Couch-surfing in London: How to keep your friendship in-tact when staying temporarily
π Here's how you can stay with your friend, avoid expensive temporary accommodation costs and not cause any issues.
Moving to London means you need temporary accommodation while you find your own place. If you're one of the lucky ones who already has friends and family living in London you may be able to rely on their generosity and crash on their couch. This can be a fantastic way to save money and ease yourself in to life in the big city. However, it's important to navigate this situation with tact and respect to ensure your friendships remain strong. Here are some essential tips for couch-surfing in London while maintaining your relationships.
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Things to know about couch-surfing in London
You have probably couch-surfed and stayed with friends before, but couch-surfing in London isn't like couch surfing in every other city.Β There are some things unique to London that any new Londoner should be aware of when staying with their friends.
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There isn't much space in London π
London is an incredibly cramped city and as a result, housing isn't spacious. Kitchens and laundries are the same room, there are rarely multiple bathrooms, spare rooms are almost non-existent. If you're sleeping on your friends couch, you are taking up crucial communal space.
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(Almost) Everyone has housemates π―ββοΈ
Because rent is so expensive in London, most people house share. This means that although you're couch-surfing at your friends place, you are also couch-surfing with their housemates. It's as much their house as it is your friends.
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Rent is incredibly expensive in London πΈ
If you're staying on your friend's couch, it's almost certainly because you don't want to pay expensive temporary accommodation costs. That extends to regular rental costs. Be aware that although you are saving money on temporary accommodation, your host friend is still paying a significant amount on their rent, so be considerate.
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Your friend might want you to stay, but their housemates are doing you a big favour π
Your friend might be happy to see you and welcome you to London, but it's a certainty that their housemates won't care nearly half as much.
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What you need to do to be a good couch-surfing guest
Being a good couch-surfing guest will help make sure you keep your friendship in-tact. Here are some essential things you need to do to make sure you're a good house guest.
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Don't overstay your welcome βοΈ
Remember that you're a guest in someone else's home and your welcome will run out. Avoid overstaying your welcome and make sure you aren't disrupting their daily life. There is no hard rule about how long is too long before you overstay your welcome, but generally anything more than a few days to a week is going to impact those you're staying with.
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Bring a thoughtful gift π
A small token of appreciation, like a bottle of wine, a plant, or a box of chocolates, can go a long way in showing gratitude to your hosts. It's a kind gesture that reflects your appreciation for their hospitality.
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Tidy up every day π«§
Before you leave, ensure that you've tidy up where you are sleeping. If you're on the couch, move your bags and any blankets into a place out of the way.
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Leave the space as you found it πͺ΄
Before you leave, ensure that you've left the space in the same condition you found it. This includes making the bed, doing the dishes, and cleaning up any personal belongings.
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Offer your help π
Even though your friends may be excited to host you, it's crucial to be a considerate guest. Offer to help with chores or any other tasks around the house. This shows your appreciation and ensures you're not imposing on their hospitality.
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Communicate openly and honestly π€
Before accepting any invitation to stay, have a candid conversation with your friend who is hosting. Discuss expectations, including the duration of your stay, any house rules, and your plans during your visit.
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Pro tips for couch-surfing
To be the best couch-surfing guest you can, make sure you follow these pro tips. Your host friend and their housemates will thank you later.
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Plan activities outside the house π
While it's wonderful to spend time with your host, make sure to explore the city and give them some personal space. This not only allows them time for themselves but also gives you the opportunity to get out and experience London. Working from home is very common in London so be aware your friend and their housemates may need the area you're staying in for their work.
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Match the schedule of the house π°
If you're staying in the living room and it's connected to the kitchen, that means the housemate who has to leave for work early might not want to wake you up and skips breakfast. This might be fine for a day or two, but will quickly become annoying. In this situation, make sure you're awake so anyone coming into the area you're staying doesn't feel like they're disturbing you. After all, it is their house.
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Cook dinner for the house π§βπ³
If you've just moved to London chances are you don't have a job yet which means you have plenty of time to cook your temporary housemates dinner. This will go down a treat as they won't have to cook at the end of a working day and will be thankful to have you staying.
