How To Make Friends In A New City: 12 Best Tips To Try

Moving to a new city is no mean feat, but congratulations are in order - you have finally done it! Whether you have got into your dream college or a new job, you cannot really put the feelings in words. However, one thought that might keep you awake at night - how are you going to make friends in a new city? Leaving your friends behind and moving ahead can be a challenge, but you can get through it! With the foolproof tips we have for you here, you can find your way around, make new drink buddies, and gather the best memories. After all, without a dynamic social life, it gets boring! So, let’s dive into why make friends and how to make friends in a new city. 

Benefits of Making Friends in a New City 

Well, it does not feel good to drink alone on weekends, right? Making friends in a new city opens up new possibilities. There is always something to learn from another person, and your new friend might take you on just the adventure you have been craving your whole life. Below, we mention why you should make friends in a new city! 

1. A New Chapter 

“Shared laughter creates a bond of friendship,” and you need someone to listen to your rants, right? Making friends in a new city means you are pushing your best self forward to be the person you want to be. 

2. Learn New Things 

Making friends in a new city is nerve-racking, but finding new perspectives is enough to boost you. The new people you meet in life will get you out of your shell and may even change the way you see the world.  

3. Know Yourself Better 

You may think you know yourself until you meet someone. Making friends in a new city is more about trying new things and doing what you might have despised doing alone. You get the extra push to climb the social mountain you never thought you would. 

4. Find More Joy in Life

If you want to know how to make friends in a new city and why, the mantra is simple - find a sense of belonging. Making friends in a new city helps you tap into great opportunities and pick up healthier habits. 

We barely put any thought into understanding the importance of mental health, and it gets crucial when we are living away from home. So yes, thank heavens for friends - you will have someone to make you smile, even if it’s for the silliest things. 

How to Make Friends in a New City?

Have you been searching for how to beat loneliness when living abroad? Your new journey may terrify you before you start it, especially when you have nobody to talk about trending memes. If you want to find out how to make friends in a new city, these 12 tips will help you & how! 

1. Participate in Community Events  

Hiking, stargazing, BBQing, or community services - where does your interest lie? In any city, you will find organisations hosting meet-ups or singles events. If you want to learn how to meet people new people in a new city and explore the areas, community events are the best resort. 

Meet new people, soak in the city’s vibe & embrace the culture shock - the possibilities are endless! You will learn about the city culture & the secrets to becoming an OG resident and find exciting activities. 

2. Know Your Neighbours 

We all have watched Home Alone growing up, and what did we learn? There is warmth behind unfriendly faces that you might not find out until you give it a shot. Make the first move and send them homebaked cookies - you will gradually realise a bond is taking shape. 

Small acts of kindness go a long way. Send them fresh veggies from your garden, invite them for a cup of coffee & exchange books, or offer a helping hand when they carry something heavy. These are simple acts of kindness, but they will remember the effort you put in. 

3. Sign Up for Workshops

Taking workshops on the topics that interest you is one of the best ways to make friends in a new city. If you want to learn a language within a month or how to make vases, keep your eyes peeled for the local workshops.  

You can take up painting, photography, stand-up comedies, or creative writing - the world is your oyster. Search online or keep an eye on the college boards and get away from the pangs of loneliness. 

4. Join a Gym or Yoga Studio 

There is no thumb rule on how to make friends in a new city, but the options are endless. If you love staying in shape or shedding some kilos, joining a gym or yoga studio is a great solution on how to meet new people in New York City or any other city on earth. This way, you can take advantage of student wellness services at a discount, without breaking the bank to meet new friends.

Once you start meeting the same people every day of the week, the smiles exchanged can turn into something beautiful & meaningful. Of course, you are wondering how you can be successful in making friends in a new city in a gym, right? Well, all it takes is an invitation for coffee after class.

5. Find Your Favourite Coffee Shop

Why? Because the best friendships blossom into places where you never imagined. Do you love reading books at cafes? Then, chances are high that someone will come up to you and talk about the book. Or, you can make the move!

Sometimes, the local coffee shops host events where you can volunteer and make friends in a new city. On the other hand, you can start conversations with the Barista and learn about coffee. Many different roasts are there; hence, you will never run out of topics to talk about! 

6. Join a Book Club 

Whoever said making friends in a new city needs creativity is not lying! If you are a self-acclaimed bibliophile, why don’t you join a book club?  

Argue over what the ending should have been, why your favourite character died, or how the antagonist should have been more popular than the protagonist - there is no way that you will not find one person with the same passion you have for books. 

7. Download Social Networking Apps 

It goes without saying that having a social circle is important; that’s why you should find out how to make friends in a new city. Online apps are the holy grail for anyone introvert or shy out there. There is no scope for feeling judged; it takes off the pressure of meeting someone in person. 

Striking up conversations comes naturally when you are in the virtual world. Of course, you can meet your online bud in person only when you are comfortable. 

8. Volunteer for a Charity  

Do you have the spark to help out people or furry friends around you? Volunteering at a non-profit or charitable organisation is a satisfying thing one can do in life. Moreover, you can find a way to make a friend in a new city and share the same passion for the cause. 

If you love animals, look up for animal shelters nearby. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is another option you have. Pick a cause through which you think you can make a difference and explore the opportunity to make a friend in a new city. 

9. Say Yes More Often 

Is your internet search history filled with how to make friends in college? A simple way to figure out how to make friends in a new city in your 20s or 30s is to practice saying yes. If you always weigh the pros & cons before going out, try to be up for new experiences. 

If your assignment partner has a spare ticket for a game or movie, put your hand up. You never know what’s waiting for you until you go out. It is okay if you are not used to accepting invitations from peers, but a ‘yes’ can change your perspectives. 

10. Go Out for Walks 

Spending time in green spaces not only gets you out of a rut but also helps you make friends in a new city. If you have a fur baby, you can head to a local dog park and chat with local dog parents. Exchange funny stories, share tips, and even schedule playdates. 

Meanwhile, you can find your answer on how to meet new people in a new city! Also, your dog gets a new friend - so it’s a win-win for all. 

11. Crowdsource Friends of Friends

Are you invited to a party where you don’t know anybody else except the host? Don’t worry, you have just got the ticket to making friends in a new city. Relying on friends of friends is a safe bet. 

On the other hand, you can tell your friends back home where you are studying or working. If they know someone in the area, you can catch up. 

12. Book Accommodation Early 

If you hate living alone or want to make friends in a new city, booking your accommodation early will take you far. You can find like-minded people coming from different parts of the world. 

Moreover, you can organise language exchange programs or cultural quiz events using slides. In case the social events do not work out, a few rules for roommates to turn from strangers to best friends have got your back. 

In reality, how to make friends in a new city seems like a maze, but trying these tips will not leave you sleepless anymore. Especially if you are a student and book your accommodation early, nobody can stop you from having fun and making friends in a new city. Of course, to help you find the best place, amber is there for you with thousands of student housing options across the top cities in the world. Plus, the countless benefits of living in a shared accommodation ease the roadblocks one faces while making friends in a new city. So, be patient and more open to new chances! 

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