Where to live in Britain?
Nov 27th, 2006, 02:40 AM
#21
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"The cities you are choosing between are all very different, I wonder how you came up with such a list."
Actually, I don't agree. I think all these cities have similar things on offer - large gay scenes, vibrant nightlife, young populations. I'd happily live in any of them.
I certainly think London and Brighton win on weather. Whatever northerners may say, we do get consistently warmer and drier weather down south - my partner (from Manchester) couldn't believe, when she first moved down, that Londoners actually planned BBQ parties in advance!
My vote also goes to Brighton - it's smaller and friendlier than London, but with a lot going on. It's an amazingly relaxed, liberal, fun loving kind of city.
Actually, I don't agree. I think all these cities have similar things on offer - large gay scenes, vibrant nightlife, young populations. I'd happily live in any of them.
I certainly think London and Brighton win on weather. Whatever northerners may say, we do get consistently warmer and drier weather down south - my partner (from Manchester) couldn't believe, when she first moved down, that Londoners actually planned BBQ parties in advance!
My vote also goes to Brighton - it's smaller and friendlier than London, but with a lot going on. It's an amazingly relaxed, liberal, fun loving kind of city.
Nov 27th, 2006, 03:44 AM
#22
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While I agree with Kate that the south of England is warmer than the north (as is to be expected), rainfall in the UK has more to do with longitude than latitude. In other words, cities in the west of the country tend to get more rain than those in the east.
Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham are certainly rainier than Edinburgh, for instance. (FYI, according to the BBC weather site, average yearly rainfall for Edinburgh = 676 mm, London = 593 mm, and Birmingham = 764 mm).
Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham are certainly rainier than Edinburgh, for instance. (FYI, according to the BBC weather site, average yearly rainfall for Edinburgh = 676 mm, London = 593 mm, and Birmingham = 764 mm).
Nov 27th, 2006, 09:03 AM
#23
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bloc88 - where are you from in Canada? The reason I ask is because I moved here from Canada a few years ago and thought I'd died and gone to heaven weather-wise. I lived in Montreal (+ Toronto) and the idea of not having to wear my boots, slip on ice, shovel the drive, scrape and warm up the car, stand by the back door while dog went for pee in -30C, etc. means that the weather in Britain is pretty benign comparitively speaking. I really, really, really enjoy the fact that I don't have to do any of those things anymore. You will probably find it damp here and the lack of sun can be a bit of a downer (tho if you are from Vancouver you might not notice the dif!)but the Brits have beautiful skin because of it and look about 10 years younger than they are!
My vote would be for London while you find your feet in this amusing but complicated island nation. You can always choose to move to one of the other cities after a time. London IS huge but it's really just a patchwork of little villages and areas and it's always evolving. I've lived all over London and some areas I lived in 10 years ago have completely changed from what they used to be. Even my local pub has just had a refurb (not sure for the better but that's another story).
From a personal perspective, Edinburgh is lovely, I don't really get the hype about Brighton and ashamed to admit I have never been to Manchester.
My vote would be for London while you find your feet in this amusing but complicated island nation. You can always choose to move to one of the other cities after a time. London IS huge but it's really just a patchwork of little villages and areas and it's always evolving. I've lived all over London and some areas I lived in 10 years ago have completely changed from what they used to be. Even my local pub has just had a refurb (not sure for the better but that's another story).
From a personal perspective, Edinburgh is lovely, I don't really get the hype about Brighton and ashamed to admit I have never been to Manchester.
Nov 27th, 2006, 11:10 AM
#24
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Well you guys have given me a lot to consider. I think I've eliminated London from the list. From what I've read, and from looking at pictures it does seem like a big, grey, lonely place, and I can't really afford it anyway.
Visiting the UK before I move there isn't an option. I'm a poor student living in rural Newfoundland, which is a long ways from a major airport. I will, however, be able to move after a few months in one city.
I'm currently leaning towards Brighton and Edinburgh, though I haven't given up on Manchester (is it anything like Queer as Folk?
). I would like to live in a place that feels "urban" coming from such a tiny, isolated place, and Manchester probably is the best option for that. Brighton and Edinburgh score points for being near the ocean though.
A few other points:
+A couple of people mentioned that Brighton and Manchester are unsafe. Is that true?
+I don't really care about the weater. The average temperature in Edinburgh doesn't get below 0 degrees. Anything above freezing I can easily tolerate.
+I'll probably be working in a hotel or restaurant, so I'm sure I can find a job in any of those cities.
Thanks again for the advice, and please keep it coming. ^^
Visiting the UK before I move there isn't an option. I'm a poor student living in rural Newfoundland, which is a long ways from a major airport. I will, however, be able to move after a few months in one city.
I'm currently leaning towards Brighton and Edinburgh, though I haven't given up on Manchester (is it anything like Queer as Folk?
). I would like to live in a place that feels "urban" coming from such a tiny, isolated place, and Manchester probably is the best option for that. Brighton and Edinburgh score points for being near the ocean though. A few other points:
+A couple of people mentioned that Brighton and Manchester are unsafe. Is that true?
+I don't really care about the weater. The average temperature in Edinburgh doesn't get below 0 degrees. Anything above freezing I can easily tolerate.
+I'll probably be working in a hotel or restaurant, so I'm sure I can find a job in any of those cities.
Thanks again for the advice, and please keep it coming. ^^
Nov 27th, 2006, 12:07 PM
#25
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based on the last list, I think I'm on Edinburgh or Brighton. Manchester has a much lauded gay scene (did I mention I know nothing about it?), but it rains. And it's Manchester. They speak funny.
Edinburgh ane Brighton are both tourist towns and you can probably find heaps of options for work. More than Manchester anyway.
Having got that far, you really want to be in the friendliest country in the world, so come to Scotland. Lots of student digs- so reasonable accommodation available. Good music of all sorts. Some bad areas, but most is good.
I think you'd have a good time there.
Edinburgh ane Brighton are both tourist towns and you can probably find heaps of options for work. More than Manchester anyway.
Having got that far, you really want to be in the friendliest country in the world, so come to Scotland. Lots of student digs- so reasonable accommodation available. Good music of all sorts. Some bad areas, but most is good.
I think you'd have a good time there.
Nov 27th, 2006, 02:00 PM
#26
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If you are a Newfie ;o) , I agree with Sheila - I think Edinburgh would be a great fit. It's a beautiful city with heaps going on and, best of all, it's full of Scots who are such great people. If you are looking at working in restaurants, Edinburgh supports a huge tourism scene (think lots of colonials tracing their Scottish roots).
Whatever you do, just make sure you have as much money saved up as you possibly can before you come. Do not underestimate how expensive the UK is and you will be financially drained just setting up here initially. When I came here in the early 90s, I brought CDN$2,000 and I was SHOCKED at how expensive everything was - even just doing a food shop in Tesco was painful. I initially lived in Bristol and had to move to London because I simply wanted to earn more money. Think Dick Whittington...
Whatever you do, just make sure you have as much money saved up as you possibly can before you come. Do not underestimate how expensive the UK is and you will be financially drained just setting up here initially. When I came here in the early 90s, I brought CDN$2,000 and I was SHOCKED at how expensive everything was - even just doing a food shop in Tesco was painful. I initially lived in Bristol and had to move to London because I simply wanted to earn more money. Think Dick Whittington...
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:07 AM
#27
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If you are looking for an 'urban' experience then Manchester is definitely your best option - the gay scene is famous and the music/gig scene is 2nd only to London - there are also great news arts centres like Lowry Museum and Urbis
if you are into live music then Edinburgh is not a good option - few bands bother to goto Edinburgh when they tour (glasgow is the usual stop in Scotland) - brighton is better in this respect as many tours go through Brighton and London is nearby
do not worry about comments saying that Manchester and Brighton are unsafe - all cities have areas and people that you should avoid
Plus its crazy to say that it would be easier to find work in Edinburgh or Brighton over Manchester seeing as Greater Manchester is bigger than the other 2 put together (but there will be jobs available everywhere anyway) - i also find it amusing that someone from Scotland says they 'speak funny' in Manchester!
many people will tell you that it rains all the time in Manchester but this is just urban myth - i found this online:
Manchester has a reputation as a rainy city. The average annual rainfall is 809 mm, (902 mm from some sources) meaning that its reputation is relatively undeserved. For example, this total is less than that of Plymouth, Cardiff or Glasgow. In international terms, Manchester receives substantially less rain than New York City, which receives 1200 mm of rain in an average year, and its average annual rainfall total is comparable with that of Rome.
if you are into live music then Edinburgh is not a good option - few bands bother to goto Edinburgh when they tour (glasgow is the usual stop in Scotland) - brighton is better in this respect as many tours go through Brighton and London is nearby
do not worry about comments saying that Manchester and Brighton are unsafe - all cities have areas and people that you should avoid
Plus its crazy to say that it would be easier to find work in Edinburgh or Brighton over Manchester seeing as Greater Manchester is bigger than the other 2 put together (but there will be jobs available everywhere anyway) - i also find it amusing that someone from Scotland says they 'speak funny' in Manchester!
many people will tell you that it rains all the time in Manchester but this is just urban myth - i found this online:
Manchester has a reputation as a rainy city. The average annual rainfall is 809 mm, (902 mm from some sources) meaning that its reputation is relatively undeserved. For example, this total is less than that of Plymouth, Cardiff or Glasgow. In international terms, Manchester receives substantially less rain than New York City, which receives 1200 mm of rain in an average year, and its average annual rainfall total is comparable with that of Rome.
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:07 AM
#28
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+A couple of people mentioned that Brighton and Manchester are unsafe. Is that true?
In places Manchester is about the most dangerous place in Britain (places like moss side and longsight). However there is no reason for you to go there, and the rest of the city is safe enough.
The gay scene is centred around Anal St* and that is a safe, well policed area.
*It's actually called Canal St but people keep nicking the letter C.
Did I mention that it's grim up north?
Brighton is almost comically safe, being full of gays on ecstasy in large part. Again the housing estates are pretty grim - so don't go there.
Edinburgh has some of the worst housing estates in Britain - think "Trainspotting" - but again these are on the edges of the city and there is no reason to go there.
+I don't really care about the weather. The average temperature in Edinburgh doesn't get below 0 degrees. Anything above freezing I can easily tolerate.
Then you'll be happy anywhere in Britain. It's pretty mild here.
In places Manchester is about the most dangerous place in Britain (places like moss side and longsight). However there is no reason for you to go there, and the rest of the city is safe enough.
The gay scene is centred around Anal St* and that is a safe, well policed area.
*It's actually called Canal St but people keep nicking the letter C.
Did I mention that it's grim up north?
Brighton is almost comically safe, being full of gays on ecstasy in large part. Again the housing estates are pretty grim - so don't go there.
Edinburgh has some of the worst housing estates in Britain - think "Trainspotting" - but again these are on the edges of the city and there is no reason to go there.
+I don't really care about the weather. The average temperature in Edinburgh doesn't get below 0 degrees. Anything above freezing I can easily tolerate.
Then you'll be happy anywhere in Britain. It's pretty mild here.
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:39 AM
#29
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Hi bloc88,
To be honest there is just too much choice and too many opinions on a forum like this to allow you to make an informed decision.
May I suggest you create a criteria list of what you DO want.
For example if you really want to be by the sea, then that cancels out many places.
Only advice I would give for someone of your age etc is.
1. Remember there is more to the UK than London and it is really expensive to live there anyway.
2. Look at the cities that perhaps have large Universities, you will be well catered for in these places.
3. If you have the opportunity to visit for a holiday before hand then do so.
Good Luck and let us know your decision !!
Muck
To be honest there is just too much choice and too many opinions on a forum like this to allow you to make an informed decision.
May I suggest you create a criteria list of what you DO want.
For example if you really want to be by the sea, then that cancels out many places.
Only advice I would give for someone of your age etc is.
1. Remember there is more to the UK than London and it is really expensive to live there anyway.
2. Look at the cities that perhaps have large Universities, you will be well catered for in these places.
3. If you have the opportunity to visit for a holiday before hand then do so.
Good Luck and let us know your decision !!
Muck
Dec 3rd, 2006, 12:33 AM
#31
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I'd agree witht he - don't just stay in one city approach, you want to see Britian and not just one city. Brighton and Manchester both have quite famous gay scenes - did you ever see 'Queer as Folk' - the UK not the US one - that's Manchester.
London you have to visit but is VERY expensive to live in.
What sort of work do you want to do? Oportunities are different in different cities.
How much time do you want to spend working and how much seeing the country? Manchester is more central as a base and has good rail and air connections. Also it's full of students.
Chavs - you can't completely avoid them but you can ignore them.
London you have to visit but is VERY expensive to live in.
What sort of work do you want to do? Oportunities are different in different cities.
How much time do you want to spend working and how much seeing the country? Manchester is more central as a base and has good rail and air connections. Also it's full of students.
Chavs - you can't completely avoid them but you can ignore them.
Dec 7th, 2006, 01:25 PM
#32
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A few thoughts which might help...
As already said, London is hugely expensive; if you're on a budget, or will only have a low-paid job, it's almost prohibitive; chances are you'll only be able to afford to live in a district you wouldn't like.
Looking for people like you: I don't really know Edinburgh (I live in Manchester, and have worked in london and Brighton)... with the newly-expanded University of Manchester, Manchester has the biggest university scene going outside of London. Young people are out and about in the city in droves most nights (especially away from weekends, when students can take advantage of low-price admission). So as well as the more well-known music venues, there's a lot of university-based stuff going on too, just south of the city centre... and I'm sure you could exploit that (look at Fallowfield, Withington and Didsbury in particular).
As for "the urban experience"... well you won't get it in Brighton; that's a large town, not a city. Edinburgh and Mcnhester will both fit the bill; Manchester a bit more than Edinburgh, in my opinion.
This "Manchester is rainy" thing is garbage; and whoever mentioned longitude needs to look at an atlas; Edinburgh is west of Manchester... it's even west of Liverpool.
As regards gettng to other places, Edinburgh is worst of the choices you mention. The airport is small, and it's a long way from anywhere else (except Glasgow). That said, you can get out into really beautiful scenery from Edinburgh; but you can also say that about Manchester (Peak District, Lake District, North Wales, Yorkshire Dales), and to a lesser extent Brighton (South Downs, the south coast).
Only other constructive thing I can suggest is you reflect on and refine your criteria and re-evaluate...
But the bottom line is probably this.. with the right attitude and little slice of luck, you could have a great time in any and all of these places.
As already said, London is hugely expensive; if you're on a budget, or will only have a low-paid job, it's almost prohibitive; chances are you'll only be able to afford to live in a district you wouldn't like.
Looking for people like you: I don't really know Edinburgh (I live in Manchester, and have worked in london and Brighton)... with the newly-expanded University of Manchester, Manchester has the biggest university scene going outside of London. Young people are out and about in the city in droves most nights (especially away from weekends, when students can take advantage of low-price admission). So as well as the more well-known music venues, there's a lot of university-based stuff going on too, just south of the city centre... and I'm sure you could exploit that (look at Fallowfield, Withington and Didsbury in particular).
As for "the urban experience"... well you won't get it in Brighton; that's a large town, not a city. Edinburgh and Mcnhester will both fit the bill; Manchester a bit more than Edinburgh, in my opinion.
This "Manchester is rainy" thing is garbage; and whoever mentioned longitude needs to look at an atlas; Edinburgh is west of Manchester... it's even west of Liverpool.
As regards gettng to other places, Edinburgh is worst of the choices you mention. The airport is small, and it's a long way from anywhere else (except Glasgow). That said, you can get out into really beautiful scenery from Edinburgh; but you can also say that about Manchester (Peak District, Lake District, North Wales, Yorkshire Dales), and to a lesser extent Brighton (South Downs, the south coast).
Only other constructive thing I can suggest is you reflect on and refine your criteria and re-evaluate...
But the bottom line is probably this.. with the right attitude and little slice of luck, you could have a great time in any and all of these places.
Dec 9th, 2006, 01:14 AM
#33
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You said keep it coming so here's my two pence worth. I've lived in Brighton, Manchester and London at various times - but not recently, I have to say. I've lived in Newcastle too. You've had some great advice - but do yourself a favour and look at Newcastle (again??). Granted it can be d*** cold in the winter but the other things it has going for it outweigh that IMHO. And anyway, it won't ever be as cold as Newfoundland gets (I believe) and if that's where you come from you will at least have all the necessary gear!!
Newcastle is by the ocean, has a fantastic music scene, arts scene - friendly folk too once you have tuned your ear into the accent. On main train line between London and Edinburgh.
But when push comes to shove, two years is a long time. You just need to pick somewhere to start - in which case London is the place, and move on when you've got used to being away from home and have found out how to find out where else you might fancy.
Best of luck.
Newcastle is by the ocean, has a fantastic music scene, arts scene - friendly folk too once you have tuned your ear into the accent. On main train line between London and Edinburgh.
But when push comes to shove, two years is a long time. You just need to pick somewhere to start - in which case London is the place, and move on when you've got used to being away from home and have found out how to find out where else you might fancy.
Best of luck.
Oct 29th, 2007, 08:31 PM
#34
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Dear Bloc,
I have been considering moving to the UK myself. I will be finishing with Graduate School in Spring '08 with a Masters in Information Systems in Security. I have been to London twice and would live there in a second. It is my favorite city in the world! Also gay, I have more fun in that city than anyplace else, there is quite literally something for everyone there. If I were you, I would rent a room from someone in London for 6 months and see how you like it. Then go to Brighton for another 6 months, etc. Maybe we could get a flat together and share expenses...
I would love to chat more about your plans!
I have been considering moving to the UK myself. I will be finishing with Graduate School in Spring '08 with a Masters in Information Systems in Security. I have been to London twice and would live there in a second. It is my favorite city in the world! Also gay, I have more fun in that city than anyplace else, there is quite literally something for everyone there. If I were you, I would rent a room from someone in London for 6 months and see how you like it. Then go to Brighton for another 6 months, etc. Maybe we could get a flat together and share expenses...
I would love to chat more about your plans!
