London

It will be no news to you that London is a big city. With a population of over seven million people (not counting all those who commute in for work every day) and covering an area of over 600 square miles it is one of the largest cities in the world. The population is very diverse with 300 languages spoken and 1-in-4 people coming from an ethnic minority. 

For anyone who is not from a big city, settling in London can be disconcerting. You must come to grips with the noise, the smell and the adrenaline rush of the big smoke. But, while you should keep your wits about you - everyone knows someone who has been relieved of a wallet by a petty thief - it's not dangerous: the Government Office for London states that "London is relatively safe compared to other major and capital cities".

Here are two essential starting points - and make sure you buy an A-Z, a street atlas that will help you find your way anywhere in town (all Londoners carry them too!).