Location
Where you live is a matter of preference. I prefer the North to the South and the North West to the North East. Having said that, there are pockets of lovely areas all over London so the measure should be the easiest way of travelling from home to work and the safest. This isn’t always the most straightforward option so it’s always a good idea to research bus, tube and train timetables. Try the Transport for London journey planner, and don’t make the mistake of basing your calculations on the tube map because it can be quite misleading.
Travel
After rent, travel will be your highest expense. If you’re a student, get a student travel card which work out much cheaper. A student rail card gives you a third off all journeys for example. In fact, you can get student discounts for most things so do not be too embarrassed to ask. Also look out for the signs, which usually say NUS discount.
If you’re working in London, try to get an annual travel card if you can afford it or if your employer gives an interest-free season ticket loan. Most do. An annual card works out cheaper than the monthly or weekly passes and you get a gold card which gives you a third off all rail travel. Oh, and get an Oyster card, it makes life much easier than having to look for change. I try to keep a spare £20 on my PAYG balance just in case I need a quick top-up.
Bank account
Get an HSBC account, transferring money to and from Malta is easier, cheaper and can be done online.
Money
Keep your money in euros and exchange only what you need. The exchange rate has improved since last year’s dip but is still abysmal.
Mobile phone
If you want a new phone, get a contract. All service providers do good deals, I like 02 but it doesn’t mean the others aren’t as good. Orange and T-Mobile have just merged into Everything, Everywhere and now have the biggest customer base but only time will tell whether bigger means better.
I’ll add things here as I’m asked or as they come to me.
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