I'm an American living in the UK

Release time：2024-05-22 09:47:04 Source：Culture Chronicles news portal

An American woman living in the UK has revealed a list of typical features and appliances in British homes that have left her 'confused.'  

Helene Sula, also known as @heleneinbetween on TikTok, listed five elements of UK houses, such as structure and plumbing, that have left her stumped as a U.S. native. 

The travel blogger has been living in the UK since October 2023, and regularly uploads content that focuses on the 'cultural' differences between Americans and Brits, such as in the food we eat and how public transportation operates. 

Shortly after moving to Oxford, Helene, originally from Dallas, Texas, began to notice stark differences in how British houses are built compared to those in the States. 

She revealed the difference in a video on her TikTok, alongside the caption: 'Make it make sense our British house constantly confuses me.'

An American woman living in the UK has revealed a list of typical features and appliances in British homes that have left her 'confused' - such as the 'double tap' in UK bathrooms 

In the footage, which has received more than 30k likes, she added in a layover text: 'Things in British houses that are weird to Americans.'

Recording a bathroom sink in her new abode, Helene went on to point out the first feature of UK homes she finds difficult to get to grips with: the 'double tap.'

In America, it's common to have just one faucet that pours both hot and cold water, while in Britain, many homes still have two separate taps. 

She said: 'You have to theatrically wave your hands back and forth to get the right temperature.' 

Next, she points out the glass panel attached to the side of her bath that supports as a shower door for the attached shower head above. 

Helene said: 'Also, this is the shower door, which is essentially there as a joke. Every time we shower, we flood the bathroom.'

She continued: 'Next, you have to switch the plugs on for them to work, so make sure you do that, because your electronics aren't actually broken.'

Highlighting the fourth feature in her British home that has left her baffled, she said: 'Water pressure is super high - which I remember every time I wash the dishes and soak my shirt.'

Shortly after moving to Oxford, Helene, originally from Dallas, Texas, immediately began to notice stark differences in how UK houses are built compared to those in the States

Over 3600 comments poured in from both American and British viewers, with one Briton writing: 'I wish the houses were separate'

Lastly, she pointed out the typical structure of UK houses as she recorded fairytale-style cottages in the British countryside, jokingly adding: 'Oh, most houses don't look like this, most of them look like No. 4 Privet Drive.

'And, often, they share walls - which means you might just hear your neighbour breathing.' 

Over 3600 comments poured in from both American and British viewers, with one Briton writing: 'I wish the houses were separate.'

Meanwhile, a number of Americans commented their thoughts, with one person writing: 'The switches on plugs is frankly something we need in North America.'

Another said: 'Been living in UK for five months now, faucets and outlets were a bit of a shock at first.'

Elsewhere, another American woman who made the move from the US to the England has revealed all of the 'cute little observations' and quirks she's noticed about English people.

Related articles