Relocating to UK in middle of winter

[franklymydear]

You'll probably find that you need wet weather gear most of all. However, I'd say don't buy too much in advance of your coming here. Temperatures in the UK can range from +30C in the summer to freezing; however, cold freezing weather nowadays only lasts a short time, so you can probably get away with adding layers rather than buying cold-weather clothing.

Have a lovely time in the UK.

M

[Suki]

Originally Posted by burning_angel_

Hey there all,

I have just stumbled across this forum and I hope to pick your brains as much as I can before I relocate to the UK in Dec/Jan.

I'm from Australia and therefore I have never have never lived in snow and my idea of a cold day/night is 10 degrees celcius. My point is - what warm clothing will I have to buy before I enter the country? I have thermals already but I'm wondering what else is absolutely essential to have before I enter the country?

I intend on buying lots of warm clothes when I get there from op shops so I only really need to now the essentials.

Oh and another question - I have just set up my Skype account but I heard that it sucks lots of your download capacity. Is this true and what's the cheapest deal/internet that you know of for unlimited download - or even any companies to steer clear of?

Thanks so much for your help...I'm sure I will continue to ask more and more questions as the time becomes closer.

I relocated to the UK from South Africa in Jan this year and had much the same problem. I bought some really thick, warm winter clothing only to find that with the central heating everywhere, you dont need thermals or such warm clothing as you just get too hot when on busses, trains/tubes and indoors. The best way to dress for UK winters is to layer your clothing. A normal long sleeve blouse or even a t-shirt, with a jersey over that, which you can take off if the central heating is too warm, will do just fine. As other posters have mentioned you will just need a warm coat, a scarf and some gloves. So dont worry too much about the clothing situation, some places have the central heating cranked up so high, you will wish you had put on your Australian summer clothes! With regards to the skype, most people here take a package deal from service providers such as BT, SKY or Virgin. These packages usually offer telephone, broadband with speeds ranging from 8-20 meg and satelite television. The skype wont really affect your broadband with higher download speeds. Good luck with your move!

[Busyte]

The biggest problem of England is not the cold, it's the wonderful and many shades of grey we get everyday.

Bring boots, socks, long sleeve shirts, a jumper or 2, a warm coat, gloves and scarf and a good umbrella or raincoat because you will use it.

Good luck with your move.

Busyte

[Kaiser]

As others have said, its the wind and damp that are the problem. Make sure you have scarves etc, above anything else. British people will tend, however, to put fashion before comfort on all but the coldest and windiest days. Certainly not unusual to see girls going out in very short skirts and tops when theres snow on the ground!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Kaiser

As others have said, its the wind and damp that are the problem. Make sure you have scarves etc, above anything else. British people will tend, however, to put fashion before comfort on all but the coldest and windiest days. Certainly not unusual to see girls going out in very short skirts and tops when theres snow on the ground!

I think us Brits are used to the cold and in most cases these girls are just flitting from one warm place to another!! Besides, with the british weather as it is, you very rarely get the opportunity to wear "summer attire" so you have to take your chances!!!!

Jo xxx

[adrianmark]

Bristol doesn't get that cold but the dampness can get through to your bones. A good overcoat or NorthFace jacket would certainly do the trick.

Carry a brolley with you at all times