Being plopped into one of the biggest and most diverse cities in the world is a wonderful thing. Did I walk around like a clueless idiot more than half the time? Absolutely. Learning things the hard way is the only way here. Culture shock comes without warning and majority of the time you just have to laugh and say, "Sorry, I'm American," soon after realizing they probably like you less after you said that.

For those of you who haven't been to London yet and are planning to, here's what you should know:

1. Talking is not a thing.

You know that one friend you have that talks SO incredibly loud and they are the only ones who don't notice? This is every American here in London. On the tube (London transport system) especially is a time when you literally sit in silence while you get from point A to point B. One time I answered my international phone on the tube, which was a Big Ben-sized mistake. I received enough death glares to last me the rest of the trip.

2. Trying to be frugal is a joke.

Getting it through your head that whatever price you see here is nearly double in the states is the definition of struggle. "This drink is only four dollars!" No honey, it's pounds, which means right now it's a little over $6.

3. Crossing the street is a death sentence.

I've just already accepted I will not get used to cars on the opposite side while I'm here. Who stands there and looks the other way while cars are stopped on the other side waiting for you to cross? Me, thats me. If you were confused while reading that, try being the one standing on the curb looking every which way like a complete imbecile.

4. We both speak English, right?

HA! No. I was in Primark the other day (London's version of Target). I asked a simple question: "Where are the pants?" The male worker who was actually attractive I might add led to me the, uh, underwear section? What the heck, dude? After I asked him again I think he was frustrated with my cluelessness. Long story made short, pants = underwear. It doesn't end there, folks. I work with a girl who has braces. I asked her how long she's had them for and she looked down at her shirt, and then said she wasn't wearing any. Wait, what? I then learned braces mean suspenders in the UK. At this point I'm just not going to talk. But hey, that would make fit in, right?

5. People from London are not "from London."

London lives up to its reputation of being one of the most diverse cities in the world. You can walk down the street and hear people speaking Italian, or Mandarin, or some unidentifiable language. Was that Dothraki?

6. The Style

You could pick a bench in any part of the city, sit, and people watch for hours. Creepy? Maybe. Have I done it? Obviously. The outfits people rock here are as trendy as it gets. They would probably pass as costumes in the states, except they don't look ridiculous. At home, I would easily make a run to Target in sweats and an oversize hoodie. Going to class I definitely look homeless. But here the effort needed to go out in public is a struggle when I just need to get five rolls of Digestives at the grocery store. I'm still working on looking as cool as some of the people I see on the street here.

7. The 'Humour''Humour' because 'humor' is not a word here. This is the hardest transition for me because I think I'm funny in the states (I've come to the realization I'm alone in thinking this). But when I'm at work here, all jokes need to be explained. So here's everyone laughing about a joke someone made and I'm looking around thinking I have toilet paper stuck to my shoe or something. I've mastered the fake laugh though. The other day in the kitchen at work I said something I thought was funny, and everyone not only didn't laugh but made like a frown/"what are you talking about" face, so as I lunged for the coffee as a diversion I said, "Sorry, I don't have a filter sometimes." My boss then asked how I make coffee without a filter. That day equaled defeat.

Living in London, everyday is filled with surprises. Often times you need to swallow your pride and just admit you have no idea what you're doing or where you're going. I've gotten pretty damn good at asking questions. It's a toss up on whether that person will actually understand my question, but worth a try. The one time I didn't ask, I took a bus an hour in the opposite direction - so free bus tour of London? Check. Maybe by the time I actually leave I'll have this culture down.

HAHA I'm joking.