The idea of meeting new people can be overwhelming and stressful. Approaching new people can be intimidating, especially if you have just moved into a new apartment complex or neighborhood. However, getting to know at least a few of your neighbors can be beneficial for both parties.
Having someone you can rely on that lives near you will make your life much easier when you need someone to water your plants or pet sit while you are out of town. Your neighbors can provide a convenient way to make friends in a new place where you might not know many people. With these simple steps, you will be able to make new friends much easier and in no time at all. Keep in mind that with each of these tips, the best way to meet your neighbor is to introduce yourself naturally.
1. Always smile
First impressions are everything when you are “the new kid in town”, and a smile can go a long way when you are trying to make friends. When you move to a new place, it is equally important for you to take the initiative and be friendly towards your neighbors. Frowning or complaining can make for a bad first impression, and it could prevent you from forming connections.
A smile is an easy step towards building a relationship. Smiling will make you seem open, friendly, and approachable. This will create a sense of comfort for your neighbors and could encourage them to make introductions.
2. Show that you are open to interactions
It can feel daunting to be open and vulnerable with new people. However, being open to meeting new people and having conversations does not have to be a large task. There are small tactics you can implement into your day to day routine that can let people know you are open for interaction.
Try taking a walk without listening to music or being on your phone. This will help let others know that you are willing to communicate in passing. Waving or saying hello to others as you walk could provide an opportunity for a conversation to spark without the formality of introductions. This is also a great way to get to know your way around the neighborhood.
If you do not want to take your walks alone, you could always bring a pet or your roommate. You will likely feel more comfortable making introductions with someone you enjoy being with. You can also try taking your dog to the local dog park. According to Psychology Today, having a dog is one of the best ways to meet new people. This way, you will meet people who have similar interests as you which will make it easier to start a conversation.
3. Meet your mutual friends
Take the opportunity to form a relationship with your neighbors by introducing yourself through your mutual friend. This can be a great way to make a new connection. If you do have a mutual friend to help you make introductions, they can likely provide you with some initial topics for conversation and common interests.
4. Offer a helping hand
If you are new to the neighborhood, you are probably not the only one. There will most likely be other people around you who are moving in or out. Lending a helping hand to your neighbors is a great way to introduce yourself, and it makes a great first impression.
Offering your neighbors help does not have to be defined through one simple task. You can help your neighbors take out their trash, fix something that is broken, carry in groceries, or clean up their lawn. Figure out what you are good at and offer your services to your neighbors. This can be a great way to strike up a conversation with someone and make friends. Most people appreciate the offer for help, even if they don’t take you up on it. So, don’t be afraid to offer someone help or to accept help when it is offered to you.
5. Join community groups
There are multiple different groups you can join when you move to a new place. Depending on where you live, you likely have a space that community members typically meet and hang out. This can be an event space, a local pool, a gym, or a favorite restaurant or coffee shop. Figuring out where these places are will allow you to introduce yourself to several people at once instead of meeting each neighbor individually.
If socializing in person is too intimidating, you can always find online community groups. Social media can provide you with access to your neighbors where you can learn more about them and interact digitally. Meeting your neighbors online is an easy way to get to know new people without the stress of meeting them for the first time in person. It is important to note that you should not completely rely on social media and other digital community groups for relationship facilitation. Friendships are best formed in person.
6. Be patient
Making new friends takes time and patience. It is a process that does not happen overnight but continuously progresses over time. It can be easy to get frustrated when you are putting in effort and it feels as though it is not reciprocated. However, taking time to allow the relationship to grow naturally will help your connections flourish.
How we can help you
At Liberty Properties, we want you to feel comfortable in the space you live in. This is why we create high-quality rental properties that foster community and encourage relationships. Our properties are owned and managed by us so we are able to provide the best service possible. We offer many styles and layouts of apartments to suit any college student’s needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!