Often, if you are feeling lonely and lacking in friends, all you need to do is get out and meet people who will potentially be your friends. Bristol offers a wide range of opportunities to meet people, whatever you are interested in. That is good, because your best chance to make friends is with people who like the same kinds of things as you do.

In this article you will find some easy suggestions for how to meet people in Bristol or saying that any other city that has a bustling social life. Approaching strangers is always difficult, so the suggestions for how to meet people start with the easiest methods first. Once you meet people, it is then up to you to capitalize on this and build a friendship through further meetings and other activities, but here we give you some good ideas for those initial ice-breakers.

Remember that Bristol is a large place. If you don’t meet people you feel are potential friends right away, don’t be disheartened. Some tips here may not work for you, but there are plenty of others to try in a place like Bristol, with diverse social opportunities. Not everyone will like you, but then you won’t like everyone you meet, either. That just shows you are discerning and have standards. If one way doesn’t work for you, move on to the next.

1. Meet people through your existing friends

This way to meet people is so obvious that it is often overlooked, but thinks about it; your friends know what you’re like, so if they think you will like another person it is quite likely that you will. The ice will already be broken because you will have your friend to introduce you and get the conversation going. You may set out to meet people who know your friends quite actively by throwing a party and inviting your friends to bring a guest. Also, having your friends around you will give you added confidence to approach the people you don’t know at the party.

2. Meet people through work

If you are in a job where you don’t really meet people, you may want to consider changing jobs to something more sociable. Talking with the people with whom you work gives you a head start on friendships because you will at least have worked in common to talk about. You may also do voluntary work, allowing you to meet people who have come together for a common purpose.

3. Meet people for sport

Playing sports are a great way to meet people. That is especially true if you are playing a team sport where you get a chance to develop camaraderie. Socializing after games will also probably be a natural part of being in the club. Bristol has many sports clubs and teams that you could join. They also need not be expensive and many clubs will welcome beginners.

4. Meet people for a hobby or interest

If sport isn’t your thing, perhaps politics or some other cause is. Bristol has numerous clubs dedicated to political parties, social causes or other socializing opportunities and hobbies. Join some clubs that interest you and you will have lots of opportunities to meet people who like the same things that you do. You may also take classes in something that interests you and that will live you lots to talk about when you meet people. Bristol offers lots of opportunities to go to evening or weekend classes.

These are just five simple ways to meet people in Bristol but they may kick start friendships that will last a lifetime because they focus on your common interests and bonds.