Moving from NC to Norwich, England

Hello all!!

I'm Leah from North Carolina and I'm 21 years old. I have been stalking the boards since January, so for about 6 months now! I studied abroad at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, Norfolk from Sept - Dec 2010. While I was there I unexpectedly fell COMPELTELY in love  with a polite English boy from Exeter in Devon. He is finishing up his final year of law at UEA this year, so I decided to join him, but on a Master's course that lasts Sept 2011 - Sept 2012.

The university offered me two scholarships , I've sorted my student loans from the US federal government, I've started my visa process, and I have an unconditional offer. I'm so excited to be moving back to England to be with him and the friends that I have already made. My boyfriend and I hope to live together afterward, how that will happen we have no idea, but we are going to make it work! He is extremely intelligent and he has parents who care for and support both of us, so I have no worries 

I am a very friendly and happy person and I hope to get to know some of you and maybe even meet up in the future! Thanks in advance for your warm welcome although I already feel at home 

Cheers!
Leah 

Hello and welcome, Leah.

My favorite place in all the world in my family's hunting cabin on Grandfather Mountain (though I haven't been there in years, now). But my second favorite is here, so that's okay.

I went hiking up in Grandfather Mountain area once. It's so beautiful! My sister will be attending university up in that area as well. She's excited about all of the snow lol.

Lots of snow, but it melts fast. The mountain is something like one inch of annual rainfall shy of being a rainforest, technically. Magical place.

If you're coming in as a student, you're sorted for now. But keep an eye on the visa boards -- they're changing the rules all the time, generally making them stricter (and more expensive). It's the "after that" part that could potentially be tricky.

Maybe somebody who has gone from student to partner will come along and give you some tips.

Hello Leah, welcome to the boards! That's awesome news about you going back and getting your Masters and being with the man you love. WIN WIN Hope to see you around.

Thanks for the Welcome Little Miss! Where in the UK is your boy from?

Thanks for the Welcome Little Miss! Where in the UK is your boy from?

He's from Arnold, Nottingham I'll be moving there in about 8 months or so! We'll stay there until he finds work closer to London

Just wanted to ask where in NC you are from? And hope your visa comes back quick!

I'm from NJ, but went to uni at UNCG, and spent about 5 years living in that area (worked in Winston-Salem and Burlington for a short time). Sometimes I miss it!! My parents also live in Morehead City (Crystal Coast area) now.

I'm also in basically the same position as you--
-studied abroad in 2007,
-fell in love with the boy living next door,
-returned to the US,
-did long distance for a little over 3 years,
-moved here on a student visa for a 1 year masters, while he finished up his final year at the other local uni (he had switched courses and had a placement, in case someone tells me my math(s) is/are wrong)

Wishing you the best!

Congrats and good luck with your visa. I feel in love with my boy while visiting London for fun with one of my friends. Aren't they so charming I am hoping to move to England on a potential student visa as soon as I can next year if its approved, so I envy you!

Just wanted to ask where in NC you are from? And hope your visa comes back quick!

I'm from NJ, but went to uni at UNCG, and spent about 5 years living in that area (worked in Winston-Salem and Burlington for a short time). Sometimes I miss it!! My parents also live in Morehead City (Crystal Coast area) now.

Wishing you the best!

Thanks for the welcome Pickled! I'm from Wilmington on the coast. I went to UNC-CH. It's so funny that we have almost identical stories and we are from places that are relatively close! I, too, hope that the visa returns quickly. Has everything been going well in the UK? Best wishes for your future with your guy as well!

Congrats and good luck with your visa. I feel in love with my boy while visiting London for fun with one of my friends. Aren't they so charming I am hoping to move to England on a potential student visa as soon as I can next year if its approved, so I envy you!

Thanks for the welcome Jenny! Yes, they are extremely charming. Even after 9 months the accent hasn't lost its charm haha. My parents love him! I hope my visa works out too, as well as your future one!! Best wishes for the future with your guy

Just wanted to add my congratulations to you! I am a bit confused as to if you're moving to Devon, Exeter or Norwich. My mum is from Norwich and my uncle and cousins are still there (that's one area I am actually familiar with). It sounds very exciting and wishing you best of luck! 

Welcome to UKY! 

Just wanted to add my congratulations to you! I am a bit confused as to if you're moving to Devon, Exeter or Norwich. My mum is from Norwich and my uncle and cousins are still there (that's one area I am actually familiar with). It sounds very exciting and wishing you best of luck! 

Thanks Greeyes! I am moving to Norwich My boyfriend lives in Devon with his parents when he isn't at uni. But yeah, we both will be attending the University of East Anglia  Norwich is so lovely and cute! And it's such an awesome medieval town and it's so easy to use the transportation. I love it. Maybe I'll see you around lol

Welcome to UKY! 

Thanks for the welcome Jess!

How are you settling in? Do you love where you live now? Have you done anything fun lately?

LittleMiss, unfortunately I'm still here in the states I am waiting for my student visa right now. But I plan to leave Sept 20th for Norwich! I have actually already lived there for study abroad last fall semester (which is where I met the boyfriend). I love Norwich! It's a super cool medieval, cathedral town. Easy transport, good nightlife, lively (and largest!) medieval marketplace, great shopping malls, and gorgeous river. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! And I can't wait to go back Also, the university is gorgeous, laid back, and loads of fun.

Cross your fingers for me on the visa!