Pointers For Making Friends At Your New Apartment

When you move to a new area and get a new apartment, it can be quite difficult. Even if you have not moved far, you can still end up feeling lonely or isolated from your previous reality. The problem is that you had become used to frequently seeing the same people and places. Even if you did not engage in conversation, you might have given a friendly nod or at least noticed their presence around your building and adjacent areas. 

It is possible that the you now miss the strange cat lady who sat on the steps. Or maybe that one nosy neighbor who got into everyone's business now feels strangely missing. When you start feeling this way, what can you do? Here are five simple, yet effective ways to start making new friends in your new home:

1. Step Forward to Introduce Yourself

Most people do not know their neighbors. Although this is the reality, it is not a healthy habit. After all, since you are living together within the same apartment building, there might be a time when you must rely on each other's assistance. Wouldn't it be nice to know people before it becomes necessary? This is one reason why it is smart to introduce yourself soon after moving in.

Of course, you do not have to make the introduction the very same day you arrive. First, take some time for things to settle down. Then stop by, and calmly knock on their door. While it's okay to wait a little while you will not want to wait too long. Initially you have a good excuse that you just moved in. As time passes that excuse will start to feel a little awkward.

2. Be Friendly to Everyone

Be as friendly and welcoming as you can to those who say hello to you in the hallways or around the grounds. If you're up to, share a little small talk to break the ice. If your apartment building has a doorman, always be sure to greet him. He is a great source of information about everyone living in the building and of everything else going on.

3. Explore Nearby Areas

It's good to go on little adventures to become acquainted with your neighborhood. Get to know the restaurants, hair salons, parks, etc. In the process you will become acquainted with some of the people running the businesses. You might also run into other people who live in your apartment building. If you like to read, stop by the local library or a bookstore to see if any events are being held. Attending events based on topics that interest you are great ways to meet other people who share that interest.

4. Become a Local Regular

Look for a coffee shop nearby where you can work, study, or read a book. Is there a nice club or dive bar with fun drink specials close buy? If there are some neighborhood hotspots near you, you can be certain that there will be local regulars who frequent these establishments. You could spend some time hanging around at these places. Then, when you start seeing familiar faces, strike up a conversion. In no time you will have at least a few new friends.

5. Get Info from the Internet

If you are not confident about going out to explore the area, then the least you can do is research your neighborhood online. Most areas have at least one website listing businesses, entertainment, recreation, events, and anything else you might want to know about your area. If you find something that looks interesting, try to find it the next time you get out. Then be brave and make yourself known.

These five simple pointers can help you quickly adjust to your new apartment area. In no time you can start making new friends to fill the gaps of everything you miss from where you used to live.