It costs more to stay in London than in the most expensive cities in Europe. However, like Paris and Venice, it is one of the must-see places in the world. We help you figure out your options for visiting London so that you have the right visa and enough money to fund a six-month visit. Finding the most suitable accommodation will depend on your reasons for being in London and your budget.
Make Sure You Have the Right Visa
Your visa requirements depend on what you will be doing in London for six months, tourist, self-employed, employed by a company, or student.
If you are a digital nomad, you are used to moving around the world to enjoy different places while working remotely to earn an income for your travels. So, you know that each country has its own regulations regarding paperwork. In London, you will have to first apply for a work visa, or if you work for a company, they will have to make the applications. Here is a list of 21 countries that welcome digital workers and that are also worthwhile for relaxation when you have downtime. For those employees working for a London-based business, you will also need a work visa.
Tourists who come to London to sightsee and holiday will need a tourist visa (also called a standard visitor visa). You will not be permitted to work on a tourist visa. This means making sure you have enough money to enjoy your stay. The cost per month (GBP) to stay in London can be calculated from where you are staying, food requirements, entertainment expenses, etc., using this guide.
Lastly, students will need to obtain a student visa. They are allowed to work in London for a maximum of 20 hours/week on any weekday and over weekends.
Finding Accommodation In London
Finding rooms to rent in London is not difficult. There is a wide variety of options to choose from. Normally, most people opt for a house-share or flat-share, due to the priciness of London accommodation. Nevertheless, you can find rooms for couples or singles to let and these will allow you to select the better areas in the city.
Backpackers may prefer staying in a backpacker hostel. These places usually cater to the 18 to 35-year age group, have no curfew, and employ youthful, bubbly staff that can help with all your questions.
Getting Around
Unless you enjoy sitting in traffic, you will want to avoid the taxis. The best means of getting around is to use London’s subway system (aka the Tube). Utilise your card for contactless payments. Tap it ‘in’ when you get in and tap it ‘out’ when you get out.
You can also cycle or walk. Be warned, though, that distances are further than they seem on a map. If you think you need half an hour to reach a destination, give yourself at least double that time.
Plan your itinerary and decide what clothes you’ll need while you save for your trip to London. You can make it happen with very little planning.
