Advice about obtaining Tourist Visa

Hi Everyone!
I am planning to come to England as a tourist and live with my boyfriend in mid March next year and will likely stay for about 5 months.  The point of this is of course to live together and see after that time if we are meant for the next step.. marriage.  I understand the process about applying for a Fiance Visa, and fully plan on doing everything the right and legal way.

I've been reading horror stories on these boards about people going to England to do the exact same thing I want and being turned away and sent back to the States by Immigration.  So I'm thinking it might be in my best interest to apply for a tourist visa now, even though I'm not required to.  Just think it might be the best way to go about this to avoid that happening.

Anyway here's a little background about me.  I'm living in NYC and work in Advertising.  I have some savings, plus my family is going to give me money, and next year I will also have the additional tax refund to add to the pile.  All in all when I head to England I should have about $8,000 in savings.  I am planning on leaving my job before I go to England, personally I'm not happy in my profession and plan on pursuing a different career path no matter what happens.

So I guess what I'm looking for is advice, if I'm right to try and apply for a tourist visa now and also just general advice on the application process and what I'll need to make this go as smoothly as possible.

Thanks so much in advance for your responses, this board has already been such a help to me!

Being that you plan on staying for such a long time in combination with the fact you've admitted you plan to possibly eventually marry, it would be wise, in my opinion, to apply for a visit visa in advance like you mentioned.

You want to keep some things in mind, which I'm sure others will point out as well or even hopefully add to...

First of all, since you're leaving your job before entering the UK, you need to show clearly that you plan to return to the US. In most cases, this would be a letter from your employer stating you have a job to return to. Since this will not be the case, you need to find another way, such as a mortgage agreement/property you own and will need to return to or something else tying you to a definite return to the US.

Also, have you been to the UK before, or will this be your first visit? Do make sure you and your boyfriend are both on the same "page" in terms of your long-term plans. If you're questioned on arrival in the UK about your intentions, don't volunteer any information...but if you're asked point-blank if you intent to get married, make sure you make it clear that you know the rules and know that if that does become the plan in the future, you must first return to the US to secure the proper entry clearance.

I can't think of anything more off the top of my head, but like I said, there are many people here who have been in the same boat or are even more familiar with how you should proceed.

Good luck!