New City, New Connections
You finally did it: you moved to a new city. You've found the perfect home, settled in, and now you're starting to adjust to all the quirks of your new surroundings. But if you don't know anyone yet and you're finding it hard to form new connections, feelings of isolation and loneliness may start to creep in. And yet, there's no need to fret—there are plenty of ways to make friends. Here are 20 easy ways to do it.
1. Get Roommates
One of the best ways to make new friends after moving to a new city is to try co-living. Sure, sometimes it's better to have your own space, but having roommates can help you save on rent and present more opportunities to socialize. It's even better if they also, like you, just moved to the city.
2. Join a Club—Or Start One
What are your hobbies? Jot them down, then search up local clubs and communities that you can join to talk to others who share the same interests. If no specific groups yet exist, don't be afraid to start your own. You can use social media platforms to connect with others and let them know you're hosting a new club.
3. Do Work at Coffee Shops
Instead of holing yourself at home studying, reading, or doing work, head out to local coffee shops. It might be nerve-wracking the first few times, but treat it as giving yourself some quiet time. As you visit these shops more often, you might end up befriending the workers or other regulars.
4. Leverage Apps
Don't be afraid to use social media platforms to network or try out apps meant for making new connections; the latter is especially great for meeting people whose interests align with yours. Heck, if you're up for it, you can even try dating apps. Even if no romantic relationship develops out of it, you might at least gain a new friend.
5. Network with Friends of Friends
If you have friends who know some people in the city you've just moved to, ask them to introduce you. This is probably one of the easier ways to make new connections because you'll already have something in common: mutual friends. But don't stop there—even after you've met one, continue networking.
6. Play Sports
Even if you aren't the most athletic type, there are plenty of ways to get active. Find community centers that offer drop-ins or other clubs hosting intramural sports. This is a great way to connect with people of all ages, and participating in sports can help keep you fit and healthy.
7. Meet Your Neighbors
Once you've settled into your new place, bake some cookies and go knock on your neighbors' doors! If it helps, you can write out a brief introduction to memorize, so you're not just standing there with nothing to say. Most people will be courteous (and especially so if you have something to offer, like cookies), so don't be deterred.
8. Host Dinner Parties
Once you've met your neighbors, invite them over. Plan a day in the week when everyone's free and host a dinner party. This will get you better acquainted with the people living next to you—and you might end up forging life-long friendships.
9. Find a New Job or a Side Gig
If you haven't found a new job yet after the move, get yourself out there. Network, secure a job, and connect with your coworkers. It'll especially help to find jobs with a hybrid model, so you have a blend of working at home and meeting your team in person. If you've already found work, consider starting something on the side that's connected to your hobbies.
10. Go On Daily Strolls
Sometimes, making new friends can be as simple as going out for a walk. Go for a stroll around your neighborhood or a nearby park—and make a habit of it, even if it's just once a week. Smile at strangers as you pass them and keep up a friendly, welcoming attitude so that others are more open to greeting back. Even if you don't end up making friends, going on daily walks will keep you active.
11. Get a Pet
Moving to a new city can feel incredibly isolating, especially in the first few months. To combat the blues and loneliness, it may help to get a pet to keep you company. Plus, if you decide to get a dog, going on walks will give you more chances to meet other dog owners or people in general.
12. Reconnect with Old Friends
Try reconnecting with old friends you might have lost contact with over the years. You never know—some of them may have also moved to the same city. Even if that's not the case, you can either ask them to introduce you to their friends, or at the very least, you'll have more people to video chat with.
13. Take Up a New Hobby
It's never too late to start a new hobby. Whether it's learning how to knit, cook, paint, or picking up a new language, exploring new interests helps expand both your knowledge and social circle. Whenever possible, sign up for a local workshop or class—it's a great way to connect with others.
14. Join a Fitness Class
If a gym membership sounds daunting and seems too much of a commitment, join a fitness class instead. You can start out just going once or twice a week, then gradually work up to attending more if you have the energy and time. These classes will help keep you in shape while allowing you to meet new people.
15. Head Into the Wilderness
Are you an adventurer or an adrenaline enthusiast? Participate in outdoor activities! Whether it's hiking, rock climbing, or mountain biking, there are various ways to explore the wilderness and enjoy the natural landscape. Plus, you'll likely meet many others like you during your excursions.
16. Talk to Strangers
Though talking to strangers sums up the essence of this article (since all friends start out as people we don't yet know), we mean this in the literal sense. When you're at the market, on the bus, on the train, on a walk, at a park, at the gym—wherever it is, strike up a conversation with someone. It can be as simple as just saying, "Hi, how are you today?"
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17. Volunteer
If you have some free time, volunteer for a cause or activity you care about. This can better expose you to the local community while allowing you to gain experience and have fun. Volunteering will also force you to be more social rather than staying at home on the weekends or after work.
18. Search Up Local Events
Another great way to meet new people and socialize is to participate in local events happening in your city. Go online and see what's available, then pick a few you're interested in going. You might come across cultural events, live music gigs, comedy shows, pop-up markets, or in-person discussion groups.
19. Go to Bars
If you fancy a drink even now and then, head to the bar after work or on the weekend. After all, they don't call it liquid courage for nothing—it might make it easier for you to strike up conversations and form new connections. Just remember to pace yourself and plan a safe way home.
20. Don't Be Afraid of Awkwardness
As you're meeting new people, conversations will likely be awkward. You don't know them well, they don't know you well, and sometimes there are boundaries you can't quite cross yet. But don't worry—embrace the awkwardness. It's normal to feel out of your element; it's okay to be nervous. It'll get easier with time, so don't let your nerves hold you back.
