An Australian woman who relocated to the United Kingdom has shared her major surprises since moving, such as the absence of electrical outlets in bathrooms and the notably large seagulls. Nina Skalonja, 31, originally from Adelaide, made the decision to move to Swansea in October 2024 after developing a strong connection with Welshman and electrical engineer Ben Roberts, 28, whom she met during a solo trip to the UK in November 2023.
Their relationship blossomed during a night out in Cardiff, and after nine months of maintaining a long-distance relationship, Nina decided to take the plunge and travel over 10,000 miles to be with him. After nearly a year of residing in the UK, Nina has compiled a list of cultural disparities that she is still acclimating to.
Among the surprises for the project planner are the scarcity of power outlets in bathrooms and the famously capricious British weather, which renders the Australian sunshine a rare indulgence. She also highlighted the prevalent day-drinking culture, a phenomenon she observed less frequently among Australians.
Expressing her sentiments, Nina stated, “While I adore living in the UK, there are certain aspects that continue to challenge me, whether it’s the intimidating dimensions of British seagulls or the narrow rural roads. Nonetheless, it adds to the allure of British life. Similarly, Australia has elements that could startle many Britons.”
Nina enumerated her list of “shocks” regarding British life, emphasizing the country’s affinity for daytime drinking and the enormity of its seagulls. “In Australia, many of us reserve our drinking for the weekends,” she remarked. “Yet in the UK, it appears to be a constant affair – particularly when the sun is shining.”
She further commented, “Even when I visit London midweek, the pubs always seem bustling. I find it perplexing how everyone manages to afford frequent drinking. In Australia, a pint costs around £3 or at most £4, whereas in London, it exceeds £8.”
Nina also remarked on the sheer size of British seagulls, describing them as “alarmingly massive.” Recalling her initial encounter, she shared, “The first time I spotted one, I mistook it for an albatross. They bear no resemblance to those in Adelaide, and I was astounded to witness their varied colors here.”
Another revelation for the Australian expatriate was the narrowness of Britain’s rural roads. “Even with my compact Volkswagen Polo, I harbor concerns about navigating the petite country lanes. In Wales, the abundance of dense shrubbery lining the roadsides impairs visibility.”
She added, “During my first experience driving a manual vehicle in the UK, I stalled at least once every day for a week.”
Nina was also taken aback by the absence of electrical sockets in UK bathrooms, lamenting the discovery that their two-bedroom residence lacked this provision. “Drying my hair in the bathroom was a vital part of my morning routine in Australia,” she lamented.
She expressed, “It was simpler to clear stray hair from the tiles. However, I now find myself frequently shuttling between the bedroom and bathroom in search of an outlet for my hairdryer. It’s certainly an adjustment for me.”
Nina additionally confessed her perplexity at the requirement for Britons to pay for a television license when it is free in Australia, and the challenge she faces due to the diverse accents prevalent in the UK.
“I feel like every 20-minute drive introduces me to another unfamiliar accent,” she shared. “It can be bewildering, and I often find myself requesting repetitions.”
Nevertheless, Nina appreciates the UK’s accessibility to various destinations and the affordability of international flights, a convenience she finds lacking in Australia. During her initial UK visit from April 2023 to February 2024, she ventured to Croatia, Italy, Dublin, and Bosnia from Heathrow, never exceeding £30 for a single ticket to each destination.
“In Australia, even a short trip to a nearby country like New Zealand can cost around £300 for a plane ticket,” she remarked.
Despite frequent inquiries from Britons regarding her decision to depart Australia, Nina asserts that the UK possesses a distinctive charm that is unparalleled elsewhere.
“I don’t anticipate this being our permanent residence, but you never know,” Nina remarked. “While there are aspects of Australia that I miss, such as chicken salt and their coffee, I am content living as a Brit. Perhaps one day, I might even chance upon the royal family.”