Moving to London and starting my new job in journalism

For the past ten years or so, I've dreamed of my life as a young journalist in London.

It sounds cringe to say, but I may just have started living my dream.

Three weeks ago, I started working at Stella magazine at the Telegraph (for anyone who doesn't know, it's the women's magazine you get with the paper on Sundays). And I absolutely love it.

This past week alone, I wrote about afternoon tea, fashion week parties and Eddie Redmayne. AND I GOT PAID TO DO IT! What even is that? How did I get this set-up?! I can barely believe it.

On my second day, I was doing some research for an article. You know, just standard second-day-of-new-job type stuff. Then my line manager said, "So can you write it up?" And I just thought, "What? You want me to write actual words that will go in the actual magazine!?"

So that was awesome.

Leon breakfast al desko (I won some vouchers woo!)

I've learnt so much already and I love that my job is so varied - I get to do print, online and social media work. It's crazy busy though. Like, I have a lot of work and I suppose I'm still getting used to having to balance lots of different tasks at once but I'd rather be busy than have nothing to do. It does just mean the stress munchies come out to play but what can ya do?

Working at The Telegraph is really exciting too. I love being part of such a huge organisation, and it is huge. We actually have the second biggest newsroom in the UK, behind the BBC (I've been in that one too and I'd say there can't be much in it!)

What's also awesome is that there's a free gym at the office. I KNOW! Hello, money-saver.

The cafe at work got into the V Day spirit

That being said I have only used it twice since starting but oh my days, this London yopro life thing is BIZZAY! Like srsly, I don't know how you're supposed to do a full-time job and also have a social life, exercise, watch TV, do hobbies... Maybe socialising will be my hobby.

I seem to go out for drinks/dinner approx six nights a week which is all the fun despite being less than awesome for the health of my bank balance and me as a general person. But the way I see it, what's the point in being in London if you're not going to go out and embrace London?

I am so in love with this city.

All my friends and family know that I was desperate to get a job, move and start my life in London. (When I told my friends I'd got my job and would be moving, the general response was "FINALLY!"). So when I saw my brother and mum a couple of days ago they were so relieved to know that not only does my new life live up to my expectations, it probably exceeds them.

I'm having so much fun! I just love the lights, the excitement, the hustle and bustle, the different areas to explore, ALL the cafes, bars and restaurants, the fact that so many of my friends are here and the feeling of endless possibility.

Sure, I get annoyed at ALL THE PEOPLE as much as the next Londoner - like srsly would ya just move out of the bloody way?! I got places to be, people!

And yes, prices are ludicrous, particularly when it comes to public transport.

But for me, it's all worth it to be in London.

Here is where everything (OK, not everything but a hell of a lot of things) are happening. And now I can actually accept invitations to snazzy blogger events because they're all in London and - would ya look at that - I live here now!

OK, so I may not hundy P live here just yet. But as of next weekend I shall!

For the past few weeks I've been super fortunate to be able to stay with my auntie, uncle and cousins (shout-out to the Cavs!) who have literally been a life-saver. I'm so so lucky to have been able to stay with these kind, generous, welcoming people whilst looking for my own place to live.

Finding a room in a flat in London with a limited budget isn't necessarily the easiest thing to do. But it was so important to me to find somewhere I'd feel comfortable. I wanted to live in a nice flat, in a nice area, with nice people, in a convenient location within my budget. So not asking for too much, eh?

But that's why I feel super lucky to have had the luxury of waiting until I found the perfect place.

And d'you know what? I think *touches wood* I may just have done that. Next weekend I'll be moving into a flat in Brixton and I'm so excited!

Anyone know Brixton? I'd love to hear your thoughts/recommendations/tips!

It seems to me like a super cool area with lots going on and a GREAT food scene so I am mad psyched. And I suppose as of then I'll feel like I've properly moved to London. Eeeeek!

I'm just loving it all so much and can't wait to bring you more London fun on the blog. YAY LDN!