Residents » Overview » When You Arrive

Once you arrive in London, there are a number of things you’ll need to do quickly to help you get settled:

Accommodation – your first priority is likely to be finding somewhere to live. Most lets are furnished, so a trip to IKEA is unlikely to be a must initially.

Phones – get a mobile phone as soon as you can – it’ll make sorting out everything else a lot easier.

Utilities – gas, electricity, water, phone and internet may all need to be connected or at least transferred to your name.

Transport – if you intend to drive, you can make arrangements to transfer your licence. Driving in the capital can be an expensive and fraught affair, however, with parking fees and the Congestion Charge all adding up. Nearly half of London households do not have a car, and private vehicles are the main mode of transport for only 10% of people travelling to central London to work.

Emergencies – note the location of your country’s embassy, register with it if possible, and find out what help it can offer you in the case of an emergency.

Social – making new friends is a great way to help you settle quickly. Consider joining a team or social group.