Hi from Wisconsin! Never been to Europe. New Job. Looking for advice!

Hi there!  I'm in the final stages of getting my visa approved after I accepted an offer for a consulting job in the UK.  I'm scheduled to move within 30 days (eep!)

A little about myself: I grew up in Japan, moved to the US, and I just graduated with my undergraduate in Engineering and Economics.  I also spent 8 years in the US Navy working in the nuclear field before college.  Whilst in Japan, I actually attended a British-run international school, so I'm pretty familiar with the culture; however, I've never been to Europe, much less the UK.

I was just wondering if any of you had any tips for stuff I should take care of before I relocate.  Are there any kind of hard-to-get items or high-VAT items I should stock up on?  I've already hired a tax specialist to navigate through the complexities of overseas income, and I'm planning to use UPAKWESHIP to move a pallet of stuff to my new home.  Speaking of my new home, I'll actually be living with a friend when I move; so, for the short-term, my accommodations are taken care of

Also, anything that you guys/gals can do to calm my nerves about driving on the opposite side of the road would be greatly appreciated!

Also, anything that you guys/gals can do to calm my nerves about driving on the opposite side of the road would be greatly appreciated!

A friend of mine once said, in regards to visiting a nude beach, 'it's weird for the first 10 minutes, and then you don't even notice.'

Driving on the left is pretty much like that.

It's not so much the driving on the other side of the road that's the issue, it's that on most streets people are allowed to park on the road on BOTH sides of the street. It still throws me. haha.

I'm working on getting my license but I went over my 12 months, so I'm not allowed to drive by myself. It's annoying but I understand. They base the 12 months off of the stamp when you enter, btw.