Topic: Timekeeping
Hello! My name is Lauren Jackson, and I’m a 23-year-old Architecture student from Glasgow, Scotland. Currently, I’m spending the winter semester of 2024-2025 on an exchange program at the University of Liechtenstein. I’ve decided to start this blog as a way to document my time here, reflect on my experiences, and share the challenges and discoveries I encounter along the way. This written reflection will not only help me process my journey but also allow others to gain insight into life abroad during my five months in Liechtenstein.
For my first post, I want to focus on an aspect of the local culture that I’ve found particularly interesting—and quite different from my own: timekeeping and punctuality. During my first few weeks here, I quickly noticed how important punctuality is in Liechtenstein, an influence likely shaped by its neighbours, Switzerland and Austria. Back home in Scotland, while punctuality is appreciated, there’s generally a more relaxed attitude towards being on time. It’s common to have a 15-minute grace period for things like lectures, medical appointments, and even work. However, in Liechtenstein, being late—even by a couple of minutes—can be considered rude, and there are often consequences for poor timekeeping.
Here are a few examples of how this cultural difference has impacted my daily life:
University Deadlines:
Deadlines for assignments, essays, and projects are taken very seriously here. There’s a strong expectation that students will submit their work on time, with minimal tolerance for lateness. Missing a deadline often results in penalties, such as reduced grades or even refusal to accept the assignment altogether. This wasn’t too much of a shock for me, as deadlines are also strict in Scotland. To handle this, I use the same strategies I would back home, such as planning my tasks in advance and keeping track of important dates.
Public Transport Punctuality:
One aspect of life that I’ve come to appreciate is the reliability of public transport. Buses and trains adhere to strict schedules, with timely arrivals and departures being the norm. This reflects the cultural emphasis on valuing everyone’s time and ensuring minimal delays. Compared to Glasgow, where public transport can often run late or even arrive early, Liechtenstein’s punctuality is a welcome change. I’ve found it much easier to rely on buses and trains here, as they’ve proven to be an efficient way to travel around the country and beyond, without the worry of cancellations or significant delays.
Punctuality in Social Settings:
The emphasis on punctuality extends beyond academics and public transport to social situations as well. Whether attending a dinner party or meeting up with friends, arriving on time is seen as a sign of respect. Even for informal gatherings, it’s customary to be punctual. This is quite different from what I’m used to in Glasgow, where arriving fashionably late—sometimes 30 minutes or more after the scheduled time—is often expected, particularly for parties or casual get-togethers.
Over the past five weeks, I’ve learned just how important punctuality is in Liechtenstein and have been adapting to better align with these expectations. While it’s been a challenge at times—like adjusting to being early for lectures—there are certainly aspects I appreciate, such as the efficient and reliable public transport. This experience has not only taught me about timekeeping but also broadened my understanding of how cultural norms can shape everyday life.
As I continue to spend more time here, I look forward to sharing more insights about life in Liechtenstein and the cultural differences I encounter. It’s all part of the learning experience, and although it can be tough to adjust to new ways of doing things, it’s also incredibly rewarding to see things from a different perspective.
Danke!
Lauren