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[thesilverymoon]

So my UK visa finally came through! I'll be working on my master's degree in London starting in September

Comments

[janewilliams20]

How did you manage to miss Starbucks, when there's one on every other corner? We are talking about the same thing? Chain of coffee shops?

[pipsocle]

You just reminded me of the other food I miss. Dunkin Donuts! Yes.

A Krispy Kreme opened in Edinburgh, and people were literally waiting for HOURS to get doughnuts. I don't get it. I still haven't been to it. Now maybe if it were a Dunkin Donuts...

[janewilliams20]

Supermarkets will usually take a strip card if you ask. Smaller places may not know how, though touristy areas that are used to visiting Americans (like London!) will probably cope better than the average.

[sollersuk]

Some big shops still accept magnetic strips, but I don't think any ATMs do. I'm not sure about over the counter services inside banks.

[of_polyhymnia]

ATMs do take strip cards! I have never had a problem with it.

[sollersuk]

Really? Card readers in shops have different places to put the card into for chip or strip but ATMs only have one.

[of_polyhymnia]

With the disclaimer that I do not really understand this, my impression is that chip and pin cards also have a magnetic strip. This is what is actually read in an ATM, not the chip.

[velum_cado]

3. Ok, I tried posting this once, but LJ marked it as spam, so I'll have to take out the links. Google "spareroom" and "easyroommate". Those are both sites I've used in the past to find houseshares in the UK.

4. Really just Buffalo Wild Wings... I miss the Caribbean Jerk sauce. Everything else I don't miss any more, I've learned to make it myself, or I've found a reasonable UK equivalent.

5. I wouldn't have brought so many clothes! It made travelling over a pain in the ass, and I could have replaced most of the basics at somewhere cheap like Primark anyway.

[velum_cado]

Obviously your mileage may vary. I moved permanenty from the USA to the UK with three suitcases and no money to have anything shipped. I feel that my suitcase space could have been better used by other things.

[stac88]

Most stores take the strip cards, the cashier just has to swipe the card. I went with HSBC as they took my lease, visa, US drivers license and passport to open the account. They are great, and its easy to transfer money back to the US and what not.

When packing to move, use the vacuum bags to pack in your suitcase. You would be amazed how much you can pack.