I know individual experience varies, but I can’t say I recognise this at all. At university I had a wonderful time and met a lot of people who, while not living close by, are still great friends.

I also moved to London from NZ, and have made great friends here and socialise a lot, so it’s certainly not just a major city effect. I’m not really one to preach, but to me I think your perspective is not one that I recognise at all.