Avatar_default
Reputation: 66

What would you tell me if I was considering living in the UK for a year?

about living in the UK...looking for feedback from those who've done it, if available. Pretty much the perfect setup-job transfer to open a London office.

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…

4 Answers

  • Skull_pumpkin_small
    Reputation: 1610

    To go, and don't look back. What a fabulous opportunity.

    That, and bring good walking shoes.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Tomato_small
    Reputation: 1045

    When you go to a pub with a group, each of you takes a turn in buying a round. It can take a long time before you're considered a "regular" at your local, but you can always go with a group of regulars and be welcome.

    Clothing stores don't have sales as often as they do in the States - usually once a season, they blow everything out.

    It used to be that whatever denomination of coin used at the Laundromat was the same size as a nickel - that was in the 80s.

    Have fun - sounds like a great adventure.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Botero100_small
    Reputation: 395

    Don't underestimate the differences in the cultures. The fact that we all speak English leads a lot of people to expect a lot of other things to be the same. Don't assume, be open to the differences, and roll with them.

    Oh--and don't tip the bartenders.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Bauhaus_small
    Reputation: 650

    London is one of my favorite places on Earth. I love almost everything about it. I'd move there in a heartbeat. And since your employment situation over there is taken care of (that would be the biggest hurdle to moving there), you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity.

    Be ready for the prices there. Not a cheap place to live! An ordinary, run-of-the-mill pizza can be $40-60 US, for instance. And living quarters in fun parts of town are very steep price-wise/rent-wise. The good news is the USD/GBP exchange rate is not bad right now. And with Eurostar, a weekend in Paris is quite doable every now and then.

    I know that America isn't a classless society, but it is nothing in comparison to the class consciousness in the UK. There are certain places you can't go looking a certain way. Try walking through the lobby of the Ritz in London, for instance, in a running suit. They will throw your ass out! Not a great amount - but certainly a discernible amount - of upper class snobbery there. And you'll run into it sometimes if you look too casual. That takes some getting used to if you're an American.

    A year in the UK will give you an opportunity to explore the whole country, too, which is wonderful and amazing. Best wishes and have a great time, Randi.

    Share this answer with a friend: