An American Goes to London: Any Tips?
Hi!
I'm going to Brunel University this fall to pursue a postgraduate degree...and honestly, I'm a little nervous of facing the unknown.
As I've never visited the UK before, I'm walking into a very unfamiliar territory. Are there any peculiarities about England that will throw me off when I come?
I already know that the English drive on the left side of the road. Our "first floor" is your "ground floor." We don't use the metric system. We only use the 12-hr clock. For the English, the day comes BEFORE the month when writing the date...
But is there anything else I should know? Do you guys tip your waiters and waitresses?
Is there a website, or a YouTube video, that will help me answer all these questions?
Thanks!
I'm going to Brunel University this fall to pursue a postgraduate degree...and honestly, I'm a little nervous of facing the unknown.
As I've never visited the UK before, I'm walking into a very unfamiliar territory. Are there any peculiarities about England that will throw me off when I come?
I already know that the English drive on the left side of the road. Our "first floor" is your "ground floor." We don't use the metric system. We only use the 12-hr clock. For the English, the day comes BEFORE the month when writing the date...
But is there anything else I should know? Do you guys tip your waiters and waitresses?
Is there a website, or a YouTube video, that will help me answer all these questions?
Thanks!
Scroll to see replies
you're going to live in london? sorry for your loss
We don't tip taxi drivers here! Don't know why but all my American friends do...
My school calls the first floor the one above ground floor. So it varies. And you'll need a stab proof vest a hood to blend in and don't don't don't go to the dark places.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
Don't talk to people/sit next to people/make eye contact with strangers.
"fanny" is a rude word. And people don't like being called "w*****s" despite how funny it sounds.
"fanny" is a rude word. And people don't like being called "w*****s" despite how funny it sounds.
(edited 9 years ago)
There's some good videos on YouTube if you type American living in the UK
Also pants means underwear and not 'trousers'
We don't stop every day to drink cups of tea
Don't stick two fingers up at people, it's not offensive in America but is in UK
Cadbury's is superior to Hershey's
Tea is the name for your evening meal too
Most people don't care about the Queen
Good luck finding English speaking people in London
Also pants means underwear and not 'trousers'
We don't stop every day to drink cups of tea
Don't stick two fingers up at people, it's not offensive in America but is in UK
Cadbury's is superior to Hershey's
Tea is the name for your evening meal too
Most people don't care about the Queen
Good luck finding English speaking people in London
When walking down a moderately empty road with someone walking just in front of you, you must either slow down to maintain a distance of at least 5 metres between you, or walk uncomfortably fast without looking like you're walking uncomfortably fast until you are a safe distance in front of them.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
Respect the queen and you should be fine.
Don't put your hand out to call a taxi.
Don't be overly American.
Try and sound British, not posh like the stereotype because that is disliked, find a British youtuber like Sam and copy that.
Don't go to McDonalds and ask for a large. Our large is your small.
Don't go to McDonalds.
Don't go to dodgy or sole trading chip shops.
Don't go to pound land.
Don't go anywhere. Sit in your apartment reading books
Posted from TSR Mobile
Don't be overly American.
Try and sound British, not posh like the stereotype because that is disliked, find a British youtuber like Sam and copy that.
Don't go to McDonalds and ask for a large. Our large is your small.
Don't go to McDonalds.
Don't go to dodgy or sole trading chip shops.
Don't go to pound land.
Don't go anywhere. Sit in your apartment reading books
Posted from TSR Mobile
1) If you're unsure as to whether someone is being sarcastic, assume that they are.
2) We do tip waiters/waitresses if the service was good etc. but it isn't anywhere near such a big thing as it is in the States, my understanding is that our waiters/waitresses are paid comparatively more too so tips aren't expected to form a significant part of their wages.
3) We (southerners are particularly guilty) tend to be quite a bit more reserved than the average American, that doesn't mean that we aren't friendly just that you may find that you need to get to know people a bit more than usual first before we open up.
4) 'Jaywalking' is not a crime, everyone does it in London.
5) Avoid the tube at rush hour for the sake of your sanity.
6) We take queuing very seriously.
7) We will moan about most things from politics through to the weather, try not to take it too seriously. We aren't depressed all the time, we just like to pretend that we are.
8) We call 'pants' trousers (definitely worth remembering...), what you call 'chips' we call crisps, what you call 'French fries' we call chips, what you call 'beer' we call lager (although the two are sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably) etc. etc. - you'll get used to it
9) 'Bangers and mass' means sausages and mash potato, try it.
10) As much as Londoners moan about it (see above) you're studying in one of the most amazing cities in the world, stop worrying and look forward to it! Our culture really isn't that different and I seriously doubt that you will have any serious problems
2) We do tip waiters/waitresses if the service was good etc. but it isn't anywhere near such a big thing as it is in the States, my understanding is that our waiters/waitresses are paid comparatively more too so tips aren't expected to form a significant part of their wages.
3) We (southerners are particularly guilty) tend to be quite a bit more reserved than the average American, that doesn't mean that we aren't friendly just that you may find that you need to get to know people a bit more than usual first before we open up.
4) 'Jaywalking' is not a crime, everyone does it in London.
5) Avoid the tube at rush hour for the sake of your sanity.
6) We take queuing very seriously.
7) We will moan about most things from politics through to the weather, try not to take it too seriously. We aren't depressed all the time, we just like to pretend that we are.
8) We call 'pants' trousers (definitely worth remembering...), what you call 'chips' we call crisps, what you call 'French fries' we call chips, what you call 'beer' we call lager (although the two are sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably) etc. etc. - you'll get used to it
9) 'Bangers and mass' means sausages and mash potato, try it.
10) As much as Londoners moan about it (see above) you're studying in one of the most amazing cities in the world, stop worrying and look forward to it! Our culture really isn't that different and I seriously doubt that you will have any serious problems
(edited 9 years ago)
1) In the UK we enjoy moaning, we enjoy complaining about the weather (even if it's nice) and are not as openly loud and proud as Americans are, don't get me wrong we love our country as much as Americans love America but people don't tend to say things like 'I'm proud to be British' very often (cringe).
2) I know I may be bias but you will bloody love London, the only really comparable city in America is New York (cities like Los Angeles cover a massive area and are not really proper industrial cities) but it is such a great place, I don't live there, I live in a place called Dorset in the South-West which is really nice but I love a trip to London, sooooo much to do.
3) However try and get a taste for UK culture while you are here and don't stick to just London, Make trips to places like Stonehenge, Cotswolds and other cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, they are all really great cities.
Also try and get a taste for British culture, I know you are a girl but do things like go to a football match in London (you will never experience a greater joy than a good atmosphere at a football match) I know loads of girls that get really into the football and you will be very popular if you know your stuff, just find a few other people and go and watch someone like Crystal Palace or West Ham. Try out British food, people have a bad view of British food but actually I think it is really nice,not only things like Fish and chips and roast beef (but a do love them) but things like Stew and Dumplings (OMFG IT"S SO NICE) or shepherds pie are really nice, if you don't like it then there is food from every singe country in the world in London (including plenty of American things)
4) Generally anything you can do In America you can do in the UK so there is really not much to worry about, Crime in London really isn't that bad. There are cultural differences but you will pick them up quickly.
5) Don't worry about looking out of place in London there are sooooo many tourists and people from all over the world that people expect it so don't be surprised.
6) AVOID ALL UKIP VOTERS
2) I know I may be bias but you will bloody love London, the only really comparable city in America is New York (cities like Los Angeles cover a massive area and are not really proper industrial cities) but it is such a great place, I don't live there, I live in a place called Dorset in the South-West which is really nice but I love a trip to London, sooooo much to do.
3) However try and get a taste for UK culture while you are here and don't stick to just London, Make trips to places like Stonehenge, Cotswolds and other cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, they are all really great cities.
Also try and get a taste for British culture, I know you are a girl but do things like go to a football match in London (you will never experience a greater joy than a good atmosphere at a football match) I know loads of girls that get really into the football and you will be very popular if you know your stuff, just find a few other people and go and watch someone like Crystal Palace or West Ham. Try out British food, people have a bad view of British food but actually I think it is really nice,not only things like Fish and chips and roast beef (but a do love them) but things like Stew and Dumplings (OMFG IT"S SO NICE) or shepherds pie are really nice, if you don't like it then there is food from every singe country in the world in London (including plenty of American things)
4) Generally anything you can do In America you can do in the UK so there is really not much to worry about, Crime in London really isn't that bad. There are cultural differences but you will pick them up quickly.
5) Don't worry about looking out of place in London there are sooooo many tourists and people from all over the world that people expect it so don't be surprised.
6) AVOID ALL UKIP VOTERS
Just remember 1 fact and you'll survive in England.
NOT EVERY FOOD IN ENGLAND HAS SUGAR ON IT.
NOT EVERY FOOD IN ENGLAND HAS SUGAR ON IT.
Original post by TheNervousWreck
1) In the UK we enjoy moaning, we enjoy complaining about the weather (even if it's nice) and are not as openly loud and proud as Americans are, don't get me wrong we love our country as much as Americans love America but people don't tend to say things like 'I'm proud to be British' very often (cringe).
2) I know I may be bias but you will bloody love London, the only really comparable city in America is New York (cities like Los Angeles cover a massive area and are not really proper industrial cities) but it is such a great place, I don't live there, I live in a place called Dorset in the South-West which is really nice but I love a trip to London, sooooo much to do.
3) However try and get a taste for UK culture while you are here and don't stick to just London, Make trips to places like Stonehenge, Cotswolds and other cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, they are all really great cities.
Also try and get a taste for British culture, I know you are a girl but do things like go to a football match in London (you will never experience a greater joy than a good atmosphere at a football match) I know loads of girls that get really into the football and you will be very popular if you know your stuff, just find a few other people and go and watch someone like Crystal Palace or West Ham. Try out British food, people have a bad view of British food but actually I think it is really nice,not only things like Fish and chips and roast beef (but a do love them) but things like Stew and Dumplings (OMFG IT"S SO NICE) or shepherds pie are really nice, if you don't like it then there is food from every singe country in the world in London (including plenty of American things)
4) Generally anything you can do In America you can do in the UK so there is really not much to worry about, Crime in London really isn't that bad. There are cultural differences but you will pick them up quickly.
5) Don't worry about looking out of place in London there are sooooo many tourists and people from all over the world that people expect it so don't be surprised.
6) AVOID ALL UKIP VOTERS
2) I know I may be bias but you will bloody love London, the only really comparable city in America is New York (cities like Los Angeles cover a massive area and are not really proper industrial cities) but it is such a great place, I don't live there, I live in a place called Dorset in the South-West which is really nice but I love a trip to London, sooooo much to do.
3) However try and get a taste for UK culture while you are here and don't stick to just London, Make trips to places like Stonehenge, Cotswolds and other cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, they are all really great cities.
Also try and get a taste for British culture, I know you are a girl but do things like go to a football match in London (you will never experience a greater joy than a good atmosphere at a football match) I know loads of girls that get really into the football and you will be very popular if you know your stuff, just find a few other people and go and watch someone like Crystal Palace or West Ham. Try out British food, people have a bad view of British food but actually I think it is really nice,not only things like Fish and chips and roast beef (but a do love them) but things like Stew and Dumplings (OMFG IT"S SO NICE) or shepherds pie are really nice, if you don't like it then there is food from every singe country in the world in London (including plenty of American things)
4) Generally anything you can do In America you can do in the UK so there is really not much to worry about, Crime in London really isn't that bad. There are cultural differences but you will pick them up quickly.
5) Don't worry about looking out of place in London there are sooooo many tourists and people from all over the world that people expect it so don't be surprised.
6) AVOID ALL UKIP VOTERS
I agree with everything except the choice of cities and football teams in 3, Crystal Palace...Seriously?! Also, you're in London, it's a 50 minute train ride to Brighton and (apologies to any Brummies on here) it's a far nicer city than Birmingham
Also with regards to 6 I have to agree with you utterly however given that the OP comes from the country that produced the KKK, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney I reckon she can handle UKIP voters...
Original post by Josh93
I agree with everything except the choice of cities and football teams in 3, Crystal Palace...Seriously?! Also, you're in London, it's a 50 minute train ride to Brighton and (apologies to any Brummies on here) it's a far nicer city than Birmingham
Also with regards to 6 I have to agree with you utterly however given that the OP comes from the country that produced the KKK, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney I reckon she can handle UKIP voters...
Also with regards to 6 I have to agree with you utterly however given that the OP comes from the country that produced the KKK, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney I reckon she can handle UKIP voters...
I only put those football teams as I know she will be able to get a face value ticket at them, I mean i would have put Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham ish but I thought she might end up getting ripped off, I wouldn't normally advocate a Tony Pulis team to show of the quality of the Premier league or fat sam for that matter but the Big clubs are much more difficult to get tickets for. (I have no bias I am a Yeovil town fan and I don't think a night out at Huish park would really excite her either).
What about you? who do you support? I'll guess Charlton?
Also about Brighton being nicer than Birmingham, I have somehow never been to Brighton so I wouldn't know......
Original post by Josh93
I agree with everything except the choice of cities and football teams in 3, Crystal Palace...Seriously?! Also, you're in London, it's a 50 minute train ride to Brighton and (apologies to any Brummies on here) it's a far nicer city than Birmingham
Also with regards to 6 I have to agree with you utterly however given that the OP comes from the country that produced the KKK, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney I reckon she can handle UKIP voters...
Also with regards to 6 I have to agree with you utterly however given that the OP comes from the country that produced the KKK, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney I reckon she can handle UKIP voters...
On second thought It definitely Brighton seeing your disliking for CPFC and your comments on Brighton, am I right?
Call everyone fam and you should be fine
kimmiexsweetie
x
Original post by Josh93
7) We will moan about most things from politics through to the weather, try not to take it too seriously. We aren't depressed all the time, we just like to pretend that we are.
OP, take note of this. This is literally in a nutshell what it means to be British, this behaviour is the closest we get to self-indulgent nationalism and everyone secretly enjoys playing up to it.
Take this as an axiom and you'll be well on your way to understanding Brits! Though the last thing we'll admit is that a mere American could ever truly understand us
Original post by zippity.doodah
you're going to live in london? sorry for your loss
Haha gee thanks for the encouragement.
West London to be exact.Original post by Reluctant Economist
We don't tip taxi drivers here! Don't know why but all my American friends do...
Lol thanks for the heads up! I definitely would have tipped the taxi drivers...
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