First week in London

Hi all,

I’ve just wrapped up my first week in London, and I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on everything that’s happened. It’s been a hectic few days with plenty of ups and downs, but overall, I’m quite excited for the coming months! Here’s a quick breakdown of how the week has gone so far:

Work

Starting at the London office has been an incredible experience. It’s been great to finally meet in person so many colleagues I had previously only spoken to over Teams. One of the best parts about working here is how much more I get to interact with people from different teams. I’ve already learned a lot just from being in the same space. The people here have made a big difference, and I’m really grateful for that.

Housing

I was lucky enough to stay with one of my best friends for the first three days, which made the transition a lot easier. I’ve now moved into a temporary room where I’ll be staying for the next month. It’s actually not bad at all. I’m sharing the kitchen with a few Spanish girls who, coincidentally, studied at the same university my parents went to. The next challenge is finding somewhere more permanent and affordable for September, it’s harder than what you might imagine.

Cost of Living

Speaking of housing, London is expensive. It’s been a real eye-opener trying to find shared accommodation for under £1000 a month. And the further you go out to find something cheaper, the more expensive the travel gets. Getting around the city is no joke. I’m very thankful for my two working legs—they’ve certainly been put to good use this week.

Social Life

Socially, things have been pretty quiet so far. Apart from staying with friends during the first few days and visiting a museum with someone today, I haven’t had too much going on. My dad and sister did come by to help me drop off some of my luggage, which was a nice boost, although they only stayed for a couple of days.

Overall, it’s been slightly overwhelming, but I’m feeling positive. It’s been good to have a bit of time now to sit down, reflect, and reset. Right after posting this, I’ll be jotting down some goals for the upcoming week. I’m still brand new to London, so if you have any tips or recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Take care,

Fer