How to get to America?

Hi,

I'm from the UK, and I've been looking at ways to get into the US, it seems to be the only way to do so, that I've found, is to be sponsored by a Family member or being sponsored for employment (which is near impossible because and correct me if I'm wrong, the organisation has to keep the position open for 7 months for the visa process to go through before you can be employed. Which they could easily fill in that time.) and the third way is to go to College/University in the states.

Is there anyway that you can move to the states without being sponsored. I understand there are Visitor Visa's but I'm looking for something a bit longer term, a year+

Thank you for reading and I really hope to hear back. It would really help.

Thanks

Where were you born?
Do you have family in the US?