One of the most interesting parts of London’s deep culture to me has been the communication norms and how people interact with each other. I’ve noticed that people here tend to be more polite and indirect compared to people back in the US. For example, instead of directly saying something is wrong or that they disagree, people might say something like “I’m not too sure about that” or “perhaps we could try something else.” I find it interesting because in the US people tend to be more direct and straightforward.
One thing that has definitely been challenging to adjust to is the work-life balance and the overall concept of time. I feel like everything in London moves at a slower, more relaxed pace compared to the US. Back home, everyone always seems to be rushing somewhere, working late, or constantly busy. Here, I’ve noticed that people seem to make more time for themselves outside of work. It’s pretty common to see people finishing work around 3:30 or 4 and then heading to a pub or happy hour with friends and coworkers.
I actually experienced this difference firsthand when I was studying at the library one night. I was planning on staying for a few more hours to finish my work, but the library closed around 7:30 PM. I was so confused because at Pitt, I’m used to libraries staying open until midnight or even later. It completely threw me off.
When it comes to surface culture, the one thing I connect with the most is definitely the fashion. I’ve always loved European fashion, so being in London and seeing it every day has honestly been one of my favorite parts of studying abroad. I love how people put effort into how they present themselves, even when they’re just going to class or grabbing coffee. I’ll see girls walking to class with their hair and makeup done, cute coats, boots, and well-put-together outfits.
Overall, living in London has made me realize how many little things I took for granted back home. Whether it’s the way people communicate, how they spend their time, or even how they dress for an ordinary day, I’ve really enjoyed noticing these differences. Even though some things have taken time to adjust to, studying abroad is such a unique experience. I’m learning to appreciate a different way of living while also figuring out which parts of it I want to bring back home with me.
