London Setup
Your first week in London needs an order, not just a giant checklist
A practical first-week sequence that separates urgent setup, admin unlocks and tasks that can wait until your address and routine are clearer.
Quick answer
Do the tasks that unlock other tasks first
In week one, prioritise phone, transport, money access, temporary address stability, banking attempt, job/payroll admin and proof-of-address foundations. Leave long-term admin until the right dependencies exist.
- Phone, money and transport unlock daily life.
- Proof of address depends on housing and documents.
- GP, council tax and utilities follow the right address setup.
Tasks to do first
These tasks reduce daily friction and make later admin possible.
- Confirm phone data and UK number path.
- Confirm contactless or Oyster transport access.
- Check money access and backup cards.
- Store passport, visa and key documents securely.
- Map your temporary accommodation routes.
Tasks to start during week one
These are the admin unlocks that often take more than one attempt.
What unlocks what
Many London setup tasks depend on each other. Do not blame yourself if one task cannot happen until another exists.
| Task | Depends on | Unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Bank account | ID, phone, sometimes address | Payroll and payments |
| Proof of address | Stable address evidence | Banking and admin checks |
| GP registration | Local address area | Healthcare access |
| Council tax/utilities | Long-term housing | Official address trail |
First-week mistakes
The biggest mistake is treating everything as equally urgent.
- Trying to register for everything before you have an address.
- Ignoring payroll until first payday is close.
- Signing housing without verifying costs and contract.
- Not keeping digital copies of key documents.
Personalised
Browse the Setup hubGet your personalised first-week setup plan
Landing Connect can put your setup tasks in the right order based on housing, job, banking and timing.
- Week one
- Banking
- Proof of address
- Payroll
Takes a few minutes - Free - No sign-up required
Need to solve proof of address?
That blocker touches banking, housing and admin. Read the proof guide next.
Open proof guide →