Want to know how to make friends in London? Moving to this vibrant city can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Whether for work or study, building connections is key.
Despite its bustling population, London may seem lonesome. Don’t fret! Explore effective ways to meet locals and make lasting connections in the Big Smoke.
Is London a good place to meet new people?
With its diverse cultural scene, London is a fantastic place to meet individuals from various backgrounds. The city is home to a flurry of social events, where you’re sure to create new connections.
How do I build my social life in London?
1. Shared accommodation
Embrace the budget-friendly and community-driven lifestyle of shared living in London. Connecting with people from around the world, shared spaces foster unique friendships—similar to the chance encounters that transformed university hallmates into lifelong friends. Check out The Stay Club’s private student accommodation to find a fun community of like-minded people.
Even once you’ve graduated – as a young professional in the city, it can be challenging to build a social network. However, the Stay Club’s London Co-Living options provide a great balance between independence and community.
The rooms are refined and comfortable, whilst the surrounding social spaces are fantastic for meeting new people and making new friends for life. So, check out our co-living spaces and secure your new London home.
2. Join a club or society
Discovering friends in a new city, like London, is often as simple as pursuing your interests. With a vast array of clubs and societies, from American Football to zoology, there’s a niche for everyone. This approach is especially fruitful for students; universities like UCL offer over 300 societies, covering everything from psychedelics to kendo
3. Cultural excursions
London is packed with culture – so there’s never a dull moment. Visit an art gallery, go on a walking tour, or explore one of London’s free museums. Just by putting yourself out there, you don’t know who you may meet and get chatting with along the way.
Seize the opportunity from chance encounters; stay in touch, plan more outings, and cultivate friendships. Many are in a similar position, eager to make friends, so don’t hesitate to take that leap.
4. Try out a new hobby
Sometimes it helps when we try something new; this could mean learning how to play an instrument or taking up photography as a hobby. You’ll be able to meet fellow yoga lovers or budding macrame artists. No matter the new passion, there will be people in your class to befriend.
5. Volunteer at a charity
Kill two birds with one stone: give back to the community while making friends along the way. London is the capital of the UK so there are hundreds of charities that have shops or offices here. So, choose a cause you hold dear to your heart and start working.
You’re likely to meet other individuals who share the same values as you. Browse London volunteer opportunities to find something you’re passionate about.
6. Get to know your local pub
The Great British Pub is somewhat of an institution. But, going to your local London boozer is not a stereotype – it’s very true. Befriend the barman and you’ll soon see some familiar faces each weekend.
Plus, you’ll more than likely make new pals in your local area. For ideas on where to savour a beverage, read Best Camden Pubs with a Beer Garden.
7. Try out a new fitness class
Going for a quick jog with your earphones may be efficient, but you’re unlikely to be making new friends. There are many running clubs and park runs all over the capital for you to meet equally sporty Londoners.
The capital is concentrated with all types of fitness classes. From CrossFit to SoulCycle and everything in between — London’s got your back!
8. Utilise your existing network
They say you’re only 6 degrees of separation from every given person. Before you move, consider casting out a net online by posting about your move. You’ll be surprised by how many people will respond with contacts of new potential friends.
9. Go solo
Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean you have to become a loner. Don’t put off doing something you enjoy just because you’ve got no one to go with. See this as your opportunity to meet new people who have similar passions.
10. Make use of social media
There are so many student and young professional groups on social media. So, why not make friends in London online? Most universities have their groups for each cohort for you to join and connect with your peers.
Londoners have established groups for young professionals. The popular Gals Who Graduate Facebook group is a hub for individuals moving to the capital and seeking new friends.
11. Apps to make friends in London
With an array of apps designed to connect like-minded people, forging friendships in new cities is now easier than ever.
Dive into Yubo’s vibrant community, where you can connect with locals who share your interests. This app blends social networking with live streaming, offering a unique platform to make friends in London.
LMK emphasises casual and spontaneous meetups. With its “Quick Chat” feature, you can swiftly connect with potential friends nearby, fostering connections.
Meet more people in London with Bumble BFF, which is an extension of the dating app. You can find compatible connections by swiping right.
WINK’s playful friend-making style uses a 10-second video format. you can showcase your personality and find potential friends through short, fun clips.
Tips for making friends in London
Building connections, regardless of age, may seem intimidating. However, if you’re pondering how to make new friends in London, there are positive strategies to simplify the process.
Be confident
Friends won’t automatically turn up at your door. You have to go out and find them. For some, this is a challenge relished, but for others, it is their worst nightmare. However, you need to have the confidence to go out and meet people, even if at first this is scary.
Be yourself
Oscar Wilde once beautifully said ‘be yourself as everyone else is already taken.’ London is a big city and there is plenty of fish in the sea. You don’t need to be someone you’re not to make friends. As the saying goes, there is a lid for every pot and nowhere is this more relevant than in London.
Quality not quantity
Focus first on making a couple of solid, close connections. From here, you can then look to build your friendship group, however, size isn’t everything. Often it is better to have a few close friends than it is to have many acquaintances…
Different friends for different things
Everyone is different. That is the beauty of humanity and applies to your friendships too. Not everyone will have the same interests as you so try to diversify your portfolio of pals to match what you’re interested in.
You may have a bestie you go to hot yoga with and a friend you like to go on walks with. Over time, however, these friendships can fill greater parts of your life.
Final Thoughts
None of the above methods are guaranteed to make you an overnight sensation.
That said, these approaches can be effective if you treat them as a game and have fun with them. The point is to try something different, get out of your comfort zone and meet people who otherwise might not have crossed your path. Good luck!
