England is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. From its earliest days as a small island nation, England has been a melting pot of different races and cultures. As a result, there are certain expectations and behaviours that visitors to England should be aware of in order to avoid offending locals.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the most significant things to remember when you visit England.
1. Be Punctual
Punctuality is important in all aspects of life in England. Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch, going on a first date, or attending a business meeting, it’s considered very rude to be late. If you think you might be running behind schedule, it’s always best to call ahead and let your host know, so they’re not left waiting for you.
2. Queue Up
No matter what situation you find yourself in, if there’s a queue (that’s the British word for line), you should queue up. This is true whether you’re waiting to board a bus or waiting to pay for your coffee. Cutting in line is considered very bad manners and will not endear you to those around you.
3. Watch Your Manners
Manners are important in all cultures, but they seem to be especially important in England. Common courtesy goes a long way toward making buddies and impacting people here. Remember to say please and thank you, mind your Ps and Qs, and always err on the side of being too polite rather than too casual.
4. Know Your limits with Alcohol
Drinking is an integral part of British culture, but that doesn’t mean that you should overdo it when you’re out at the pub with friends. It’s completely sufficient to have a few drinks, but getting drunk is generally frowned upon. Knowing your limits is key to enjoying a night out without embarrassing yourself (or worse).
5. Be Patient
Life in England can be a bit slower-paced than in other countries. This is particularly genuine in rural regions, where the pace of life is dictated by the seasons. If you’re accustomed to living in a fast-paced city, it can be easy to get frustrated with the slower pace of life in England. Just remember to be patient and go with the flow, and you’ll find that life here is actually quite pleasant.
6. Don’t Talk About the War
World War II is a sensitive subject for many British people. It’s best to avoid talking about the war, especially if you’re not sure how your conversation partner feels about it. If you do bring it up, be respectful and avoid making any jokes about the subject.
7. Learn Some Local Slang
The British have a reputation for using a lot of slang in everyday conversation. While this isn’t strictly true, it is true that there is a lot of regional variation in the language spoken across the country. If you want to fit in, it’s a good idea to learn some of the most common slang terms used in the area you’re visiting.
8. Be Careful with Your Humour
The British have a reputation for being a bit dry and sarcastic, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t enjoy a good joke. However, it’s vital to be cautious with your humour, as not everyone will appreciate your type of humour. If you’re not sure whether or not someone will find your joke funny, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it to yourself.
9. Don’t Expect Things to Be Perfect
The British are known for being a bit messy and disorganized, and this is reflected in their homes and workplaces. Don’t expect things to be perfect, as they very likely won’t be. Embrace the British way of life and go with the flow, and you’ll find life here quite enjoyable.
With this advice in mind, you will have a great time visiting England. If you didn’t already manage to get your visa to go to England, consider contacting top immigration lawyers in London like Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors to help you with the process.
Conclusion
England is a great country to visit, with plenty of things to see and do. Just remember to mind your manners, be punctual, and know your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption! By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure that your trip to England is enjoyable for both yourself and those around you.
