How to Make New Friends in the City

Photo: Chang Duong

Making friends before graduating high school is relatively easy. You’re in an environment where there are lots of activities going on, and you see the same people every day. Eventually, you make friends with someone. However, life after high school can be a little more difficult when it comes to forming new friendships. Whether you’ve just moved to a new city or you’ve decided to get out of your comfort zone, here’s how you can make new friends in the city.  

COLLEGE

This may seem like a no-brainer for most, but not everyone goes straight to college after high school. If you’re someone who has never attended a college or have taken a long hiatus, this option is a great way to make new friends. If you’re in need of finishing a degree, great. If not, you can still take a class at a community college that gives you valuable skills. Cooking, dancing, and yoga are classes you can take at a community college. They are important skills to learn and is a great way to meet new people.  

MEETUP

Meetup is a website and app where anyone can create a group about anything in order to, well, meet new people. You can find groups about anything on here! Business networking, yoga sessions, writing seminars, book clubs. You name it, they have it. The key is to find groups that meet your own likes and interests. If you love going to comedy shows, just search for groups around your neighborhood that are holding meet-ups. With a few clicks, you will have booked a spot to a show. All you have to do now is show up, open up a little, and you’ll be on your way to making a new buddy.

MAKE AN EFFORT WITH CO-WORKERS

Photo: Joseph Pearson

You see them nearly every day. You might as well make an effort with some of your co-workers. There are at least one or two people in your office who you’d want to know a little more about. If you’re an extrovert, this should be easy for you. Talking and approaching others just come naturally to you. If you’re an introvert, it’s a living nightmare. How do people approach and talk to another human being? Be smart, be observant, and wait for the right opportunity. Perhaps you’re at lunch in the breakroom and you see someone reading a book you love. That can be your cue to start a conversation. Approach them and talk about the book. Small talk will turn into something deeper, and you will have caught their interest. Keep moments like these going, build that bond, and try asking them out on a friend date afterward. I’m sure they’ll say yes. Who knows? This person can be your next best friend.