By Oana Orzac
London is a city that does not need much introduction. It has everything: from art galleries or museums to shopping malls and huge parks. Everything is right in the city centre, not to mention the incredible history. However, what attracts people the most is the culture and diversity found around the city.
London is sometimes defined as a city of extremes that appeals to everyone – a place where there is always plenty to do and where you are continually entertained.
Even with so many positive statements, the city has flaws. London is ranked as one of Europe’s most polluted cities. It is a pricey city, particularly in the centre, and there are issues there, such as crime and pollution. Nevertheless, the level of life is far higher.
According to Migration Statistics, 715,000 people moved to the UK in 2020. However, 403,000 departed. Other statistics show that more people are leaving London for the rest of the UK (nearly 94,000). In 2018/19, 22 boroughs saw negative net migration. In Haringey, for example, 4,402 people left for other parts of the country. Camden, on the other side, has positive net migration in the same year.
Brexit will make it much more difficult for migrants to enter the country now. But people still want to come here. What makes this city so special?
What are the pros and cons of living in London?
Jobs
The capital of Great Britain is full of job openings – even with the pandemic. The hospitality industry in particular is suffering from a lack of workers, and it’s easier than ever to get work.
The only thing that might worry people is getting a National Insurance Number. Without this, it is hard to find a job and work legally in the UK. In addition, you have to prove that you have a place to live.
Follow your dreams
Adrian Stef, 28, moved to London in 2018. For him, moving from Romania to the UK was a challenging process. “It was hard for me because I had never left home,” he said.
Coming from a small town in Romania, Stef wanted to move to pursue his dreams. “I always wanted to work in IT, but in Romania, to study at college means a lot of money invested, money I didn’t have.” Adrian worked as a store manager in an electrical shop in Romania and ended up working in construction when he arrived in London.
“Of course it was not an easy job, but it was the only job where I could work until I solved my acts, that meant almost half a year,” he said.
After almost three years in the UK, Stef has managed to get together all the documents he needed and follow his dream. “After a lot of hard work and accommodation in London, I managed to find a good job and enrolled at university,” he said. Now he is working in a recruitment agency and finishing his first year in computing technologies.
Would he recommend moving to London? “If you want to pursue your dreams, move to London. It’s a city with many opportunities, but be prepared to work for them.”
Get an education
London has many top universities. According to data, 485,645 international students were studying in the UK in 2018/19. There were 143,025 from the EU and 342,620 from outside the EU.
Chinese students make up the largest group, with students from India and the United States following behind. Italian and French students are the two largest EU groups in the UK in 2018/19, with over 14,000 students.
It is no longer a secret that students from developing countries want to study in London. This is because they have better learning conditions in the UK, and receive money to support themselves.
Friendly people and different cultures
Carmen Barbalau, 30, a warehouse worker, says she moved here to study. “For me, London is a city with many cultures and beautiful people. I wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know exactly what to choose.”
After two years in the capital she found her vocation, and began to attend a college where she could study business. “I always dream to have my own perfume shop,”. she said. With the help of some friends, she found a college that helps her to follow this path. She is now in her second year.
Barbalau highly recommends London. “I love this city, especially the art and architecture around the city. Besides, you feel good here, with so many friendly people and different cultures.”
Museums / Galleries / Architecture
One of the most beautiful museums, according to people’s opinions, are in London. The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Crystal Palace Museum are a few. If you are not interested in history, visit an art museum or a gallery. Or walk around London to be fascinated by the varied architecture, where buildings are a combination of old and modern style.
Food and drink
Over 250 languages are said to be spoken in London. Although languages and religions separate us, food and drink bring us together. The most popular cuisine in London is, arguably, Asian. If you want to try something new, try food from the Camden Market.
Parks
Have you just quit your work and are looking for some inspiration or peace of mind? Stroll around hundreds of parks, looking for a peaceful spot to collect your thoughts. If you want to go in one of them, Timeout can help you find the most beautiful one.
“The London Blossom Garden, a green space with 33 blossoming trees, has been planted in memory of more than 19,000 Londoners who have died as a result of Covid-19.
The number, 33, was chosen to signify all of London’s boroughs. The location, north of the park in Newham, has significance too, as Newham was one of the boroughs worst affected by the pandemic. The public garden is the first in a series of blossom plantings planned by the National Trust for different locations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Alongside the trees, there are benches created from locally claimed wood, with pink and peach tones designed to echo the colours of the trees when they are in bloom
Right now, they are looking a little bare, but the garden will look very different when the blossom season begins again next spring.”
Source: TimeOutLondon Instagram
Better future for kids
Barbalau Suzana, 31, graduated this year from a finance and banking university in London. She says the hardest time for her here in London was when she gave birth. “It was very difficult for me to take care of my baby and go to college,” she says.
She managed to graduate and wants to stay here to make her son’s future better. “In England, the child benefits from many things, especially in the field of education. In Romania, we do not have so many benefits. That is why I want to make a future for him here.”
Asked if she would recommend someone to move to London, she says: “It depends on how much you want. It’s a complicated city. If you like fun, here you have plenty, if you like work, you have many opportunities.”
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