How to Make Friends When You’ve Moved to a New City

17 September 2025

Manchester is a welcoming city, home to people from across the country - and around the world. Our Colony venues reflect that same spirit, bringing together Mancunians and newcomers alike. If you’re thinking of making the leap to the big city, we’ve put together a few ideas to help you settle in and start building your community.

Moving to a new city can be life changing.

New job opportunities, new places to explore, new people to meet. It’s a fresh start full of possibilities.

But let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know a single soul.

Our research shows that Manchester ranks as one of the UK’s top cities to start a business, thanks to strong figures for business births and an impressive concentration of high-growth companies.

With its flourishing startup scene, Manchester is drawing talent from across the UK and beyond - people coming not just for work, but for the vibrant lifestyle the city has to offer.

For social butterflies, Manchester is the dream. From live music and stand up comedy to award winning theatres, bars with atmosphere, unique restaurants, and top tier sports venues - you name it, Manchester has it.

Whether you’re here to chase your dreams or looking for a fresh start, we’ve put together a few suggestions to help you settle in and find your people.

Members Summer Social 2025 - Colony One Silk Street

Attend a Networking Event

Networking events aren’t just for building your professional contacts, they’re also a great way to meet like minded people and make new friends in the city.

Manchester Young Professionals (MYCOM Group) has been hosting inclusive events across Manchester City Centre and Greater Manchester since 2013. From breakfast clubs and socials to paint and sip evenings, they offer a range of events that can be both fun and professional.

MYCOM Group partners with local venues and businesses throughout the city, including Colony, their exclusive coworking partner. Best of all, there’s no subscription or membership required, just show up and get involved.

You also have Girlhood, the go-to community for girls in Manchester. With everything from book clubs to retreats, Girlhood provides events to enrich women’s social life and celebrate all things Girlhood.

MYCOM Group - Colony Spring Gardens

Join a Sports Team

Getting involved in a sports club is a great way to meet people from all walks of life who share a common passion.

Across Greater Manchester, you’ll find social sports leagues for all skill levels - from football and lacrosse to hockey and netball - whether you're competitive or just in it for the fun.

Run clubs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly around Ancoats and New Islington - areas where several of Colony’s coworking venues are located. MYCOM Group runs its own run club, Manchester Run Club, which caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned runners. These clubs are a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and grab a coffee or beer at the end.

If you prefer a more relaxing way to exercise, the Yoga Social Club is the UK’s fastest-growing yoga community. They host everything from intimate wellness retreats to string quartet yoga sessions, all while partnering with local businesses and venues.

And for outdoor lovers, there’s even more to explore! To find fellow ramblers, cyclists, wild swimming communities and more, check out platforms like Meetup Manchester or browse the Manchester City Council sports directory to discover what’s happening near you.

Yoga Social Club - Colony One Silk Street

Express Your Hobbies and Interests

Nothing brings people together quite like a shared passion and in Manchester there’s no shortage of ways to connect over the things you love.

The city is packed with social events, clubs, and meetups dedicated to all kinds of hobbies and interests. And if you haven’t found your thing yet, go along anyway, and you might just discover something new.

Avid readers are especially spoiled for choice! Popular events by Girlhood, Read Room, and House of Books and Friends regularly bring people together to bond over their love of books.

Film fans can check out Origins film nights at Colony, where indie and emerging filmmakers showcase short films - a great way to meet other film buffs.

For something a little more competitive, games nights are a fun and social way to spend an evening, and Manchester has no shortage of them. One standout is Dungeons and Flagons, the city’s leading tabletop gaming events company. They host weekly sessions that welcome newcomers and seasoned players alike, offering a fun, inclusive introduction to board games and tabletop games.

Origins Film Night - Colony Fabrica

Help Out Your New Community by Volunteering

Volunteering for a good cause can have a positive impact on your community and give you a greater sense of purpose. It’s also a great way to connect with like-minded people who care about the same issues as you.

One of our charity partners, Mustard Tree, is dedicated to tackling poverty and preventing homelessness in Greater Manchester. Mustard Tree offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities - from supporting Food Clubs and Helpdesk services to leading classes and joining their transformative Freedom Project.

Alternatively, Manchester Community Central is a hub for voluntary and community groups, as well as social enterprises across Manchester, to easily access the support, advice, and information they need.

Mustard Tree

Give Coworking a Go

Our recent research into the modern workplace found that one in three UK office workers have met their closest friends through a previous workplace.

For those working remotely (especially newcomers to a big city) that kind of connection can be harder to come by.

Coworking spaces offer a more social alternative to the kitchen table or a noisy café. Even spending just one day a week in a shared workspace can make a difference.

Designed with connection and collaboration in mind, Colony’s workspaces feature social kitchens, co-lounges, and a regular calendar of events and socials, all created to help you meet new people and feel part of a community.