For many Nigerians moving abroad, the idea of living alone as a single person sounds exciting—your own space, no interference, and total independence. But is it really as glamorous as social media makes it seem?

One Nigerian in the UK, using the handle @ijobafufu, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustrations:


His post sparked a heated debate, with many Nigerians in the UK sharing their own experiences and perspectives.

The Challenges of Living Alone Abroad

Let’s be real—life abroad is expensive. Rent and bills alone can eat deep into your earnings, especially if you live in a city like London. Add loneliness, self-care struggles, and the pressure to manage everything on your own, and it’s easy to see why some find single life abroad overwhelming.

For @zilli_wonda1, one of the biggest struggles is the lack of social interaction:

“Let them pretend like they don’t know what you are saying. Going out to places you like can become an issue because you do have to stop strangers to please take your pictures. Sometimes, months go by, and you don’t see your neighbours. If you’re the first in your family to move abroad and you live in the countryside, it’s even crazier.”

Others agreed that loneliness can be a real issue, especially when you don’t have family around. @sdecipherer pointed out that when you’re not working, you’re mostly sleeping, waking up, and overthinking.

Marriage Is Not the Solution to an Unfulfilled Life

Some responders, however, took issue with the idea that getting married is the solution to these problems. @rosemaryegbo made a strong point:

“If you’re not happy as a single person, marriage won’t fix it or change it. Having someone isn’t the solution to being a bad cook. Watch YouTube videos and TikToks and stop being an extra burden to your supposed spouse.”

Similarly, @panmun8 emphasized that if you don’t learn how to handle life as a single person, marriage won’t magically solve your problems:

“Don’t carry your ‘frustrated’ life and dump it on a woman. What’s stopping you from fixing cooking and loneliness if you can’t control rent and bills? If you don’t know how to ‘live’ now, it’ll be harder for you as a married person, especially here. Find yourself!”

And let’s not even talk about the additional costs that come with marriage and raising kids. @mcquadri13 had the perfect response for anyone thinking marriage will ease financial burdens:

“Baba, the rent and bills you’re complaining about? Get married and have kids first. The ‘advantage’ will become obvious. Except you’re looking for someone to share bills with sha. By the way, whose fault is it that you are cooking rubbish? Pele ti e.”

The Bright Side of Living Alone

Of course, not everyone sees single life as doom and gloom. For some, the peace of mind that comes with living alone is worth the cost. @johndotmak2 had a simple but profound response:

“You: What is the advantage of being single & living alone?
Me: Peace of mind + no unnecessary drama.

When you have these two, you can (maybe slowly) but gradually achieve all those things you highlighted. Only a sane/clear mind can achieve those things.”

Others, like @smartninho, admitted that while the struggles are real, there’s still something to appreciate about the independence that comes with living alone.

Is It Overrated?

The truth is, being single and living alone in the UK (or anywhere abroad) has both pros and cons. Yes, rent and bills are high, loneliness can be a struggle, and if you’re not disciplined, things like cooking and self-care might take a hit. However, for many, the freedom, peace of mind, and personal growth that come with it make the experience worth it.

So, is living alone as a single person overrated? Maybe. But does it have its advantages? Absolutely.

What do you think? Is the struggle of living alone in the UK worth it, or do you agree with @ijobafufu that it’s just hype? Share your experiences in the JapaForum community!