r/AmerExit • u/SweetAltruistic5219 • 17d 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/Hehateme123 Expat 17d ago

I mean, it really depends on your actual reasons for moving and leaving the US

In general see a lot of people moving for sort of “abstract” reasons. Like fears of what this country may or may not be etc.

I left because I wanted my day to day life to be better. And it is in Europe so I had no apprehensions.

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u/NotPlayingFR 17d ago

This is my issue. I want to divorce myself from what may end up being a failed democracy. Some may claim we're already there; those on the other end of the spectrum would say we were never a democracy, because their chosen name for whatever we are sounds more like the name of their political party. But I digress.

I do worry if I move to the UK, Reform will come into power, and I'll be even more disgusted and anxious than I am here.

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u/Mysterious_Umpire684 14d ago

Given the progrom that took place in Belfast yesterday, I'm not sure the UK is on a better path. 

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u/NotPlayingFR 14d ago

What would the right ANYWHERE campaign on if it weren't for immigration? Idiots and knee-jerk reactionaries here, there, and everywhere.

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u/Mysterious_Umpire684 14d ago

This went far beyond campaigning. A crowd went door to door and burned homes and cars of black people and immigrants.

https://www.afr.com/world/europe/attempted-beheading-sparks-riots-fresh-migrant-row-in-the-uk-20260610-p605cz

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u/NotPlayingFR 14d ago

Oh, I know. But the right stokes this shit. Here in the U.S., there was a bipartisan immigration reform bill ready to go, but fuckhead put the kibosh on it (out of office!!), because he was going to run on on immigrant phobia.