Moving to London as an Australian: Sarah Mander

Moving to London from Australia

What made you want to move to London from Australia? ‍

Partly wanting an adventure - living in a new, big city that’s full of new and exciting opportunities, that’s also conveniently connected to European travel destinations!

The other part was more practical. I wanted to do my Master’s and start a career in academia (which, spoiler alert, I did not).

What was the hardest part about your moving to London journey?

Definitely the visas - I’ve been on almost every visa available (student, youth mobility, partner) and working out what you need for each one is like a part-time job in itself!

And then renting. I won’t sugar coat it, it’s a tough and expensive city to live in, but if you can find a room or a flat that you love, in a location that isn’t too far away, at a rent that doesn’t drain your bank account each month, then you can literally do anything!

I’ve had landlords who are scammers, and I’ve also had landlords who have bought us housewarming gifts and that I sometimes meet at the pub for drinks. It just takes time to and a little savviness (and maybe this blog post?) to work out what’s the best deal.

‍

Were you prepared and organised or did you wing it?

I think at the time I thought I was prepared and organised, but now looking back on it I didn’t really know where I was going to live, what part time work I was going to do around my study, or even how long I was going to be here (it was meant to be 2… I’ve now been here for almost 8!). 

What part of your move would you have done differently?

Monzo and Wise weren't as big of a thing when I first moved, so I probably lost a lot of money on exchanging money back and forth.

What’s one piece of advice would you give to others moving to London?

Get a bike! It’s a total win-win-win. You save loads of money on transport. Sometimes it’s even faster than public transport. You get a endorphin hit on your way into work. The cycle super highways and quiet ways are actually really good and safe. Lots of employers have cycle-to-work schemes that can help pay for the upfront cost.

If you’re a total newbie to the two-wheeled game, some councils also run workshops on bike safety to help you build confidence in your cycling skills. 

‍

‍

Life in London

How long did it take you to feel settled in London?

Probably about six months.

What’s it like living in London now that you’re settled?

The best - it feels like having ‘your local’ pub where they know your name and start pouring "the usual" as they see you walk in, an off-licence around the corner where they call you ”darlin’” and won’t judge you on your late night frozen pizza choices, and your local cafe where they let you sit with your laptop during the lunch rush while you pretend to work all day. 

What’s your favourite thing about London?

London is summer is like nothing else I have really experienced. It’s just a vibe. Suddenly everyone’s in a good mood. Everyone’s outside in a park or at the pub. Everyone knows someone with a backyard and a cheap B&Q barbecue. People SMILE. I think it’s easy for people to hibernate in the cold (which is a lot of the year) so when the sunshine hits, everyone is out there making the most of it.

What’s your least favourite thing about living abroad in London? ‍‍

The winters - I’m a natural sunseeker, so living in a country that isn’t so high on the Vitamin D index has taken a lot of getting used to. But that said, the pubs always do feel cosier in the cold and the Canary Islands are just a three hour flight away….

What’s the biggest cultural difference you’ve noticed living in London? ‍

It’s been 8 years and I still don’t know how to respond when someone says ‘y'alright?’. 

‍

20 this or that questions

‍

Fish and chips or Sunday roast?

Fish and chips, by the sea at sunset. You can jump on a train and make your way to Whitstable, Margate or Brighton for a quick beachside daytip.

North, South, East or West London?

I'm an East Ends gal. I lived all over Hackney (London Fields, Dalston and Clapton) for the first five years and am now slightly further afield in Walthamstow, which I love.

‍

Soho or Shoreditch?

Soho. Think dumplings in Chinatown followed by a short trundle down to Trisha's for a night cap *chefs kiss*

‍

Pub or club?

Pub. Some of my local faves include the Castle, the Chesham Arms, The Plough, The Approach Tavern and the White Hart.

‍

Marmite or marmalade?

Marmalade - I’m not a fan of any of the mites.

‍

West End theater or Premier League football?

Don’t tell my boyfriend, but probably the football.

‍

Day out exploring or night out partying?

I’m too old to be this much of a trashbag, but I do love those innocent “just a couple of drinks” that somehow end on the dancefloor at 2am.

‍

Tube or Bus?

Does the Overground count as the Tube? It’s like the best of both of both worlds - faster than the bus, and less claustrophobic than the Tube.

‍

Pint or cocktail?

Pints. “Just one” is a lie 

‍

Tesco or Sainsburys?

I’m a Lidl gal at heart, but Tesco comes a close second.

‍

Borough Market or Brick Lane?

Brick Lane - you can do a great day out doing street food crawl starting from Broadway Market and slowly making your way to down to Brick Lane

‍

Hyde Park or Regents Park?

Regents Park - it’s a great loop for cycling and Primrose Hill is a nice summer picnic spot with views of the city.

‍

British Museum or Natural History Museum?

Natural History Museum. they also have a location in Tring which is featured in one of my favourite podcast stories ever, The Feather Hiest 

‍

Old pub or fancy club?

Old pub, with an old open-fireplace, with an fluffy old-timey dog that walks around like he owns the place.

London summertime or London Christmas?

If you've made it this far through the blog, there's no need a phone a friend, you know this one. ☀️

‍

Oxford Street or Carnaby Street?

Carnaby street has some very cute boutique shops, bars and restaurants (Seven Dials market is super cute) and it's a welcome escape from the chaotic crowds of Oxford street.

‍

Big Ben or St Paul’s cathedral?

Honestly, I’m pretty sure Big Ben has been under scaffolding the entire time I’ve lived in London. And I haven’t been to St Paul’s...

‍

Weekend in Europe or weekend in the UK?

Europe. More specifically on a beach in the south of Italy. Bellissimo!

‍

Harry Potter or James Bond?

Personally neither are to my taste, but speaking of taste, did you know that the producer who owns the Bond franchise is named Barbara Broccoli (who inherited it from her father, Cubby Broccoli 🥦)??

‍

Sausage roll or Scotch egg?

Sausage roll. And yes, they are indeed meant to be served cold and yes, the server will give you a confused look if you try to take it back and ask them to heat it up. 

‍