A lot of people are moving to London This is a practical guide to help prepare for the move:

Accommodation - Rent is very expensive in London. 1 bedroom flats can be about £600 a month. If you are renting – always find out what bills you have to pay. Ask if they are included in the rent. There so many bills here: Electric bills, Gas bills, Water bills, Council tax bills, Television License.

In most situations you will have to pay 2 months rent to move in. E.g If the rent is £600 a month. You will pay £1200. The landlord will repay you £600 when you are leaving provided you leave the place in good condition. (A link is provided below where you can find properties)

Transport - Transport is expensive but its easy to get about. You can use the Train, Tram, Bus, DLR . Always have a tube map on you to help plan your journey because if you don’t pay the correct fare for the Zone you are travelling to, British Transport Police will give you a financial penalty.

If you will be driving, ensure you have insurance and a full driving licence or the police will cease your car.

It is also a good idea to buy a book: The London A –Z (street atlas). This will help you get around easily. If you will be going out a lot, get a “Travel Card” for the day or for the week. It’s a cheaper option. You might also need an Oyster card but this will depend on the area you live when you come to London. Ask any member of staff at the train station.

Taxi’s - There are black cabs and Licensed mini cabs. Mini cabs are cheaper. Never get into a Taxi that hasn’t got a Licensed sign on it.

Studying - If you have come to study, there is a link below which will give you names of all the Colleges and Universities in London.

Jobs – London has a lot of jobs. Some people say its hard to get a job, but be positive. If you really spend time looking for a job you can start a job within one week of arriving in London. It could even be cash in hand.

You can get jobs through

· Recruitment Agencies

· Newspapers

· Job Centres

· Private companies

· Via the internet (If you haven’t got internet, there are internet Café’s £1 for 1 hour)

· Or by even approaching them directly.

Prepare a CV and Register for a Temporary National Insurance Number as this will be needed when your Employer pays you.

Food – No matter where you come from you will find your country food in London. There are lots of supermarkets and small shops. Some supermarkets like Asda, Iceland and Tesco will deliver everything you buy to your door for a small price but you have to order-online. This is very convenient if you don’t have a car.

For bargains, go to “The Pound Shop”. Ask anyone around you where it is. (There are so many branches) Everything in the shop is just £1, but be careful not to buy the whole shop as you will be spoilt for choice.

If you don’t want to cook you could go to a “take away” or get them to deliver to you at home.

Health – You might consider registering with a GP. A General Practitioner. (doctor) There are also a lot of Gyms about and small Leisure centres for children if they wish to go swimming.

People of London – The people in London are generally friendly and helpful but like any other city you should still be cautious.

Entertainment – London is a place where lots of Tourists visit. Open the link below to see a list of places you can visit in your spare time. Some places are free. Buckingham Palace is also open for visiting – so you might want to pop in and say hello to the Queen at some point.

Good Luck and enjoy your stay.