I’m American and traveled there for vacation (Edinburgh and beyond), and fell in love with that country. We have a small bunch of insanely rich organisations and individuals who have a huge amount of influence and power. I wish I would have known this earlier – my parents are probably quite glad that I didn’t. Strictly follow all rules, speed limits and signs on the road. Whether it’s your love for the coos, the green highlands or the Scottish accent, there are many reasons to consider moving to Scotland. Post-Brexit though I am happy about the extended welcome of the Scottish government, the reassurance that my contribution is valued by my university, the hugs of Scottish friends who make sure that I know that I – and everybody else who was not born here – is welcome. Oh, what a shame! I'm Moving to Scotland! Anyway this was kind of just me rambling but yeah, thanks for liking scotland I guess! As a single mother of two I worked and paid my own way. Thanks so much for your insights! Of course none knows what will happen by the time the UK actually leaves the union, but for the time being Scotland should be your number one choice for free and excellent higher education! The Austrian composer & conductor Gustav Mahler once said that if the world will end one day, he’ll move to Vienna where everything happens with a 50 year delay. Expat Exchange: 9 Things to Know Before Moving to Scotland Here are 9 things to know before moving to Scotland from expats who have already moved there. . I wish your son all the best with his studies! It is NOT. This doesn’t make sense to me…. I know, aren’t they?!? When I move to Scotland I will be in either a council or housing association bungalow so will need to claim housing benefit/council tax benefit up there. Shame about the weather though…, Pingback: Meet the Locals: Three Stories from London - Watch Me See. In my heart I still call it ‘home.’ And yes, I would love to return to live there the rest of my days. Coming to Scotland is straight forward if you’re British or from one of our European Economic Area (EEA) neighbours. I hope someday to travel to Scotland. , Hi Chris, I’m so sorry to hear that! With healthcare and education being free, you may want to check out some of the actual costs of living in Scotland before you pack a suitcase and move there. Yes or No. And taking all my retirement money I’ve saved up and retire there, is not a welcome move either. Although self-explanatory to many, there are still some visitors who approach talk about … I can imagine though, that free tuition for EU citizens would only apply when you do a whole degree, not just for an exchange period. Fantastic Removals specialize in the delivery of professional removal services. Contacts for common benefits are listed below. There are no doubt many beautiful places in Scotland, where you can settle and start your new life. Check if the benefits letter is addressed to you - that means the claim was in your name. Once you get accustomed to the climate, especially along the west coast… There are loads of little peaceful seaside towns, but also great cities with loads of cultural stuff happening. Packing is the most essential part of moving house. Such a beautiful country to move to! There are still many benefits which are UK-wide and which people in Scotland are able to claim. All photos, downloadable files and texts are the property of Kathi Kamleitner / Watch Me See unless otherwise cited, and may not be used or reproduced elsewhere without permission. Now that I’m a student again I enjoy one of the greatest perks of life in the UK – free healthcare. in the US) pile up thousands of thousands of dollars of debt which they spend the rest of their lives paying off – that is if they are part of the elite who is eligible for loans. I’m American but my now ex husband is German. If you decide you want to drink other types of hard liquor, the only acceptable mixer is Irn Bru. Its a stone throw away. It would also be a HUGE change for me since I have lived in the same tiny town in Alabama, USA since I was five but your article only makes me pine for Scotland even more! I have always found the country to be progressive – somewhere one could be proud to live. The people have generous hearts and the food (albeit unhealthy) is addictive, too! While the systems are different in everywhere, I feel comfortable to generalise one thing: being a young entrepreneur is not easy in Austria or Germany. Here is a list of the ... Getting some free moving boxes before the move helps you save a lot from your ... Changing your address in UK is a tedious task which needs to be done properly ... Don’t put your health in danger by lifting all these heavy objects from the old ... Pianos are fantastic instruments to listen to but not to move on your own. It may be one of the coldest parts of the UK but, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, Scotland makes up for it with free university education, free prescriptions, inventions like “ the spurtle ,” and warm, friendly people. The greatest lesson learned from my parents was you are responsible for you. You talk about free enterprise and capitalism being the answer. I have returned many times since and traveled the land from the Borders and into the Highlands. There is always a gallery opening, a free gig or a poetry slam going on in one of Glasgow’s many venues. Great article! I don’t know how many of the students who apply actually get the funding, but it’s worth trying! And by the way, I am a postgraduate student who faces very real university fees and I have always worked to finance my studies, sometimes several jobs. You should always ask in advance if you can transfer your existing UK benefits outside the UK by contacting the DWP's International Pension Centre - see 'Where to apply' below. I hope I would visit scotland atleast once in my lifetime! I am American, I was married in Gretna Green, Scotland to my Welsh husband in 2013. I hope you get to visit one day. Thanks for your comment! I also don’t have close relatives that allow me to move there permanently but I’m hoping to go for a month this summer to check out where I’d like to live. It’s truly a wonderful country. In terms of management, the Scottish and the English NHS are separate. (US dollars) per year just for my medicines, and that doesn’t count Dr. visits and all other fees for care. It’s great to hear such amazing comments about my home country Now I must get to reading some of your other blog posts. My housing costs plummeted, even though I'm now living in a major city. At the time of applying I was not eligible for the full studentship (EU citizen have to live in the UK for 3+ years in order to be eligible for the same studentship as UK students), but I received a fees-only award from AHRC and a maintenance award from my University – once you have one award, others are more likely to fund you too. Tell me more about living in Scotland!!! In the UK this immediately rises to £10,000 (a lot more, at least until last week) which is particularly convenient if you still have a majority of clients paying you in Euros. The Scots are so much fun, so witty, as if being cold in the cold weather of the north gives plenty of time for great stories along with the hard work. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 free things to do in Glasgow. Although this scheme covers only the first university degree, it can help you save a considerable amount of money. In regards to said ambulance transport my insurance guy first said ‘we’re not paying a taxi ride to the hospital’, completely ignoring that I was actually hit by a car and fell on my head… insurance people are terrible, anywhere in the world…, Anyways, I’m glad you enjoyed the article! *fingers crossed*. In Glasgow I got picked up by an ambulance, received the friendliest treatment by the A&E staff (one of them gave me a tenner go get myself a taxi home afterwards) – no questions asked. This post contains affiliate links which I may make a commission from. Scotland would not be the same without its pristine, untouched wilderness. Assistance available 24/7 While employed and self-employed pay a small contribution towards their National Health Insurance, I am exempted from this for the time being. I hope that changes. He added: “So whereas I can see the numerous attractions in moving to Scotland – better benefits, no bedroom tax, a nationwide concessionary travel scheme, more respect for disabled people’s human rights and not forgetting the beautiful scenery! Be the first to get the best home and office moving tips! We have to agree to disagree here. You are right, we do have nature at our backdoor (I do literally, there is a loch!) What is going to happen when your woofing , or whatever you call it, when the government comes in and wants to tax it and regulate it? I just wonder how likely it was for an EU citizen (I’m French) to get a scholarship and also what sort of quality life you’d get? I could find no way to stay there. The Scottish government has just released a statement to reassure current and prospective EU students that this will stay this way for the coming time, despite the results of the EU referendum. Regardless of the distance, home relocation is never an easy task. I live on the border. Haha your comment about the food is so true! As an art student, I love the thriving contemporary art scene as much as the rich history of arts and culture in Scotland. Very simplified this means that ‘we’ pay taxes and get services in return – some need more, some need less – and the Americans pay taxes, get war in return and have to pay additional fees for education, health care etc. My PhD is the first instance where I get a scholarship and I worked very hard for that. In correspondence with my personal lifestyle choices, I am glad to see that the Scottish government has a very progressive energy strategy to protect its country as well. I can totally relate to having your heart and home in two places at the same time! I fell madly in love with my new home and started Watch Me See to convince all people to visit Scotland at least once! I’m vegan and even that doesn’t keep you from eating delicious fried stuff all the time Where are you starting grad school? How lucky do I consider myself now, ten years later, living in the country of my teenage dreams. Social Security is paid for by contributions from our pay checks and by our employers. It was disheartening to learn I’m not welcome. I couldn’t agree more. , Your email address will not be published. It’s the lack of sun: this year was particularly bad, with the south of … Despite the many similarities with life in England, there are some very striking differences. Those who are over 60-years-old can travel by bus for free. Sad to read this article to see all the people who want everything in their life for free. Fortunately our insurance covered it. Most people who retire have 2 types of income: the UK State Pension; a workplace or personal pension scheme. And although the country is part of the UK, many of our customers have questions not only about their move, but also their new life in Scotland. Living in Glasgow I don’t need to drive far to get to the seaside, beautiful lakes, the mountains or all three in one day. It’s not looking promising right now though… . I totally agree – and I’m very happy I found a little spot for myself in Scotland <3. But if you still think this country is not magical enough, then look no further than its national animal, the unicorn, or the Loch Ness Monster! It was very easy for me as a European citizen 6 years ago, but of course, that is going to change now as well… I hope more people can move where their heart is in the future!! Well, let me know when you arrive here, I’d be happy to show you around Glasgow Thanks for your lovely comment! kofiwidget2.init('Support Me on Ko-fi', '#af4d92', 'Y8Y0OQPK');kofiwidget2.draw(); Watch Me See is an Amazon Associate and an affiliate of Booking.com, Airbnb and others and thus I earn from qualifying purchases you make at no extra cost to you.