The UK is one of the countries that have always adhered strictly to the principles of democracy. Its education system is among the best in the world. This is the reason why students from all around the world come to the country to have a safe living. It has always been among the top destinations for people studying abroad.
-Are you planning to pursue a graduate or a master’s degree in the UK?
This would be a great opportunity for you to optimize the benefits of the ecosystem. But when you reach there, you are sure to perceive something different. So rather than feeling shocked when you get there, it’s always to know them beforehand. It can help you be prepared for it.
Therefore here we discuss some of the cultural shocks that you need to learn while you travel in the UK.
Cultural Shocks That You Need To Be Aware Of
The UK is a multicultural place, and you can find the confluence of people and cultures. So it’s quite natural that it won’t be the same as your country. At every step, you will have to meet with the cultural difference of the land.
Therefore what you need is to get acquainted with them to have a better understanding of things. So let’s understand things here for a better experience.
1. Tea And Coffee Are Quite A Common Culture In Students’ Social Life
Do you drink tea or coffee for refreshment or hydration? But in the UK it’s not the same. Here tea and coffee are a cornerstone of UK culture. When two individuals meet, tea works as the best icebreaker in that situation.
Tea and coffee is the best way to start any conversation. Hence it is more than refreshing. The clubs and pub culture is a commonplace practice in the UK, and you can have it everywhere. They are a part of the culture.
2. No Ceiling Fans Or AC
One of the biggest shocks that can startle people from the subcontinent is the absence of ceiling fans. The weather in the UK is quite pleasant, and therefore you do not need ceiling fans or ACs even during the month of summer.
There you can find thirteen amp square pin fused plug sockets. The electricity runs on 230 volts. If you need, you can purchase adapters from the shops on the campus. You do not really have to worry much about the electricity disruption.
3. Tap Water Is Safe!
The UK is one country that provides the highest priority to health and sanitation. This is the reason that you could see the country investing in the health of its people. According to a study, the United Kingdom spent over 216.8 billion British pounds on health in 2021/2022. They have a world-class health regulatory body like the NHS that oversees each and every development.
One of the most unimaginable things that you can get in the UK is that you can get safe drinking water from the taps.
4. Politeness Is At The Heart Of Everything They Do
The UK is one of the places where you have to use a lot of “please,” and “thank you.” Yes, you got it right; it seems like the river of politeness flows down the UK. People there do not really like to forcefully have their opinion.
Even queue skipping and unorderly pushing are total no-go zones in the UK. Slamming the door is considered extreme rudeness, and not saying “bless you” when someone sneezes is not taken openly.
When you try to express your connection with people, most of them may not entertain you that openly, although some people are extremely open with conversation. British people are very passive-aggressive. So be mindful of these etiquettes when involved in a conversation with a Brit.
5. Most Cities Are Crime Free In The UK
Safety and security are one of the major concerns when you move to a new place. But you can live alone in the United Kingdom. It is indeed shocking because crime rates are increasing globally at a rapid pace.
The cities in the UK are mostly crime free. So if you want to start your own business in the UK, you are most welcome. You can take the help of professionals who are experienced with the job descriptions. They are efficient, and they can help you get the best workforce that you need. So you can try to get the advantage of a crime-free ecosystem and help grow your business.
6. Confusing Language
One of the most amusing facts about UK culture is the confusing language. It can indeed throw you into the blind alleys of conundrums. This is partly because of the phrase and the slang culture that governs social communication in the country.
When you move about in the UK and establish conversations with people, you will hear people saying strange things like, “having a butcher’s,” “I am going to see the man about a dog,” “the pot is calling the kettle black,” and others.
British slang is highly confusing too. When you encounter these, you can clearly feel the cultural shock there. So you have to keep all of them in mind when you visit there. Better to brush up with your dictionary of phrases and idioms before you reach there.
7. No Smoking In Public
If you are a smoker, you may initially have tough times in the UK. The UK banned public smoking in the year 2007. The government bodies using its machinery have ensured that street smoking publicly is completely banned.
You will find no smoking zones within the campus if you are a student. So do check the rules and regulations of walking into the streets in Britain if you are visiting for the purpose of education or business.
Putting The Discussion To A Close
The UK can be a bundle of surprises when you visit there for the first time. So it’s always better to have your own preparation so that things can be smooth and easy when you visit there.
You may find strange things, but it is always better to adapt to new conditions, and being one with them is always better. So these cultural shocks can startle you but at the same time make you aware.