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Posts Tagged ‘relocating to London’

International Relocation – “London Calling…”

Tuesday July 5th, 2011

International Relocation – “London Calling…”

International Relocation – “London Calling…” - Image via Wikipedia

 

The song “London Calling” by the famous British punk band, the Clash, has been used in many films as an anthem for foreigners moving to London. What is it about this city that attracts thousands of people each year to live and work in the city?

If you’re thinking about moving to London, you will realize that it isn’t just the offer of work that draws people from all over the globe to the city of London. While it is a great addition to your resume, there is something special about living in a city that embraces the historic, the traditions and the present day with such fervor and flair.

If you’re going to enjoy your time in London then you need to start out by relocating to London as easy as possible. The best way to ensure that you enjoy London from day one is to use one of the professional London relocation agents that specialize in getting you set up, settled in and sightseeing in under three days. While it might be nice to spend time scouring London for your perfect apartment, the reality of the situation is that people don’t have the time to spend weeks searching the classifieds for a home.

London is a curious city in that it has a number of different neighborhoods; hundreds of them in fact. Finding one that is going to suit your needs can be challenging if you have no knowledge of the city to start with. Transport is also a big issue affecting people who are moving to London. Owning and driving a car in London is not recommended and figuring out the transport network of tubes, buses, trains and taxis will take up a large part of your time. Finding a London home close to work or to the transport network can be organized by a professional London relocation services company.

They will also be able to help you with the hassle of renting an apartment as a foreigner and opening a bank account. If you ask nicely, you’ll also find the best pubs in your area, though you may get different opinions! London is a diverse and interesting city, and getting help to get settled will leave you more time to explore your new home and have some fun.

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Relocation to London – Hassles or Help

Friday July 1st, 2011

Relocation to London – Hassles or Help

Image via Wikipedia

If you’re have been given the opportunity to live and work in the great city of London, then you’ll want to get over as fast as possible to begin your adventure. Relocation to London is more complicated than just slinging your stuff in a backpack and heading for the airport, although many people do that and find it an exhilarating way to see the world.

You’ll probably be moving to London, for work; you may have been transferred through your company back home, or starting a new job with a new company, in a new city. For even the most hardened travelers it can be daunting to leave behind everything you know and love and head off to London for a few years. If you want to make your transatlantic pond hopping successful then you should consider getting an expert to help you with your UK relocation details.

The biggest factor in moving to London is finding the right place to stay. As a foreigner, you may find it quite difficult to get a rental apartment as fast as you’d like, and there can be a mountain of paperwork and banking to do before your lease will be accepted. Working with a professional firm of London relocation agents will take the guesswork and the hassle out of finding a new home for you. In fact, you can get everything sorted out through a good relocation agent in a couple of days, instead of the weeks it may take if you’re going it alone.

It’s not just accommodation that you need when you’re moving to London. There are a myriad of details that a good relocation service will be able to help you with:

  • Opening a London bank account. This can be tricky if you don’t have the paperwork that you need. A relocation agent will be able to tell you what you need to bring with you in terms of complete paperwork so opening a bank account can be done the very day that you arrive.
  • Registering with the council: When you rent an apartment you’ll have to register with the local council. Again, a professional London relocation services business will be able to handle all of that for you without you having to sweat the details.

Moving to London can be challenging, but with the right help and information you’ll be settled in and enjoying everything that this fascinating city has to offer.​

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Living in London – London’s Inner City Wildlife

Friday July 1st, 2011

Living in London – London’s Inner City Wildlife

Living in London – London’s Inner City Wildlife- Image via Wikipedia

Moving to London, and having taken in all the stereotypes of the city that culture has to offer, it’s likely that one thing you won’t associate with the city is animals. Yes, it’s a big city and it’s to be expected that a big city will have a zoo, but the city of London is sadly the victim of a stereotype that says that the only things that it probably has to offer are buildings, restaurants, theatre, rain and the Queen. There are other attractions to living in London and finding them while you explore your new home town is going to be one of the most exciting aspects of moving to London. Take this then as additional education in London Life. This is especially important if you’re moving to London with kids as there are few easier ways to educate your kids while showing them a good time than by taking them to the zoo.

An obvious first stop would be the appropriately named London Zoo. Here you’ll find a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giant anteaters, spider-monkeys, gorillas, penguins, vultures, cobras and very scary Komodo Dragons. There’s also the option of visiting the baby-shelter where you can see the newborns (even a baby rhino), especially fascinating if you’ve brought your own little ones along.

Swing on over to the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo if you’re up for more wildlife hijinks. Like the London Zoo, you’ll can also adopt an animal if it takes your fancy. It’s the kind of place that promises a more face-to-face encounter with its furry residents, which include monkeys, chipmunks and meerkats.

If you’d like to complete your wildlife education after going to the zoo, drop in at the London Sealife Aquarium. The aquarium has a fascinating variety of creatures on display, with over five hundred species from all over the world. Bright orange clownfish, octopus, penguins and forty different kinds of shark are but a few of the animals you’ll see. They even have crocodiles.

So if you’re moving to London, you’ll soon discover that this city offers so much more than you expected. ​

 

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Living in London – If You Can’t Have an Apple a Day…

Friday July 1st, 2011

Living in London – If You Can’t Have an Apple a Day...

Living in London – If You Can’t Have an Apple a Day...- Image via Wikipedia

Moving to London is an undeniably exciting undertaking. Whether you’re going by yourself or with a loved one or loved ones, it means experiencing and adapting to a new home, learning about a new culture, meeting new people and making new friends. But as appealing and as fun and it is, it also means that you’ll be taking many of the concerns that you had in your former country and bringing them here to your new homeland. An unavoidable concern no matter where you go or who you are is the state of your health and that of those closest to you.

You could catch something, fall victim to some accident or any of a hundred other things could spring up unexpectedly. You have to be prepared for whatever could come your way and in the case of your health, being prepared means finding a doctor. While you might want to save yourself the hassle and rather just head off to a hospital should an emergency arise, having a personal GP is better as you’ll have someone who will be able to cater to you on a more personal level and, more importantly, someone who’ll be able to warn you and properly help you avoid something that could come up.

The first stop for you would be a visit to the National Health Services (NHS) website. The page has very useful ‘find a doctor’ function. Type in your postal code and you’ll get a list of all the doctors practicing in your area. For more information, click on any of the names that catch your eye and you’ll get information about the services that they offer, the doctors practicing there, and opening and closing times. You’ll get directions on how to get there as well as assistance on registering as a new patient. Also keep an eye out for whether the surgery you’re applying to as a patient is currently accepting new patients.

You’re moving to London and being certain of the state of your health is one of the most important aspects of making certain that your stay here will be an enjoyable one.

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Moving to London- Miss the West Coast Less

Thursday June 30th, 2011

Big Ben

The temperate weather and sea-like atmoshpere of the South Bank allowed me to cope better with my seperation from California.  Walking along the river reminded me (albeit in a distant way) of walking down a California board-walk.  Street performers, skate parks and other California trademarks lined the embankment. I stopped to eat at one of the small restaurants.  All the eateries permeated laid-back, happy atmospheres.

Among the less-West Coast, yet noteworthy, attractions were the sights of  Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.  A massive aquarium, theatre, concert location and gallery also joined the extensive collection of activity. 

A Skate-Park along the River

Perhaps the greatest reminder of back home was the public’s mood. The stress, angst and aloof attitude of the city’s people seemed to disintegrate in the sea-like air.  Instead people seemed at ease, content and open to conversation.

If you are relocating to London and used to an oceanic aura, hop on the circle line and head to the bank.  It’s an urban rendition of a seaside town. 

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Relocation to London – Tourist No More

Thursday June 30th, 2011

Relocation to London – Tourist No More

Relocation to London – Tourist No More- Image via Wikipedia

Just as soon as your London relocation services have you settled into your new London flat then you need to head out and explore the town. If it is your first time, then you will take a couple of months to visit all of the well known tourist attractions and take hundreds of photos of the Changing on the Guard at Buckingham palace and of the view from the London Eye. Once you’ve done everything in the guidebooks, and you’re a real Londoner, then you might want to try heading off the beaten path for your weekend excursions.

Colorful Camden

Camden is an area of London that has one of the greatest community vibes in the city. This is a neighborhood devoted to everyone and everything that happens. They even have their own website so you know exactly what is going down at any moment and there is a lot to enjoy when you visit Camden.

The area is most famous for the Camden Market. It one of London’s most visited tourist attractions, but real Londoner’s use the back streets and hidden alleys to find the true Camden experience. The easiest way to get to Camden is to take the tube. Camden is found in Zone 2 and is located in north London making it right at the centre of the transport network. You can get off the tube at the Camden Town Station, or at Chalk Farm Road, which are both on the Northern Line.

The market is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day from 10am – 6pm and it is very busy, especially on weekends during the summer months. Surrounding the market, you’ll find all sorts of specialty stores, fine restaurants and alfresco dining to enjoy. If you have kids then why not combine a trip to Camden market with a trip to London Zoo. It’s about ten minutes walk between the two.

If you want to see how Camden rocks then you have to look out for the monthly events and festivals that they have all year round. Great music, fine food and some of the most interesting shopping to be had in London. You’re a Londoner now, and moving to London should be about exploring your new home and finding your favorite places.​

 

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Relocation UK – “Consider Yourself At Home…”

Thursday June 30th, 2011

Relocation UK – “Consider Yourself At Home...”

Relocation UK – “Consider Yourself At Home...”- Image via Wikipedia

If you’ve just landed a dream job in London, or are considering moving to London for a few years, then the best way to make the leap across the pond is to use professional London relocation agents to make sure that your transition is as smooth as skipping stones across the water.

It may be that your employer has organized temporary accommodation for you for a few weeks, but you’ll soon have to find something more permanent and go about the challenge of making London your home. When you are considering which relocation companies to choose, you should look at what they offer you in terms of speed, professionalism and experience.

  • How well do they know London? Having local knowledge and expertise is essential if you’re going to find the right London apartment. London is a big city and each neighborhood has its own quirks, strengths and weaknesses according to your requirements. Having an insider into the intricacies of living in London is a big help.
  • Speed is of the essence. You don’t want to spend ages looking at rentals that are not suitable, so ensure that your relocation agents know exactly what you’re looking for in terms of budget, transport requirements and amenities. Doing the hard work up front makes it easy for you to view a number of properties that fit your requirements exactly.
  • Make sure that your London relocation services are able to negotiate the lease for you and are experienced in dealing with international leases. There are ways of making the entire process so much easier if you choose the right agent to help you.
  • Ask if your relocation agent will do anything extra for you. One of the biggest hassles of moving to London is opening a bank account. Professional relocation agents can take care of the small details or big ones, leaving you more time to get to know your new city.

Moving to London is going to be one of the biggest adventures in your life. With the right team on your side you’ll “Consider yourself at home!” in no time at all.

 

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Moving to London – As You Touchdown…

Thursday June 30th, 2011

Moving to London – As You Touchdown…

Moving to London – As You Touchdown…- Image via Wikipedia

As soon as you know that you are moving to London, you should make a list of the essential tasks that you have to do as soon as you touch down. If you’re using a London relocation services company to help you with the big move, then they may be able to help you get set up and settled in even faster.

The most important thing you should do when you arrive is to get in contact with your family back home to let them know that you’re enjoying London. If you have brought your mobile phone with you, make sure it will work on the British networks and then get a SIM card. It can be quite a process to get a contract through one of the service providers, so your best bet is to get a Pay-as-you-Go SIM card which will allow you to add credit when you need it. The most popular mobile phone operators in London are Vodafone, O2, Orange and T-Mobile. If you don’t have a phone then you can purchase one with SIM card at most major retail outlets in your neighborhood.

To get around London, you do not need a car. In fact you’d be advised to avoid all forms of car ownership for the duration, unless you rent a car for the day to travel out of London. The most efficient way of getting around London is by tube, train, bus or taxi. The first step? Get yourself an Oyster Card. This is the cheapest, safest and fastest way to pay for your travel around London. It looks like a bank card and all you do is load it with credit for your travel, and then swipe it on all tubes, buses and trains. No cash, no fuss. Easy does it.

You’ll also need to think of setting up a bank account as soon as you arrive in London. It’s not difficult, but it may be a bit time consuming, so be prepared to bring ALL of your paperwork with you. If you are using an international relocation company then ask them to guide you through the process and advise you on all of the possible paperwork that you might need when you’re moving to London.​

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Moving to London- Have a Delicous Lunch at Pret A Manger

Wednesday June 29th, 2011

Pret A Manger, Strand, London, October 2004

Image via Wikipedia

Pret A Manger has been my favourite place to eat since I arrived in London. Pret pre-makes it’s food daily. Lunch items include: sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups.  The pre-packaged and pre-made food makes Pret a quick and easy place to eat.  The convenience does not jeopardize the food’s taste, everything is made with good-quality, fresh ingredients.  The best part is it’s inexpensive.  My lunch is never more than 3 pounds.  Prets are all over the city, you will have no problem running into one.  If your relocating to London, this is a  great place for take-away or a fast delicious lunch. 

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Living in London – Fight the Homesickness

Wednesday June 29th, 2011

 Living in London – Fight the Homesickness

Living in London – Fight the Homesickness - Image via Wikipedia

If you’re moving to London or you’ve just moved here, chances are that you’re still trying to adjust yourself to your new home. The weather, the people, the geography, the culture; there’s no place like home. And it’s not only adjusting to your new home that can be a challenge, but also letting go of all those things you can’t do back home in the States. There’s a word for this condition: homesickness. And if you’ve fallen victim to it, don’t worry as you’re not the first and you won’t be the last. There are ways to stave off the feeling of being homesick to make your adjustment to your new home easier. It may take some effort on your part, but you can still do a lot of the things from back home in your new home in London.

Take barbecuing for example. It’s one of those things that can bring back the feeling of home in a single bite. London does allow you to have a barbecue on your property, so long as you’re practicing the proper safety measures and you have the space to allow for it. It’s not very sensible to start up a fire in your living room so if you don’t have the room, you might have to make other plans. Also, let your neighbors know what you’re doing. Who knows, they may have problems with it (the smell could be an issue) or you could invite them over. You’re new to the neighborhood, so be decent about things.

Contrary to popular belief held by many Londoners, there many places available for the purpose of barbecuing. If you don’t have the space to have a barbecue (and that’s also taking into account the amount of people you may wish to have over), then there are parks in London where you could have one. Just be sure to check if you will be allowed to barbecue so that you avoid the risk of incurring a fine.

Moving to London doesn’t have to be a painful experience if you can figure out how to comfortably adjust to your new home.

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Living in London – Hidden Gems

Wednesday June 29th, 2011

Living in London – Hidden Gems

Living in London – Hidden Gems- Image via Wikipedia

There are quite a few things that your London relocation agents should be able to help you with, chief of which is finding a decent area and house to suit your needs. Most good relocation companies will also be able to tell you about the nuances and quirks of the area you’re moving to, transport like the tube and taxis so you can get around as well as informing you of decent schools in the area should you have kids. It would be odd though to expect your agents to know about decent cooking, though you’re welcome to ask them. You never know. One of the fastest ways to get acclimatized to living in London is to learn about, and sample English meals and cuisine.

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day. Sometimes you’re satisfied with cornflakes for breakfast, and then at other times, you want to break the routine. Okay then: eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, and potatoes. That’s what’s called a Full English Breakfast. The coffee is optional.

On to lunch then. Bangers and mash? It’s a very democratic sort of meal in that it’s open to being consumed at any time of the day. So why not give that other English standby a try: Fish and Chips. On a serious note, it’s recommended that this doesn’t become an everyday sort of thing and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you really should pack in a meal to take with you to the office. This counts doubly if you have kids. You want to set a good example after all.

Sumptuous English Suppers. Let’s face it, you’re living in London, so the idea of the traditional English dinner (Roast Leg of Lamb, Gravy and Vegetables) might be something best left for Sundays. Many Londoners generally have something like pasta or even curries for dinner, so unless you want to go really traditional, leave the hardcore dinners for the weekends.

Once your London relocation agent’s job is done. It’s up to you now to start living like the English. Eating like one isn’t a very difficult place to start. ​

 

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Living in London – Eating like a Londoner

Wednesday June 29th, 2011

Living in London – Eating like a Londoner

Living in London – Eating like a Londoner- Image via Wikipedia

There are quite a few things that your London relocation agents should be able to help you with, chief of which is finding a decent area and house to suit your needs. Most good relocation companies will also be able to tell you about the nuances and quirks of the area you’re moving to, transport like the tube and taxis so you can get around as well as informing you of decent schools in the area should you have kids. It would be odd though to expect your agents to know about decent cooking, though you’re welcome to ask them. You never know. One of the fastest ways to get acclimatized to living in London is to learn about, and sample English meals and cuisine.

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day. Sometimes you’re satisfied with cornflakes for breakfast, and then at other times, you want to break the routine. Okay then: eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, and potatoes. That’s what’s called a Full English Breakfast. The coffee is optional.

On to lunch then. Bangers and mash? It’s a very democratic sort of meal in that it’s open to being consumed at any time of the day. So why not give that other English standby a try: Fish and Chips. On a serious note, it’s recommended that this doesn’t become an everyday sort of thing and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you really should pack in a meal to take with you to the office. This counts doubly if you have kids. You want to set a good example after all.

Sumptuous English Suppers. Let’s face it, you’re living in London, so the idea of the traditional English dinner (Roast Leg of Lamb, Gravy and Vegetables) might be something best left for Sundays. Many Londoners generally have something like pasta or even curries for dinner, so unless you want to go really traditional, leave the hardcore dinners for the weekends.

Once your London relocation agent’s job is done. It’s up to you now to start living like the English. Eating like one isn’t a very difficult place to start. ​

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Living in London – Making Your Move Simple and Smooth

Tuesday June 28th, 2011

Living in London – Making Your Move Simple and Smooth

Living in London – Making Your Move Simple and Smooth- Image via Wikipedia

Moving to London can be a pretty big challenge to undertake, even with the help of London relocation agents. The difficulty of moving to somewhere new, getting to know new people, having to acclimatize yourself to a new locale with a strange culture, all of this and more can add up to making the big move a daunting experience. It’s always reassuring then to have some advice at hand from relocation services to help you with whatever issues you might face, even if it is advice regarding the most obvious issues that arise during moving.

Sorting out a bank account certainly falls under the ‘Obvious Issues’ banner. It’s one of those things that might get lost amongst the rest of the moving tumult, but it can throw up huge issues once you’ve completed your move. The best thing to do is to open one before you’ve even packed your bags to leave for your new home as it’ll be one less thing for you to worry about once you’ve settled into your new flat.

Get yourself sorted out with GPS. Remember, you’re in a new city. It’s only expected that you’ll have some trouble getting around. One of the many benefits of living in the 21st century is that the quality of technology can make your life so much easier. If you need to find your way around so that you can get to work or enjoy a night on the town, GPS means that you run less of a risk getting lost. After a while, you’ll be making your way around the city like you were born there.

Get a cell phone. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have one that will work anywhere you go, go for the pay-as-you-go option. Contract options can be expensive so-pay-as-you-go might be a better fit for you.

All simple things and there’s more that can be added to that list, but it’s a good start. It’s an old saying but get the simple stuff sorted out and the big things will look after themselves. Bearing that in mind will make your moving to London a happier and less stressful experience. ​

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Saatchi Gallery

Tuesday June 28th, 2011

The 425, a classic double-decker bus, took a diverted route this morning.  I didn’t share in the irritation of the other commuters. Instead, I optimistically blasted my music, slouched in my upper-deck seat and let my earphone’s melodies dance with the dynamic streets of London.  Many have suggested I do an official bus tour, to view all the “must-see” attractions.  If you do see a tour, I recommend to bring music.  Tune out the mechanical tour-guide and see the city to the backdrop of your favourite song.  If you, like me, are not willing to pay the 30 £ to see a tour, check out the bus routes and bounce around from place to place for free.

At Sloane’s St. I bitersweetly hopped off the 425 and proceeded to Saatchi Gallery.  The gallery is located on King’s rode in the midst of high-end shops and restaurants.  The gallery is known for featuring eccentric, extreme works.  The exhibition of 20 international sculptors proved such.

One  gallery was simply an illusive room.  Dark, black oil covered the floor’s surface.  The reflections in the oil made one believe the room was two stories.  In the upper galleries I discovered sculptures constructed entirely of shelving units, vinyl, light boxes, acrylic sheet, cable and plug boards. They glowed enticingly against the black backdrop of the gallery.

The size, extremity and detail of the exhibition left me with feelings of awe and appreciation.  As I hopped on the 425 to head back to Notting Hill, although eager to resume seeing London as a music video, I was melancholic. Sad to leave behind work I could have stared at for hours and hours.  The work seemed to tangibly and beautifully exemplify the imagination. I felt as if my dreams had been perfectly and purposely arranged in each gallery.

The current exhibition will be going on until the 16th of October, for more information click here.

Go!

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Living in London – Summer in the City

Tuesday June 28th, 2011

Living in London – Summer in the City

Living in London – Summer in the City- Image via Wikipedia

If you’re moving to London at this time of year then it might surprise you to find out about the many things there are to do. Even if it is a good idea to be prepared for the occasional downpour, London really does put on its very best during the summer months of June, July, August and September, with the city springing to life and often being astonishingly vibrant. Here are a few things for you to do so that you can make the very best of the summer.

Outdoor swimming isn’t something that you would normally associate with London, so you really are in for a surprise when you’ll see what’s available. London has two notable outdoor swimming facilities at Brixton Lido and Hampton Pool. If you’re a braver sort, maybe the pools at Hampstead Heath are more what you’re looking for. Just be careful as even if it is summer, the water can get a bit chilly.

For those of you who are real movie-buffs (or even if you’re not), an outdoor cinema might be just the right thing for a summer evening. There’s a load for you to choose from in London, from the BP Summer Screen at Trafalgar Square to the Rooftop Cinema at Queen of Hoxton to performances at Richmond park.

Of course, with the summer here, there’s no better time to take in the plethora of parks and gardens dotted throughout the London area. For choices, you have Hyde Park, Regents Park, Kew Gardens and Greenwich Park. For something really special, head on over to the Japanese Gardens at Holland Park.

Had a long day at the office? Then why not do a bit of kayaking on the Thames. Yes. Kayaking. On the Thames. Just hire a kayak, take it out and start rowing. And there really is very little that can beat the relaxing slosh of water as you slide through the Thames at sunset.

That’s just a few of the things for you to do in London in the summer and as you’ll soon discover, moving to London can really be the complete opposite of its grey stereotype.​

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