We moved to the UK from NZ about a year ago.

We did this with 3 kids and have just had our 4th 5 days ago.

Before we left we had the dilemma of where do we go.

We said anywhere but London. So we winged it here to the UK with no jobs. I am a civil engineer and NZ engineers are well regarded, there was a reasonable demand, so I was not too worried.

So we deicded we would go where work would take me.

We stayed a month in Kent to start.

Hello...we ended up London.

Was advised by someone to live in Ealing. Which is West London.

So we ended up in West Ealing. Post code W13.

What we realise is that despite saying anywhere but London, we were infact saying, please let it be London. We were put off by the bad hype about London from colleagues and friends.

We have been here a year now and just absolutely love it. And we used to live rurally in New Zealand. Go figure.

I think I have a better work life balance here and my family have a better standard of living.

Why were we given such poor feedback about London?

My theory is this. Some lived in central london which is very built up. Definitely harder to do if you hate concrete and have kids in tow. But in saying that there are some large green areas and good open spaces.

Most New Zealanders are here to take.

By this I mean, work, earn money and spend this travelling in other countries, using the UK as a platform. This is poor as it takes from the economy here generally and puts it in other countries.

Also they only hang out with kiwis and maybe ozzies. They never get to meet the brits, which to my surprise are just great. They are as open as any kiwi, if you give them the chance. So kiwis go home less rich intheir experience as they only tend to exist in the UK and head home after conquering Europe.

I could not think of anything better than living in London. For cultural diversity and urban culture.

There is so much history here in London, which is really made up of villages that over the centuries have grown and melded.

London use to be occupied by the Romans, I went to a pub that Charles Dickens went to... the list goes on.

I don't think I could live anywhere else.

Whatever you do when you come over. Don't mix with your countrymen. Mix with the brits and you will have a great experience. Join a club or do volunteer work if need be.

We found a church, which is something we never use to do back home.

Really it comes down to if you want country living or city. I would say it is easier to come to London then move out if required. London is not cheap but there will be far more job opportunities in general.

Let me know if you have more specific questions. I have lots I could share on how to settle in if you are remotely interested. There are a few things to know with how the system works here.

Whatever you do make sure you have at least 3000pounds, which will cover you for about 3 months.

This will help cover rental a month in advance and also in addition 6weeks equivalent of rent in advance as a bond.

Cheery

L

PS: To counter other earlier arguments.

Safety - London is a safe as any major city if not more safe. You just have to be sensible and keep out of some areas, like anywhere. My wife is happy to walk home from the shops at night in our suburb.


Kids - My children ages 5 days, 5 years, 10 years and 12 years just love their life here. Which could be very unique to West Ealing which is a very leafy green area.