If you want to study in the UK, or simply visiting, it’s important to understand the culture and social etiquette of British people. Our expert team here at BSC Education can explain what you need to do (or more importantly, not do) to comfortably fit in. Here are seven key things you need to know.
Are British people polite?
As you may have already discovered, people in the UK say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” a lot, even when it isn’t necessary. For instance, a British person might apologise if you walk into them. While not everybody follows the rules, good manners are important to people in the UK, and it will upset them if you are disrespectful.
Are British people sarcastic?
This may be hard to detect, but the British enjoy using sarcasm, or saying the opposite of what they think. For example, they might say “nice weather” if it is raining, as a way to introduce humour to a conversation. Sometimes it may seem rude, but it’s usually a sign of friendliness. Understanding this can take time, but you will soon get used to it.
Do British people love tea?
Drinking tea is a huge cultural ritual in the UK. The most common type is a “builders’ tea” (strong, with milk and sugar), but there are many types including Earl Grey, and fruit teas are becoming much more popular. British people will offer a cup of tea as a gesture of hospitality and care – if you are crying, someone might make you a cup of tea before even asking you what is wrong!
Do British people spend a lot of time in pubs?
‘Pub’ is short for public house, and is a place to “grab a pint” (enjoy a beer together). It’s an important part of social life in the UK, whether it’s catching up with friends, enjoying a Sunday roast lunch, or playing pool or darts.
Why do British people love to queue?
Patience and fairness are deeply ingrained in British society, and pushing in line is considered very rude. While nobody enjoys waiting in line, British people much prefer to form an orderly queue. You will be very unpopular if you don’t wait for your turn.
Why do British people always talk about the weather?
People visiting the UK often notice that people love talking about the weather when making small talk. With the UK’s famously unpredictable climate, there’s always something to say about rain, sun, or the chance of snow. Chatting about the weather is unlikely to offend anyone and is a way of being polite and pleasant.
Do all British people love the Monarchy?
The royal family is an iconic symbol of Britain, and you see references to them everywhere. Major royal events are huge national spectacles that receive the attention of the media and often coincide with public holidays. This doesn’t mean that everyone has the same appreciation, though – many people question the relevance of the monarchy in modern society.
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