Moving to Liverpool can be a big step and getting accustomed to the city's unique culture might be the hardest nut to crack in that process.
We're not just talking about stereotypes of a chasmic language barrier between out-of-towners and scousers (chick-un) we've all heard or the slang names for areas and streets (like Kenny, Toccy, or Croccy ). We're talking about the things the city does that no others do.
Getting comfortable in the city is one thing, but to properly thrive you've got to get to grips with the things that make Liverpool uniquely Liverpool. You've got to embrace it on its own terms, and here are some things you'll come to realise quickly form a big part of that process.
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It's almost more of a town than a city
At its heart Liverpool is a friendly city. There's almost half a million people here and not one of them, even the most intimidating scouser, won't give you the time of day or stop you at some point during your life in the city.
Liverpool so often has the vibe of a small town, where everyone knows each other or at least acts like they do. It's a place so many of the people who pass you will take a moment to say hello and greet you, especially as you go further out of the city centre.
It's always worth stopping for a chat too, and it's probably the quickest way of getting your bearings in the city.
Don't take anyone too seriously
A pinch of salt goes a long way in Liverpool. You're probably going to be the butt of countless jokes, especially in those first few weeks, but you can't take anyone too seriously.
Learning how to take a scouser's joke is one of the biggest tests you'll face - learning to find it funny though, that's another thing in itself.
More seagulls than Cornwall (probably)
Liverpool with its seagulls is almost like Wales with its sheep. There's just so many that sometimes you'll convince yourself there are more of the snack-stealing gulls than people living in this city.
Take a trip through Liverpool One and you'll understand. Take any food down to the waterfront (a brave move) and you'll understand.
What's more is that they seem to be getting bigger with each year. Some think they're "psychotic" and others nicknaming them "pterodactseagulls," but someone needs to come up with a word for the sheer blinding shock you feel as one of them yoinks the chips straight out of your hand.
Red salt.
Talking of chips... red salt?
Red salt is so good it's helped one takeaway win awards, but more importantly it has helped probably hundreds of thousands of people return from the brink after a heavy night out. Best on chips, chicken, and probably just about everything else from your local chippy-Chinese hybrid it can restore the colour back to your life when you most need it.
Only one thing can stand up to a good portion of chips dusted with red salt, and that's a good portion of salt and pepper chips. The city sure does know how to season a bag of chips
Kids (even toddlers) will dress better than you
For all of us who have been skint students (or just skint) in the city, living off charity shop clothes and Aldi bulk-bought pasta, the sight of a toddler stumbling along in a harness, decked-out head to toe in a Gucci belt, Balenciaga trainers and a Moncler puffer jacket is a sight that's as jarring as it is familiar.
It doesn't seem to make sense - surely they'll have grown out of it in a matter of weeks? Even so, you're left wondering at the level of the handmedowns their younger siblings will be getting.
Home and Bargain
You'll never hear a scouser say "Home Bargains," you will however hear them say "Home and Bargain." You might think they're mistaken, but really, it's you who's mistaken.
It's "Home and Bargain" because that's what founder Tom Morris named his first store in Old Swan years before it turned into a multi-billion pound business and constant presence throughout all of Britain's highstreets. So really, anyone who calls it "Home and Bargain" is right, in some way.
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