Social life and friendships in Britain

On moving greet your neighbours with a smile and Hello when you meet them, and you may introduce yourself with the sentence Hi, I am Karim.

• I have just moved in next door.
• A Briton does not expect great intrusion but appreciates friendliness, and may offer you help or advice.
• In villages and small neighbourhoods relationships are closer.
• Go to the local shop, café, park and library to become a familiar face.
• Respect the neighbours' privacy: do not visit them without an appointment, lower the volume after ten at night, and tell them in advance if you have a party.
• Exchange numbers for emergency situations.
• And if a dispute occurs speak kindly first, then via mediation through the council.
• And there are Neighbourhood Watch initiatives and residents' associations, and street parties on big occasions.
• And tea is a friendly entry.

The pub is an important social centre, and pub quizzes are held weekly in it as well as music evenings and football matches on screen, and friends and colleagues gather there after work.

• You can go with a non-alcoholic drink without embarrassment, and take part in the quiz or conversation.
• Many pubs serve food and coffee and are open to families in the daytime.
• And for young people there are night clubs, music bars, parties and universities.
• Do not drink until you lose consciousness, and do not accept riding in a car with a driver who drank, and make sure to return safely (a licensed taxi, Uber and night transport).
• And for women and men alike: stay with your companions, watch your drink, and tell someone your location.
• And Ask for Angela exists in some places for confidential help.
• And if you do not like alcoholic places there are cafés and daytime activities and board games and games cafés.

Clubs and associations are widespread for every hobby: football, cricket, rugby, basketball, running (parkrun, free every Saturday morning in parks), swimming, walking groups, cycling and gyms, book clubs, photography, music, choirs, drama and theatre, crafts and gardening (allotments).

• Search via Meetup, Eventbrite, council and library sites, neighbourhood Facebook pages and Nextdoor.
• And universities offer student societies for every interest.
• And for Muslims there are sports groups, mosques and Islamic centres with social activities and for women.
• Football is very important to Britons, so knowing a local team (Premier League) opens many conversations.
• Choose an activity you love and keep attending, since repetition builds friendships.

Volunteering is a deep-rooted culture in Britain and one of the best ways to integrate, learn the language, build relationships and improve the CV. Activities: food banks, charity shops, libraries, schools, hospitals, care homes, parks and humanitarian organisations (Age UK, Red Cross, Oxfam and Citizens Advice), mosques and local centres.

• Search via Do-it.org, NCVO, Volunteer Scotland or the local volunteer centre.
• There are not many hours required, and you may volunteer two hours a week.
• Volunteers are given training, certificates and references, and travel expenses may be covered.
• And a DBS check may be requested for work with children and the vulnerable.
• And for political participation you can attend council meetings and vote if eligible (citizens, Commonwealth and some resident Europeans) and join parties and civic associations.

You may feel away and lonely in the first months, and that is natural.

• Building friendships in Britain needs initiative and repetition: propose a coffee or a walk, accept invitations, and repeat the meeting.
• Do not wait for others to take the initiative.
• An invitation to the home comes after trust, so consider it an honour and return it. Invite your colleagues and neighbours to tea or a meal from your cuisine, since Britons like diversity and value generosity.
• And keep in touch with your family and friends in your country.
• If you feel persistent sadness or anxiety do not hesitate to ask for help: speak to a GP or use NHS Talking Therapies (self-referral without referral) or call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258, or consult Mind, the Refugee Council and mental health services in communities.
• And in emergencies 999.
• And remember that you are not alone.

What is parkrun?