An American’s perspective on studying in England

I’m studying in London for a semester and what I knew about the city before I got here was minimal at best. I wasn’t going to be sipping tea with the Queen and the chances of me bumping into my favo(u)rite British stars were pretty slim. I thought I would walk in to the sets of my favorite UK based TV shows, The Inbetweeners, Misfits,  Skins. It probably wasn’t the best idea for me to binge watch Skins before I got here.

I didn’t know London has a range of accents, Tubes galore, and a lot of other things that would never have even crossed my mind. After a few short weeks here, these are the things that still confuse me about London.

Why are there so many Pret A Mangers?

I pass two on my way to class – I swear they’re literally everywhere. I love sandwiches as much as the next person, but is it really necessary?

One of about 1,000 Prets in London

Why do people keep asking me if I’m I alright? Yes I’m alright, but why are you asking me?

People ask me if I’m alright, way too often. Do I look as if I’m having a bad day? Pretty sure this is the British way of greeting people, but as an American is confusing beyond belief.

How do you cross the street?

Cars have the right of way here. This is troubling for an American who thinks I can run the streets carefree. Not on London’s watch. You’ll surely be struck down by a bike, bus, cab, or car if you don’t start getting the hang of this crossing thing. So long j-walking I’ll miss you while I’m in London.

People here are obsessed with Trump and American politics

I don’t follow UK politics. I hardly even follow American politics, but somehow I always end up in a conversation about Trump or the current presidential race in the US. Something I definitely appreciate  is that people seem to dislike Trump as much as the average American, if not more so. There needs to be more Trump Free Zones world wide.

A lovely sign by my nearest Sainsbury’s

Every pub plays early 2000 alternative music

I love this type of music. We’ve all had that emotional preteen period full to the brim of angst and hearing this music brings me back to some rather interesting memories. Throw in some foggy nights of me rocking out to Teenage Dirtbag from the last couple of weeks here, and I can’t complain. The nostalgia is a nice component to a good night at the pub.

The phone boxes

To my friends and family back in America, hello from the other side. I’ll give you a ring from one of these telephone boxes. They totally work.