Moving to London from Aussie or NZ in Summer 2025? Here's your month by month to-do list:

So, you’ve decided to swap sunny beaches for bustling pubs, flat whites for pints, and weekend roadies for Euro getaways—congrats! Moving to London is a massive adventure, but to make sure you hit the ground running, it’s crucial to get your planning sorted early.

With visa deadlines, flights, job hunting, and housing to think about, the process can feel overwhelming. But don’t stress—we’ve broken it all down into a simple month-by-month checklist so you can stay on top of everything. Whether you're sorting your Youth Mobility visa, booking your one-way ticket, or just figuring out how to pack your life into a suitcase, this guide has you covered.

March – 4 Months to Go

✅ Visa prep – Start your UK visa application (e.g., Youth Mobility Scheme, Ancestry Visa)
✅ Savings check – Make sure you meet visa financial requirements (you'll need to show you've had £2,530 in your account for the prior 28 days when you apply for your visa)
✅ Book flights – Prices start rising soon, so lock in a good deal
✅ Passport check – Ensure it’s valid for the duration of your visa. If it's not, consider a new one so you don't have to go without a passport while you're in the UK
✅ Research jobs and housing – Look into salaries and role types (they can be slightly different between AU/NZ and the UK), rental prices, and best areas to live
✅ Join a Next Stop webinar – We host monthly webinars that cover this list in detail and we answer any questions live. We'd love to see you at the next one!

April – 3 Months to Go

✅ Start your visa application (if you haven’t already)
✅ Open a UK bank account online - Consider Wise as you can set up local and foreign accounts and easily transfer between them
✅ Sort travel insurance – Cover for health, flights, and personal belongings
✅ Get your health checked – Arrange any necessary doctor’s visits
✅ Declutter & sell stuff – Sell or donate things you won’t take with you (don't leave that car sale to the last minute!)

May – 2 Months to Go

✅ Book temporary accommodation – A hostel, housesit, Airbnb, or short-term rental for arrival (we recommend giving Trusted Housesitters a try for free accom!)
✅ Sort international money transfers – Make sure you've got enough money in your bank account 
✅ Plan your leaving do – Organise a send-off with friends and family 

June – 1 Month to Go

✅ Sign up to Next Stop – If you haven't already, sign up to Next Stop to kick start your job search
✅ Pack smart – Keep essentials in carry-on, check luggage weight limits
✅ Download essential apps – Citymapper, Uber, Monzo/Revolut, NHS app
✅ Print important documents – Visa confirmation, bank statements, insurance details
✅ Join online communities – There are great online communities for expats like Kiwis in London, Aussies in London and Reddit threads that are full of info!
✅ Confirm your first week plan – Where you’re staying, how you’ll get to central London, etc.

July – Arrival in London!

✅ Sort your National Insurance Number (NIN) – Needed for work, apply ASAP
✅ Sign up to the National Health Service (NHS) – Get government funded health services
✅ Explore and settle in – Line up recruiter meetings, attend networking events, and enjoy the adventure!

With everything checked off, all that’s left to do is soak up the excitement and get ready for your big move! London can feel like a whirlwind at first, but it won’t take long before you’re navigating the Tube like a pro, spending Sundays at the pub, and planning your first European getaway.

Remember, the first few weeks will be full of new experiences—some amazing, some challenging—but you’re not alone. There’s a huge Kiwi and Aussie community in London, and plenty of resources to help you settle in. So embrace the adventure, say yes to new opportunities, and enjoy every moment.

See you in London! 🇬🇧✈️