In September 2024, I took the leap from Paris to London to begin my year abroad. After spending two years in Paris, I, like many other international students, had grown accustomed to the unique French way of life. As the Autumn Term at LSE began, I quickly realised just how different two cities – separated by only 455 kilometres – could be. In this blog, I’ll share some of the culture shocks I experienced and how I adapted to them!

Small talk and interactions
In Paris, small talk is generally avoided, and interactions with strangers tend to be more reserved and formal. You would never expect someone you don’t know to call you “love” or “dear” at the supermarket, bank, or pharmacy. I must admit, as my interactions with the British increased, I grew to love these little terms of endearment. In their own simple way, they made the day feel a little lighter. If I was ever having a tough day, a small chat with the receptionist at the gym, the security team at LSE, or the owner of the corner shop would brighten my mood. If this feels strange at first, my advice is to embrace it! Answer back, make conversation, smile at strangers – you never know, it might make their shift feel less exhausting and both their day and yours a little better. Research even shows that customers who spend a few extra seconds engaging in friendly conversation with a barista leave the coffee shop feeling more satisfied than those who don’t.

Dinner time
In France, dinner is typically enjoyed around 8:00 PM or later, as is common in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. I discussed this with students from these countries, and they all shared the same reasoning: dinner is a social event meant to stretch into the evening, allowing employees finishing late shifts to enjoy a relaxed night out. In London, however, dinner service typically wraps up much earlier—often by 9:00 or 9:30 PM. There are various explanations for this, ranging from health-related habits to class-based traditions. If you find the adjustment difficult, I recommend seeking out restaurants in areas where shops stay open later than usual, rather than in residential neighbourhoods. Another great option is home cooking—it allows you to stick to your preferred dining schedule, saves money, and lets you sharpen your kitchen skills. You could even turn it into a social event by gathering friends who share the same tradition. However, do bear in mind that grocery stores may close early on certain days of the week.

Administrative tasks
Studying abroad comes with an overwhelming amount of paperwork, appointments, and administrative hurdles. My time in Paris introduced me to the hidden, often terrifying world of French bureaucracy. For example, to get a phone number in France, you need a French bank account. But to open a bank account, you need a phone number. I firmly believe that navigating French administration should be an Olympic sport. Unlike systems that offer streamlined digital services and quicker responses, the French system is often more personal but significantly slower, with a certain laissez-faire attitude toward urgency. In London, things do take time, and there may be lots of back and forth, but overall, I found it much easier to get tasks done. Customer service also tends to be more helpful, making processes less frustrating. The key to navigating both systems is organisation – keep track of everything you need to do, and always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Start administrative tasks as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress. My best advice? Download a free “brain-dump” to-do list template and update it regularly to stay on top of things!

Student-friendliness
I could go on and on about the cultural differences between Paris and London, but I want to focus on my experience as a student in both cities. One thing I quickly noticed is that London businesses offer more perks for students than those in Paris. Since London has a high concentration of universities, many shops and restaurants cater to students with discounts and exclusive deals. Around LSE, for example, multiple coffee shops offer student discounts with a valid student ID, while others provide memberships to help students manage their finances while maintaining an active social life. I made it a habit to always ask at the counter if student discounts were available, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised many times! If you’re looking for a balance between splurging and saving, check out social media pages and websites of places that interest you. Or, reverse your search—look for nearby spots that offer student perks. You might just discover your new favourite café or restaurant! As a starting point, I recommend checking out the LSE student Union’s recommendations.

Of course, these are just my personal observations—everyone’s experience will be different. But in the end, it’s these little moments of culture shock and surprise that create lasting memories and deepen our understanding of the world. So, embrace the differences, enjoy the ride, and remember that studying abroad is a unique journey meant to be savoured.