By Lauren Jindrich

Although riding the tube may seem like a relatively simple process, there are several unspoken rules that Americans do not alway pick up on. If you follow these tips, you’ll blend in with locals so well that a frantic tourist may approach you asking how to get to Westminster.

Speaking Noise: Like many London tourists, I took the Heathrow Express immediately after arriving at the airport. My friend and I lugged our massive suitcases onto the train, and started loudly having a conversation. At the time, I thought nothing of this, but looking back on it now, I cringe. In my observations of other Americans, this is a common faux pas. In America, being loud isn’t frowned upon. In fact, it is the norm. However, here, you are expected to speak quietly or not speak at all. Americans: Brits do not think your accent is cool, you do not need to show it off!

Speaking to Strangers: See someone on the tube reading your favorite book? Or, someone with cool shoes that you want to get for yourself? Keep your admiration or question to yourself. If you’re American, this probably sounds like an unfriendly suggestion. After all, speaking to strangers unprompted is normalized in America. But you have to forget your previous conceptions. Don’t smile at a stranger. Don’t speak to a stranger. Heck, don’t even look at a stranger for more than a few seconds. Reading this, you may get the impression that Brits are mean or coldhearted. However, they’re typically very kind and helpful. Their norms around suitable communication are just different.

Eating: There are technically no rules prohibiting eating on the tube, but you will notice that it is a fairly rare occurrence, especially during peak times. Why is this? As you may have realized by now, one of the major themes in these suggestions is courteousness to others. People recognize that no one wants to smell their stinky food. So, save it for when you get home or eat it at the place that you bought it.

Giving Up Your Seat: This tip is pretty obvious and heavily promoted by TFL itself, but it’s worth mentioning. At peak times, it’s eventiable that trains will fill up and people will be left standing. If you are an able bodied, healthy individual and see an elderly or vulnerable individual left standing, consider giving up your seat to them. Keep in mind that because of British politeness, you’ll probably have to play the game where they refuse to take the seat and you insist upon it.

Distractions: While at the station or on the train, avoid getting engrossed in your phone and losing focus on the world around you. Trains and stations are busy, and other people will also be distracted, so someone will probably bump into you and blame you.

Taking Up Space: No one is hated more than the girl who puts her backpack in its own seat on a packed train, or the guy who spreads his legs wide enough to encroach on the space of both passengers next to him. Be courteous of those around you and don’t take up more space than you need to.

Ignore, Ignore, Ignore: Is there a weird, loud drunk guy on your train? Is there some weirdo sitting on the floor of the train? Avoid eye contact, reactions, revealing face expressions, or verbal comments. They will likely not bother you if you show no reactions to their shenanigans.