Just got my contract in the mail for a social work job in London. They are paying about 27,000 pounds. Can I live on that? (Assuming a flatshare, no car, and I'm pretty low maintenence on entertainment).
I know that rents are pretty expensive there, but I have no realistic idea of the cost of living. Can I live comfortably on this?
Please advise!
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I just wrote a reply and for some reason it didn't work. Argh!
So, for the second time I hope this gets posted....
Basically 27 k is absolutely fine. It's true that rents in London are high but if you are flat sharing it is much better. Like all cities there are the ultra expensive areas and the poorer ones. This goes hand in hand with what the area is like socio-economically and what this entails. Do you know where you will be living?
Most of my friends earn between 21 - 26k and live well. They mainly flat share as renting on your own is too expensive, but some have even been able to buy property. We all enjoy a hectic social life and when money is tight there is still plenty to do in London for free. You won't be eating out at the Ritz very often but you will enjoy a decent lifestyle. We all manage to go out, go on vacation (there are plenty of super cheap flights from London to great destinations) and pay the bills, even though we don't manage to save that much at the end of the month!
But you say you are pretty low maintenence when it comes to entertainment and you have no car. That will save you money. Although, having said that, public transport is quite expensive and you should maybe consider that when you decided whereabouts you want to live (near work for example may be cheaper).
All in all though, unless you have extremely expensive taste in clothes, 27 k is definitely a good wage. There are people earning a lot more but with the nature of the economic system we live with there are many many more earing a great deal less.
I hope you like living in London! Have you been before?
I'm not going to offer any advice on costs of living as when I lived and worked in London my accomodation etc was all included in my work.
I was just wondering when your finally making the move? I've noticed your posts for a while! London is an exciting place to live! I love it! Are you coming on your own and do you know anyone here already?
I'm actually from England but moved to the states, currently though I'm stuck back in England! Anyway...i know how hard it is to up and leave to another country so gimme a shout if you need to talk about it
Helz x
__________________ Helen and Gareth - Proud new parents to Thomas Isaac! Born 25th September 2004 weighing 8lb2oz!
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Thanks for posting. I am sooooo looking forward to going to England. I have never been and won't know a soul! (Have never been outside of NOrth AMerica in fact).
If everything goes as planned, I hope to fly out around September 28th.
Thanks for offering assistance if I have more questions! I feel like I am pestering the UK cysters, but I need help!
Cheers!
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The cost of living in the UK is generally much higher than in the US. However, the salary you mentioned should allow you to lead a comfortable life in London! London is a fantastic place... remember all museums are free, so if you do get strapped for cash, there's always something to do!
Have you figured out where you will be living yet? I'll have a look around for websites that offer flat-shares, etc and I'll post them on this thread.
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I picked London because I wanted to go iverseas, they are desperate for social workers in the UK, and I didn't want to have to buy a car, so here I can rely on public transit.
No idea where I will be living, though from what I understand, the Council maybe of some assistance here. Really hard to decide where I will live being here not there!'
Ah well- it will all somehow work out!
If there is a every a UK cystahs meet-up~ I'd sure love to see a friendly "face" there cuz I don't know ANYBODY!
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* * * * * * * * * * "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
if you are working for the NHS or local council you could get assistance with accomodation - there is usually assistance for nurses, teachers etc in London because the cost of living is high.
When you signed your contract did they mention anything about housing schemes? Who will you be working for?
Lucyjane- thanks for the 411. There is nothing in the contract about housing schemes and I haven't signed on yet as I am debating between Greenwich and Bexley (though Bexley looks better).
I have seen something somewhere about housing schemes- does it apply for letting or just buying homes?
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* * * * * * * * * * "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
I think it applies for letting but I'll find out for you for sure... I may be wrong but I once knew someone working for NHS and I'm sure they got assistance with their rent.
I'm not sure what Bexley is like, but Greenwich is nice if its Greenwich Village.
Anyway, I'll see if I can find out about the housing schemes.
It's very sunny here in London at the moment. Don't let anyone tell you its always grey and foggy!!
I did get something from Greenwich about UNITE. That seem slike a possibility, though they require a minimum 6 month lease, a big commitment if I'm not sure about it.
Yes, Greenwich seems like the nicer place to live, but the Bexley job offer is better. Maybe I could live in Greenwich. Though I do hate to commute.
So many things to figure out!
Appreciate the help! (And I checked out that link- thanks!)
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* * * * * * * * * * "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
Help re: cost of living in UK 
