Hi Everyone!

Hi everyone!  I'm new to this site, and I'm really glad I found it; it's given me a lot of great information about moving to the UK.  Of course, I won't be able to do that until I'm out of college, but there's no doubt I'll be moving as soon as I can! 

I just have a few questions about the UK as well.  Are there any recommended places to live?  I've read and learned so much about London, I love it, and it's my dream to move there.  However, growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I don't know how well I'd adjust, as much as I love big cities.

How easy is it to find a job?  I haven't chosen my major yet, though it will probably involve something to do with foreign language, journalism, or some form of writing major.  Again, I know it's a little early to be thinking this far ahead, but this is what I really want to do.

Again, I'm really glad I found this site, in the forums and elsewhere. It's got so much great information on it; you guys are great!   

Hi dreamer!  I'm a college student too... but I decided to finish up my last year or so in Scotland. 

Are there any particular reasons why you want to move to the UK? I'd say if you haven't been here, you definitely should visit to get a taste of what it's like, and visit all different areas, not just London, before you make any major plans. Maybe even do a year abroad?

Personally, I would be terrified to move to a big city like London by myself , especially since it's a foreign country. But it's really up to you and whatever you feel comfortable doing.

Anyway, welcome and best of luck! 

Hi dreamer!  Welcome to UKY.

I'd recommend you do some good research on the Visa's board on this site.  THere's lots of information for how to go about moving over here in your situation.  Basically, there are only two or three ways to do it and getting a visa if you aren't related to someone British can be really difficult.  If you haven't decided on a major yet though, you may want to check into studying something that is short supply here like nursing, etc.  Or you could come over and study here, which is very expensive but is sometimes the best way to get here for a while. 

Getting a job here can be very difficult, and nearly impossible if you don't already have a visa which allows you to work.  Visa rules can be a bit tricky but if you start planning now, it isn't impossible to secure a visa and then look for a job.  (You can't do it the other way around, I'm afraid!)

London is a wonderful city with something to offer everyone.  I've lived here since 2001, and although there are definite advantages, adjusting to life here has been the most difficult thing I've ever done.  Like Honeybee said, if you haven't been here yet, you should try to visit and make sure it is where you want to be.  I spent a month here before moving over and even that wasn't long enough to get a full picture of what life would be like.  And it's obscenly expensive to live here.  Best check that sort of thing out if you can first. 

Do hope you enjoy the forum, though.  There's tons of info here that I'm sure you'll be busy reading!  Look forward to getting to know you better. 

Welcome Dreamer!  I don't know how easy it would be to find a job in the areas you are studying.  Certainly people who are bi-lingual have an advantage in places like London.  People who speak multiple languages are always wanted. 

While you're doing your education though, perhaps you can find a program with your school that would allow you to do foreign exchange for 6 months or a year or we had one young lady recently who came here for 6 weeks over the summer on a work experience program through her university.  Something like these programs could get you over and spending some time here to see if you like it or not, what areas appeal to you, etc.  I couldn't recommend moving over here just cold, without ever having spent any time here.  I think it would be way harder to adjust.

As for areas to live in, there are many many outer lying areas outside of London which might provide a smaller more community based area for you to live, but still close enough to the city that it would be easy to commute. 

Just a few thoughts, really.  Best of luck whatever you decide to do and whatever path you follow!

Hiya and welcome aboard! This is truly a great site and very resourceful!!
I only have one thing to add, although I haven't moved over here as a student or visitor (more like spouse) I do have to say, coming over here blind, having not at least visited before, is a HUGE shock to the system!!
I had never been here before and then moved here after marrying my husband, and I'm still, after a month, in COMPLETE culture shock!! I was NOT prepared for the differences, and I sure didn't bring anything that I KNEW I'd miss, because I naturally assumed I'd be alright getting them here, which isn't the case AT ALL...
so I agree with elle, come for a visit of some sort and length before you take the plunge, you'll definately thank yourself later for it.
Not saying it's bad here at all, it's great, and very beautiful, but definately a change, no matter where you're from or where you're destination is!
Take care, and best of luck!

I moved here from a small town in PA and adjusted just fine.  Go with your heart.  And welcome to the forum. 

Just to add (lol, sorry): elle's right; speaking as a college student myself, I highly recommend doing a year abroad or something along those lines, to give yourself a chance to adjust and get used to things, especially since you're already at college and you have the ideal opportunity to do that. You need to be here for a considerable amount of time before you know if you really truly like it and can handle living here. I'm not sure if you were already planning to do that anyway. 

I can't even imagine how culturally shocked I'd be if I just moved here cold, all by myself, without having had any time to get used to it beforehand. One thing you learn pretty fast is Britain ain't America--- it's actually more different than you can imagine --- and you can't expect that everything will be as easy as it is at home.

Wow, thanks for all the great information you guys have given me; I really appreciate it,  it's helped me out a lot!  It's good to hear the opinions of people who actually live in England, not biased ones I hear a lot from people who have never even been there.  I think I'll study abroad for a year (Junior or Senior) and see more of the country.  I also think I'll do something with the years of French I've accumulated...  Thanks again!

Hi Dreamer! Welcome to UKY!
Melissa

Welcome to UKY Dreamer!