Mississippi to Midlands later this year, I hope

My husband is a British Citizen who has been in the states for over 10 years - originally on a work visa and then I got him a green card when we married 8 years ago.  We have now decided that it is in the best interest of our little family to relocate to the UK this year.  (Our 4 year old son will start school this year.)

I was against the idea of relocating for many years, but I am now pretty excited and have an open mind with a good attitude.  I am looking forward to easier access to clean food (better living conditions for the food I eat, reduced pesticides, etc) and farmer's markets, cheese, etc.  I am also looking forward to easier access to Europe and travel, in general.  (My son is obsessed with trains.)

I know it will take some time for me to adjust to driving in the UK.  (In previous visits, I usually kept my eyes closed while someone else drove.)  I guess it's a good thing I am looking forward to public transportation.

I have a strong support network of friends where I live, so I am concerned about being alone subject to my husband's family without friends.  But I have already started trying to find online forums for like minded mums.

Also, I spent a few years of my childhood in East Anglia, ages 3-7, and I have very happy memories. 

I find the visa process confusing.  But I'll post my questions about that in the appropriate forum.

I look forward to chatting with y'all!

Hello and welcome to UKY!! I look forward to getting to know you more as go through the rollercoaster ride of the big move :-) Don't hesitate to ask away when questions arise, we know it can be overwhelming!

Thank you!  I am very excited to have found this website and forum!

Welcome to the board!

Welcome, welcome!

Welcome! I am from MS too. Tupelo.

LOL i was just so tickled to see another Mississippian on the board

To the person from Tupelo, I have been in Jackson for 5 years, but I am originally from southern Louisiana.  It is nice to connect with others from the south!  Are you presently in the UK?

Welcome! Where in the Midlands are you moving to?  we were in  Birmingham  for 5 years.

No unfortunately not.

I thought I was moving to Scotland but my job collapsed at the last minute. But i am going to keep trying. Hopefully my dream of moving to the UK will happen soon

azroomie, I am not sure where exactly at this point.  Most of the jobs DH has looked at list Midlands or Nottingham.  FIL lives in Leicester, so that is likely where we will start out.  I am hoping for something akin to village life.

Bring grits!!!

Hello, I know how difficult it can be to move to a new country. I was married in 2000 and made the leap to move over here. Although I didn't have too much of a choice as my husband is in the British army.

I don't drive over here. Scared to death of the driving test and my US liscense does not transfer to a UK liscense. Also if you do plan on driving, you will need to show proof of driving a manual car (stick shift) or else your US liscense will be an automantic. Some states transfer while others do not, so you may want to check out the driving website for the UK. I use public transportion which isnt too bad or else I walk. Of course it depends on where you live and if you are close to a city or town. Buses aren't too expensive, however taxi's and trains can be pretty pricey.

In any event, good luck with your move and visa process. And happy to help if you have any other questions.

I'm in the process of leaping to Nottingham as we speak. (from CA...though I've lived allover the US)  I have married my beau and it is time to officially move my life and belongings over. Estimated arrival of mid to late April.

I am happy to let you know what I know about the area. I had the good fortune of spending last summer there, so I got used to life, including driving an automatic - easy once you have a couple hours under your belt.

Anyway, you are not alone!

Hi there!  I've lived in and around Oxford for, like, 20 years.  It's not quite the Midlands but it's not far off! 

I have a little boy who starts school next Spring (he's 4 in June) so I know how important it must feel to get settled and sorted in time for that.

Can't help with the driving thing since I don't drive myself.  I use public transportation for nearly everything - and find it works really well in Oxfordshire anyway.  We only take out the car when we all need to go some distance away.  (I have four children.)  Still, I imagine you'll get used to the "wrong side of the road" quicker than you'd think.

Good luck with it all... and get in touch if you want.

Hello, I was born and brought up in Mississippi.  Now living in Texas.  Spent 5 months in London this past Summer/Fall.  Moving back at the end of this year.  Learned a lot when I was there.  Let me know if you any questions.  I have info on housing, Visas......