Like any big, busy city, it can be quite hard to make friends in London at first. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible—it just means you may need to put in a bit more effort. University and work are obvious starting points, as are the pub, the gym and various clubs, activities and classes, all of which offer great opportunities to meet new people if you want to. Of course, there are also plenty of things to do on your own—and you may well enjoy doing so!
One of the best platforms for meeting people is Meetup. It lets you find and join groups that hold events based on shared interests. The level of organisation can vary between groups, but there are thousands to choose from, so it’s highly likely you’ll find something that interests you. Popular categories include outdoors, fitness, photography, cooking, the arts and languages, among many others.
For things to do around the city, TimeOut is a well-known guide, but I personally recommend Secret London, which focuses on quirkier and lesser-known events and activities. A great place to start is their “500 of the Best Things to Do in London”.
If you’re looking to save money, also check out Secret London’s “200 Fantastic Free Things to Do in London”. Museums, parks and walks, markets, lunchtime recitals and more are completely free—and there are often discounts available for everything else. Affordable food options are plentiful. Depending on your interests, art lovers might want to look into the National Art Pass, and theatre fans should check out TodayTix, which offers “rush” and “lottery” deals for same-day theatre tickets.
This guide was only meant as a brief introduction to life in London, but I hope you’ve found it helpful in some way. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!