Making new friends in a new place has a ton of benefits! Not only will it get you some much needed time out of the house but cultivating friendships is amazing for lowering your stress levels as well as giving you a sense of belonging.
So what’s the best way to make friends in a new place? Well, keep reading for some tips & tricks that will make it that much easier to do.
1. Find A Friendly Coffee Spot
Most of us love a good pastry and some coffee or tea to go with it. Nowadays, most coffee shops are big hubs for WFH folks and those studying. Through the week, it may be difficult to make a connection with anyone. However, the weekends are a great time to snag your favorite book and hit a local coffee shop. Chat with the barista about what’s fun to do in the area — you might just find a fellow coffee-lover or just get some great recommendations. Either way, it’s a win!
2. Hit The Local Parks
This one might be my favorite, people watching at the park! This does require you to get out of your shell a bit, but you can do it! Grab a book & hit the park. Do a little people watching to see if someone is reading a book that you find interesting & finally, strike up a conversation about it! You just might find yourself bonding over Victorian romance novels or the autobiography of the GOAT herself, Simone Biles.
3. Let Your Four-Legged Friend Do The Work
If you happen to be an owner of the cutest pup there is, head to your local dog park! Let your doggo roam free at the park and watch them work their magic. Soon enough, your dog will be playing, rolling & slobbering on the ground with another dog. Before you know it, you’re making friends with a local park goer as you both dish out endless belly rubs to man’s best wingmen!
4. Shop Till You Drop
Well, maybe not till you drop, but you are going to need groceries for your fridge! Head to your nearby store or better yet try a local farmer’s market! You’re bound to find plenty of 20-somethings also shopping to stock up their fridge. Strike up a conversation about their favorite meals to make or ask them if they think a hotdog is considered a sandwich or not! Keep the convo short, sweet and fun and if the energy feels good, let them know you’re new to town and propose exchanging numbers.
5. Find Friends On Your Phone
Our phones are one of our best friends when it comes to finding communities near us. Maybe you’re into competitive cup stacking or you want to learn pottery so you can make your very own lopsided bowl. Now’s the chance to try all those interesting activities and meet other like-minded people. You might just meet a new friend who is just as passionate about learning to forage for local mushrooms.
6. Become An Art & Culture Snob
Okay, maybe don’t be a snob about it but get involved and learn about your new city’s culture and events. Apps like MeetUp and Nudge (this one is especially helpful for those in major cities) are great for this. You might find yourself at a museum night with your head tilted to the side discussing the meaning behind the dot on a canvas with your new bestie!
7. Embrace Your Inner Foodie
Every city has their most popular eats & now it’s your job to try as many as you can! From rainbow bagels to sushi burritos, there’s always something new and exciting on the menu that you can give a try. If you find yourself at a food hall sort of environment, chat with locals about the best way to roast a marshmallow or how spicy they like their guacamole!
It might seem like making new friends in a new place is the scariest thing in the world but you’ve got this. Just let your genuine self shine through and the people that are meant to gravitate to you will find you effortlessly. Embrace the quirky, random & sometimes embarrassing moments. Remember, making friends is an art form & with a little effort and willingness to step outside your comfort zone, you’re sure to discover a vibrant & bustling city & a new friend — or two!