Whether you’ve relocated for work, love, or personal growth, making new friends in a new city can be daunting. This can be especially challenging in a new city, where you don’t know anyone or where to go to meet people (who also want to be your friend). 

Despite it all, the challenge also represents an exciting opportunity. With unfamiliar surroundings and people, there are so many new experiences to be had, and amazing, supportive, kind new people to meet. Online friendship platforms like Chillsy make it easier to meet new people and make new friends in any city. Don’t let the fear of meeting new people, and a lack of connections stop you from making the most of your time in your new city. 

Here are 5 actions you can take to make friends in a new city and build your network:

1. Find Group Activities Around Your Hobbies

One of the best ways to make new friends is to find people with similar interests. Joining clubs, team sports, and classes that align with your hobbies and interests can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Participating in activities that you enjoy gives you something to talk about and bond over.

Women on a yoga mat doing a pose
Joining a pilates class is a great way to stay active and meet new people

For example, if you’re interested in photography, you could join a photography club or take a class. If you enjoy fitness, you could join a gym or a local running group. Attending meetups is another great way to find people with common hobbies. You can find meetups online and attend events hosted by local groups.

Friend making is all about initiative. So if you do meet someone interesting after attending a few times, ask them to hang out either before or after the next event!

2. Get to know your coworkers 

Getting to know your coworkers can be an excellent way to make friends in a new city. Your coworkers are likely to be people you see regularly. If you work in the same office, you may have similar interests and schedules. 

Building relationships with your coworkers can help you to feel more connected and at home in your new city quickly. Start by introducing yourself and getting to know your coworkers during breaks or lunchtime. They'll be able to tell you the best places for coffee, lunch, and cool spots to explore on the weekend. If you're up for it, you could even invite them along when trying these new places. Suggest after-work activities, such as grabbing drinks or going to an exercise class. 

At bigger companies, you could consider joining a sports team or social group to meet new people outside your team. By getting to know your coworkers, you can build a supportive network of friends in your new city and make the most of your new surroundings.

3. Attend local community events

Attending local community events is a fantastic way to make new friends and get to know your new city. Whether it's a festival, concert, or farmer's market, these events bring people together and are great opportunities for socializing. Making an effort to attend these events can help you to meet new people and establish relationships. 

If you have spare time, you can look for volunteer opportunities in your area. It can be an effective way to meet new people who share your values and interests. When making friends in a new city, it's important to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself in new situations where you can meet new people.

A music festival with a big crowd and colour smoke

It really helps to make friends who live near you, because it’s so much easier to hang out and catch up regularly.

To find fun events and activities in your new city, try using Chillsy to find potential friends looking for others to join them each week.

4. Host a hangout with people in your community

Hosting a hangout with people in your community is a great way to make new friends in a new city. It can help you to get to know your neighbours and create a sense of community. The great thing about hosting your own hangout is that it can be done anywhere. 

Examples of group hangouts can include:

- Brunch at a cafe

- Going out for drinks at a bar

- Go clubbing in the city

- Going to see a movie at the cinemas

- A picnic in the park

- Board game night at your house

You could invite your coworkers, neighbours, or people you met through clubs or activities. It's a fun and relaxed way to make new friends while showcasing your personality and interests. Hosting a hangout can create new connections, build relationships, and make friends in a new city. 

There are a couple of different platforms you could use to do this, like facebook groups, meetup, or even just putting up posters around your area. If you want to be a bit more selective with who you’re meeting, Chillsy makes it super easy to create local events, and find people who you really think you could get along with.

4. Friendship Apps

Friendship apps can be a great way to meet new people in a new city. These apps are designed to connect people with similar interests and backgrounds, making it easier to find and make friends. They are especially useful for those who are new to a city and want to quickly build a network of friends. It allows you to find potential friends based on location, interests, and hobbies. They also provide a platform to connect with others and start chatting before meeting in person.

There are so many social platforms out there like tinder, facebook, bumble bff, and meetup. However, often times these can be a bit slow to get things off the ground. Many people get caught up in messaging for weeks, trying to make plans with people who are flakey, or worry about their safety. Chillsy makes it super efficient to meet the right kind of people asap. Everybody has a verified profile that shows their personality, interests, life stage etc. You can easily create events, and invite people in the community to join you.

Making friends in a new city can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. It just requires effort and a willingness to put yourself out there. By finding group activities centered around your hobbies, getting to know your coworkers, attending local community events, hosting a hangout with people in your community, and utilizing friendship apps, you can build a strong network of friends in your new city. Finding the right group of friends may take time, but with a little patience and persistence, you can make lasting connections and feel more at home in your new surrounding.

Remember to be yourself, be open to new experiences, and most importantly, have fun as you navigate this exciting new chapter in your life!