London is a huge collection of villages. More than in other cities you will find that the parts have completely different identities and feeling about them. Take a bit of time to look around London and find the right place for yourself.

Time is a valuable asset here: travelling for an hour to see a friend is normal. Maybe that is the reason why everybody is always in such a hurry, especially in the tube.

When looking for a flat, you will find that there is no correlation between price and value for money. For the same price you could find a beautiful flat or equally something very dingy. London has a big turnover of flats, it is worth while being persistent.

It is a great place for multiculturalism, there are so many foreigners in London, you will not stand out as a newcomer. There are great restaurants, shows, clubs or exhibitions to suit anybody's tastes.

Housing
Buy or rent?
In contrast to the continent, here you don't look for a 60m2 flat, but for a "two bedroom" flat. If you are looking to buy, make sure you know what "gazumped" means before. Also your flat could be a "leasehold" (you buy your flat for a number of years) or a "freehold" (the flat is actually yours for ever!).
Prices vary very much depending on the area. A two bedroom flat could cost from anywhere around £190k to £325k or more.
Renting on the other hand is easier. Things to know are that prices are stated per week and prices vary, are no guarantee of quality and are on average high (when coming from the continent). Flat sharing is common.
Requirements: Two recommendations, bank recommendation, two month deposit. Note: It can be difficult to get the deposit back
Buy: €210,000
Rent: €1,200 per month

Going out & Shopping
Where can I get my first sandwich? Where can I go out for dinner?
You should always be able to find a supermarket not far from you and you can always go to your local corner shop open until 11pm (slightly more expensive than supermarkets). Shops in general are open until 7-8pm.
London is the city to eat out whoever you are. You will find restaurants from all around the word at all sorts of prices wherever you live.
Good web site on restaurants
For going out in the evenings, take a look at Tiscali's guide to nightlife in your city!
Average prices:
£2.50 for a sandwich
£0.80 for a litre of milk
£20/25 for lunch in an average-priced restaurant

Transport
How is public transport? Is it worth taking a car?
You don't really need a car in London. Public Transport gets you everywhere (get a monthly pass) and it is very difficult to park. If you DO bring a car, you will need a parking permit which you get from your borough.
Prices:
£1.60 for a tube ticket (zone 1)
£3.60 (zones 1-6)
£16.20 for a Travelcard valid for 7 days (zone 1)
£36.90 (zones 1-6)

Work Mentality
What can I expect on my first day at work?
The English like efficiency and avoid losing any time. For this reason many prefer to eat a sandwich in front of their computer at lunchtime to then be able to leave work at 5.30 to go the the gym or to meet their "mates" in the pub.

Schools
What kinds of schools are available for my children?
Children are obliged to go to school between the ages of 5 to 16 years of age.
For more detailed information of the schooling system see:
Department of Further Education
European Commission

Banks
What do I need to open a bank account?
You need to bring:
- Money to pay in
- Identification i.e. passport
- Proof of permanent address (telephone or electricity bill)

Health
How do I get a health insurance?
Generaaly, European citizens need to obtain the E111 certificate, which allows them to benefit from free health services for urgent cases in any country within the European Union. However, the UK's National Health Service provides essential health care to everyone whatever their origin.
For further information

Registration
For European citizens it is not necessary to obtain a residency permit. Should you nevertheless wish to obtain proof of UK residency, you can find further information on the site of the Home office (Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate).
For further information

WaluEurope
18 April 2002