10 Things Americans Miss the Most After Moving to the UK

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10 Things Americans Miss the Most After Moving to the UK

Moving from the U.S. to the UK is a big step, and while there’s plenty to love across the pond, there are just as many things Americans find themselves missing about home. From food to conveniences, there’s a whole list of things that might not seem like a big deal until they’re not around. Let’s explore what some Americans miss the most after moving to the UK, keeping it simple and relatable.

1. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter in the UK just isn’t the same as the good old American brands. Whether you’re a fan of creamy or chunky, the taste and texture of U.S. peanut butter are something many expats find themselves longing for. In the UK, the options are often fewer and the flavors just don’t match up. Maybe it’s the type of peanuts used or the amount of sugar and salt, but for peanut butter aficionados, that jar from the U.S. is something special that UK shelves haven’t matched.

2. Free Refills at Restaurants

In the United States, sitting down in a diner or fast food joint often comes with the perk of free refills. You can sip endlessly from your soda or iced tea without worrying about an extra charge. However, in the UK, this is not the norm. Here, every drink counts, and if you want another, you’ll have to pay for it. This can come as a surprise to many Americans who are used to non-stop top-ups without touching their wallets again.

3. Ice in Drinks

If you’re from the States, you’re probably used to ice-cold drinks, with plenty of ice cubes floating around. Over in the UK, it’s a different story. Drinks are often served with minimal ice, sometimes just a cube or two, or none at all. It can be quite the adjustment for someone who’s used to sipping on beverages that are almost freezing.

4. 24/7 Convenience Stores and Fast Food

The convenience of popping into a store or grabbing a bite at any time of day or night is something many Americans take for granted. In many parts of the UK, this isn’t the case. Stores and fast foods often have strict closing hours, and if you’re craving a late-night snack, you might find yourself out of luck.

5. Drive-thrus for Everything

In America, drive-thrus are a staple for everything from your morning coffee to banking. In the UK, while you might find some for fast food, the convenience doesn’t usually extend to other services. This can be a bit of an inconvenience for those used to managing errands from the comfort of their car.

6. Customer Service That Actually Prioritizes the Customer

The U.S. is known for its high standards of customer service where the customer is always right. In the UK, the approach can be less accommodating. Customer service can often seem more formal and less focused on making the customer happy at any cost.

7. Big, Spacious Houses with Walk-in Closets

American homes are known for their space, including expansive rooms and walk-in closets. UK homes tend to be smaller, and finding a house with a walk-in closet is rare. This can be a bit of a shock to Americans who are used to more generous living spaces.

8. Wide Roads and Giant Parking Spaces

Driving in the UK can feel quite different from the U.S. The roads are narrower and parking spaces can feel tiny if you’re used to the spacious lanes and parking lots in America. This can make driving and parking a bit more stressful for Americans living in the UK.

9. American-style Optimism and Friendliness

The U.S. is known for its optimistic outlook and the friendliness of its people. This cultural attitude can be less prevalent in the UK, where interactions are often more reserved. Americans might find themselves missing the open smiles and the upbeat spirit they’re used to back home.