Hi everyone,

I’ll try to keep this short. I relocated from the U.S. to the UK in order to live with my long term boyfriend and pursue a bachelor’s degree. It’s been over a year now since I moved here and I’m struggling.

First, the financial issues. Last year I was able to secure a private student loan in order to fund my studies and daily living expenses, along with a government student loan and scholarship. I live with my boyfriend’s parents and we both pay rent. The understanding my boyfriend and I had was that he would find a better-paying job within the year in order to support us so I wouldn’t have to take out another loan. But that has yet to happen. I was also denied another loan for the year and I’ve been having a hard time finding a job that’s 20 hours or less and is willing to work with my school schedule.

Second, the living situation. My boyfriend’s parents own two houses and split their time between them. We currently live in the house that’s closer to my university. However, they are planning to sell the house within the next six months. My boyfriend said not to worry, and he’ll have things sorted out for us by then, but also said he would “try his best” when I brought it up recently. His parents have suggested we move in with them at their second house but it’s a two hour drive from my uni.

I’ve always been independent and it was hard enough to give up my job, apartment, and my entire American life to come here and rely on others. But this whole situation is really stressing me out and affecting my academic performance. I even had to miss 3 weeks of school because I couldn’t afford the travel expenses until I begged for money from my friends.

So, I’m considering going back. I have applied for several jobs in the US, including at the company I last worked for. But I don’t have anywhere to stay or any funds. My friends are all going through their own hardships and can’t take me in. I don’t have any family I can stay with either. Does anyone have any experience in this sort of thing? For reference, I would likely be moving back to the Seattle area.

Thanks!