New arrival in the US

[LadyoftheLakes]

Hi. We have just moved to Michigan for a couple of years and been reading the different posts with interest. We are due to move into our house on Monday and I'm sure reality will set in then. Hopefully once our 2 DDs are at school we will find it easier to get a routine going. Any tips for settling? Any Michigan settlers out there with recommendations for places to go/things to do?

How do you find the elementary school system?
Thanks

Not in Michigan, I'm west coast. But you could come over to www.britishexpats.com there are people in Michigan on there. School vary by district as well as state so I'm no help there.
Did you already sign up the kids? When dos the school year start for them?

Hi Lady - less than a month to go until our move. The thing I'm nervous about is having a month there before school starts and no clubs or friends to come over and play. I can imagine them (and me!) getting very bored.

I'm planning on heading to the library in the first couple of days to see what's going on and joining a local mums club. Failing that we've got a list of things to do in the area from a guidebook that we're going to use as a bit of a lucky dip.

Shall lurk on this thread for other tips

Find the local YMCA for sports and children's clubs ! I got to know all kinds of people through the Y.

So far it's not too bad. Neighbourhood is friendly, myself and children have been out to knock on doors to introduce ourselves. Can't believe school starts in a week!

Thanks Squinkies will check out that website. School starts on 3rd sept. All enrolled and ready to start although nerves are kicking in for all.
Marky Mark where are you moving to?
Travelledtheworld we are off to the YMCA next week to hopefully start swimming lessons.

Thanks all

We came back from the US (Washington) after five years last year.
My survival guide is this
Subscribe to a free or low cost service for watching UK TV through your computer. It's easy to rig that up to the TV and watch as usual. US TV will drive you mad!

World Market sells Cadburys, Tunnocks caramel wafers, marmite, baked beans and lots of other delights.
Wholefoods for cheese, sausages and a few other bits and pieces.
Trader Joes is cheaper and also has European chocolate and cheese.

Some supermarkets have a British aisle. This is a small section based on the typical British diet of 1966! Lemon curd, mushy peas, tomato soup, Jacobs cream crackers.
I did embrace the US way of life, but knowing how to get my hands on some treats made it a lot better! Good luck!

The Tigers are going to make a run for and possibly winthe World Series this year. Perhaps the kids would like to go to a game? Or are they too young? Because this will be the hot topic I school when they start!

Michigan is lovely. School won't be like the UK system but trust it.

Are you in a lake snow belt? No matter, get winter supplies in early.
You need --
Good snowboots for all.
A heavy duty snow shovel or preferably two.
Salt for your drive and paths and for the sidewalk outside your house if you have one (usually available beginning in October)
[Put down a layer of salt when snow is forecast - makes shovelling easier at dawn next morning. People shovel their paths in the US].
Sleds (saucer sleds are the fastest) - don't get one of those antiquey ones. Stick with plastic.
Snow pants/ snowbibs - look in resale or neighbourhood bulletins or Walmart, Costco, etc. No need to spring for expensive brand names.
Jackets, gloves, hats - a must-have. Everyone will look dorky and unrecognisable.

And maybe invest in skates and skis?

Hellsapoppin

How do you get uk tv....I had no idea you can do this......who did you do it through ? Great idea.

I watched it through Expatshield. I'm not sure if that still exists. The best thing is to google "Watch UK TV in USA" and see what it comes up with. Or go to the British Expat Forum and there should be a thread with some recommendations.

Thank you!

You need an ESPN don't know what that is