What Is It Like to Move to England from the United States

 

What Is It Like to Move to England from the United States? A Candid First-Hand Account

One of the most interesting cultural shifts you can undergo is transitioning from the USA to England. On the face of it, both cultures have a lot of things in common, such as the language they speak and even their legal background, but looks are deceiving. Whether you realize it or not, there are many significant changes ahead – from driving on the left side of the road to getting your healthcare done without paying any co-pays. As someone who moved there personally, I can assure you that the first six months will seem incredibly interesting and challenging at once.

The first shock when coming from America to England is how much there is and how old it all is. Places that would be considered “small towns” in America have roads built for horse and buggies that go back hundreds of years. In a commuter town such as Watford, one soon discovers that parking is at a premium, and taking public transportation isn't something you do for fun but out of necessity. You may have driven anywhere and everywhere back in America, but now you find yourself utilizing things such as Watford Cabs for short trips and when your train is inconveniently scheduled, especially if it happens to rain.

The Visa Gauntlet: Your First Test of Patience

Even before stepping foot on an airplane, the UK visa procedure will already be giving you a taste of being patient. Unlike the US that can be unpredictable and quick in their procedures, the UK Skilled Worker Visa, Family Visa, or Student Visa is expensive (£1,500 to £3,000 depending on whether one pays the Immigration Health Surcharge), complicated, and lengthy. You will have to pay for document translations, prove £1,270+ savings in your bank account for certain visas, and take a tuberculosis test (if traveling from select states). It will also take 8 to 12 weeks for the Home Office to make a decision for you. While this period can be frustrating for Americans, you won’t believe how satisfying the relief of finally having the visa is. Pro tip: search for "UK Visa for US Citizens" on Facebook groups.

Housing Shock: Smaller, Older, and Less Amenities

Space is something that Americans are used to having plenty of – kitchens, walk-in closets, basements, central air conditioning. In England, there will be no such things. The first flat will definitely have a washer in the kitchen (no separate laundry room), no tumble dryer (you will have to hang the clothes to dry), no garbage disposal unit, and no window screens (flies can get inside). Rooms are measured in meters, not feet, and a “spacious double bedroom” may mean 10x10 feet. Central heating (no air conditioning, except in some new constructions) via radiators is the standard here, while “I have a three-bedroom house with a garage” becomes “I share a refrigerator with three flatmates”. Yet, in time, one will appreciate the unique charm of creaky floors and original fireplaces and a kettle boiling all the time.

Driving and Transport: Relearning Everything

Be prepared for a reverse boot camp if you intend to drive. Driving is difficult; you need to take the test again since the UK does not recognize any US state license (though exceptions apply). This is one of the hardest tests; many Americans get it wrong at first, and it’s because of the famous "show me, tell me" car safety questions. Furthermore, the UK is crazy about roundabouts; you will be challenged by multiple lane spiraling roundabouts that resemble video games. Being a passenger will also make you feel wrong since vehicles have right-hand drive, left-hand steering, and stick shift is the common choice among Americans (automatic transmission is more expensive here). Alternatively, you can choose public transportation options; trains are speedy, but costly; buses are cheaper but slower. For airport runs, consider booking in advance some services like Airport Taxi Watford as you would rather be away from the infamous M25 motorway (the world's largest parking) after getting off your overnight plane. The taxi ride to any major UK airport costs you around £35-60.

The NHS: Miracle and Frustration Combined

The National Health Service (NHS) is both a source of pride and frustration for Britain. Being an American, you will be amazed by the idea of free healthcare, with no bills, no deductibles, and no arguing with insurance companies. However, the catch is waiting. Register at your GP (general practitioner) immediately after arriving—you'll need two weeks for that. Non-emergency specialists may take up to six to twelve months. Emergency rooms (A&E) have quick response rates for actual emergencies (heart attack, broken bone) but, for example, for a coughing symptom or a mole check, there is waiting. Many Americans buy private insurance for £50–£100 monthly just to avoid the waiting line when undergoing non-emergency surgeries or diagnosis procedures. Additionally, NHS dentistry does not exist anywhere anymore—you need to go private for £40–80 for each visit.

Work Culture: Understatement and Humility

American business culture loves self-promotion, energy, and constructive feedback. In Britain, understatement, humbleness, and subtle criticism are more appreciated. The first appraisal will surely confuse you: "That's quite good" actually stands for "excellent"; "I'm not completely happy with that" translates to "it's absolutely unacceptable." "With respect" means "you are wrong." It's important to be able to interpret things correctly. Second, the annual holiday period is pretty generous (25-30 days plus additional bank holidays). Americans feel guilty for taking their holiday; you shouldn't. Work hours are longer by half an hour (commonly from 9 till 5:30) but the work rhythm is less fast-paced and includes tea breaks. What's the most difficult thing to adjust to then? There are no "at-will" contracts after all. Once you have worked for your employer for two years, you are protected against wrongful dismissal, but before then – you are not.

Also read: The Irish Sea Crossing: How Many Ferries Connect Ireland and the UK?

The Emotional Rollercoaster: Homesickness and Belonging

No one tells you how lonely it can be on a Sunday afternoon in England. Shops are closed by 4 PM. Pubs are packed with family groups or friends who've grown up together. By 3:30 PM in December, it starts raining outside. You long for late-night Target shopping trips, authentic Mexican food, and small talk with new acquaintances. This is the tough time, generally between months 2–5, but the cure requires activity not passivity. Sign up for a local running group, volunteer for a charitable shop, play a pub quiz, or visit Meetup.com. And figure out how to make your favorite foods from scratch (tortillas are sold at Sainsbury's, but there's no good barbecue sauce). Feel sorry for yourself, and then pick yourself back up. In most cases, the experience of Americans is that between 9–12 months, something happens—the comparisons end, the belonging begins.

Weather and Light: The Silent Mood Shaper

Americans often don’t understand the significance of British latitude. London lies to the north of Calgary in Canada. There’s no sunrise before 8 AM and sunset after 4 PM in December. In June, the days get longer; you see daylight until 10 PM at night. The dreariness and constant gloomy, drizzly weather conditions might bring about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Purchase a SAD lamp (£40-80 on Amazon), take vitamin D (£1-3 a day) and force yourself to go out in the drizzle. Moreover, buy a decent waterproof jacket with a hood since umbrellas won’t work during windy days. Weather becomes a common topic for discussion among people.

Food and Shopping: What You'll Miss and What You'll Gain

You will lose: real bagels, free coffee refills at diners, ranch dressing, peanut butter M&Ms, and the selection available at US grocery stores. You will gain: amazing Indian food (the national dish of the UK is chicken tikka masala), cheddar that actually tastes like cheese, flavorful sausages, cheap lamb, and the concept of a meal deal (sandwich, snacks, and drinks for only £3.50). The UK's Tesco, Sainsbury's, and M&S stores are small and of higher quality compared to an average US store. For the cheapest prices, go to Aldi and Lidl. You won't see any 24-hour operations – most stores close around 10 PM. Also, get used to cashiers who aren't too friendly.

Banking, Credit, and Taxes: Starting from Zero

One of the most irritating problems when it comes to moving to the UK from America is the fact that your perfect US credit score cannot be transferred. You will come to the country with a perfect 800 FICO score and will essentially be treated like a ghost. In order to establish credit in the UK, open a "basic" or digital bank account (Monzo or Starling) right away. Next, apply for a "credit builder" credit card (Capital One or Aqua), which comes with a low limit ($200-$500). Use it for everyday purchases and make sure to repay the amount in full every month. Your score will improve within just six months. Finally, remember that the United States is one of the two nations that tax its citizens on all income earned globally.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Having had enough of the visa issues, downsized housing, driver’s license exams, and the depressing greyness of winter—was it worth the hassle to move from the United States to England? For most Americans willing to put up with it, the answer would be an unequivocal yes. One gets a slower pace of life, free medical services, quick trips around Europe, historical vibes at every step, and that peculiar satisfaction of getting used to a new environment. On the other hand, one loses convenient things, more space, and the comfort of familiar surroundings. Yet what one learns about oneself—the strength to deal with it, flexibility, and the capacity for delight in a tiny apartment with a kettle and rain view—is invaluable. England will never turn into America with better pronunciation, but it will be the new reality, and one day one will understand that no longer dreams of Target shopping trips, but craves a proper Sunday roast.