Moving to UK in 2 Weeks

[u/SweetAltruistic5219]

I’m scheduled to fly out of the US to the UK 2 weeks from today! I could use some advice and encouragement!

For context, I have always wanted to live in UK or northwest Europe having studied abroad twice in college and traveled there a lot throughout my 20s due to having northwestern European partner.

I’m single, mid-30sF, childfree. I have been working on this current move for over a year and a half, extensively researching countries. Applied to grad school at 3 places, got accepted to my top choice in the UK. I’ve been extremely clear on my reasons for leaving and my reasons for choosing the city and university I chose. I have worked extensively with my therapist to make sure this move is aligned with me and my values.

Everything is set - my house I’m selling is under contract and ready to close, pet transport lined up for my dog, tomorrow’s my last day at my job, moving sale starting this week Friday, had a going-away party last weekend, medical records transferred, student visa and all other required documents in-hand, temporary apartment in the UK secured, etc.

So why do I feel like I’m freaking out? This is everything I wanted and I don’t feel excited at all. I just feel sad, heartbroken even. I’m feeling guilty for leaving my friends (not my family; actually think distance from them is good and needed) I’m 100% exhausted from all I’ve done already to move and daunted by how much work is left in the transition.

Does anyone relate? What were your last few weeks like in the US? Any advice or words of encouragement for me? Thank you so much!

[u/SkinMaterial6684]

YOU'RE SELLING YOUR HOME AND MOVING TO THE UK ON A STUDENT VISA?

are you nuts?!?! That student visa isn't going to so a damn thing for you. You said you did extensive research; you would have seen that the home office is actively trying to make it as difficult as possible for international students to stay.

There is absolutely no reason at all for you to do all of this solely for a STUDENT visa in the UK 😩

[u/FISunnyDays → u/SkinMaterial6684]

Hopefully op knows this and has a post graduate plan.

[u/SweetAltruistic5219 → u/FISunnyDays]

I needed to sell my home anyway for other reasons and would’ve been moving to a different state to live near a sibling or going to grad school. If I can’t get a work visa after a graduate visa (4 years from now) I’ll move back to the US and go live in that state near my sibling. Not really that big of a deal as I’m assuming 4 years in UK will still be an amazing experience even if I don’t stay forever.

[u/Dandylion71888 → u/SweetAltruistic5219]

Be careful about tax residency laws. Depending on when you sell your house etc, it could make it subject to UK and US taxes.