7 Reasons to Work in London After University

Recently graduated (or about to) and looking for work in the UK? Chances are you’re headed for the capital – joining the growing number of students moving to work in London after university.

Maybe you’re worried about adapting to the big city. But it’s not so scary! You have to try London at least once in your life, and post-graduation is the best time. This is a city that can broaden your horizons, immerse you in a different culture to the rest of the UK, and foster the independence that helps you stand out from the crowd.

Here are seven reasons to seek work in London after university.

1. It’s on the world stage

London is the UK’s capital city in every way; it’s the political, economic and cultural hub of the country. It’s also a center for international business, and many global firms choose to have offices here.

Unsurprisingly, London is therefore where the majority of graduate jobs and internships are located. Pretty much any industry will have opportunities to work in London, meaning that whatever your dream career is, you can take your first step towards it here. 

2. You’ll never get bored

There’s always something going on in London, and you’ll never run out of things to do. London is overflowing with amazing museums and art galleries – five are counted among the top 20 in the world – and the best part is that lots of them are free.

There’s also plenty of theater, especially in the West End, and endless music gigs. Plus, once you get your finger on the pulse, you’ll realize that every night there are talks, festivals and experiences to go and enjoy. The only limits are your need for sleep and your bank balance. On which note…

3. You’ll become a champion budgeter

London is expensive. After a couple of months living here, you may inspect your bank account and cry. Transport, rent, and food prices are all brutal in the capital.

Thankfully, there are plenty of deals you can take advantage of, and you’ll soon get savvy. As well as the free museums, there are several ways to get cheap theater tickets, places to find cheap eats, and opportunities to save your pennies elsewhere. Your wallet might still feel depleted, but you’ll be having a great time.

4. It’s multicultural

Worried about feeling out of place in London? Don’t be. The population is incredibly diverse, hailing from all over the world. You’ll have the chance to meet people with a range of backgrounds, boost your cultural awareness, and mingle with other internationals if you start feeling homesick. Employers across the UK and beyond are increasingly seeking “global graduates”, and if you work in London at the start of your career, you’ll have the perfect environment to boost your multicultural competencies.

5. The food and drink scene

There’s a common belief that English food is awful, but you’ll never be without plenty of quality eats to choose from in London. Given how much of a melting-pot the city is, you can find whatever cuisine takes your fancy. Whether you’re eating out or buying ingredients, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.

And before you dismiss ‘traditional’ English food, at least give a proper Sunday roast a try down the pub. You may find yourself won over by the humble Yorkshire pudding. Speaking of which, London is full to the brim with pubs, and city-dwellers take every advantage of them. Drinks after work, anyone?

6. History is at your fingertips

Our museums are excellent, but what sets London apart is the way the history of the city is woven through every place you go. It’s been around in some shape or form for over 2,000 years – no more being impressed by a building dating back to the 1800s! A great area to wander around is the central City of London district, where historic landmarks are interspersed with modern glass office towers and coffee shops.

7. It’s well-connected

There’s nothing Londoners like to do more than complain about public transport (except complain about the weather). But in fact, London has one of the best and most extensive public transport systems in the world. Between the Tube, trains and buses, the transport network can get you almost anywhere. And if you fancy some exercise, you can make use London’s self-service cycle hire scheme and hop on a Boris Bike.

Aside from getting you places (including to work), London’s public transport will give you a guaranteed topic of conversation with your new friends and colleagues. Soon you’ll be griping like the best of us, but you won’t be able to imagine living without it.

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