ABOUT
Hi Elena!
Where are you froM?
It is a loaded question for me. Mostly because it’s hard to tell now. Born in the USSR, raised in the USA (New Jersey to be specific), I have since lived also in the Netherlands, Spain, and most recently in the UK. I speak English, Russian and Spanish. I’ve been comfortably moving around the world for a number of years now, feeling very much everywhere and nowhere at home.
Being an immigrant has profoundly shaped my life and values — resilience, adaptability, humility and acceptance, a creative and positive mindset were all a product of my family’s immigration from Russia when I was a teenager. Here is my Instagram: Destinationcurious if you want to find out more 🙂
Being an immigrant has profoundly shaped my life and values — resilience, adaptability, humility and acceptance, a creative and positive mindset were all a product of my family’s immigration from Russia when I was a teenager. Here is my Instagram: Destinationcurious if you want to find out more 🙂
Moving to London
When and why did you move to London ?
I work in healthcare marketing in a Fortune 500 multinational pharmaceutical marketing agency and this career has taken me across the world, 3 years ago to London on a skilled worker visa to lead a global healthcare brand team.
How did you get set up? (phone plan, bank ..)
Everything is easy once you have an address. So get that first, even if it’s temp housing.
Banking is a bit more difficult, and I got help with this through my work that has a direct relationship with the Barclays bank that works with expats. But as I understand, assuming you have an income here and a work contract, you can get a basic bank account. Definitely get help from whatever institution you end up affiliated with.
Banking is a bit more difficult, and I got help with this through my work that has a direct relationship with the Barclays bank that works with expats. But as I understand, assuming you have an income here and a work contract, you can get a basic bank account. Definitely get help from whatever institution you end up affiliated with.
Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there?
No, as it’s included into the skilled worker visa. It’s possible though to buy private insurance too, which is sometimes easier to deal with than the NHS.
What did you bring with you?
Everything, it’s a permanent move and we were relocated with all the guts 🙂
How did you find an apartment?
We used an agency, for sure, as you really need an honest agent to help you navigate the geography and deal with sometimes not very honest agent counterparts and landlords. I’ve found the UK housing market trickier than the US, more like Spain. Rents in London are similar to NYC to some extent but you get far less space for the pound value. However, outside of the city, I found the rents to be less than in NYC. A three bedroom house could be from £1800-2500, which is below NYC metropolitan area prices.
Living in London
What surprised you there?
#1 The food! It’s clean. Practically everything is organic and actually goes bad in a few days. After the US, it’s amazing! And your body feels it too!
#2 I love that people walk here! There is a huge walking culture and it’s been a joy to follow the public footpaths to explore and get moving!
#3 This is Europe after all, and it’s not all about work. Love the attitude toward rest and family time.
#4 The UK is a HUGE country. It takes so, so, so long to get anywhere. It looks a lot smaller on the map but it’s deceiving.
#2 I love that people walk here! There is a huge walking culture and it’s been a joy to follow the public footpaths to explore and get moving!
#3 This is Europe after all, and it’s not all about work. Love the attitude toward rest and family time.
#4 The UK is a HUGE country. It takes so, so, so long to get anywhere. It looks a lot smaller on the map but it’s deceiving.
What is London famous for?
What is London NOT famous for? 2000 years of history, fun royal experiences, imperial past that has created an enormous heritage and wealth that is all on display at vastly FREE first rate museums. Gorgeous outdoor green spaces. Multicultural cuisine. Top notch shopping. I cannot imagine ANYONE to not find something to love here.
What apps / websites / stores do you find useful in your daily life in London?
To get around London, Citymapper is indispensable.
Shopping: John Lewis
Food shopping: Waitrose (but there are LOTS of awesome farmers delivering too!)
Shopping: John Lewis
Food shopping: Waitrose (but there are LOTS of awesome farmers delivering too!)
What are your favorite places in England?
Too many. We’ve now been nearly all around southern England, but the places I’ve adored are the Cotswolds, Cornwall and Oxford.
Did you feel safe as a woman?
Totally.
What is the most recent thing you’ve read in the news about life in London?
It’s been all about the coronation of King Charles. Love it or hate it, the British know how to put on a show!
Final Thoughts
What do you think about young English people?
There is still a huge emphasis on family and tradition here. I find it’s quite different from the US in this way and it’s special.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in London?
Hmmm that depends on how much you like to spend and what comfort means to you. Students, professionals, artists or bankers will have a different number in mind. Either is possible here. That can be £2000 or £10000.
What should people consider before deciding to move to London?
Costs. I did find many things to be cheaper here, but others more expensive. Also, the post-COVID and war-related energy crisis has been quite horrible. The monthly cost of gas and electricity for us as a family of 4 is now about £300 per month. And our thermostat this winter stayed on 19.5c, so we are not exactly growing bananas indoors.
I notice the British often bring packed lunches and only get a coffee going out, despite many amazing restaurants— going out is VERY expensive and not for everyone.
But I love much cheaper food than the US, free museums, National Trust and proximity to continental Europe.
I notice the British often bring packed lunches and only get a coffee going out, despite many amazing restaurants— going out is VERY expensive and not for everyone.
But I love much cheaper food than the US, free museums, National Trust and proximity to continental Europe.
Thank you Elena for sharing your experience here, it’s clear that you love it! I enjoyed that no matter how much money you make, there are things you can do and people from all different walks of life can find happiness there! Her contact here: Destinationcurious.
