New to London and Miserable

hello,

I just moved here this weekend for grad school and to be with my american boyfriend whom I have been dating long distance for the past few years, only to get here and be dumped.  I have a month until school and no one here to talk to.  I would normally never do this, posting this to people I don't know, but this is a situation I never thought I would be in and I don't know how to handle it.  I thought I would spend my life with this person and now ...

Any advice for the broken hearted?

Awww, hiker!  I'm so sorry to hear that things haven't turned out the way you'd planned.  I don't know if it is comforting to you or not, but you're not the only one to experience this type of situation.  

It must be really hard to be in a new place and feel very alone, but I'm sure there are lots of other students in the same situation.  

And aside from that, there are millions of things to do in this city and many of us are probably very near by to you!  

I hope things get better for you and hope you can get distracted with preparations for your studies.  If you want to chat with a fellow London-ite, just shout!  

Good luck and lots of ((((HUGS))))!

Hi hiker, I'm so sorry this has happened.  Especially now that you feel so stranded.  I guess what advice I'd give you is to still look at this as an opportunity to explore a terrific new place.  Its very very hard to do this alone but then again you won't have to go where he wants to.  You can explore the things you want to.  Imagine how good you'll feel when you can get around the city and find a special place you love.  A museum, or park, or a store you love.  

I hope this helps.  Being here will do wonders for you.  There are quite a few from the London area that would be willing to give you pointers.  Please write back soon and let us know how your doing.

(((((((hiker)))))) from me too.  

Hiker, that is really rough! In about a month you'll be making some friends at school, but I know this isn't helping now. Is the school available for you? I mean, are some facilities open? Is there a way to get a head start, such as going to the library and hanging out in places where people might be? I'm not in the London area or I'd invite you to drop in. There are places in London where Americans hang out, but I'm not sure where. Texas Embassy by Trafalgar Square springs to mind. (You will find it easier to slip into American groups for now...then when you are more settled, the English firends will come.)

Frankly, I'd say the first thing to do is find someone you can be with, I mean a friend, to do things with. This stage got me through many many initial hurdles. Keep an eye on the Expat meetings and events section on this forum for any London get-togethers.

Hey,

So I've spent the last few days trying to do the things I normally love, I've lost all taste though.  I can't read, I can't appreicate what I'm seeing in the musuems.  I have tried to meet some new people, and that has helped.  I know this is going to take time and I'm trying to get out there and do things so I'm sure it's just a matter of time.  Thanks for all your advice, I just wish there was some way to get rid of all this pain and go on with my life!

I'm so sorry. The pain takes time. It's our self-defense mechanishm making our body feel what our mind can't put into words. It's senseless. He took a coward's way out. Gotta tell you, in a few month's time you will agree...you are so much better off without him. You are so much better than he is. You deserve so much more than he can ever give. Take this time to get angry. Then dust yourself off and start grad school with a 'I am somebody' frame of mind. If you need a push, rent Legally Blond (the first one).

Heyla Hiker, sorry this is so late, but wanted to add my words to those of Lisa and Wish.  I'm sorry your boyfriend turned out to be (as the Brits would say) an absolute spoon.  Soon you'll be enjoying your life and studies over here and no doubt replacing him with a new and improved model.  Or better yet, just enjoying the nice "scenery" in London.  

Feel free to gimme a shout if you want to talk.  
wench

just wanted to add some more encouragement and (((hugs)))

I know what its like to be lonely and dumped- both back home in usa and more recently loneliness in London.

I'd love to get together and chat and maybe offer some insider tips to making the best of London on a students budget.  Covent Garden on a weekend-(esp this lovely weekend ahead of us!) is a terrific exhilarating place to go and you dont have to spend a dime(or pence) just travel fare to get there.  There are street performers and activity- lots of distractions from sadness.
also the Thames by the river festival is on this weekend- might be some distractions around Westminster or down by the Tate- not sure of exactly where.

thinking of you- Hiker- let us know how its going.
Mary

Heya Hiker, how have you been?  Are you doing any better since your last post?
wench