Your First Week in London – Admin, Apps & Setting Up Life
What to Focus on in Your First Week
The goal isn’t to “have life sorted” in 7 days. It’s to lock in the basics so London stops feeling like a giant maze.
Your first-week priorities should be:
Phone + data working (so you can navigate)
Money access (banking + spending)
Transport confidence (Citymapper + contactless)
Proof-of-address momentum (so you can open accounts)
Once those are sorted, everything else (rentals, jobs, social life) becomes easier.
Must-Have Apps to Install on Day 1
Install these while you have stable Wi-Fi (airport, Airbnb, mate’s flat):
| App | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Citymapper / TfL Go | Navigating the Tube + buses with live info |
| Monzo / Wise | Managing your bank and spending alerts |
| giffgaff / VOXI | Topping up your mobile plan |
| Uber / Bolt / FreeNow | For late-night or luggage-heavy travel |
| Deliveroo / Just Eat | First week food = sorted |
| NHS App | Register, check services, book appointments |
| Amazon | Order stuff you forgot to pack |
| Trainline | Book UK train tickets when you’re ready to explore |
Install them all with WiFi at the airport or your Airbnb before you need them on the go.
Week One Social & Community Tips
London can feel huge at first. Do one small social thing early so it doesn’t turn into a lonely month.
Join a free walking tour (easy way to see central + meet people)
Go to one Meetup event in your area (even if it’s awkward)
Try one coworking day pass if you work remotely
Pick a local coffee spot and become a regular (it helps)
Even one tiny plan makes the week feel less chaotic.
Your “Admin Wins” Checklist
This is the boring stuff that makes your life 10x easier later.
| Task | What it unlocks |
|---|---|
| UK SIM active | Bank apps, 2FA codes, delivery setup |
| Bank app installed | Faster payments + spending control |
| Add to Apple/Google Pay | Tap-in travel + backup payment |
| Tube contactless working | Check if your card is being accepted and capped |
| Google Drive set up | Store visa, ID, proof of funds, address docs |
| GP searched or registered | NHS number takes time — start now |
| Amazon account set up | Use your current address or nearby locker |
| Join 1 community or event | Doesn’t matter what it is — just start |
Our 1st Days in London Post lists some tours you can check out to get an idea of the London landscape.
Essentials
Citymapper – Your real-time transit lifeline
Monzo – Easy UK banking + spending alerts
Wise – Move money + use a multi-currency card
NHS App – Manage healthcare basics once registered
Meetup – Find local events so you don’t isolate
Pro Tips
- Pick one “admin win” per day. Momentum beats burnout.
- Save everything important (visa, passport, address proof) into one Drive folder.
- Do one social thing in week one, even if you feel awkward. It pays off fast.
- Get your transport rhythm sorted early — it makes London feel 5x smaller.
