We know just how important it is to have strong social connections for our overall well-being. Whether you just moved to NYC, you’re a student at NYU, or you’re just looking to meet new people, it can be difficult to make new friends.
Technology has made it easier to connect with others, but has also led to many people being more isolated. From meetups, to discovering new locations, we have 5 tips to help you make friends in NYC.
1. Join PlanOut
PlanOut is a social media app that allows you to meet new people, discover events, and more. It’s the easiest way to get to know people a bit before meeting up and it makes planning events easy. When you like a post about a new restaurant, coffee shop, or event, you will be put into a group with other people who want to check it out. You can chat and coordinate a time to get together in person.
2. Interest Based Clubs
It’s easier to connect with people if you have a shared interest. New York has different clubs and groups that get together to connect over their shared interests whether it’s board games, cooking, music, or anything else you can imagine. Searching for these groups on Facebook or Google can help you find when and where they’re meeting and how to join.
3. Classes
Joining a class can be a great way to connect with others while learning something new! You make friends while picking up a new hobby, learning a language, or brushing up on a skill you might already have. Meeting people in a class setting takes away a lot of the social pressure of getting to know each other since they’re typically more structured and allow you have a shared experience from day one. Many of the local universities and community centers also offer classes and events for the public which are a great place to start.
4. Use an App
As we mentioned before, the PlanOut app is the best way to meet new people. It provides a unique opportunity to meet in small groups and coordinate with your existing friends.
Other apps like Bumble, a popular dating app, have released features that are meant for social connection rather than just dating. Unlike PlanOut, Bumble BFF and similar apps are centered around meeting one on one rather than in a small group setting. The other major difference is how you match with others. If spending all day swiping right and left isn’t your thing, this might not be the best option for you.
5. Meetup Events
Similar to interest based clubs, you can find a number of different meetup events in NYC. These may be for people with common interests, careers, or for people who have newly moved to the city. You can find these events on Facebook and Meetup.com. You can go alone or with someone else, but remember that the point is to connect with new people!
We know that social connection is more important now than ever before. Hopefully this guide has provided you with some tips for meeting new people. As part of our mission to foster friendships, we hope you have an easier time making friends in New York.
If you have questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments!