How to survive London

....if you're skint, like ME!

I came to London 5 years ago. The plan was to complete my ACCA which i did last year, Alhamdulillah, but instead I got more that what i've bargained for. A stable (but boring) job and my Masters Degree. Let me tell you this, its NOT EASY, when you're proper skint! I am not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Came from an average family, i know my dad can afford me, but not  forever. When i said afford, i meant to say its manageable, although its tight. Once i got myself a part time job which was around a year and a half-ish later, i told my dad to stop giving me money already. I remember telling my sister that my financial is not good, but i still survived. She told me to ask money from my dad, but i said i will eventually asked if i really cant do it no more. But boy im glad, i never ask money from my dad anymore since then.

Fine, its a bit of a foul play because i have supplementary credit card with me, which he'll pay everytime when i use it. But i know where i come from, so i know what i can afford, and what i cant afford. I wont lie, i am still struggling financially, i am still using my credit card but i live to live. I have my savings now, maybe its not a lot, but i am living. I know my friends probably are fed-up by now hearing me say "aint got no money for fancy restaurants tonite boo!", but i really need to look after myself, and my financial status, despite needing to live. Sorry boo.

So, here's how i survived London so far..

1. Remember where you come from

Some of your friends will probably afford some things that you cant, so dont go and jump on a bandwagon just to follow them, and be like them. I am pretty sure they'll take you for who you are..i mean they will if they're your friends..REAL FRIENDS! There's nothing wrong with wanting to keep the money because "YOU NEED TO EAT AND PAY FOR YOUR OWN RENT"

2. Fancy restaurants are not all good

Try to skip fancy restaurants more often than not. i mean give it a go when its pay day or special occasions or something like that, but dont you think homemade food is better? I am not a good cook, but its so easy to just throw everything in a wok, VOILA..spaghetti Oglio (i used to hate cooking! HONEST)

3. Try and stay in rather than partying every weekend

Fine! i'll lie if i say i dont do this before, but i served my time. should've slow down a bit, but too late now. well its same ol shit. same music, same club. go out once in a while, but not EVERY WEEK!

4. Pound shops

Get a bargain! buy stuff from Iceland or Poundland, or Poundshop, or anything like that. Dont do your groceries shopping at Waitrose for goodness sake? Fine, hands down, Waitrose has the best Grapes..like EVER!

5. Into the shop, straight to the sales section

A friend told me this, well i do it all the time too. But sometimes i just cant wait for it to go on sales, just to regret seeing it along the sales rack in 2 or 3 months later. FUCK!

6. Vouchers

They said, try and get as much voucher as possible. I dont remember how many voucher i received so far. Never try it before, but they say it works! U might wanna give it a go yea?

7. Get the public transport

Arrive in style..with the TUBE! Arrive in debt..with the cab. But then again, if you can afford it, i say why not!

8. Get the best and cheapest contract deal

Try and get the best contract deal (mobile, internet etc)! Switch off the lights when its not in use. Dont let the water run when ure not using it. Turn the TV off when ure not watching it.

9. Dont go out when its not necessary

Its a good thing that i am that kinda person who hates walking, wandering more like, around without a mission. I dont like "lets go and check out Oxford Street..for fun!" Where the fuck is fun in there? You'll MOST likely to spent on at least one thing when u do. So dont succumb to that "out walking for fun" invitation.

10.  Fit in without trying

Being in London, means you're being far away from your family. Mixed around with people that help you willingly. Dont get stuck with people who makes you feel so small because "lots of people in London because they CAN ACTUALLY afford it", and you're one of those whos just hanging on to a cracking ice beneath you. The minute you try to be like them when u cant, you'll lose yourself. If they can buy a handbag for £700, then be it, u stick with that £70 handbag. Aint nothing wrong with that!

i have friends in high places, trust me on this. these people definitely have more than enough money to spent it as and how they wish, but theyre my friends. Sometimes, i know i kinda hafta to tell them that i cant afford to dine at expensive restaurants, or going out twice a week for dinner, and they understand that, and most importantly, they're still my friends. Thanks boo.

Somehow, i earn enough to survived London, and also earn enough to have a little bit of fun, but i gotta have to know my limit.

As long as u know how to control urself financially, ull survive London.

i'll put my money on it, YOU WILL!

-lady-