Advice I wish I heard before moving to the UK

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  • Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
  • The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/adventuresandnaps10211
    This week I share advice I wish I was given before moving abroad to the UK. As a Canadian living in England, there were a lot of big hurdles at the beginning - but I made it through and now I have a happy and fulfilling life in the UK! But it doesn't mean that the beginning wasn't hard. Here's tips and advice that I wish someone had told me.
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    Hey! I'm Alanna - a twenty-something documenting my life as a Canadian living in England.
    I share the ups and downs of an expat living abroad and what it's really like living in the UK. It's not always easy, but there's been so many wonderful experiences, too. I post a RUclips video every Tuesday and an additional video every Saturday on my Patreon account. I also livestream every Wednesday and Sunday at 6:30pm GMT on Twitch.
    Alanna x

Комментарии • 527

  • @AdventuresAndNaps
    @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +21

    Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video! If you want to check them out (and support me in the process) don't forget that the first 1,000 people to click this link get a month free trial! skl.sh/adventuresandnaps10211
    Thanks everyone! Have a great week!!
    Alanna x

    • @AthAthanasius
      @AthAthanasius 2 года назад +1

      Anyone else wondering what you can make with the following things?
      Flour
      Turmeric (I'm guessing)
      Chili Flakes (another guess)
      Other anonymous herb/spice

    • @norabradley9108
      @norabradley9108 2 года назад +1

      @@AthAthanasius Hot, speckled flour? 🎃

  • @paulrobson7887
    @paulrobson7887 2 года назад +42

    ‘Dark, depressing, wet and cold’. Yes, that’s the best description of Winter in the UK. I’ve lived here my entire life and still dread it every year.

  • @ZebrinhahDesrosiers
    @ZebrinhahDesrosiers 2 года назад +16

    As a brazilian who has faced an irish/english winter, here's my biggest advice:
    Coats, gloves and scarfs KEEP you warm, they don't make you warm, so you gotta put them on BEFORE you leave your house.
    It took me so long to figure this out and it's something so trivial.

    • @dave_h_8742
      @dave_h_8742 2 года назад

      Good fitting thermal under wear is a bonus !

    • @robertewalt7789
      @robertewalt7789 2 года назад

      My wife and I disagreed on this every winter in NYC.

  • @andrewdann500
    @andrewdann500 2 года назад +8

    As an Englishman from London - we don't understand what is unusual about our own country, until we compare it with others. England is densely populated. The UK has a huge range of geology (and so a wide range of scenery in a small set of islands). The UK is a long way North (and so has very short days in Winter and very long days in Summer), but is protected by the warm waters of the gulf stream, so really long deep freezes are rare. The tides in the UK are the second biggest in the world, so that affects the coastline (even London). England at Dover is only 22 miles from France, so we have had lots of contact with continental Europe, whilst still seeing ourselves as an island. The legacy of the British Empire is that the UK (and especially London) is culturally very diverse (a primary school class of 30 children with 15 languages spoken is not unknown in London). This works much better than outsiders seem to think. Remember that London is the biggest outlier - it is different from everywhere else. And things that aren't obvious ... we have a health & safety culture and made lots of things as safe as possible (look at our electricity 13 Amp plugs!). So we need to watch our children, when they go to places that have more dangers (such as lack of safety rails). We've also killed off most of our dangerous animals - just a few mildly poisonous snakes, but no wolves, bears, lions, deadly spiders. And for Americans, of course, there are no guns (apart from the big ones that fire salutes on the Queen's birthday). OK, there are some guns, but they are very rare. I'm over 50 years old and I can't recall EVER seeing a gun in the UK except for (a) in hands of soldier, military cadet or police or (b) shotgun / air rifle for hunting or sport. I suppose this won't seem so strange for a Canadian.

  • @sheilalowery6226
    @sheilalowery6226 2 года назад +3

    I admire your strength! As difficult as it was you powered through and now are living a dream that a lot of people would be too afraid to live. Bless your heart ❤️

  • @zapkvr
    @zapkvr 2 года назад

    Your insight and honesty are very interesting. You were born to do this. Honestly your approach to life has been your greatest asset.

  • @andrewrobinson-morris1852
    @andrewrobinson-morris1852 2 года назад +20

    The driving licence/photo id advice is a really good call out. Helps with so much stuff. Great video as usual 😉

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +2

      Thank you!

    • @dave_h_8742
      @dave_h_8742 2 года назад +2

      I renewed my passport before the brexit change as got an old pink driving licence no pic no having to renew every few yrs at a cost of £££££

  • @globulonz
    @globulonz 2 года назад

    Another great vid. Thanks 'lannerz.

  • @matc6221
    @matc6221 2 года назад +3

    Good vid!! Having anxiety, you certainly have balls and determination. But the point you made about new things being scary is an important reminder, that pushing through get better and better where ever you are. 👍👍

  • @Malfie657
    @Malfie657 2 года назад +7

    Thanks Alanna, solid advice without the sugar coating - especially the part about not assuming that it's always like it is on a quick visit in the best weather!

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +3

      Thanks Malcolm!

    • @bilkyasko
      @bilkyasko 2 года назад +2

      It even applies to people moving from a city to the coast within the UK - it might be fantastic when it's in season and the weather's good, but make sure you'll still enjoy it when it's cold, windy, really quiet, and lots of things are closed until the next season.

    • @dave_h_8742
      @dave_h_8742 2 года назад +2

      @@bilkyasko went to college in Southport, a very depressing place in January/February

  • @ambikasamsundar1075
    @ambikasamsundar1075 2 года назад

    Thank you for talking about this ! ❤

  • @Bluedex2011
    @Bluedex2011 2 года назад +1

    Great insight as always Alanna, you've certainly been an a journey and kudos to you for coming so far - look at you now ! 🙂

  • @shearerslegs
    @shearerslegs 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for the video. I’m staying at home but it’s honestly genuinely interesting to think about what life is like for a person newly arrived in England. I hope you have a great week.

  • @jenniferciliberto
    @jenniferciliberto 2 года назад +2

    Always enjoy your videos here in America. 🤗

  • @AHRRAJAR
    @AHRRAJAR 2 года назад

    Informative video🙏

  • @Karim9100
    @Karim9100 2 года назад +1

    Great advice and well said 👏

  • @BillCameronWC
    @BillCameronWC 2 года назад +7

    A very Interesting and commonsensical video about the early days of living in an “alien land and culture”. I did it the other way round - moving from the UK to Morocco. I had failed my driving test in the UK in the area where I lived during my teenage years, living at home, then moved to London to work & train, no opportunity to drive or take a test for a few years. When I moved to Morocco, a colleague picked me up from the house I had been allocated for the first couple of weeks, then I had to rely on finding taxis (cheap, but not always easy to find in the morning) so it was imperative that I get a driving licence. So I took both driving lessons & Highway Code lessons, in French - in those days my ability in French was relatively basic (just schoolboy French + some more recent ‘immersion’ courses my employer had sent me on on London), but I was young then and absorbed things very rapidly. After about 3 months I took my Moroccan driving test totally in French, theory part & practical part, without any English interpreter, which would have been possible had I wished it, and passed - I had already purchased a car a few weeks earlier - therefore I became independently mobile from then on. I think I can sum it up very simply - when you want to do something and put your mind to it, you can do it, specially when you’re young. I’m a lot older now, but have always had the attitude of “you can do it” and it seems clear, from watching your videos, that you have too. Like you I got homesick in the early stages, after a few months, but I got through that, as you obviously did too 👍😀

  • @vFLAWLEZZ
    @vFLAWLEZZ 2 года назад

    Wow I just watched one of your videos from 4 years ago didn't realise until I seen your recent one and seen how much you have changed

  • @kemokems
    @kemokems 2 года назад

    Really like your editing and layout style on your latest vids. Have watched your channel for a while now (love all the local stuff you show) and it’s just getting better and better, some real fun touches too! 🙂

  • @23879988
    @23879988 2 года назад +1

    Very sensible advice and given through experience, nice one.

  • @markwalsh1474
    @markwalsh1474 2 года назад +1

    Great vid Alanna . Many thanks..

  • @ghazikhalil5148
    @ghazikhalil5148 2 года назад

    Really informative and good advices alanna

  • @chelseawilson-flynn2822
    @chelseawilson-flynn2822 2 года назад +12

    I just moved to England in September for school and I am in the thick of the hell. Thanks for all of the advice! My biggest advice is to keep reminding yourself that you are not the only person in the world who has done this, you can get through it. I also moved here with my two cats and found out the hard way that landlords can deny pets, I wish I looked into that before moving.

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +6

      You can do it!!! Thanks so much for watching!

    • @frankydaulman2291
      @frankydaulman2291 2 года назад +3

      Wishing you all the best adjusting and with your studies. Hope you find some friendly Brits to help as guides.

    • @normanpearson8753
      @normanpearson8753 2 года назад +1

      Don't most landlords in the world deny pets? Keep your chin up ! Best of luck !!

  • @janiceturton7756
    @janiceturton7756 2 года назад

    sounds good advice x

  • @steffers178
    @steffers178 2 года назад +1

    This was great! ❤⚘ thanks so much...I'm 50 an I'm planning on moving there from USA..the weather an the driving ..perfect an the shopping! Fantastic..just great..

  • @davidcox2264
    @davidcox2264 2 года назад +2

    Excellent video 😁

  • @JohnVDenley
    @JohnVDenley 2 года назад

    Fantastic advert segment... Brilliant!

  • @howardkey1639
    @howardkey1639 2 года назад

    I'm glad you made the transition to the UK life okay and you are very welcome here. Sharing your experiences here I'm sure will help others thinking doing the same. Hopefully it will take some of the stress out of the move for them. A very useful video..

  • @zapkvr
    @zapkvr 2 года назад

    Welcome back to the show

  • @FlightProgramAborted
    @FlightProgramAborted 2 года назад +1

    You are so right, its the change thing, your brain doesn’t like change however as you say, it does go away

  • @jonathanbignall1198
    @jonathanbignall1198 2 года назад +2

    Very good advice. Moving to a another country with different customs has it's challenges, things will seem nightmarish at times, but once you get past that, and you will, there are great rewards and experiences on the other side waiting for you!

  • @megouellet3317
    @megouellet3317 2 года назад

    Thanks so much Alanna! I'm making the big move from Kingston,Ontario to Glasgow,Scotland in April. I definitely know it's not going to be an easy move, but I know I'm ready for it. Sometimes you just know what the right thing to do is and because my grandfather was born in Scotland, I feel like I'm meant to move there and try it out at least even if it is just for a year or the full 2 years of my visa or maybe even longer depending on what happens. I'm really excited and know there's a lot of hurdles up ahead. This video is very helpful, thank you! :)

  • @AaronTheHipHopGuy
    @AaronTheHipHopGuy 2 года назад

    Thank you so much for talking about this! I think because I’ve wanted to move abroad for so long all I think about it is the good stuff about moving abroad! I really appreciate that you talk about how anxiety can affect you when moving abroad too, that’s not something I see too much when I’m looking at moving abroad, thanks so much for talking about that! I really like hearing your perspective because when I think about moving abroad I only think about the big things, so I love hearing about what it’s like for every day life! This was a really good video! Thank you for all your videos, hearing your perspective is so cool! Your videos help me feel like I can move abroad too!

  • @CuteGirl-ch1ee
    @CuteGirl-ch1ee 2 года назад +2

    Moving to the UK next year . Thank you for this video Alana , this is very comforting 🍁💋

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +1

      Thanks so much for watching! All the best with your move!

  • @stephencrossland2493
    @stephencrossland2493 2 года назад +6

    True story. An Innuit family came to Sheffield for a year so their child could get medical treatment.After the treatment finished the father was given the offer to stay. He refused saying he did not like Sheffield. One of his reasons was that Sheffield was too cold in winter !

    • @Innerspace100
      @Innerspace100 2 года назад +3

      I can believe that(!). Winters in the high arctic are of course much colder. But, they are dry. Very dry, in fact. The British Isles have an oceanic climate, and the combination of high moisture content in the air and low temps FEELS much worse. Minus five celsius in Britain or Western Norway along the coast feels allmost like minus 20 if the air had been dry, like in innland Scandinavia for example. And If you are in Northern Canada, for example, it gets even drier...

    • @rich7447
      @rich7447 2 года назад +1

      It's tough to dress for high humidity conditions. I found winters in Canada (west coast is more like UK) a lot easier to deal with than Nottingham.

    • @Innerspace100
      @Innerspace100 2 года назад +2

      @@rich7447 I live in innland south-eastern Norway, and I much prefer minus 20 celcius here over a few degrees below zero on the west coast, which is more or less like Scottland only even colder. That humidity BITES! Add to that the ever present wind along the coast...

    • @rich7447
      @rich7447 2 года назад +3

      @@Innerspace100 I'm in Maryland US now and it is much more humid in the winter than most places that I have lived. The geography of North America makes our weather comparable to European locations that are at much higher latitudes, but it also helps to keep humidity levels west of the Rockies more manageable. When I lived in Ottawa we would routinely see -20C often dropping to -30C or lower and Ottawa is 10 to 15 degrees south of Norway. In my younger years I lived in both Yellowknife and Iqaluit which would fall in the same latitude range as Norway and -40C was common.
      Even at these temps I never felt as cold as I can in an English house in January.

    • @nobbynobbynoob
      @nobbynobbynoob 2 года назад +1

      I still find it funny when I hear Canajuns (or even eastern Europeans / Russians!) calling winter in the UK "cold". But I swear I've teased Alanna over this before so I won't do it again, just as she asked. :)

  • @urbanastro4701
    @urbanastro4701 2 года назад +5

    My girlfriend struggled at first because of the language, she gets homesick too, but having her daughters here with their families really helps, plus we hop on a plane 3 or 4 times a year for the 2 hour flight to Warsaw, that makes a massive difference to her.

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +3

      A different language would be such a big barrier to get past!

  • @garyblower1921
    @garyblower1921 2 года назад

    Love the vlog very informative so interesting hope you have a great day ❤️❤️❤️

  • @ewanmcintyre955
    @ewanmcintyre955 2 года назад +1

    I moved to canada from the UK a couple years ago, i watched your videos before moving. You said the first few months suck, knowing that upfront really helped me get through it. Knowing everyone goes through it really helped.

  • @cbvsjs
    @cbvsjs 2 года назад +2

    I'm glad you moved to the UK you're gorgeous & love your videos 😍
    🤍🖤❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

  • @barrowc
    @barrowc 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for the video - some really good advice there! I also recognised Hallease from the Skillshare part of the video - her videos are always nicely filmed and edited so I'm sure her Skillshare class would be helpful for anyone who wants to improve their skills

  • @victorromeo2238
    @victorromeo2238 2 года назад +2

    Loved the video. i moved to Malta ween i was a kid and was very home sick for a while...

  • @rolanddunk5054
    @rolanddunk5054 2 года назад +1

    Hi alanna,Sound advice for those who need it..very well done thank you Roly 🇬🇧

  • @galaxywhispers1787
    @galaxywhispers1787 2 года назад +1

    Great video as always Alanna, very interesting. 🙂

  • @Judgles
    @Judgles 2 года назад +2

    Great video, Alanna. Glad you stuck through that first winter. A lot of people coming to the UK don't realise how dark it gets in winter - we're further north than they expect! At least you didn't have to deal with a (totally) different language on top of everything else!

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +2

      You're totally right! I'm horrible at learning languages 😩

    • @YvonneWilson312
      @YvonneWilson312 2 года назад +3

      That's what a friend said to me! "It gets late so early!" was how she put it, and that somehow made perfect sense.

  • @stephenparker6362
    @stephenparker6362 2 года назад

    Hi Alanna, another very entertaining and informative video, it will help loads of people. You always make me smile when you talk about winters here being cold and dark. It would be great if you did a comparison video on the differences, and similarities, between Canadian winters and winters here.

  • @ryanw903
    @ryanw903 2 года назад +1

    that's great tips
    i am gonna to move to UK next month or 2 just like you
    i just quite my job and so nervous that i won't be able to get a job anytime soon
    thanks for your great information

  • @jsmith6974
    @jsmith6974 2 года назад

    Comment for the algorithm! 😎
    Great video as always Alanna.

  • @deannaylor2576
    @deannaylor2576 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic video. Full of positives coming from negatives. January is the most depressing month of the year, even for us Brits but good for you, you got through it. Driving must of been tough also, I have driven many times abroad and at first it it scarey but you do overcome and get used to it. Sounds like you had a grim five months but your mindset got you there. I tip my hat and say well done.👌👏👏👏👏💪

  • @jontime59
    @jontime59 2 года назад +1

    Wow. I also moved here in November. And the springtime was magical. Until March. Yes March of 2020. So just as I started to adjust to the life here, wow, everything changed. Again! But you're right, it did get better. Great vid. Agree with everything.

  • @Elwaves2925
    @Elwaves2925 2 года назад +2

    Hey Alanna. Even though I'm not moving anywhere, I always find these advice videos great. Having spent a year in NY (long before you were a YT'er), I wish I'd known some of stuff you've advise. Even though we knew it was only temporary and many of our needs (like rent) were covered by my better half's company, it was still a shock and tough. We were lucky with our circumstances but most folks don't have that luxury. These videos are always great for folks dealing with this situation. Nice one. :-)

  • @SteveMikre44
    @SteveMikre44 2 года назад +3

    I moved from New Jersey to Arizona in August (ugh). It was 128°F - 54°C on the airport tarmac when I got off the plane...☀️

  • @eze8970
    @eze8970 2 года назад

    Thanks Alanna! Helpful info!
    S.A.D Lightboxes can help with the gloomy UK Autumn & Winters. Always good to have some light in your life! 😊

  • @DerekArmsden
    @DerekArmsden 2 года назад +5

    When I came from Australia to England I intended to continue as a self employed web designer, figuring I could do that from anywhere. I discovered that, through the local unemployment office, there were all sorts of free courses I could do - so I took a 10 day Business Management course. This proved to be excellent and I'd recommend that anyone looking to move to anywhere seek out such resources to learn the local rules and regs, and make some contacts within your field as well. It turned out that many of the people in the course were potential clients for me!

  • @dwlnetnl
    @dwlnetnl 2 года назад

    There is a lot to say on the subject, especially as a foreigner myself in England (4 years) and now starting a business.
    I do appreciate how you’re quite open and upfront about being anxious and factoring this in what you’re doing. It’s refreshing to see and ties in with your “I show all sides of living as a foreigner in England”. Good on you gal! 👍👍👍

  • @classicdice21
    @classicdice21 2 года назад +7

    I"m a Canadian living in the UK as well. Along with the tip of transferring your driver's license ASAP, I would also add: get a credit card ASAP, even if it's those prepaid ones, and use that as much as possible to build up your credit score. I ran into issues when I tried to get financing for a motorcycle.
    Another thing that took me a while to get used to here in the UK, was the prices. I kept doing the conversion in my head and realized how much more expensive everything was.

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +2

      That's a great point!

    • @iriscollins7583
      @iriscollins7583 2 года назад +3

      I realise about the prices. I still value prices in what we call old money. 30 pence to me Is six Shillings, older people will understand what I mean.

    • @kathrynnordstrom5604
      @kathrynnordstrom5604 2 года назад

      When only a visitor, money conversion is natural especially visiting tourist areas & where prices aren't didplayed - easy rip off. Prices in general, are relative to wage & standard of living & at times you have to just accept that the new price does not relate to how currency conversion workd. If you need the busfare or breakfast, you just have to pay. Scary SIM card contracts/dodgy online transport booking services can be ripoffs. I booked a rental car & store was closed when I got there - marooned, then taxi back to bus station, dead phone battery, having flown from Contint with dteadful head cold. Another experience....

  • @andyleighton6969
    @andyleighton6969 2 года назад +2

    I love it, coming from a Canadian used to waist deep snow and minus stupid temperatures..."English Winters are the WORST!"🥶

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +3

      Fun fact! Ontario's capital and the capital of Italy's Tuscany region are both at 43.7 degrees north latitude. Everyone thinks "Canada" is freezing, but it's a big place and most of us don't live in those super cold areas!

  • @andyt8216
    @andyt8216 2 года назад

    Another great video. I am 46 and British..but I do know what you mean about that post-Christmas January (and IMO February) feeling - the sparkle of Christmas is behind and all there is, is an even colder month and nothing nice on the immediate calendar!

  • @chrisshelley3027
    @chrisshelley3027 2 года назад +1

    Wonderful video, you really do put your heart and soul in to your content, I can't imagine how many people you have helped over the years, you really do go above and beyond with your advice, you are a credit to Canada and the world in general, the UK is a richer place for having you here, take care and stay safe :)

  • @Gargagepad
    @Gargagepad 2 года назад

    Yet another fab interesting moment from you .. love your channel . Come see Broadstairs on your Kent village tours 🙂

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад

      I like Broadstairs! Just didn't film it - next time, though!

  • @alpobc1
    @alpobc1 2 года назад +5

    You must be from Ontario! Here on the west coast (Vancouver Island), winter is wet and rainy. The temps don't go as low as the rest of the country, but the damp makes the cold penetrating. We don't get those nice clear, crisp bright winter days, you know the ones where you look out and it looks warm, but as soon as you set outside, your eyebrows freeze! Canadian's wanting to 'acclimatize' for UK weather, should winter in Vancouver first LOL!
    When I worked in Port Alberni, a couple from the UK (Kent), went to Tofino in August, she complained about the fog and that she could see Long Beach! There's a saying on that part of the Island, two unique months, Junuary and Fogust, June is typically cold as January and August is foggy!
    Enjoying your videos!

  • @jamesalberg1132
    @jamesalberg1132 2 года назад +1

    I'm not planning a move, but found your video very interesting! The transfer of your drivers license👍would be extremely helpful, I would think... Great video Alanna 👏👏

  • @meganward9598
    @meganward9598 2 года назад

    Lived in Wales for school. Boy was vitamin D my best friend in the winter months. Miss living there soooo much.

  • @DeannaAllison
    @DeannaAllison 2 года назад

    Super video, thanks for posting! And I know exactly what you mean about grocery shopping. When I arrived in Austria, having migrated from the UK in 2018, it took twice as long to do the grocery shopping - due to unfamiliar brands and food, etc. And, in my case, labels in German ... but it's much easier now, having become used to it. Other things that really caused anxiety for me was not knowing how the bureaucracy worked (for example, registering with the local council, where to go to change your driving licence, etc.). And getting used to the way the health service operates in Austria vs. the UK!

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +1

      Those are great point! Governmental services, dealing with forms and red tape etc are tricky, especially if they're in a new language!

  • @mickyfinn1948
    @mickyfinn1948 2 года назад +3

    Always interesting to hear your views of life in England, Alana. Sorry your first 5 months were so hard although I feel "a living hell" a bit OTT! lol Yes, arriving in Nov. A defo bad choice - as a native, I know well whats to come after Xmas! Love your vids keep it up! 👍🙏

  • @MarcusTDM
    @MarcusTDM 2 года назад

    Great video as always, very interesting topic. You don’t realise how much you take for granted. This video has also made me feel, even though i am a Brit, very proud of myself for dealing with day to day life! 😂

  • @MjII7
    @MjII7 2 года назад +1

    Hi, Interesting video, I moved from the UK to New Zealand in a very lovely May, and when I arrived in Auckland it was autumn all of a sudden, and overcast. We are living in Northland on the North Island, and it’s like a Mediterranean climate up here, whereas on the South Island especially the last two thirds would be colder and shorter days like in the UK but South Island gets better summer’s than the UK.
    So where we are isn’t that cold in the winter and I’ve not seen snow in 7 years since I’ve been here.
    It took me a while to get to know the different supermarkets and brands and prices, as it’s myself that does our shopping.
    I even started seeing the similarities of them to the UK counterparts, like New World is like Sainsbury’s and Countdown is like Tesco, and PAK’nSAVE is like Aldi and the small Four Square’s are like Spar or One Stop.
    I got in a car straight away and it was an automatic (never drive one at the time) but NZ drive on the left side too! (thank God)!
    I also was converting everything I bought into £’s so I new if something was a similar price in the UK, I don’t convert any money but now and then I do, everything seems twice a much because there’s two $NZD to the Pounds Sterling.
    I didn’t get homesick so much, even when I FaceTime my 3 sisters and daughter, but I did when I saw Manchester United playing at home as my wife and I had season tickets.
    The smartphones have made the world smaller, as I’d think what it would be like without them or the Internet!
    The thought about communicating by letter!!

  • @masrevi1546
    @masrevi1546 2 года назад +2

    remember when i first moved i was quite excited and happy to be with my boyfriend and away from family, i was so glad to just be able to do nothing for the first several months, then decided i should go work as partner was in like this will help you feel back in control as i started just living off my depression, and needed to make friends somehow, the finding friends was the worst part that took forever

  • @racheltaylor6578
    @racheltaylor6578 2 года назад +1

    Your really getting professional with these videos.

  • @willmoore505
    @willmoore505 2 года назад +2

    Fair play Miss. The reality of living abroad,typically, has similar grind requirements as your country. Bill's and work. ( o the joy ). The best education a person can have, is from travel. Good video. 👍go algorithm.

  • @Andrew8468
    @Andrew8468 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for this video Alanna as I hadn't considered being homesick as an issue but I can see it how it would affect you, and especially the difference in driving between the right and wrong...I mean left side of the road. I don't think I'll be moving unless there is a lottery win in my future.

  • @nigeldewallens1115
    @nigeldewallens1115 2 года назад +15

    I moved to France to help my mum after my dad died! What you said applies to here too! That was well put and I could have had the same advice too! Now my mum passed away in 2019 aged 95 and I am still in France!

  • @coolmum47
    @coolmum47 2 года назад +5

    You think winter in Kent is bad? you should try the North-East where I live !! Kent is positively balmy !!!!!

  • @Brian-MC
    @Brian-MC 2 года назад +14

    what a great video and the advice that you have given will help out so many people. It must be so hard moving to a new country. Also signed up for skill share so thanks for the free first month. I bought a guitar during lockdown but never gave it much of a chance. Skill share seems like a great place to finally learn how to play it. Thanks again for the great video

  • @rogerwitte
    @rogerwitte 2 года назад +8

    I would say try to get some balance between hanging out with other ex-pats and hanging out with local people. The former will have some shared experience of moving country, but it is a largely transient community and they will mostly move on. It will be more difficult to build relationships with the natives, but after a year or two, those friends will still be there.

  • @tomgruitt6563
    @tomgruitt6563 2 года назад

    We love you Alanna!

  • @MattClementson
    @MattClementson 2 года назад +5

    I relate to the grocery shopping thing. It's surprising how being unfamiliar with the brands slows things down.

    • @joannakennedy6005
      @joannakennedy6005 2 года назад

      It's easy going to English speaking shops. Try going to non English like Greece you soon learn to adapt!

  • @kathrynnordstrom5604
    @kathrynnordstrom5604 2 года назад +8

    Like you, I dislike city life - much prefer country life in U.K. I was able to drive (easier for Aussie, we drive on left side of road & I can use non automatic vehicle), but the roads, roundabouts, direction signs, even with Miss Google helping, can be exhausting. The same when shopping, memory, lack of familiarity & cost vs quality means a lot more brain work all the time!
    I remember, after having driven from Buckingham via Cambridge (I hadn't experienced those rising bollards until stuck between them & an approaching bus), around Norfolk (where I was fined for failing to 'Park & Pay' @ 4p.m. on Saturday afternoon!). The relief of approaching Buckingham was such that before me, was roads & scenery I recognised, I knew where to go, where to turn & where 'home' was! Phew!

  • @jamestaylor1934
    @jamestaylor1934 2 года назад +2

    I buy the Mexicana cheddar from Morrissons. I know exactly where it is in the store. Love the chilli taste.

  • @Aracadius42
    @Aracadius42 2 года назад

    Thank you

  • @svvdm
    @svvdm 2 года назад +1

    good video 👍

  • @grahamjones1091
    @grahamjones1091 2 года назад +1

    Loved your comments on January, Alanna. I really think you should listen to Flanders and Swann's, 'A Song of the Weather.

  • @alanhilton3611
    @alanhilton3611 2 года назад +3

    I lived in Bavaria for 2 years and although storybook beautiful I did miss Cornwall and it's sandy beaches cosy pubs and of course pasties one day I'd like to go to California and see what all the fuss is about.

  • @kek23k
    @kek23k 2 года назад +1

    Full respect to you for moving to another country. It was hard enough for me 10 years ago to just move counties! I still think people are weird here too :)

  • @shirleyboy8859
    @shirleyboy8859 2 года назад

    Always a Delight Alanna...... I worked in Canada for 7 months and Yes I could have stayed..... Loved every second of it.... But it was Spring/ Summer and maybe if I experienced your Winter I might have changed my mind..... :-)))) xxxx ps: loving you walkaround Vids

  • @Andrew_J_R
    @Andrew_J_R 2 года назад +1

    I spent a year in France when I was 23. Best year of my life but OMG was it sary to start with. I still have many memories even 25 years ago. Salut Grenoble!

  • @accelpaynor4121
    @accelpaynor4121 Год назад

    I rememebred getting sat down to talk by my relative about moving to the UK is a big leap and it never really sinked in until I had a person to person conversation about it. The one thing I didn't have was your "It won't change my mind" I wavered a bit but after talking to someone else I still stand by my decision to move. So yeah GL to me hopefully, one say when I see this video again. Things have changed for the better and I'm actually there

  • @pixelmangler
    @pixelmangler 2 года назад +1

    Hi Alanna. Good call for the driving licence. The history of that document was that it was always accepted in the UK as ID proof, long before the plastic photo-card with the ID photo on it. For many things requiring proof of ID, including legal matters, the driving licence is always accepted as proof of ID and frequently proof of address too because you are supposed to live at the address shown on the driving licence. Otherwise you must notify DVLA if you have changed your home address. Refresher courses are a good idea and one great method is to take a one week residential driving course to give you a lot of driving skills and information as well as practice.
    A good point about not seeing a place as it really is when you are on holiday. I am lucky because I have worked in many different countries and that has always given me a better idea about what it s actually like to live in a particular country. I have worked in Vancouver for a while and that was a great experience. I also got to eat at great table at the rink-side (paid for buy a friend) while watching the Vancouver Canucks beat another team to pulp in an NHL hockey game. Very nice family atmosphere and a really enjoyable sport that I wish we had in the UK.
    It is really lovely to see how well you have settled in the UK. I am so glad that your five months of hell had eventually dissipated and has given way to the positive experiences you are having now. 👍

  • @brettcarruthers8838
    @brettcarruthers8838 2 года назад +1

    Great video. Naturally one would assume moving to another country would be hard but how much harder than you expected was it? And at least you weren't completely alone, you had the butler for support as well.

  • @clairesouter7116
    @clairesouter7116 2 года назад

    Great video! Even moving to a different part of the UK has its challenges, but you’re right, us humans are very adaptable!

  • @richardlaasna8372
    @richardlaasna8372 2 года назад +9

    Hi Alanna! As I've mentioned before, we went the opposite way in 1974 to Tronno. As a kid of 9, it was hugely exciting, first by going on a plane for the first time and seeing my Estonian Dad's side of the family over there including Gran. And like yourself, even as a child, it gets some getting used to like standing up at school in the morning singling "O Canada anthem" and getting used to the locals talking funny and not entirely understanding them. Like for eg. What is a Popsicle? But eventually, you do get used to life in another country. I liked the 3 months of summer holidays from school and playing in the snow even after dark and enjoying my only ever White Christmas that year. Unfortunately, after exactly one year, our family migrated back to blighty as my Italian Mum was so homesick and missed her side of the family here in Bristol. So yes, I know how you felt but as a kid, it was easier for obvious reasons. Cheers Girl!

    • @rich7447
      @rich7447 2 года назад

      I was headed that way in 1974 aswell. Our stop was a little further north. UK to February in Kapuskasing was a shock. My mother had the same reaction (2 seasons - snow and bug) and she and I moved back to the UK for about a year. I found it tougher moving as a kid especially at an age where your language skills are still pretty new. English to Canadian English was confusing enough, and adding French had me completely lost.

    • @richardlaasna8372
      @richardlaasna8372 2 года назад

      Yeah, it would've been tough having to learn French as well! I started learning French at the age of 9 there at school. But at least French wasn't spoken in Toronto!

    • @rich7447
      @rich7447 2 года назад +1

      @@richardlaasna8372 Once we moved to the Quinte area the French focus dropped way off. So much so that I had the same French teacher at three different elementary schools between 2nd and 8th grade. After 10 years of French training I still have close to zero knowledge.
      My wife is from Toronto and she did French emersion. She speaks Spanish too so I have to remind her that I know both English and Canadian.

  • @jimcounter4945
    @jimcounter4945 2 года назад +2

    Must be one of the hardest thing to do alone with no other family support around hats off to you

  • @InstantLuc
    @InstantLuc 2 года назад +3

    I moved in 2019 from Toronto to Manchester. Came on a Working Holiday visa and now I'm on a Skilled Worker Visa. I think the hardest part of it all was the uncertainty. The visa rules changed 3 times since I moved here. I wasn't able to figure out what I needed to do in terms of the job I picked, until these things were settled. All is well now though! Your video on the WHV is how I got here so thank you for your help!

  • @peterfarley3217
    @peterfarley3217 2 года назад

    My daughter did a study year abroad in Ottawa. She found it tough too, but like you, she stuck it out and found things turned around after the holidays. Now she loves it so much she's working to go back

  • @karlyhitchcock7730
    @karlyhitchcock7730 2 года назад

    My husband is waiting to hear back from the vet schools in Glasgow and Bristol and if he got in we'd be moving there from the USA with 3 little kids under 5. So I seriously REALLY appreciate any and all information you have. ❤

  • @geoffpoole483
    @geoffpoole483 2 года назад +4

    I don't know if non-UK citizens are eligible, but it's possible to buy a pre-payment certificate for prescriptions. Costs about £10 a month but if you're on several prescribed items (like me) you'll save a fortune.

  • @garypltn69
    @garypltn69 2 года назад +2

    good advice for anyone who is looking to move.

  • @derekmiles7358
    @derekmiles7358 2 года назад +2

    Green top milk for me great video very informative thanks Alanna 👍

  • @stevekangaroo8010
    @stevekangaroo8010 2 года назад +2

    I liked the framing of this video. Just you, a plant and the wall. It was easier to concentrate on just you, without a table or other stuff in the background. Great video idea.

  • @jordancontests9228
    @jordancontests9228 2 года назад +1

    Literally agree with you on every point. Anxiety sky-high all the time, January is like 6-months long, is that expensive for pounds, what brand is that, is it good, where do you buy water bottles from. I woke up crying from dreaming of home more than once, that shit physically hurts.

  • @GemDotThirteen
    @GemDotThirteen 2 года назад +12

    January sucks! Lol
    Hats off to you, don't think I could ever move abroad, I'm not brave enough.
    Really interesting video, never given much thought about these sorts of things before! I could never leave this island if I can't buy my fav popcorn! 😂

    • @AdventuresAndNaps
      @AdventuresAndNaps  2 года назад +5

      Thanks Gem!!

    • @johnatkins2665
      @johnatkins2665 2 года назад +4

      I recognize all of these problems, with the added complication of learning a new language (Dutch). But I did it in the end. And wouldn't life be boring if you moved to a different country and everything was familiar or exactly the same? Then you might have well stayed at home. You would surprise yourself and be able to achieve more than you think once you took the plunge !

    • @ZebrinhahDesrosiers
      @ZebrinhahDesrosiers 2 года назад +5

      I'm moving from brazil to the uk mid January, I'll be leaving a 40°C summer straight to a british winter.
      I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT.

    • @stevenclarke5606
      @stevenclarke5606 2 года назад +1

      I have the same view, I would have loved to moved , but it’s a massive leap of faith.

    • @stevebarlow3154
      @stevebarlow3154 2 года назад +1

      @@ZebrinhahDesrosiers I moved to the UK from Australia and it took a couple of years for my body to adapt to living in a cooler climate. So get lots of warm clothing before you arrive! I can especially recommend fleece clothing eg sweaters, jackets etc, it is super warm, tough and reasonably priced. The UK in general is a great place to live but, as this video suggests, it takes time to adapt to your new life.