Whether you are in Miami as a student or have made a more permanent move, finding a fulfilling social circle and making friends is a huge part of moving to a new town. The new place can be amazing on its own terms, but it won't feel like that if you don't have friends to share it with. We've put together a few tips on how to start meeting people and building those connections in the Magic City.
Join a group in Miami
There are different groups you can join in Miami if you are looking for friends, especially if you want to find people with interests in common. Explore on Facebook and check out Meetup.com, and we guarantee you will find all kinds of groups, ranging from birdwatching to sports teams, LGBTQ groups, musicians, cinephiles, and more. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can also create your own group tailored to your particular hobby. There's a Florida Newcomers Network, which is a great jumping-off point. If you aren't someone who finds groups online, you can always join a local sports club via the more traditional method of finding out where they meet or play and showing up. Sports teams are great for building social connections, and you already know you have at least one thing to discuss!
Expat groups are also great ways to connect with your own culture if you are feeling homesick in your new city. It can be easy to only mix with those of your culture, so try to expand your horizon beyond expats as well.
Become a volunteer in Miami
Many associations, event planners, organizations, and promoters need volunteers for their work and events. Lots of charities and non-profits have limited funds and busy staff, so they are always on the hunt for helpful volunteers. Even if you have a busy job, becoming a volunteer can be very rewarding and can often occur outside of work hours or on a monthly basis. You can start by contacting special interest groups or charitable organizations to inquire how to partake or help. Check out Volunteering Miami for more information.
Attend museum events in Miami
In Miami, various museums organize forums and events in the evenings. These events are amazing opportunities for socializing, networking, and entertainment. The Museum of Arts in North Miami offers free jazz concerts and extended gallery hours every last Friday of the month. Other museums have movie nights and lectures for their members. Perez Art Museum hosts a social event almost every month, and there are lots of smaller art galleries and museums with openings, talks, lectures, and exhibitions that can be great opportunities to connect with other culture enthusiasts.
Attend classes in Miami
You can find a night class at your local community college or join one put on by local groups. As well as the classes you might expect, like yoga, martial arts, and meditation, Miami has cooking classes, woodworking classes, pottery classes, and so much more. Classes can be one-off or run over several months. They are a great opportunity to learn something new and meet a collection of people, often from a varied cross-section of society. Search local event listings for local classes, or if you are looking for something in particular, then seek out local businesses and artisans and see if they have any classes.
Invite people into your life in Miami
One of the many ways to develop your social network is by being brave and inviting people to do things with you. This could be as simple as inviting a colleague to get a coffee with you, or you could deliver baking to your neighbors or throw a small party at your home with the people you have met so far. This may be very daunting if you are new to town, but it can be a great way to connect with others, especially if your guests bring their own friends with them. Food, drink, and hospitality are an excellent way to win people over. Remember, most other people are looking for connection in their lives, too, and are unlikely to react badly to a genuine and friendly invitation.
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