Your First Week in London: What You Need to Know When Starting a New Life

Setting foot in London for the first time and saying hello to one of the world’s most energetic capitals is a wonderful feeling! But once you’ve unpacked and stepped outside, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little excited about what you should do in this huge city. As the City Nest team, we’ve put together a short guide to help you spend your first week like a local and settle in faster.

1. Sort Out Your Transport: Oyster Card and Contactless Payments

London means The Tube, the world’s oldest and one of its most extensive underground networks. The first thing to do is get an Oyster Card or use the contactless feature of your bank card.

Tip: You can’t pay cash on London’s buses or the Underground. Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone will also be the quickest way to travel.

2. Download “Citymapper” to Explore the City

Google Maps is good, but Citymapper is the best for London! It shows you, fully up to date, which Tube line is closed at that moment, how many minutes until your bus arrives and the cheapest route. It will be your best friend for not getting lost (or for getting lost happily) in your first week.

3. SIM Card and Internet Access

Getting a UK phone line to stay in touch with family and friends and to use maps is a first-day job. You can easily pick up a SIM card from operators offering pay-as-you-go options (such as EE, Vodafone or giffgaff). High-speed Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at City Nest locations, but staying connected when you’re out and about is a lifesaver.

4. Grocery Shopping and Local Flavours

London has supermarket chains to suit every budget.

• Budget choices: Aldi and Lidl.
• Quick and everywhere: Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s.
• A slightly more premium experience: Waitrose or Marks & Spencer. Cooking your own meals in City Nest’s fully equipped kitchen both protects your budget and makes you feel at home.

5. Get to Know Your Route to School and Your Neighbourhood

Before your first day of lessons, rehearse the journey from your City Nest accommodation to your school at least once. Discover the nearest coffee shop, library or park along the way. London’s parks (Hyde Park, Regent’s Park) are the most peaceful places to shake off the tiredness of the first week.

City Nest Advice: Remember, everyone was new here once. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – multicultural London is ready to welcome you with open arms. At City Nest, we’re here to make sure you feel safe and comfortable at every moment of your stay.