our first month in London✨ ~ culture shocks & finding a place to live~

hi! welcome back to whatever this is 😅. We made it to London and I’m trying to figure out how to function as a person and proper british dame. We had a ~time~ navigating the rental market this past month and finding a place to live. The learning curve is steep and I’ve never been a good test taker… This vlog has everything: trains, twinkle lights, pastries, various birds, a confused teary American with sugar withdrawal.
Thanks for watching 🪿
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about me:
Maker of crafts, Mother of dachshunds ⚔️
art, vlogs, figuring it out in London📍
Hello weary traveler. Thanks for stopping by.
My name is Bri. I’m the artist and keeper behind this channel.🐛
I make arts & crafts related videos with my dog Odin (bb Odie) by my side.
My work is inspired by whimsy, fantasy, and nature. I started this channel during the pandemic to share my hobby and connect with other makers. Since then my partner and I moved from the US to the UK, where I started making vlogs about art, travel, and life in my 30s.
Have a seat, stay a while.
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my socials:
Instagram:
/ briisokay
Etsy:
www.etsy.com/shop/briisokay

[@LeonardTonyTulip]

This is so interesting to see. I love how honest you are about the process. This is probably the hardest part so congratulations on getting through it and finding your first London home! I hope everything gets better from here.

[@briisokay]

Thank you! 🪿There’s so much I wish I knew beforehand but… 🤷🏻‍♀️ hopefully it gets easier

[@AaronFisher]

Brit here, estate/letting agents are widely despised country wide (this obviously doesn't apply to every single one), they've done nothing but given themselves a bad name over the last 20 years or so and hearing stories like that are so frustrating - this is the stuff you "expect" from car salesman rather than for housing... Also, Waitrose is great but it's the priciest supermarket in the UK (I imagine this is doubly so in London)!

[@briisokay]

Ahh really! I had no idea

[@FoxPurtill]

@@briisokayTesco and Sainsbury are the most common average grocery

[@izzyjane8073]

Hey just to let you know to help with budgeting. Waitrose is an expensive shop here, if you can find a Tesco or Asda they're midrange for price and Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest ones typically. I hope this helps ☺️

[@briisokay]

Oh I had no idea! Thank you ❤️

[@eva9996]

​@@briisokay seconded! M&S and Sainsbury are great as well, albeit can be pricier than Lidl/Aldi/Tesco. Once you find a flat (apartment), and pick your local shop, get a loyalty card, they usually always have discounts running for club members.

[@animated_ads]

​@@briisokaywaitrose mark down stock 15 minutes before closing to 10% of the ticket price. So if you arrive then for stuff to put in the freezer...

[@Ania-qb3ot]

Rolls eyes at you, have you not heard of google?​@@briisokay

[@john_smith1471]

Regarding the deposit kept by that letting agent, if you paid by credit card or possibly debit card you should raise a merchant complaint with the card provider, banking is quite well regulated in Britain, if the agent’s terms and conditions are considered ‘unfair terms’ you could have a good case, ultimately if the card provider can’t help with a reimbursement, they normally refer you to the banking ombudsman.

[@matthewfowles237]

If you hate going grocery shopping, many of the stores do online ordering and will deliver to your home. Waitrose does if you like them, Ocado is also worth a look as they're a similar standard. Sainsbury's is OK if you want to go a little cheaper. We actually save over going in store as we don't make any impulse buys and can check what we have in as we order.

[@chrysta9057]

Hello. A letting agent cannot take more than one week's rent holding deposit. If you paid more than that you can complain...

[@Flytee83]

ahh I was so relieved when you found a place at the end!! I was a student in London and still remember how stressful house hunting was. I could see you slowly lower your expectations as the video went on, I bawked at the original "outdoor space" desire. I hope London treats you well and you get a chance to explore other parts of england- that are a little less intense! When i go back to London it very much culturally and financially feels like a separate country. Subbed! Looking forward to seeing your adventures.

[@RoyCousins]

6:45 "Does America dye our cheese yellow and orange?" Yes, they use Annato, which is a natural food colouring.

[@RoyCousins]

Central London is a very expensive place to live. Not just rents and travel, but also services, electricians, plumbers, etc,. (they also have to pay the Congestion Charge, ULEZ and parking, which gets passed on to the customer).

[@aylasaurus]

So glad y'all found a place!!

[@briisokay]

me too sister😮‍💨

[@InconSteveHable]

London is not England, I know it sounds stupid, but London is a European City its a highly priced tourist destination, extremely multicultural and the prices are set at a rate to match those tourists £'s.... The cost of living prices are so extreme that many company's who have stores/shops in London have something called "London Weighting" which basically means additional pay for employees working in London so they can afford to live there. Public Transport into London is very consistent and convenient so commuting into London is probably a better and cheaper option than living in London it'self, and to be fair you'll probably have a much higher quality of life in a more rural area. Super Market quality and pricing is highly dependent on the time of day you go shopping, most stores have fresh stock delivered at night so do overnight filling and generally only top up the shelves during the day, so early morning shopping trips (after 8am) is probably the best time to go. As for the pricing your Ice cream example is perfect I live in Yorkshire Ben'N'Jerry's in my area is around £2 a tub and in most cases they are on a buy 2 tubs for £3 offer. But it's still worth shopping around for bargains. I hope you really enjoy your time in London, and that you get time to really experience the rest of the UK while you are here. 46% of the UK identify as some form of Christian and No religion was 37% in the last 2021 census, we don't take religion seriously in the UK, and the Church just like any Megacorp are happy to take anyones money whether a practicing Christian or confirmed Satanist, they don't care it's all about the £'s lol.

[@briisokay]

I have noticed that about grocery shopping - the later I go the less they have in stock. So that makes sense now. Sometimes I peruse the rental market for neighboring cities and am shocked how much less expensive it is. Maybe it’s something we can consider in the future. Thanks for your take!

[@36814]

You found the most expensive supermarket / grocery store in the country. Try Tesco or Asda , Sainsbury , LIDL or ALDI .

[@mattcoxonline]

But that’s because you need to find the most expensive grocery store in the UK to match the quality of an average store in the US. 🫢

[@nini5603]

I would say Marks and Spencer and Sainsburys have normal quality food. Asda and Lidl is if you wanna die early, lol.

[@john_smith1471]

Be aware the smaller convenience versions of supermarkets eg: Tesco Express/Sainsbury's Local/Little Waitrose/ will be more pricey than their big brothers.

[@upthesock1]

Waitrose is the most expensive supermarket chain in the UK, things really aren't that expensive.

[@adventuresforthecurious]

Just found your vlog today, and had to subscribe, because I appreciated your honesty and the way you edit had me on the edge of my seat hoping you would find a great place to live. I can't wait to follow your adventures in London.

[@ChantelleArts]

This is fascinating, welcome to the uk ☺☺

[@jacijoyce2685]

I'vee NEVER seen a microwave like that but a good tip is simple put the make and model number into google or YT to find instructions. Have a great time and well done! RE: Eggs, We have higher food standards in the European Union and even in the UK still, so we don't have the salmonella problems you have in USA. I keep mine countertop one 6xbox a week. Also in winter and sping butter is in an appropriate ceramic butter crock countertop until summer/autumn so easily spread. I am an Irishwoman ADDICTED to ice in everything so I feel your pain!

[@ghoulgoil5029]

I could feel your anxiety and frustration. I’m glad you found something. It’s not forever if you end up hating it. FLEABAG! Hahah!

[@briisokay]

what I would give to watch fleabag again for the first time 🙏🏼

[@john_smith1471]

Regards Ice cream and dessert range, as mentioned look at Aldi a German owned chain, larger Sainsbury’s especially their superstores, have a look in a shop chain called ‘Iceland’ mainly aimed at frozen food, with some fresh and chilled and dry products.

[@user-TonyUK]

The reason for so much sugar in food items in the USA is to keep your Dentist in Work. Personally go for Dental checkups once a year and I last lost a tooth in approx 1976.

[@user-TonyUK]

As for looking for property try looking south of the River as the West of London is constantly over flown by commercial Jets landing or taking off approx every 3 to 5 minutes between 6am at 10pm into the two main Airports for London, Heathrow and Gatwick. There is also a smaller City Airport at Canary Wharf area but that is not as busy with International Flights.

[@lindasnyder5048]

I shopped at Tesco when I was in England at my daughters...prices were not bad... I know you are a crafter and I watch a great lady who lives in London area her name is Janet Nash she is a junk journalist and a slow stitching she is really down to earth person relaxing to watch her maybe you can contact her and have tea and make yourself a friend...I would love to meet her ....if you are into fabrics you got to check out the Liberty fabric place she did a little clip on her video about it I think it was the one when she made whimsical stars...The ice think I learned that when I went to England they have soda machine's in certain places and you go to get your soda in your cup and nooooo ice...I bought my daughter and ice tray when I was visiting...I need my ice also...I quess you will have to start baking your own sweets...We found some cookies over there that we really liked...sorry forgot the name ...if you like chocolate you need to take a trip to the Cadbury choclate place and take a tour and get yourself some chocolate....it was fun...wish you luck on your adventure...

[@briisokay]

Oo thanks for all these! 🦔

[@gillianhill4757]

Ps also try Cadburys crème eggs!

[@alfredopasta218]

I loved the long video. Girl you are going thru so much growth everyday. Congratulations on the tiny milestones too. I hope you give yourself grace and enjoy little moments too. You're doing so much I moved from the absolute quietest suburb to downtown in a city. Theres even a school across the street with kids at recess. After awhile I didn't notice the noise so much. Of course once in awhile its loud like 🙄. Idk if that is reassuring. It was like the background score to this chapter of my life. From one Bri to another! 🖤

[@briisokay]

thank you, that is encouraging ❤️. it’s hard to celebrate the little wins when there is SO much to do. (I’m also my biggest bully.) How long until the city started to feel like home?

[@alfredopasta218]

@@briisokay it's been almost year now. There were alot of sad moments where I felt like I left my whole old life behind. Exploring the city like museums, learning the history of the area, and finding what could be routine places such as a local movie theater, "Cheers" bar, bookstore really helped. Idk if there was a day where I officially felt totally comfortable but rather it was up days and down days. The winter is definitely hard when you're limited to more inside activities tho. I really celebrate the little wins like finding somewhere without my GPS or when an employee remembers me at a place I frequent

[@christiansoldier1118]

Cant wait to see your new place - are you able to disclose the price - as a Brit I dread to think how much you'll be paying - have you tried Beckenham? - good commuter town

[@ReadyAimFilm]

Bri becoming Brit!

[@LindsayHiller]

Aww I felt so bad seeing how anxious you were about all of that, but I'm so glad you three found a place! Even if you do have to bankroll the church for the time being ☠. That would give me the ick too, but at least you get a place to live in return there instead of just funding your pastor's private jet like people do here 😅 London looks so beautiful!

[@briisokay]

loll! call me saint bri 🌟

[@LindsayHiller]

@@briisokay Lol! 😇 🙏

[@phymisty]

Oh wow. I never would have known there’s so much involved. It almost sounds like buying a house, which absolutely involves realtors nudging you to up your offers to be “competitive.” I hope the new place treats you well!

[@john_smith1471]

@8:00 I agree about carrying shopping back home, could you not use one of your roller suitcases instead of heavy carrier bags? people often use a purpose made wheeled shopping trolley, usually folding, a roller suitcase will do the job.

[@briisokay]

I have seen the little trolleys! Planning to order one for myself

[@annieanonymous611]

@@briisokay also order your groceries online to be delivered direct to you from the supermarket. Saves all that struggling.

[@marenello99]

The rental situation in London is currently out of control. It has only become like this in the last few years. Prior to that you would go visit and if you liked it put in an offer, at or below, the offer price (never over) and then it would be offered to you.

[@TheEulerID]

Waitrose is the most expensive of the supermarket chains, so it ought to be good... At the bottom end is Aldi and Lidl. Also, Trader Joe's was bought by the founder of Aldi in 1979. He's since died, but it's still owned by his heirs so, like Lidl and Aldi itself, is under German ownership. There are, indeed, health targets over the reduction in sugar (and for that matter, salt) consumption in the UK and you will find that in some other European countries too. Thirty years ago, sugar content would have been higher, although things like maple syrup on bacon would never have been a thing. As far as the sugar tax is concerned, the top rate is 24p per litre, which means that it will add 10p to the cost of a 330ml can when VAT is included. Buying individual cans is also far more expensive than in packs, as it buying it from Waitrose. On weekly shops, especially without a car, many people opt for using the supermarket delivery service which the chains apart from Aldi and Lidl offer. You may well find a broader range of products available than in all but the biggest store and it helps with the logistical issues. Not sure about delivery to hotel apartments though.

[@briisokay]

thank you for the explanations. lots to learn

[@user-gd9xf9zs9r]

Order online and get it delivered.

[@claregale9011]

Your dogs cute 😍, hope your settling in om and dont find us brits too standoffish we can be a bit more reserved but were an alright bunch 😊

[@FoxPurtill]

Having moved to the EU ages ago, each country has culture shock, but expect it to last up to a year, and even then you will get surprised.

[@user-kj9nm3wg1t]

Safer here. Free NHS.and so on lots of great historic city's and towns enjoy

[@lynjones2461]

As others have stated Waitrose is the most expensive supermarket chain here in the UK Aldi Lidl are the best if you are budgeting also we reduce sugar because of health reasons and we dont have so many preservatives in food as the US does we would rather stay healthy than become ill becauee of the additives then it costs a fortune to become well again just a different approach to health i guess we prevent the US treats xx can you move slightly out of London as it would be cheaper or because of jobs you need to be in London ? xx also please dont think i am being rude when i ask this but you seem to have moved to London without checking any of the things you are mentioning in the video that are difficult or maybe the move was very fast and you had no time to research things ?

[@MrCoxy38]

You need to remember London is over 600 square miles so travelling from one side of the city to the other side is not going to take two minutes

[@Ania-qb3ot]

Where are on earth are you shopping?!

[@user-es2ju9np9s]

What a journey! If you choose to live outside London, you can cut your bills in half. I live 40 miles north of London and my wife commutes on the train to her work in London. It takes her 30 minutes on the train which is doable. Our home in London would be triple the cost of what we paid where we live. I am London born and bred and I would never want to live in that city now. It may be a good place to visit but it is not cheap to live nor is every neighborhood a comfortable and safe place to live. You mentioned Hyde Park (one of the royal parks) and typically, property to buy or rent is always very expensive in areas that are seen as desirable. I am happy that you got a reprieve from your bad situation and I hope you have learned that trusting any kind of letting agency or estate agent is bad. They are supposed to be regulated but there are many unscrupulous agents who rely on you needing a roof over your head. I suspect that in the UK you will find estate agents and letting agencies are among the least trusted occupations.

[@briisokay]

Thanks so much. It’s hard to know what areas to tour/research as outsiders. The options are overwhelming! I’m happy to get to experience London but in the future I suspect we will look further out for something more sustainable

[@user-es2ju9np9s]

@@briisokay Yep, it's an interesting connundrum, squaring the circle of higher income and more job availability against better work life balance, lower income and higher living standards. Without delving into rent and personal details, my last two bed apartment in London was £1200 per calendar month (pcm) and that was a 45 minute tube train ride to get to the centre. The time was 1991. The last time I looked at similar, I was quoted £4,000 and when I enquired if it was pcm, I was told no... that was the weekly rent! If you are paying a lot for your rent, you may find a mortgage via your bank more useful. Additionally, first time buyers get additional assistance and you may be able to get a part of a shared ownership scheme (government overseen) where you pay for 70% of the property and the partner pays the 30%. If you come to a point of selling, the partner gets the whole 30%, not just the amount they put up. Lots of information online. Any online address with a .gov ending will have reliable information. Do check on whether your tenancy is a 'serviced tenancy' or not. There is a legal difference between unfurnished rentals and a rental for a furnished/part furnished property. It was the 1971 rent act that gave unfurnished tenants more rights. www.gov.uk/shared-ownership-scheme/apply It should not need saying but any official information can be obtained through the .gov portal. With your National Insurance number (a bit like the USA social security number) all brits get this when they reach the age of 16. It will permit you to access the governnment gateway for tax affairs, jury service and so on. Tax in the UK is simpler than the USA. If you work on PAYE (pay as you earn) your tax is deducted at source by the employer. If you work for yourself, you will have to complete an annual self assessment form for HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs similar to your IRS) but it should not be too difficult because HMRC insist on self employed folk using an HMRC approved accountancy package, which will work out your tax liability for a year. Before anything happens, all people are entitled to earn an amount tax free. The .gov portal explains the allowance and the tax bands. The standard annual allowance is £12,570 and any earnings after that are taxed at 20% up to £50,270. The tax system is explained at the link below. Do not worry if you have been placed on emergency tax and it looks like too much has been taken. It may take a week or so to resolve but the HMRC will always refund overpayments to you. If you have been overcharged, they will refund the amount to you without any consultation. www.gov.uk/income-tax-rates Any how, there is always information to clarify your best options in any situation and you can always contact Citizens Advice at the following link and they will provide answers and advice for many commonly asked questions: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ Welcome to the UK/England, relax and have a great time.

[@user-kj9nm3wg1t]

History babe history

[@womble321]

Waitrose is rediculous they charge to much

[@womble321]

Sugar is bad for you!

[@maddylovesbooks]

waitrose is expensiveeeeee thats the like tory supermarket haha

[@briisokay]

girl I didn’t know! 😭🤡

[@maddylovesbooks]

@@briisokay its all a learning experenceee its okay, tesco is ur bff now

[@irvinehector8612]

£7 for ice cream? Where you shopping girl?

[@sie4431]

This video is a good example of why you should do your research before moving if possible. Trying to cope with all these issues all at once is a pain. Central London isn't a great place to live, it's expensive and has the issues you mentioned. Living further out is better but if you want to spend your free time in central London that's a problem. Ultimately you'll have to compromise on something Btw the bend in the river where you were staying is called the Isle of dogs (a misnomer). The area was also known as Docklands where the DLR takes it's name. Canary wharf was built on what was once docks

[@ghoulgoil5029]

Research what though? You only know what you know, so if you don’t know about something, how do you research nothing?

[@sie4431]

@@ghoulgoil5029 You can't research a specific issue but there are countless books not to mention websites or social media testimonies from people who've moved to a given country. A long time ago I had a vague notion of moving to France and even at that stage I'd read a book written for prospective immigrants. That was after two holidays where I lived in a french house each time and had self catered

[@user-kj9nm3wg1t]

Don't need to put eggs in fridge usa invention.ask Romans haha

[@user-kj9nm3wg1t]

Yes usa cheese died

[@jenanization]

Sugar is very bad for you. Our food here is much healthier than in America

[@mariospacagna2132]

I get the the feeling you are over thinking things which seems to be stressing you out..

[@briisokay]

chronic over thinker 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@AA-yc8yr]

Erm, Elizabeth Line takes you from Canary Wharf to West London in 15 min, come on. Jesus, you'd think there's no such thing as Internet in the US, or you have no clue how to use it to find basic staff out.

[@briisokay]

What’s internet?

[@AA-yc8yr]

@@briisokay Indeed.

[@TLFaun]

Why would a sane person move to London ? ;/

[@AA-yc8yr]

£7-8 for a tub of ice cream? Really? Not even at Waitrose would one be spending that much on a 1 litre tub.

[@Antihm-js7wc]

My heart goes out to you, i think the problem your facing is arsehole letting agents seeing you as a cashcow there is no insult with that comment. Good luck to you.

[@briisokay]

Thanks so much, a lesson learned for sure