What an interesting and relevant question. My husband and I have been in London for over four years. We are both foreigners, and only he has had one consistent job the whole time. I'd say it took us about two very difficult years to have anything resembling a circle of friends, most of whom are other expats. I like British people, but I have only befriended a few through a synagogue I was going to for a bit. And they aren't English, are they. I work part-time freelancing and am desperately looking for a "regular" job largely to rectify this problem, as I do think most contacts are made via work. For about two years I went to various art and drama classes three evenings a week; the only friends I carried away from that time were, yes, other foreigners. I don't really know why this is. I think British people are so different from expats. Their families are never far away. If they're here in London even if they've made the move to the city they have not travelled very far, and as some people have commented on this thread they would not comprehend that some strangers they meet might very much want some new friends. Again, through some drama, art and writing activities (yes I'm a bit of a dilettante) I've met some really nice British people, but we don't socialize apart from a visit to the pub after the activity. When I am in a negative, complaining mood I feel that British people are very weird to Americans. I was bothered by this a few years ago, but by now I don't really care. And yes, there are regional differences. There is a generally cold, miserable air in London, but up north and in Scotland it is very different. In Glasgow, by gum, you can barely avoid having silly conversations with strangers! I felt right at home with that. Whether it makes it easier to make friends I don't know, but it was quite fun. Lastly, I find British women quite cold, although I do observe them being very nice and warm to one another- it's just never extended to me.
