The good news is Brighton makes it easier. This city is packed with students, friendly locals and a mix of cultures. Whether you’re into gigs, seaside walks or just grabbing a coffee, there’s always someone looking to join you.

✨ Why Brighton works so well for meeting people

Brighton has a reputation for being open and welcoming. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in the country. Pride is huge here but the inclusive vibe runs all year. Whoever you are, you’ll find people who get you.

The city is compact too. Unlike London you don’t need to trek for an hour to meet someone. The Lanes, the seafront and the student pubs are all close together so last minute plans actually work.

🧊 Easy ways to break the ice during Freshers

• The beach at sunset – classic for a reason. Grab some chips, join the crowd and you’ll almost always end up talking to other students.

• North Laine cafés – low key daytime meetups are perfect if nights out aren’t your thing. Sit down with a coffee and it’s easy to start chatting.

• Student nights – Pryzm and Chalk will be packed with people who are just as new and nervous as you are.

• Society tasters – even if you don’t stick with the club, taster sessions are full of people keen to make friends.

🥳 The spontaneous option

The hardest bit of Freshers is putting yourself out there. You don’t always want to commit to a full night out or sign up to a society. Sometimes you just want to see who’s around for a quick coffee, a study break or a beach walk.

That’s what Loop is for. It’s a local app built for spontaneous meetups in Brighton. You post a quick plan like “grabbing a bubble tea” and it’s visible to nearby people for three hours. No awkward waiting, no ghosted messages, just real plans in real time.

🤔 Final thoughts

Freshers can feel intense but remember everyone else is in the same boat, trying to find their people. Brighton makes it easier because the city is so welcoming and full of opportunities to meet. Be open, say yes to things and don’t overthink it.

And if you’d rather skip the nerves and just find friendly faces, try posting your first Loop. Your future best mate could be ten minutes down the seafront waiting for someone to make the first move.

Tap here to download Loop and get meeting new people!

It could be as simple as:

• ☕️ Grabbing a hot chocolate on a chilly Saturday morning walk.
• ☀️ Catching the last bursts of sunshine in the park before the clocks change.
• 🥹 Finding a cosy pub or café to warm up after work.
• 🛍️ Visiting a local market, autumn fair or food festival with someone like-minded.

These little rituals feel better when they’re shared. And that’s what Loop was built for. Not just planning big weekends, but making it easy to say: “I’m free in the next few hours, who’s in?”

So as autumn settles in, try using Loop to:

• Invite someone to your favourite seasonal spot.
• Discover a new friend who’s also up for a coffee, a walk or a quick catch-up.
• Turn an ordinary day into a small story worth remembering.

Why not start now? Simply, create a Loop e.g. 'Pumpkin Spice Latte anyone?' and see who's available in the next few hours... seize the moment... it could just be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Click here to download for free! ✨

Loop connects you with people nearby who are up for doing something fun right now. Whether you're feeling creative, sporty, chill or social, there's someone just around the corner who’s thinking the same thing, and looking to hang out in real life within the next 3 hours.

So here it is, your spontaneous hobby bucket list. 10 exciting things you could be doing today, right after reading this. All made better (and more social) via Loop:

1. Urban Sketch & Coffee Sprint
Got a sketchbook in your bag? Use Loop to find someone nearby who’s up for a quick sketch session in the park, outside a café, or on a busy street corner, followed by a well-earned flat white.

Why it’s perfect now: No prep needed. Just a pencil, a spot to sit, and someone to share the moment with.

2. Pop-Up Lunch or Supper Dash
Craving something new? Find a fellow foodie on Loop and check out a nearby street food spot or secret kitchen. No reservations, just real-time flavour.

Why it’s perfect now: Great food, zero planning. You could be eating something amazing in under an hour.

3. Park Yoga & Chill
Find someone who’s also in the mood for a spontaneous yoga flow or mindful moment. Lay out your mats in the park or by the river and breathe it out together.

Why it’s perfect now: Relaxation + instant connection = ideal wind-down or midweek reset.

4. Paddle-board Hang (Then Brunch)
If you’re near water, why not check the Loop app and see who’s also up for a last-minute paddle? Boards often rent by the hour and brunch after is basically tradition.

Why it’s perfect now: It’s active, chill and a guaranteed conversation starter.

5. Pottery & Pints Pop-In
Pottery studios and pubs near you may have casual drop-in sessions. Use Loop to find someone who’s game to throw clay (and maybe a pint) this afternoon.

Why it’s perfect now: No pressure, just creative energy and post-spin pint laughs.

6. Street Dance Pop-Up
Seen a studio nearby with an open dance session? Use Loop to find a fellow dancer (or total newbie) and drop in together. Extra points for post-class milkshakes.

Why it’s perfect now: Dancing breaks the ice faster than anything (and you’ll both leave buzzing!).

7. Quick-Fire City Hunt
You don’t need an event to explore. Team up with someone via Loop for a spontaneous scavenger challenge around your neighbourhood. Create your own clues or just wander.

Why it’s perfect now: It’s like being tourists in your own city but with someone cool by your side.

8. Fast-Track Board Game Duel
Board game cafés often welcome walk-ins. Link up on Loop with someone who’s nearby and down to throw dice, solve puzzles or dominate at Uno... right now!

Why it’s perfect now: You’re 10 minutes away from laughing like kids over a game of Jenga.

9. Instant Karaoke Collab
See a karaoke bar open nearby? Post on Loop and find someone who’s ready to duet on your fave track within the hour. No judgment, just vibes.

Why it’s perfect now: Karaoke energy + spontaneous meet = pure chaos and connection.

10. Quick Impact Volunteering
Got a free hour and a full heart? See if any nearby clean-ups, food banks or charity events are happening and find someone on Loop who’s ready to give back with you.

Why it’s perfect now: Doing something good on a whim feels great, especially with someone else who gets it. Your Time is Now. Literally. Whether it’s a Thursday night or a lazy Sunday, you don’t need to plan your whole life to have amazing social experiences. With Loop, you can discover hobbies, meet great people and make the most of your next 3 hours, without endless WhatsApp back-and-forth or last-minute flakes.

Download Loop today, post your vibe, and see who’s free nearby. Let the spontaneous adventures begin!

Tap here to get started!

Biophilia is the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature, hardwired into us through evolution. Even a short walk in a local park can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and boost your creativity. One study by the University of Michigan found that a simple walk in a natural setting improved memory performance by 20% compared to a walk in an urban area. That’s a big difference!

But it gets even more interesting when you add other people into the mix.

Meeting up in nature doesn’t just feel good because of the scenery. It also strengthens your social bonds in a way that’s unique to outdoor settings. Research suggests that shared experiences in natural environments can create a sense of “social synchrony”, basically a fancy way of saying that we feel more in tune with each other. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the trees, or the absence of walls, but whatever it is, it helps us feel more connected and less guarded.

And it doesn’t have to be some epic hike in the mountains. Just a short stroll, a picnic by the beach or an impromptu frisbee game in the park can do the trick.

At Loop, we’re all about making these little meet-ups happen more easily. No endless planning or booking required - just post that you’re heading out for some fresh air and see who’s up for joining you. It’s a simple way to tap into that biophilia effect and share it with someone else.

So, next time you’re feeling stuck or in need of a mood boost, remember: nature is your ally. Whether it’s a sunny day or a brisk walk on a rainy afternoon, meeting up in nature can be a real lifeline for your mind and for the friendships you build along the way. 🌳

Ready to see what a bit of green space can do? Let’s meet up outdoors.

Click here and give Loop a try! ✨

It’s a powerful reminder that loneliness isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s a natural human emotion. One that can affect anyone, at any age, for a thousand different reasons. But when we talk about it, when we acknowledge it, and when we choose to reach out, we take the first step toward change.

That’s where Loop comes in. Loop is built on the belief that through the participation and enjoyment of shared interests, you can lay the foundations for lifelong connection. Loop enables people to host or join spontaneous, 1:1 social activities happening nearby within the next 3 hours. Whether it’s a walk, a quick coffee, or trying something new, Loop makes it easier to meet someone in the moment, without the endless messaging, lengthy planning or impersonal swiping. We believe that loneliness can’t survive where true connection thrives. And while it might take a small leap of faith, stepping outside your comfort zone to meet someone new, that small step can open the door to something big: laughter, support, shared experiences and lasting friendships.This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re inviting everyone to take that leap with us.

Here’s how you can get involved: Download Loop and see what’s happening near you, right now.

Host a simple, 1:1 meet-up e.g. a walk, a coffee, attend a yoga class together or whatever else you enjoy doing. Say yes to something spontaneous - even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Reach out - and remind someone (or yourself) that connection is literally just around the corner.

Share your story to inspire others to take their own step. Because the truth is, we all feel lonely sometimes. But we don’t have to face it alone. By coming together - through small acts of courage, kindness and curiosity - we can build communities that are open, inclusive and full of life. Let's all start meeting loneliness together. Let’s start by making new social connections. Let’s start now - one Loop at a time.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #LAW2025 #MeetLonelinessTogether #TheMarmaladeTrust

The Power of Shared Interests

When it comes to forming meaningful friendships, there’s one thing that can make all the difference: shared experiences. Whether it’s trying out a new hobby, discussing your favourite book, or hitting the local café to try the best flat white, shared activities provide a natural foundation for connection.

According to research by the University of Oxford, mutual interests are key to fostering meaningful relationships. Their study showed that individuals who participate in activities they enjoy together are more likely to experience a sense of belonging and emotional connection. This sense of common ground often lays the foundation for lasting friendships. It’s about more than just talking about things you like—it’s about experiencing them together.

Why Spontaneity Matters

One of the reasons Loop works so well is because it taps into the power of spontaneity. Traditional meet-up apps often involve endless texting, planning, and coordinating. And even after all that, sometimes things don’t work out, or the connection feels forced. At Loop, we remove the friction.

No more scheduling headaches. No more endless messages. You can browse for one-to-one social activities happening near you, right now, in the next three hours. Want to grab coffee with someone who shares your love of art? Hop on a quick walk with a fellow book lover? Or maybe go for a quick workout with a fitness enthusiast nearby? You can do all of that straight away.

What Makes Loop Different?

1. No Endless Swiping, Just Real Connections

Unlike other friendship or dating apps that rely on endless swiping, Loop is designed for real-world interactions. Once you see an activity you’re interested in, you can join it instantly. The goal isn’t to waste time chatting online; it’s to get out there and meet up in person.

2. Spontaneity Over Planning

Life’s too short to wait around for plans to come together. Loop allows you to discover activities happening nearby within the next three hours, making it easy to connect on a whim - whether you’re looking to meet someone after work or make the most of a free afternoon. No more waiting for days or weeks to meet new people.

3. Curated for Real Interests, Not Generic Categories

Many apps lump activities into generic categories, but Loop focuses on authentic experiences. You won’t just see broad tags like “sports” - you’ll find activities based on your specific interests. This makes it easier to connect with people who share your passions, whether it’s a deep dive into the latest podcast episode or an impromptu outdoor photography session.

4. A Focus on One-to-One Connections

While many platforms encourage group meet-ups, we know that true connections often begin with more intimate settings. Loop emphasises one-to-one meet-ups, which fosters authentic conversations and helps people form deeper bonds. Whether you're new to a city or just looking for someone to enjoy a new hobby with, Loop makes it easier to meet people on your terms.

The Future of Friendship is Spontaneous

At Loop, we’re on a mission to make real-world connections simpler and more accessible. We believe in the power of spontaneous, meaningful interactions and know that the best connections often happen when you least expect them.

So, why not give it a try? Download Loop, discover or host an activity that excites you and meet someone new today. You never know, the next person you meet could just be the best friend you’ve been looking for.

Let’s make the world a little smaller, one spontaneous meet-up at a time.

Download Loop for free here. ✨

According to a study by the Campaign to End Loneliness, 45% of adults in England sometimes feel lonely, and 5% feel lonely often or always. That’s a lot of us! But the good news is that small, simple meet-ups can make a real difference.

Research shows that regular social connection doesn’t just make you feel happier in the moment. It can even help you live longer. A landmark study by Holt-Lunstad et al. (2010) found that strong social ties can boost your chance of survival by 50%. That’s as important as quitting smoking or exercising.

But here’s the catch: planning meet-ups can feel like hard work. And let’s be honest, meeting up with new people can feel a bit scary too. There’s that awkward moment of not knowing what to say, or wondering if you’ll click. It’s completely normal to feel nervous. The thing is, once you push past that first hurdle, you often find that new connections bring something positive to your day.

Meeting someone new can open you up to fresh ideas and different perspectives. You might discover a new hobby, learn something interesting, or just have a good laugh. It can give you a sense of belonging, especially when life feels a bit same-y.

That’s where Loop comes in.

Loop is all about making meeting up easier. No big plans. No need to book weeks in advance. Just spontaneous, local meet-ups within the next three hours. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, taking the dog for a walk, or joining a quick game of frisbee in the park, Loop helps you find other people who are up for the same thing, right now.

For example, maybe you’re feeling a bit low after work. Instead of scrolling through endless group chats, just post what you’re up for on Loop. Someone nearby might be feeling the same and you could end up chatting about your favourite films or discovering a new spot in town together. These little moments of connection can help lift your mood and break up the routine of daily life.

We know that talking about mental health can feel heavy, but it doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes, the best way to boost your well-being is by getting out and doing something fun with someone else. Loop makes it easy so you can focus on enjoying the moment, not worrying about plans.

So next time you’ve got an hour to spare, give it a go. Loop can help turn those ‘might as well stay in’ moments into real-life meet-ups that make a difference, to you and to the person you meet.

Here’s to more spontaneous meet-ups, more laughter, and more connection. Let’s get meeting up, together.

Click here to download Loop now, for free.