Many aspiring performers seeking broader opportunities have contemplated relocating to London. Whether you hail from the UK or any other part of the world and are unfamiliar with life in London, get ready for a distinctly pleasant experience.
For actors, filmmakers, dancers, singers, and other individuals in the entertainment industry making the move to London, this city is undoubtedly the ideal place to be. Today, I present a fantastic and distinctive list of our top recommendations for those moving to London, specifically tailored to actors and those keen on taking the initial steps to establish themselves locally.
Insider Advice: 25 Tips for Relocating to London Shared by Locals
If you’ve been searching for relocation tips for London, you’ve likely come across plenty of valuable advice on preparation and settling in from various websites.
Rather than rehashing the same suggestions you can find elsewhere, this listicle takes a unique approach by offering some lesser-known tips tailored for aspiring actors making the move to London. Let’s dive in.
1. The optimal timing for arrival is during winter.
While this might seem counterintuitive given the UK’s notorious weather, January and February prove to be the best months for arrival, post the Christmas and New Year rush. Tourist numbers are significantly lower than in the summer, public transport is less crowded, and you might find better deals on accommodation in London.
2. Ensure you pack warmly.
London experiences cold weather for the majority of the year. Even if you land in the city in summer, it’s advisable to bring layers and warm clothing. While the British may embrace shorts and T-shirts at the first hint of spring on the calendar, don’t be deceived—nights, in particular, can be quite chilly irrespective of the season. Yes, you might find yourself shivering even in July.
3. Accommodation in London comes with a hefty price tag.
Unless you have a substantial budget, the most practical approach for new builds in Canary Wharf is to opt for shared living arrangements, whether it’s a flat (apartment, for our friends in the US) or a house with roommates. A furnished room in a pleasant three- or four-bedroom house in an outer borough of London, sharing common spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, and situated close to transport links, may cost around £400-£500 ($615-$740) per person per month. If you choose a location closer to London’s city center, expect to add about £100 ($155) per borough as you move inward. Additionally, anticipate a similar increase for extra amenities like additional space for various activities, a kitchen, a shower or bath with a toilet, or a garage.
4. Connect with like-minded individuals promptly.
Maximize the benefits of flat-sharing in London by seeking out fellow actors, especially those with more experience in the city. Associating with them not only accelerates your familiarity with the city but also enhances your chances of securing survival jobs, auditions, and acting opportunities in London.
5. Exercise caution with landlords.
Remain vigilant, especially when reviewing the details of any potential rental in London. Avoid settling agreements solely on a handshake; insist on obtaining a copy of the tenancy agreement and familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities. The source of your future accommodation also matters—opting for an agency is generally considered safer than securing a place through private landlords on platforms like Gumtree.
6. Exercise caution when selecting roommates.
Unless you have a strong familiarity with these individuals, ensure you take the necessary precautions. Specifically, secure a written agreement regarding the division of utility bills among flatmates and establish clear deadlines for payments. This ensures fairness for everyone in the household.
For instance, if you’re relocating from the US— even from expensive cities like New York or Los Angeles—you’ll notice that utilities such as electricity, gas, and water are considerably pricier than what you might be accustomed to. As a general guideline, budget around £30 per person per month for gas and the same for electricity.
7. Communicate openly with your flatmates.
Expatriates in London often have an inclination to move on quickly when better opportunities arise. Regardless of whether your flatmates are expats (which is likely, especially if they’re actors), establish clear agreements in advance on the course of action if one or more of you needs to leave the flat.
8. Bond with your roommates over a pint.
Now that you’ve settled in with a great group of people and want to break the ice, consider this pro tip for non-UK residents: treat your new roommates to a round of drinks at a local pub.
London boasts numerous charming pubs in every neighborhood, serving as central hubs for the community. Your flatmates will appreciate the gesture instantly. To maintain camaraderie, consider repeating this tradition every month or so—and rest assured, you won’t be considered timid if you prefer chilled lager over traditional room-temperature English bitter.
9. Avoid unnecessary expenditures.
Unless you have unlimited funds, refrain from purchasing a car in London. The cost is exorbitant, and the average traffic speed in central London—where most of your auditions and acting classes will likely occur—is a mere 10 mph, reminiscent of horse-drawn days 150 years ago.
If budget constraints are not an issue, allocate 35-45p (54-70 cents) per mile to account for depreciation, insurance, servicing, repairs, taxes, and fuel. Keep in mind that this is a conservative estimate, and costs may vary based on the type and age of your car, excluding parking fees. Note that parking charges apply even when your car is left on the street outside your residence.
10. Consider getting a scooter.
If you are on a tight budget but desire independent mobility and have reservations about public transport in London (although it’s significantly better than in Los Angeles), consider getting a scooter. Despite the weather, scooters are a popular choice. A new Vespa 125, for instance, costs around £3,500 ($5,400), and insurance should be under £500 ($770) annually, even for a 25-year-old unmarried actor still in pursuit of work.
By purchasing a few local newspapers and perusing the classifieds, you can readily discover affordable pre-owned scooters.
However, there’s a caveat. If you lack an international two-wheeler license, you’ll require a UK motorcycle license. Further information on this requirement can be found on the government’s official webpage.
11. Don’t forget to maintain your fitness.
Eager to keep yourself in top shape for that initial audition? Bicycles are widely embraced in London and serve as an excellent means of navigating this intricate city. You can acquire a new and stylish (though not overly flashy, as bikes are a target for thieves) bike for less than £250 ($385).
12. Consider the Boris bike as an alternative.
If you don’t plan on using a bike frequently enough to warrant owning one, explore London’s Santander Cycles system, commonly referred to by locals as the ‘Boris bike,’ named after Boris Johnson, London’s lively mayor who introduced them. With over 10,000 self-service public bicycles available at 700-plus docking stations spaced every 300 to 500 yards throughout London, this option provides convenient accessibility.
You can rent these bikes on a pay-as-you-go basis using a credit card or choose to register and obtain your personal key.
13. London’s Underground system is a subject of debate.
If you opt for public transportation, consider avoiding the Underground rail network, commonly known as the ‘tube.’ While it is renowned, widespread, and reasonably fast, it tends to be relatively expensive, and its Victorian infrastructure often leads to delays. Outdated staffing practices can also result in occasional strikes.
14. Organize your passes efficiently.
Upon settling in London, if you plan to use public transport regularly, invest in a “go-anywhere” daily, weekly, or monthly pass to reduce the cost per trip, potentially saving you money in the long run. Prioritizing such investments is crucial when living as an artist in an expensive city like London.
15. Embrace London’s iconic red buses.
The preferred public transport option is London’s iconic red buses. Not only do they provide a more pleasant travel experience compared to the crowded tube, but they are also more economical. Payment is made upon boarding, but only contactless credit, debit, or Oyster cards are accepted for tapping in. To avoid any issues, ensure you have your passes and cards in order before exploring London.
16. Consider the “another way to pay” option.
If your use of public transport is sporadic, consider acquiring a stored-value Oyster contactless card. It is valid for both tube and bus travel, and you can top it up at stations or online. This is a popular choice for those enamored with London’s public transportation and a necessary consideration for saving money while residing in the city.
17. Master navigating London effectively.
If you choose not to own a car while living in London, becoming acquainted with the city’s public transport system and exploring alternative modes of transportation is essential to save time, reduce stress, and manage expenses.
For a comprehensive guide on London’s public transport fares, payment methods, driving in the city, taxis, river-boats (a special treat), and more, refer to the London Drum Transport Guide.
18. Londoners have a penchant for walking.
For shorter journeys and to stay in good shape while immersing yourself in London’s culture, consider taking a leisurely stroll. Your efforts will be handsomely rewarded with the diverse architecture, the vibrant atmosphere of street markets, and unexpected glimpses down charming streets and alleys.
19. Stay vigilant at all times.
While street crime in London is relatively uncommon, avoid making yourself a target by securely carrying your mobile phone, camera, wallet, or handbag. London, like any other metropolis, has safe neighborhoods and others that are less secure. The key to avoiding issues is to remain cautious at all times.
20. Kindness goes a long way.
Despite encountering a few exceptions, Londoners are generally courteous. They extend pleasantries like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at supermarket checkouts, ticket booths, to newspaper vendors, and taxi drivers—essentially, in any transaction, no matter how small. If you wish to integrate into the culture and become a true part of London, adopt a similar approach.
21. Explore the myriad choices.
London, being one of the world’s largest cities, offers nearly everything you could desire. From good food and stylish clothing to vibrant clubs and excellent beer, the city has it all. While pursuing your acting aspirations, don’t forget to relish the joys of life, as London provides an abundance of experiences.
22. Mind your manners.
Londoners, often following stereotypes, are typically reserved and value adherence to rules. As a newcomer, it’s essential to never jump queues—a behavior observed frequently among foreigners. Queuing is obligatory in places where crowds gather for a shared action, such as entering a building or purchasing tickets. The sole exception is at bus stops serving multiple routes.
23. Consider quitting smoking.
Although not mandatory, giving up smoking can be a wise choice once you commit to moving to London. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed spaces, and even outdoors, Londoners exhibit growing intolerance towards it. Additionally, smoking is quite expensive in London, with a pack of Marlboro costing around £9 ($13.85) and prices still rising.
24. Stay composed to blend in.
One subtle yet noticeable aspect, especially among foreigners, is the volume of speech in public communication. Aligning with the cultural norm of maintaining politeness and following societal rules, try lowering your voice if you aim to fit in. True Londoners tend to be soft-spoken.
25. London’s police may surprise you.
If you’re arriving in London from the United States, where conflicts between the police and citizens have gained public attention, be aware that the situation is different in the UK. London’s police are considered part of the community and generally friendly. Show respect without being aloof; feel free to approach them for directions if you’re lost and engage in a brief chat if you’d like.