Even though I’ve only been here under a week, here are a few lessons I’ve learned living in London:

1) Do NOT take the Tube from the airport. I don’t care how much cheaper it is, it is downright embarrassing if you have to carry heavy luggage up steps and happen to slip several times in the process.

2) Buses are so much cheaper than the underground. You can ride end to end of London for a flat rate, where the underground’ll charge you for every zone you go in and out of.

3) Walking and getting lost are the best ways to find your way around. If you’re coming to stay/live in London for an extended time, take a 2-3 hour walk around your area to get a feel for the good, the bad, and the… foreign?

4) Reusable bags are so worth it. At one of the grocers here, they charge extra for plastic bags. I spend less than £1 (about $1.50) on a reusable bag and saved about 20p each per bag I would’ve otherwise used.

5) American restaurants are expensive. My flatmates decided to go to Chipotle tonight and we each spent between £9-£13 (approx. $13.95-$20.15) on beer, water and burritos.

6) Conversion rates don’t really hit you until you see them in print. Sure, that beer for £3 doesn’t seem that expensive, but when you realize you’re actually paying $4.65 for that drink, you realize how much it adds up.

7) I’m a big fan of cash points. Just go, get £100-£200 and make it stretch a week or so. Then you really understand the impact of your spending and spend much, much less.