Moving to England and navigating the social scene can feel daunting, but the country offers plenty of opportunity to build meaningful connections, whether you're seeking friendships or romantic relationships. From traditional pub meetups to modern dating apps, England blends time-honoured social customs with more modern approaches to meeting people.Â
How to meet people England
Meeting new people in England as a newly arrived expat is easy. However, if this is your first experience living abroad, you may have concerns such as, "How will I manage on my own in England?", "Will I find like-minded individuals to connect with?", "Will they understand my spoken English and accent?".
These worries, although understandable, tend to dissipate when you begin meeting people who share common interests, whether in parenting styles, hobbies, professional pursuits and more.
The good news is that there are endless opportunities to expand your social circle in England, especially in big cities such as London, Manchester and Leeds.
Language exchange groups
International language exchange groups are one of the best and easiest ways of meeting new people worldwide.
In general, you will feel less awkward if you are in such a group as you will be meeting people looking to expand their social network, too, which will make communication easier. International exchange groups are intended for those who want to meet new people and practice a new language. You can find many of these groups in most cities. Have a look at social media to find one around you. You can also explore language exchange websites for online language exchange partners.
Popular languages such as French, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese have their official organisations in large cities in England. These include the , , , , and the .
These organisations regularly run programs and events in popular places where you can meet new people who speak your language. It can be an excellent option if you are looking for new friends who understand or are interested in your culture.
Important:
Avoid restricting your group of friends to people who speak your language only; this may limit practising your English language skills.
Join a group or a society
Another viable option is to join a group or society that interests you.
Whether you like sports, chess, debates, arts or reading and discussing books, you will find something that binds you to people in the long run. Joining and participating in a group will help you grow and improve your skills.
University or college students can choose from a range of groups and societies. You can seek more information from the university's administrative office.
If you are a freelancer, networking events make it easier to boost your service and meet new people, including clients.
Professional and social networking
Professional networking events in your field offer excellent opportunities to connect with industry peers while expanding your social circle.
If you work for a large organisation, check with HR about their social activities and team events. For freelancers, networking events serve the dual purpose of boosting your business and meeting potential friends and clients.
Volunteering opportunities
If you have free time, you may consider volunteering. This might help you meet like-minded people and connect better with your community.
Volunteering has many benefits, including helping people and improving your new environment, meeting new people, building up experience for your CV, improving your English, etc.
To volunteer, try contacting local volunteer centres, or charities or applying via volunteering websites. Below are some examples.
Useful links:
Mobile apps
Online apps are not only for dating but also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. However, be aware that you might have to try a few before deciding what works best for you.
Here are a few apps recommended for friendship:
- : is a social networking feature of the dating app of the same name
- : particularly popular among parents and women
Be open to invitations
To meet new people and make new friends, you should leave your comfort zone and stay open to new adventures, such as touring the city or planning a weekend getaway.
With a single person, many may eventually join in. Even if you have not met your type of people, accept the invitations to gatherings to improve your chances of meeting the right people.
Whatever keeps you active and entertained will help you adjust to your new environment and minimise the likelihood of homesickness.
Useful links:
Dating in England
Dating in England is a blend of tradition and modernity, where meeting people in social settings and contemporary dating apps coexist. Whether you're sipping a cocktail in a trendy bar or swiping right on your smartphone in the bustling streets of London, the dating scene in England is a journey filled with cultural nuances and exciting experiences.
Online dating apps
According to data by , people turn to online dating apps mainly to find people who share the same interests as them and to find a long-term partner. Over 1,400 location-based and profile-based online dating sites in the UK, and one-fifth of the UK uses dating apps.
According to a , 31% of individuals in England are acquainted with a success story of a couple who met online, and more than one-third of Britons express confidence in the ongoing surge in the popularity of online dating. However, British people are still concerned about safety when using dating apps, and users admit that careful background checks would encourage them to use dating apps more frequently.
In addition, some users feel that dating apps don't offer much choice in their area or don't create personalised matches.
Here are a few apps recommended for dating:
- : for serious relationships
- : make a start on dating and have safe video dates
- : for young professionals
- : for casual dating
- : for every single person, the app was the first to introduce 22 genders and 13 sexual orientation options
- : connect with users you cross paths with in the street
- : for mature dating
- : mostly known for the LGBTQ+ community
Dating scams in England
Online dating is risky, and dating scams cost victims tens of millions of pounds each year, with an average of £11,000 per victim.
Dating scams aren't unavoidable, but you must always be cautious and aware. For example, if you come across a suspicious online profile, report it to the dating app. Also, don't blindly trust people with the information they give you, but do your research about them on Google and other social media to verify that what they have told you about themselves (e.g., profession, location, marital status, etc.) is accurate.
Overall, you should never give out too much personal information (e.g., home address, phone number, email, bank account details, etc.) to people you have met on the internet and haven't had the chance to know them that well. Consider creating a new email address for online dating only, and if you want to give a mobile number, consider having a spare device with a pay-as-you-go SIM card.
Meeting new people beyond the internet in England
Dating apps are on the rise, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the traditional ways of meeting people have disappeared.
People continue to meet their partners through friends, at social events, at work, in the pub or at the local cafe. It's very likely to meet the love of your life on a spontaneous night out with your friends, and people should not feel pressured to download dating apps.
Making the date fun England
The first date with someone you don't know well is a pleasantly uncomfortable situation, almost like a game. It's advisable to be yourself, but at the same time, try to be your best self.
British people are adventurous when it comes to dating, and they like trying out new things or going to new places when dating. Traditional pubs are also acceptable for a first date, especially if you are going out with a Brit.
Dating etiquette in England
Modern British dating etiquette reflects significant shifts from traditional gender roles.
While some conventional practices persist, contemporary dating culture embraces flexibility and equality. Anyone can initiate dates regardless of gender, and planning responsibilities are increasingly shared between partners. Many couples discuss date ideas together or alternate who organises outings.
Initial greetings typically involve handshakes or friendly waves, with cheek kisses still reserved for people you know well. British body language remains relatively reserved, with physical contact generally kept private, though younger generations tend to be more expressive than previous ones.
While chivalrous gestures like opening doors are still appreciated by many, they're no longer expected or assumed. Bill-splitting ("going Dutch") has become the norm for first dates, with many people preferring to pay their own way to avoid any sense of obligation. However, taking turns paying on subsequent dates is common in established relationships.
Here are some key dating norms to keep in mind:
- Shared planning and decision-making;
- Bill-splitting on first dates is standard;
- Gender-neutral approach to who initiates contact;
- Open communication about expectations and boundaries;
- Increased awareness of consent and comfort levels.
As for dress code, smart-casual remains the standard, with post-work dates being completely acceptable and increasingly common due to busy lifestyles.
LGBTQ+ dating in England
LGBTQ+ dating in England continues to flourish, with growing acceptance and expanded venues beyond traditional gay bars.
Major cities like London, Manchester, Brighton, and increasingly Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Cardiff offer vibrant queer scenes. In London, Soho remains iconic, while areas like Hackney, Clapham and East London have developed thriving queer communities. Manchester's The Gay Village continues to be a central hub, and Brighton is known for its year-round LGBTQ+ events and inclusive atmosphere.
Tip:
If you are in London, watch out for the Pride Parade in London, which usually takes place during summer. This iconic event can be a great way to meet people from the LGBT community.
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