Hi there,
As the title says, I’m moving to the UK at the end of the month / beginning of June with my mother, who was born in England but hasn’t been back in quite a few years. I lived there for a little while when I was very young (I’m in my mid twenties so almost two decades ago at this point), but I remember virtually nothing of my time there other than my favorite snacks lol. This is essentially a fresh start for me and I’m more than a bit nervous, I’ll admit
I’m doing research on my own time as we prepare for the move in a handful of weeks, but I thought I’d go right to the source and ask if anybody has any advice to give to a fella moving to your corner of the globe soon, suggestions on things to do or see, any food to try out, or anything else you think might be good for a yank abroad to know so he doesn’t embarrass himself too much. Or too often. Or at all, I suppose, but let’s not shoot for the stars here
Thanks kindly in advance!
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Milk goes in last. Use a kettle.
Have a wonderful time!
Make sure to buy a tea timer when you get into the country. You don’t want to be caught without a cuppa when the 3pm bell goes off. Pretty stiff fines these days too.
Your US electronic appliances won’t work here unless you buy expensive step down transformers. Sell everything.
Oh and the clothes washer/dryers are absolute rubbish.
Just be nice, not too loud, and remember your manners.
There is a also a tariff on any MAGA merchandise, if you have any please leave it at home as it’s NOT appropriate for export.
Welcome back, and have a great time.
^edit ^missing ^word.
Register with a GP as soon as you have housing sorted.
You can use for US license for a year but you’ll need to take a UK driving test & it’s a bit more involved than the US version. Don’t wait until your US licence is about to expire as the wait for driving tests can be 3-6 months.
The work culture & professional environment is v different. It’ll take time to adjust but stick with it.
Inside voices, most people quite like Americans despite what you’ll see on here but the shouting on public transport & enclosed spaces will get you epic side-eye.
Welcome & enjoy!
There’s going to be less sunlight than you’re used to but there’s also going to be the ability to fly to Andalusia cheaply and absorb some
Talk quietly in public
Learn to pronounce words correctly. Aluminium, route etc.
Where are you moving to?
Go to Walmart and buy lots of fruit of the loom underwear, maybe socks as well. Not being a user, I’m unclear on the boxer situation, but I can tell you that getting decent tighty whiteys is near impossible.
You might need to start taking vitamin D supplements, especially in the winter, especially if you’re black.
Religion is a much more private affair generally. You may not know anything about anyone’s faith. It’s not talked about much. Also eggs are not in the fridge as we don’t wash off the protective costing. Also less sugar in every thing.
You don’t have to tip in restaurants but if the service is good and you want to then please do it with cash
Just be prepared for how much smaller everything is.
We don’t have the endless space of the US, so our houses are smaller and more compact, our cars are not the huge Monsters you have over there, and our shops are not these huge sprawling places that I see online.
Do not wear a baseball cap
We drive on the left side of the road which is the right side.
We swear a lot.
Don’t forget your sweaters for the summer months. Unless you’re from Alaska in which case bring sun cream.
Indoor voices.
We take the piss a lot. Don’t get offended it means we like you.
Welcome to Blighty.
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Chances are youre going to embarrass yourself to some degree, probably better just embracing it through a child like curiosity.
We dont really like the perception of perfection that tends to come through with a lot of Americans, makes it harder for us to relate to with the typical self deprecating humour. So be willing to acknowledge flaws or have them called out. From what youve put, youll have little issue fitting in.
Beyond that, theres just a load of nuance that can take a very long time to pick up on.
Food wise, apparently we do good crisps. Theres quite a lot of difference in food habits by regions. Something as simple as breakfast lunch and dinner could trip you up when its called breakfast dinner and tea in another area. Tea being an evening meal in some areas versus an afternoon tea (cakes sandwhiches and tea) or just tea (a cuppa). First meal should probably be a proper fry up.
You also need to pick a name for a bread roll (cob, bun, bap, barm(cake), (bread)roll) and defend it like your life depends on it for no reason at all.
If it’s less than 1.5 miles, walk.
Proper fish and chips come from a chippie not a restaurant.
Dry your washing (laundry) outside. Your energy bills, your clothes and the environment will thank you!
People don’t generally talk about religion, politics or how much they earn (money) in regular conversations.
Get used to talking about the weather, sport, some health ailment, holidays or other mundane things Brits like to spaff about.
Fanny is your minge over here, not your arse.
Wherever you’re moving to, there’s probably a sub reddit for it.
Not that you’re unwelcome here, but you might get some good local info from a local sub [for local people – you’ll get that reference in time, if you don’t now].
If you mum is 60 plus in London she can get free TfL travel til the older person twirley ticket is unlocked.
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/60-plus-oyster-photocard
Oyster card unless you have tap on your bank card.
Dust off that National Insurance number.
All the free museums, art galleries and parks all over UK. Fish n Chips at usually windswept seaside.
Eurostar just fab connection to Europe and great for travel with older people as less faff like airports.
Download eventbrite for lots local events. Join some adult education to meet new people learn fun stuff with no pressure.
Pub lunches. Welcome back and sorry that the Tangerine Tantrum bringer to your family has caused this. Don’t forget there’s so many beautiful places in Scotland (avoiding certain golf courses) wales and Ireland to enjoy! 😁
Change your language settings and remember that your US keyboard’s are not the same as UK ones
I’ve been here for 20 years – originally from US but live in London
Use inside voice at all times, seriously.
Make sure you get decent waterproof shoes, like now.
Start thise vit d supplements and buy a SAD lamp – the lack of sun is fvcking unreal on your mental health
You don’t tip because people exist, you tip for great service at a restaurant and even then you don’t have to as a service charge is already added.
We’ll know you’re American the minute you open your mouth. Please don’t feel the need to remind us every two seconds*.
*OK this is slightly tongue in cheek but it also seems to be one of the more « stark cultural differences of conversation that still often flies under the radar ».
The price you see in the ships is the price you will pay, no tax added later on.
Unless you get a high paying job, your tax will be deducted before you get paid so you don’t need to keep any aside.
You will need to ensure you’re eligible to work. I’m presuming you will have been given a national insurance number as you were born here. You’ll need to know that when you start working. And your bank details as pay will go directly into your account.
We tend to pay bills monthly by direct debit which is set up by you telling the utility co/ mobile/council tax/broadband etc your bank sort code and account number which is on your bank card.
I recommend getting a tv licence so you can watch live tv. It’s worth it imo, and will help you immerse in the culture quickly.
Tap water is drinkable, no need to buy bottled water.
Go compare & compare the market are good websites to get deals on the above bills (except council tax. You contact your local council when you move in and set that up. It will seem like a big expense but it pays for a lot). Take gas & electric & maybe water readings when you move in and give these to your new supplier to avoid problems later. Keep a note of the readings somewhere, ideally pictures of them.
On a social side, if you Google what’s on and your area you’ll find local pages that list things to do. You should maybe consider joining a sports club to play your favourite sport. We just don’t have rounders, sorry baseball, clubs. Rugby = American football. DO NOT CALL FOOTBALL SOCCER. XD
If I think of more I’ll add to the list. Good luck. It’s a big move but to paraphrase Annie,The Remake, “I think you’re gonna like it here”
The UK is four countries my brother…
When we greet you and ask “how are you?” Just answer “good, you?” We’re not really asking, just being polite.
Check out Yorkshire tea, steeped for a few mins, with a slash of milk.
Then check out teasmaids (not what it sounds like)
If a British person sees you have a teasmaid, they are just going to stand there impressed.