London and the big move

 Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all keeping warm during the winter that’s been bestowed upon us. I wanted to share some thoughts before my big move and talk a little about how I’m preparing. Most of you will already know that I’m moving to London in the new year, but what you might not know is that I’m feeling pretty nervous about it. I’m writing this for anyone who’s felt something similar whether you’re starting a new job, moving somewhere new, travelling, or dealing with any kind of life change. If nothing else, I hope this makes you feel a little less alone.

Thoughts and feelings

So yes… I’m nervous. Not unbearably so, but definitely more than a little. I suppose that’s expected with a big move. I felt something similar before heading to Copenhagen for my semester abroad, but this feels different. Back then, I was there mainly to have fun (and yes, it did help my university grade). But moving to London is tied directly to my future, the course, the work, and the hope of landing a job after the first six months.

I am really excited, though. As comforting as it has been living at home - spending time with my parents and saving a lot of money, I’m ready for the independence of living with friends again. I think being home has sheltered me a little from full-on adulting, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck back into it.

A lot of my nervousness probably comes from the unknown. I just want to get started, get into a routine, and feel like I’m moving forward instead of sitting around waiting for things to happen. I’m sure many of you know that feeling all too well.

How I’m preparing

My course starts at the beginning of February, so I’ve got a bit of time but the prep has definitely begun. Step one: decluttering everything. If anyone wants a desk, feel free to hit up my Facebook Marketplace or eBay. I’m very aware that the fewer bags I bring to London, the easier the move will be… especially when dragging them around the Underground.

Vinted has also become my second home, although sales have been… slow. I’m hoping the lead-up to Christmas encourages people to treat themselves.

I’ve also been spending a lot of time on LinkedIn, partly looking for a potential placement, and partly gathering advice about London, the course, and journalism in general. One call in particular really stuck with me. I spoke to someone who did the same course and now works at the Financial Times. He was refreshingly blunt in the best way. He told me the course wouldn’t be easy, but if I worked hard, I’d be fine. He also shared some career advice that I know I’ll revisit years from now and be grateful for.

And of course, I’ve been working at the café a lot (as you all know). This is mostly to make the move a bit less financially painful, but I’ve also taken on a few side quests for extra pocket money. Beyond selling most of my wardrobe, I’ll be working a few shifts sitting in an art gallery. Yes, literally sitting. On a stool. No book allowed. The job is basically directing people to the loos and making sure nobody causes chaos though I feel like art lovers are usually too engrossed in the paintings to behave badly. My dad suggested it through a friend, and honestly, I’m embracing it. Watch me become an expert on whatever exhibition I’m guarding.

Making the most of my last two months at home

Since my time at home is coming to an end, I’m very aware that I might not get a stretch like this again or at least not for a long time. I’ve loved it, but I’m also ready to get back to living independently. Still, I want to make the most of the time I have left.

That might look like evenings with my dad, cooking dinner and watching a film we’ve both been meaning to see, or sitting beside my mum in the mornings while we work on our own things. And of course, I’m really looking forward to all the Christmas celebrations. I’m very lucky to have lots of them lined up.

I’m also doing the move in stages: one trip at the start of January and another in late January. I think this is the best approach for me, it gives me time to remember anything I might’ve forgotten, see my friends properly, and mentally ease myself into the idea of living in London for at least six months. It feels like a gentle transition rather than a big, sudden leap.

Final thoughts

Nothing I’ve said here is groundbreaking, but if you’re also feeling nervous about something big - a move, a job, a new chapter of any kind, I hope it helps to hear that I feel it too. I know I’ll be more than ready when the time comes, even if I’m a little tentative right now. Every bit of preparation helps, and I’m trying to remind myself that nervousness is normal and totally valid. Yours is too.

That’s all for today. I’m hoping to keep this blog going throughout my London life, so although Edinburgh may be losing me for a while, you won’t be.

Love and hugs,
Rosie x

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