London

[huntingsnarks]

Has anyone lived in London for an extended period of time? I'd really appreciate knowing if you liked it or not, or the parts you liked and the parts you didn't

Comments

[gizenshi]

I haven't lived in London for an extended period of time or at all, just did a bit of tourism for a while, and a few nights of absolutely pointless wandering here and there, when I was living only a few hours from the city.

I found it to be completely magical, it is vast and has everything you can think of, everything! The contrasts between bright, colourful and crowded places and bleak, empty and dead places are dizzying at times, and only a few steps away from each other. In short, it's filthy and beautiful. People aren't all rude, just find someone who isn't in an obvious hurry, at least I found my asking for directions experiences very pleasant, maybe I was lucky? Haven't heard much about safety, but then again, I don't go anywhere without some self-defence measures if I can help it. *is paranoid

[huntingsnarks]

No no, that's all very useful! Thanks. :) Don't worry, I'm quite paranoid myself (my mother more so; I don't know how she's going to handle me being overseas by myself; she won't even let me catch public transport after dark).

Pointless wandering sounds amazing. Yeah, I have a feeling about those London prices, but I guess you pay for the quality of the experience. :) I'll definitely visit London, but hopefully - hopefully! - I'm going to go study at King's College for a year.

[huntingsnarks]

It's amazingly hard to get my head around the smallness factor. I live in Melbourne; it takes a 10 hour drive to get to Sydney. And the question crops up like it always does: how the hell do so many people live in the UK?? Or France? :) No wonder Brits came up with the 'packed in like sardines' proverb.

I better get saving!

[rachellanuit]

I've lived here for two years just gone, and I couldn't recommend it more! It's dirty and sometimes bleak but there's always something magical to see and basically always something to do

[huntingsnarks]

This is the most amazing advice-post ever created. Thanks so much! I don't know why I didn't immediately think to ask you; obviously you've been a similar situation to me etc. Did you generally find a notable difference between NSW(?) and London culture? As in, adjustment wasn't too difficult, was it?

Fantastic accommodation advice - I will look into gumtree. Just curious as to what in Brixton/Hackney conflicts with my journal style! :p I'm totally edgy. Totally...

Sainsburys! Makes me think of Boosh, can't help it.

Ha, I will try not to stare at gangs of chavs! What a terrifying concept.

[rachellanuit]

No problem, I'm glad it was of some help

[huntingsnarks]

Don't join a gang? But - but -
Well, when I finally get to London, you can take me on a visual learning tour of chav-gangs and how to avoid a stabbing. :)

[lokifan]

I've lived extremely close, have a lot of friends who are students in London, spend weeks there every summer holiday. So I can hopefully tell you stuff

[huntingsnarks]

Ah, brilliant! Ha, you are of course the one and only reason to go!! :D If I do manage to get to London, I will hold you to your promise and look forward to being introduced to the city the proper way. Cheers for the info/advice!