3 Ways to Make a New City Feel Like Home

Five and a half years ago, I moved across the country to a city in Southeastern Michigan to go to the University of Michigan. I have now done an undergraduate degree and completed my Masters degree in Social Work last year.

Making the move here from Southern Louisiana was quite a big change, and I didn’t know anyone, but I am so glad I made it, because now Ann Arbor is home and I have my own Michigan family. Moving to a new city can be daunting, but there are lots of ways to make great friends in a new city to make it feel like home away from home.

1. Use your phone

Making friends can be a formidable task, but it can be a lot easier than you think, especially with today’s advanced technology. There are apps like Bumble BFF which is the dating app but for making friends! They also have cool apps like Meetup that will show you cool groups and events near you to join in on and make friends. My favorite that I have seen is definitely Meet My Dog - it’s an app for dog owners to find other dog owners to set up playdates- fun!!! (And fellow dog lovers can quickly become great friends!)

2. Join Facebook groups

I am planning on moving to London, England in the near future. That’s a huge move that is really scary to do alone. I went this summer to scope out neighborhoods and the job market and joined a Facebook group called London New Girl. It’s full of a ton of other women living in London who are also looking for friends! People will post about going for drinks, yoga, a movie, etc. and a ton of people agree to meet up! I met up with a few lovely ladies when I was there and already have friends to spend time with in the big city, and it made it feel a bit more like home.

3. Do something you love!

In college, I went in not knowing a single person. My roommate (who I met the day I moved in) and I both loved Harry Potter and decided to try out for the Quidditch team at our university. It turned out to be the best decision we’ve ever made. I now have a group of 6 girls who live across the country from each other, but who are my best friends ever. Ever since we stepped onto that Quidditch pitch, Ann Arbor felt like home.