10 things I wished I’d known before moving to England
As an exchange student, moving to another country was definitely the scariest and, at the same time, most stimulating decision of my life. I remember the day my dad and I were driving to get the Eurotunnel, waiting in the line. This is it, I thought, this is where a new chapter of my life begins.
I am sure some of you might be thinking of going abroad for a while as well — either for your studies or work — but you might feel too scared to book that non-return ticket. But trust me, once you get there, you will never want to buy that return ticket ever again.
I have been in Canterbury since September and there are a few things that I wish I had known before moving (some more serious that others).
The “contactless” obsession
Before moving, I had planned to open a bank account here in England so that I wouldn’t need to pay extra every time I wanted to change money into pounds. The revelation, however, was that everyone seems to use credit cards more than they use cash. But it’s not just any type of card payment! It’s contactless. That freaked me out. I couldn’t get over the fact that you just scan the card. It takes literally two seconds and you’re done. No pin or signature required. It sounds very convenient, but it seems so unsafe. Therefore, when I did open a bank account, I obviously received a contactless card… And I am quite paranoid about it. I panic anytime I can’t immediately find my card. I treasure it the same way Gollum treasured his precious ring. And I live in the fear of losing it every day.
Nando’s obsession
Another very English obsession is Nando’s. For those of you who don’t know, Nando’s is a dining restaurant specialised in (delicious) chicken — Portuguese style. Literally everyone is obsessed with it to the point where even certain expressions were coined. My personal favourite is cheeky Nando’s. You can look up the meaning in the urban dictionary (it’s hilarious — I highly recommend it).
It’s not okay… it’s calm
This is for whenever you are going out with your British lads talking about what to do for the rest of the night. Someone suggests going to Nando’s — what a surprise — and the answer is: calm. Now, for anyone who is confused by this, don’t worry. I was too when I first heard it. So, I had to ask. Saying calm is like saying it’s okay, but I guess it’s cooler. Now you’re welcome to show off your Britishness to your friends.
Reading weeks
At the University of Kent, we have reading weeks. This means that you will not have class for that week to give you time to either catch up, read or write essays (or if you’re are like me: travel!). I petition to bring these reading weeks to every university across Europe.
The Cheese
If you are a cheese lover like myself, England will disappoint you. At your local Tesco, you will only find a selection of cheddar cheese. By now, I am a cheddar cheese expert.
You’ll be asked for an ID no matter how old you look
It doesn’t matter if you are shopping at the University grocery store to buy some alcohol for your Saturday night and, therefore, most likely be over 18. You will be asked for an ID because the rule is: “if you look under 25, you have to show an ID.” So, don’t forget it!
Rent
The renting system is pretty similar to my home country, but what baffled me is that the pricing is shown per week and not per month. Be careful when looking for a place — housing is not that cheap!
Spiders
Be aware of the fact that you will most likely adopt new pets when moving to England. Spiders will be your most intimate friends and they won’t ever have enough of you.
Groceries
I don’t know about your country, but back in my hometown, I would always have to drive or walk to the closest grocery store. Canterbury is way more progressive as many stores deliver groceries to your door! (You will be asked for an ID, nonetheless).
“Safety” on campus
This one is more specific to the accommodation at the university of Kent. Since I am coming from Germany to study, most of my devices obviously need adapters. They are even listed in all the things that you should not forget on the university’s website. However, once they check your room, I was told that only the adapters provided by the university were allowed and considered safe. Very annoying, but at least you get to save some money.
To put it differently, I have learned to treasure my card as my best luck charm. My new best friends are a family of little spiders who give me company in any corner of my room. Cheddar has replaced my beloved parmesan and it is the topper in any recipe. I now know not to introduce myself if not with my ID on hand in any pub. But most importantly, everything is calm in England.
With thanks to Justine Salles and Tracy Enright
