I've lived in London on and off for the last five years

I've spent three and a half years in west London. A one bedroom flat cost us ?875 per month plus bills, a shared two bedroom flat cost us over ?1200 a month shared between three people. If you are prepared to share, then do but it can be tiresome. When you need time to yourself, the only option is to go out, so your outgoings are likely to increase. There is a misconception that you will earn more money in London but don't make this mistake. I earn twice as much in London as I ever did in Bournemouth and yet I have the same amount of disposable income per month, partly because of the loans that have made working in London possible for me. However, it does mean that I am effectively trapped- if I moved out of London, I couldn't take a pay cut as I would still have loans to repay. So be aware that if you do move to London, you will need to make provisions for moving out, should you wish to do so.

On a personal level, I have friends here in London who are good friends, yet I see them once every six months. When living in bournemouth, I saw my best friends at least twice a week. Travelling to the other side of London after a long day at work is often too much of a hassle to contemplate. For a city as busy as London, it can feel incredibly lonely.

The positives- there is no shortage of things to do or see and you will meet a wider variety of different people from different cultures in London that you would in Yorkshire and, as Tudders said, it is an eye opening experience that everyone should try to do at some point. You will learn more about yourself and about life in general living in London.

Don't get put off by people saying that the crime is bad in London. I can't speak for Yorkshire but I've personally experienced as much crime in Bournemouth as in London.

Be sure that you find the right area to move to. If you are working in holborn, then bethnal green in the east or shepherds bush in the west are good options. Personally, I prefer west than east. Shepherds bush has everything you need within a decent walking distance but bethnal green is probably cheaper. Not for everyone though.

Posted By: tim berry, Jan 28, 10:59:10