We've all experienced, at least once in our lives, feeling lonely or struggling, whether in a new work environment, at school, or perhaps while traveling abroad. Making new friends, especially if you're new to a city and no longer very young, can sometimes be a challenging task. So what can you do to break out of loneliness or expand your circle of friends? Here are 8 perfect experiences to meet new people.
Erasmus
Anyone attending university has surely heard of Erasmus, the student mobility program funded by the European Union. This initiative, offered at nearly all universities, allows students to receive a scholarship to spend a semester in another European country. Doing Erasmus is a unique experience that not only improves language skills but also helps forge new friendships with young people from different countries and cultures.
And if Europe isn’t enough, there are also bilateral agreements that allow students to travel outside the EU. It’s worth asking your university for information to understand how to participate and not miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Workaway
For those who are no longer students, fortunately, there is another way to have an experience abroad: we’re talking about the Workaway network, based on a simple concept of voluntary work in exchange for room and board.
The platform, after a paid registration, allows each volunteer to choose a host anywhere in the world and, in exchange for small tasks like gardening, babysitting, and other projects, offers the chance to visit the chosen country at very low costs. Sounds tempting, right?
Absolutely! The idea behind Workaway is to create a global community of travelers and hosts who help each other. The experience isn’t limited to work: it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, learn new languages, and build lasting friendships.
Hosts can be families, farms, hostels, schools, and even eco-sustainability projects, each with their own specific needs and uniqueness. For the adventurous, Workaway represents an authentic way to explore the world, far from traditional tourist circuits.
Additionally, the platform offers reviews and feedback from other volunteers, which helps choose your destination with greater confidence. In short, Workaway is not only an economical way to travel but also a formative and enriching experience that can profoundly change your worldview.
Volunteering
Choosing to volunteer your time for others can be a great opportunity for personal growth. Joining a volunteer initiative allows you to immerse yourself in a community and meet people of different ages, cultures, and life paths.
There are many different forms of volunteering, both in Italy and abroad, promoting initiatives for the community in social and cultural fields. By engaging in one of these activities, you can help (and meet) people of all ages, from the elderly to children, or those who share the same interests in amateur sports, cultural activities, or environmental protection.
Participating in these initiatives not only allows you to make a tangible contribution to the community but also offers the chance to develop skills and abilities that can be valuable in daily and professional life. For example, working in a refugee reception center can improve communication and problem-solving skills, while organizing cultural events can sharpen leadership and time management abilities.
Moreover, volunteering can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and increasing a sense of personal fulfillment. In an increasingly hectic and individualistic world, dedicating time to others can be an anchor of serenity and a return to fundamental values of solidarity and sharing.
Dating Apps
There are many types of dating apps, and although they rarely lead to meeting a soulmate as promised, they serve to connect virtually with someone in your city who shares the desire to meet new people.
These apps are often paid and in Italy are not taken very "seriously." It’s important to always be cautious when wanting to meet strangers, sharing your phone number, or establishing a virtual connection: it’s better not to trust blindly and not to share strictly personal information right away. However, if you feel ready to take the risk, this can also be a way to make new acquaintances online.
An interesting aspect of dating apps is the variety of experiences they can offer. Some platforms are designed for casual encounters and short-term relationships, while others cater to those seeking a deeper and lasting bond. Additionally, there are specialized apps focusing on particular interests or communities, such as those for animal lovers, travel enthusiasts, or members of the LGBTQ+ community., or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This allows users to find people with shared passions, increasing the chances of forming an authentic connection. Despite challenges like superficial profiles or encountering people with bad intentions, a conscious and cautious use of these platforms can open the door to meaningful meetings and new social adventures.
Meeting New People Through Clubs or Circles
Sharing the same passions can be a great starting point to make friends. There are many clubs or circles that allow you to cultivate your passions and hobbies surrounded by people with similar interests.
Usually, a membership is required, which then allows participation in organized events and gatherings focused on cinema, music, reading, sports, or any other specific field. There will surely be plenty of opportunities to chat with many people and thus form new friendships. Moreover, participating in these groups offers the chance to deepen your knowledge and skills through interaction with other enthusiasts. Often, the discussions and debates that arise during meetings are stimulating and enriching, allowing you to see things from different perspectives and discover new aspects of your interest.
Not infrequently, these interactions lead to collaborative projects, such as a book club deciding to write a collective story or a group of film lovers organizing a film festival. In this way, shared passions not only foster friendship but can also turn into true creative and educational experiences.
Often, these interactions lead to the creation of collaborative projects, such as a book club deciding to write a collective story or a group of film enthusiasts organizing a film festival. In this way, shared passions not only foster friendship but can also turn into genuine creative and educational experiences.
Travelling Yoga
In a period of high stress, the solution might be to take a nice break and treat yourself to a yoga retreat. YogaThere are many organized trips that allow you to step away from daily activities and spend a few days focused on well-being.
This activity isn’t free but is definitely a good way to join a group and practice this discipline in company, in wonderful places, guided by expert teachers.
Furthermore, a yoga retreat is not only an opportunity to relax physically but also offers huge mental and emotional benefits. Immersed in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you’ll have the chance to reflect, meditate, and rediscover yourself. The serene environment and daily yoga and meditation practices help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving your mood and overall well-being.
These retreats often also include healthy eating sessions, massages, and other holistic activities, creating a complete regeneration experience. Participating in a yoga retreat can be a valuable investment for your mental and physical health, allowing you to return to your routine with a new perspective and renewed energy.
Workshops
If you want to make acquaintances and learn something new, the ideal choice might be to attend a workshop. These workshops, led by expert and experienced instructors, cover very specific and specialized topics, involving active participation from every attendee.
Group work is fundamental here, allowing students to compare ideas and express their opinions on presented projects. It’s definitely a more demanding choice and not for everyone, aimed at creating new social relationships but useful for engaging with others and gaining new skills applicable in the job market.
Moreover, attending a workshop offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a stimulating and creative environment where ideas can flourish and innovative solutions can emerge. Thanks to the presence of people with diverse backgrounds but common interests, participants benefit from a rich variety of perspectives that enrich the learning process.
Through practical exercises, simulations, and targeted discussions, workshops promote dynamic and interactive learning, much more effective than traditional passive teaching methods. Additionally, these experiences can boost self-confidence and improve communication and problem-solving skills, which are increasingly sought after in today’s job market.
Group Trekking
For those who love long walks, group trekkingis definitely worth trying. An activity that involves pleasant walks in company to explore and admire nature or places of cultural interest can be a great way to spend time outdoors, stay active and fit, and for those who need it, lose a few extra pounds.
There are various websites offering this type of experience, where you can book your walks in company in many different locations, both in Italy and abroad. A great way to meet new people and spend wonderful days organized safely and learning many new things thanks to expert guides ready to engage participants and showcase the beauties the area has to offer.
Among these platforms, the well-known Meeters organizes daily group outings and short trips in many Italian cities: just enter your destination and desired date and... get ready for a carefree day with new friends!