30 Oct Drinking Differences: USA vs. UK

Unfortunately, out here in America, England seems to have a bit of a reputation for its citizens abilities to drink – and drink rather large amounts! I thought I’d compose a quick post for future English transfer students detailing the differences between the drinking culture out here in San Francisco and back home. 

The first one is pretty obvious – but worth mentioning for the few who are bound to forget – in America, you can’t legally drink until you’re 21! As brits, we’ve been allowed to drink since the age of eighteen – and most have probably been drinking longer than that – so it’s worth noting that a quick trip to the pub, going out for cocktails with friends, or even purchasing a bottle of wine in the supermarket cannot be achieved until you’ve turned 21! 

Secondly, the clubs and bars out here in America will not stay open as late as back home in the UK. If you’re used to dancing the night away until five or six am, then be prepared for a shock. Probably more sensibly, the Americans tend to start their nights out earlier, usually ‘pre-gaming’ (our word for ‘preing’) around eight pm, heading to the club or bar around half ten or eleven, leaving when it closes at two, and being home and asleep by three! 

Thirdly, if a gin and tonic is your go-to drink back home, be prepared to try something new! Not that they don’t have gin out here, of course, but the price of it usually deters students away. Most US young people opt for pre-mixed, canned drinks such as ‘White Claws’ and ‘Four Loco’ or trader the cider for bottled beer. 

You see, just minor differences! Ultimately the American university lifestyle is similarly embedded with lots of drinking and socializing events, as it is back in England, so if you love a cheeky bev, I’m sure you’ll fit right in!