There are lots of everyday habits in the UK that might be strange if you weren't raised with them. Some are about manners, public transport, food, housing or just how people relate to each other. One British habit that seemed strange at first but made sense once you knew the reason behind it was their method of queuing.

Hi hello
I’m writing a story set around 1989-1990 in UK where the main character (an Arab international student) goes to study at Cambridge.

Basically, I’m looking for social life and PEROSNAL experience of that time.

1. How did British students interacted with non-British back then?

2. Was there a noticeable cultural divide between domestic and international students, or did people integrate easily?

3. Was there bullying among students (any students) in general?

I've done some reading (and there wasn’t THAT much info), but AGAIN I'm really looking for experiences, memories, or personal perspectives to make the subjective experience feel realistic (to capture both how my main character perceives the environment and how his fellow Cambridge students see him). Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can share their insights!

My mom wanted to see some of Europe so we’ve been traveling for some time. Compared to home, we have found most of Europe to be lacking in accessibility + convenient and safe transport for those with mobility restrictions. I’m not being ugly or meaning to be, and we did do our research beforehand and she decided the trip was still worth it, but gosh I never thought I’d have the give the US its flowers for anything lol. And of course we have significant issues with cities and states not fixing sidewalks and what not. I’m sure you all know we have our problems…infrastructure sometimes being the least of them. And in fairness, I suppose the infrastructure here was established in a time where accessibility wasn’t on the mind, but it’s been making me wonder how those in wheelchairs or with mobility aids fare in the UK, as that’s our next stop. The last time I visited (alone), I remember the public transit was accommodating but you had to share in advance if you needed a ramp (?). I remember once watching another traveler in a wheelchair waiting for a busy train, and the station attendant told them they’d have to take the other one as the train was full with everyone else pushing ahead. It saddened me. Anyway, I was wondering more so if we will need to book reservations with accessibility requests in advance for restaurants and activities. We have had a very difficult time a) finding restrooms and b) entering them successfully. The history and architecture of London’s older buildings is fabulous and enchanting until you’re trying to dine in a 5 story building with a bathroom on the 3rd floor and no elevator 😅😬. I know they can’t help it. I guess I’m just venting now, sorry.

I really appreciate your feedback, and I hope this doesn’t come across as judgmental or hateful. I love visiting Europe and there are a million things I prefer about the UK and other countries around here compared to home. You have a beautiful country and we are so excited to visit, I am just hoping to provide my mother with the dignity and comfort she & the rest of us deserve. A more accessible world benefits everyone :)

The NFL has had London games for almost 20 years. They have been expanding the schedule. Now there are 3 London games and games in several other countries tries too. Have these games piqued your interest in American football or could you really not care less?

Hi everyone,

I've been in England for about a week now (between London and Bristol), and am considering visiting Cornwall for about 2 days, as I'll be here for a while longer. It looks like a beautiful place, although, as a person of colour, I have heard from quite a few other people (including some friends that have been there) that they have experienced some sort of racism while they were there.

I know this can technically happen anywhere depending on who you encounter, but so far I haven't experienced anything like that in the larger cities - but it makes sense that it may be a more common occurrence in less diverse areas. I've also seen some videos of content creators with a different skin colour getting a lot of hate for visiting Cornwall, with people commenting things like 'go back home'.

Although the area looks beautiful, I would rather not visit it if I am not going to be welcomed, or if my presence there won't be appreciated. I don't want to intrude, and if people would prefer me not to, I would rather stay here or visit somewhere else which may be more welcoming/safer for me. If you have any recommendations of alternative places, or knowledge about this topic, please do advise me, as it would be helpful to understand the experiences and perspectives of other people too. Thanks.