- When Elizabeth Wood moved from Ohio to London, she was uncertain of what to expect.
- However, she has grown to appreciate the people, places, and sense of humor in the city.
- Reflecting on her experience, she shares four things she wishes she had known when she first arrived, including slang.
After missing out on a college graduation ceremony due to COVID-19, Elizabeth Wood spent the latter half of 2020 frantically applying for jobs.
After numerous applications, rejections, and instances of being ignored, she eventually secured a job providing digital resources for individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism.
Initially, Elizabeth had applied to pursue a master’s degree in philosophy and public policy at the London School of Economics. Unfortunately, the cohort was already full. Undeterred, she applied for the next admission cycle and to her surprise, she was accepted in January 2021.
Goodbye, Ohio! Seven months later, she settled into a cozy apartment in East London. While it was her second time visiting London, her initial one-week vacation in March 2020 was cut short due to a lockdown. Starting anew in London without any existing connections, Elizabeth now feels completely at home nearly two years later.
Reflecting on her experience, she highlights four key insights she wishes she had known when she first arrived in London as an American.
1. Language Doesn’t Guarantee Complete Understanding
Moving from the United States to London, Elizabeth was taken aback by the language differences she encountered.
Although she didn’t move to England solely for the ease of language, she expected it to be helpful in everyday interactions. However, she quickly realized that slang terms like “peng” (attractive), “faff” (excessive work), and “chuffed” (pleased) were unfamiliar to her.
The language barrier proved real, leading Elizabeth to ask people to repeat themselves or explain certain words. While some reacted with curiosity or even annoyance, most found it amusing and were willing to clarify.
Elizabeth advises always seeking clarification to avoid the awkwardness of realizing halfway through a conversation that you have no idea what’s going on.
2. Sarcasm Is a Beloved Form of Expression
Coming from a background of American slapstick comedy, Elizabeth found it challenging to grasp the nuances of sarcasm in British humor.
She eventually discovered that dry wit doesn’t necessarily indicate unfriendliness or judgment. Instead, it often signifies affectionate teasing. The more someone jokes and teases, the closer the bond.
An example of British sarcasm is remarking “Lovely day we’re having” during a heavy downpour. Similarly, if someone does something predictably, they might receive the comment, “Shock, what a surprise.”
Initially, Elizabeth struggled to interpret sarcasm, unsure whether someone was genuinely upset or making fun of her. Ultimately, she learned to embrace and understand it.
Her advice is to go with the flow and allow yourself time to adjust. However, she cautions that turning off the sarcasm switch when returning to the States is necessary to maintain friendships.
3. It’s Okay to Prioritize Personal Boundaries
London is a bustling city with diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences. The abundance of activities and events can be overwhelming, especially for introverts like Elizabeth.
Being an introvert doesn’t equate to shyness. Elizabeth enjoys meeting people and making friends, but she prefers to choose how to invest her social energy.
During her first year in London, she enthusiastically said yes to every opportunity, whether it be visiting galleries, exploring parks, or attending concerts of unfamiliar artists. Saying yes helped her discover the city and foster friendships.
However, as an introvert, Elizabeth also recognized the importance of solo adventures for recharging and finding peace. She pursued adult hobbies like piano lessons, which became an essential part of her self-care routine.
4. Embrace the Power of Shared Traditions
Homesickness was a genuine struggle for Elizabeth, who found herself thousands of miles away from her home in Ohio. Fortunately, the roommates she found through a UK room-sharing service, SpareRoom, became her new family.
Despite not being from London themselves, Elizabeth’s roommates, who are British and Spanish, provided a sense of belonging and community.
While seeing friends and family enjoy reunions on social media could be lonely, Elizabeth discovered that many people in London are in similar situations. Sharing traditions from home, such as hosting a Friendsgiving or celebrating the Fourth of July, helped combat homesickness and allowed her to create new memories with her newfound friends.
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