Moving to UK from USA: 10 Honest Ways Your Life Will Change (+ How to Do it in 2024)
Moving to the UK from the USA can be daunting. I should know – I’ve done it twice, and it wasn’t any easier the second time.
But it’s an incredible experience, and becoming an expat can change your whole life.
Here’s my complete guide to moving to the UK from the US: what to expect, how your life will change, and how to get started navigating the Visa process if you choose to make the leap.
Moving From USA to UK: How Your Life Will Change
Here’s all the big ways in which your daily life will change. Some are good, some are bad, and some are just different!
1. Moving to UK from USA: Cultural Changes
You may think that British culture is not that different from American, but even though they’re both English-speaking countries, they could not be more opposite.
The Brits are generally more reserved than Americans, don’t tend to talk to strangers (especially in London), and are harder to forge meaningful connections with.
Americans tend to be more friendly and informal and are easy to make friends with. They say what they mean, while the British have lots of words and phrases that mean one thing to Americans, but have totally different meanings to them.
The biggest example I have of this is “sorry,” which in America means you’re apologising. Here in London if you bump into someone, they say sorry, which really means “watch where you’re going!” with some expletives. It’s an adjustment.
2. Accent & Language
Prepare to adjust not only to the wide variations of English accents, but also Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish. Accents vary widely, and you may have a harder time understanding some locals.
Scottish accents are notoriously hard to understand for Americans, and people from places like Liverpool and Cardiff will have totally different – and totally hard to understand – words and phrases.
Words and phrases often have different meanings, like “pants,” for example, means underwear in the UK.
3. Weather
Depending on what part of the US you’re from, the weather might be very different than what you’re used to. The UK is known for its temperate weather, with milder winters and cooler summers compared to many regions in the US.
Rainfall is also more frequent, so investing in a good raincoat and umbrella is a wise decision. The UK is also a group of islands, and much like Hawaii, storms can blow in hard and fast. It’s best to always be prepared with the right clothing and shoes.
Summers here have also gotten warmer due to global warming, and most places do not have air conditioning. Moving to England from the USA, the lack of AC is definitely something to get used to. Get ready to sweat through the summer in your sweltering flat.
4. Healthcare
One of the biggest reliefs Americans feel moving to England from the USA is that there are no more surprise medical bills.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare coverage to residents, which means you’ll have access to affordable medical care. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. The NHS is severely underfunded and understaffed.
Same-day appointments are hard to come by, and sometimes the waiting list for routine surgeries and procedures can be long.
5. Driving and Transportation
In the US, cars are necessary for daily life, unless you live in a very large, connected city like NYC.
But in the UK, car ownership is much more expensive and tricker, and licencing is much more difficult. There are congestion charges, petrol (gas) is cost-prohibitive, roads are narrow and – oh, yes – you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the road with a manual transmission.
You won’t need a car if you’re moving to London, but in other places in the UK (especially more rural areas and smaller towns), you may need one.
6. Work Culture
The work culture in the UK may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the US.
Generally, the British (and Europeans in general) prioritize work-life balance, shorter working hours, and longer vacation time. You get mandatory paid parental and family leave here, and tons more paid public holidays.
Plus, since your health insurance isn’t tied to your job, you have more flexibility.
7. Education System
The UK offers a range of schooling options, including state-funded schools, private schools, and international schools. The application processes and curriculum variances are pretty vast, and uniforms are the norm for both public and private schools.
Schooling is especially different for UK tweens and teens, and you’ll have to figure out all of the exams; the UK is big on exams. The 11+, 13+, GCSEs and A-levels are some of what you’ll have to figure out with your children.
If you have younger kids, there’s a bright side: all-day school starts at age 3 or 4, whereas in the US your kid generally doesn’t start official school until kindergarten at age 6.
8. Food and Grocery Shopping
Moving to England from the USA isn’t a great cultural leap for food, but the UK does beat the US for grocery shopping.
Groceries are generally cheaper and better quality than in the US, because the UK has higher standards for farming, animal welfare, additives and preservatives.
Groceries here spoil faster because they lack preservatives, and because of that, you may need to shop more than once per week.
9. Social Etiquette
Social etiquette and norms are very different moving to England from the USA. Politeness, respect, and queuing (waiting in line) are highly valued. Tipping is not a big part of UK culture, nor are tips expected in most situations.
Brits are quieter and more respectful of personal space. Jumping the queue (cutting in line) will get you a scolding. Americans tend to be a bit louder and more invasive.
Pub culture is a really unique part of British social norms and customs. There’s really nothing like it in the US – to Brits it’s a “third space” home away from home.
10. Travel Opportunities
A whole new world of travel that will open up to you living in Europe. For me this is the biggest advantage of living in the UK.
Paris is a 2 hour train ride away, Ireland is a short flight, and you can see so much of the UK just by hopping on a train.
In the US, traveling takes longer, and traveling abroad is a really expensive trek.
Moving from USA to UK: The Basics of How to Do It
Moving abroad can be a bit tricky. Here’s a basic rundown of how the Visa process works, and what you’ll need to have ready.
How Can I Move to the UK?
The (very) basic ways are:
- Apply for a job that can sponsor your Visa (bonus if you get them to pay for the relocation!)
- Apply to a UK university to come study here.
- Apply to start a business here if you’re an entrepreneur.
- Join your family here if you have family in the UK.
- Use the Youth Mobility Scheme (age and nationality restrictions).
- Use the Ancestry Visa if you have lineage from the UK.
- Move here short term – usually for up to 6 months.
Read my simple, detailed guide to UK Types of Visas here for more specific relocation info.
What’s Required for Moving from the USA to the UK?
Every Visa and situation is different. But in most cases, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Sufficient balance in your bank account (so you can support yourself here).
- Nationality & what country you’re coming from.
- Age: different requirements for different ages.
- Job or education eligibility.
- You’ll have to pay the NHS surcharge (contrary to popular belief, you do have to pay for your healthcare here as an expat. This can run from £1,000+).
- Declare you are not eligible for public funds (similar to the welfare system in America).
Is it Worth it Moving to England from the US?
Whether or not it’s worth it for you depends on you. What kind of life do you want? Why now, and why the UK?
It’s a lot of work, and it doesn’t magically get better when you arrive: it’ll take months if not years to adjust. It’s also really expensive. Are you willing to leave your old life behind?
Only you can answer these questions for yourself. For me and my family, it’s been worth it for sure. But it’s not without its hardships and heartbreaks.
Take my quiz “Am I Ready to Leave America” here, which may help you with your decisions.
Moving to UK from USA: FAQ
Is it hard to live in London as an American?
It’s not hard; it’s just an adjustment. It takes time to feel comfortable in a new place and culture.
Is the UK a good place for Americans to live?
Absolutely! There are so many things that are different when you move to the UK from the US. Personally, I think the quality of life in the UK is generally higher than in America.
But Moving to England from the USA will be a different experience for everyone. Some people will love it, and some people won’t.
Where do most Americans live in London?
There’s no one place most Americans live in London. There are endless neighborhoods where Americans can be happy and thrive.
One neighborhood that does have a dense American population is St. John’s Wood in North London, but that’s because the American School London (ASL) is there.
How long can an American live in London?
It depends. Moving to England from the USA isn’t just something you can do on a whim. If you don’t need to work, you can get a short-term visa to stay up to 6 months. If you get a Tier 1 or Tier 2 visa, you can stay as long as 5 years and then apply for residency.
Why are Americans moving to England from USA?
Americans move to England for all kinds of reasons: jobs, family, opportunities, quality of life, healthcare, gun safety, and many more. It depends on the person!
How many US citizens live in the UK?
As of 2021, 160,000 Americans lived in the UK. It’s a pretty tiny fraction of the 67.33 million population of the UK.
Where do most Americans live in UK?
Many live in London, but there are also big American populations near Royal Air Force bases that work in tandem with the US Air Force, as well as all over the UK.
Which is a better life: living the UK or USA?
It depends on your personal preference. I like my quality of life here in the UK better, including safety, cost of living, transport and travel, and healthcare. But some Americans will not prefer the UK for whatever reasons they have.
Is life cheaper in the US or UK?
Generally the cost of living in the UK is cheaper, but it depends on where in the US you’re from and where in the UK you’re moving to. I have an explanation of the cost of living in London vs US here.
More on Moving to London and the UK:
Ultimate Guide to Life in the UK Test: How to Pass the 1st Time
Posh vs. Practical: 31 Best Areas to Live in London for You (2024)
Ultimate Smackdown: UK vs US: Which is Better?
33 Terrible & Wonderful Differences: London Houses vs American Houses
The Truth About Moving Abroad: Expectations vs Reality
Moving Abroad Checklist: 7 Steps to Change Your Life for Good
101 Top Motivational Life Abroad Quotes to Fuel Your Adventure
Should I Move to London? Test Your London Compatibility Now
Should I Leave America? 15 Questions to Plan Your Expat Adventure
Pros and Cons of Living in London: Is it right for you?
The Best Areas to Live in London for Singles, Couples and Families
Tips for finding Short Term Rentals in London
First time Renting in London: How to and tips
The Average Cost of Living in London: What’s the Real Price?
