like the title says, im considering moving to the UK for a year.

im 19, and my college offers a pretty good study abroad program in London. my family is from the UK, and i have not the first clue what its like outside the US.. im completely american.

so in an effort to learn more about the area and country before i decide to jump on a plane, im asking if anyone has any suggestions or advice they can give an american college student for living in london. my goals are to go to school, skate, and just overall learn living in another country.

skateboarding is a big part of my life, and id like to keep it that way. so if anyone knows how the skateboarding scene is out there, that would be awesome too.

- M. Mann

 

Depends on the part of London that you are going to plan on living really.

There are some skate parks around, but not many.

Fish

 

Two words TV tax.... LOL I have to say I have lived in many countries and it wont really matter what we say because its only what you make of it. If this is your chance to travel go for it. England it a great launchpad for going to see France, Germany, Italy, Spain Ect. Just remember Ryan Air http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/ allows you to take flights for .50 most of the time.

 

Yea, i love and hate england at the same time...mainly becuase i've lived here all my life and seen it go through an economic change that is crippling to the average person.
I love the history, big cities, culture etc, but its so expensive to live here now.
To put you in the picture (i know you wont be doing this but i have to say it anyway), house prices have quadrupled over the last 6-7 years and, and wages have not risen to counteract this.
Interest rates came down so much, but now are on the climb again, however, this has not effected the housing market yet (if anything they are rising still), and now you need 2 poeple and a mortgage of 35 years upwards to even buy a flat/house whatever, whereas 6 years ago 1 person could easily afford to buy a house with a 20-25 year mortgage.
We have stealth taxes for eveything, heres a brief list, petrol tax (upto $8 a gallon now!!!), tv tax, council tax, road tax, road tolls, mot tax, water gas and electric bills have risen like house prices....i could go on.
Eating out is expensive, alcohal is expensive.
The labour government has really made it hard work for the average person of my generation to live.

The last 3 years has seen a record number of brits emigrating to Australia and NZ, this year being the highest, as they have simply had enough of Geat Rip Off Britian

However, saying all this, its worth it for a year if you are travelling

Sorry to rant on.

 

Well, if I lived in maryland, I would def move out.
Seriously though, that place is great if you could afford it. The city is great, people are kind and it's in the best location; several countries within a short flight!