Moving to a new city — particularly one where you don’t know anyone — is always an adventure. It’s exciting and rich with new opportunities, but getting out there and meeting new people and discovering new places can be daunting at times.
Getting Started
Making friends is all about finding like-minded people to connect with, so scope out activities and events that interest you. You may make some new friends at your job, but it’s also good to have friends outside the workplace — or at least in different departments — who share your interests that don’t relate to work. Add these tips to your plan for making new friends in your new city:
- Join a gym. If you have a particular fitness interest, whether it’s yoga or CrossFit, join a gym and find a class that works for you. Attending classes on a set schedule gives you a greater opportunity to get to know other people in the class.
- Try a Meetup. If you don’t already have a Meetup account, it’s time to get one. Whatever your interests, there’s probably a Meetup group near you that caters to it, and if there isn’t, then you can organize your own. If you don’t have a specific passion, look for a “New in Town” group.
- Attend company functions. Some companies host occasional after-hours events, sponsor a company softball team, or organize other ways to interact. These are great ways to get to know your co-workers better and learn about their interests outside the workplace.
- Enroll in a class. What would you like to learn? Rollerblading? Horseback riding? Painting? Photography? Look for adult classes that pique your interest to hone a new skill while making new friends.
- Give back. It turns out that volunteering is actually good for you, and it’s also a terrific way to make new friends. Find a cause or group you’re interested in, and see what happens.
- Get social online. Connect with others in your area by joining Nextdoor, a social network that “introduces” you to many of your neighbors. The site is a great resource for meeting new people, finding answers to basic questions like where you can find a good dry cleaner, and keeping up with events and activities going on nearby.
- Get social in person. The most important thing is to get out there. The internet can provide many tools for introductions, but there’s no substitute for face-to-face experience. Join a local organization that interests you, or look for a church group (or even a choir) to join.
Getting Guest-Ready
As you settle into your new surroundings, spend some time thinking about how to make your home more inviting to your new friends. Not only does this encourage you to get out there and meet people, it also makes you proud of your space when friends visit. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Stock the bar. Stocking your home with all the right drinks and mixers and appropriate barware creates an inviting setting for guests. A bar cart in the corner remains out of the way until you need it.
- Show your personality. Are you proud of some unique souvenirs or photos from your life? Show them off throughout your home without overdoing it. It’s always nice to be surrounded by excellent conversation pieces in moderation.
- Take a seat. Look for furniture that is versatile enough to accommodate many guests. For example, an oversized ottoman can double as seating or a playing surface for a board game. Folding chairs store neatly away when you don’t need them but are easy to pull out when friends stop by.
Remember that every new city offers plenty of adventure; all you have to do is find it. CORT Furniture Rental can help you fill your space with the furniture you need to create the best first — and lasting — impression.
