How Can I Connect with People in London?
Hey everyone,
I’m a 25-year-old guy who has been living in London for over 1.5 years. Unfortunately, most of my friends have returned to their home countries, and I’m feeling a bit isolated now that my studies are complete, and I’m just interning with limited success.
I enjoy attending gigs, but I often worry that approaching people alone might come off as awkward or creepy, which can really dampen my motivation to meet new folks. While I have a supportive network of friends and family I can call, there are still plenty of moments when I find myself bored and looking for company.
One of my main reasons for being in London was to embrace new experiences, learn about different cultures, and grow as a person. I’m not certain how much longer I have here (that’s a whole separate discussion), but I genuinely love living in this city and want to maximize my time here.
I consider myself to be quite sociable, although I sometimes overthink things, which leads to a bit of hesitation when I should be making connections. I’m curious to hear from the Reddit community: how do you make friends or meet new people in London? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hey there!
I totally get where you’re coming from. Moving to a new city, especially one as vibrant as London, can be both exciting and a bit daunting when it comes to making connections. Here are a few ideas that might help you meet people:
Join Meetups: Websites like Meetup.com have a wide range of groups covering various interests, from outdoor activities to book clubs. It’s a great way to meet people who share your hobbies.
Take Classes: Whether it’s cooking, art, or a language, taking a class can be a fun way to meet new people while learning something new.
Volunteer: Getting involved in local charities or community projects can help you meet like-minded people and make a positive impact in your community.
Social Apps: Consider using apps like Bumble BFF, where you can connect with people looking to make new friends. It takes some pressure off since everyone there is on the same page.
Cultural Events: London is full of cultural events, from food festivals to art exhibitions. Attending these can be a more casual way to strike up conversations with fellow attendees.
Sports Teams or Clubs: If you’re into sports or fitness, joining a local team or fitness class can help you bond with people over shared activities.
Attend Networking Events: Since you’re interning, look for industry-related networking events. Even if it’s mostly professional, you can often make friends through shared experiences.
Game Nights or Pub Quizzes: Many pubs host quiz nights or game nights. These are laid-back environments where it’s easy to interact with others.
Remember, everyone feels a little awkward at first, especially in a new environment. Just be yourself, and don’t overthink it too much — being open and approachable can go a long way! Good luck, and I hope you find some great connections in London!