People & belonging
New city, new people: how to start making friends
You can know the way to the office and still have no idea who to call on a Sunday. Making friends in a new city usually starts with repeated, ordinary conversations. Here is a manageable way to find those conversations, both on Liev and around your neighbourhood.
One thing to take with you
Choose a shared interest, ask one specific question and return to the same welcoming community. Familiarity grows through small, repeated interactions.
Start with something you already share
A shared home district can make an introduction easier. You might recognise a place, speak the same language or understand the challenge of finding familiar food. Liev’s People section is built to help you discover these connections, including other people who recently arrived in your city.
Use that familiarity as an opening, then stay curious about the person. Your closest local friends may come from a completely different background. Interests such as badminton, books, cooking or learning a language can be equally useful starting points.
Write an introduction people can answer
A broad ‘Hi everyone’ can be hard to respond to. A little context and a clear invitation work better. For example: ‘I recently moved to Pune for work. I enjoy evening walks and would like to find a weekend reading group. Any suggestions?’ This is an example you can adapt to your own city and interests.
Keep a public introduction general. Your neighbourhood or usual free time is often enough; you do not need to publish your exact address, daily route or phone number. Ask one question at a time so the conversation has a natural starting point.
Find a small routine you can repeat
One large event can be enjoyable, but a regular activity creates more chances to learn names and pick up an earlier conversation. Look for a study circle, a sport, a local volunteering opportunity or a group discussing something you enjoy. On Liev, Groups support ongoing conversation and Spaces can bring people together for a particular occasion.
Pick something that fits your time and budget. If you work late, a breakfast meet-up may be more realistic than a weekday evening session. Participation should be sustainable; you should not have to make expensive plans to feel included.
Turn a good conversation into a simple plan
After a few useful exchanges, send a personal connection request if you would like to keep talking. Personal direct chat on Liev opens when the request is accepted. Give the other person space to decide, and avoid repeating requests or treating a delayed reply as a rejection.
When both people want to meet, suggest a clear, short plan in a public place. A daytime chai, a group walk or an organised activity is easier to assess than an open-ended invitation. Confirm the time and location, arrange your own transport and tell someone you trust about the plan.
A gentle plan for your first week
You do not need a crowded social calendar. Try a few actions, notice which conversations feel comfortable and give those connections time.
- Day one: complete a short profile and read recent city conversations.
- Day two: post an introduction with one genuine interest or question.
- Midweek: join a relevant group and contribute a useful reply.
- Before the weekend: check whether a suitable Space or group activity is planned.
- After meeting: send a brief thank-you and suggest another activity only if the interest is mutual.
Common questions
What if I am shy about meeting new people?
Begin with a written question or a reply about a shared interest. An activity with a clear purpose can make conversation easier than a large unstructured gathering.
Should I only connect with people from my home district?
No. A shared district can help you start a conversation, but local interests, work, study and hobbies can introduce you to a wider circle.
Written by the Liev team
We build Liev for people making a home in a new city. These guides explain the app and share practical ways to get started. For questions or corrections, [email protected].
