Advice; Relocation (Mountain View: how much, houses, university)

[Ajmulholland]

Hey there;

I'm a current Undergraduate student studying the Computing (Application Development) Program at my University. This can lead off to work for such companies as Microsoft and I've been informed of the Mountain View, base that Microsoft has.

I'm hoping to move out abroad and California was a place I'd considered. I'm looking for more information on the following subject areas;

* Accommodation / Houses to purchase; Looking at how much, where the best place would be to live, etc.
* Economy / Money Matters; Is it difficult to make the change from GBP to USD? Would it be better to save money and then move out, or move out with just enough, and make my living in california?
* Government / Politics; Is it difficult getting used to the different way the government works? Like President elections, and California's version of my local MP.
* Taxes and Health care; Also something that works differently to the UK, You pay for healthcare differently to we do, how does that work? And the tax system?
* Social life / New start; Is it good to be alone for a new start in a new country, or would it be advisable to bring a friend or someone else I know? What's it like having a new start in a completely new country without any family or friends around you?

I know it's a lot, and I dont expect one person to answer it all, but any and all information available is really helpful.

I plan to make a holiday trip out there at some point for a week or two, so i can see the sights and hopefully find out more information.

Thanks to all

[Shawn_Estrada]

Before you even think about moving here:
1) have you started the immigration process
or
b) do you have a company sponsoring a work visa?

If no to either of these than you will not be able to work in the US legally.

[Ajmulholland]

I've still got two years on my Undergraduate degree so I havent looked into immigration; and I hadnt even thought about it until you mentioned it.

when's the best time to start the immigration process?

[Shawn_Estrada]

Now

[Ajmulholland]

Where do you look for more information on this?

[Shawn_Estrada]

you either a) need a US family member sponsor you b) have an employer sponsor you c) have a special "skill" lacking here in the US (depending on your IT skills) or d) win the immigration lottery

Conversely you can apply for a masters degree an use a student visa to gain access to the states.