A Swedish woman who moved to England for love has detailed the five aspects of British life that continue to baffle her, offering a fresh perspective on everyday UK culture.
From Scandinavia to Subway: A Love-Fueled Move
Julia, a Swedish national, relocated to the United Kingdom to be with her British partner, trading her Scandinavian lifestyle for a new chapter in England. While the move was driven by romance, it has come with a significant dose of culture shock, which she recently catalogued in a candid TikTok video posted on January 13, 2026.
In the video, titled "Things I find odd about the UK as a Swedish person with an English partner," Julia highlights a mix of culinary, domestic, and social norms that differ starkly from those in her homeland.
The Five Puzzling British Peculiarities
1. The Ubiquitous Love for Baked Beans
First on her list is the nation's enduring passion for baked beans. While Brits consider them a staple, Julia notes they are not held in the same esteem in Sweden. Her confusion peaked when she encountered them in an unexpected setting: a Subway sandwich shop.
"I thought beans were a breakfast thing," she explained. "Then I saw them... at Subway. On a sandwich. I'm still processing this."
2. Carpets, Everywhere You Look
Julia's second point of contention is British interior design, specifically the widespread use of fitted carpets. Sharing a photo of a typical UK home, she expressed astonishment at seeing carpets in living rooms, bedrooms, and sometimes even bathrooms.
"As a Swede, this feels so unusual - where's the wood??" she questioned. In Sweden, easy-to-clean hard flooring like wood or laminate is standard to reduce allergens and moisture, with removable rugs used for comfort.
3. The Enduring Milkman Tradition
On a more positive note, Julia expressed delight at discovering the survival of the traditional milk delivery service in parts of the UK. "The milkman is still a thing!! (depending on where you live) and I love it," she said. This service has largely disappeared in Sweden, where supermarkets are the primary source for dairy.
4. 'Personal' Train Ticket Prices
Julia's fourth observation is one that resonates with many Britons: the high cost of rail travel. She quipped, "A short train ride costs... how much? Is this public transport or a luxury experience?" aligning herself with the widespread frustration over UK train fares.
5. Town Names That Defy Pronunciation
Finally, Julia touched on the linguistic challenge of British place names, claiming they seem to ignore their own spelling. Using Worcester as a prime example, she pondered, "What do you mean this is pronounced 'Wooster'? Why are the letters just decorative?"
A Shared Experience of Cultural Adjustment
Julia's observations underscore the subtle yet profound differences in daily life that expats encounter. Her list moves from light-hearted bafflement over food to shared grievances about transport costs, painting a relatable picture of adaptation.
While the carpeted bathrooms and sandwich beans may remain oddities, her appreciation for the milkman shows that some British traditions are warmly received. Her experience is a reminder that even within Europe, moving countries can present a series of small, surprising revelations that take time to sink in.
