Moving to the UK as an American is full of little surprises.
Some are frustrating, like the lack of iced coffee in winter or the need to memorise 1,000 different coin sizes. But then there are the quirks that, over time, become oddly charming. The things that might have seemed strange at first start to feel endearing, making life in Britain a little more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the unexpected things that American expats often find surprisingly delightful about British life that we tend to take for granted, according to the many expats I’ve met.
1. The absolute commitment to tea as a life solution
It’s a cliche at this point, but it’s actually true — we can’t deny it. Tea here is more than just a drink for a lot of us; it’s a national coping mechanism. Bad day? Tea. Good news? Tea. Existential crisis? Definitely tea. Americans are used to coffee as their default, but the sheer emotional weight of a proper cuppa is something you don’t fully appreciate until you live here.
The whole ritual — offering tea, putting the kettle on, complaining about how someone else makes tea — feels oddly comforting. There’s something reassuring about a country where the first response to any problem is to put the kettle on.
2. The thrill of unexpectedly warm weather
In the US, nice weather is nice, but over here, it’s an event. The first warm day of the year sparks a nationwide migration to the nearest pub garden, and parks instantly fill with people in shorts, no matter how cold it actually is. You quickly learn that sunshine isn’t taken for granted here.
It’s almost comical how quickly plans change when the weather is nice. Offices empty out, barbecues appear out of nowhere, and suddenly, everyone is deeply invested in discussing how rare this moment is. You start appreciating sunny days in a way you never did before.
3. The way people say “you alright?” and don’t actually expect an answer
Americans arriving in the UK are often thrown off by the phrase “you alright?” because it sounds like people are genuinely concerned. But after a while, they realise it’s just a casual greeting — essentially the British version of “hey, what’s up?” with zero expectation of an actual response. It becomes second nature to just nod and mumble “yeah, you?” even if they’re having the worst day ever. And once they’re fully settled, they start saying it themselves, confusing every American friend who visits.
4. The random politeness of everyday interactions
Americans are friendly, but we Brits have this quiet, understated politeness that’s genuinely charming, apparently. People apologise when you bump into them, hold doors open with a silent nod, and thank the bus driver every single time they get off. Even the grumpy ones among us have a certain politeness to their grumpiness. The passive-aggressive “Cheers, mate” from someone you just mildly inconvenienced carries an energy that’s oddly endearing once our Yankee friends get used to it.
5. The pub culture — without the pressure to drink
In the US, bars are mostly for drinking, but on this side of the Atlantic, pubs are basically a second living room. You’ll see families having Sunday roasts, people playing board games, and entire friend groups spending hours chatting over a single pint. What’s even more charming is that no one cares if you’re actually drinking alcohol. Americans love that they can order a soft drink, a tea, or even just sit with nothing, and no one will question it. Pubs are about the atmosphere, not just the booze.
6. The joy of a really good meal deal
Americans are used to fast food combos, but the UK meal deal is on another level. A sandwich, a snack, and a drink for a few quid? That’s a daily victory. The choices are weirdly exciting, and the unwritten rules about what makes the “best” meal deal combo become an oddly serious debate.
Some expats go through a full-blown meal deal phase, trying every sandwich option available before finally settling on their go-to. It’s one of those small things that just feels very British in the best possible way.
7. The unspoken love of complaining about the weather
Weather talk in the UK isn’t just small talk; it’s a national pastime. Americans might comment on the weather occasionally, but we Brits take it to another level, discussing it in depth, analysing forecasts like they’re stock market trends, and bonding over mutual disappointment.
Even when the weather is good, people will find something to complain about (“bit too hot, isn’t it?”). In the end, they realise that complaining about the weather is less about the weather itself and more about building social connections.
8. The dedication we have to queuing
Yet another stereotype that’s frighteningly accurate. Americans are used to standing in line, but British queuing is next-level to them. It’s not just a system; it’s a source of national pride. It’s not that we love doing it, it’s that we appreciate order above all else. The silent understanding that everyone must wait their turn, no matter what, is both impressive and slightly strange.
Once they live here long enough, expats start getting irrationally annoyed at queue-jumpers too. There’s something deeply satisfying about a perfectly organised queue, and they’ll find themselves instinctively forming one even when it’s not necessary.
9. The enthusiasm for ridiculous TV competitions
British reality TV has a level of wholesomeness that American shows rarely match. From the surprisingly intense drama of “The Great British Bake Off” to the oddly charming DIY competitions, there’s something addictive about watching polite people stress over cakes or pottery. Even the more chaotic reality shows, like “Gogglebox” (people watching TV and reacting to it), somehow feel cosier than their American counterparts. Once they get hooked, there’s no going back.
10. The love of a proper Sunday roast
Americans have Sunday brunch, but the British Sunday roast is on a whole different level. A full plate of roasted meat, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy — it’s basically a holiday meal every week. Even people who don’t normally cook will put real effort into a Sunday roast. And once an American expat finds a pub that does it just right, it becomes a non-negotiable weekend tradition (if they don’t start making their own, that is).
11. The lack of small talk with strangers
In the US, people chat with strangers all the time — at the store, in lifts, while waiting in a queue. Over here, unnecessary small talk is largely avoided, and honestly, it’s kind of refreshing. At first, it can feel a little cold, but over time, Americans realise it’s not rudeness — it’s just a cultural difference. And once they adjust, there’s something nice about not having to make conversation just for the sake of it.
12. The fact that nobody actually understands how their own heating works
Every American expat in the UK has had at least one battle with a finicky boiler or a radiator that refuses to cooperate. Heating systems here seem unnecessarily complicated, and yet, Brits just accept this as part of life. Even lifelong residents struggle with their own heating dials. It’s a shared experience, and at some point, they just stop questioning it and embrace the mystery like we do.
13. The absolutely unnecessary but delightful shop greetings
Walk into a small shop in the UK, and there’s a good chance the staff will greet you with a simple “Alright?” or “You okay?” Even though it’s just their way of saying hello, it still catches Americans off guard at first. Once they get used to it, it becomes oddly comforting. There’s something nice about the way British shopkeepers make you feel acknowledged without forcing an awkward conversation.
14. The unapologetic love of biscuits
Sure, America has cookies, but British biscuits are a whole different experience. The sheer variety — digestives, bourbons, custard creams — is enough to convert any expat into a full-on biscuit enthusiast. And, of course, the concept of dunking them in tea is something you don’t fully appreciate until you live here. At some point, every American expat realises they now have a favourite biscuit — and that they care about it deeply.
