Moving to a new city after graduating can seem overwhelming. You’re in a new place with a new job or school, and probably don’t know many people. It might feel isolating and challenging to meet new people and develop friendships like the ones you had in college or high school. Because moving to a new city and meeting people can require discomfort or getting out of your comfort zone, maintaining a positive attitude and patience is key. But, there are some simple ways to make friends in a new city that anybody can do.
Table of Contents
Social Media
Social media is a great tool for meeting new people. You can find local communities for new graduates or surrounding your interests on sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Discord. Facebook has thousands of groups that connect people, like “Girls Who Meet” in New York City or “Friends and Fun in Iowa.” Some are more focused on hobbies like “THE BOARDGAME GROUP,” while others are more social-based.
Instagram can act like a social network. If you have a place you frequent, a coffee shop or gym, check out their page and see who’s following them. Search hashtags for interests in your area. Find people with mutual friends or followers in your new city and shoot them a DM. You might even connect with an old friend from childhood that you haven’t spoken to in years. When talking to a stranger, be careful about meeting in person and always verify their identity first.
Discord is a communication platform for video, voice, and text chat on servers. Many people use it for video games, but you can find servers for any hobby or even TV shows. Hop onto a server and observe for a bit or start chatting immediately!
You could also try apps like Bumble BFF, which offer a way to meet other people who are new to the city or just looking to meet new friends.
Activities and Meetings
A great way to make friends after graduating is to join an activity-based group in your new city. Run clubs have become extremely popular for young people in the last few years as they have a social and physical element that draws people with similar interests. You could also join a local sports league, like tennis or volleyball. These force you to interact with new people and find common ground by being on a team or learning a new skill.
Find a book club at your local library or bookstore if you love to read. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint or do pottery, so you join a class. Find people who like to play the same video or board games with you. No matter your interests, a new city will likely have some way to engage with it through groups or classes.
Meetup is a great resource for these kinds of activities and meetings. As an app designed for social gatherings, you’ll find others looking to make connections through a shared interest.
Join a Studio
Like a run club or a sports league, joining a fitness studio or gym is a way to get to know some familiar faces. Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, or weightlifting, finding a studio and regularly attending allows you to see the same people week-to-week who have a similar hobby.
Moving to a new city can be stressful or even cause depression, so staying active and healthy can mitigate negative emotions. It will give you a sense of routine and improve overall mental health by reducing anxiety, improving energy levels and self-esteem, and diminishing symptoms of depression.
Remember to prioritize your well-being when moving to a new city. Hiring a moving service can alleviate the stress of a move, especially if it’s cross-country. Take these kinds of simple steps to relieve some outside stressors and focus your energy on meeting new people.
Volunteer
Volunteering will introduce you to new people and give back to your new community. Every city has opportunities, from food drives to cleaning up parks. Tailor it to your particular passions and interests, and you’ll find similarly-minded people.
Some companies even have dedicated volunteering days or opportunities that allow you to get out in the community and bond with your existing network of coworkers.
Work With What You Have
Sometimes, a new friend is right around the corner. Make an effort to get to know your new coworkers and neighbors. Because you will see these people nearly every day, it is easier to build a connection and familiarity. If you’re continuing school, befriend some of your peers or join some clubs at your school.
It can start by smiling, waving, or saying “good morning.” You could drop off some freshly made cookies and leave a note introducing yourself. While this may feel alien or awkward, people appreciate effort and consideration. Think of how you would feel if a neighbor said hello and complimented your shoes, you would probably feel good and remember them the next time you saw them.
Say Yes, and Keep Saying Yes
It is difficult to meet people in a new city if you stay inside all day. Maybe someone invites you to a comedy show, but you’re not a big fan of standup. Say yes! Or your coworkers are going out for happy hour after work on Friday, but you’re tired and want to go home and watch TV. Say yes! You have to be willing to try new things and make an effort to make friends in a new city. While you must be aware of your boundaries, try to say yes to any opportunity that comes your way. A new friend could come from an unexpected place at any time.
Consistency is crucial. It may not be enough to do something once. To truly develop friendships, you must make repeated efforts. The more comfortable you get with being uncomfortable, the easier it will be to build new, strong friendships.
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Conclusion
Making friends in a new city after graduating can seem challenging and overwhelming, but it’s possible with the right mindset and concentrated effort. Whether you use Instagram, volunteer, or join an activity-based group or class, so long as you are willing to say yes and remain open to any connections that come your way, you will find your people.
While it may sound obvious, the easiest way to meet people is to get out of the house and do something. The activity itself is not all that important, so long as it gets you into your new city and around other people. If you can find things that align with your hobbies and interests, you will already have something in common with someone there! Or, use it as a chance to try something new and start a conversation with somebody by telling them you’ve never done it before.
Remember that most people are always looking to make new friends, especially others who have recently graduated. Stay patient, put in work, be yourself, and you are sure to make some friends in your new city.
FAQs
It doesn’t have to be hard to make friends in a new city after graduating! While it may not be as simple as school, which offers a more intimate environment with people your age, it just requires more time and effort. Put yourself out there, try new things, and follow your interests.
While working remotely means you won’t meet new people in an office setting, that doesn’t mean you have to be completely isolated. Go to the same coffee shop or coworking space and meet other people who work remotely. Reach out to coworkers who live in the same city. Pick an activity or volunteer opportunity that meets at the same time every week so you can see familiar faces. Make sure to use your weekends and time after work wisely to get out of the house and explore your new city.
It may take some more effort to make friends after moving to a new city if you’re naturally shy or introverted, but hopefully, it can be more motivation. If you do a bunch of work to meet people up front, you’ll build a community sooner. On the other hand, each time you get out there and push yourself, you’ll become more comfortable with doing it. You don’t have to be the loudest or most fun person in the room to make friends; all it takes is talking to one person.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
