Moving to England, good or bad idea...?

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Ladyfromdrum

Forget England, try Scotland. Much safer, cleaner and friendlier.

Better off living outside London....soho`s a dump..(red light area).

olliedog

Please stay where you are and come for a long visit when you are about 18, so you can make your own mind up. It is a very, very expensive place to live. We had some Americans visiting our church last month and they were horrified at the price of things over here.

Andy

...it ain't cheap matey!

Summer/Lover

Going England?.... very good idea, an different & amazing experience u will have...

but remember... nothin' like United States of America

thespoonmachine

If you're wanting to move when you're 18 I'm guessing you want to study at a University. They accept American qualifications and will be more than happy to take you, though the fees may be a little expensive. Everyone applies through a system called UCAS. I think the first place you want to start is deciding what course you want to do, then maybe scout around the Uni websites and see what they do and which feels right for you. The location will greatly affect your time here, for example London will be vibrant, bustling and always things going on but may be a little stressful (unless youre used to the city life) and the prices are crazy expensive, but somewhere like Exeter will be calmer, more beautiful and probably friendlier but you will be spending more time doing sports, parks and pubs in your spare time. In my opinion I don't like London but thats just because I'm not a city person, and considering they only have about 3 really good unis I would advise trying somewhere else. There are plenty of really good unis in other metropolitan cities(Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, etc) or smaller cities and towns(Nottingham, York, Newcastle, etc) where I think youll get a better taste of England and the culture, historic buildings, etc.
Accommodation won't be a problem because the University either provides it as a Hall of Residence or will give you advice on renting a place, I would advice a Hall for your first year because it is easier and probably cheaper (around Â£3500 pa).
People are generally friendly here, especially students, and dont worry about not fitting in because there'll be people from all walks of life and you'll make friends straight away. Definitely get into the pub culture (you can drink anything here at 18!), its vibrant, fun and the atmosphere is unrivalled. Don't get put off by all the comments about tea and crap, I know loads of people who wouldnt touch the stuff, theres loads of coffee shops and Starbucks, etc all over. Mind you a $3 coffee here costs Â£3=$6, which brings us to prices. Generally things are more expensive here, esp electronics and American things like Ipods and Mcdonalds because you like to rip us off so much. But supermarket food is well cheap if you know where to shop and the decent minimum wage means you'll survive(you will be able to get a part time job quite easily if you do a little scouting). These higher prices also get you the comfort of free healthcare. Im not sure what youll get being international but im pretty sure, esp. as a student, you get free ambulance, prescriptions, etc.

As for the people you've probably noticed we like to complain a lot, this doesnt mean we hate everything! Its just a part of our culture that sometimes we like to moan about how life isnt always so rosey. When we get talking though you'll find we're up for a good laugh and have strong sarcasm - we find it funny. People are generally more restrained, quieter and humble compared to Americans, in my opinion anything but snobbish. Don't call football soccer and I'm sure we'll get along fine.

All in all we have lots of the best Unis in the world and an English degree is highly respected everywhere. Here's a site with a good english university league table sorted through subject which you might find a helpful starting point:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/good_university_guide/

Then just check the individual unis websites for more info on international students, fees, etc. Good luck and feel free to ask me any Q's ;)

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eww...y do u wanna move here? it has crappy weather, and is sooo boring...plz re-consider lol

angler

College is good here.But Soho.First.Unless you
have millions to spend.You have no chance at
all of getting a place there or anywhere in the
West End.Unless you do have millions.Best you stay with your good old mum.listen to
her advice for a few more years and enjoy life
a bit more.An let your mum enjoy seeing it.Happy life.

english guy 1985

you will get quite a lot of negative views because English people and British people in general love to moan about thier country, but I think it is on the whole a very good place to live, of course it is very expensive (although most of Europe is getting this way soon), but you get what you pay for. The nightlife is excellent, and like people have said you only have to be 18 not 21 not to participate in it, which is something that always seems to please North American students!

Soho is a *bit* seedy as some people have said, it was originally the red light district and parts of this remain, but theres SO much more to the area than that, it is cosmopolitan and has so much to do, and is essentially the nightlife capital of the UK.
There are plenty of universities in London ,from the prestigous to the mediocre, and you will have great fun at any of them. Seeing as it is London you are intending to head for, you will find it very diverse and multicultural (which is not the case with more remote parts of the country), and also full of young people.
If you have any more questions please feel free to email me on here . I have lived here all my life and now looking to move on (not because I dislike it, just seeking new horizons)

http://talk.uk-yankee.com

is a forum forAmericans who want to re-locate here

milly

HIya,
Totally depends what sort of person you are, personally I love London and wouldnt want to be anywhere else, there is loads going on and its cool and despite the bad press I find it really friendly. I do have friends who hate it though so it depends whether you like busy and varied or a quieter less hectic time! London is so varied though there are loads of different areas and vibes and qualities of life so Im sure you'll have a great time in some part of it. Perhaps not Soho to live though if youre not sure about London, try Chiswick or Richmond if youre not sure, very green and bit quieter than central London but still easily accesible to the centre of town, there are loads of places like this. Surrey is a bit boring in comparison in a lot of ways, but again it varies from part to part. I studied in Farnham in Surrey and I have never been more depressed, nothing to do there! Stick to London as there is loads of variety, Im sure you'll find somewhere you fit in. Good Luck!

Dilligaf

Bad & sad am afraid laddie, dont make such a huge mistake at your young age.

melfan

I am a British citizen living in the US .. so .. I would say Pro's are ..
1) you will get an excellent education, (2) you are close to Europe and I would recomend you travel (3) If you find a job there you will get a lot of benefits (to start about 3 weeks off a year immediately (4) people are friendly 5) the Brits love to party! 6) we make the best chocolate in the world! 7) if you get a degree from England it will look very impressive on your resume 7) English cooking - it will make you fat though I warn you. 8) You haven't got to worry about guns .. nobody carries them or can own them its illegal 9) if you get sick you won't have to worry about doctor bills 10) Shopping in London its amazing!
Cons - 1) Weather can be awful and depressing 2) the wages are terrible if you start out in an entry level position 3)government have way too much stupid regulations 4) buying a house or renting is EXPENSIVE and you don't get what you pay for 5) paying for a tv license! 6) traffic in London is awful (but use the Tube it is easy) 7) if you get fired from a job its hard to find another one unless you know someone who know someone!
I miss home more than I can tell you but I have a husband and a family here. But you know I love the US because it has a little bit for everyone and here life is what you make it. But if you go to school in England it will be a wonderful experience where you can learn and build a good foundation for your life. I miss home because I miss my mum and dad and brother and sisters but England won't change 10+ years from now it will still look the same. But its what make me who I am today and I am proud to say that is where I am from. Good luck to you and enjoy your time there but LEARN from it.

Stevie

Britain is the best place to grow up in - but to live in Soho - make sure you have lots of money cos its damn expensive there. Plus its a very sluttish area

David F

don't go it full of nasty people and it is dangerous at your age and you would get a better teaching in the us hope this helps travel when you are older

Jon

Soho is not seedy, but not the place to live if you are planning college. What do you plan to study? Find a college and live near there.

England is a great place to live. You will broaden your horizons immeasurably by living in the UK for a while, especially if you are open minded.

arfurchance

Hi
No, absolutely not, don't bother, There's nothing here for us, one day this island will sink it's already dropped below sea level,hence all the flooding, see you soon then.
Ray. West York's. U.K.
p.s. Why does every body and his dog want to come here?

Animemadness

Well if you want to you might as well you can always move back and the education here is pretty top standard. Well theres not much to say really london is a bit rough and very mixed in the ethnic area VERY expensive i'd go a bit more rural you could try essex thats about on the side of london lots of night life. If you want to see all the little tradtional villages and castles come this way to Lincoln up here we have very good schools prob not the vast amount of people you are use to though. Could go up North even more like York or Hull they have good night life york is a lovly place to go. In England you will have to go into highschool at year 8 which is the 2nd year of high school you sit all your exams at 16 (you can leave school at 16)so think about this strongly are you ready to choose your subjects and sit your exams in 2 years? if not then don't move. Being home sick is no fun either you will have to study hard to get to a decent standard cos our exams are diffrent than yours there is alot of pressure on the young ones you won't beable to drive untill your 17 you wil be able to drink at 18 and go out to night clubs . In america you get to be a teen for alot longer cos ur education takes more time you will prob be able to get some kind of grant from the gov to go to 'collage' which we call univeristy. But you get to be independent here much earlier so if you are having problems getting along with your family maybe you would want to move.

oohbetty

Do not move to Soho! You're too young to explain but not for young girls or children and London is very very expensive. You're looking about Â£250,000 minimum for a flat and besides you're still a child and should stay with your parents until you are old enough to make the right choices. I live in a nice area in Surrey (south east of england) and it is the safest place in the south apparently. I'm sure the education is better in the US though! Stay where you are until you are older. Anyway this country is going downhill with crime, immigration, overpopulation and floods so stay away if you can! Can we swap - I'd love to move to the US?!

sorry sugga im not British but GOD Bless America!! But it is good to try new things and see whats out there just remeber this which im sure your mother said2 u2 you can always come home

Supernatural Superwoman :)

no don't foot and mouth is spreadin

steve m

I wouldnt . you are to young to live in somewhere like soho its a seedy place . stay in the US

Stephen M

what is it that appeals to you about moving half way across the world? This is a fantastic country and definately well worth a visit, but when do you plan to do it?, i wouldn't recommend moving to a strange country at such a young age.

Sir.Ezz

ello ello, England is a great country to live in. and the people here are nice and caring. in major cities and towns like London and Manchester then there are lots of tourists and people from different parts of the world. it may take some time to get used to the differences such as "mail boxes" and post boxes but eventually you'll get the hang of it. but u must like tea and biscuits to live here ! :) Gd luck.

Maryann

Hey!

Well if your thinking of coming to England then London is a great place to go! Its got such an Addictive Atmosphere!
Wicked People, so exciting......Good places to go out....Good places to study etc etc..........

We'd be happy to have you in Good Old England.......Do you like Tea, if so you'll fit right in xx

PS..... If you do move here, London is cool but don't move to the Soho part..........Its not very nice!

Wow...there are alot of thumbs down on this page, are there alot of people on here that live in Soho by any chance, Ahhaha! Shame..

(edit)

Yeah Surrey is Gorgeous......expensive again, but if money isn't a problem then Surrey would be an lovely place to Live!

All the best! x

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