Finally — a post that a few of you have asked for — a little Q+A about living in London. If I missed anything you’d like to know specifically about London life, feel free to ask in the comments and I’ll try to get them answered!
How did you end up in London?
After Matt graduated with his MBA, he was offered a great position working for an American company’s London office. We knew we wanted to spend some time abroad and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
What was the move like?
We were in temporary housing for our first two months, which initially made it hard for London to feel like home. We moved all of our furniture from the US and typically London flats come furnished — an extra challenge to find the perfect place since we were bringing ours over! We spent the first two weeks looking for a neighborhood we knew we wanted to live in and Matt’s company helped us with flat-hunting. We toured about 18 apartments and at the end of the day found a little gem near Warwick Avenue. Mostly, the whole process just took patience — we’re glad to be settled and loving our new neighborhood.
How are you able to work in London?
I’m able to work on my spousal visa.
What is the hardest thing about living there?
The hardest part is definitely missing our friends and family. It’s hard not being there for big events, like birthdays and graduations, but we knew that would be a sacrifice we’d have to make when choosing to live across the world.
What do you miss the most?
Besides friends and family — I think I miss that sense of familiarity and comfort. I’m sure once we’re here a bit longer, everything will start to feel more comfortable, but I think I’m always a little bit more aware that everything’s different and I need to be the one adapting and being sensitive to their culture. Oh, I also miss Target and In-N-Out.
What are the biggest cultural differences?
I think really the accent is the one that I notice the most. Also, certain words we say do not translate the same in the UK. For example, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh I love your pants!” to your co-worker translates to them as, “Oh my gosh I love your underwear!” Awks.
The British sense of humor is quite sarcastic, but so is mine so no issues there. :)
How do you get around?
Lots of taking the tube, walking, and Uber. We’ve also utilized Zipcar but I have driving-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-road anxiety so we tend to stick to the tube. :)
What is the best thing about living in London?
There are so many great things. I love being immersed in another culture and learning to adapt to that. I love seeing other people’s perspective of the world. I love having so many cool countries nearby and having the opportunity to travel. All in all: I really am grateful for the opportunity to be here and try to never take it for granted.
image via my iPhone
How amazing! Once you’re there longer, you need to do a ‘best of’ post for us future travelers. I’d love to know the places I just have to go to eat / shop / explore…
I’d love to visit London someday!
Oh man, did you have to settle for furniture that was already chosen for you? That must have been tough to find the perfect furnished flat. Patience indeed:) Glad you are feeling settled in.
XO,Gina
http://classyeverafter.blogspot.com
No, we found an unfurnished flat and brought over our own furniture, thank goodness!
My husband and I are moving from Chicago to London in about two weeks (wow, it sounds even sooner when I type it out!) I am getting transferred for my job and he’s joining me. We, too, found an unfurnished flat and will be buying furniture. Do you recommend any specific stores other than Ikea? Also, if you did buy from Ikea, did you have to order in advance? We have heard that the Ikeas in and around London sell out very quickly and it can take weeks to get your furniture delivered. Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks!
How exciting! We haven’t had that problem with Ikea at all, seems to be just like the States. For furniture we also looked at Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Selfridges, and Liberty, I’m sure there are more amazing home stores that we haven’t come across yet. :)
I’m so glad you are loving it! I would love to see some peeks at the flat :-)
I’m so happy you are loving living there! I loved hearing that your sarcasm fits right in- When I visited there, that was one of the first things I noticed!
Oh my gosh pants. I would catch myself saying that all the time when I was over there. Oh also, make sure you don’t say someone has a lot of spunk or are spunky. Over there it means male bodily fluids.
Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget
So cool to read these updates and tidbits about living there. My husband and I would love to live abroad (or at least outside of Texas, haha) for a bit, so it’s neat to get a real picture of what that looks like. And London…pretty fabulous. Thanks for sharing!
My husband’s company had an office in London and I begged him to apply to go there, but he never did. I am just living through your experience so I love this post :) I love British humor!! I bet it’s been hard to adapt just bc it’s so different but I am so happy for you that you get to have this experience!!! oxox
Lol love this! “I love your pants,” ha! ;) London sounds like a great time, and I’m sure you’ll get more comfortable with time! xo
Wow, enjoy this time abroad, sounds like an amazing opportunity!
Loved reading this and learning more about how you guys ended up there! And that picture is awesome! Makes me want to visit asap!
Great recap! Sounds a lot like us… especially the driving on the wrong side bit! Yikes!
I think this is so exciting!! :)
Welcome to London! I have just started reading your blog and love your style! I’m a born-and-bred Londoner who lived in the USA for a whole so I understand everything in reverse :)
How are you finding it now you’ve been here for a while? If you ever have any questions, please just ask, I know what its like!