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Moving to London
Quick Start Guide.

This is your one-page cheatsheet. Use it to get oriented fast, then plug into our full ecosystem of courses and community.

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Australian passport and boarding pass on a plane tray table in soft sunlight

1. Visas & Entry

Pro Tip: Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved (or you've paid for priority). Upload and print all your documents before the Biometrics Appointment. After approval, you can enter the UK at any time.

2. Flights

Pro Tip: Land mid-week if you can — better for admin, viewings, and settling in. Set up price alerts for the dates you want to travel.

3. Insurance

Pro Tip: NHS access doesn't replace travel insurance — you still want cover for delays, baggage, and emergencies.
Community

Don't move alone — join the community

Ask anything, get real answers, and learn from people relocating right now.

  • Facebook group for fast crowd answers + lived experience.
  • Skool for structured guides + deeper threads + monthly rewards.
Join on Skool Join the Facebook group

4. Packing

  • Pack light — you'll buy basics here (Primark, IKEA, Argos, FB Marketplace)
  • Bring essential medicines (doctor's note)
  • Favourite skincare / comfort items
  • Furry friends?
    Starwood Jetpets
  • UK adapters + power bank
  • Send bags
    SendMyBag MyBaggage
Pro Tip: If you're torn, don't pack it — London has everything. Save luggage space for the stuff you can't easily replace.

5. Accommodation

Pro Tip: Do 2–4 weeks in a short let first so you can inspect areas in person — photos lie.

6. Phone / eSIM

Pro Tip: Activate eSIM before you land so maps + booking confirmations work instantly.

8. Transport

Pro Tip: Do your first few commutes by bus if you can — you'll learn the city layout 10x faster than underground.

9. Health

  • Register with a GP
    NHS GP Finder
  • Sports clubs are everywhere — football, netball, rugby, climbing, boxing & social fitness groups.
    Pure Gym Anytime Fitness
  • Use a Bike scheme
    Santander Cycles
  • Walk everywhere you can.
  • Healthy food at major supermarkets: M&S Food, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Aldi & Whole Foods.
Pro Tip: Pick one weekly fitness/social thing and lock it in for 4 weeks. That consistency is how London stops feeling lonely. Lots of gyms offer free trials. Shop around.

10. Apps & Docs

  • Transport apps
    Citymapper TfL
  • Comms
    WhatsApp
  • Money app (UK Account)
    Wise
  • Get your eVisa share code
    UKVI
  • Gigs and events (tickets)
    DICE
  • Save copies: passport, eVisa, bank statements, emergency contacts, insurance cert/number & upload to the cloud.
Pro Tip: Make a single "UK Move" folder in your cloud + star it for offline access. You'll get asked for documents at the worst possible times.

11. Work / Jobs

  • Job boards
    Reed Totaljobs Indeed Hays Adecco
  • LinkedIn can be very powerful for landing a job, so spend a bit of time on your profile.
  • UK CV format (tight + achievement-led)
  • Right to work checks → share code ready
Pro Tip: Apply in batches, then follow up — London hiring moves fast when you nudge. Jump on social media and ask questions. Get the word out that you are looking.

12. London Admin

  • Once you have a UK address (can be temporary), it's time to do some admin.
  • Apply for an NI Number
    GOV.UK
  • Check your Tax Code on your first payslip
  • Set up a Pension (Auto-enrolment)
  • Register for Council Tax at your new flat
Pro Tip: Pick 1 weekly activity and go every week for a month — consistency makes friends in London.