Dhanush Franklin Selvaraj, MSc International Business and Management Master's student, shares his experience of moving to vibrant London and making friends in the bustling heart of Walthamstow.
When I first moved to London for university, I felt completely lost. The city was huge, busy, and honestly a bit intimidating. I didn’t know anyone, and it seemed like everyone else had already found their people. It was overwhelming, and for a while, I worried I’d never settle in.
What helped was starting small. I made myself say hello to classmates, even if it was just about lectures or assignments. One day I asked someone if they wanted to grab a coffee, and that simple moment slowly turned into more. We’d hang out in the student lounge, eat lunch together, or play silly games between classes. Those little interactions made everything feel less lonely.
After a while, I got braver about suggesting things outside university- karaoke, bowling, or just exploring new parts of London. I realised most people were just waiting for someone else to make the first move. Once I started saying yes to things and inviting others along, friendships began to grow naturally.
If you’re feeling the same way, don’t panic. It takes time, and that’s okay. Be open, take it slow, and trust that you’ll eventually find your people. London starts to feel a lot smaller once you do.
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