When I first decided to come to college in America, obviously I knew things weren’t going to be quite the same as back home in the UK- but considering both countries spoke the same language, I thought I’d settle in pretty soon. However, after a few months, I realized the cultural divide was slightly larger than I had anticipated. Here are a few things that are normal in America, but would be absolutely bonkers anywhere else- and a couple of pro-tips on how to deal if you’re an expat like me.
1. Anything and everything can and will be fried
In addition to some quintessential American food you can’t find anywhere else (I tried this amazing thing called a ‘corndog’ the other day), the fried food around is insane. Oreos, Mars Bars, literal butter – you name it, someone in America has probably dunked it in a deep fat fryer. Whilst this isn’t fantastic for your cardiovascular system, for some reason frying things that shouldn’t be fried tastes amazing. Fried ice cream burger, anyone?
2. The language barrier is real
Pants are jeans, not underwear. Football is soccer. Crisps are chips and chips are fries. If you’re like me and ask the cute boy in your recitation if you can borrow a rubber (which in England means an eraser), be prepared for the slightly alarmed look he gives you as he confusedly reaches for his wallet. Hint: it means something slightly less innocent this side of the ocean.
3. You have an accent and everyone notices
The USA is absolutely massive, and has some of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. As a result, perhaps it’s not so surprising that many Americans haven’t travelled abroad very much- there’s so many amazing things to see within the country! This does mean, however, that your accent will forever be a point of conversation. Be prepared for every slightly different word you say to be repeated a minimum of three times, and a surprising number of people to think that you’ve met the queen. Side note: someone will definitely inform you in an impressed tone that, “Your American is so good!”
4. Everything is way, way bigger
The roads, the houses, the cars (so many pickup trucks!) and once again, the food. This was my first summer in America and each meal was twice the size that I was used to. There’s actually enough food in a meal to take home leftovers from restaurants! Insanity! This may have been great for my budget…but not so much for my waistline. The freshman fifteen crept up on me before college had even started.
5. Strangers can have perfectly good conversations with other strangers
I come from London, where accidental eye contact with a stranger is a mortifying experience you replay in your head for the next six hours. Imagine my shock at having actual conversations with grocery store clerks, bus drivers and people waiting in line. From the aggressively helpful store workers who insist on assisting you, to the overly helpful taxi driver who tells you all sorts of information about the city you didn’t really need to know, casual friendliness is something I’ve slowly been getting accustomed to. Who knew an interaction with a stranger could be enjoyable instead of plain awkward?
6. …even with all the differences, it’s a fantastic country to live in
Yes, you’ve been asked to say ‘wingardium leviosa’ about 30 times, and suddenly you can’t drink until you’re 21, or find a decent fish and chip shop anywhere- but America’s infinite positives grow on you if you give them a chance. The fantastic cities and national parks! People that don’t complain about the weather every five minutes! The weather not being something to complain about every five minutes! The insane politics and the inescapable patriotism! Something called a Superbowl! Did I mention fried Oreos earlier?!
You’ll definitely get homesick. But, on occasion, you might just start believing your roommates when they insist on America being the greatest country in the world.
(Just don’t tell anyone back home).
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