I have moved to quite a few cities in the past 10 years, each place being brand new with very few or no familiar faces to see. Sometimes moving to a whole new place can cause you to feel lonely or friendless. But, just because you are new to an area, doesn’t mean you have to be isolated or removed from all of the fun that the new city can bring!
This article is going to teach you how to embrace your new city, where to look for friends, and how to overcome your loneliness!
Below are my top ten ways to go from isolated to in-the-mix, in just a few days! If you are lucky, you may even be able to find just what you need on your first try!
Table of Contents
Tips For Overcoming Loneliness in a New City
Join A Class
Classes are a great way to stay busy and meet new people.
Visit your local YMCA
or gym to find fitness classes that will help keep you in shape and keep you engaged with new faces. If fitness isn’t your cup of tea, you can also try a class related to art, cooking, or music! Ask around to see which classes are taking or do a quick search on Google to find a class near you!
Go To A Local Bar
Every city is full of bars and pubs where the locals hang out and socialize! If you want an easy way to feel included this can be a great choice!
Yes, many people will be drinking alcoholic beverages, but if you are not a drinker, you can opt for a soda or even water. The point is to socialize with locals and learn more about the city to help you overcome your loneliness. Bars are a pretty casual envelope where you don’t have to feel too much pressure to let loose.
Go To The Park
Parks are a great place to enjoy nature and possibly make new friends. There are many different types of park goers, and many are just like you! Strike up a conversation with someone who interests you and enjoy their company for the afternoon.
Who knows, maybe you can make a long-term friend!
Become A Regular At A Trendy Restaurant
Trendy restaurants bring in many new faces every day, and many people become regulars at these establishments.
Start going to a restaurant that vibes with you and soak in the atmosphere. Just the experience alone will help you overcome being lonely by giving you something to do, but who knows, maybe you will meet someone who wants to hang out.
Move Into An Apartment Building
Apartment buildings are the best place to move to if you don’t want to feel lonely. Single-family homes can be isolating (unless you find a roommate), but apartment buildings are full of people.
Many apartment communities have social areas where their tenants can mingle, such as a swimming pool, courtyard, or tennis court. Use these amenities to your advantage, and you will meet new neighbors and make new friends.
Volunteer
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to feel needed and worthy. I used to volunteer at my local animal shelter, and it was such a rewarding experience. Walking dogs who were in between homes helped me feel like I was providing some much-needed love.
If you don’t love animals the way I do, look for a place to volunteer that you will enjoy. There are many types of shelters across the city, pick one and allow yourself to let go of your loneliness. Women’s shelters, shelters for the unhoused, or even hospitals and nursing homes are great places to volunteer.
Find A New Hobby
Hobbies are a great way to pass the time and feel accomplished. Many hobbies can be done with others or alone, depending on which one you choose.
If your loneliness stems from boredom, a solitary hobby may do the trick, something like bird watching or photography can help you pass the time. If your loneliness is due to a lack of social interaction you may want to find a group hobby that is done with others.
Try to learn how to play chess, try out for a basketball league, or join a bowling team.
Increase Your Self Esteem
Sometimes we need a boost in our self-esteem in order to feel worthy and accepted. Having an increased level of self-esteem can allow us to feel good about ourselves and not emphasize our negative feelings such as loneliness.
Adopt a self-care routine that includes proper hygiene, healthy eating, some form of daily physical activity, and a regular sleep schedule. These self-esteem boosters will keep you busy, healthy, and well rested. Imagine staying up all night by yourself every night while everyone else is sleeping, of course, a feeling of loneliness may set in!
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good sleep schedule.
Reach Out To Loved Ones
If you are truly feeling lonely after you move to a new city, it could be that you are missing your loved ones from your previous home. Call or FaceTime your friends and family, sometimes a great conversation is all you need to help you relax and remember that you aren’t truly alone.
Get A Dog
My favorite loneliness solution is last on the list because as they say, save the best for last, right?
I suggest you get a dog!
Possibly a cat if you aren’t a dog person. Pets are a great way to feel loved and needed, they require time, love, and affection which gives you something to do. Pets love unconditionally and will definitely help you overcome your loneliness.
However, keep in mind that having a dog (or any pet) is a big, long-term commitment! Dogs are wonderful and I love both of my pups, but a dog should not be looked at as a quick, short-term fix.
Final Thoughts
Loneliness is a normal feeling when you move to a new city, especially if you’re moving to a big city for the first time. You have yet to find your groove and if you have not made relationships yet, you may feel isolated.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and explore, meet new people and fill up your day with things that help bring you joy.
