Moving to a new city, whether it be in your home country or abroad can be nerve-wracking and scary, with the number one question always being: How will I make new friends?  That was definitely my biggest fear when I moved to Madrid and to this day, it’s still something I find difficult, BUT at this point, I have some good ideas for how to make new friends in a new city and thought I would share.  These have been my go-to ways for making friends the last 3 years and still continue to be my source of friendship.

1 // Join a class.  While this list is in no particular order, this is definitely my best tip.  If you join a class for something you are interested in, you will, without a doubt, meet people with similar interests.  I’ve joined Spanish classes every semester since I have been in Spain and have made friends in each of them.  If no one else does it first, be the one to suggest to the group that everyone should meet for drinks outside of class.  You’ll see how much fun everyone can be when you aren’t in a classroom.

2 // Use meet-up websites like meetup.com, etc.  This is a great way to find events and activities in your area!  Running groups, yoga in the park, dinner and drinks, hikes, whatever!  Meetup.com has SO many opportunities to find events happening near you, and just like joining a class, you will definitely meet people interested in things you like.  I’ve been to yoga events, food events, and blogging events and these have been places where I’ve met some of my ‘people’ here.

3 // Be bold and talk to people.  As in, if you hear people speaking in your language (like American English), be bold and cut into the conversation.  I’ve done it, and it’s always gone over well!  “Hey, sorry to cut in, but I heard you speaking English.  Where are you from?”.  That will usually do it!  Best case scenario, they become a friend, and worse case scenario, they become someone you see on the bus/ metro/ train.

4 // Don’t underestimate the power of coffee.  Everyone (or most people) love coffee, so if you know someone that you want to go to the next level with (get your mind out of the gutter- I mean be friends with them), ask if they would want to get coffee one day!  Coffee is safe because it’s an implied short date (just one cup), it’s inexpensive, and it will give you enough time to chat and get to know each other.  I’ve been out to coffee with a LOT of people- some have become friends and others have remained as acquaintances, but that’s ok!  Give it a try.

5 // Invite people to things.  You have to give in order to get.  If you want friends, you need to make an effort too.  If there’s an event you want to go to, consider asking someone you’ve casually met once or twice to join.  Try “I’m going to this cool xyz event this weekend and I thought you might want to join?”.  Works like a charm.  Also, on the contrary- if you get invited to something, GO (unless you have a good reason not to go).

6 // Bonus: go to religious events, or events for things/ causes you identify with.  I can’t speak for all religions, but I’m sure it’s somewhat true for most- if you are part of a religious group, you will find that when there are events, the people that attend the events are some of the most inclusive, welcoming, and friendly people you will ever meet.  It’s partly because they want to ‘grow’ their group, but also because they identify with YOU.  Religious groups can be a source of support and comfort, even if you’re not a very religious person.

Those are some of my best ideas for how to make new friends in a new city!  Each time I’ve gone through a ‘dry spell’ in terms of friends, I’ve joined a class or gone to an event and have ‘re-filled’ my figurative store of friends.  Be brave, have fun, and make new friends!