The experience of an American student at a UK university

I didn’t expect to get major culture shock going to a British university as an American, but sometimes even as I’m walking my usual route to Uni, it hits me. All I can think to myself is Dorothy's classic line from the Wizard of Oz: “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

As cheesy as it is, the awe Dorothy experiences when she arrives in the Technicolor land of Oz is equivalent to the feeling I get seeing the rolling green hills and fairy tale villages of the Peak District in the spring. On the other hand, the Wicked Witch of the West is akin to British sandwich pairings like cheese and onion. But back to my university experience—just what has it been like moving abroad, making new friends, and attending a British university? Having been a uni student on both sides of the pond, I’ve got the differences down to a science.

Making Friends

Despite the analogy to Dorothy’s arrival in the land of Oz, I first experienced a slow-burn culture shock. I came to England during Covid-19 lockdown, and for the first two weeks of isolation lived with three other international students. Even after meeting British students, the long weeks spent indoors meant I didn’t get a proper feel of my new culture. One thing in particular did take some getting used to—British humour. I cringed my way through The Inbetweeners and once almost cried when I didn’t clock an insult as a joke. It was all part of my British education.

I’m pleased to say I have come a long way with my banter, but in the beginning these differences did create some barriers to friendship. Despite any cultural changes, I certainly wasn’t alone in feeling isolated. Everyone was dealing with major life adjustments brought on by going to university, making socialising tricky at times. Throw in newfound freedom and normalised heavy drinking, and it could be a fraught combination that is hardly unique to British university. It took a full year before I could say I had settled in and made lasting friendships.

Differences between American and British Universities

The nice thing about being American in England is that it is a great conversation starter. I still joke that many of the jokes British people make about Americans just disguises their obsession with us. (Excluding the obvious problems such as expensive healthcare and lack of gun laws.) For my age group, some of the most entertaining differences concern British vs American university life. “Are fraternities real?” I’ve had wide-eyed Brits ask me.

“Unfortunately, yes,” I usually respond. Although I know people who have had great experiences with the Greek system, I found my short-lived stint in a sorority painful. However, regaling the British with stories about initiation makes it worth every second.

It may just be that I switched from doing biology to philosophy, but another major difference I’ve noticed is that British universities allow for a healthier work-life balance than I had in the US. I have less contact hours and less deadlines here, so I can actually have a social life. Sometimes I think I might have learned more with added pressure, but I don’t care when I remember the anxiety of the constant grind.

The glamorised entrepreneurial American spirit finds its way into universities and even high school through ultra-competitive academics and fighting for unpaid internships. These opportunities do get you ahead, and distressingly they are also more accessible to the wealthy and white.

Of course, the lower legal drinking age in the UK is another major difference and initially shaped the selection of activities I used my extra social time for. The full bar and dance club in the basement of our Students’ Union is a stark contrast to the hushed-up house parties during my freshman year in the US. Socials for sports and other student clubs are often centred around drinking in the UK. In fact, drinking seems woven into the fabric of British society itself, which comes with pros and cons. As a credit to the UK’s pub culture, there has been something special about bonding with friends over a few pints.

Was it Worth It?

Getting out of my comfort zone and going to a British university has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. While faced with differences and so many new influences, I have been able to better define who I am. I have a greater appreciation for my home country and time with family, who blessed me with the support to be here. Although I don’t see myself in the UK long-term, I’ll be very sad to leave, which says a lot about how great of a time I have had. I’ll especially miss the friends I made, but I know I’ll remember them every time I use my newfound dry humour or crave a steak and ale pie.

Edited by Caitlin Hart