Relocating to the UK

[RewaZD]

Greetings! My friend has shared with me this website as I was researching different topics to get insights on relocating to the UK. We are a family of 3 (my husband, myself, and 4 months baby boy). We are Lebanese residing in Dubai and my husband got an offer to work in London. We will be moving soon so I would like to get some tips/advice on good areas to rent an flat/house at (his work location is canary wharf); that s family friendly, safe, and near the tube station. I also would appreciate if you can advise on what to look at when choosing a flat to rent. We prefer an accommodation with a small garden. I am researching a lot about life in the UK and what to expect so i also would ask you to provide me with any info that i need to know. I am currently working as Recruiter in Dubai (I work from home) so I hope I can find a job that is convenient for me as I read that nurseries are expensive in London.
Thank you
Rewa

Thanks for all the info shared. very helpful!
I started looking at Crystal Palace / Sydenham area and it seems to be a nice area. I will look as well on the other areas suggested. Please excuse my lack of knowledge on transportation means in London especially the underground/overground ones.

The HR shall assist us as well.

Yes, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, West Norwood, Streatham, all good areas, convenient and within budget.

I'd suggest you buy a big map of London and pin it
to the back of a door, Rewa - somewhere you can see it every day.
I found it the quickest way to familiarise myself with a new area when I moved.
Good luck.

West Greenwich (there is a foot tunnel to walk under the Thames to Canary Wharf)
www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/67773649

Commute a bit further from Blackheath but still very close and very family friendly place I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/77185283

Also very family friendly area I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/s6p/53206893

I love Greenwich/Westcombe park/Blackheath area. Lots going on for mums + babies, lots of green space, easy to commute to Canary wharf and city

Apologies for the rightmove weird links!

Thank you, Pootlebug!! :) Will check them out and keep you posted so you can advise accordingly. I also would like to ask you if there is any website/blog that explains the transportation methods/zones/stations in London. Thanks again

tfl.gov.uk

This is the London transport website will give you all the info you need on maps : fares etc

Travel is expensive in London - something to keep in mind also

'since it is very cold in the UK, we need to find a flat with less walking distance to the tube station.'

This made me smile. It's perfectly fine to walk. I did five miles yesterday. You will adapt to the weather difference and we have thick winter clothing here.

In the current political climate, where racism is normal and not just quietly accepted but actively encouraged, as a foreigner, I would not be considering a move to the UK.

London has a great bus system.

Don’t limit yourself to the tube

@lushlemming, one foreigner to another, what a load of bull. You think it's bad here? You clearly had a sheltered life!

lushlemming London is one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. I work with people from all different countries, my kids school is very multicultural. There is no way I'd suggest someone not move to London because they are from overseas.

London is a really diverse city. Plenty of places in the UK I wouldn’t recommend moving to, but London isn’t one of them.

Absolute twaddle lushlemming

Actually am looking forward to move to London:)
Would you consider £1400 a sufficient amount to cover utilities and day to day expences (amount excluding rent and counil tax) ?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-57725379.html

This house is in my road and lovely. Bit over your budget but 3 minutes walk from the station. Near park and schools quiet road.

£1400 I’m assuming that is a per month figure. Would be doable, though if you pay for childcare might be a big chunk.

In the current political climate, where racism is normal and not just quietly accepted but actively encouraged, as a foreigner, I would not be considering a move to the UK.

What an absolute, incorrect load of crap.

@gerispringer thanks for your response! yes this is per month. I will be taking care of my child until I find a job so I am not worried about the nursery fees for now. The apartment looks very convenient but unfortunately above our budget! I noticed that agents do not mention the size of the apartments on rightmove. Someone suggested to us renting a 1 bedroom instead of 2 but am not sure if this would be a good option for us

I think you will find room sizes smaller than you are used to so a 2 bed would be preferable, especially as your ds gets older.

Hi again:)
Since the company will not provide my husband with accomodation until he finds a flat to rent, I would like to ask for Any recommendations for a decent hotel apartment at Greenich as it is the most convenient area so far. He is planning to book it for 2-3 weeks until he finds a flat/house to rent and then i will make the move after he settles in

Airbnb might be cheaper?

Hello again:) Now that we settled in a nice flat in Kidbrooke, I would like to ask about any activities/classes I can attend with my 9 months baby boy or maybe play groups in Greenwich area.

Thank you!

I would start a new thread Rewa. You're more likely to get responses.

Welcome to the UK and I hope you're settling in ok!

Yeah this is what I am going to do once I have access to a laptop as I cant do it on the mobile. Thank you:)