So apparently I am going to moving to England?

[Gabby]

Like about 3 weeks ago, with my parents divorce being finalized. My dad gets custody off me and he lives in England, specifically Bristol. He's been living here for about 3 years now with his girlfriend and I have to live with them. I'm not really excited about this move.. I mean I've been to England before to visit him but I just don't like the thought of moving to different countries and starting a new school in the middle of the school year. I'm pretty I will be going to Clifton College because went there like 2 weeks ago to do a ton of benchmark tests to pick my classes. I'm 15 so I will be entering year 11. I'm kinda bummed that I'm moving there because I'll miss my friends and family. Well.... my almost step sister and brother will be there at school with me so I wouldn't be a complete loner but one is in year 9 and the other is in year 12. Sorry if this sounds like a rant. So... is there anything I should know or expect? By the way, I am from Chicago, IL.. is that city particularly interesting to English people?

[ILoveJesus]

Ive heard it is wonderful there. Sorry you have to live w/ your dad & the girlfriend
=( Did you talk to the judge about that (especially with him having a girlfriend there)? I am from Chi town too =) You should check out Kensington Temple (in London) when you are there. They have a bible college.

[littlestranger439]

I live in the Greater London Area, and to tell the truth, Britain is great! Well, the weather maybe crap for half the year, we have a shit government, but the sites and the atmosphere will make you feel at home.

Our food is good, most of the people here are nice, and you're never really eight hours away from any place in Britain. It's cosy, so I hope you enjoy it here! Many people'll find it interesting that your american, so you won't be alone, and there are quite a few american shows here (modern family, the Simpsons, family guy, ncis, etc), so we have a rough understanding of america.

[GG]

Well, to address the key points...

ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT? In the short term, yes you're going to be worried. It's only natural. New country, new home and then new school which is never easy. Everything will be alien, the accents, the radio, a lot of the TV shows and the people but look on the plus side - we all speak English, there are lots of US shows on telly these days and although people will take an interest in you initially which could be a little intimidating, you'll soon be accepted. I mean, they're obviously going to be curious because it's not every day you get an American girl starting at your school! Remember, they mean no harm by it they're just interested, even if it's a little overwhelming.

LIVING IN THE UK. Very different from holidaying in the UK. But it isn't necessarily for ever. If you're 15 you may only have to endure it for a little over two and a half years before you can head back to the States once you're 18 if you haven't settled in the UK. You WILL make friends, I guarantee you. Expect attention purely because you're American, but hey, attention is a good thing right? Play up to it a bit and show people you're proud of your heritage. I would if I was living in the US rather than Britain!

In short, worrying is natural. Give yourself a month or so to settle into a rhythm and put some roots down. Take each day as it comes don't worry about tomorrow or next week or even next month. You can keep in touch with family and friends back in the US via skype, facebook, twitter, phone etc it's easy to do nowadays.

You'll do fine I'm sure... and welcome to Great Britain