Lonely London

Ranked the largest city in Western Europe with a massive population of over seven million (the greatest proportion of people are aged between 25 to 29), a never ending list of museums, theatres, shops, cinemas and sites to suit every taste, and a vibrant nightlife, you wouldn’t expect London to be described as lonely. But that was exactly how I felt when I moved here from Brussels several weeks ago. Barely knowing anyone in London, I packed my bags and moved country in order to embark on a postgraduate course.

I had moved a week before my course started and only left my flat once, in order to find where the nearest Somerfield was to buy a pint of milk. I am a 21 year old living in Central London, and I spent my first week in my room watching day time T.V. Being a sociable person I was surprised at how difficult it was to meet young, like-minded people in London. Perhaps there is a lack of community values in this enormous city, where neighbours don’t know your name, eye contact on tubes is strictly forbidden and you are viewed with an air of suspicion when stopping someone on the street to ask for directions.



After several days of total isolation I could feel the onset of cabin fever and knew I had to get out and talk to another human being. Being located ten minutes from Brick Lane, I decided to take a walk and have a look around. Entering a vintage clothes shop, I actually got a thrill from the shop assistant saying hello and asking if I needed any assistance. This was the first human contact I’d had in what felt like months. But this still wasn’t enough to feel as though I existed. During my darkest moment of utter despair I considered looking up websites for lonely London newcomers, but couldn’t go through with it as I would have felt like I had been defeated by London. There were many websites for people in my situation which was comforting to know. This seems to be a real problem for young, single professionals moving to London for jobs or study.

I experienced an overwhelming sense of joy when I started my course and was able to get my social life back on track. Luckily for me the majority of my course mates aren’t from London so we all experienced that same sense of loneliness which created a stronger bond between us. I am fortunate to have a good support network from college but still find it impossible to meet people outside of this course. Surely there must be ways to meet people in London outside of work or study other than via the internet? Perhaps I should break the ‘tube taboo’ next time I’m in the underground and smile and strike up a conversation with a poor, unsuspecting commuter.

Images: own