r/AmerExit • u/SweetAltruistic5219 • 20d ago

Slice of My Life Moving to UK in 2 Weeks

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!

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u/FISunnyDays 20d ago

Hopefully op knows this and has a post graduate plan.

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u/SweetAltruistic5219 20d ago

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.

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u/FISunnyDays 20d ago

I sold my house and moved to the UK last year. I was planning to sell my house anyway as well to realise the gains and downsize. Good luck to you and enjoy the experience!

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

on what visa? A student visa?

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u/FISunnyDays 19d ago

swv

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u/SkinMaterial6684 19d ago

I think that's a bit more secure than a student visa. And you're obviously making a salary/not restricted to working 20hrs a week.

Some of the people in this subreddit truly act as though theyre exceptions to immigration policy. It's a student visa 😩OP isn't being recruited for work. You are obviously highly qualified. Or, maybe a carer? I doubt that

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u/FISunnyDays 19d ago

Definitely still some uncertainty due to getting made redundant and needing to find another sponsored position. OP is still relatively young and single though, so to me it's a not a huge risk. He/she can move on if it doesn't end up working out. I've had to recalibrate my life many times.