27k...

[McAlpine]

Hi, I'm currently a graduate student at the U of Minnesota and will graduate next spring, which means I'm starting to look for jobs or post-doc positions...
I know that a post-doc position in math runs around 27,000 pounds a year. What kinda lifestyle can one expect on that salary? Please.. give me some hints. I have to convince my girlfriend to come with me...

[kaz101]

Hi McAlpine,

Welcome to the forum.

I left the UK in July 2007 (for Oz), and it really depends on where you are going to live in the UK. In London 27k won't go very far however in other areas you'll be okay.

If you say what sort of lifestyle you're looking for that will give forum members more of a clue when replying

Regards,
Karen

[Bevdeforges]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I take it that both you and your girlfriend are Americans. I'm not sure what the UK stance is on issuing visas for unmarried partners, but if they do, she will not be able to work. If they don't, then she is going to have to qualify on her own for a visa, and that can be tricky.

Your lifestyle on £27,000 a year will depend on where you're located. Things would be tight in central London. Further out in the hinterlands, it could be quite reasonable, especially in a university setting where there are lots of facilities available to those associated with the university.
Cheers,
Bev

[McAlpine]

First of all, many thanks for your replays! Actually me and my girlflriend we both have EU passports as well so a work permit in the UK wouldn't be necessary.

The lifestyle I'm looking for is nothing really fancy... Just you know... have a nice apartment, a car, eat out sometimes... just regular, decent life quality

[LadyLily43]

Hiyas McAlpine; I am kind of sort of near you over in OH...My husband and I are toying with moving to the UK ourselves and because of it; after being generously welcomed on this forum; most all of thepeople like Bev have been EXTREMELY helpful pointing out things you need to know, and I've mentioned a few things I found out on my own. If you use the search bar up at the top for all posts I've made so far; I am sure you will find a LOT of that information helpful...The various topics being mentioned were everything from taxes you need to know about, including the National Insurance Card; (medical); to the difficulties of getting a bank account; to what you will find at the grocery stores and clothing stores and such...One simple thing I might point out here is that Walmart DOES have a subsidiary over there called Asda, and though unlike Walmart here; they don't sell clothing; their stores are STILL FILLED to the brim with helpful things you will need for daily living...

[MichelleAlison]

Originally Posted by LadyLily43

One simple thing I might point out here is that Walmart DOES have a subsidiary over there called Asda, and though unlike Walmart here; they don't sell clothing; their stores are STILL FILLED to the brim with helpful things you will need for daily living...

Asda does sell clothing - it is called "GEORGE" and you can get some really nice things at very low prices.

Michelle

[LadyLily43]

Thank-you Michelle I stand corrected...I was just going by the web site which does not seem to list the clothing, but Walmart here in the states does...Again thanks...

[LadyLily43]

SORRY I stand corrected again...I just looked at the website and though I did not see a button up top; I DID THIS time see a link at the bottom for the George clothing...SORRY!!! *Blushes*