Newb chat board

I wish there was a Newbie Chat Board where folks still in the States wanting to embark on the UK journey could chit chat and commiserate about our worries, dreams, visa frustrations, etc.  The board would not be used for any firm, legal advice...just community.

The Visa & Citizenship forum is rather businesslike & legal (as it should be because there are serious consequences to bad advice).
Chit Chat forum seems to be more for folks already in the UK (although they are very friendly but I worry that I am wasting their time).

I want to be able to post things like without a topic lock & move:

"I can't believe how far away my Biometrics place is from my house?"
"When did you first start seriously considering the UK?"
"How long are you staying in the US after your visa is approved?"
"What do you need to wrap up before you go?"

This is the stage I am at in the process and these are the things I would like to commiserate on.  However, I don't post them because if the topic gets moved to another board, it will seem out of place.

However, I want to say that I am not complaining.  Everyone has been absolutely fabulous and I will be several months working off the debt I owe to this community. 

I'm not sure if anyone has used it in yonks, or if it's presently working (Leah or anyone?) but there is (or used to be) a chat facility on UK Yankee.  If it's operational, there's nothing to prevent you or anyone from starting up your own chat on whatever/whenever you'd want to do it.

I personally think those sorts of posts are all over the place here - I don't think they need a new board at all!!

Oh I misread, I think - lol!  I thought he wanted a 'real time' chatroom sort of thing, which I think the forum already offers.

Oh I misread, I think - lol!  I thought he wanted a 'real time' chatroom sort of thing, which I think the forum already offers.

I think he's just confusing 'chat' with 'board.' 

I personally think those sorts of posts are all over the place here - I don't think they need a new board at all!!

I agree. There are plenty of threads for newbies ... and there's absolutely nothing to stop the OP from starting one titled, "When did you first start seriously considering the UK?".

Go for it!

Heh. Wade right in and start your topics, Pushkin. I bet you'll find there are lots and lots of noobs about. Newbies are naturally a quiet species; they're in listen-and-learn mode. They might appreciate an opening to come forward and discuss newbie things.

I joined UK-Y in March of '06 and didn't manage to get over here for good until November of '08; even old hands may not have made the move yet.

Thanks Stoatula! I'll pull out my noob whistle and call them out. 

I can understand why you asked and am considering creating a Visa Chat board to avoid situations like this. (http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=51282.0)

I can understand why you asked and am considering creating a Visa Chat board to avoid situations like this. (http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=51282.0)

I think this is a great idea Leah!  Like a visa support board where people can talk each other through this.  I know a few years back (can't believe I've been here years) there was a group who buddied up to support each other moving across.  It might clear up the visa board so those looking for advice can go there, and those who are worried about how long the wait is can discuss this on the chat board.  It may also help those searching through advice because I know many of us say yeah, there's loads of threads on here about whatever the topic is, but it can be hard to find with all the various discussions around visas and citizenships and anxieties over them.  Does that make any sense?

I know a few years back (can't believe I've been here years) there was a group who buddied up to support each other moving across. 

If this is the thread you were thinking of, I was part of that!
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=24884.0

It was really fun to be able to chat to people who were moving around the same time I was, and I'd be supportive of a dedicated area within visas or even moving issues for people who are that specific stage to commiserate and vent as appropriate

If this is the thread you were thinking of, I was part of that!
http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=24884.0

It was really fun to be able to chat to people who were moving around the same time I was, and I'd be supportive of a dedicated area within visas or even moving issues for people who are that specific stage to commiserate and vent as appropriate

That's the one!  I think you're right, but I also think that it could be a place for people who are considering moving as well to discuss what the visa process has been like for others, but not necessarily asking for help regarding a situation or documents (unless I'm reading the op's post wrong, which is likely).  I'm thinking like the discussions about what the Solihull peo is like or who is approved to drop off visa applications at certain consulates as well could go on it.  Or am I totally misreading the point of what this board could be?