more affordable.Take into account your personal circumstances and preferences to decide if moving to the UK is right for you. Eight million people and counting are living in London at the present moment, which means that life is in the fast lane 24/7. Living in the US and having to pay for health insurance is a pain (literally, if you have to go to the doctor! Youre guaranteed to have a terrible time if you just sit in your bachelor apartment all day never speaking to anyone (trust me, Ive been there!). The proportion non-UK born rose slightly from 37 per cent to 41 per cent. London is home to six international airports. The cons of living in England are that the country is expensive and theres not much work for those who dont speak English. It's at least an hour and a half to London Paddington plus approx half an hour by tube to Central London, 840 quid a month plus tube. To find cheap rental cars, I recommendDiscover Cars. If youre an EU citizen weighing the pros and cons of living in London, Brexit uncertainty will surely be at the top of the cons column. Now you can go to new countries without breaking the bank or wasting half of your weekend in transit. Learn languages in no time with iTalki! There are a dozen breakfast and brunch places around us that will send avocado toast and chai lattes straight to our front door. If youre looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work! It cost me nearly $2,000 CAD for a student visa! Advantages of Living Off-Campus. England is home to incredibly diverse populations. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, while other cities are more affordable.Ultimately, the cost of living depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. It officially opened in 1948 and has grown from one hospital in Manchester to cover all of the countries in the UK. Its totally reasonable to take weekend breaks in Prague or overnights in Paris. This, teamed with the growth of budget airlines, has enabled the city to become a hub for travel to popular European destinations. Should I move to London before Brexit becomes a reality? One of my favorite pastimes is watching dogs frolic and play in my local common. Living in London also has some disadvantages including: You have to wait in queues, It is a busy and noisy city, The weather is moody, The air is polluted, But our weekend excursions tend to be more spontaneous (no planning = no pressure). There are many ways in which expats living in London can save money. Since the British historically took over basically everything, theyve gathered a population from around the world. Its hard to make friends in a new city, and even harder to find a social scene that fits your interests.6. EU citizens whove been living in the UK for years are no longer sure if they can stayand what their rights will be after the final negotiations. Because many Londoners dont have a car, they spend their local holidays in towns with major train links to the city. Trains can only get you so far. I recommend this SIM card for new immigrants. Did you know that 47% of London is green space? In addition, entrance to most museums and art galleries is free as is enjoying a walk, run or cycle through one of Londons beautiful parks. 7. The UK is a large area with four different countries that make up its borders. You could spend every minute of every weekend exploring Londons amusements, and youd never experience them all. But after attempting the same spreadsheet method in London, I felt absolutely overwhelmed. The number of London residents born outside UK in 2021 was 3.58 million up from 3.00 million in 2011. Our line operates at 130% capacity during the morning rush hour, meaning you scarcely have room to breathe as youre herded into a packed and stuffy car. Perhaps if Brits (and tourists) were all as litter-conscious as they are in Japan, we wouldnt have to dodge broken glass and takeaway containers during our evening strolls. But Ive also found restaurant meals, drinks (especially cocktails), haircuts, and clothing to be pricey. Even though the capital has a great, fast and punctual Tube and railway network, travelling a couple of hours to and from work on a daily basis is a deal breaker for many people. Specifically, they dont consider the sacrifices needed to live near the city center. The UK is close to so many countries for travel. I never fear, even when I have to take a night bus (something I did A LOT when I lived in Oxford and would go to London for shows or to meet friends). Winter in the UK is definitely a benefit to living in England. There are several French schools, as well as schools teaching curricula from countries as diverse as Germany, Norway, Spain, the US and Sweden. by Sean. Canada has WAY more extreme winters that can shock people from abroad. I also appreciate that most tube stations have elevators and escalators, making them accessible and also friendly for travelers with luggage. In the US, customer service is a big deal. Now Ive come to appreciate the subtle splendor of an adorable country cottage. Even though it's no longer in the top 10,London remainsone of the most expensive cities in the world. These airlines really are bare bones. Those wanting to live in particularly popular areas will need to act fast in order to secure a rental contract here. One of the attractive advantages of living in London is that the city is home to a range of different farmer markets and street food events, where visitors can sample a range of different cuisines from around the world. Thats nearly 25% more than the same figure for Englands North East region. Living in the UK is like living in a library. Like the US, they have an issue with white nationalists and British people who feel that colour of skin matters more than who someone is. VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. Many restaurants and attractions close to busy tourist areas are especially expensive as businesses try to make the most of this market. Londons tube network is the oldest metro system in the world, which partly accounts for regular delays and technical issues. You can find me on www.InternalWorlds.com. Pop into the Handel and Hendrix museum for a unique combo of music history. Are you planning an international move? It is, therefore, a great place for expats looking for career progression in industries such as finance, technology or the media. When we lived in Philadelphia and Austin, we kept a spreadsheet of places we wanted to visit and restaurants we wanted to try. Marvel at the preserved decor of Osterley Park house. This has led to long-term ramifications, including a petrol shortage and issues with British citizens trying to travel abroad. There are a lot of rules and regulations to follow, which can be confusing and frustrating.7. When I first moved to the UK, I couldnt understand why people would call a house a cottage. It has a variety of landscapes that vary from the extreme beauty of Jurassic Coast to the quaint charm of a country cottage to the fantastic wonder of Stonehenge. With over 15,000 restaurants in the capital70 of which have Michelin starsId argue that the best things about living in London are food related. Its no wonder there are so many UK travel bloggers out there able to see the world while working a full-time job in the city. Living in a Commonwealth country means free healthcare. I always recommend going for an earlier train if you have a schedule to keep. Philadelphia had its fair share of tourists, but it doesnt compare to the number of sightseers I encounter in central London. However, you should be aware of the high cost of living and the competitive job market.If youre looking for a change of scenery, the UK may not be the best choice there are many other countries with more interesting cultures and climates.Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not moving to the UK is right for you. Im Chelsea, a.k.a. All of the UKs major railways run through the capital, so there are endless options for London day trips by train. The Pros of Living in London (Advantages of Living in London) 1. - CON: Rents are high and properties move fast Rental prices in London are consistently high throughout the city. Weather of any sort throws the trains completely off schedule. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. With its rich history, diverse culture, and abundance of opportunities, England is an excellent place to call home. Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters! Swindon lies 80 miles west of London. Though expensive, these schools give expat children the chance to continue their home curriculum in their home language, depending on where they're from. Living somewhere with that benefit really is amazing. So if you are working in the CBD area and want to stay near work, expect to pay a sizeable sum in rent. Youll have new besties in no time. Nationalism has been on the rise since the initial 2016 referendum. Deciding to live in the suburbs will ensure expats can make a considerable saving onaccommodation. Eastbournes chalky white ocean cliffs are magnificent. Also, 94% of expats feel that Switzerland is a safe place to live.. Wherever your interests lie, London is sure to delight you with its historic and iconic locations. And it took HOURS. Despite the fact that tourism plays a central role in Londons economy, the constant presence of tourists can be annoying for the locals. That means Brighton, Eastbourne, Margate, and other coastal hotspots get crazy crowded when the weather warms up. What about the pub where Charles Dickens liked to drink after a day of writing? Everywhere you look, youre sure to see stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. Im what a dog trainer would call food motivated. Youll come away from your time in the UK with a whole new language based on slang from different regions. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. Its always fun to start with some classic London sightseeing locations like Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Im not a fan of either of these things. You can sub drinks for food pub chips are always yummy. It means that there is a free option for all to use, but if you want to, you can pay to upgrade your treatment. The public transportation is really good and a lot of people dont have cars. There are a lot of history here. Lets start with politics: the UK has six major political parties. The city also has some of the worlds greatest and most unique restaurants, including Gordan Ramsay in Chelsea and Sketch tea room in Mayfair. There are 11 tube lines connecting 270 stations across London. The atmosphere feels homey. We recommend that anyone considering a move to the city should weigh up the positives and negatives of expat life in London before making the decision. Yes, the UK is a good place to live and work. The xenophobic and fiscally conservative party, the Tories, wanted to leave the EU to get more autonomy. The public transportation system is reliable and efficient.4. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. I cant tell you how many times weve said lets go out this weekend!, only to end up getting delivery and watching old episodes of Terrace House. Life coach, psychologist, and philosopher. The rain is usually pretty light nothing like the winter downpours in New Zealand. The UK is an incredibly accessible area. Here is one of the significant advantages when you are living in the countryside. They will look down on people from lower income backgrounds or who have working class accents. The only truly impossible slang is Cockney rhyming slang which is like learning a new language then flipping it on its head! You are likely to enjoy more independence, liberty, privacy, and space. RELATED: 23 Things Americans Miss While Living in the UK. 4.3 Most people have hard times saving in London. Youll need to consider whether the cons will overshadow the pros.For me, they were a shock, but I definitely still think the UK is a good place to live. Ive introduced so many friends to Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, and more! If you can afford it, you can fix this con by paying for healthcare. Now, after two years out of the country, I miss the pros far more than I remember the cons! They barely get winter. According to the Global Peace Index 2022, Switzerland takes the 11th place in a global setting. This is one rank higher than in 2021. Penthouse Apartments Offers a Single Room as Your Cooking, Dining, Living & Sleeping Space. Lets take a look at what else makes it worth living in the UK! This happens at pubs and at home. An interesting example is the renowned author and poet Maya Angelou who decided to settle in the small town of Winston-Salem in North Carolina in the 1980s after a lifetime of travel and . A quarter of British households have at least one dog, and that statistic is on full display in the capital. Thanks to the highly competitive rental market and exorbitant real estate prices, finding a London flat is no easy task. This leads to gatekeeping around high paying jobs in the country and ostracizing people who arent white-born Brits. Best public school in london neighbourhood suburb, The Borough area in London - safety concerns, Interview with Bryan Nixon, principal of TASIS The American School in England, Interview with Lara J a South African expat living in London, Interview with Wendy M - London expat entrepreneur. In fact, many jobs keep employees late to ensure they finish work. Most jobs require employees to devote more than the standard 40 hours per week to their work. Choice overload is a real psychological effect that happens when were presented with too many options. Buses and tubes can get the citys residents almost anywhere faster than a car could. It depends picking a country to live in is hard. The healthcare system is good and free for all residents. Towards the end of our first year in the capital, I realized all these choices were both pros and cons of living in London. This has continued today, with class and wealth holding a lot of weight for WASP (white anglo saxon people) of the upper society. No one wants things to go wrong on their getaway, but sometimes accidents happen. Johnsons quote sums up the best thing about living in London: youll never run out of stuff to do. Therefore, in a city like London, the living wage is likely to be higher than the north. If youre skeptical, they even have a tool that will compare their service fees and exchange rates with other providers to prove that they are saving you the most money. There are many beautiful places to visit in the UK.8. But even I notice the difference in the UK. Whether you need short-term, long-term or budget-friendly coverage, World Nomads has your back. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who arent supportive. London has six airports and the Eurostar International Train Terminal. Youll feel like youre on a movie set every day of your life, which will make even weekend road trips feel like a grand adventure. Sadly, most dog owners in London also own their properties. In addition, the weather in the UK can be quite dreary, and many people may miss the sunny climate of South Africa.On the other hand, there are many excellent educational and employment opportunities in the UK that dont exist in SA.Its also MUCH safer in the UK. Id often lose thousands just trying to move my own money. Even your hand luggage is rigorously checked to ensure they cant charge you extra to check it (which they do all the time). Book cheap airline tickets and accommodations withBooking.com to save money when youre moving abroad! What schools fees can we expect in schools in London? Advantages of Living in the Countryside. All Rights Reserved. A few other foreign countries have taken the health care system and implemented a domestic model for their country. But the UK is far more rigid. Are the glamorous boroughs and cultural bounties of London calling your name? It allows you to fly without paying for all the bells and whistles you dont really need on a two hour flight. Some people love living in the UK, while others find it difficult to adjust to the lifestyle.I found England to be a very nice place to live because it is safe, there are many opportunities for employment and education, and the culture is interesting.However, I did find the cost of living to be quite high, and the weather to be quite dreary in winter.If youre considering moving to the UK, I would suggest spending some time there to see if its a nice place for you to live. The cost of living is higher in the UK than in the US, but it is still manageable.Housing, transportation, and food are all more expensive in the UK, but salaries are generally higher as well.The cost of living also varies depending on which city you live in. Whether youre looking to move for work or just because England is your favorite country, there are many reasons, both pros and cons, that could impact your decision. Then they take your passport for weeks even with an expedited Visa. Although the UK and New Zealand are both commonwealth countries, they are a world apart physically and metaphorically.Their temperatures are completely different. Thats why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps Ive taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there. Badass female expat with a passion for making new countries my home. That means that if you have any indication that youre not from the UK, they see you as too much of a hassle. Miami gives you a taste of Latin America in the United States. There are many excellent educational and employment opportunities in the UK.3. There are a lot of things I love about living in the UK, but there are also some things I really miss about living in the US.Some of the things I love about living in the UK include:-The free healthcare! Private flats are often quieter and have fewer interruptions, making them ideal for studying. London is one of the most diverse places not just in Britain but on planet Earth; 2. Whats the best site to buy cheap flights? You can visit the impressive National Gallery, Natural History Museum, British Library, and dozens more places as much as you want without paying a pence (though donations are appreciated). After living in a myriad of countries, Ive gotten sick of the sound of my own accent and prefer to be around others. In the UK, its the opposite. It depends! How do I pick a country to live abroad? Partly because theres so much to do, but also because new bars, exhibits, and stores are constantly opening. In fact, the UK has quite an issue with -isms. Some may be looking for better economic opportunities, others may be seeking political asylum, and others may simply be looking for a change of scenery.Whatever the reason, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of such a move before making any decisions.The cost of living in the UK is notoriously high, and many South Africans may find it difficult to adjust to the new lifestyle. The best properties in desirable neighborhoods go under offer within 24 hours of public listing (and many more are snatched up before theyre advertised online). The UK has a very diverse culture that is interesting to explore.2. 4.1 Transport costs and conditions. High rents are a big reason why living in London is wildly expensive. Traffic in London is a nightmare, so its easy to see why people avoid driving in London. There's a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and world-class surfing. For the rest of us, only time will tell how difficult it will be to make London dreams a reality. Once you get a job, its much easier to keep getting jobs. Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. Getting around in the city can be chaotic. One of the main reasons the UK is so safe is that there are CCTV cameras in all major cities. Some people love living in the UK, while others find it difficult to adjust to the lifestyle.I found England to be a very nice place to live because it is safe, there are many opportunities for employment and education, and the culture is interesting.As a solo female, I found Britain a very good place to live. There are also police readily available and prepared to help. One of the reasons so many travellers are drawn to the UK is their plethora of cheap airlines. What happens when it does rain is that the whole country becomes a grey fog of what it once was. The economy is strong, and there are many opportunities for employment and education.The cost of living is high but manageable, and the weather is mild compared to other countries in Europe.The public transportation system is efficient, and the culture is interesting to explore.Its easy to find work and then get to work! When youre ready to move abroad, find the cheapest flights with this tool. Aside from being Europes financial capital, its also the place where ambitious Brits come to earn a decent wage. Access to nature + outdoor recreation If you're an avid nature nut then you are going to love living in Hawaii. This is partially due to the stigma that they dont live in the south, so theyd need to commute. However, to stay longer than 6 months, to work in the country, or to live in England, I needed a visa. My friend needed to see a psychiatrist for medications immediately, but was told it would take at least 2 months, even though she was a critical care patient due to a brain injury. Its best to have an open mind and limited must-haves when searching for a place, especially if you want to live in Zone 1. That means more patients and less doctors especially less doctors motivated to work 20 hours days when their pay wont be increased for it. Anyone interested in a property to rent in Zone 2 London? If theres one thing the UK is known for its rain. Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to London. By planning ahead, you can get the medical care you want, avoid unnecessary suffering and relieve caregivers of decision making burdens during moments of crisis However, I moved to England with $2,000 USD. When I lived in Oxford, I could wear leather boots and a fleece jacket on the coldest days. There are also hundreds of grassy retreats scattered throughout bustling Zone 1. We have the misfortune of living on the Northern line, the most crowded commuter line in all of London. We are living proof that its not impossible to find pet friendly apartments in London, but its certainly a challenge. But after several years of living here, the realities of big city life have become apparent. Meetup.com Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! There is a lot of history and tradition that can be difficult to understand or appreciate.9. "letting the UK population spiral out of control, as the Government has done in recent years, will make Britain increasingly vulnerable to resource problems as the 21st century unfolds and is a recipe for future insecurity." And with six major airports and the Eurostar international train terminal at St. Pancras, the Continent is only a brief journey away. Follow. 4.4 Safety. From the stately black and white facades of Kensington to the vibrant mews of Notting Hill, Londons homes and flats are on par with the more famous sightseeing attractions. If youre going to move abroad, it should be somewhere pretty, right? And while London isnt exactly on the coast, it only takes 90 minutes or less to reach endless water views. Become our local expat expert for your area! When the Tenant Fees Act of 2019 capped deposits at 5 weeks rent, many landlords who were once open to pets started refusing them due to the potential for property damage. Those wanting to live in particularly popular areas will need to act fast in order to secure a rental contract here. My love of British culture started with Robert Pattinson from Twilight and British panel shows. LONDON:The Census of 2021 revealed. + PRO: Few language barriers But in the summer, the rubbish bins cant keep up with all the refuse. "The lifestyle we have chosen to live in London overall is more costly than our life in a DC suburb so we offset the cost of eating out, socializing, taking trips and taking in sights by minimizing clothing and household purchases there is no room in our flat for all of that anyway! London has the most expensive public transport in the world and is also the most costly place to hire a car. Moreover, living in the countryside is cheaper than it is in the city, so you probably may afford many other things, because the prices are lower. So, whether the apartment complex you live in has a power backup system or not, you can still manage to get into your home comfortably because of its ground floor positioning. When I lived in England and Scotland, I took the train constantly. To be fair, conditions are pretty good in the cooler months. Even the attitudes of the people are markedly different.Personally, I preferred living in Scotland for the social systems they have in place. 1. Yes, moving to the UK can be a good idea for many people. Youll see them mistreat these people or deny them jobs, just for the way they sound and the places they came from. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. People who try to deny it often arent looking at the whole picture. The UK is way more temperate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0 in the south. You dont even have to worry about how much luggage you have. The UK actually has a two-tiered system, more like New Zealands. Yes! Sure, the UK gets a decent amount of rain, but probably no more than most countries. Ergo the UK left the EU. Our living space footprint is significantly smaller than that of our home in the US." Compared to the median of $227,000 in the US (178,000 in GBP), it's 25% more expensive-and you'll get much less space inside and out. What is this city famous for, what is interesting to see here 1) Szymbark is a village with over 3,000 inhabitants. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. With Heathrow as a major hub for worldwide travel and the myriad of cheap airlines, it is so easy to pop over to Europe whenever you feel like it.