Living in London

Since moving to London to study at King's College, I often get questions from friends and family about what it's like. There's no doubt that living in such a vast and busy city has both its ups and downs, and is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. Therefore, I have personal things that I've experienced and learned from, that might both help and inspire some people to live in London, or simply interest someone who would like to know a little more about 'the big smoke'. Here is just 5 of those thing that, to me, make London, London.

1. EVERYWHERE is photogenic as hell

As a self proclaimed Instagram junky who will go to unimaginable lengths for an aesthetic, my first few weeks in London were spent snapping just about every skyline, building, or fancy coffee shop within the entire radius of my central London location. I was that annoying tourist stopping amongst a crowd on Waterloo Bridge, trying to get that perfect Boomerang of the London Eye; this was pretty much the case for any landmark I came across.

Using the London geo-filters on Snapchat was a daily occurrence and I found myself Google-mapping a different location every day because I just couldn't comprehend that locations such as the Southbank, Camden, Brick Lane and Big Ben were all so easily accessible for me to just casually visit whenever I pleased. Even when friends and family have come to visit me, they can't help but snap away just as frequently as me - it's a photo opportunist's dream.

2. Everything is expensive

This is something that will really only be relatable if you are, like me, a poor student. If however you're a wealthy and successful business type (idk why you're reading a teenager's blog), this is probably no issue for you - good for you! (cries). 

I knew studying in London was going to be a financial risk, and I'll admit that it is sometimes difficult to know how the money will possibly stretch to my next day in work or my next loan installment. Whilst my friends at other unis splash out when that glorious loan comes in, I am left with the scraps due to a rather hefty accommodation payment. It sucks, and I will be the first to admit that I am TERRIBLE with money and can never say no to a Topshop sale or a meal out instead of cooking, but I swear I'm getting better. It kills me to admit it, but where I live currently and where I will move for second year are worth the price completely when location is considered, and unfortunately, I probably will have to lock away my bank card and throw away the key when that urge for retail therapy comes over me. 

London is just always going to be expensive, but I love it too much to ever leave it behind. 

3. The stereotypes are, unfortunately, often true

The number one thing I wanted to debunk was the fact that everyone in London is always in a rush, looks miserable, and doesn't talk to each other on the tube. Unfortunately, I witness all of these things on a regular basis. I may have plenty of time to get somewhere, yet when travelling on the tube, I find myself unapologetically pacing to my desired platform with a stern expression and a miserable sigh directed at any slow walkers. I don't know what London has done to me! I'm barely a London regular myself but even I have the urge to tut at tourists when they dawdle on what tube line they need, and making eye contact whilst on the train is strictly off limits.

I don't know why this is the case so often and why I feel the need to adopt the same mannerisms (don't judge me, I'm just trying to fit in), but the London way of life is undoubtedly fast-paced and no-nonsense.

Though I miss the northern hospitality of Liverpool often and bask in it when I return, leading a double life and adopting the London persona is liberating and rather fun to emulate. If I however ever manage to conjure a smile from a stranger I will be sure to alert the authorities immediately.

4. SO MANY PEOPLE

I honestly thought from living in Liverpool that it was a fairly substantial city with a lot of people, and the crowds in the town center on a Saturday afternoon were enough to send me into a claustrophobic panic (I steer clear of Primark at all costs). However, my warped impression of what constituted as a busy city was completely blown out of the water when I moved to London. 

I honestly believe that I have never walked down a street since September without someone walking passed me, and you have never experienced anything like it until you experience the apocalyptic frenzy of a tube in rush hour, or Oxford Street at the weekend. Correction: Oxford Street at ANY time. It's gotten to the point that if I were randomly deployed into a silent, rural area of the UK, I may honestly crack up. You would never even think Liverpool was somewhere that could be considered quiet but yet, London comes along all singing, all dancing, and perpetually booming.

5. The greatest city on earth? Quite possibly

Real talk, living in London is bloody marvelous, and I count my blessings every day that I am able to study here and call it my home away from home. The incredible transport systems make me feel forever connected, and that anywhere is accessible to me. I feel as though I am in the hub of the United Kingdom and know that I am potentially going to be witness to one-off events, art exhibitions, concerts, stage shows etc., because everything cool happens in London.

Being here regularly has made me really connect with the city to the point that I feel in tune with it, a part of the hustle and bustle of daily London life, and I know that whenever I leave, it'll never be long until I'm itching to go back. A city of opportunity and joy, of creativity and originality, I think everyone should get to live there at least once in their life.

H x