Moving to London is exciting. It’s one of the world’s most vibrant cities — rich in culture, history, and opportunity. But settling in socially can be a challenge. If you're an expat, international student, or new professional, building a network may feel overwhelming at first.
This guide provides clear, practical steps to help you meet new people and make friends in London. From using social apps to choosing the right neighbourhood, you’ll find everything you need to feel more connected in your new city. We’ll also show how Crown Home Buying and Letting can support your move.
Apps make it easier to connect with people who share your interests. They’re especially helpful if you’re shy or starting from scratch.
Best Apps to Make Friends in London:
Clyx — Discover local events and meet people based on shared hobbies — from live music to fitness meetups.
Bumble BFF — A feature of the Bumble app for finding platonic friends. You can filter by interests, age, and location.
Meetup — Join groups based on shared passions — from hiking and coding to book clubs and board games.
Friender — Matches you with others who enjoy the same activities — ideal for finding a running partner or event buddy.
Nextdoor — A neighbourhood-focused app to discover local groups, activities, and meet your neighbours.
These apps help eliminate the awkwardness of striking up conversations with strangers.
Shared physical activities create strong bonds and regular social interaction.
Popular Sports and Fitness Options:
London Football League – Join a casual 5-a-side or 11-a-side team.
Parkrun UK – Free weekly runs in local parks; open to all fitness levels.
Our Parks – Free outdoor fitness classes in communities across London.
Netball & Basketball Leagues – Many offer mixed or women-only teams.
Climbing Gyms – Places like The Castle or VauxWall host social climbs and community events.
Joining a club helps create routine and deeper friendships over time.
Taking classes or joining workshops helps you meet people naturally while learning something new.
Great Places to Start:
City Lit / The Idler – Offers courses in art, writing, languages, and more.
Grub Club / WeFiFo – Host or join supper clubs, cooking classes, or wine tastings.
ArtNight / Drink, Shop & Do – Creative events in fun, social environments.
Language Exchanges – Find meetups through Conversation Exchange or Meetup.
Attending regularly makes it easier to form lasting connections.
Volunteering connects you with people who share your values, while contributing to the community.
Where to Volunteer:
Do-it – A national database of volunteering opportunities.
Volunteer Centre Camden – Matches people with local organisations and causes.
The Felix Project – Help reduce food waste and fight hunger.
It’s a meaningful way to make friends while making a difference.
Religious groups and cultural centres often provide a strong sense of community.
Where to Look:
Internations.org – Connect with fellow expats through meetups and local groups.
Embassy Events and Cultural Centres – Places like the Japan Centre, French Institute, or Goethe-Institut host regular social and cultural events.
These spaces offer familiarity and a sense of belonging in a new city.
Where you live can greatly influence your ability to meet people and feel part of a community.
Top London Areas for Newcomers:
Clapham – Popular with young professionals, full of bars and events.
Islington – Friendly and walkable, with a village-like feel.
Wimbledon – Suburban and family-oriented, with green space and calm surroundings.
Shoreditch / Hackney – Creative and buzzing with social venues, ideal for artists and digital workers.
Choose a neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle and interests.
At Crown Home Buying and Letting, we help expats and newcomers find homes that suit their lifestyles — not just in size and style, but also in community feel. Our team understands the unique needs of international renters and buyers.
👉 Explore available apartments in London
With us, you’re not just finding a flat — you’re finding your place in London.
Making friends in London takes time, but it’s absolutely possible. Whether through apps, sports, volunteering, or the right neighbourhood, every step helps build your social network. Be proactive, stay open, and get involved — soon, London will feel like home.
Lettings:
Email: info@chbl.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 207 903 6881
WeChat ID: CHBLEMILY
Explore our properties for rent!
Sales:
Email: kerong@chbl.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 207 903 6896
WeChat ID: CHBLSA1
Please leave your message here, and a member of our team will get back to you within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can reach us at info@chbl.uk or call us at +44 (0) 207 903 6881.
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London, E1W 1UN
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