How To Be a Real London Local: London Survival Guide

There are many "How To" lists that I can create about living in London and experiencing the city. There are so many differences between London and the U.S. I truly don't know where to begin. The closest city in the U.S. I can compare London to is New York, but like I previously said, there are still distinct differences that makes it hard to judge which city is better. After reading this "How To" list, you will be ready to walk through London like you own it!

Oyster Card - This is a London MUST! If you are a London student, you will be able to get a discounted monthly subway card. Even if you are visiting London for just a week, I would recommend purchasing a weekly pass because you can swipe in or out as many times that week as you want. Exploring London is an easy process after receiving an oyster card

Pound vs. Dollar - And I'm not talking about "lb" pounds! When you arrive in the airport, do not take pounds out of any ATM machine. The exchange rate in airports is much higher than in a regular bank ATM machine. I took out pounds before I left for London. I recommend this because I was able to purchase a cup of coffee or a sandwich at the airport. Don't use a debit card when you are abroad because criminals are easily able to steal your information. Call your bank and tell them you are traveling abroad so they know where you are.

Go to a Sporting Event - The Brits are passionate about English football. When I was abroad, I had the opportunity to take a tour of Chelsea Football Stadium, which was amazing. In order to attend a football match, you must sign up online to be a member of Chelsea Football Club. It is a 50 pound registration fee on top of the price of the tickets. Although expensive, this is a once in a lifetime experience!

Local Pubs - As you walk down the streets of London, you will pass by various pubs that have the same exact menu. If you take a turn off the beaten path in a small town in London, you will experience a local pub with a true British atmosphere. In any pub you visit, if you didn't order Fish and Chips and there wasn't live music, did you really go to a pub?

Shopping - If you really want to act like a local, don't go to Harrods. Yes, it is a great place to visit and see during Christmas time. However, if you're not a millionaire than the only thing you will be able to purchase is a cup of tea. Go to Portobello Road Market and stop in each mom-and-pop shop. You will be sure to find unique antiques and souvenirs. Below are pictures I took from Portobello Road Market.



Dry Humor - After working and interacting with pure-breed Londoners, I now understand their humor. Don't be alarmed if they are very sarcastic in a self-depreciating way. If they are poking fun at you, that's a good sign. I would join right on in with their version of fun.

Tea or Coffee - Living in the northeastern part of the United States, Dunkin Donuts has become my second home.  Now that I am working a full time job and taking a full course load in college, coffee has become my oxygen. It was quite difficult to adapt to tea. There is no such thing as a cup of coffee in London (unless you want to pay $7.00 for a grande at Starbucks). Cappuccinos and lattes are popular, but it's no cup of coffee. Switching from coffee to tea acted as a sort of cleanse for me. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in British culture.

There you have it! The perfect "How to" successfully make your way through London.