Written by Louise Henry PHOTOGRAPHS BY WESTEND61L

PACKING YOUR BAGS AND HEADING FOR THE BIG CITY? Here our lifestyle writer, Louise Henry shares how to do just that…
Last summer, I packed up my flat, quit my job and got on a plane to Brazil, all in one weekend. For two months, my boyfriend and I travelled across South America, with big bags and little Spanish, returning to Newcastle in September with no job and nowhere to live. Fast-forward eight months, and after lengthy stints of unemployment, long distance relationships and a dalliance with Spare Room, we have our very own flat, and secure jobs right here in London.


Let’s face facts, uprooting yourself and moving somewhere new is hard. Finding work, making friends and forging a community in one of the world’s busiest cities takes effort. I’ve only lived in London for three months, but I have a few lessons to share on finding your feet here. Get to Know Your New Local Area in London If you’ve not yet moved, I’d recommend scouting out areas through Airbnb. I’m writing this from the kitchen of a lady I first met through the app back in October. I stayed in her house whilst in London for a conference, and we hit it off. She’s more than double my age, but our love for music, dogs, and a similar line of work meant that we kept in touch. I now live round the corner, and take care of her cat while she’s on holiday. I’m not suggesting that every homestay will result in regular pet sitting, but it allows you to build a sense of community. For me, home feels like knowing what’s behind closed doors. Putting faces to names in the street, and getting to know your neighbours will instantly make you feel more at home. While we’re on the subject of building a community; you have to commit. Make an effort to talk to your local barista, or newsagent. In a sea of nameless faces, a wave from the street cleaner or postman can make a real difference. Network and Make New Friends Now, chances are you’ve moved to London for work reasons, but the thought of adding extra work to the mix is out of the question. However, things are expensive here, so if you have a spare few hours a week, picking up work in a local bar, shop or café is by far the best way to meet people. Chatting to customers can be a wonderful way to get to know people in your area, and with a bit of luck, your colleagues will be great fun too. If money’s no object, then volunteer. No time for that? It might be time to maximise your hobbies. Whatever you’re into, chances are that London already has a club for it. Make the most of introductory offers at exercise classes, oneoff events, free clubs and studio openings. Take a look on Eventbrite too, for talks, lectures, events and gigs that would otherwise pass you by.
Getting out and about can be a little isolating when you’re on your own, so be ready to play the newbie card. The stereotypes synonymous with Londoners are always unfair, and as far as I’m concerned, untrue. The majority of folks in this city left behind previous lives, towns and friends to be here, so they know what it’s like to be the new kid on the block. Having said that, there are worse ways to spend your days than ambling around London on your own. Hop on a bus and see where the journey takes you, wander around The Barbican Arts Centre on a Tuesday morning, or have a swim in your local lido. There will always be plenty of things to keep you busy, so head outside and enjoy finding your own London.