How to Adapt to British Culture

Forget the stereotypes. Many of the long established stereotypes are not relevant in the UK today. Don't assume that everyone is going to fall into the category of the beer swilling, rotten-toothed tea addict. Abandoning pre-conceived ideas of people and culture will allow you to be more open-minded and readily able to assimilate the culture you find yourself in.

Understand the differences. The United Kingdom is comprised of different countries (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) and numerous different regions that all have their very own and very different traditions, dialect and even language. Understanding that culture in a remote village in the Outer Hebrides up the north of Scotland will not be the same as a southern English spa town will help you to avoid making mistakes and generalizations.^[1]

Get used to smaller spaces. If you live somewhere like the United States, which is not only a huge country but they are used to bigger cars, houses and spaces, you might not be used to smaller spaces. Like many European nations, the UK does not have the luxury of space. Houses, apartments (flats), cars and appliances are all smaller than you are accustomed to, so become more familiar with smaller areas.

Go to the pub. The pub is a very important part of British culture and nothing will immerse you in more than a good old fashioned pint of beer. Students, work colleagues, friends and family meet in the pub and it is used as a focal point of social contact.^[2]

Be polite. Adapt by blending into the crowd. Always apologize for bumping into someone, even if it was their fault, as it makes you out to be a kinder person.^[3] Respect people's personal space and always wait in line (called a queue in the UK).^[4] Not waiting your turn is usually frowned upon in the UK.

• Speak at a reasonable volume in public. In the UK, it is considered rude and annoying to speak loudly on the phone or to others. If you notice other people stare at you as you talk, that is usually a sign you should lower your volume.

Accept the jokes. One of the most confusing aspects of British culture is humor. Bantering or "taking the mickey" are all ways to describe making fun of someone but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Teasing someone is a common way to show affection. As one Briton put it, "you never make fun of someone you don't like".^[5]

Get used to the driving. The British drive on the left-hand side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right-side of the vehicle. Be sure that you drive on the left-hand side or the consequences can be unpleasant. Be especially careful with your turns and remember that right turns in the UK cross opposite traffic in the same way that left turns do in the USA and other countries that drive on the right.^[6]

Get used to the language. The British use different terminology and spell and pronounce words differently. Look around on the internet or buy books which have lots of help about the particular language which the British use.^[7]

• Be careful when talking - some words an phases which might sound innocent to you have a totally different meaning in the UK.

Enjoy the diversity. Many UK cities are ethnically diverse. Birmingham, Leicester and London, amongst other cities, all have large Asian populations. Polish influences are spreading around the country too. It's not all shepherd's pie and bangers and mash, have a curry, shop in a Polish grocery store, get a Turkish kebab or have a Chinese takeaway. Manchester, London and Newcastle to name a few cities, have great Chinatowns.

Experience the antiquity. History, antiquity and "retro" are abundant in the UK. Many houses, public buildings, churches, cathedrals and commercial buildings in the UK are considerably older than anyone from countries such as the US will be used to.

• There are many museums and galleries that you can enter free. Many of them have cafés and activities for children.