The Student Link Blog

Embracing the Unknown: Navigating the Challenges and Reveling in the Rewards of Moving to London

Post by Lead Student Ambassador, Ayanda Jones

As some of you may have seen, my journey as a student is nearing its end. This summer I completed my undergraduate degree in Edinburgh and relocated to London, to embark on my postgraduate Law studies and a new life in another (bigger) capital city. It was a bold step that has brought me a mix of excitement, challenges, and personal growth. While the prospect of a fresh start in an unfamiliar environment was certainly daunting, the rewards that have come with it have proven to be truly transformative.

One of the primary challenges I faced when moving to London was the initial sense of disorientation. The streets were unfamiliar, and the rhythm of life is unmistakably different.

Overcoming the discomfort of being outside my comfort zone was a significant hurdle. However, I found that within this challenge lay the opportunity for personal development. I found that adapting to a busy city like London requires resilience and an openness to change. These past two months have allowed me to discover aspects of myself that had remained dormant in the familiarity of my previous surroundings in Scotland.

Financial adjustments were another aspect that added stress to the relocation process. London is notorious for having the highest cost of living in the UK, and I quickly had to learn how to strike the right balance between sticking to my budget and making the most of London’s vibrant arts and food scene. Accepting that readjusting and reevaluating my budget was normal, and part of everyone’s move to London made me feel a lot better about my finances in the first month.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of moving London proved to be worth the risk! Every week I have had a chance to explore a different culture, try a new cuisine and experience some world class entertainment. Additionally, the professional growth that has accompanied attending a new university has expanded my professional network beyond what I had ever imagined! So far, life down south has been great. My advice for any students planning for life after graduation is, if you’re looking for a sign to take the plunge and move to a new city, this is it.

Read about Ayanda Jones here.

Photo credit: CIGO-UK