For any student who thought they could survive in London without any culture shock, I have bad news. Just because England and the States share a language it doesn’t mean the British are not every bit as culturally foreign as those in Florence or Barcelona. England has enough strange slang, long-winded history and confusing public transportation to make even the simplest street signs look etched in Greek. Here are some tips that will help you adjust to British culture and start taking advantage of all London has to offer.

 

1. Be prepared to start respecting personal space. Ever notice how loud the metro is on a busy day in the States? That doesn’t happen in London. Even when the cars are packed, people are careful to respect each other’s space and keep the noise level low. You’re more likely to find a Brit insulting the queen than talking on the tube. Save the conversation for the pub after work.

 

2. Speaking of pubs - they aren’t just for drinking. Alcohol isn’t required for you to take advantage of these British social staples. Oftentimes the English will use their local pub the way Americans would use a coffee shop as neutral meeting grounds for coworkers and friends.  Make sure you don’t treat these spaces strictly as bars- its totally fine to just order a cup of tea!

 

3. Rain boots are necessary for a reason. You’ve probably heard quite a bit about the famed London fog and it’s not an exaggeration. “Wellies” are a necessity. Even if it’s not raining, it will be damp and overcast so prepare to stop curling up in bed every time the weather is bad.

 

4. American English and British English are practically different languages. Forget about the slang for a second and understand that the difference in regional accents is often more pronounced than one between a Bostoner and a Southerner. It might be embarrassing to realize you can’t understand someone speaking the same language as you, but pay attention and it will get easier. Just make sure to be polite!

 

5. While British reserve exits, it doesn’t mean the English aren’t friendly! They have a great sense of dry humor that can be refreshingly sophisticated, although it might be harder to pick up on than American jokes. Don’t be put off if your new British friends don’t easily burst out into laughter, and don’t assume that everything they say is serious.