What are some tips for life in the UK?
Posted by Trick-Start3268@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 62 comments
Hi friends, Me and my girlfriend are moving to the UK (I’m American and she’s Pakistani) so obviously there are going to be a lot of cultural differences. What are some niche things about life in the uk and tips for living here? We’re moving to London if that helps
Sea-Commission5383@reddit
Something about healthcare, kids tuition fee u might want to know, here are some tips https://ukcitizenshipexam.com/free-resources
FURKZ1@reddit
The Asian community don’t like Americans and the white community don’t like Pakistanis. Good luck!
Trick-Start3268@reddit (OP)
My family is Jewish and hers is Muslim so we’ve navigated the whole “cultural differences thing” a thousand times
Calm-Glove3141@reddit
In London don’t walk around looking at your phone , don’t stand on the left of the escalator it’s for people in a rush and they will not be polite about it . Wait for people to get off the train before getting on , food from the uk is good but it’s only really nice if you buy fresh produce , in America they buy a lot of food in bulk and store it forever, it lasts because it has chemicals in it , in the uk u buy a lot less a lot more often and it’s fresh and won’t last but u will usually finish what you buy in time to shop again . Don’t pay anyone for a tour it’s an over priced scam, Get a curry the uk has nice curry houses ,
minipainteruk@reddit
For you, as an American, talk quietly. Americans are always very noticeable because you guys seem to talk really loudly.
London is expensive. Be prepared for a very high cost of living.
If there are people queuing, ALWAYS join the queue. Do not push in, or we'll be forced to throw you into the sea!
Our weather is unpredictable. So prepare for everything, but most of the time, it's just grey.
Brush up on English idioms and their true meanings. We tend to use a lot of turns of phrase and sarcasm, which I've been told is quite confusing for newcomers.
Trick-Start3268@reddit (OP)
I’m always really worried about my volume as an American, and especially as a Texan so this is a really good tip thank you!!! Also unpredictable weather is my jam! We had six inches of snow yesterday and today it all melted off at a nice 72 Fahrenheit
Calm-Glove3141@reddit
That’s not unpredictable it only changed one time in 2 days not every 20 minutes
r2dtsuga@reddit
Another nitpicky difference- everyone says celsius rather than fahrenheit. Not that saying the latter is bad, it's just extremely uncommon.
Trick-Start3268@reddit (OP)
Ah so around 22 celsius then
Exact-Put-6961@reddit
And we drive on the left.
Best-Swan-2412@reddit
Yes this is important if you want to be understood. My parents, aged 71, use Fahrenheit as well as Celsius (which they call “centigrade”). Whereas I don’t understand Fahrenheit at all, as in it means nothing to me and I have to google the conversion.
Crafty_Reflection410@reddit
Pro-tip farenheit to celcius is roughly (F-30)/2
Eg Fahrenheit temp of 80 to C is (80-30)/2 =25ish
Best-Swan-2412@reddit
I’ll do my best to remember this as my parents are always using Fahrenheit!
fourlegsfaster@reddit
As someone of that generation of imperial to metric changeover and not needing to be overly accurate I like the reversible 16C is 61F and 28C is 82F, gives a nice range of Brit summer temps and some sort of base-mark and of course I know freezing and body temp in both.
Having lived in Europe when younger, I almost treat it as two languages rather than any need for conversion, My advice to OP is not to do constant conversions, but to adjust to e.g. 1kg of potatoes being a week's, supply as 2lb was in the USA.
I can't explain my laissez-faire approach, but Imperial to Metric is not a problem, nor is time-telling.
Spiracle@reddit
Also, remember that Houston is on the same latitude as the northern Sahara whereas London is similar to Canada. It might not feel like it when you arrive but we're actually the far north here in the UK so be prepared for how dark it's going to get.
In mid June it'll be light until 10pm, at Christmas it'll be pitch black by 4 in the afternoon. This tends to play havoc with the average America's serotonin levels.
TheBestBigAl@reddit
The advice I have to an American friend who moved here:
If you're outdoors, use your indoor voice.
If you're indoors, use your "attending a funeral" voice.
And if you're at a funeral, use your "I'm the guy in the coffin" voice.
Sad-Mechanic3295@reddit
Basically summed up the UK. Maybe just to add, the accent also changes every 30 miles so get yourself some local accent dialect books or something.
minipainteruk@reddit
100%
Also, another one to add, what we call a bread roll varies WILDLY.
Mudeford_minis@reddit
You mean a bap, right?
ExpiredParkingTicket@reddit
No sorry it’s a batch
InfectedByEli@reddit
Cob.
Infinite_Crow_3706@reddit
Is that like a barm?
haggisneepsnfatties@reddit
Morr like a morning roll
West_Yorkshire@reddit
That's a weird way of spelling teacake!
Trick-Start3268@reddit (OP)
My head is swimming
Sad-Mechanic3295@reddit
And can easily cause a mildly unpleasant heated debate.
Kapika96@reddit
Would add that you should check what the queue is for and that you're actually interested first. Don't just join any random queue you find.
badgersruse@reddit
Joining random queues is a good way to experience new things. Ok, it is a way to experience new things.
dolphininfj@reddit
This made me lol. Thank you!
Sufficient-Drama-150@reddit
Vitamin D supplements are recommended to everyone living in the UK, as there is not enough sunlight to produce Vitamin D for large quantities of the year. Also,blackout blinds or curtains are essential,as the sun comes up well before 5am in summer.
Sad-Mechanic3295@reddit
Welcome to the UK, first of all. Secondly, there are a lot of nice people here but very far and few between.
DO NOT take any crap from the racists, if you’re here paying your way and doing it correctly you shouldn’t have to put up with that.
Everything is expensive, especially so in large Cities including but not limited to London. Though, if you’re in central London there is the (somewhat) added bonus of a “London Waiting” bonus which can top up wages.
Have your wits about you, because you will technically be “foreigners” you will get people and work places trying to take advantage of you aren’t sure how things work.
Use your common sense, the UK is a very snowflakey country and takes slurs, body language and tones too seriously and will try and make you aware of that. Don’t limit yourself though because you are who you are.
Lastly, free healthcare. It’s not free, well it kinda is but you pay a contribution of National Insurance but the NHS (National Health Service) is pretty stretched and if you need an appointment, you’re better off going private.
Lastly, lastly. Enjoy yourself, there’s plenty to do, get yourself out of the hustle and bustle of London every so often and go for a travel, there’s lots of lovely places in the UK and some to never be forgotten.
Sorry if some of this may sound rude, but unfortunately just like any country, we have our pros and cons. Most of the pros right now though, are the government.
Ohh, P.S. if you decide to pop into a pub, don’t make eye contact with the drunks, they’ll only try and slap you with a Greggs sausage roll.
doodles2019@reddit
Just fyi it’s London weighting, as in the salary is weighted for the area. Not like you’re waiting for a bus.
Sad-Mechanic3295@reddit
Auto correct. Also, it just proves the amount of snowflakes here by the amount of down votes 🤣
plasticface2@reddit
You sound like a fuckin sausage roll, pal.
ThatNiceDrShipman@reddit
The little, local parks are one of the best things about living in London.
Make a real effort to get out and enjoy the city, contrary to popular opinion not everything needs money (wandering down the South Bank is a great way to spend a day).
The Thames Clipper service (passenger boats down the Thames) are a great way to see the sights from the river.
It won't get that cold, but it WILL get dark and depressing in the winter. On the plus side you'll get summer evenings going on until after 10pm.
StationFar6396@reddit
Welcome!
The main one would be just calm down and talk a little quieter. Brits are mostly a friendly bunch, but it tends to be genuine rather than the fake one put on by americans.
When someone asks you "alright?" the response is "alright" or "yeah thanks". They're not asking you a question, its just a greeting ping. So you ping back.
London is like most large cities, and tends to be very busy and not that friendly. Take the chance to visit the rest of the country, head to the gorgeous beaches on the south coast, up north to the stunning peak district etc, and of course Scotland.
There is an incredibly about of culture and history packed into our small island, cities, huge forests and lakes etc, take it slowly and just enjoy yourself.
Your girlfriend being pakistani shouldn't be a problem, most of the Uk is very tolerant and welcoming, and the places that aren't are grim and you wouldnt want to go there anyway.
Enjoy!
fourlegsfaster@reddit
When you are eating out free water and ice are available. Even in fast food restaurants we tend to linger over our our food more than is done in America. Service is not as attentive as in the USA, which we prefer, you have to ask for the bill we don't rush you to leave, although some popular restaurants may inform you at the time of booking that you have the table for a couple of hours. If you're getting a meal in a pub, you order and pay for food at the bar, but this too can vary especially in London. Just ask, nobody will mind if you don't know, we'd rather educate you than having you blundering around being a nuisance.
Dear_Jeweler2841@reddit
Don't take everything literally, We all like to take the mick out of each other. If nobody is making a mild joke at your expense, then they don't really like you. Don't be afraid to do the same back. Just don't go straight in with Your moma jokes.
Tommy-ctid-mancblue@reddit
Welcome to the British Isles to the UK to Great Britain and to England. All very different. But that’s not important right now. London is a multicultural city and you’ll both be absolutely fine.
BastardsCryinInnit@reddit
Your girlfriend will probably find it easier to integrate than you, and that's just because many Americans are conditioned to not understand something that is done differently to how it is in the US.
Nelgumford@reddit
Don't talk to people. Don't feel that you have to tip. Drive on the left (as in Pakistan). Stand on the right on escalators. Move north.
r2dtsuga@reddit
Just a few cultural differences:
A lot of brits have sarcastic/dry humour. Don't take it seriously.
Brits also tend to seem less outgoing, a lot of people I know think that it's grating when Americans speak very loudly or tend to be extremely opinionated.
Students don't tend to share rooms.
We have significantly stricter gun laws compared to the US.
Politics are completely different. If you intent to stay there long-term which I'm guessing is the case, read up on that.
You can purchase alcohol with no limits at 18, not 21. Just bring ID in case.
We don't have a strong tipping culture when we go out to eat. I'd argue it's nonexistent in some areas but it may be becoming more of a common thing in London. But it's still never really mandatory.
Adults are infantilised less here. In fact, people often refer to teens who aren't yet legal adults as 'young adults' in certain contexts.
Sales taxes are included in the prices of products by default.
Healthcare is free for UK citizens, but tourist visitors don't usually qualify for free NHS treatment beyond emergency treatment. However afaik (someone correct me if I'm wrong), you'd also be able to recieve an NHS number and would be able to register with a GP if you have a visa, the NHS site should have more info.
w-anchor-emoji@reddit
Yes, with a visa, you can access the NHS.
Visa holders pay through the nose for that right—as they probably should, but it is expensive.
Ambitious_League4606@reddit
London isn't England or particularly British so don't worry about it.
Fartbl00d@reddit
For daily groceries your options will be numerous, especially in London. The leading "normal" supermarkets are Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's. Each have a corner store version which is more expensive like Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local etc. Lidl and Aldi are cheaper big supermarkets. Waitrose is a posher big supermarket. M&S food also pretty posh, high quality. Spar, Londis, Premier Stores only exist as convenience stores, generally expensive or low quality.
PraterViolet@reddit
Is this same question now posted MORE than once a day? I wonder if it will ever reach once an hour.
Ambitious_League4606@reddit
London is an international city for tourists, immigrants and rich people. Not Britain or England. There's no culture to learn.
paprikustjornur@reddit
There is absolutely a British culture in London. Of course it’s very diverse and welcoming of that, but it’s still very British!
Ambitious_League4606@reddit
Not at all. You could be in any international city. I've lived there and been all around the world.
plasticface2@reddit
London eh? Being a yank just speak quieter and be less excitable. Your missus will fit in great, a home from home.
matmah@reddit
London, just like most global capital cities, isn't representative of the country at all.
Some things to remember are to walk on the left, and not cry when you pay 12 quid for a Starbucks. Also as you are American, you'll probably find you will over tip at the beginning.
Oh, and forget car ownership, it's getting pretty pointless there these days. Some see it as a positive, some a negative.
Jpmoz999@reddit
Whereabouts will you be living in London?
One thing that is great about the City (and there are many great things) but you can travel all around Europe from London very easily. Eurostar, airports, even international coach trips if you want to do it on the cheap. You’re able to travel and so should you be here for a while I’d take advantage of that.
A few hours and you can reach many European countries, so definitely look at that in time.
Queensberryberry@reddit
Welcome to the UK! From my experience working with international students I would say to set your expectation correctly. Our US students always had the worst culture shock because the assumption was made that the same language = same culture. But London is very diverse and multi-cultural so there’s room for everyone!
Lucky_Philosopher67@reddit
😭 nooo save yourselves whilst you can america is sooo much better than the UK right now our economy is fucked, politics is shit, cost of living is high, no proper self defense rights, high taxes and LONDON is especially a shit hole with gangs ruining everything absurdly high prices for rent, food etc.
Faedium@reddit
Which rock have you been living under for the past couple months? Or is this Elon's alt account?
WhyN0tToast@reddit
The bots have a 2 month lead time on reality
Trick-Start3268@reddit (OP)
Uh- you should probably google what’s happening in America right now. Literally exploding around us
Mediocre-Opinion@reddit
If someone drops a glass in a pub it is mandatory to mockingly cheer them by saying "weyyyyyy" aloud.
If someone asks "you alright?" The only valid response is "yeah not bad, you?" They are not actually asking after your wellbeing, it is a form of greeting.
Berookes@reddit
London has a huge south Asian population so your girlfriend won’t feel isolated at all
hime-633@reddit
How exciting for you!
Welcome, welcome.
People in London are friendly but busy. Ask and you shall receive help. Unless on the tube, never speak on the tube. Unless you are with a dog - this is the only acceptable exception.
If you see a queue, join it. That's basically the only rule.
Oh, and don't use a brolly unless it's absolutely pissing it down. And never a golf umbrella, they are strictly reserved for twats..
Go to the Lahore in Aldgate :)
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