Last Updated: 4/24/2024
After cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, moving trucks, and the many worries of moving your life from one place to the next, it’s time to make your new city feel more like a home. Making new friends can be hard, especially if you have moved to a new city alone.
Fortunately, there are many different ways to find friends in a city. Whether you look into social media groups or start up a conversation with the cubicle next to you, turning a stranger into a friend in a new city can be easy and even fun! Here are some ways to make friends in a new city!
Table of Contents
Social Media
Social media is a great way to find friends in a city. Take advantage of the internet and find people online! Apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Nextdoor can make it easy to connect with strangers and create lasting friendships.
Additionally, businesses in your city likely use social media to announce social gatherings and events. This makes the internet a great place to search for in-person functions to attend and make connections.
Facebook Groups
Nearly every corner of the world has a Facebook group assigned to them. It is an excellent way to meet people who share a similar hobby or passion as you. Are you a Star Wars fan? Check Facebook groups to find Jedi-loving individuals like you! There is even a Facebook group for “Students Against Backpacks with Wheels” out there. You can find almost anyone in a Facebook Group.
Additionally, posting on a Facebook Group’s page that you have moved to your new city could get comments such as “I live there too!” These new connections are often fun and easy to talk to because you already have something in common with them.
Friend-Finding Apps
Friend-finding apps are created to match people with similar interests, passions, and hobbies. They are a great way to meet new people and build lasting friendships quickly. Here are some tips for using these apps effectively.
- Choose the right app: Research and find an app that suits your needs and preferences.
- Create a compelling and honest profile: Make a good first impression using a recent photo, an interesting bio, and an honest description of yourself.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for people to message you; reach out to others who seem like potential friends.
- Be patient: Building lasting friendships takes time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make an instant connection.
- Be safe: Be cautious and use common sense by meeting in public places and trusting your instincts.
Friends of Friends
One of the best ways to find new friends is through the friends you just moved away from. They could have connections in your new town or city and can introduce you to people with similar interests. Don’t be afraid to ask your old friends if they know anyone in your new area. They may be able to connect you with someone who shares your hobbies, profession, or personality.
Clubs and Organizations
Joining clubs or organizations can be a great way to find friends in a city and meet new people who share your interests. First, choose clubs or organizations that interest you. Joining a club or organization that aligns with your interests is a great way to meet people who share similar interests. You’re more likely to make friends when you’re engaging in activities that you enjoy.
Once you have met people you enjoy being around, follow up with them. Ask them if they would like to meet outside the activity where you met. Grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat after your activity is a great way to spend time together and become more connected. Building a friendship takes effort, so it’s important to make time for people who you want to get to know better.
Below are some places you can meet new friends who have similar interests.
Group Activities
Participating in group activities such as team sports, group projects, or outings can be a great way to bond with people in the club or organization. It helps you find like-minded people who enjoy similar activities and is also a great way to learn new skills and try new things.
Attend events and meetings regularly to get to know people in the club or organization. By continuously showing up to group activities, you will become a familiar face to others and easier to talk to. Be friendly and approachable, and don’t be afraid to talk to someone new.
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Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet kind, good-hearted people, show your commitment to the group, and meet people who share your values. There are so many wonderful nonprofits to choose from.
To find places to volunteer, look at your city’s volunteering page or a nationwide volunteering website. Once you have found a space to donate your time, it is easy to find friendly people who love volunteering like you do!
Local Community Events
Attending local community events can be a great way to meet new people and feel more connected to your new home. To start, look for events that interest you. There is almost always something for everyone; many communities host musical festivals, sports games, farmers’ markets, movie nights, and more throughout the year.
Once you have found events that interest you, attend them regularly. This will increase your chances of meeting people who live in your community. You’re more likely to find friends in a city when you’re a familiar face. Find people who you recognize and strike up a friendly conversation about the event!
Friends at Work
Work can be a great way to meet friends in a new city. Not only is it a place to build relationships with people who share similar interests and values, but it is also important to have friendships in the workplace. However, building meaningful relationships with coworkers can be challenging, especially if you are new to the company or city.
To build friendships with your colleagues, it is essential to put yourself out there and be proactive. For example, you can start by eating lunch away from your desk and joining your coworkers for lunch. Also, invite your coworkers out to coffee or a drink after work, or even suggest a group outing to a local attraction. Offer to help when you can and show that you are open to new friends.
Moreover, participating in company events and activities is another great way to meet new people and build friendships. For instance, you can join a company sports team or participate in a charity event sponsored by your company. This is a great way to bond with your coworkers while also giving back to the community.
In addition, be genuine and authentic in your interactions with your coworkers. Listen attentively and show interest in their lives and hobbies. By doing so, you can build a connection and establish a meaningful friendship.
- Generate small talk: Introducing yourself and asking about interests will help propel you forward to bonding with your coworkers.
- Invite your coworkers to social events: After talking for a while, don’t be afraid to invite them out to activities outside of work. This will let you get to know them as a person rather than a coworker.
- Participate in work events: Most companies want their coworkers to bond and grow friendships; that’s why they set up BBQs, after-work parties, or pay for local events.
- Take breaks with them: Did you have a conversation you don’t want to end yet? Ask to go on break or spend lunch with them; it’s a casual way to build on that bonding time.
Conclusion
Making friends in a new city can be nerve-wracking, but there are many ways to start a conversation! Using social media to find like-minded people is a great, modern way to find friends. Joining Facebook Groups, trying friend-finding apps, or using previous contacts are great options.
Joining clubs or organizations can be a great way to make new friends after moving to a new city. You can meet people who share your interests and values by attending events and meetings, volunteering for activities, and participating in group activities. With patience and an open mind, you can build meaningful friendships to help you feel more at home in your new city.
Attending local community events can be a great way to make friends after moving to a new city. By looking for events that interest you, being friendly and approachable, and attending events regularly you can build meaningful relationships with others in your community.
Making friends at work is another great way to meet new friends. Because you share something in common with them, there are many great and easy conversation-starters regarding work, location, and lifestyles. Put yourself out there!
It’s important to be patient and open-minded. Making friends takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t make an instant connection. Get creative with your invitations (such as inviting new friends to a housewarming party), and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Eventually, you’ll find people who share your values and interests and have a great new circle of friends.
FAQs
To make friends with people with similar interests, look for groups or clubs related to your hobbies or passions. Attend events and gatherings that interest you, and start conversations with others who share your interests. Finding organizations that help you pursue your passions will bring you connections. Volunteer groups, sports teams, music groups, or book clubs are great atmospheres that bring like-minded people together.
If you’re feeling lonely in a new city, it’s important to take care of yourself. Keep in contact with your old friends and family for support or connection while also putting yourself out there. Join local groups or clubs to find friends in a city, attend events and gatherings, or use friend-finding apps. When you are socially tired, take time for yourself. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Adjusting to a new environment can be emotionally exhausting and take time. Prioritizing yourself will help you thrive in your new city!
Building friendships takes time, so it’s important to be patient and persistent. Some people may find friends in a city quickly, while others may take longer. A University of Kansas study found that it takes roughly 50 hours to move from acquaintance to casual friends and 200 hours to become a “close” friend. Don’t let these numbers frustrate you! Keep putting yourself out there and be open to new connections, and eventually, you’ll find people who share your values and interests.
If you’re feeling shy or anxious about meeting new people, it’s important to take small steps outside of your comfort zone. Start by attending events or gatherings that interest you and striking up conversations with one or two people. Accept your anxiety and find atmospheres that help you overcome it. If a loud, crowded bar keeps you from talking to people, try a book club or workout group. Remember that everyone feels nervous sometimes and that making new connections is worth the effort.
Caroline is an undergraduate at the University of Iowa studying Business Management and English Publishing. When she's not studying, she spends time reading, hanging out with friends, working out, traveling, and calling her family. After college, Caroline will enter the publishing industry, where she will help authors and their stories find their perfect audience.
