Like the city Samuel Johnson described 200 years ago, today London still lays claim to the best life can offer. An unrivalled hub for finance, media, communications, entertainment and design, London is brimming with opportunity. The economy is on the upswing and job seekers will find a plethora of positions in banking and operations, human resources, publishing, information technology and many other areas.

Find Out More Online Resources Monster.com's new Global Gateway features historical and cultural information about the United Kingdom. In addition, you can find information about typical positions and salaries, research companies and search job listings. Print Resources Major London newspapers include the Guardian and the Times. For the ins and outs of expatriate life in the United Kingdom, pick up a copy of American in Britain. The bimonthly magazine features articles about financial markets, taxes, eating out, arts, travel and other topics. Living and Working in Britain: A Survival Handbook, by David Hampshire, provides information about writing CVs and cover letters, obtaining work permits and many other subjects. Studying and Living in Britain, by the British Council, received rave reviews on Amazon.com. In addition to study abroad programs, the guide provides information about immigration requirements, banking, getting around and much more. Brit-Think Ameri-Think, written by Jane Walmsley and illustrated by Gary Jolliffe is a humorous account of cultural differences between

And yet, amid the bustle of a buzzing metropolis, London exudes a friendly tranquillity for the people who call it home: "I loved living in London," recalls Erin Cornell, 22, who did an internship through the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) during her junior year of college. "The people are civilized. It seemed like they knew how to live more, and it's less cut-throat."

Social Life: Keep Your Head Up, Bridget Jones!

Maggie Bullock, 24, a New Yorker interning at Worth Global Style Network, has "always had a fascination with England."

For her, London is "an epicenter of fashion, talent and energy." Its sassy style extends from its sidewalks to its shelves: "I'd love to work here," she says. "I love the energy, and UK publications are generally more scathing and savvy than American ones."

If you're looking for nightlife, London's is considered to be top-notch, especially for singles. "There are supposedly six single men in their 20s for every female counterpart." But don't book a flight yet, Bullock advises. "I've not seen much evidence of that."

And be warned: If you're not much of a drinker, socializing might be uncomfortable at times, as "alcohol is the axis that London life spins on," says Bullock.

Cost of Living

Generally, Americans looking to relocate overseas have two powerful items in their favor: fluency in English and the dollar. In the global marketplace, these happen to be two of the most powerful entities. Unfortunately, neither goes very far in England.

Though Samuel Johnson may be right that London has all that life can afford, affording life in London is another story. In London, it's not about the Benjamins, it's about pounds, which are much heavier on the wallet.

In a recent press release, Runzheimer International, a Wisconsin-based management consulting firm, ranked London the third most expensive city of 21 analyzed, following Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea, in cost of living. "It's utterly impossible to have a life here without spending money," observes Bullock.

Another downside of life in London is apparent from a recent Monster.com Work Abroad Community poll. The English took the cake -- or that burnt bland thing they call a cake -- for having the world's worst food.

Amy Bettis, 22, who did an internship in marketing through AIFS during her junior year in college, embraces the understatement. "The cultures are different in terms of the food," she says. "I don't want to say the food had no flavor…. The food was horrible."

The Papers

US citizens need work permits to work in the United Kingdom. The prospective employer makes the application for a work permit, which means if you change employers, your work permit is no longer valid. The good news, however, is that US citizens don't need visas to study in the United Kingdom, and students can work up to 20 hours per week. For more information on work eligibility, consult the British Information Services.

Getting an Apartment

Real estate moves quickly in London: "Most people have told me to carry my rent and deposit around when looking so I could just put the money down on the spot if I found something," says Bullock. Loot features apartment listings, but in addition, "you must have a London A-Z, a book of detailed maps of the city. Otherwise, you'll never find anything," says Bullock.

Internships, Study Abroad Programs and Research Grants

The best way to learn about studying in London is by finding out what programs are offered in connection with your college or university. Studying overseas through your university will make it much easier to transfer credits.

If you're not currently enrolled in a college or university, there are numerous opportunities to study or intern in London. The British Council, the Association for International Practical Training, American Institute of Foreign Study and the Institute of International Education are good places to begin your search.

Each year, 40 British Marshall Scholarships are awarded to US graduate students. These prestigious grants fund two years of study at any United Kingdom university.