Now that I have been in London for a few weeks, I’ve begun to notice a few differences between here and America. Unlike the title suggests, I have definitely not been literally looking in people’s windows, but I do spend much of my time on the tube, in parks, and other spaces full of people, giving me a glimpse into their lives. As a psychology major, I am extremely interested in human behavior, and I love people-watching. One of the most stark differences lies in the way people interact with one another.  

On my first field trip, we took a trip to Shoreditch to see how street art encapsulates the feelings of Londoners. One of the prevailing themes through this art is that London is a lonely city. With over 9 million people, many feel lost, but unlike America, people don’t make an effort to acknowledge each other, branch out, and meet others. No one makes eye contact, looks around, compliments each other randomly, etc. They don’t smile at each other on the street, nor do they say bless you when you sneeze. They just go about, minding their own business, heads down, stuck being lonely. 

This aspect, while seemingly a small cultural difference, has been quite difficult to assimilate to. I find myself smiling at people on the street, making awkward eye contact on the tube, or getting strange looks when I am conversing with my friends while riding. In general, I think this conflict has arisen because British people tend to be more reserved, and are just focused on getting where they need to. You often also see people reading books on the train, and people are always walking with a purpose. 

To help myself assimilate, I bought both a book and a journal to start utilizing on the tube, helping me to blend in and stop making that awkward eye contact. I also plan out my route prior to leaving my flat, so I know where I am going and can walk with a purpose as to not annoy others. 

Overall, these have helped me better fit in with Londoners—so much so that i’ve even gotten asked for tube directions! Stay tuned for more London observations as I continue studying abroad! 

Pictured above: some street art from Shoreditch!