Moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone can be one of the most intimidating tasks. After all, not knowing anyone or anyplace to go can scare some people into becoming hermits, never exploring the great things their new city has to offer.
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However, that’s why we’ve compiled a few helpful tips on how to get adjusted to the change, making it one of the more enjoyable experiences you’ll embark on. Here’s how.
1] Start With What You Know
If you’re going to be making new friends, one of the first places you should start is with what you know. While meeting new people and possibly facing rejection sounds scary, there are over 71 million millennials in the US alone, which means there are plenty of people for you to meet and get to know.
Even though it sounds daunting to go out and meet people, this is actually a pretty exciting and fun process. After all, the basic goal is to go after those with common interests, which involves simply going after your interests.
Start researching what organizations exist for what you’re into. For example, if you’re into music, then explore clubs or concert venues that might play the tunes you enjoy. Additionally, start researching on Instagram, looking through hashtags within your community to find events or activities.
If you haven’t already, it’s also smart to reach out to friends from the previous place you lived to see if they know anyone or anything about the place you just moved. Word of mouth and personal recommendations can go a long way in a new city, which is why starting with who and what you know can be clutch.
2] Take One For The Team
A simple but effective way to make new friends is by getting out there and joining a sports team. Not only will it help you get out there and meet some people, but you’ll be in a much better mental state as well.
As exercise can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression, getting out and working out with some people for a sport is an excellent catalyst for getting adjusted to your new city.
As noted by the Department of Health and Human Services, less than 5 percent of us are getting the recommended 30 minutes of activity we need per day, which is why it’s imperative to find an activity.
Think through if there were any sports you enjoyed playing previously (as well as if you’d be willing to pick it up again), or if there are any new activities you’d like to try.
A lot of adult sports leagues can get creative with their sport choosing (including alternative games like Quidditch) as a means of being inclusive to those who may not come from an athletics background, or just want to try something recreationally.
Upon finding and joining a team, don’t be intimidated if the other members already have a sense of camaraderie. If their dynamic is something you admire, do your best to be a great teammate, that can be an excellent testing ground for building a new friendship. Finally, don’t take it personally if you can’t find a group right away, as building up a bond can sometimes take time.
3] Back To School
If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill, trade, or activity, then embarking on that in your new city could be an excellent way to meet people while sharpening your mental state.
In fact, as noted by Harvard Health, taking on a new skill can slow cognitive aging, which not only improves your mental focus but will additionally give you a better sense of accomplishment for learning something new. Plus, you’ll meet people are also taking on something new, which can be an excellent bonding experience.
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Make a list of all the practices or skills you’d like to learn, regardless of cost. No matter if it’s cooking, painting, sewing, a foreign language, or even a new sport, ranking these based on your desire, then working through the options on the price will help you find your ideal match.
Of course, if nothing really grabs you from memory, then start reading through lists of local classes or activities, soaking in some of the cultural experiences your new city might have. The goal here is to have something that you get to share growing with others together, so embrace it as such.
4] Slow Growth Is The Best Growth
No matter what route you choose when looking for new friends, remember that this is primarily a patient process. According to Psychology Today, people spend approximately 40 percent of their social capital on an average of five people, which says a lot about trying to form new friendships.
While it’s rare to find someone you’ll become best friends with off the bat, try to cherish and enjoy the people you are investing yourself in, as well as those who are investing their time into you. Remember, not everyone who’s friendly is going to want you as a friend, which is an okay way to approach things.
When meeting new people, try to focus on setting boundaries and expectations for those friendships. Keeping things open and honest is crucial to developing healthy, strong bonds. Finally, remember the golden rule–treat others as you want to be treated.
How are you making new friends in a new city?
