How to make friends in a new city after you move?

Meeting new people in a place you’ve never been before is really a challenge for many. Especially if you are already an adult. After all, paradoxically, but maturity and life experience will prevail over us. We have more criteria that we use to select people and are more wary of strangers. I want this article to be a source of inspiration for you, and you will receive a lot of useful information on how to make friends in a new city. And they were also able to better understand friendship in general.

1. Don’t try to find the perfect friend.

You can’t afford to be too picky when trying to make friends in a new city. Establishing high demands when dealing with people will definitely not help you get rid of loneliness. Don’t be too picky and don’t jump to conclusions about people after the first meeting. Give your new friendship some time and get to know the person better. To abandon people just because they don’t fit your needs as a perfect friend is the wrong way to go.

2. Reconnect with friends and acquaintances from school or college

Go to your social networks and look there for old friends and acquaintances from school who may live in your new city. Chatting with someone you have known for many years will give you a sense of coziness and comfort. The best thing about communicating with classmates or acquaintances is that you have something to talk about right away. You won’t have any of those awkward moments of silence when you have nothing to say.

3. Spend more time outdoors

You will never find new friends if you stay in your apartment. Spend as much time as possible outside your home. Go to local cafes or parks. The most unexpected friendships can be found in these places. Use all your free time to explore the city. There are many things you can do on the weekend, even if you’re alone. From sightseeing to local attractions to relaxing with a book in the park.

4. Be an open person

If you are a direct and open person, then it will be much easier for you to meet and be friends with people. These qualities will make your life much easier. Do not be afraid to approach the person and say that you do not know anyone in the city and want to find people to be friends with. You should not wait for the perfect moment, but at any opportunity, take and act. Take responsibility for your social life, and don’t leave it to fate.

5. Meet Someone Online

This is one of the easiest ways to make friends in a new city. Starting from social networks such as Vkontakte, Facebook and Instagram, and ending with various dating sites. These are the places where you can easily make new friends. You can join any group of your interests, and within this group you will meet new people. You definitely have common topics of conversation. And after meeting over the Internet, it will be much easier for you to make friends offline.

6. Get to know your flatmates

This is another easy way to make friends in a new city. It may happen that you don’t have to go too far to meet someone. Perhaps your future girlfriend or boyfriend will be just a few meters from your apartment. Get to know all the people who live near you. Start a conversation with them when you run into an elevator or hallway. If someone seems sincere and friendly to you, invite this person to your apartment and just chat over a cup of tea.

7. Chat with peers outside the office

Talking to coworkers outside of your workplace is the easiest way to start a vibrant community in a new city. You may need to take the initiative and organize a small meeting after work if your coworkers are too boring.

8. Don’t avoid conversations and communicate whenever possible.

Avoiding conversation is the biggest mistake most people make. Perhaps you hear someone talking about your favorite book, or you see someone just smile at you sweetly. Be brave, stop being shy, come up and talk. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for you to make friends in a new city. Your friendly smile, openness, and a little courage are all it takes to start a conversation. In the end, even if you are ignored, nothing bad will happen.

9. Join local interest groups

Look for communities that are related to your hobbies. If it is a small city, ask your colleagues at work or housemates what communities there are in that city. And in the event that you have moved to a big city, then find these groups on the Internet. Searching on Google and social networks will definitely help you in this matter.

10. Have a small house party

If you make a few acquaintances in a new city, have a small house party and get them all together. A little bit of laughter and fun will never be superfluous. Delicious food and a bottle of wine will make people more open and friendly. If you succeed, then you will create your own small group. And over time, you will be able to take turns arranging such evenings.

11. Get out of your usual comfort zone

It can be very easy to connect with people you know from childhood. But when it comes time to move to another city because of a new job or other circumstances, this feeling of comfort prevents you from making new friends. So if you really want to have a good time, you have to step out of your comfort zone. Start saying “Yes” more often to any opportunities that come your way. And of course, don’t hesitate and talk to as many people as possible.

12. Enjoy what you really love to do

I had the same situation, and at first I also did not know how to make friends in a new city. Therefore, I know firsthand that moving to a new place is a long process. And it may take you at least a few months to just get the hang of it. Don’t force yourself to live a hectic social life right away. Go about your favorite things and do what you are used to. People are social creatures, which is natural if you find it difficult to make friends in a new city. So you shouldn’t be upset if at first you can’t get into a relationship with someone.

13. Charitable organizations

If you love helping people, then it will be much easier for you to find friends in a new place. Find local charities and offer your help. In addition to meeting new people, volunteering will help you get to know the city better and get used to it faster.

14. Keep in touch with your best friend.

If you don’t succeed, you have tried all the methods, and no longer know how to make friends in a new city, then keep in touch with your old acquaintances. Don’t forget your best friend, even if you are both too far away. After all, this is the person whose voice will instantly make you feel better. Regular phone calls, WhatsApp, or even texting with your best friend can help you feel less lonely. So no matter how far away you are from your friend, stay in touch with him. Even a two-minute conversation will give you a reason to smile and cheer you up.