Often, the most challenging part about moving to a new city is finding a new circle of friends you can count on. Today, we’ll walk you through different ways to meet people in a new city, including some options for these social-distancing days.
Let’s get to it!
A quick guide on how to meet people in a new city
1. Volunteer
What’s better than making friends? Making friends while making a difference. There are many ways in which you can sign up for volunteering. It could be through a local church, food pantry, or even through programs at your office. If you’ve volunteered before, see if the organization you worked with before is also in your new city. If they’re not, maybe it’s an opportunity to start your own branch!
2. Join an online forum or group
Connecting with people online is social-distancing proof and comes with several added bonuses. For one, you can join these groups and start to meet new people before even moving to your new city. Forums and groups also allow you to get in touch with specific people, people who already share your interests, live in the same area as you, and are also willing to connect or hang out.
Online forums can also come in handy when looking for jobs, apartments, or to get advice on how to navigate your new home.
3. Sign up for a class
Even for the shyest of us, classes are comfortable spaces to make friends. You have a built-in topic of conversation and the possibility to be paired up with other classmates you can talk to. If you’ve moved to a city where you don’t speak the local language, taking a course on it will also ensure you meet other people from out of town.
4. Join a sports team
If you enjoy sports, your athletic hobby can also help you meet people in a new city. Similar to signing up for a class, you can join a sports team through your local club. Being part of a sports team is a great way to foster a sense of community and, of course, get a workout.
Although a gym could have a similar function, most people just come and go from the gym without really stopping to talk. In a sports team, you’ll have a reason to interact with other people.
Even during times of social distancing, sports teams will usually have a set of guidelines they can follow to ensure you can mingle and get some exercise while decreasing the risk.
5. Download a meet-up app
While online forums are great for connecting with people, there isn’t an immediate need to turn the connection into a social outing. But no need to worry. This is the 21st century after all. Meet-up apps allow you to browse through a list of events available in your area. You can even create your own or join a virtual hangout.
This type of app can come in handy at any point. For example, if there’s a concert coming up you really want to go to but have no one to go with, you can join a meet-up group for that. And, again, don’t be discouraged if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. Create an event, and like-minded people will come find you!
6. Be yourself
The best way to meet new people in a new city is to stay true to yourself. Often, we latch on to the first person we cross paths with out of a sense of urgency without really considering that person’s possible impact on your life.
As you’ve seen, there are many ways to make friends in a new city, so make sure you’re picking social outings you feel comfortable with and surrounding yourself with people who will help you feel at home as quickly as possible.
And, remember, if you’re living abroad and need to send money overseas, you can count on us. Download our Ria Money Transfer app for iOS or Android today!
The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.
About the author
Madeline I. Carcamo
Related posts

Moving to Colombia – A Guide for Expats & Digital Nomads
There’s a reason why Colombia is attracting digital nomads, expats, and immigrants. With its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and stunning landscapes, it’s an easy place to fall in love with. Whether you’re working remotely, retiring, studying, or starting fresh, Colombia offers visa options to match—from digital nomad and retirement visas to ones for […]
April 14, 2025

What to Know About Buying Property Overseas
Is it your dream to live in another country? If so, you may have considered buying property overseas. It can be cheaper and more convenient than renting a hotel every time you travel and gives you a place to call home. You’d be in good company — 9 million U.S. citizens, 4 million Canadian citizens, and 10.7 million […]
January 2, 2025

How Exchange Rates Can Impact You When Living Abroad
If you’re thinking about living abroad, you’re probably going to be looking at exchange rates at some point. After all, you’ll need to pay for things in your new country, and you might not be able to do that with your home currency. Before you go, it’s important to understand currency exchange rates and how […]
December 26, 2024

Moving to Puerto Rico: A Guide For Immigrants, Expats, and Digital Nomads
Moving to Puerto Rico could be an exciting decision for your future. Renowned for its beautiful tropical climate, cultural heritage, and tax incentives for U.S. citizens, getting established in Puerto Rico as an immigrant, expat, or digital nomad is a relatively simple process with a little foresight and planning. However, rushing into a move is […]
October 29, 2024
Ria Money Transfer. NMLS ID#920968. © 2025 Dandelion Payments, Inc. All rights reserved.