There are of course many reasons why Australians make their way to the UK. Travel is right up there in the decision making process. The prospect Cheap European flights and receiving wages in pounds are great motivators.
But for a lot of us, if we are being really honest, there is another root cause for us upping-sticks and moving half way around the world, often for the fresh start, and sometimes never moving back – love…
Also see: How does living in the UK compare to life in Australia? [infographic]
Our top five reasons Australians move to the UK
1. Break-up refugee
Many Aussies that come over to the UK have recently suffered a devastating, heart wrenching, life-changing break-up. Even if the break-up happened a year or two ago they haven’t really recovered yet. Break-up refugees come with heavy baggage, so they are not really after a new relationship, but are up for lots of fun experiences. There’s no significant other to go home to and a new life in the UK equals a fresh start and a clean slate. Knowing you will never ever bump into your ex is also incredibly appealing.
2. The break-up set-up
No-one who moves to London with a significant other says they plan to break-up, but that so often is often exactly what happens. A big new city can be the make or break of a couple. The big move shake up can include house hunting, job hunting, shift work, and financial woes, all of which can be detrimental to a relationship. Not to mention all the ‘pretty new things’ you will be meeting along the way. Whether the temptation to stray is high or the spider vein cracks in your relationship are just becoming more apparent, London can be the quick and sudden death of a relationship. We suspect this may be a risk when we get the visas. Are some of us subconsciously hoping it may happen?
3. To fall in love
Just like Carrie Bradshaw who moved to New York to fall in love in Sex and the City, many twenty-somethings move to London with a hope of finding love. Not nearly as romantic as Paris or Rome or even New York, London nonetheless has a different field of opportunity to offer. A cheeky Brit, a party-animal Scot or an Irish man or woman who makes you laugh till you think your sides will split could be just the thing for a lonely heart. But it doesn’t stop there. London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world and you never know who you are going to meet. So keep an open mind and an open heart. And in the meantime, who’s been collecting flags for their bags, hmm?
4. Just to travel
Dyed-in-the-wool travellers are born not made. Your spirit for adventure has made the move to London seamlessly, faultless, easy even. Your friends and family were not surprised when you announced you were making the move and they know you will be back when you have seen and done all you set out to do… maybe.
Happy to travel solo, you easily infiltrate that large group of friends that have taken over your hostel dorm room. You love getting lost in the middle of a strange new city but mum always knows where you are and you can always Skype dad on his birthday.
5. Improve your resume, or is it a CV?
Regardless of all the other great reasons to move to London, you know a London working stint will look great on your resume. Back home you have been struggling for years to get to that next stage of your career but never managed to reach that breakthrough moment. London can open new doors and new opportunities with companies you could only ever dream of working for back home. An extended stay in the city may also net enough income to save up a decent deposit for a house or you might just want to live it up and blow it all on lots and lots of travelling.
TOP IMAGE: Via Pixabay.com
