Hello again! I cannot believe my time in London is nearly halfway over. I have learned so much not only in my classes but also about myself and about British culture. 

With Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC, Five Guys and so many American chains lining the streets, at times London does not seem very different from home. However, there have been several adjustments I have had to learn about this city and its way of life to be able to assimilate well. 

The difference I have found most challenging is the time it takes to get everywhere. I always knew London was one of the largest cities in the world, but now I am truly starting to grasp how large it is. Back on campus in Oakland, nothing is ever more than a fifteen minute walk away. Here, I am often walking at least ten minutes to an Underground station, riding the tube for twenty or so minutes, only to walk another ten to my destination. I never expected the sighs of reliefs when looking up directions and seeing something is only thirty minutes away – that is somehow close now. 

Additionally, I have had to quickly learn tube etiquette. There is no bustle quite like a tube station at rush hour and there are several rules you must follow to avoid receiving angry remarks from locals. First, you must stand on the right of the escalators, as the left is reserved for people who are briskly walking up or down them. There will 100% be someone telling you to move if you are in the way. Likewise, I have found the signs to “Keep Left” while walking in the corridors of the station interesting, as someone who grew up always being taught to keep right. So in addition to driving on the left side of the road, Brits also walk on the left!

That being said, something I have noticed (and appreciated) about Londoners is that everyone mostly just minds their business. Everyone likely has headphones on and is just too focused about getting to their own destinations to worry about what you are doing. This has quickly helped me feel less like an outsider. 

While I am not doing an internship, I have also come to understand British business norms from my interactions as a customer. Everything here is cashless, in my experience. I have yet to use any of my Pounds that I brought! Also, service at fast food places is often very fast, helped by the cashless systems and workers not being focused on talking to and flattering customers for tips. At a busy coffee shop at 8am, you will still likely receive your drink in about two minutes maximum. Another thing I have learned is you are not allowed to sit in stores and cafes to relax or work that you have not bought something at; it is considered disrespectful. 

London life has come with its trials, but I am adapting very fast. I might just come home to the U.S. accidentally calling my apartment my “flat,” lines “queues,” restrooms “toilets,” highways “carriageways,” and vacation “holiday.” I still refuse to call fries “chips,” though! 🙂