Help!!!!! Any Brits in NJ?
 

I've been here for a month, my boyfriend got a transfer, we were living together, so it seemed like the right thing to come here. Homesick? Understatement of the year. I can't work, because of the visa I got and I've got nothing to do all day.
Anyone who was in a similar situation and got through it? :(

We did the same thing, I came over here on a work visa while she had to just sit and do nothing. I can say that it was stressing to have just one income, one car (no credit history meant a huge 20% APR at that time) and a bored partner. Luckily, I found an apartment that enabled her to walk to nearby shops and entertainment. She also went back to her homeland frequently for a couple of months at a time, and although it felt like hell at the time, we are both extremely pleased that we did not cave in and go back.

Stick with it, sure you'll get homesick, it's only natural, but don't look back with rose tinted glasses...a few people that were in the same boat at that time did exactly that and returned home, only to regret it later. The world's an extremely small place these days, what with the internet and email, and you only need to spend a few hours on a flight to be physically back there. Trust me, hang on...changing country is a hard time for anyone, but give it at least a year and you'll be surprised how established you become.

Best of luck!

Have you thought about doing some voluntary work? It will get you out the house at least.

Ash :)

Re: Help!!!!!
 

where in NJ are you?

if you're not married, you must be on a visa waiver?

I know that feeling. Even with 3 kids (in school at the time though), I was pacing the floor and at that time there wasn't even internet or email to occupy me. So, I went back to school and got a degree- also did voluntary work and home-schooled my daughter. It was a long 7 years before I got employment authorisation- I would have died with boredom if I hadn't done something.

the reason I ask about the visa you are on is because your options may be very limited, sure, you could do voluntar work (I think) but you will be resricted to a maximum number of hours per week, in order to study, you will need a visa.

Re: Help!!!!!
 

I think I've got a B2 visa, just a tourist visa, I'm in for 6 months, then have to go home, then come back and so on. I'm in Hoboken, which is nice to be able to walk around, but with 1 income we're not loaded, there's only so far you can walk in a square mile!!
Thank you for all your encouragement, it's nice to know others have done it ok! :) :)

Re: Help!!!!!
 

Come and watch the footbal at mulligans on 1st, i'll be wearing the England Shirt, that should keep you entertained for 90mins.:D

Re: Help!!!!!
 

I'm sure someone must be near you Hayley! -- I'm about an hour and a half away in Connecticut. I'll be down your way on saturday, but am pressed for time.

Start a new post asking if anyone is in NJ?

I've got it... pm me your phone number if you like... I know how to find brits in NJ!

Re: Help!!!!!
 

My first time out here I was so miserable, my husband expected me gone everytime he came home from work for 6 months, slowly things got better, I missed Uk terribly more family than place I think. Anyway that was the first 5 yrs in Arkansas, then returned to UK for 6 yrs and here we are again going through the same misery just in a different state. From past experience it won't be so bad after a while but it is hard getting to that point. It is expensive to go home to Uk and have just been now feel worse. I try to just look forward to a better time and make the most of what I have now.
Hope you feel better soon about things, I am volunteering in a couple of places and yes it not only relives the boredom but gives you a chance to hang out with some usually friendly people & talk to someone that isn't it yur family for a change... that or you end up befriending the shop assistants and postman!!! along with anyone else you can find...
Sue

Re: Help!!!!!
 

Im in NJ!

I know there are a few others too, if you wanna head in to the city there are hundreds,

try this link if you want to meet some, ive been to this a couple of times and they are a friendly bunch

http://brit.meetup.com/members/321

Like I said earlier, Mulligans on 1st about 2.45.

Hey Matt,
I've been going to Mulligan's for the England games. Are you heading there today? I'm meeting a couple of mates in there.

Yep I am, leaving work around 2.00.

I'll keep a lookout for the guy with an England shirt on and buy you a pint! Roooooooney.

I hate you both...

I'm going to miss it and I can't even get FiveLive at 2500ft

Bastards

Don't think ATC would be too impressed if when they tried to contact you, they got John Motson or Alan Greene replying to them

Actually ATC will be following the game - they're at ground level. Better keep your eyes peeled up there Chopper.:)

especially if they were talking about the wing not being up to the usual quality.

:D

Unfortuenlty not, I asked them for a match update the other day...they told me that the Yankees were winning 2-5 against the Padres

:rolleyes:

I'll be wearing a blue and white stripy shirt, I think my england shirt is jinxed.

Lucky you all it just isn't the same sitting here all alone listening to it... Well at least I get to hear it unlike Chopper, couldn't you take the afternoon off?
I'll be thinking of you all with your pints & other Brits singing away. Have fun.

I wish.

I'm carrying Mr. (I shouldn't say his name but you could find him online) from the Bank of New York to his Clinton CT beach house.

He'll not take too kindly to being told he's got to stay in the city because England are playing Portugal!

I could give it a try though...if successful, you'll see me in Hoboken too!

Hayley, I feel for you, that's exactly how it was for me when I first arrived. I was so bored, I started ironing everything in the house including socks, undies, sheets, towels - dh thought I was OCD! :eek:

I started babysitting to earn some money till I could work. Fortunately, dh was able to get me a cheap car, but maybe someone could give you a lift?