The challenges of living in London

Living in London is an incredible adventure. While life in the big city offers countless opportunities, anyone moving to London from abroad should also be aware that it's not just a walk in Hyde Park, there are some real challenges. By being aware of and planning for these uncomfortable truths, new Londoners can approach their journey with a well-rounded perspective.

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5 challenges of living in London

Here are 5 things that may prove to be challenging for those living in London who have moved from abroad.

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1. The high cost of living 💸

London consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. From accommodation and transportation to entertainment and groceries, costs can quickly add up. While living in the city means you may earn more than the rest of the UK, it almost certainly means that you spend more too. Rent prices are notably high, and even a night out makes itself known on your bank statement. New Londoners should be prepared to come with as much in their savings account as possible to ease the high costs of living and be prepared to carefully budget to make sure their lifestyle is what they need.

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2. Super competitive housing market 🏚

Finding accommodation in London is not easy. The city's housing market is notorious for its competitiveness, with limited availability and high demand. New Londoners may find themselves facing steep competition when trying to find a room to rent or rental property. There are things you can do to prepare for flat hunting even when you're living abroad and haven't yet moved to London.

3. The weather isn't great ☔️

London's weather is famously bad. Anyone moving to London from abroad should brace themselves for a fair amount of rain and grey skies, particularly during the winter and autumn months. The variability in weather conditions can have a major impact on people's moods and mental health, so it's wise to keep an umbrella and a strong self-care routine handy. If you're really struggling with the weather, make sure you book a holiday to somewhere warm and sunny, luckily Spain, Italy and Morocco are just a few hours flight away.

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4. There isn't much space 😬

If you were to describe London in one word, you may choose the word 'cramped.' Because London was established as a city thousands of years ago when people mostly got around on foot or horse and cart, it isn't as spacious as some other cities around the world. As a result, housing in particular is tight and new Londoners might have to adjust to smaller living spaces compared to what they're used to back home. Whether it's a tiny apartment or a room in a shared house, space constraints are a reality that many Londoners face.

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5. Noise, mess and big city living 🚨

The vibrancy of London comes with the downside of noise pollution and the constant hum of urban life. If you come from a place that doesn't have the levels of hustle and bustle as London, new Londoners might need to adjust to the sounds of traffic, sirens, and general city noise. In particular, the sirens for emergency services are louder in the UK than other countries to make sure they cut through the noise of the big city. Additionally, London city spends a lot of money and effort to keep the city clean, but with 8 million people living here, rubbish is a factor.

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