Here are thoughts we had about moving to the UK:
US to UK Moving Tips like packing, shipping, timeline, etc. Also, here’s a post about moving electronics (computers, playstations, etc.) to the UK and also thoughts on books–buying and bringing.
Cost to move from US to UK for deposits, setting up house, etc. Also, here’s my related thoughts on financing the UK PhD. It’s lots of money, but a great experience.
Tips on Settling in the UK: Setting up home. Housing, Banking, Phone, Mobiles, DSL, TV, and Utilities.
Tips on Settling in the UK: On the personal side. You gotta come planning to keep connections at home and build ones here.
Driving in the UK: Thoughts on Driving in the UK, Driving in the UK, pt 2 and What’s life like without a car?
Places to stay when visiting Durham: I list a couple of reasonable hotels and B&B options at the colleges.
Sunday, 15 June 2008 at 11:03 am
Hello Blackwells!
Kris, I and the rest and our kiddos are in the final “countdown” process. Woke early today with details and qustions running through my mind…so I pulled up your blog and found some answers (and more questions arose! Ha!)
You mentioned a waterproof hooded coat. Is this an item you recommend for all family members? What outerwear has been most useful for you and your kids? In Houston, many raincoats, but not lined for cold, so I’ve been hesitant to buy them. Same for golashes. Any helpful tips on packing toys etc. for your kids? What about DVD’s? Oh yes, and are you able to find pretty much what you need (spice wise) to bake recipes from home? Do kids use backpacks for school?
Any thoughts will be appreciated. We are looking forward to connecting with you in Durham.
Blessings,
Tori
Thursday, 19 June 2008 at 9:25 pm
Hey! Here are Heather’s ideas…
You mentioned a waterproof hooded coat. Is this an item you recommend for all family members? Yes, I think it is essential. Funny enough, we’ve just recently purchased them after living here for 2 years. There were some really wet days without them though!
What outerwear has been most useful for you and your kids? I would say that gloves, scarf, and hat in the winter are a must. Also, a good pair of walking shoes are great. There are just so many hills…and we do so much more walking in general. I even wear my hiking boots into the city centre most of the time because of the trek in and the cobblestones. In fact, unless you are planning to get some type of office job I would forget all the impractical shoes. Durham is casual enough that you won’t find the occasion to wear any.
Same for golashes? ‘Wellies’ are great here. You can find them for under £5 or £10 most places, so I may not worry about packing any.
Any helpful tips on packing toys etc. for your kids? We let the kids pick 2 things for their rooms, and then only packed toys to fit into their backpack for the plane. There are several charity shops, enough people handing things down, and a great semi-annual children’s sale through a non-profit here that toys aren’t essentials, IMHO.
What about DVD’s? We’re on a different region than that of the US. But, you can pretty easily ‘adjust’ DVD players here to work both. We bought a cheap £17 DVD player from Tesco and have managed to code it to play discs from both UK and US.
Oh yes, and are you able to find pretty much what you need (spice wise) to bake recipes from home? Yes and no. How’s that for an answer? You can find most things. . .or figure out a good substitute pretty easily. Things that I regularly request in care packages from the states are diced green chilies in a can, Lipton onion soup mix, Kraft macaroni and cheese, taco mix (they have it here, I just think it tastes different), Rotel, Velveeta.
Do kids use backpacks for school? They don’t at our school, and from my understanding they don’t at other primary schools. For the comp (secondary school) I’m not really sure. Most schools have a standard flat bookbag that you buy from the school (about £4 or £5, I think) with their uniform. I will say that having a good backpack to carry your camera, packed lunch, etc. on day trips is fabulous though.
Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Best wishes in the packing process.
– heather