Making Friends / How to Meet New People / Lesson 09

LESSON 09 · HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE

Classes, Clubs and Courses That Work

Twelve ways to choose classes, clubs and courses that turn into real friendships.

A shared activity gives you something to talk about. It takes the pressure off.

33 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

33 tips that really help

These ideas come from Platonic (Marisa Franco), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Interest first

You will stay if you like the topic. Friends are a bonus.

TRY THIS
List five things you would enjoy learning.

TIP 2

Look for ongoing groups

Six-week courses and weekly clubs give repeat contact.

TRY THIS
Search for one that runs at least six weeks.

TIP 3

Choose social formats

Cooking classes, team sports and choirs involve talking. Silent classes give fewer chances.

TRY THIS
Pick an activity with natural talk time.

TIP 4

Check local sources

Libraries, community centres and websites like Meetup list groups.

TRY THIS
Look at two listings today.

TIP 5

Go to the first session

The first session is when everyone is new. Everyone is open to chat.

TRY THIS
Book your place and go.

TIP 6

Pair up

Ask someone to partner with you. It breaks the ice.

TRY THIS
Say shall we partner up?

TIP 7

Offer help

Helping with a task starts friendly chat.

TRY THIS
Offer to hold a door or share a tool.

TIP 8

Attend social events

Many clubs host after-class coffees or parties. Go to them.

TRY THIS
Say yes to the next social event.

TIP 9

Ask for contacts

Swap numbers with one person and make a plan.

TRY THIS
Ask someone for their number kindly.

TIP 10

Try a second class

If the first does not fit, try another. It is normal.

TRY THIS
Plan a backup option.

TIP 11

Sign up before you feel ready

Waiting for the perfect moment delays your social life. Booking a class creates commitment and a date in the diary.

TRY THIS
Book one class this week.

TIP 12

Choose beginners’ sessions

Everyone in a beginners’ class is new, so nobody expects you to know anyone. It is the friendliest room you can walk into.

TRY THIS
Search for a beginners’ option.

TIP 13

Pick a class with group work

Cooking, choirs and improv classes involve talking and laughing. They create friendships faster than lectures.

TRY THIS
Look for a hands-on, social class.

TIP 14

Look for short courses with repeat sessions

Six to eight weeks is enough to build familiarity. A short course also feels less scary to commit to.

TRY THIS
Find a six-week course.

TIP 15

Sit in the middle

Choosing a seat near others rather than at the back makes conversations easier. Proximity helps friendship.

TRY THIS
Take a seat next to someone.

TIP 16

Learn names in the first session

Write names down or repeat them. Using names makes people feel welcomed and helps you stand out kindly.

TRY THIS
Learn three names in class one.

TIP 17

Bring snacks to share

Offering biscuits or fruit to the group is a warm gesture that starts chat. People remember generous classmates.

TRY THIS
Bring something small next week.

TIP 18

Ask for help or offer it

A request such as could you show me how you did that? or an offer to help a classmate builds bonds quickly.

TRY THIS
Ask or offer one thing this session.

TIP 19

Form a practice pair

Ask someone to practise together between sessions. Practising together builds skills and friendship.

TRY THIS
Ask one classmate to practise with you.

TIP 20

Join the social extras

Many classes have a final dinner or show. Say yes to these because they deepen friendships.

TRY THIS
Sign up for the next social event.

TIP 21

Start a class group chat

A chat for sharing tips and reminders keeps the group connected. Offer to set it up.

TRY THIS
Suggest a chat after session two.

TIP 22

Stay for the first coffee

After the first session, ask who is up for a quick coffee. Someone is usually keen.

TRY THIS
Propose coffee after class.

TIP 23

Check out meetup groups

Meetup and similar sites list groups for almost any interest. Look for ones that meet regularly.

TRY THIS
Browse your local listings.

TIP 24

Choose a club that suits your energy

Walking clubs suit calm people and sports clubs suit energetic ones. Matching energy helps friendship.

TRY THIS
Pick one that fits.

TIP 25

Try more than one

If the first does not feel right, try another. Finding your people takes experimenting.

TRY THIS
Plan to try two groups.

TIP 26

Be a regular volunteer in the club

Offering to help with the club newsletter or setup makes you known and valued. Roles build belonging.

TRY THIS
Offer to help with one task.

TIP 27

Share your own skills

If you can teach something small, offer a mini session. It gives you a role and respect.

TRY THIS
Offer a ten-minute tip.

TIP 28

Learn together

Study partners and practice buddies can become friends. Learning bonds people.

TRY THIS
Ask a classmate to study together.

TIP 29

Be patient in the first weeks

Friendships take a few sessions to form. Do not judge early.

TRY THIS
Wait until session four.

TIP 30

Be positive in group talk

Encouraging words make others like you. Stay kind and upbeat.

TRY THIS
Praise someone’s effort.

TIP 31

Connect outside class

Invite a classmate to something related, such as an exhibition. It moves the friendship outside the room.

TRY THIS
Suggest one outing.

TIP 32

Take part in end-of-course events

Showcases and performances bring everyone together. Join them.

TRY THIS
Mark the date.

TIP 33

Follow up after the course ends

Keep in touch with a monthly meet-up. Otherwise the group may fade.

TRY THIS
Suggest a reunion.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

ASK

“What made you join this class?”

SHARE

“This is my first time here.”

INVITE

“Want to practise together next week?”

COMPLIMENT

“I like how you did that.”

PLAN

“A few of us are getting lunch after.”

THANKS

“Thanks for your help today.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
List five interests

DAY 2
Search for a class in each

DAY 3
Sign up for one

DAY 4
Attend the first session

DAY 5
Talk to one person

DAY 6
Suggest a practice together

DAY 7
Attend a social event

Further reading

• Platonic (Marisa Franco)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.