As a Swiss girl, there are a few things I enjoy in London more
Last July, I moved from Geneva, Switzerland to London for the second time in my life. The first time around, I was studying for my Master’s Degree and working my first subsequent ‘big girl’ job.
I promptly left the UK amid the Covid-19 pandemic, moving back to my Swiss village, uncertain of where the world was going. Four years later, I moved back to London, this time as an experienced journalist.
Some may be inclined to believe that the Swiss quality of life is superior to the one experienced in England (other people’s words, not mine). But, I’m here to debunk this myth, with some of my top favourite things about living in London.
The NHS
I know that these are loaded three-letters, but hear me out. The NHS definitely has its ups and downs, but it is free.
I can’t stress enough how much of a financial burden healthcare in Switzerland is. The healthcare system in Switzerland is private and based on mandatory insurances that cost a minimum £350 monthly, which covers the bare minimum.
Being able to not think daily about how to manage my expenses encompassing my health, has definitely been a huge relief. And while I know waiting time for certain services can be frustrating, my experience with the NHS has been fair, receiving appointments rather quickly.
LGBTQIA+ safe spaces
Another loaded set of letters, this one close to my heart. While I can’t speak for the whole country, I can vouch for London being a queer-friendly city.
From its massive Pride events to its numerous spaces curated for the LGBTQIA+ community, I really like how the capital city allows opportunities for queer people to thrive. Coming from a country that just legalised same-sex marriage, it has been refreshing to live in a place where it’s not such a struggle to find peers within the community, and places that caters to my specific interests.
Many cities with LGBTQIA+ spaces often focus primarily on gay men, but in London, I’ve discovered inclusive spaces that truly cater to everyone. For example, I was able to continue training boxing at a club run by queer individuals.
There’s also an exciting wave of young, talented queer artists emerging in London, creating an atmosphere where breaking away from heteronormative expectations is totally ok. While sexual-orientation-based discrimination exists, I would say that London is genuinely safe to be openly queer.
Acceptance and multidiversity
I often share with those around me how much I appreciate that I could be on the tube and sit between a woman wearing a hijab on one side and another in a mini skirt on the other. London is so diverse that acceptance of others has just become second nature.
It’s also not uncommon to encounter an artist in full drag or a fabulous goth in the TFLs. And no one bats an eye.
Moreover, I appreciate the celebrations of all religious holidays displayed in most public spaces in London. The city just feels like a harmonious mix of people from all cultural backgrounds.
Dog friendly
I’m planning to adopt a dog soon, and as a dog lover, I’m confident in my decision, especially since London is such a dog-friendly city. While I’m used to restrictions and disapproving glances elsewhere, in London, people either enjoy the company of dogs or simply don’t mind at all.
It’s always a delight to spot a friendly pup hopping onto the tube or Overground, and it never seems to cause any trouble. Many pubs are dog-friendly, and the city boasts plenty of spacious parks, including dedicated dog parks.
Direct flights to everywhere
I mentioned Switzerland as my home country, but I’m a first generation Swiss, with parents from different countries. As a result, it’s always been a struggle to visit my family, which is spread across Europe.
Nevertheless, London’s airports are hubs that offer direct flights to nearly every country and cities in the continent. If you’re a third culture kid, you just know how much of a relief this is.
Moreover, you can easily find cheap flights to pretty much anywhere, as London is a hub for most low-cost airlines.