Moving abroad often comes with its fair share of surprises. One American woman now living in England recently highlighted this reality after sharing her personal observations on TikTok.
Ashley Jackson, a content creator from Texas, US, relocated to Manchester and has been documenting her life overseas through short videos and online posts. Her content often focuses on the cultural differences she encounters while adjusting to daily life in the UK.
In a recent video, Jackson sparked conversation after outlining what she described as three 'harsh truths' about living in England. Her light-hearted reflections quickly resonated with viewers, particularly Britons who recognised the everyday realities she mentioned.
The clip drew thousands of reactions, with many people joining the discussion and sharing their own observations about life in the UK.
@themossycactus You gotta be tough. 😉 What would you add? #britishculture #uk #americanintheuk #visitengland #texaninengland
♬ original sound - Ashley
3 Culture Shocks Living in England
While she does not frame her points as complaints, Jackson's list reflects the small but noticeable lifestyle differences that many foreigners encounter when moving from the US to the UK.
In the video, the first thing she mentioned was England's famously unpredictable weather. Unlike many parts of the US, where temperatures tend to be more consistent, the British climate can change rapidly within a single day.
'You're gonna have to toughen up. The weather is wild, it's all over the place, it's cold, it's rainy, it's hot, there's no AC, and sometimes it's all in the same day', she said in the clip. Air conditioning is far less common in British homes compared with the US. It's something that often surprises American newcomers, especially during warmer months.
She also pointed out the distinct characteristics of British humour, particularly the country's well-known love of sarcasm and dry wit. 'You're never going to be as funny or sarcastic as they are', Jackson joked. 'You can try, but they will probably always be one up from you.'
Then, she went on to talk about a minor but noticeable difference in supermarkets. In the US, grocery aisles often offer dozens of variations of the same product, from cereals to sauces. In England, she indicated that the options are more limited, though she viewed it as a beneficial aspect. 'You won't have 99 choices of cereal, but your life will be better for it', Jackson stated.
What Brits Had to Say
A wave of positive reactions flooded in from British viewers in the comments, as they agreed with Jackson's take while adding their own cultural insights.
One user wrote: 'As a Brit, this is [100%] correct. Also add, we don't do, nor demand, over the top customer service. We go to a pub, order a beer, pay the price.. voila! No silly tipping just for pouring a beer.'
Tipping culture is indeed one of the most noticeable differences between the UK and the US. While service charges may appear in restaurants, tipping in everyday situations such as buying drinks at a bar is far less expected.
Other commenters pointed out social habits that visitors may find unusual at first. One person joked: 'Saying sorry when something isn't your fault will become the norm.'
Several also highlighted lifestyle contrasts such as smaller food portions, relaxed pub culture, and the British tendency to dress casually regardless of the weather.
At the same time, many viewers welcomed Jackson to the country and emphasised that the UK's friendliness often becomes clearer once people settle in.
Life Between Two Cultures
Jackson's video taps into a broader conversation about the subtle differences between American and British lifestyles.
For many people relocating across the Atlantic, the changes are not necessarily dramatic but they appear in everyday routines—from grocery shopping and dining out to casual conversations with strangers. Even simple experiences, such as ordering a drink in a pub, navigating smaller supermarkets, or adjusting to the UK's famously changeable weather, can highlight cultural contrasts.
At the same time, these differences often become part of the charm of living abroad. As Jackson's video shows, what initially feels unfamiliar can quickly turn into a new normal, and sometimes even a source of amusement.
Her TikTok post ultimately serves as a reminder that adapting to another country rarely happens overnight. With a blend of curiosity, patience, and humour, many newcomers discover that the unique aspects of British life quickly turn into an exciting part of their journey.
