Ways to Meet New People in a New City
Find out some things you can do to create new connections when moving abroad
Moving to a new city is exciting, everything seems brand new; new neighborhood, new apartment/house, new job/school, and inevitably new challenges. Having a fresh start is thrilling but it can also come with a downside, if you move somewhere where you don’t really know anyone it can come with a certain kind of loneliness. For this reason, check out the following tips on ways to meet people in a new city.
Chances are that someone you know happens to have a friend or knows someone who lives in your new city. Try asking around your friends if they have any connection with someone in your new location, it’s a small world after all. If you hit it off with them they may introduce you to their group of friends as well and expand your network.
If you are sharing an apartment, connecting with your flatmates can be a great start, if they’ve been there for longer than you have chances are they already have a group of friends they can introduce you to as well. Being friendly to your co-workers could also lead to expanding your network in the city, proposing an ‘after-work’ beer or similar can be a good way to get to know them better. If you’re going to University or are enrolled in a course (which is a great way to meet people too!) it will be easy to connect with your classmates; you can take coursework chats to something beyond it, and maybe invite someone for a coffee or a study session.
Walking is one of the best ways to get to know your environment since it allows you to marvel at the city at your own pace. If the city structure allows you to do so, opt for walking to get around and find new spots you can enjoy. Places of interest such as libraries, parks, and museums hold endless opportunities to meet people.
Get acquainted with familiar happenings, this is a great way to know where to meet new people. Keep updated on what public affairs, concerts/festivals, and other local events that are happening in your new city by following social media blogs and pages that post this sort of content. You can check out our instagram (@alohausecoliving) where we post lots of city content, often showcasing relevant events happening in each city. Other accounts to follow are @secret_nyc or @barcelona_barcelona.
Nowadays there are plenty of apps that will allow you to meet new people according to your location and hobbies, if you feel like meeting a possible love interest you can also opt for trying a dating app.
Find your interest and join a local group, whether that be a gym club or other sport, a volunteering program, a reading group, or any other activity or class that matches your likes. In these scenarios, you are more likely to meet people that whom you are compatible with.
Don’t let being on your own stop you from going out, try going into a bar or a nightclub by yourself and let the night surprise you. Although this can be especially hard for introverts, try keeping an open mind and don’t be afraid to wonder on your own, people in this sort of scenario are very likely to be open to meeting new people as well.
Overall it is important to be yourself. Allow friendships to come to you naturally; making connections can take time, don’t get frustrated if it takes you a little longer to make real friends when you move. Enjoy the process of starting over and having a fresh start and everything else will fall into place eventually.
