I moved to London from US – here are the three things I LOVE about the UK compared to back home

An American woman who relocated to London last year has shared her take on what the UK does better than the U.S – including the weather. 

Madeline Goodgame, from Texas, U.S., moved to the capital seven months ago to start a Master’s degree, and admits she arrived as a full-on Brit-obsessed American.

‘I’m the kind that thought they would move here and transition seamlessly because I have seen the Inbetweeners, and of course I’ve watched Peep Show,’ she told MyLondon. 

Despite her knowledge and confidence in navigating British life, she confessed the transition was more eye-opening than expected, as she added: ‘Watching British TV can only prepare one so much.’ 

Now, after half a year in the city, Madeline shared the top things she now prefers about life in the UK. 

Pub culture and tipping 

One of the biggest lifestyle changes Madeline has embraced following her move to London is the pub scene.

The student said she has been left ‘charmed’ by local establishments as they tend to bring communities, such as football supporters, together. 

Madeline Goodgame, from Texas , U.S., moved to the capital seven months ago to start a Master’s degree, and admits she arrived as a full-on Brit-obsessed American

One of the biggest lifestyle changes Madeline has embraced following her move to London is the pub scene

In comparison, Madeline revealed she feels less pressure in British pubs than in American bars, as she added: ‘U.S. bar culture can’t compare, and it mostly comes down to tipping. When you go out in the US, you tip. You tip everywhere.’

She believes bars are more transactional in the U.S., and that once a punter stops spending, it’s essentially time to leave.  

In London, Madeline said there’s a ‘magic’ to being able to walk to a local pub, knock back a couple of drinks and walk home. 

Public transport and walkability 

Madeline is embracing London’s walkability and how easy it is to get around without requiring a car

Growing up in Texas, Madeline revealed she was used to getting in the car to go anywhere. 

She explained: ‘Most American cities aren’t designed for walking and our cars are designed like tanks. A mile can take an hour to walk because priority is given to cars, not pedestrians.’ 

Now, she’s embracing London’s walkability and how easy it is to get around without requiring a car. 

Even with occasional Tube delays and strikes, as well as ongoing complaints about overcrowding, Madeline said she’s still ‘obsessed’ with London public transport, adding: ‘The magic hasn’t worn off for me!’ 

The weather

Though she labelled London winters ‘brutal,’ the student said the nation’s cosy pubs and Christmas markets more than make up for the harsh weather

When it comes to the weather, Madeline called it a tie – but she admitted the UK surprisingly has some advantages, especially when it comes to comfort.

Though she labelled London winters ‘brutal,’ the student said the nation’s cosy pubs and Christmas markets more than make up for the harsh weather. 

She added: ‘Trust me when I tell you Texas summers are not for the faint of heart, even with air conditioning. 

Madeline explained how winters in Texas ‘aren’t much better’ as frequent ice storms can cause power outages, meaning people would be forced to ‘sit in the dark and drink alone.’   

While she admits life in London isn’t perfect, Madeline is happy she made the move. 

In regards to her struggle with lifestyle changes in the UK, she joked: ‘And when I want to complain about it, I’ll just walk to the pub and meet my friends.’ 

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk