Moving to London

Hrududu

Apologies if I have posted this in the wrong thread, feel free to move it if I have.

So I am thinking about possibly moving to London. I've been living in Dublin for a number of years and this has been on my mind for a while. I work in IT and have a few years experience under my belt so jobwise I feel fairly confident of being alright. Its just everything else I'm not sure about.

I've been over a few times but I really don't know the city that well. I don't know what areas would be good to live in or to go out in. Living wise I would like to end up somewhere a bit similar to Ranelagh.

So anyone that has made the move, or anyone that has any general tips I would greatly appreciate them.

funk-you

Check out www.boards.org.uk there's a whole thread there about it. Made the move myself last year.

-Funk

DublinWriter

Any travel does tend to broaden the mind, especially when you work somewhere and aren't a tourist.

I worked in the UK in IT for the best part of two years. The city would seriously wreck your head, and unless you have some good social contacts, you'll feel pretty lonely.

Where I was living was just outside in the 'Stock Broker Belt' (Surrey) and was very different to where I worked.

I would go for it if I were you. You're young. The first couple of months will always be difficult as you start to build up a social network and you'll be tempted to run back to your comfort zone.

I'd say give it a good six months. If it's not working out for you after that period then move back home.

winnie29

Lived in London for nearly 10 years and only moved back a year ago. It is a great place to live and if you are looking for somewhere like Ranelagh, I would suggest Clapham, which is south west London. Lots of restaurants, bars and young people. Also easy to commute as 3 tube stops in the Clapham area. Good luck if you make the decision.

gary the great

Moved over 6months ago.

It has its good and bad points. I live in Walton but work in Kingston which is outer London, have friends in hammersmith and Ealing though and spend most of my free time down there.

Its hard work sometimes, it can stress you out especially if you have to get the underground. Can be a bit scary at times to. Personally i prefer home but i think its cos i live in a pretty boring area over here.
I'll be leaving to go back home in October cos i left my girlfriend at home, if she was out here i'd probably stay here.

Its hard and if your on your own its going to be really lonely till you make friends, but its made me gow up a lot and ive learned a lot.

I still think going out in Ireland is way better, theres lots of craic which i dont think you get over here, the londoners spend most of their time trying to convince you how cool they are. My english mates and work collegues love going out with us Irish lads cos they think were mental!

But i dont think its all its cracked up to be, but will certaily broaden your horizons!

Revelation Joe

I'm a Londoner, been living here (rural Galway) for about six years but am moving back in a couple of weeks.
I don't know about Ranelagh, so I couldn't say if an area was similar.
But if you want somewhere reasonably peaceful and safe, look north of the Thames, at areas like Maida Vale and Finsbury Park.
If you want cultural diversity and don't mind if it's a bit rough or scruffy, think about East Ham, Wood Green, Walthamstow (my neck of the woods) or Balham (south London).
Camden has got expensive, so has Notting Hill and Primrose Hill.

tuppence

It may be no harm to check this out.
http://www.emigrantadvice.ie/emigrating_from_ireland_uk.htm
Lived over there for 10 years. East Dulwich a little like Ranelagh too but with better curry houses!
Again London can be really lonely.
There are Irish projects and charities over there though, if you wanted to do some voluntary work and feel lonely for home. eg
http://www.aisling.org.uk/html/home.php


Good though to experience the mix of cultures as well as that whats so good about London.