My First Year Abroad in the UK
Intro
Coming to the UK marked the beginning of a journey that significantly influenced both my personal growth and academic progress. In this article, I’d like to share my experiences and observations of living abroad, highlighting the differences that caught my attention during my first year in the UK.
1. Language
Moving to the UK from a non-English-speaking country, it was evident that the language would be a significant point of contrast.
From the moment I arrived, I heard these four words frequently in my conversations with people:
- Cheers → means…well, pretty much everything. It can be used for various purposes, such as saying hello, goodbye, thank you, or toasting at a bar. It’s difficult to get through a day in the UK without hearing this one a few times.
- Mate → This one is often heard as a quick follow-up to the word ‘Cheers’. Some people use this as a way of addressing other people when they are talking to them. It can also be used to be friendly with someone you’ve just met.
- You alright? → It’s just a British way of saying hello. When a Brit asks you this, the best response is always, “Yeah, great thanks. You?”
- Bruv → This is used to refer to a friend (short for ‘brother’)
2. Technology
Technology has seamlessly integrated into daily life, and it’s everywhere.
- Finance → banks, SIM card companies and currency exchange services offer user-friendly mobile apps and websites, making financial transactions and management easier and more convenient.
- Education → universities provide mobile apps that allow students to access timetables, campus maps, and a wide range of academic resources, making it easier for them to stay organized and informed.
- Transportation → different apps are available for tracking train and bus routes, live timetables, and ordering taxis.
- Hospitality → all services can be accessed online:
1. Food and Beverage → restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains offer apps for convenient orders, reservations and delivery services.
2. Accommodation → hotel bookings can be easily made online for accommodations.
3. Travel and Tourism → airlines, travel agencies, and booking websites like Expedia and Booking.com offer mobile apps to simplify itinerary planning, ticket reservations, and travel arrangements.
4. Entertainment and Recreation → various entertainment venues like amusement parks, theaters, sports arenas, museums, and zoos offer online reservations through their apps and websites.
This tech-savvy environment not only makes life more accessible and convenient, but also reflects the UK’s commitment to digital innovation and its leadership in embracing advanced technology.
3. Transport system
One of the most striking aspects of life in the UK is the efficient and extensive public transport system. In the UK, it is a well-connected network that encompasses various modes of travel. These options make it easy for residents and visitors to navigate and explore the country with ease.
Here are a few examples:
- Buses → they are the most popular form of public transport due to their good quality, affordability, and travel efficiency. Buses across the UK are fitted with buttons that passengers press to alert the driver to stop at the next station.
- Trains → they are safer, more comfortable, cheaper, and faster than cars or buses.
- Bikes → bikes are widely used for commuting and recreation, offering an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation in many urban areas. There is a public bike-sharing scheme in London where you can simply hire a bike, ride it where you like and then return it to any of the hundreds of docking stations across the city.
- Cars/taxis → cars remain a popular choice for personal transportation, providing flexibility and convenience, especially in areas with limited public transportation.
4. Roads
In the UK, driving on the left is mandatory, and the roads, known for their smaller size, are frequently navigated by smaller cars (you rarely see large vehicles). The traffic light system also has a surprising feature: pedestrian crossings are equipped with buttons. In my country, traffic lights operate on timers, so encountering buttons to activate the green light for pedestrians was a new experience. This emphasis on pedestrian safety is a small yet impactful difference that made me appreciate the attention to detail in the UK’s infrastructure.
5. Shops
Most major grocery chains have their own delivery system (like Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc.). Exploring those local shops led me to a fascinating discovery: self-checkout machines. These automated systems allow customers to scan and pay for their items independently, minimizing wait times and increasing efficiency. This innovation not only streamlines the shopping process but also highlights the UK’s emphasis on self-sufficiency and customer empowerment.
6. Nature
Everywhere I turned, I was met with breathtaking scenes of nature in its full glory. The countryside, parks, and gardens offer both residents and visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse landscapes. It is more common to see ornamental trees on the streets. The UK’s climate and landscape are well-suited for various native and non-native ornamental tree species that provide aesthetic value and contribute to the country’s greenery.
7. Cards
Cards have become a universal mode of payment in the UK, with their acceptance extending to various aspects of daily life. Whether it’s in shops, for public transportation, or many other services, using cards for transactions has become the norm, offering convenience and ease for residents and visitors alike. This highlights the country’s move towards cashless transactions.
The widespread adoption of card payments not only enhances convenience but also emphasizes the importance of individual privacy in financial transactions. For instance, in UK restaurants, the server often brings the card machine directly to your table.
8. Appointments
In the UK, appointments have become an essential part of managing public places efficiently. Whether it’s police stations, hospitals, or tourist destinations, the practice of queuing for services has been streamlined through online appointments, ensuring a more organized and convenient experience for those seeking assistance or exploring the country’s attractions. Although most of these places are free to visit, they still prioritize appointments to reduce waiting times.
9. TV Licence
If you watch TV, you are required to pay a monthly bill for your TV, known as a TV licence. It gives you legal permission to watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service on any device, and helps to fund BBC programmes and services.
10. Football
Football holds a special place in British culture as the most popular sport, with dedicated fan bases and a rich history in the country’s sports landscape. All football stadiums provide exclusive tours, where people can explore the behind the scenes of the UK’s largest sports venues and walk in the footsteps of their football heroes. But the true heartbeat of British football lies in the passionate people who fill the stands, rain or shine, creating an electric atmosphere that makes match days an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
My first year in the UK has been an eye-opening journey filled with valuable insights and unforgettable experiences. I am grateful for the opportunities that this new chapter has brought, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this adventure.
Thank you for reading! Please, don’t forget to give 50 applauds :)
I look forward to sharing my journey in the next posts, where I will let you guys know where I am going next, so stay tuned! Feel free to browse my personal webpage and connect on LinkedIn to know what I have been up to.
