Making new friends can seem challenging — especially after moving to a new city or ending an intense relationship. But jumpstarting your social life is easy when you know which activities to choose and where to meet people.
While online friends can be great, meeting people IRL can make you feel loved and cherished in a way that even 1000 social media “likes” can’t.
To understand how to meet new people, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and open up to opportunities.
So what are some ways to meet new people? And where can you meet someone new? Here are 33 awesome ways you can meet new people while trying out new things:
1. Volunteering
This is a great way to meet people and help the community at the same time.
2. Language school
Take a class to learn a new language. Most classes encourage you to speak with the other students, and you’ll have something in common to discuss.
3. Hiking groups
The Sierra Club and other hiking groups can help you get fit, see nature, and meet new people along the way.
4. Voluntourism
When you volunteer away from home, you’ll do good for others and get in some travel adventures too!
5. Meetups
Go to sites like Meetup.com to find gatherings of like-minded folks. There are meetups for any kind of interest!
6. Evening classes
Taking a class at your local community college is great because you can always chat with the other students about the class, teacher, or the subject you’re studying.
7. Conventions
If you have a special interest, then it probably has a convention to go along with it. Going to conventions is a great way to meet people who care about the same parts of pop culture that you do.
8. Improv classes
In improv classes, you’ll learn to interact with people — and learn a new skill in a fun way.
9. Travel
Staying in hostels is a great way to meet other solo travelers. You can also find travel groups and build friendships as you all travel together.
10. Whiskey-, wine-, or beer-tasting events:
Here, you can meet like-minded enthusiasts of your fave libation.
11. Adult sports leagues
Roller derby, softball, kickball, volleyball, frisbee golf… you name it, there’s a place to do it.
12. Country clubs
Not all country clubs are expensive, and they usually have extra social activities where you can meet friends.
13. Community choir
Join a community choir to get in tune with some new friends.
14. Work happy hour
Bond with your coworkers, and they may introduce you to their friends too.
15. Dancing
There are a wide variety of dance styles. Take lessons if you feel shy about getting on the dance floor, and you’ll meet plenty of others who want to come out of their shells.
16. Game stores
If you like board games, card games, D&D, or other RPGs, you can go to events and play with new people.
17. Bookstores
Bookstores have readings, writers’ groups, and other events that you can join in on.
18. Community gardens
Get your own plot and get to know your garden neighbors or volunteer to help someone else with theirs.
19. Toastmasters
Improve your public speaking in an environment that is both friendly and supportive.
20. Makers’ spaces
Here, creatives get together to share tools, a workspace, and ideas in an informal learning setting.
21. Politics
Get involved with a candidate or cause that you believe in and meet others who do too.
22. Community service clubs
Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis have social activities and focus on uniting likeminded people to do good.
23. Shared living spaces/roommates
Connect with your roommates and make new friends in your own home.
24. Martial arts classes
Learn to protect yourself and bond with students at the same time.
25. Dog parks
Take your dog to the dog park and meet other dog lovers.
26. Alumni associations
Meet fellow alumni from your college who live nearby.
27. Social media
You can use social media to check out what events your friends are attending and meet them there or connect with others in the groups you’ve joined for your interests.
28. Theatre groups
Theatre groups are perfect ways for singers, actors, or artsy-crafty backstage people to meet like-minded friends.
29. Neighborhood social networks
Look for friends in groups for your neighborhood or community, like NextDoor.
30. Retreats
Find others who are into meditation, yoga, spirituality, writing, or self-help — just like you are.
31. Parties
Go to friends’ birthday parties, holiday parties, and bridal or baby showers to meet new people and widen your social circle.
32. Cultural groups
Embrace your culture and meet others who do too.
33. Side hustles
Pick up or create an extra part-time job that lets you share your talents with others.
Find something new that brings fun into your life and new people into your circle. You’ll feel happier knowing that you’ve finally found your people.
Originally written by Madame Pamita on YourTango.
Featured photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.
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