Introductory post... with questions
Hello, all...
I was referred to this community by my friend Tyler (chuckdarwin), who emigrated to the United Kingdom a few years ago from America.
I will be moving to London in about two weeks to pursue a master's degree at City University London in Islington. I have a place to live, so that's not a concern. I've been to London twice, so this isn't a "Oh, man, London -- I'm so confused!"-post. What I'm looking for is advice about things I may not be considering in the preparation phase of my move.
I'll be living in London for at least 12 months, but quite possibly longer depending upon my employment prospects at the completion of my degree.
I do know that London is a (very) expensive city to live in, but I also realize that I'm probably underestimating it a bit.
With that in mind, I do have a few questions for the community members. If this post is too lengthy, do let me know and I'll break up my questions into different posts.
1. One of my goals is to cook meals for myself as often as possible. Which means I'd like to buy things like chicken breasts and rice to make quick and easy meals. With this goal in mind, about how much should I budget per week for grocery-related items purchased at London markets? I imagine I'll probably shop once a week or so, and get enough to make meals for myself three or four days a week. If that's not a clear enough question, let me know and I'll try to be more specific.
2. Another question I have is about money. I'd like to open some kind of checking account once I arrive. The thing is, since I'm not a Briton I suspect I'll encounter some problems in finding a bank that will take me. Could anyone recommend a bank for me to look into?
3. I've considered buying a bike once I get to London, but have been told by different people that riding a bike in central London is much like having a death wish. Is that true?
4. I'm a runner, but I've no idea where would be a good place to do it in London. I suspect people don't just run through the streets of London but I'm not certain. There are some small parks located near my flat, but if I can I'd prefer to just run sidewalks.
5. I'm bringing my mobile from home with me to London instead of buying one there. I'm going to buy a SIM card. I noticed on Vodafone and O2's Web sites that there is the option of buying a SIM card and having a monthly plan in place of a pay-as-you-go. Based on experience, which would you recommend I do? I'm leaning toward pay-as-you-go but since I'm going to be there for so long, I'm also thinking that I won't want to hassle of constantly checking to see if I need to top-up. And an added question: What carrier would you recommend I go with? I lived in Ireland for four months a few years ago and had Vodafone. I was happy with the service, but since I haven't tried O2, I can't say for certain that one is better than the other.
I think that covers my core questions. I appreciate any help that the community members are able to provide.
Cheers!
I was referred to this community by my friend Tyler (chuckdarwin), who emigrated to the United Kingdom a few years ago from America.
I will be moving to London in about two weeks to pursue a master's degree at City University London in Islington. I have a place to live, so that's not a concern. I've been to London twice, so this isn't a "Oh, man, London -- I'm so confused!"-post. What I'm looking for is advice about things I may not be considering in the preparation phase of my move.
I'll be living in London for at least 12 months, but quite possibly longer depending upon my employment prospects at the completion of my degree.
I do know that London is a (very) expensive city to live in, but I also realize that I'm probably underestimating it a bit.
With that in mind, I do have a few questions for the community members. If this post is too lengthy, do let me know and I'll break up my questions into different posts.
1. One of my goals is to cook meals for myself as often as possible. Which means I'd like to buy things like chicken breasts and rice to make quick and easy meals. With this goal in mind, about how much should I budget per week for grocery-related items purchased at London markets? I imagine I'll probably shop once a week or so, and get enough to make meals for myself three or four days a week. If that's not a clear enough question, let me know and I'll try to be more specific.
2. Another question I have is about money. I'd like to open some kind of checking account once I arrive. The thing is, since I'm not a Briton I suspect I'll encounter some problems in finding a bank that will take me. Could anyone recommend a bank for me to look into?
3. I've considered buying a bike once I get to London, but have been told by different people that riding a bike in central London is much like having a death wish. Is that true?
4. I'm a runner, but I've no idea where would be a good place to do it in London. I suspect people don't just run through the streets of London but I'm not certain. There are some small parks located near my flat, but if I can I'd prefer to just run sidewalks.
5. I'm bringing my mobile from home with me to London instead of buying one there. I'm going to buy a SIM card. I noticed on Vodafone and O2's Web sites that there is the option of buying a SIM card and having a monthly plan in place of a pay-as-you-go. Based on experience, which would you recommend I do? I'm leaning toward pay-as-you-go but since I'm going to be there for so long, I'm also thinking that I won't want to hassle of constantly checking to see if I need to top-up. And an added question: What carrier would you recommend I go with? I lived in Ireland for four months a few years ago and had Vodafone. I was happy with the service, but since I haven't tried O2, I can't say for certain that one is better than the other.
I think that covers my core questions. I appreciate any help that the community members are able to provide.
Cheers!