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[thinking of moving to the UK]

Dear all,

I was just offered a job in the University of Southampton (incredibly late, I must have been their 11th choice). I could still take, next year I was going on a sabbatical anyway. Do any of you know the place? How's the University, and, above all, how is the city as place to live with a family?

During my short visit I was not particularly impressed (the surroundings seemed much better than the city); but sometimes a place you don't like in the beginning grows on you, so I am hesitant to pass refuse.

Thanks

P.S. I feel a little awkward posting about this trivial problem, with all the people who post here and don't have permanent jobs; but I really would like some advice.

[also thinking]

My situation is very similar, only in my case the place is Aberdeen. Any info about it?

Thank you very much.

[I Shot Reagan]

Check out the BBC.com website, has links to local areas in England and Scotland.

On a lighter note, both of the footie teams are rubbish

[Chocky]

Personally, if I had to choose somewhere to work in the UK, I would be reasonably happy with either of these options. Decent schools and decent places to live, at least compared to many places in the UK (but that's not to say they are everyone's cup of tea).

A friend of mine was just appointed at Aberdeen, and the impression I get is that in his field it has an excellent reputation, and lots of resources (he has a very enviable teaching load). But this will vary dept by dept, as it will for all UK universities.

As far as Southampton goes, in my field it's considered a pretty good school (again this might not apply to all disciplines). Personally, I would sooner live there than in many other UK cities. It is coastal, has a reasonable climate (by British standards), and seems to be a fairly happening city with decent shops and nightlife, although being in the south of England it might be quite expensive.

In both cases you could probably live either urban(ish) or rural depending on your preferences and still have a sensible commute. Depends so much on what you're used to. I suppose if you have very high standards both could seem rather grim, but I can think of worse places to live!

[%sig%]

[working in the UK]

I have never been to Aberdeen; the university must have a lot of money, in my field they are hiring like crazy, including some major shots. I like Scotland, and the Scots, in general, although there are places where I would not live (Glasgow, for example). It is good to be part of a department that is expanding, if you have some influence on the direction it is going.

Southampton: the city itself is nothing to write home about, rather industrial. There is a lot of green, though, and it seems like a very decent place to leave. The train to London is convenient, it takes a little over an hour.

It is not cheap in absolute terms, although it becomes dirt cheap if you compare it with London. The more rural areas are quite nice, I would elect to live there (but I am no city hawk). The commute can still be very reasonable. The university has a very good reputation.

Good luck to both of you.

[thinking of moving to the UK]

Dear friends,

I just accepted the position. I was getting a little antsy for a change, moving to the UK is a really big one and should keep me quiet for a while (that's me, if you sent me to heaven I would get tired after a few years, and move to purgatory for a change).

Thanks a lot for the replies, they were helpful.

[Unhelpful]

Aberdeen and environs can be expensive for housing, as it has long been the "oil capital" of Europe. The city is fine, a reasonable size, lowish crime etc.

In winter you have long dark nights, which are not always unbearable. It is a cold place, with winds from the North Sea, but the rainfall is not too bad.

The university is over 500 years old, with many very good departments. The Principal seems very ambitious, and is keen to further the university's research standing.

You have close access to the Highlands, and it is easy to feel alone, in a good way.

Depends what you like.

[also thinking]

Thanks to everyone. I accepted. Now you'll give your names and phone numbers, and if I don't like it there I will let you know . . .

[Unhelpful]

Congrats - let us know how it goes.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I have asked my Scottish friend who did a degree at Aberdeen (she is now a GP) to comment, and she said that Aberdeen is cold and windy, with beautiful old buildings and beautiful new oil-money buildings, too. I think she called it 'granite city'. Sounds like an icy kind of beauty. Brrr... She said it is a good, (old in a good way) university, and she really enjoyed it there. Nice city with a lot of amenities. I would say go for it but bring the best all-weather gear money can buy.

[also thinking]

Dear Green Eyed Lady,

thanks for the info. I'll let everyone know how it goes. About the cold: I am currently in Minnesota; Aberdeen can't be worse.

[GEL]

my pleasure. I heard her say 'Aberdonian' yesterday, about a person from Aberdeen. Almost rhymes with Minnesotan...

[Scottish by adoption]

Right, people from Aberdeen are Aberdonians. Go read
http://www.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/15038 .

I like Aberdeen, I wouldn't at all mind living there. Have fun, "also thinking".