Well, it takes time to make friends, so I was lonely for both reasons at first. And there is something to be said for doing stuff on your own.
Also, no need for a car. They have much better public transportation than us, better buses and trains! I walked most everywhere because I was too cheap for the bus. But I got in really really good shape doing so because Bristol is one GIANT hill and classes were at the bottom of it and the residence hall was at the top!