Living in London: Exciting but Lonely? Here’s How to Cope

Living in London as a student is a dream for many. The city is full of energy, diversity, and opportunity. From world-class galleries to street food markets, there’s always something happening. But while the excitement is real, so is the loneliness that can sometimes come with it, especially if you’re new to the city or adjusting to sixth form life.

If you’ve been feeling a little isolated or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to make the most of your time in London while staying connected and supported.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It’s completely normal to feel out of place at first. Whether you’ve moved from another part of the UK or from abroad, adjusting to London’s pace and scale can take time. Be patient with yourself. Feeling lonely isn’t a failure, it’s part of adapting to something new.

At Ashbourne College, many students come from different backgrounds and locations. That diversity means everyone’s looking to find their own circle, and there are lots of chances to meet others going through the same thing.

Make the First Move
It can be hard to reach out, especially when you’re new. But small steps, like saying hello to someone in class, joining a club, or chatting during breaks, can go a long way. Most students feel the same nervousness about making friends, even if they don’t show it.

Try to put yourself in social situations regularly. Whether it’s a study group, society meeting or just a walk in the park with someone after class, connections often grow from casual moments.

Join Clubs, Societies and Activities
London is full of opportunities to connect with people who share your interests. Whether it’s through local youth groups, college clubs, or hobby-based events, art, coding, debating, drama, you’ll find countless ways to get involved. Volunteering is also a fantastic option to give back while meeting new people.

At Ashbourne, you can start by joining one of our many student-led clubs. We offer a wide range of options, including Model United Nations, Creative Writing, and more. If you’re into sports, you can join the football club, or try something different like salsa dancing.

Create a Routine
Having structure helps you feel more settled. Try to build a weekly routine that balances studying with free time, self-care and social activities. That could include scheduled study sessions, lunch plans with classmates, or even a regular walk through a nearby park.

Knowing what your day looks like gives you something to rely on, and helps you feel more at home. At Ashbourne, our timetables are flexible, providing you with the opportunity to plan your day around your lessons. You can print out your timetable, and fill in the free periods with useful and relevant activities.

Make the Most of the City
London has so much to offer, and exploring it can help you feel more connected to your environment. Visit museums, parks, or cafés in new areas. The more you get to know the city, the more comfortable you’ll feel living in it.

Ashbourne’s central location means you’re just a short walk from major cultural spots. Use that to your advantage, it’s one of the best parts of studying here. You are within walking distance from Hyde Park, and only a 20 minute walk to the Natural History Museum which you can enter for free.

Speak to Someone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or consistently low, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to a tutor, teacher, or a safeguarding member. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a smart step forward.

Ashbourne offers a supportive environment where students are encouraged to ask for help when they need it. You don’t have to go through challenges on your own. You can always book a meeting with our safeguarding team, and just have a chat with them.

Remember
London is an incredible place to study and grow, but it’s okay if it feels a little lonely sometimes. Take small steps to connect, stay open to new experiences, and remember that settling in takes time. With support, structure and some courage, you’ll find your rhythm, and your people.