Finding New Friends in the City: Your Guide to Fun and Friendship

Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming—especially when it comes to making new friends. Whether you're navigating the buzzing streets of Sydney or exploring a cozy corner café, it can feel like everyone already has their friends' group established. But don’t worry! Making new friends in a big city is easier (and more fun) than you think.

Here’s how you can step out of your comfort zone and start building those meaningful connections.

1. Explore Your Hobbies and Interests

The best way to meet people who share your passions? Get involved in activities that interest you! Whether it’s a cooking class, yoga studio, art workshop or a local book club. Showing up to events centred around things you love will naturally introduce you to like-minded individuals.

• Pro Tip: Check out local event listings or apps like Meetup to find groups centred around your favourite hobbies.

  
  

2. Join Local Social Events

Cities are filled with opportunities to connect via social events—think markets, festivals, wine tastings or community clean-up events. These offer a great, casual environment to chat with people, share experiences and potentially find your new best friend.

• Pro Tip: Be open! Even just striking up a conversation with someone about the event you are attending can spark a new friendship.

  
  

3. Leverage Social Media and Apps

In today's digital age, there are so many ways to make connections online and then transition those into real-life friendships. Whether it’s through local Facebook groups, Instagram, or apps designed to connect people in your area, online platforms can be a great starting point for finding new friends.

• Pro Tip: You can use social apps specifically designed for women’s meetups, like Ketch-Up (more on that later), to find safe, fun spaces to connect with others.

  
  

4. Attend Networking Events

Even if you’re not looking for professional networking, these types of events are full of people who, like you, are open to meeting new folks! Many cities host informal networking events, happy hours, or even professional workshops that often turn into social gatherings.

• Pro Tip: Don’t focus solely on “networking” in the formal sense—use these events as a chance to meet new people and discover what you have in common.

  
  

5. Take the Initiative

Here’s a truth: sometimes, making new friends means you have to take the first step and step outside of your cosy comfort zone. It could be as simple as inviting a coworker out for coffee or starting a conversation with a neighbor. The more proactive you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to build lasting relationships.

• Pro Tip: Suggest an activity—whether it’s checking out a local food market or trying a new brunch spot—as it can make the interaction feel more relaxed and less formal.

  
  

Why Ketch-Up is Here to Help

We get it—making friends in a new city isn’t always easy. That’s why we created Ketch-Up—an app that helps women connect over one of life’s best experiences: FOOD! 🍽️ Whether you’re looking for a new brunch buddy, someone to explore the local food scene with, or just hoping to meet like-minded women, Ketch-Up makes it simple.

With Ketch-Up, you’re not just attending events or joining another social platform—you’re becoming part of a community that values authentic, fun connections.