UK-Era: I'm moving from the US to the UK in September, could use some advice

[horsebite]

So my wife and I are moving from the US to Leeds at the end of August/first week of September so she can attend the University there and begin a PhD program. We've traveled a lot to Europe and have been to the UK a few times, so we're not totally going in blind, but hopefully, I can get some tips from residents. The entire Brexit mess has been depressing to follow, and unfortunately for us, in terms of timing, it's been delayed...again... and most likely won't be figured out until after we are there. We were hoping the entire thing would have been sorted, one way or another (but hopefully, remain), back when we were in the UK at the end of March. If Brexit does occur, I don't think that will cause any issues with us being there, but it could certainly cause any number of issues for the country at large, so that's an unknown factor. We know all of the requirements, have applied for our visas, etc. So I think we're all set in that aspect.

In terms of working, I will be working remotely for my US-based employer for the short-term after we move. I expect that my job will evaporate a few months after I'm there, as they aren't a huge fan of the fact I'm leaving (I'm a top-level administrator in a privately-owned company). One of my big questions is how difficult is it to find a decent position as an American in the UK? My wife will be on a student visa, and I will be on as her dependent, but ideally, I would be able to get a work sponsored visa before September 2020. If Brexit actually happens, I'm not sure what kind of impact it will have on non-UK citizens being able to get a job.

In terms of finding a place to live, we're not sure how to go about it until we get over there. We'd be looking for an apartment or small house to rent in/around Leeds (ideally, within a 20-minute walk or train to Leeds-Beckett). So I could use any advice in terms of the best way to look for a place to live (that ideally will allow one cat who will also be making the trip), where are good areas to live, areas to avoid, etc., and would appreciate any other advice you may have for me!

 

[weekev]

I dont think being an American will impact on you getting a position in a company. Depends how competent you are and what qualifications you have. Ive never been to Leeds but my understanding is that crime rates can be quite high in comparison to other areas of the UK so def scope it out before you settle on an apartment. Good luck with your move, hope all goes well.

 

[Ploppee]

Make sure to say "sorry" for everything.

Someone holds a door open for you? That's a sorry.
Someone gets in your way? That's a sorry.
Someone gets your name wrong? That's a sorry.

 

[Rassilon]

In terms of finding a place to live, we're not sure how to go about it until we get over there. We'd be looking for an apartment or small house to rent in/around Leeds (ideally, within a 20-minute walk or train to Leeds-Beckett).

Click to shrink...

Leeds resident here - good choice!

Rent prices can be very good if you're happy to go slightly outside the centre.

Check reviews of landlords / agents before making a decision

Meanwood / Kirkstall/ Chapel Allerton seem popular with young couples etc. Chapel Al is probably more upmarket.

Driving in Leeds city centre is hell due to the non-euclidean road system, but the busses are fine thanks to bus lanes.

Plenty of great independent shops, supermarkets and a lovely couple of 100 year old cinemas to keep you entertained.

Checking indeed for jobs in Leeds is quite productive.

The surrounding area is pretty grand, not too far to see countryside and old historical things.

 

[horsebite]

Make sure to say "sorry" for everything.

Someone holds a door open for you? That's a sorry.
Someone gets in your way? That's a sorry.
Someone gets your name wrong? That's a sorry.

Click to shrink...

Good thing I am already an expert in this behavior.

 

[Dan Thunder]

I'm originally from Huddersfield and it used to be the more the N/NE areas of Leeds that were the better options, might be different now though.

The good thing is that there are a lot of road and rail routes into the city so you can look a bit further outside of the city then you'd think if you're willing to use public transport. You'll get a much better rental deal than the centre and still have easy access to the city.

In terms of employment I think the city's really turned around over the past decade. Unemployment isn't as bad as it used to be and now hovers around the national average. Without knowing your specific role it's hard to say what positions you might be able to fill. I would say though that any kind of admininstrative roles from the ground up are usually highly sought after. I suppose the big advantage is its location, it's easy to commute to a lot of other places from Leeds so you don't have to restrict job hunting to that particular city.

 

[Blue Sky Noise]

Headingley!

 

[Excuse me]

Remember, an elevator is called a "lift", a mile is called a "kilometer" and botulism is called "steak and kidney pie".

 

[horsebite]

Check reviews of landlords / agents before making a decision

Click to shrink...

Is there a website for this, or can I go about finding that info a different way? Also, any particular websites for looking at places that are available to let?

Driving in Leeds city centre is hell due to the non-euclidean road system, but the busses are fine thanks to bus lanes.

Click to shrink...

I found that out driving there in March! It was a little stressful, but nothing is bad after driving in Paris. But we won't be planning on getting a vehicle unless we end up being able to stay long-term, so public transport will be our primary method of transportation.

 

[Crispy75]

For accomodation, zoopla and rightmove are the two biggest rentals aggregators.
You can filter things down by price, size, short/long let etc. and view on a map. For example, short lets within a mile of Beckett:

https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/ma...t_listings&search_source=facets&view_type=map

Beckett is a 15m walk from the station, so factor that in if you plan to commute by train, and also look into how regular they run. People recommending Headingley for example, get a train every 10-15m in the morning which isn't too bad, but the local station is quite some way from the centre of the neighbourhood of the same name.

 

[Star Falcon]

Zoopla and Rightmove are some of the main websites for finding property to Rent/Buy.

Edit: Beaten!

 

[Dan Thunder]

Is there a website for this, or can I go about finding that info a different way? Also, any particular websites for looking at places that are available to let?

Click to shrink...

Zoopla and Right Move pretty much cover anything you could want.

EDIT: Beaten! Twice!

 

[DryCreek]

.

 

[Deleted member 44129]

You have to learn a new language when talking about food. Cilantro, skillet, arugula, oREGGano, eggplant, lox. Not real words.

OK, & if someone says they are going to "smoke a fag", don't worry, nobody is going to kill a a gay person.

 

[horsebite]

For accomodation, zoopla and rightmove are the two biggest rentals aggregators.

Click to shrink...

Zoopla and Rightmove are some of the main websites for finding property to Rent/Buy.

Edit: Beaten!

Click to shrink...

Zoopla and Right Move pretty much cover anything you could want.

Click to shrink...

Great! Thank you!

 

[StallionDan]

Remember, an elevator is called a "lift", a mile is called a "kilometer" and botulism is called "steak and kidney pie".

Click to shrink...

We use miles in the UK.

 

[Deleted member 888]

Vote Tory get Tory and don't support Liverpool.

Good advice.

 

[aisback]

This might have you with some differences.

Just be polite and mindful really.

I'm in Sheffield so that's about an hour or so away and most of us are pretty friendly so don't be afraid to ask

 

[horsebite]

Pay wise, expect to earn less than if you were in the US (assuming you were in a major city on the east or west coast here) the UK wages haven't recovered and/or weren't adjusted with the drop in value of GBP after the financial crash. expect <$40,000 for even a fairly senior position.

Zoopla have a travel time property search that is pretty good

https://www.zoopla.co.uk/travel-time/

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I was expecting compensation to be less, which is fine. I'm in the $50k USD range currently. The average income in the UK is much lower than the US of course (~$37k-ish I believe), so I am assuming it will balance itself out in other ways.

 

[weekev]

Yeah, I was expecting compensation to be less, which is fine. I'm in the $50k USD range currently. The average income in the UK is much lower than the US of course (~$37k-ish I believe), so I am assuming it will balance itself out in other ways.

Click to shrink...

Average pay for those in work is equivalent to $45k per year, but average is very different from mean. £30k is a decent wage, especially in Leeds where i daresay the cost of living is better than a lot of other places. (tends to be cheaper the further noth you go and i say this from the heady heights of Scotland)

Should also add, if you get citizenship remember medical bills arent a thing that exists in the UK (yet, although BJ and his followers would love to change that) so its definitely got its upsides despite all the Brexit doom and gloom.

 

[donkey]

Once you get your visa, it shouldn't be too hard to get a job here assuming qualifications. Brexit shouldn't affect that as well. My friend's partner is from the states and hasn't had any major issues finding solid jobs. As a US-UK expat as well living and working in Sheffield, all the stuff people have mentioned above are on point as I've used things like Rightmove and whatnot to get myself accommodation.

Living in Yorkshire, you'll be close to the beautiful Peak District among other things to check out. Feel free to lemme know if you have any other questions for sure. ^^

Also...

 

[Lee Morris]

I lived in leeds up till 3 years ago and miss it dearly. My girlfriends still works and train it in a couple of times a week. Leeds really is amazing and hasn't stopped growing for the last 10 years.

I personally found a lot of people move to Leeds to go to uni and end up staying, so there is a healthy mix of backgrounds in the city.

I would hope your spared any bullshit being American, rather than coming in from Europe but as you said, no one really knows.

Due to the uni and probably because it's the largest city in the county Ledds is really progressive, so a lot of the bigotry you've seen around Brexit is a lot less prevelant there.

It is a bit further out than you said but there is cheap set of apartments called City Island, than is outside of the city centre for council tax reason, so is a fair bit cheaper but it only takes 5-10 minutes to walk to the city centre. Maybe 30 - 40 walk from the uni.

As for work, I can't imagine you'll have much trouble getting a job. There is wide range of companies in leeds and it is the largest financial city outside of London, so there are lots of jobs in that sector. If all else fails Leeds is only a 30 minute train ride away from Manchester. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

One final bit of advice, you HAVE TO go to a place called Bundobust near the train station. Its have the best beer and food in the city.

If you have any specific questions hit me up on here or give us a pm.

 

[It’s Time To Go]

Remember, an elevator is called a "lift", a mile is called a "kilometer" and botulism is called "steak and kidney pie".

Click to shrink...

I get me brain medicines from the national health!

 

[Tygre]

Congratulations on moving to Yorkshire, God's own County.

Commiserations on moving to Leeds, the worst bit of Yorkshire.

While Brexit shouldn't cause you any direct issues, depending how it goes it could absolutely tank the economy. I wouldn't view anything with too much permanence until it's sorted out and would certainly be looking to build up a tidy nest egg if at all possible.


Other's have filled in the accommodation and recruitment stuff, but really everything is pretty much a Google away these days. Make sure to check out some of the more local and specialised recruiters if you're after something higher end though.

 

[horsebite]

Average pay for those in work is equivalent to $45k per year, but average is very different from mean. £30k is a decent wage, especially in Leeds where i daresay the cost of living is better than a lot of other places. (tends to be cheaper the further noth you go and i say this from the heady heights of Scotland)

Click to shrink...

That's good to know. Thanks! I had read Leeds was a bit better in terms of cost of living than other areas, which worked out nicely as an added bonus when she decided on Leeds to pursue her doctorate. :)

Once you get your visa, it shouldn't be too hard to get a job here assuming qualifications. Brexit shouldn't affect that as well. My friend's partner is from the states and hasn't had any major issues finding solid jobs....

Click to shrink...

Thanks for the info. I hope I can find something relatively quickly, especially if my current employer decides to pull the rug out from under me.

I lived in leeds up till 3 years ago and miss it dearly. My girlfriends still works and train it in a couple of times a week. Leeds really is amazing and hasn't stopped growing for the last 10 years....

Click to shrink...

Thank you very much! We almost went to Bundobust when we were there in March, but ended up heading somewhere else! I've heard a lot of people talk about the place, so I'll definitely make sure to pay it a visit!

Congratulations on moving to Yorkshire, God's own County.

Commiserations on moving to Leeds, the worst bit of Yorkshire.

While Brexit shouldn't cause you any direct issues, depending how it goes it could absolutely tank the economy. I wouldn't view anything with too much permanence until it's sorted out and would certainly be looking to build up a tidy nest egg if at all possible.


Other's have filled in the accommodation and recruitment stuff, but really everything is pretty much a Google away these days. Make sure to check out some of the more local and specialised recruiters if you're after something higher end though.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I've been following the whole thing since earlier this year and I'm not sure what the fallout will be if it happens. Can't imagine how uneasy people living there are feeling.

 

[butzopower]

For a work visa, you have to find a company that will sponsor you. I think it's much easier to do when you are outside the UK, especially if your visa changes, since you might actually have to be outside the UK during the period they review your visa.

I'm in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, working in an American company that has a number of international offices including one in London.

You may want to be careful/quiet if you are doing remote work in the UK, as it's potentially considered real work and you could get into some tax issues if someone found out (unlikely).

 

[butzopower]

Once you get your visa, it shouldn't be too hard to get a job here assuming qualifications. Brexit shouldn't affect that as well. My friend's partner is from the states and hasn't had any major issues finding solid jobs. As a US-UK expat as well living and working in Sheffield, all the stuff people have mentioned above are on point as I've used things like Rightmove and whatnot to get myself accommodation.

Living in Yorkshire, you'll be close to the beautiful Peak District among other things to check out. Feel free to lemme know if you have any other questions for sure. ^^

Also...

Click to shrink...

Is your friend a Brit? If they are, and married to their partner, then I don't think their partner needs a visa to work, which is why they'd have no trouble. The challenge for OP is that neither are Brits and neither have a visa that allows working (I don't think at least a student visa qualifies a partner to work).

 

[horsebite]

For a work visa, you have to find a company that will sponsor you. I think it's much easier to do when you are outside the UK, especially if your visa changes, since you might actually have to be outside the UK during the period they review your visa.

I'm in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, working in an American company that has a number of international offices including one in London.

You may want to be careful/quiet if you are doing remote work in the UK, as it's potentially considered real work and you could get into some tax issues if someone found out (unlikely).

Click to shrink...

Oh, really? We were under the impression that if your spouse is granted at least a 12-month visa, their dependent will have no restrictions to work while they are there. We'll have to double check on that. Thanks!

 

[Rotkehle]

Welcome to the EU Europe! Use the time to visit Europe.

 

[butzopower]

Oh, really? We were under the impression that if your spouse is granted a 12-month visa, their dependent will have no restrictions to work while they are there. We'll have to double check on that. Thanks!

Click to shrink...

Definitely check the conditions of the type of visa, I don't think all visas allow you to work. My wife can work on my visa, but it's because I have a work visa that allows spouses to work. We lived in Ireland for a year on a different type of work visa, and she was not able to work (and was very bored after a few months).

 

[horsebite]

Definitely check the conditions of the type of visa, I don't think all visas allow you to work. My wife can work on my visa, but it's because I have a work visa that allows spouses to work. We lived in Ireland for a year on a different type of work visa, and she was not able to work (and was very bored after a few months).

Click to shrink...

I'll definitely look into it. I don't recall the tier of visa she is going to have off the top of my head. If I can't work, that's going to cause....major problems. :)

EDIT: Okay, so it's a Tier-4 student visa, so (if I'm reading the information correctly) it looks like I am allowed to work, as long as I'm not a sports coach, doctor, or dentist.

 

[butzopower]

I'll definitely look into it. I don't recall the tier of visa she is going to have off the top of my head. If I can't work, that's going to cause....major problems. :)

EDIT: Okay, so it's a Tier-4 student visa, so (if I'm reading the information correctly) it looks like I am allowed to work, as long as I'm not a sports coach, doctor, or dentist.

Click to shrink...

Ya, looks good. gov.uk is surprisingly good for a government website that is actually informative:

https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/family-members

 

[donkey]

Is your friend a Brit? If they are, and married to their partner, then I don't think their partner needs a visa to work, which is why they'd have no trouble. The challenge for OP is that neither are Brits and neither have a visa that allows working (I don't think at least a student visa qualifies a partner to work).

Click to shrink...

Good point. Friend isn't a Brit but has a visa that allows their partner to work.

EDIT: Nice one! Good to hear you're good to go on the visa front then.

 

[Sheepinator]

I don't think Brexit will affect you the way you think. It may directly affect the flow of people and goods between UK and the EU, none of which directly affects you. Maybe it'll indirectly affect you, such as having fewer European applicants may help your job search, offset by the potential of fewer jobs due to slower economy. Maybe. Who knows. It doesn't seem like anything to be concerned about though. You'll still go to the same lines in the customs in European countries as you would have before.

Leeds is surely cheaper cost of living than places like London, but I assume you'll still be surprised by the size of places you can rent and what they might cost, relative to the US. Things like fridges and kitchens in general are often much smaller too. You may come across combined washer/dryers too, which for whatever reason don't seem to be popular in the US, and I've never understood why not. You won't need A/C, and don't expect to find it. Embrace public transport.

 

[Shodan14]

Make sure to say "sorry" for everything.

Someone holds a door open for you? That's a sorry.
Someone gets in your way? That's a sorry.
Someone gets your name wrong? That's a sorry.

Click to shrink...

No "pardon me"?

 

[butzopower]

You may also want to talk with a tax advisor, as I'm not totally sure how taxes will work, if you have to pay into NI at all, or what. You want to be careful about being double taxed and only getting like 30% of your income. Then there's whether you owe state tax or not, or if you have to prove you had insurance in the states when you weren't even there, etc.

 

[Dache]

Eeey, Leeds. Don't listen to anyone decrying the place, it's great here. There's already a lot of really good info in this thread that I won't bother repeating, but the city has grown enormously in the past 7/8 years and gets better all the time. If you like coffee, we have one of the best craft coffee scenes outside of London in a very concentrated area.

Did your wife post on the Leeds subreddit, btw? I only ask because your post sounds eerily similar to someone else's post on there that was posted around the same time today, asking about bringing a dog rather than a cat and coming from Canada rather than the US, which I replied to with some very generic info about bringing pets into the country in case they were unaware, because it's not an easy process and it'd be fucking awful to lose your pet to it. Here are those links:

https://www.gov.uk/bring-your-pet-to-uk
https://www.petrelocation.com/blog/post/bringing-dogs-and-cats-to-the-uk-a-simple-guide

Here's a general info site for renting with pets, because the rental market here is very pet-unfriendly at the best of times: http://www.letswithpets.org.uk/find-a-pet-friendly-property/find-a-pet-friendly-property

 

[plagiarize]

Go to KFC and buy a zinger tower burger. Also, drink vimto. Then I can live vicariously through you.

 

[Dougald]

The proper response to 'hey you alright' is 'yeah you?' or 'I'm good', it's not a real question.

Under absolutely no circumstances do not give a 25 minute rundown of your daily life in return as an American colleague once did to me

 

[Red Liquorice]

You won't need A/C...

Click to shrink...

Debatable.

...and don't expect to find it.

Click to shrink...

Not debatable. :(

 

[Triggerhappytel]

I don't know Leeds personally but I don't think you will face any stigma as an American. Most of the racist dipshits who voted Leave are probably more bothered about Muslims and Eastern Europeans in that order, I would guess. (Unless you're an American Muslim!).

A lot of time here is 24 hour clock, but we still use AM/PM as well. We buy milk and beer in pints but most other stuff in litres. Our thermometers show Celsuis and Fahrenheit but I've never known anyone here to use the latter. We have a weird mix or half metric, half imperial measurements.

Fanny packs are called Bum Bags here. Fanny is a slang term for a lady's privates. Maybe just don't mention this thing at all. I don't even really know why I'm mentioning it, although it's one of the first UK/US differences that came to mind.

Make sure to say "sorry" for everything.

Someone holds a door open for you? That's a sorry.
Someone gets in your way? That's a sorry.
Someone gets your name wrong? That's a sorry.

Click to shrink...

Someone hands you change in a shop? Best get in there with a sorry, just to be sure.

 

[Prine]

Get ready to taste the finest curries, your in for a treat .

 

[Stronginthearm]

Will your phones work in the UK?

 

[horsebite]

You may also want to talk with a tax advisor, as I'm not totally sure how taxes will work, if you have to pay into NI at all, or what. You want to be careful about being double taxed and only getting like 30% of your income. Then there's whether you owe state tax or not, or if you have to prove you had insurance in the states when you weren't even there, etc.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I think we have the tax situation figured out to avoid the double tax. We both do have to pay into the NHS for the duration of the initial visa, it's something like £475 for the 12 -month period, I believe and that will exempt us from the US penalty for not holding insurance. It's definitely a bit complicated. Can't wait until all this is over and we just go back to normal life in a new place. :)

 

[horsebite]

Eeey, Leeds. Don't listen to anyone decrying the place, it's great here. There's already a lot of really good info in this thread that I won't bother repeating, but the city has grown enormously in the past 7/8 years and gets better all the time. If you like coffee, we have one of the best craft coffee scenes outside of London in a very concentrated area.

Did your wife post on the Leeds subreddit, btw? I only ask because your post sounds eerily similar to someone else's post on there that was posted around the same time today, asking about bringing a dog rather than a cat and coming from Canada rather than the US, which I replied to with some very generic info about bringing pets into the country in case they were unaware, because it's not an easy process and it'd be fucking awful to lose your pet to it. Here are those links:

Click to shrink...

She didn't post on there, but I do follow the sub. We are bringing our cat and have all the required things. She actually goes to the vet in a few days to get the chip and vaccine. Glad you love the city, we loved it when we were there! And I love coffee, so that's great to hear.

Will your phones work in the UK?

Click to shrink...

Yeap, we just have to switch over sim cards as usual when we travel to Europe. Hasn't been an issue yet, at least.

The proper response to 'hey you alright' is 'yeah you?' or 'I'm good', it's not a real question.

Under absolutely no circumstances do not give a 25 minute rundown of your daily life in return as an American colleague once did to me

Click to shrink...

Thank you. This is vital info so I don't look like an ass. I had seen this posted multiple times in an AskReddit thread the other day, as well.

 

[Dougald]

Thank you. This is vital info so I don't look like an ass. I had seen this posted multiple times in an AskReddit thread the other day, as well.

Click to shrink...

The other thing that's always been remarked to me by Americans is if you visit someone you'll get offered tea or coffee a lot. But in this case it really is a genuine question and you're not going to offend anyone by saying either yes or no. We just really love our hot drinks.

 

[Mavis]

Headingley!

Click to shrink...

Yeah Headingly is where the posher students go, got some good pubs, good food, near Hyde Park which is a shithole area but the park is ok (Trivia Henry Rollins lived in the Hyde park area in the 80's), easily walkable to the various campus' and to the center.
Leeds is pretty good, lived there for a few years in the 90's so my information is in no way current. there used to be a lot of very dodgy landlords who would go bankrupt every year so they didn't have to pay the bonds back to the students, they'd then just open up again under a new name, dunno if this is still a problem. It used to have a brilliant clubbing/Rave scene, the Uni bars are dirt cheap and lots of bands play the various venues, you'll love it!

 

[DryCreek]

.

 

[RestEerie]

Make sure to say "sorry" for everything.

Someone holds a door open for you? That's a sorry.
Someone gets in your way? That's a sorry.
Someone gets your name wrong? That's a sorry.

Click to shrink...

oi! Sorry.........Mate!

 

[Tangyn]

Just be aware finding a place to rent that allows pets significantly reduces the choice you will have! Landlords here hateeee pets.

Openrent is a good place to check for flats / houses as there won't be any scummy estate agent fees... god I hate estate agents.

Gumtree (British craigslist) was also alright a few years back but honestly no idea of the state of that site now as it's been years since I moved.