Well, I've been in London now for four months. Four whole freakin' months. Being here feels, at times, so fucking surreal. Like, sometimes, I just cannot. Like, I just can't. It's great.
Being here does have its downsides though, like food shopping. Who knew food was so expensive? Washing your own clothes. I will never, ever, take my mother doing my laundry for granted again. That shit's hard work. There's like eight settings on a washing machine. Eight. No one needs eight settings, they just don't. Okay, so none of these downsides are major, but in all honesty, simply having to be an adult is hard work, and if moving away from my family home has taught me anything, it's that.
London has major perks too though. Everything is on your doorstep. If I'm feeling a little angst-y or bored, and need to just get out and about, I can do, and better yet I can do it surrounded by so much incredible beauty. Walks in Hyde Park, along Southbank, through Oxford Street (although this one gets tedious really quickly). There's just an insane amount for you to do, and there's definitely something for everyone.
Now that I've finally settled, I'm really starting to fall in love with the city, and I finally have my bearings. I've nailed the tube, I know how to get to my closest Starbucks, Five Guys and Waterstones (I'm basic I know, but they're all within a 20 minute walk, it's brilliant).
My biggest tip about living in London so far? Once the novelty of the tube has worn off, get the bus. It's cheaper, and you get to actually see London. Getting the bus is how I managed to adjust to my surroundings and eventually get my bearings. Seeing where I was allowed me to memorise London. How far I actually was away from certain areas, such as Westminister (30 minute walk), Embankment (the same), Oxford Street (40 minute walk) etc. It works, trust me.
