Moved to a New City? Here’s How to Build Your Social Circle from Scratch
Moved to a New City? Here’s How to Build Your Social Circle from Scratch
Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also feel lonely when you suddenly realise your entire support system is now in another postcode. The good news is that building a new social circle is absolutely possible. It just takes intention, consistency and putting yourself in the right environments where genuine connection comes naturally.
If you want to make friends, meet new people and feel grounded in your new city, here is exactly how to start.
Start With Your Mindset: Say Yes More Often
Before you look for events or social opportunities, the most important shift happens with your attitude. When you are new in town, you need to adopt a “yes” mindset.
This means saying yes to:
Invites, even when you feel a little nervous
New experiences that push you slightly outside your comfort zone
Trying different event formats until you find what feels right
Initiating catch ups instead of waiting for others to reach out
You do not have to become an extrovert. You just need to be open, curious and willing to show up. People naturally gravitate toward someone who brings positive energy and is up for anything.
Choose Social Events Designed for Connection
Not all social events are created equal. To build a social circle quickly, pick experiences that are designed for finding friends. For some people, making friends at a run club or at meet ups isn’t as easy or natural - you have to approach people and make small talk hoping you find a common connection. Conscious Connection have dinner and brunch events that are designed to match you to people with similar interests to fast track finding a connection and bond.
Here are some of the best Conscious Connection events for anyone new to a city.
Games Night: The Easiest Ice Breaker
Games night creates instant connection because it gives you something to focus on other than small talk. Card games and board games naturally spark conversation, laughter and teamwork. You bond quickly with the people around you, which makes it one of the simplest and most relaxed ways to meet new friends.
Games nights are ideal if you want a friendly, low pressure environment where people are open and social.
Wine Tasting: Meet People At The Pour Decisions Club
Wine tasting brings people together through a shared interest and often more relaxed setting. There’s natural topics of conversation created over the wine tasting, and the social aspect brings out the best vibes. We run our wine tastings in groups so that you get to know 5 - 6 people at a time but there’s also opportunities for mingling as the tastings progress.
Wine tasting attracts people who love learning, trying new things and having fun in a relaxed way. You get a built in conversation starter with every pour. This event is recommended if you like to meet people and make friends based on ‘vibes’.
Matched Dinners and Matched Brunches: Curated Connection
If you prefer smaller groups or deeper conversations, matched dinners and brunches are perfect. These events are curated so the people at your table are selected based on shared interests, personalities or goals. You sit down already knowing you have common ground.
This removes the stress of approaching strangers or trying to mingle in a crowd. Everything is structured, intimate and designed to help you build meaningful friendships fast. For anyone new to a city, these events are one of the most effective ways to find “your people.” This event is recommended if you’re slightly more introverted, or you’re a foodie who loves a good, deep chat.
Keep the Momentum Going: Initiate the Catch Ups
Meeting people is the first step. Keeping them in your life is the second.
Many people wait for others to organise plans, but if you want to form real friendships, you need to take the lead sometimes. Send the first message. Suggest a coffee, a walk or another event. Most people appreciate someone who is proactive, especially in a new city.
Consistency builds closeness.
The More You Show Up, The Faster You Settle In
Building a social circle from scratch takes effort, but it is absolutely worth it. When you show up, try new things and surround yourself with people who are also looking for connection, friendships happen naturally.
Whether you join games nights, wine tastings or matched dinners and brunches, you are putting yourself in environments designed for genuine interaction.
Say yes, be open and take the initiative. Before long, your new city will start to feel like home.
