How to meet people in London as an Expat

Tips & Tricks to meeting new people in the UK’s big capital

London is a bustling and diverse city with plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Whether you're a newcomer to the city or a longtime resident looking to expand your social circle, there are many ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. In this post, we’ve gathered all the best ways to meet people in London:

Join social clubs and groups
London has a vibrant social scene, with countless clubs and groups catering to different interests and hobbies. Whether you're into sports, music, art, or anything in between, there's likely a group or club that's right for you. Joining a club or group is an excellent way to meet people who share your interests and passions. You can search for local groups and clubs on social media, Facebook Groups, or community noticeboards.

Attend events and festivals
London hosts a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year, from music festivals to cultural events to food and drink festivals. Attending these events is an excellent way to meet people and experience the city's diverse culture. Many of these events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to all. You can find information about upcoming events on websites such as timeout.com and visitlondon.com

Join Locals in their Plans
The new App locals.org makes it easier than ever to meet people. You can find plans and events organised by locals that you can join! It’s a great way to meet other Londoners or find fun events.

Sign up for free to discover the best Apps to hack life in London

Sign Up for Free

Join a sports team or fitness class
London has plenty of sports teams and fitness classes to choose from, whether you're into running, cycling, yoga, or team sports. Joining a sports team or fitness class is an excellent way to meet people who share your interest in health and fitness. Many sports teams and fitness classes are beginner-friendly, so don't worry if you're new to the sport or fitness routine. You can search for sports teams and fitness classes on websites such as classpass.com

Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet people while also making a positive impact in your community. There are countless opportunities to volunteer in London, from helping out at a local charity to participating in community events. Volunteering can also be a great way to gain new skills and experiences, and it looks great on your resume. You can search for volunteer opportunities on websites such as do-it.org

Take a class or course
Taking a class or course is an excellent way to meet people while also learning something new. London has many adult education centers, community colleges, and universities that offer a wide range of classes and courses, from language classes to cooking classes to photography courses. Taking a class or course is an excellent way to expand your knowledge and skills while also meeting like-minded people.

Attend language exchanges
London is a multicultural city, with people from all over the world living and working here. If you're interested in learning a new language or practicing a language you already know, attending language exchanges can be an excellent way to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. Language exchanges are events where people gather to practice speaking different languages. You can find information about language exchanges on websites such as meetup.com

Check your Council Centre
In London, each Neighbourhood council has a Council Centre that often organises activities and events. Sign up to the centre and get access to the events and activities they organise! This is a great way to meet other locals who also live in your area.

In conclusion, London offers countless opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're interested in sports, culture, education, or simply meeting new people, there are many ways to connect with others and make the most of what this incredible city has to offer.