I'm planning to move to the UK, what different things do I need to keep in mind and rememebr and take care of

Question

I am moving to the UK, I don't know all of the political, financial, business, work/living arrangements and procedures when it comes to moving there like passports and all and everything I'm very 'm not prepaerd and I am thinking moving there spur of the moment but I don't want to get there and face all these complications that are confusing and I am not prepared for. Someone please give me all the help and advice you can. I'm planning to live with this guy and relying on him to support me. I dont know how I'll find work there either. Not sure how it all works. Its foreign to me. I am from the US

Answer 1

Hi,

As you are already aware things will be different for you in the UK.

Some things you will find worse than the USA, some possibly better.

Service, from store assistants, waiting staff, gas station personnel will not be what you are used to. Tipping, in Britain is not as generalised as the States, and staff do not require a minimum level of tips to make up their wages, nor are they taxed in advance on 'expected' tips. The level of service, therefore is generally of a lower standard than in the USA, where staff work hard to please in order to get a good tip.

Dining will be very different, too, not just because of the service quality. Food in Britain has improved over the last 15-20 years, but still does not reach either the quality standards found in the USA and certainly not the 'quantity' standards. i.e. meals will generally be served in smaller portions than in the USA.

People, in general, are not so open in conversation, we are not miserable, but, generally, we don't give our life stories away within five minutes of meeting someone new.

Although most people in the USA are generally polite and friendly, there are many people who are very 'high-handed' with waiting staff and others, this will not be tolerated by the staff in the same way as back home in the US.

People are generally more polite and aware of other people's feelings in the UK.

Driving is less relaxed. If you are used to driving on the smooth, wide, and (relatively) traffic free roads of the US, you will be petrified to face the frenzied, close-quarters style driving of the UK.

There are fewer roads, and those we have are narrower, cars will appear (and be) much closer to you than you are used to.

You shouldn't have too many problems 'getting in' as an American citizen, but if yu wish to work you will need to register for work and obtain a work permit (unless you marry the guy, of course, in which case you'll get all rights automatically)

Overall you will be accepted as part of whichever community you enter and you will have very few language problems. There are a few expressions used in both countries that mean the exact opposite of the meaning in the other country, but they are hardly likely to cause you any problems, and generally will just cause a little laughter, which can't be a bad thing, can it?

Spelling is a little different, too e.g. any word like color, honor, etc. is spelled in the UK with a 'u', i.e. Colour, honour, etc. Words to describe actions, such as 'travelling' have the double 'l' at the end, where you use 'traveling', but these things are very minor and shouldn't cause you any problems.

Good luck with your move, I hope you grow to enjoy living in the UK (though I now have left, and live in Spain) and that your experience will be all pleasurable.

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 2

properly i imagine transferring to the united kingdom replaced into between the most suitable issues I did. I lived there for 4 and somewhat years - and that i loved it. positive, the elements can suck (i'm Australian, so admittedly, somewhat spoilt climate sensible) - and it might want to correctly be chilly and moist and dirty, and also you'll get sick of the tube, - besides the undeniable fact that it truly is likewise suited and has distinctive possibilities. once you're from the U. S., then like me, you're from a "youthful" united states - and the structure that you'll see contained in the united kingdom will blow you away. it truly is merely brilliant. I lived in London, yet i have travelled England, Wales and Scotland, as well as 34 different international places - because the pound is any such solid forex, you may have adequate money to do it. The Brits don't know how sturdy they have were given it, and could moan about the inflow of jap Europeans into England, the elements, the price, the blah blah blah. actual, it truly is what you're making of it. I lived in Zone 2 of London, in a brilliant relations oriented suburb (no longer finished of Aussies!) - and that i replaced into busy each weekend for 4 years sight seeing! ha. I also travelled each seven weeks or so (i'm a instructor, so lots of holidays) - and may want to nevertheless have adequate money to be tender. that is extra an "indoor" existence form in iciness of course - difficult if you're used to being on the sea coast, or oftentimes outdoorsy - yet you quickly get used to the options you've for a cold day at the same time with going to a museum, going ice skating, having a pint in a pub on the Thames, or merely rugging up and getting among it. summer rocks - that is at the same time as the English settle on that for at the same time as they are going to sense free - and everyone by surprise starts off smiling and establishing doors for strangers. the united kingdom is quite accessible to at least something of Europe for go back and forth, you'll discover it really ordinary to visit France, Italy, Spain, etc etc. I say that is an danger now to not be neglected.

Answer 3

Clarify if you intend to be a citizen of the UK, or if you intent to just still be a citizen of the USA, but happen to live overseas.

Also, are you married or engaged to a Brit?

Answer 4

Dont move to UK, go to Australia

Answer 5

To be honest with you, it might sound like a good place to go and settle down. but it is more like the Bronx than the bronx and getting worse by the day

Answer 6

Look at our home office site

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/comingtotheuk/enteringuk

and why not contact this London immigration company and they will give you some initial advice

http://www.fergusonsnell.demon.co.uk/

they are the experts