1. Traffic Rules - Drive on the Left
In the UK, driving is on the left side of the road. When you first arrive, it is easy to forget this point when you go out, misjudge the direction, and find a car coming towards you.
Although jaywalking is legal in the UK, people generally wait for the pedestrian traffic light to turn green before crossing the street. Unlike in China, drivers in the UK usually do not think about weaving through the busy traffic.
2. Use Polite Expressions More Often (Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome, May I, Sorry)
In the UK, you will find that people say "please" and "thank you" much more often than in China, and friends frequently use these two words. Using these polite expressions has become an element of our culture. Therefore, if you accidentally bump into someone, even on the subway, most people will naturally say "sorry".
3. Different Eating Habits
In the UK, people drink a lot of tea and coffee, but they usually drink cold beverages during meals. Unlike Chinese culture, British people do not believe that drinking hot water or hot beverages is necessarily beneficial to health, so there are no places to get hot water on university campuses, only taps for cold water.
Even though there are many authentic Chinese restaurants run by Chinese people throughout the UK, when your British friends say they have had Chinese food, they are likely referring to "British-style Chinese takeout," such as prawn crackers and lemon chicken. In big cities, there are Chinese supermarkets where you can buy various cooking ingredients, seasonings, and utensils, from hot pots to rice cookers. However, if you live closer to the countryside, do not forget to bring some of your favorite foods from China, but be aware that UK customs have strict regulations on bringing certain foods into the country, so make sure to understand the latest regulations.
Another thing to note is the dining times and portion sizes. In the UK, dinner is usually more formal than lunch, and the portions are larger. Students' lunches generally consist of a cold sandwich, which is very different from the hot lunches that most students in China are accustomed to.
4. Transportation
In big cities, hailing a taxi on the street is generally not cheap; using public transportation is much more economical. If you really need a taxi, it is common to call to book a "mini cab," which is cheaper, but it must be from a legally registered taxi company.
In China, it can sometimes take hours to queue for train tickets, especially around the Spring Festival, but in the UK, the easiest way is to book tickets online. Students under 25 can also purchase a student discount railcard, which provides discounts on train tickets.
5. Take Initiative in Social Interactions
This is not a cultural difference, but after arriving in the UK, you should think about how to integrate into British society and connect with locals. When I first arrived to study in China, it was easiest to hang out with British classmates, but after a month, I realized my English had not improved at all.
This creates a vicious cycle. The more time you spend with your compatriots, the fewer opportunities you have to practice the local language, and the more embarrassed you become to speak with locals.
I suggest that after arriving in the UK, you participate in some student clubs at the university or try to share an apartment with British people. Even if this may make you feel uncomfortable, it counts as making an effort.
6. Changeable Weather
When mentioning the UK, the first thing that comes to mind is rain. British people often talk about the weather because it is unpredictable, and many feel it affects their mood. In the UK, it is common to experience a sunny morning, followed by rain, and then snow by evening. British people often carry an umbrella when going out, just in case.
7. Drinking Culture and Leisure
There is definitely a drinking culture among young people in the UK. University students often drink a lot on an empty stomach and then go to clubs, so they do not have to spend money on drinks, as drinks in such places are usually very expensive. This is very different from the Chinese "going out" culture, where karaoke is usually booked in advance at a specific venue, ordering drinks and snacks.
8. Respect for Personal Space
In Beijing, it seems very common to be packed in the subway. In the UK, people are more accustomed to having personal space, as the UK is relatively small and has a lower population density. If someone accidentally bumps into another person, they will apologize and maintain a certain distance. Older girls generally do not hold hands or link arms in public, as this can easily be misunderstood in the UK as indicating that the two are in a same-sex relationship.
9. Cost of Living
In China, basic living expenses, including food, rent, and transportation, are cheaper than in the UK. This is something to keep in mind, as it can significantly alter your living budget. Additionally, labor-intensive goods, even small items like hair ties and clips for girls, are much more expensive than in China.
10. Tipping
Finally, it is worth mentioning tipping, which is usually around 10% in the UK. In the US, tipping is expected for everything, including taxi drivers; in the UK, it is typically only given in restaurants. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, and you can request that the service charge be calculated separately from the bill. However, if you feel the service quality is poor, you are not obligated to leave a tip.
