About to move to a new city for college or job opportunities? Worried about leaving behind people you’ve known for, like, ever? Anxious about how you’ll meet new people or fit in with those around you? We get it and we’re here to ease your mind a little bit with some tried-and-true tips for putting yourself out there and for staying in touch.

Expanding Your Circle

Making new friends in a new place isn’t just about having people to hang out with — it’s vital for your well-being and personal growth. New connections expose you to different perspectives, opportunities and support systems.

In a 2023 piece for the journal Monitor on Psychology, writer Zara Abrams collated results from a number of studies emphasizing the benefits of friendship. For example, having close friends is a significant predictor of both physical and mental well-being — in part because it makes us better able to handle stress. Facing a challenge with a friend lowers both heart rate and blood pressure and it might even help us see that challenge as less difficult.

Even casual friendships (or “acquaintanceships”) improve our quality of life, according to several studies conducted by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom. She found that we are happier overall when we have more “weak interactions,” or conversations with, say, our barista or mail carrier. If you’re an introvert, take heart — the more you make small talk or say hi to strangers, Dr. Sandstrom reports, the easier it gets.

So here’s how you do it:

• Do stuff! Join clubs, intramural sports, volunteer groups or professional organizations that align with your interests. It’s the most obvious (but natural) way to meet like-minded people.
• Go to stuff! If you see a flyer for a local band’s show or a poetry slam or a book club, just go. You don’t need to have a plus one.
• Ask stuff! Small talk is way better if you tap into your natural curiosity. It’s okay to be a little nosey — as long as you’re willing to reciprocate when they ask you stuff.

Strengthen Your Circle
While new friendships bring fresh energy, the bonds with long-standing friends and family provide a unique sense of comfort and unconditional support. They are the people who have witnessed your journey and understand your roots. Childhood friends can make you feel grounded and really seen.

Stay Connected With Old Friends

• Proactively schedule times for video calls.
• Watch a movie together remotely or play online games.
• Don’t just talk about the past; share what’s happening in real time — and drop pics in the chat.

Navigating a new chapter of your life can require a delicate balance, but if you use these tips, you’ll build a rich and resilient social network that supports you through all of life’s adventures.