Life in London

London will take you in, spin you around and, sometimes, spit you out.

Whether you land on your feet or not is up to you. Either way, you will never regret having made the decision to come here, whether in the short- or long-term. The capital houses over eight million people, employs an additional 1.25 million non-residents, and welcomes 26 million tourists annually. Expect time and distance to be stretched.

Take a two-hour drive across the city and you are guaranteed to remain well within city limits - partly to do with the number of cars on the road as well as the city's sheer immensity. Over five million people use London's public transport system every day, a massive network of over 400 train/tube stations and 17 000 bus stops. Life in London can be hard, so if you have a place to stay (a friend or relative) use it; you'll regret it later if you don't. And remember that you have to pay (usually a lot) in London for everything you do, so don't come with an empty wallet. It may have its downsides - grumpy people, gloomy weather, grimy buildings and pollution - but London's allure is unique and undiminished.

There's so much to it (and so much that is constantly changing) that you will be tired, stressed out and jaded - but never bored. You may grow to hate it or love it, but you will never forget it.