Things That Shock Everyone When They First Move to London
…and why we secretly love them all anyway.
Moving to London? Whether you're coming from a nearby town or halfway across the world, London has a way of surprising you — fast. From tiny flats to unspoken Tube etiquette, this city will throw curveballs you didn’t know existed. Here's what almost everyone finds shocking when they first land in the capital.
1. The Rent Is (Still) Ridiculously High
Yes, you've probably heard this — but the shock doesn’t hit until you realise you're paying £950/month for a room, not a flat, and the “kitchen” is a glorified cupboard.
🧾 Bonus shock: That doesn’t always include bills.
2. The Tube Map Lies to You
The famous London Underground map? It’s not to scale. Two stops that look far apart might be a 6-minute walk above ground.
📍 Example: Leicester Square to Covent Garden is a 4-minute walk — and people still take the Tube.
3. The Weather Is a Mood… and a Mystery
One moment it's sunshine and pub garden plans. The next? Biblical rain.
☔ Pro tip: Always carry a compact umbrella. Even when it's 27°C and sunny in the morning.
4. No One Talks on Public Transport
A bus full of people, and silence. A train packed to the brim, and still... silence.
💬 If you try to strike up a convo with a stranger, expect a polite smile… and then headphones.
5. You’ll Become Weirdly Obsessed with the NHS
Once you realise you can book a GP appointment for free and not be hit with a $300 bill, you'll start name-dropping the NHS in random conversations.
🎉 Especially when you get antibiotics for a fiver.
6. Everyone Has a Pub — and Defends It Like Family
You might think pubs are all the same until someone says, “Wait… you’ve never been to The Red Lion?!”
🍻 Londoners are loyal to their locals. Choose wisely.
7. Tipping Is… Optional? But Still Confusing
You’re not expected to tip like in the US, but some places add a 12.5% service charge. Others leave it up to you.
💡 Rule of thumb: Tip 10–12% if it’s not included and the service was good. No guilt if you don’t.
8. Sunday Hours Are a Thing
Shops and cafes often close early (usually around 5–6pm). If you’re used to 24/7 city life, this feels like a time warp.
🛒 Plan your errands accordingly — especially groceries.
9. Everyone Walks. A Lot.
You might start with trainers for the commute. By Week 3, you’ve clocked 20k steps a day without even noticing.
👟 Bonus: Londoners walk fast — keep up or move aside.
10. You’ll Never See All of London — and That’s Okay
Every time you think you know the city, you discover a street you’ve never walked, a pub you’ve never tried, or an entire hidden market.
🗺️ Accept the mystery. That’s what makes it magical.
Final Tip: Give Yourself Time
The first few weeks might feel intense — the noise, the rush, the rent. But then it clicks.
You’ll find your local coffee shop, memorise your bus route, and feel that weird joy of tapping out with your Oyster card like a proper Londoner.
Share this with someone moving to London — or tag your friend who still doesn’t walk from Covent Garden to Leicester Square.
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