HC La Verne editor and contributor Hayley Hulin is studying abroad in Englad! She will be updating us on her travels throughout the semester. Stay tuned for more to come!
College, in and of itself, is a massive learning experience. It is the time we learn how to boil an egg, properly utilize the library, and manage our time — hopefully! But all of these experiences are based in a comfortable place and culture. In order to truly learn about the world around us, however, we must expose ourselves to it. That is why studying abroad is such an amazing experience. At school in the States, we are in our own safe and protected world with little understanding of what goes on outside. There are massive issues that few students are aware of, but there are also small and fun cultural differences that we never think about. The following are a few things I’ve noticed during my short time studying in England:
• There are no toilet seat covers in public bathrooms and rarely paper towels to dry hands.
• Most people smoke.
• There is no British accent — only English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish accents. They are very different.
• You don’t tip when eating out unless you received full waiter service (and it is a 10 percent tip).
• Manners will get you far — please and thank you are always appreciated.
• Casual dress is acceptable at clubs, so bring on the jeans!
• Speaking of jeans, pants means underwear. So when referring to your bottoms, say jeans or trousers (for dress pants). The British WILL look at you funny if you don’t.
• Uni is a term many people use as a shortened version of university.
• Tea time is a norm. Biscuits are actually cookies, chips are actually fries and crisps are chips.
I’m sure more will pop up as my time here continues so I’ll keep an eye and ear out for all of you ‘yanks.’
Cheers!
Hayley