Irn-bru

I didn't really know how much you liked it or disliked it here...good to know

Texas Mom

It's what you make it in't it!

Irn-bru

so true.. just like anything in life

(know there are valid reasons why some posters are unhappy here this is not aimed at them )

Texas Mom

Very wise words and have to agree 100%.

snowbunny

Yep the flight connections are good.

Yorkshire Gold tea can be had at our Central Market in Austin, have you tried the one in Houston?

Welcome,
American Amy in Austin

scrubbedexpat097

You can get Yorkshire Tea in the HEB store in Friendswood which is just up the road from you! I just went there last week and stocked up on Bisto, Pickled Onions, Chocolate etc..........they usually have a very good selection.

eli2929

Oh my god!!I was shocked when I saw your message here because I have almost the same situation as yours Sofi and I live in Manchester as well! I was trying to get H1 visa to go there, because I wouldn't be able to work with H4 visa...but I think if you go with H4 visa and you don't want to stay at home, I think studying would be a great idea..and that's what I'm thinking of doing myself if I can't get H1.

cadengineer

Houston is a good place, Rice is a great place to live especially with the pubs in the village, pretty much similar to high street bars back in the UK although not as nice but you soon get used to that. Study is the way to go if your on an H4, however until you are here for I think 6 months you will be regarded as not being from instate and the fees will be about double, this may be a good motivavtor to hang about the pool for a bit and work that tan.

Also be prepared to see roaches , fire ants and being bitten by British blood hungry moquetoes.
The traffic sucks now in Houston too with all those foregners from New Orleans being here and the constant road works. Be prepared to get a ticket and have to get a lawyer as the multitude of police forces over here depend on your dollars to pay there wages also remember that you have to tio the waiters in bars, otherwise they just wont serve you again..other than that its a fine place, nice and warm...

Sofi

When are you moving? Are you going to be in Texas or a different state? Good luck with the move

eli2929

Thanks Sofi, I wish you the best as well I don't know exactly..but I think it would be in the next 6-7 months! I'm going to be in Houston.

katesbackagain

I can't give you any pointers on the city itself as I don't live there (I'm currently crisping to death in FL! ) but I would suggest keeping busy as a main distraction.

I've been here for about four and a half years now, and had never once been homesick to the point where I wanted to go back (well, except for maybe at Christmas). I have a good relationship with my family and we talk every week, so that helps.

Oddly, what does help a lot is to find stores that sell UK things. I just recently found some goodies like Maltesers and Devon Custard in the ethnic food section of Publix, and I nearly cried with joy!

It also helps to stay as problem-free as possible. I've been having some quite severe financial issues lately, and although I've always been okay in the past, right now I want to see my mum so bad, I'm ready to just jump on a plane and go! (And I'm in my 30's!!! ) I'll be okay again once I get sorted though.

Just try to keep as busy as possible and make some good friends.

Sofi

We might be neighbours!!

Jodoug

Hi there - I'm moving to Manchester from Houston! I'm not scared or anything, just trying to figure things out - especially schools. But you won't have to worry about that (yet)

I've lived in Houston my whole adult life (except for one stint in Singapore about 10 years ago). There are 'few' native Houstonians as this is a pretty transient town - many expats - and many Americans from all over the states. You will hear all the negatives about how hot it is, how many mosquitos there are, how bad the traffic is (or can be), etc., but you will never meet friendlier people. Rice Village is especially nice -- lots of outdoor cafes, music venues, coffee shops, pubs, boutiques, and wide array of ethnic dining! The area is pedestrian-friendly. There's also a workout gym there or you can probably work out at Rice U. Even though Rice Village might be more expensive than other areas of town, it's a very nice area and don't forget, with the exchange rate, everything will be half as much!

I now live in Seabrook (near Galveston Bay, Clear Lake and Kemah Boardwalk) and LOVE it down here (about 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston). I met a lovely English couple from Hartlepool who moved here two years ago (not sure of their Visa status but they purchased their home). They've really assimilated well. The Randalls stores have a decent selection of English foods and they love the Indian grocer nearby. Meanwhile, they've learned to appreciate Mexican food, margaritas and Texas BBQ. They love their pool, tropical trees and flowers, and how warm and sunny it is here -- they're always inviting people over and going out to different restaurants, pubs and places to listen to live music. They've been to many more places than I've been down here and I've been here 7 years. We all have kids and met through soccer -- there are other families from Holland, Scotland, Canada, etc. and everyone of them really like Houston (or at least our particular area -we have a great school district and outstanding soccer clubs).

I think if you have a willing heart and open mind, you will have a grand adventure. I know when we moved to Singapore half way around the world, it seemed daunting at first, but we grew very close as a family, then struck out to learn as much as we could and had an absolute blast! Now, we're going back to Singapore, but with a one year stopover in Manchester first. So, here goes our next grand adventure....and good luck on yours and congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

PS: Gets lots of sunscreen, mosquito spray and sunglasses and be prepared to explore and try new things!

John Murray

What's it called? I pass through there often.

There's one in The Woodlands called Goodwoods which has a lot of fine fayre.

scrubbedexpat097

The British Isles...........owned by a Brit called Guy. Lots of choccies, cookies, tea, crisps, etc etc.....